SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HTOTT V «i 'iIT-T->_ !' 'ri'is Afternoon, 10.57 .urxl iiAioii -j To-morrow Morning, 12. SU M 1. T:-^M.- "'o-morrow Morning, 5.25 SUN SKT.—This Eveningl, 7.1. MOGX'd AGE.—Last (Quarter, si\i, 1.39 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Go-n-Ticuil, s.s., MeGiUivray, from Gisbornoand F:i.voir,-i'i\ schooner. Savory, fromTongatabu. KricmMJda, schooner, Sinclair, from Suwarrow. Taxnnald, s.s., from the South.

DEPARTURES.

Sappmrc. Tf.TvLS., Captain Murray, for tho Pacific Jsiands.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

iin:1 —i.'.cvo, s.s.. aoont tne Jutn instant. For Kan Francisco—Australia, P.M. s.s., 12th instant (English mail). For 'joniton—tilanlora, barque, early; Loch Urr. barque, early For Fiji—Emu, s.s., early For Levnka— Augusta, brigantine, early Dor Coromandel—Argyle, s.s., Mondays and For V7angai'el—Argyle, every Tuesday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Australia, P.M. s.s., from Sydney, 12th instant. Hero, s.s., from Sydney, lith instant. Elmiranda, barque, from New York, sailed Nov. Visinn, ,';ii.r. from tho Islands, early. Syrou, brig, from Sydney, early. Flirt;, brijjsvitine, from Dnnedin, early. J1.J.1.5. Srur.jho. from Sydney, early Oxford, slup, from London ; sailed 21st Novem bor. 7.!;sf: Kolmnnsesrg, barque, from Adelaide ; sailed 27th inst r'mily Chaplin, barque, from London, early Tinirland Castle, snip, from London, sailed 3rd November. Santiago, barque, from London, early T.-:i,b;'!!.i- Pratt, schooner, from Oatnaru, early "VWrc of Life, schooner, from Timaru, early E.lith, schooner, from Friendly Islands, early. Coronet, schooner, from Rarotonga, early.

IMPORTS.

Per Go-ahead from Gisbornc and Napip'':—SO horses, 53 bales wool and sundries.—A.S.l'. Co., £i/.:c.at3. 17 hides.—lreiand Bros. Per JCi'icmhildft, from Suwarrow: —2 tons pearl shell, 12 tons copra, GO kits fungus, 100 bunches preserved bananas, 2 bales cotton, 2 tons iron Per Favoi'ite from Penryhn and other islands: —o tons pearl shell, and a quantity of bananas. Tho Magellan Cloud is to cruise in the vicinity of the French '.Stock for three months. The ship Thurland Castle may be expected to show her nose round the North Head in a few dars. She is a magnificent new clipper ship, of nearly 1300 tons register, and is now 94 days out from Graveseud. The time-table of tho s.s. Minnie Casey, trading on the Kaipara, appears among our shipping a-.l vert isem c nts. H.M.S. Sapphire left yesterday for a cruise. She goes first to Norfolk Islands, and afterwards will pay visits to the Chatham and Auckland Islands. The departure of the brigantine Augusta for Fii i. is postponad till to-morrow. Tho barque Freetrader, arrived at Hokianga from Noumea on Friday last. The schooner Kriemhilda arrived yesterday morning from Suwarrow Island, with a cargo of Island produce. Captain Sinclair reports leaving on the 31st December, arrived at Ravage Island on the 14th ult M fand left for Auckland on the following day. Experienced light winds and calms to the Cavallis, which were made at noon on Saturday. Thence had a strong N.N.W. wind into harbour. The Kriemhilda brings a sma.ll cargo of Island produce, and two more oC the crew of the shipwrecked brigantine Airolo, reported by the Helena. Tho schooner Favourite, Captain Savory, arrived in harbour last night,after apassage oi'j2l days from I'ongatabn, viaEoa. Sho is originj'Jly from Penryhn Island,which was her destination whan she left hero... She stayed lihcre a fortnight affcp.v a splendid voyage down, and then visited Wallace Island, Samoa, and Capsl Islands, bafore reaching Tonga. Left that port on the 13fch ult, and had head winds almost all the passage home. On the 115 th January ihe wheel was carried away in a heavy jaulo. On Saturday the. 3rd caught a fine N.N.W. v.-md, which brought the vessel into port, li'as scngcr, Mr George Holland. The schooner Favourite has been sold to the Governor afc Vavau, one of the Tonga Group, for £1000. She will be taken down to the island by Captain Savory in about a fortnight's time. Two natives have come up to assist in taking the vessel down. The A.S.P. Co.'s s.s. Go-ahead arrived on Saturday night from Gisborne and Napier. She ioi't Gisbornc on Thursday at 8 p.m., and had strong N.W. winds all the run up. In Hicks Bay six fore and aft schooners were at anchor, and tiro cutter Start.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs B. Tonics and Co. sold a large quantity of maize to-day (ex Emu) at their mart which realised close upon 4s Cd.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mat:,?; will Close as Under:— Fur Thames, this day at 5 p.m.,, and 5.30 p.m. Ifor Coromandel, per Kina, to-morrow, at ' 2.30 p.m. For Russell, Wangai-oa, and Mongonui, per loivi this day, at 4 p.m. _..■ For Gisbornc, Napier, and Wellington, per •• Southern Cross, to-morrow, at 7 a.m. For "VVaiheke. per Spey, to-morrow, at S a.m. For Ruvsrli, per Magic, to-morrow, at 9 a. m. For Li-oika, per Augusta, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For YVangarei Heads. Wafpu, Wangarei; and Manscapai, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For "Wtu'.vera, Kawan. and Matakaua, per Ar.Tuo "Milbank, to-inororow, at 10 a.m. Per b.3. Taranaki, on Wednesday, 7th inst, as For India. China, Mediterranean ports, and Continent of Europe, at noon. For Taranaki, Southern provinces, Austra lian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton, (Cor letters specially addressed), at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi. and late lettera for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at 1.15 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 11 a.m. For Whltianga. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rov.-cna, on' Wednesday next, at 4 p.m: Per City. oi! New York, on Monday, 12th instant, as under :— For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and Sou-:n America, and British and Foreign WeSt Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, this day at 10 a.m. Lat-o lettera bearing an extra fee of Gd in addition to the postage, will be received by'the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

WEBB.—At Oak Cottage, Hobson-street, on February i, the wife of Mr. Tnos. H. Webb of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

TURNER—GI/ENNY.—On the 21th January, 1877, at St. Matthew's Church, Auckland, by the Rev. R. S- Hassard, Henry James Turner, Waikato,fourth son of the lato Rr<v. Alfred Turner, Vicar of Whitchui-ch, Buckingham shire, England, to Isabella Anna, youngest daughter of Mr. James Glenny, Auckland, formerly of Nevvry, Counties of Down and Armagh, Ireland.

DEATH.

FRANCIS.—On the -lth February. Mr. James Francis, tinsmith, in his S2nd year. The funeral will leave his late residence, Wellesley-street, on Tuesday, the 6th instant, at 3.30 p.m. Friends wrill please accept this intimation.

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1877

For the cavse that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

We are glad to notice that the County Council of Eden has early turned ils attention to the slaughterhouse ; and we venture to again indulge in hope that at length that pestilential, putrefying sink will be rooted-up. On the motion of Councillor Wriglcy, at the last meeting, a committee was appointed to consider the question of site. The fitaltie thing lias been done .so frequently by other high authorities, and with such a. brave but vain show of determination to carry investigation out in practical reform, that the repetition of the preliminary process now may not supply any very substantial grounds.for expecting better things. But from the part which Mr Wrigley has taken in the repeated popular outbursts against the continuance of the "glory hole" and other sickening surroundings of the Newmarket abattoir, it is not unreasonable to suppose that now the slaughterhouse has fallen under County control, iie will do his utmost to apply the remedy so earnestly urged on others. It is at least within the power of the Council to earn some measure of public gratitude by removing our meat supply from the obliga- Jtion of exposure to the polluted atmosphere of a filthy little hole in which the .malodorous atmosphere is rarely stirred purifying breezes, and the floor, ' • """S&S with offal and corruption, is a reei- „,» fresh water. The improvement strange- n^. ,j ie j ag j agitation lias done very i eitcctect au • . )resen t site and buildings little to adapt «Abattoir. The aceommo forthepurposeso. niii-waiting execution dationprovided for c<. ;i - llt £ nimals . iro was enlarged and covers •4. h ~ davH in still frequently crowded it, -^uui' food or small Tinwholesome pens, wit. ,(..„. .•„ „„ water, from whence they are t;, exliausted condition to be prepared adjoiniiig d!en for use as humanfood. amount of exnenditure can compensate for the radical defects of the existing site, yet every effort to select a more suitable spot encounters a host of warring interests. Several positions have been suggested, and will prpbably come under tto notice pf ttte

Council. Two or three years ago, when slaughter-house excitement rushed the Provincial Government into doing some thing, o. piece of ground was selected at Oueuuiiga, and a deposit paid, "but the balance of funds requisite to complete the purchase, was never forthcoming. Another site has been pointed out at Epsom, and one near Penroso Junction. The most eligible spot, however, if procurable,is, we believe, one tit no great distance from the present slaughterhouse, on the (iovem ment quarry and railway raserve. In close prominity to the city, to which the metit might bo forwarded by cart or rail, with good natural drainage, near enough See combe's or the Domain reservoir to secure a good supply .of , fresh water at a comparatively small cost, and close to the cattle sale-yards and Go vernment reserves, which might be used for pasturage, the situ at Newmarket meets all requirements. The Govern - C7it may however create an in superable obstacle by refusing to grant the necessary land. The first work of the committee should be to take evidence and obtain all possible information affecting the : question of site, and having once arrived at a determination upon that aspect of the subject, it is the duty of the Council to proceed.without delay with the main work. Deriving a revenue of £1000 a year from slaughter-house fees, the County, if it hopes to maintain the control of the public abattoirs, must make better provision for performing the work. Now that tho difficulty which barred the city from taking action has been removed by clause 31S of the Municipal Corporations Act, IS7G, empowering the Corporation to erect slaughterhouses either within or with out the borough, the City Council in the interests of public health will be forced to do something—and that speedily—unless the County inaugurates the needful reforms.

A very deserving cr;se has been brought under our notice. Mrs. Bright, who was left a widow with three little children, came up to town from Poverty Bay a few days ago in the hope of bettering her con dition. Being disappointed in her expecta tions, however, she is now left destitute in town, raid to-day was wandering along Queen-street, with her three little ones, trying to raise enough money to take her back, as she is secure of permanent work at Gisbornc. After enquiry wo are satisfied that her case is as stated, and that five or six pounds may place her in a position to earn an honest livelihood. Donations may be forwarded to this otlice. The few showers of rain which fell on Saturday increased to a perfect downpour yesterday afternoon, and between two and three o'clock, a severe thunderstorm passed over the city. The deluge of rain that followed flooded the gutters, and the floating debris choked the sinks, causing an over- How and partially covering the footpaths in many places. The water at the corner of LShortland-.street finding no outlet overflowed Shortland-strcet for some distance, loosen ing some of the flagstones. In low-lying parts of the city the Hoods did some little damage, especially in the Newton gullies, where some fences were swept down. The rain appears to have had a wide a:ca., ex tending all over the colony, and probably heavy Hoods have occurred in sonic of the out-districts. We are glad to learn that the roll of sub scribers to the Auckland Institute and Museum is in a satisfactory state, over 70 new subscribers having joined during the past month. Under its present emcieni management, the institute is a credit to the city. The commission of Inquiry sat to-day, and took evidence respecting the condition of the Lunatic Asylum. There is a specimen from tlicJjJThames in the Auckland? Institutes that Jjhas a curious history, it was presented by .las. William son to the Auckland Museum some years ago, when that institution was in an embryo state, and was in a. small building in the Grafton-road. Nothing was heard of (he specimeu until recently when Mr William son was in Wellington, and happened to ■pay a visit to the Colonial Museum when to his surprise he found the specimen amongst the exhibits. How it came there was a mystery. It was as great a mystery as the flyjiu amber, which caused a certain philosopher to "wonder how the (name unmentionable to ears polite) it got there." Mr Williamson's surprise did not prevent his promptly claiming the specimen and restoring it to its original destination. The specimen is a very fine one, having beautiful veins of gold running through it in a most curious variety.

Mr. E. Hadrill informs tin; public tli.it lie has become the proprietor of the Crown Hotel, (-Jrcy-strcet. Mr Hadrill lias had much experience of hotel life irt London, and.his general intelligence and suavity of manner, will win for him duo patronage in Auckland, At the " Crown," will be found an agreeable host, a snug parlour, good liquors, and capital lodgings.

Mr Douglas Russell of Edinbough, hold an.evangelistic service last evening in- the Theatre, and, despite the rain, succeeded in drawing a large auditory. Mr Itnssell preached from the 3rd chapter of St. John, on the word "must," and from the repeti tion of the monosyllable, delivered a most excellent and forcible sermon. Mr Russell is a thorough Scotchman, eloquent ami lluent of speech, and full of Scotco humour. The special features of the discourse were the necessity for the lifting up of Christ, and tor the new birth.

A telegram has been received by the "Wclleslcy-street Baptist Church Committee from the Rev. Mr. Webb, of Sydney, accept ing the pastorate of the church. Mr Webb may be expected to take charge about the commencement of April.

We are requested to remind all persons soiling korosino or other dangerous goods that licenses to retail or store expired on the Ist instant, and must be renewed forthwith. All dealers are subject to heavy penalties under the Dangerous Goods Act for selling or storing unless in pursuance of a license held from the local authority. At a public meeting held, in the Theatre Royal, Gruhamstown, .on Saturday, to consider the action of the Waste Lands jjoaul as to the disposal of waste lands in the Thames district, the following motion was passed.: —"That tin's meeting desires to impress upon the Waste Lands Board of Auckland "the necessity.which exists for some lands of the Upper Thames being at once set apart for selection upon deferred payments by the Thames peopleI.'" We may inform the unemployed that the City Council are prepared to give work to any who may require it, in the form of hand-broken road metal, for which 4s 2d per cubic yard ■will bo paid. Particulars may be • ascertained on application at the oilice of the Town Clerk, Queen-street. The inhabitants of Union-street were aroused on Saturday night by a confusion of tongues, and such terms as " Go it Sal," "Don't give in, Liz," and on looking out, two women (mothers cf families) were fighting like tigers, tearing each other's hair, and making hideous yells. The facts, as far as our informant could learn, were simply these : The women were neighbours, and had been "down town" shopping,

and on' returning, turned into a public house for a avcc drap, but not being satisfied with one drop took two, three, and so on until their eyes "in a fine frenzy rolling, soared from heaven to earth, from earth to heaven, and as imagination bodied forth the forms of things unknown.," they fell out,

nd pn reaching Union-street had a regular 11 '^ We forbear furtber description, as !\ ' 's-enses arc likely to come before the Resident"3fa§i?trot6 $B fefce C^ursa of the present "weeK^"

A very excellent minstrel company has been organised in Dunedin. It comprises Messrs Carey, Marshall, Towlc, and seve ral other members of Mr Sheppersbn's Company, besides some recent arrivals. The troupe consists of 11 members, vocalism and instrumentation being well represented, and the humorous element is veil provided for by Mr Johnny Wallace and others. Mr James O'Brien, the lecturer, late of the American War company, is business manager. The company will probably visit Auckland before long. A mooting of the Auckland Acclimatiza tion Society is proceeding as we go to press. The principal business to bo dealt witli is the question of importing of, further supply of salmon ova next year, and the dealing with other general matters connected with the operations of the Society. The prompt attention of the " Ponsonby aiid or Dedwood " Highway Board should bo given to a dangerous hole in Wood-street caused by the collapse of a drain crossing the road. For sometime past the drain lias been in a very defective state, and a large hole formed by constant caving had endan gered the limbs of persons passing along the footpath. Yesterday the drain became partially choked with debris, and the whole centre of the road fell in, leaving a large hole which effectually stops the traffic of vehicles in Wood-street." Repairs should be made without delay to prevent accident. Wood street has been sadly neglected of late. The metal has been much water-worn, leaving great ruts and sharp-jagged stones which are dangerous to pedestrians. The members of the Board should examine the street at once, and they would do well to bear in mind that they arc liable to an action for damages in the event of an accident occur ing owing to neglect to make necessary repairs. Mr H. A. Severn is about to give a course of lectures in Auckland on solar physics, and other interesting astronomical subjects, which Avill be illustrated by lime liglit microscopic views, as well as views of Paris, Egypt, and other places. Mr Severn possesses "the rare art of putting his lectures on scientific subjects in a popular, and deeply interesting form, and we have no doubt that the forthcoming series of lectures will be well attended. The overland coach from Rotorua to Tauranga was attacked by a wild bull, frightening the horses, but by the presence of'mind of Mr Hannon, the driver, an accident was avoided.

The " Advertiser" says that Rodgers, who confessed to the murder of "Red 15111" at Wangarei, is known to several persons at the Thames, but very little evidence is forthcoming to throw light on the mystery. We have received the following New

Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Com

pany (Limited) produce telegram : —" Wool: Up to date, 123,000 bales have arrived. The next sales will commence on 20th prox. Tallow : Market quiet. Mutton is in good demand. Mutton, 445. ; beef, 41s. per

c.wt. P. Y.C. on the spot is quoted rit 435. nor cwt. Lentil nr : Trade domand is good. Me.-.t sides, ]s. yd. pnrlb. Wlieat : Market quiet, Adelaide is worth r.fis. per 4W>lbs. ; New Zealand is v/orths4s. do. do. Reports are favourable concerning the growing crop here."

Tanmaki has set, its heart upon having a breakwater, and the manner in which the inhabitants propose to commence it affords an example to the people <>f many other

places. The following rather peculiar letter was published in the " Budget" : —"Sir. — Being convinced that if the harbour works are never commenced they will never be (iuifthed, we, the undersigned able-bodied

men, hereby agree to give a day's labour

towards commencing this most important undertaking as soon as we know where to begin. Here follows the names of nearly 100 citizens, among whom arc two clergy men and two doctors.

We have been requcßtcd to malcc one or two corrections in tho Otahuhn school rcj)ort. Tnstcad of thirteen of thn pupils wen; tonight reading, writing, arithmetic, and object lessons. The report should

raid, l?,\. All the scholars on the roll aro taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and object lessons. The number of votos recorded were for Mr Luke 51, and Mr Mai'kham 15,

The "Taranaki Herald," which was until re cently a firm supporter of the native policy, has recently veered a good deal. In a lute article in that journal, wo find severe condemnation of the

"Xtrava:,-cinl, oxnensivoness of the Department. Our contemporary says:—"Wo do not boliovo indelicate negotiations : nor do wo believe in

tho absurd mystery of Ilie Native Department, The natives mnkn no mystery of their tnin.mc-

lions with tho Government, and tho more civi-

lised sometimes deliver them solves in good round Saxon, certainly with a Maori rendering; of their opinion and. modo of dealing with the Govern ment agents. While the natives in everynah or nali re village d isonss til fresco, and in public, the

delicate negotiations.

the Native Department

with affected fear and trembling, hint in whis pers of land transactions, and record in lengthy despatches, romindinpr us of old days, for the information of a credulous Government, of the mighty operations in progress, and the glories which the department is about to win. Wo seriously think the time is o.bout ripe to abolish this mystio hnmbug. It is about worked out, and is proved an imposition. The whole history of human credulity cannot produce an instance where intelligent Governments have been so lonic and so successfully hooodwinked as the New Zealand Government has been regarding native affairs. Whattho natives proclaim on the house top, the Government officials repeat in whispers with finger on lip, as, if they were promulgating the innermost thoughts of the Maori. Thus it is wo are beguiled and fooled by an organised system of mystification."

The regular monthly communication of the

Masonic Lodge Ara will be held this evening at the usual hour, at the Masonic Hotel, Princes-street.

Tho recent bazaar at Onchunga, which was

I brought about chiefly by the ladies of St. Peter's Church, for the purpose of lessening the debt on the parish, terminated successfully, and quite equal to public expectations. After deducting expenses a balance of £75 remained. The effort and its results redounds to the credit of the ladles of Onohunga. Tho study of Mendelssohn's "Athalie" will conimer.ee to-morrow evening by tho members of the Choral Society. The Temperance Hall entertainment on Saturday oveuinj? was successful, the amuse ments varied, and the audieneo attentive. The Auckland shipwrights will hold a special trade meeting tills evening in the Temperance Hall. The writer of! "My Contribution, in the Nel son "Times" says:—"For cool assurance 'Well ington, boats 15a'nna.glier, and Bamiagher beats 1 forget the name of the place beaten by the celebrated Irish town, but I know its streets arc paved with good intentions. The very antithesis of Nazareth, nothing bad can come out of the Empire City of New Zealand. Inflated by the public money that should have been spent in reproductive works in other places, Wellington has grown too large to err, and even in fatal mistakes, like tho late regatta, attempts arc made to convert absolute failure into successes. Take for example the tele gram sent by the Press Agency (a purely Well ington institution), ancnt the regatta. It commences:—" Fine day for the regatta, particularly for sidling races. 1' A very fine day indeed: fine enough to prevent outriggers leav ing their sheds: tine enough to swamp inrigged boats; tine enough to capsize sailing vessels; and fine enough to drown sailors. To suit "Well ington tine weather and prevent lossotlife, I sug gest that future regattas should take place on shore, boats to be furnished with wheels, a la roller skates. Then in the matter of weather reports furnished by Captain Edwin (another Wellington institution), why should the people of New Zealand always be on the look out for ! storms from the south south-east by north, a little westerly, or some oth.ru- point of the com pass. This 'gentleman surely measures New Zealand weather by the Wellington bushel, and the consequence is, uncalled for alarm and unnecessary precaution."

At a meeting with representatives of the Nvatihaua, Ngatirakawa, and Ngatima.ru at Cambridge, the Hon. the Native Minister is reported as saying that ho had taken up their friend Sir Donald's task where he had laid it down, and that the policy of the Government would bo the same as before in principle. If he was not as well up in Maori customs as his and their friend Sir Donald McLean had been, he trusted all the chiefs throughout the country -would help them in promoting good works, which were for their mutual benefit. As to tlie road, he must let, them understand dis tinctly that the Government intended to make that as far as tho boundary of the purchased land, and it was not their intention tq go. beyond t,ha.t at present,

We understand that Mr Burton proceeds to the Thames to-day in order to make arrangements for the appearance of the Wilton Troupe, which -will open there about Thursday evening. _ | The social tea-meeting and evening with ! the poet Cowper will be held this evening, | in the Wellington-street Primitive Metho dist Church. Tea on table at half-past six, and entertainment at eight o'clock. A lodge of instruction in the Lodge St. Andrew, Star Inn, will he held this evening at half-past seven o'clock. The receipts of the Duncdin Fire Brigade from the recent demonstration amounted to £545, and the disbursements to £501. The balance goes to the funds. A landslip on the Port Chalmers line cast about 100 tons of stone on the railway The debris was removed and traffic resumed A special religions service will be held this evening, in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, at half-past seven o'clock. We have received from Mr AVoodham, two samples of Manilla and aloe fibre, grown in Fiji and hand-prepared. These products, which grow abundantly at the islands, might, we are informed,be supplied in large quantities if suitable machinery were available. The samples are now on view at our office. They appear to be admirable rope-making materials, which should meet with a ready market in the colonies and home country. It is surprising that no effort has yet been made to develop this valuable industry.

CABLEGRAMS.

[PRESS AGICXGY]

THE RUSSIAN POLICY,

THE DEMANDS OF SERVIA. LONDON, February- 1. A definite indication of Russia's course of action is anxiously awaited. It is believed she desires to recede from the ground she assumed at the time of the Czars Moscow speech. Servia claims Little Czivoruck, and com plete evacuation of the territory.

Servian and Montene grin Demands.

Christian (Jovsraors.

SYDNEY.—THIS DAY. The steamer Singapore lias become a total wreck, LONDON. February 2. Turkey requires her troops to remain at Alexinatz as a guarantee for Servian peace fulness. Montenegro is willing to negotiate a peace on condition that a Christian Governor (Mustichnr) be appointed over Albania and ;i similar ollicer govern the Western portion of Bulgaria, to be formed into a separate province. The wool market is unchanged. About 210,000 bales arc expected at the forth coming sales. Wheat is dr. 11. New Zealand, 54s to 555. That, and Adelaide, scarce. Sailed—Durham for Melbourne. Arrived—Warlock from Lyttelton. The Whampoa passed St. Vincent on the 24th.

CAPTURE BY BRIGANDS.

AN ENGLISHMAN CARRIED OFF

JiY ITALIAN ROBBERS,

At Palermo the little colony of English residents have been sadly startled by the intoUigcnco that one of their number, a junior member of tin: honnc of Gardner, Roue and Co., had been kidnapped, or "sequestered," as the Kalians say, by brigands. Messrs. (Jeorge and Forester Rose, accompanied by two clerks., left Palermo this morning by the early train for Lercani, where the.house possesses sulphur mines. Tlicy reached tlic station bejowthe town in due time at 10.10 a.ni. Forester, theyonngerbrotluu1, who resides at Lecaraas director of the mines, hero inormtod his horse, attended by one of the clerks ahd hisgi'oom, his brother preferring to ascend thestccphill to the town in ;; carriage. There were two other carriages with passengers from the train, numbering in all more than a dozen. As Forester liose rode up the hill he met i two persons, splendidly mounted, and dressed like Sicilian country gentlemen, who saluted him. A little further on, his party was stopped by two men standing by their horses in the road, who inquired their names. The clc-k answered for both, assigning a feigned name to his master ; but Air l{ose, suspecting nothing, responded truthfully, Avhereupon his bridle was seized, and he was ordered to dismount and get on one of the horses they held. The two horsemen he had just met now rode up, and seconded the command, inti mating that resistance would be dangerous. The poor young follow, whose eyes were now open to his situation, was forced to obey, and the horse he had mounted was led by one of his captors for some distance along the road, when, thinking he per ceived a chance of escape, he slid clown over the crupper, rushed down the hill at full speed, and though fired at by the brigand, succeeded in reaching the car riages, which were slowly winding their way up to the town. Here lie naturally thought himself secure, but lie had hardly time to tell his story when one of the gen tlemanly-dressed brigands rode up to the carriages, from which the astonished pas sengers, liad all descended and were stand ing in the road, not knowing' what to ex pect. With the utmost audacity and self possession this man, who is asserted to be no other than the renowned Leone himself, rode alone into the midst of the passengers, singled, out young Rose, with cool im pertinence upbraided ..him with treat ing him very badly by his attempt to escape, and compelled him at the muzzle of his double-barrelled breech-loader to remount the horse from which he had j just esca.ped, apologising at the same time I with mock courtesy for the inconvenience to which he was obliged to put hwd, saying: "You must not find fault with us ; you must blame the Government, which in so .many years has not been able to catch us or to kill us." The unfortunate young man appealed to those around him for protection and it would have been a very easy thing to send a bullet through the brigand as lie i .sat in the saddle in their midst, but the i people either were not armed, or, what is more probable, on finding that one in particular was claimed, they came to the usual Sicilian conclusion that it was no business of theirs, and if the brigand wanted .Hose he might take him if he could. Take him he did, and rode ' off with his prey to the spot where the dork and groom were retained by the rest of the band. 'Thence they proceeded at a most deliberate pace some miles along the high road toward Palermo, when, dis missing the two useless captives, they des cended across country into the deep Valley of the Flume Torto. " Before parting from the clerk, Leone warned him that "if the military were sent in pursuit, it might not prove advantageous to Mr Hose, ami pro mised that that gentleman would fare very well in their company if the ransom was paid which they intended to demand. It was* found that they had. put the telegraph.

wires between the town and the station, in consequence of which some valuable time was lost in apprising the various military oiiicials in that district.

VOLUNTEER SWEEPSTAKES MATCH.—MR SOALL'S TARGET.

TEV volunteers assembled at Mount Eden RanffO on Saturday, for the purpose of firing a i^ecpstakes match, and testing an y^™' principle. Two of tho volunteers iired v ltn tnc rifles presented to them as Colonial representa tives two with carbines, and thoj remainder with service rifles. An unfavourable wind was biowinr hard at the lime of the competition. The Colonial representatives retired at the com pletion of the .100 yards range, leaving the field to the remaining eij?ht competitors. Ihe highest aggregate score was made by Gunner Bi4l the champion of the Colonial carbine con test of last year. The match was commenced at 500 yards, then iOO, and then 200. Wo have not spaco for minute particulars of tho various distances, but append the total aggregates :—

"BURNS AND HIS HIGHLAND MARY."

[Communicated],

A SPHHT POEM,

Mks of is sometimes influenced to write both poetry and pro.se in a trance state, purporting to emanate from departed spirits. One day a lady visitor asked her if Robert Burns (the lady's favourite poet) had ever communicated with her. She replied that she had never been conscious of his pre sence, nor was she familiar with his writings. The lady remarked that she hoped ne would some time make known his presence, and answer a question she had in her mind, -which question she did not express. A few days subsequently Mrs felt impelled by spirit influence to pen the following, which, on being shown to the lady was found to be an appropriate reply to the query she had in her mind : —

" Fair lady, that I come to you A stranger-bard, fu' weel I ken. For you've known naught of me, save through The lays 1 poured through Scotia's ylen ; But. when I speak o' gliding Ayr, O' hawthorn shades and fragrant ferns, O' Doon and Highland Mary fair, Mayhap yell think o' Robert Burns. I am the lad— and why I'm here, I heard the gude dame when she said She'd know in joyous sjiirit, sphere, If Burna was wi' his .Mary wed. I sought to tell huv of our joy, No niuckle hnpvnHtt could 1 make; And lady, 1 have Mown lo sco if ye'd jny message to liur take.

Toll her that when T poss'd from earth, My angel-lassie, crowned with (lowers, Met me wi' {flowinglove-lit torch, And led me to the nuptual bowers: That all we'd dreamed o' wedded bliss, And more, was aictcd to us there; And sweeter was my dearie's kiss Than on the flowery banks o' Ayr. When Love's celestial fountains play'd, And rosebuds burst, and seraphs san<<, And myrtle twined our couch to shade, I clasped the love I'd moum'd sa lang ; And while, by angel-harps, were play'd The bonnie 'bridal seranade.' Though na gown'd priest the kirk-rite said, Burns was v.ri' Highland Mary wed! There's na destroying death-frost, here, To nip the hope-buds ere they bloom ; The bridal four is through the spheres— Eternity the ' honey-moon.' And now, mv lady, if ye/11 bear These words unto the anxious dame, I think I can ye so reward, Yell ne'er be sorry that I came."

The Case of Martin Curtin.

The following correspondence in respect to the petition forwarded to the Govern ment in favour of granting a reprieve to Martin Curtin, lias been kindly handed to us for publication : — "General Government Glh'ces, Auck land, 3rd February, 1877.--Sir : Z Lave the honor to enclose copy of a letter re ceived from the Hon. Minister of Justice, relative to the Petition praying that the .sentence of death passed on Martin Curtin might be commuted to such other punish ment as His Excellency the Governor nii^lit think fit, which was signed by you and other residents in the Provincial Dis tricts of Auckland.—l have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant, FItED. Whi- TAKEK. —Mr F. G. Ewington and the other Petitioners, Auckland."

"Department of Justice, Wellington, 2Gth January, 1877. —Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2Of,h i.nst., enclosing :>., petition

signed by certain residents in the Provincial District of Auckland, praying that the clemency of the Crown may be extended to Martin Curtin, sentenced to death for murder. In reply, I have to inform you that the petition has been submitted to the Governor, but that His Excellency sees no reason for interfering with the due course of law. —I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, (signed) CIIAS. C. BpWEN.—The Honorable F. Whitaker, Auckland." FURTHER ACTION IN FAVOUR OF A RESPITE. Since th« above reply was received, no further steps have been taken to obtain a respite of the sentence. Last evening, however, Mr J. S. Macfarlane, M.H.R., waited upon! Mr W. Swanson, M.H.R., and requested him to co-operate in making representations to the Government Avith the object of obtaining mitigation of the sentence. After some conversation Mr. Swanson was induced to accompany Mr. ' Macfarlane to see the lion, the Attorney- General with the object .of. representing to him reasons in favour of granting a re spite of fourteen days' and further inquiry. ' It was found however, that Mr. Whitaker was at the North Shore, and the idea of interviewing him had to be abuudoned. Mr. Macfarlane^ and Mr Swauson then drew the following telegram which was trans mitted immediately on the opening of the Telegraph Office this morning :—"Auck land, February 5, 1877. To the Hon. C. ; C.' Bowen, Wellington. Urgent. We are strongly of opinion that, in the interests of justice, a respite of seven or fourteen days should be given to Curtin, to afford oppor tunity for getting at real facts. Tins might be useful, and could do no harm. We arc afraid of'a man being executed for murder when his crime is only manslaughter. Pray consider and reply speedily.—(Signed) J. S. Macfarlane, Wm. Swanson." INTERVIEW WITHITHE ATTORNEY GENERAL. This morning-, Mr J. S. Macfarlane, M.H.R., waited'on the Hon. the Attorney - General, in order to represent the case to him. Mr Macfarlane urged a number of points as shewing that Curtin's ciimc was one of manslaughter, and not murder, and urged him to use his influence with the Go vernment to procure a respite and further inquiry. Mr Whitaker pointed out that tho ordinary course of law had been gone through, that the petition for a reprieve had not boon ac ceded to, and that no steps could now be taken to arrest the operation of the law except by the joint action of the Governor and the Executive. We understand that Messrs Jas. William son, M v X« v Q,j mi Chftmberlin, M,L,Q, have

been induced to telegraph to the Minister of Justic in the same behalf. The Beply. r#l A reply received by Mr Macfarlane this 1 afternoon, is to the effect that no hop e o f reprieve should be held out to Curtin. The hour of execution is' lixed for' seven o'clock to-morrow morning.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before It C. Barstow, Esq., 11.M.)

DKUNK.

Eliza McGinn, an old offender,' was punished in the usual manner for bein« drunk and incapable. b

ASSAULTING CONSTABLE DEWS,

John Allen was charged with drunken ness, and with assaulting Constable Dews on the 3rd instant. '

Prisoner pleaded guilty to being drunk but had no recollection of maltreating the constable.

Constable Dews said lie saw prisoner in a wild state in Fort-street on Saturday afternoon. He was violently threatening to fight anybody, and when witness was trying to pacify him, he aimed several blows at him, swearing that no officer in 11. M. dominions should take Johnny Allen into custody.

Sergeant Clarke deposed to the violent conduct of witness. It took four constables to got him to the station. Sub-Inspector Pardy said this man was a most notorious character. He kicked one constable and ruined him for life, and in consequence he was a pensioner on the country, and another constable at the Bay of Islands had frittered through injuries inflicted by the prisoner. His Worship found prisoner guilty, and sentenced him to two months imprisonment ■with hard labour ; and, at the expiration of that term, to find sureties to keep the peace for six months, himself in £50, and two others in £20 each. ASSAULT CASI':. Alfred Hadfield was charged with assault ing his wife Annie by beating her, and trying to drag her on to a vessel. Defendant said lie was only partly in fault.

Sub-Inspector Pardy said this was a lamentable case. Mrs Hadfield had been severely beaten by her husband, and the police heard the woman screaming, and found her covered with blood.

Defendant said his wife would stop ni Sir Pie's against his will. A letter from Mrs Hadfied was put in saying that she was in fault. Sergeant Martin was on the wharf on Saturday, and hearing the noise ; he saw defendant dragging a woman along to a boat. She called for his protection, as she was afraid she should be brutally used if he got heij on the boat. She had been compelled to leave hor home in consequence of her husband's brutalities. Fined £5, or one month's imprisonment. JAMES CONLON. This man, who had been remanded for eight days on a charge of being of unsound mind, was again brought up and discharged. The improvement in Conlon's appearance was especially noticeable, and the Court hoped that he would follow a, new course of life, tiiat of sobriety, and in future, like a true shoemaker, stick to the last. ALLEGED FO RGERY. Henry Collins, bush contractor, was Charged with forging a cheque for £62, on the Bank of New Zealand, on the 2nd inst., with intent to defraud Messrs Combes and Daldy. Sub-Inspector Pardy said prisoner had made several attempts to pass the cheque, which was found to be a forgery. As several witnesses were necessary, he would ask for a remand. Remanded until the Sth instant. VARIOUS CHARGES. Robert Badger, a fine looking young man, described as a baker and confectioner, re cently from England, was charged with. driving rapidly round Sliortland-street Corner to the danger of H.M. subjects. Mr Badger said lie would plead guilty, but was not aware that he was offending. As this was his first offence the Court ordered a fine of 5s with costs 5s 6d. Franklin George was fined 2s Gd and 5s 6d costs for allowing his spotted cow to be at large. SONS AND MOTHER. Robert Sullivan and Hugh Sullivan (brothers)' were charged with a breach of the Destitute Persous Ordinance Act, by neglecting to contribute to the support of their mother, Ann Sullivan. The defendants (strong young men), said they had been unable to keep up their weekly payments, in consequence of the holidays, wet weather, and the iish would not bite. Ordered to pay £1 4s each arrears, and allowed a fortnight to pay the amount. ALLEGED PERJURY.

Anne Coxhead was about to be charged with perjury against Hugh Sullivan, of Omaha, when a long consultation occurred between the Court and counsel, in respect of the judgment given against Sullivan at the Resident Magistrate's Court, and which had not been paid. In answer to Mr Thome, who appeared for Mrs Coxhead, his Worship said he should not issue a distress warrant upon Sullivan's goods in Union-street, until the hearing of the alleged perjury case had been heard, which he would hear on Wed nesday afternoon. A case of assault between two private in dividuals was settled out of Court, and tlie case of Henry Dalton, for non-payment "f the Education Rate, was, on the application of Mr Beale, solicitor, adjourned.

TONGA AND SAMOA.

(From a Correspondent.)

January 9 th, 1577- The brig John Wesley will sail for Sydney ' in about a week. Passengers : liev. Mr Baker and family, I\cv. Mr .Thomas, of Vavau, and family. Ketcli Pearl and schooners May Queen and Favorite are lying- in harbour. Either the Pearl or the "Favorite is Jikely to be purchased for the Governor of Vavau. The Loch Lee is expected every day. A German barque is loading at Haapai. ¥<The schooner Favorite met the schooner Edith at Pcnryhn Island. When the former left for Wallace Islands, the Edith had just sailed for Tahiti. Things are very quiet here at present, but if King George were to die, I think there would be a rumpus. The Rev Mr Baker keeps a firm hand over the natives, who fear him rather than love him. When his name is mentioned, they shake their heads and say "Mr Baker too much savey." The Tongaus however evince very rapid progress in civilisation under his ministry. They are now beyond question the most intelligent islanders of the Pacific, and their mode of life is more and metre assimilating itself to that of Europeans. King George is having a magnificent palace built at Nuku alope. It is to cost £3000, ami is being constructed of Australian hardwood. Th, J King has given the Rev, Mr Baker a com-- / mission to purchase £1200 worth of furni ture in Sydney, The Axickland timber which has been sent here is by no means uniformly good. Some of it has turned out wretchedly, and many of the Tongaas swear they will never "order another ]>ost from New Zealand. Your timber P»er« chants will perceive from this thul; it is very poor policy on their part sending their refuse down here. We know bad timber from good as well as they do at Itfttejton ftud. Pavt Chalmersj and jf p\

THE EVENING STAB, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1877



p, o ll , ..77 Evans so Cooper .. .-72 Partington .. .. -14 McCarthy .. .. 50 Lee f Elliott .. -.01 Skinner .. .. 73 Traycs .. •• 73 Allen 02

ANALYSIS. FIVE UUNDltED YARDS. Army system. Soall's system. White targets, 332 \ 676 _ Black sights, 3111 u'° 151 rick targets, 3111 — sll White sights, 499 » FOUR IIUND11ED YAKDS. AVhitc targets, 033 ) , 9 ~^ _ Uhick sights, niOt x '*'* Black targets, (>!!)). _ ,931 White sights, (JI2 I two lruNPitrcn yards. White targets, 5.11 ) -, n -r. Black sights, 521 ) J 'UJJ Black targets, 509 j. 1 ]f!l White sights, 592 J

Total points in favour of Soall's system, 259.



]§" 0 T I G: E PBAPERY GOODS, NEW AND CHEAP!! The undersigned have Purchased at Auction a LARGE LOT of NEW DRAPERY GOODS, iust landed e>: City of Auckland, the whole of which having been bought at muchunder the usual Warehouse Rates, (hoy can -afford to oJFcr to their Customers at Vkky Low Puiceis. The -Parcel com prises. :— Grey Calico; various* qualities, front /.'!.>! yard' Strong White Caiieo at /I yard, or 3/JO doz. 72-in. Gnjy Sheeting, 1/y.avd,'good .quality . . 72-in. & 80-in. White Twill Sheeting "2-in., SU-i7t.-fie 00-in. Croydon Sheeting, I/G yard luckabaek Towels, good, /G each, fi/9 doz. . Vi)itc and Unblc:iehed Damask and Damask ■ \ Tuljlo Cloths, froiu:2/6 (, 10/4 &11/ I AltiaiiibraQuilts, sood qualities, 3/11 ' fagh iirown Holland, from /6 yard \lf-(L'"cssed ditto, superior quality, very cheap lat/iojand 1/ ■■ ck Lustre, and superior quality Black Bril \ia7itine Lustres ' Prints, good patterns, at /i:}, /s}, and/6, cry cheap \rd-Shirting, good quality, /7Jyard ■ -■■ a vH'i Linen, lot of Remnants, a bargain, lie Vl/1 yard fi \r. Cotton Half-hose f'o. «1( monno feet cnte \ Fancy Striped Me:-tK'3 Kalf-hose, and rey '<l too numeroiu to mention. ccli*- I ?>.o<.^,w ri " Drapery and Clothing should :V'lPit-.> r"^'1;^ T prove that although xot nsV ;eOti o^\.,:, -l^-'' I",; v 'iving full value for MO# ,^v. *" tfjjiijiing in the returned on all pur- J~ •" iJna t , "■ and ap^wards. ■co-f , jca ol 20o; 1? TTQ TT TJ T> (> f) "V A* •» ti. IL>Lr .. _ a\U^*: •nr C O S Gll A v E & C 0. 3 Beg to announce they will brh>g forward i A Fresh Lot of B A R G A I N SIM HEIR LATE SHIPMEnVbY THE ORARI, Purchasea at Home at Job Prices, together with the whole «ft,%ER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, feUfii- - KDU cED IN PRICE TO SUIT iv TIIE TIMES



a . , «. Vg >0 f CALICO, damaged by sea1



IT INOLEUM! m , CAIirET3! roam™ T INOLEUM!—Unsurpassed for Durability; SlJl Soft and warmjo_fcho feet. _____ T INOLEUM!—Best covering ever invented JLJ for Dining Rooms, Halls, Olli ces. and-Billiam l.ocuis. T INOLEUM !—A large variety of Patterns at JIJ the City Hall Arcade. T INOLEUM!—Fitted to any si.KO or shape JLj room by Ho noway 6c Gai-lick. AltPßTS!—Just landed, Velvet Pile, very handsome. 7SARPKTS!—Beautiful Brussels. latest do \_j signs, for Drawing Rooms. ARPETSl—Kidderminster, largo variety. Ta.pcstry from 2/11 to i/ 6. T7*URNITURK !—lnlaid Walnut Centre Tables, j0 Modern Drawingroom Suites "fT'URNITURE!— Sittingroom Suites, Bedroom JL? Furniture for all classes. TTiTJRNITURE !—TheTbest Show in Auckland. JC Show Rooms IGCTt. long. L IBERAL DISCOUNT^ pußCq^ T3UY your FURNITURE, DRAPERY, AND B CLOTHI^#' JISLL ARCADE. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, PKOPRTETOttS.



XTOTICE OF RE MOV AL. H. A TKms BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE Sf H AS 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 the present time, and to assure them that although his trado has increased to that extent, that his REMOVAL to more Commodioiis 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 Now Shop shall always bo known as The Cheapest ix Auckland. H.A. will be happy to sec all his old Customers, and as many new ones as may honour him with their patronage.il .; A SPLENDID STOCK



DRAPERY AND CLOTHING Will always be found, and the PRICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND ! . H, AT X INS. mHORNTON, SMITH, AND FIRTH'S JL PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Sacks. 100's. 50's. Crown Brand Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. per ton 17 0 0 17 10 0 18 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand. 1(5 0 0 1G 10 0 17 0 0 Seconds Flour .... 13 10 0 Sharps 8 10 0 Bran (5 0 0 Fowl Wheat .. .. 0 5 oto ss. Cd. The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. Auckland, January 3D, 1877.



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