SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

;-lI WATER-] lo.fnorrow^iorning, 11.2 i SS-?.-Th:3 -evening.6.o. v pro.!.- —To-rao-vrov.- lilornins, 0.-'l I^3 IG^.- First Quarter, 11th, 3.21 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES y-nOJKCT^T) DEPARTURES. - iV.fiV:)--C-M;r.ibus. barque, early; City of ixssk'.i nil. ship, early _ i tie 5!.;U"..-^iivi:-ala, --Otii. r .•'■■:■..••:'■.■' ■•si: lii 3 Bc-utli —Wanaka, loui [jj'-T*; RoTvetiri, th vee times a fortnight, r iMbonpne- Sani Mendel, ship, early. t „ .iivaruiio -L>u.latoa, barque, early. "no -. -. Wanaka is expected to arrive from t'lriin'ti >■ and the South this evening. She is lor.Te'hrH-.isSvaatiiiidniglit. . '■,-..-.,; ■■\;--.-.> r-> who advocate rnnningßdown - ;' sriViC- in high latitudes, may take a ■irikWoui c tit*) ( iiy ol Auckland. In Cap ■ '"• ■'"■■":. ■;■ vmv;, r.-e notice that he did not take '<-. bd-.nv J.l until making the longitude or :;■ [. -.Vij- <■-•-;.. T i;o greater part cf. the ... u.-'ns doVie in S9 and JO. What is the ~-:,"" T;, e ship gets splendid weather, meets .. • -. ■ ranches port in at least seven days ' ■■iV- i)vr my*other Englirh ship which '.■.'-'•. "...,i'oV'i>;'-: iort for thelast six ntontlis. .'*/■ , c ' .-.'aiv'v/.-Tih rocorilinjr. and tend to ■ ,; >'t t";o iso'lr.n'of going away down to 47 ;-".T-i e n^ ■■' ;;.--::;.■. It is possible that it ' V, ~'';;:■■■-. our the advantage is very !.-""-. ■•.'.' v.-ii:lc the inconvenience from ' ( f-oJi^]. weathar is v*»ry great, and the ~ .".^ r r r*im'lc"? '•••■id tli- r-cky islands, which "'. jij "inlei'va'is tn these latitr.df-a, is not V",, / " sbotild hail it as a good measure if Liters Wt'-re to charge an extra premium ■' ;. '"v'b-HiJ.'-.itir.'J Linda V.'cbbcr, belonging '-~■'. r-T. r*fc.!'lc:v;"ic. his been chartered by , -. Wov-fiianr! ond Co. to loa>~i timber at : ;i'.:■■.-ii'3 ';i:iiL~ i'ort Albert, Kaipara, for

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

■ ■■,' ..■:.•!.-.-. i";.- -klaxd's'.TkkjvTA'Rkport.— ..; "{a^irp. -■;■:•"* on Friday last, fodder was ~ wiif.anyiiiy ■-■"0 withoutalterationinvalue. v.;'- cock wVre brousrhi forward in larger -'■-.-.r-.. Yii-Mi for several weeks past, and met :■, V -norl iiTTiry at advanced prieca, es ■ ■-■■*■ or vouner horses or mares suitable for .."..■.',■.,- o"- •-■■;•! liarnos?. Unbroken draught and +333: n-.ediuradraught .'. i'rom -^^ tii £02. the price varying with ..,r \h; •: :--~~i c pan1 oi mares were sold at -"vp--..i each.' "A heavy draught mare, £S5. ->.->■;■ and Lk'hr liiicks, &'-> io £15 each. • ':.)! ■ Uvlrii: ■- . y-91-ds, en Thursday, dairy - -,/ ■.'.-.,--i in y . ;-;'kv su.opiy, and \:aro fairly for at prices varying from £G 10s to ; '..;," ■iiores c£' all descriptions were plenti r'hl-i --h nor of ■• very n:ood class, but sold at ±zl~y advanced prices over last quotation. ■ v c:^ were varied in average numbers, but ;1 . 9 ,' tirst-cla - "uality, and sold at about . '":■' LO-Jibs. Averages obtained were:—H. ;,'■:.. !i iic i\ :VS. Gsl R. Bent, 32 h»ad. .-211 • Vv .T. Taylor, 6 head, £13 Is Gd: E. Kelly, \ ;:-i. .:;i' i!.-s. S.ore- ewes and lambs were '•'■■'i*h\ largo numbers, and brought from Us ■ ''■■■ the couple. F:it shosp in average supply, : alifChtly lower in value : 100 were withdrawn in tifi niarket. Fat lambs were veryplenti ; iia brouK'at from 7s Oil to Us, according to ■i"-.v, Pigs were numerous, and dull ot

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

blAILrf" T\"IT.L GLO3E AS USDSK : ~. YiuHTics,t: ■.:.-■ day. at i.30 p.m. and 5.39 p.m.; . i to-morrow, aii.SOp.m. : .••:roina.:ulel, per Ar^yle, on Monday next, ■'•• U;;i:;^Ii, per V, ranaka, this day, at 5 p.m. ,' Waiwera, Xa'iuransji, Matakana, Manga ~.-?ii. >.V;^v : . \vr^:;icravei. and Tt^angaiDai, per X.nnl-5 ..Vli!«a,nk. io-iiiorrc.v, at 10 a.m. " "Viti'i'ua, i>< :• IMoreurj", to-morrow, at noon. - ':li Fitzrcy, per Water Lily, to-morrow, at " 'Vaiirnto, pei' Transit, on Moniiay next, at . " ■■■v;:;-r l per £'•:. KilJa, on Monday next, r ".-• -■■■'-. (-hinr, TuedirerraneP.n Ports, niicl i;ip : ■:;! ol Kurope, United Kingdom, via i-i '•f. and Sonthanvptoc, and via Brindisi, per !v ; .iv. l ij;a. on Monday, loth instant. r liuFsei;, Wansafoa-, and Mongonui, per oils., on Monday < ext. at 1 p.m. i Whitlanea. Tanvansjp.. and Cpotiki, per iov-^i'ia, J1621-.1" ncxf, ;'iip,m. ?■ ■.'"nnernvei Hearts. Waiun, Wangarei, and j.-.:-.'-!»^i. per Arg-gle, on Tuesday next, at! [■""Tf..-nna!ii p.nd Southern "Provinces, per ■'avauaki. on Sttiirda-y, 20th inst., at 12.i0p.m. : ■iiz, (Uty o.^ New York, cv Wednesday, 2Cth ci^t-aiit, a^s ii?'der :— ',■■-.: .-■■<-■ ■■::[ h I^r."d^. United States of Tir-ric*a, Canada, British Columbia, Central .; ■('-. Sr.ut'h America, and British and Foreign '•>s!-. Indie 3, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, and Continent of "Fo;1 *" 'iioney order?, rci'isterccL letters, and ■ ••.-.-s-;-^pers."ai, 9.CJO a.m. Lace letters, bearing ■• ■.■■_;■>. Fes o- G'l. ;n adciition to the po~ta.a;e. r;:; :>;j rcotived by the mail a^ent onboard ;-..u ■-•'"• -i.iit^r a\> xc- the time of sailing. S. S. BISS. (.^iiief Postmaster.

DEATH.

TAYLOR.—On the 12th October, at Conquest Place, after a very short illness, the youngest daughter of Samuel Taylor, aged 5 years. The funeral will leave at half-past 3 o'clock on. Sunday. Friends are invited." CRAW.—On the 11th October, 1877, at his resi dence, Hobsoa-strcet, Mr. Robert Craw, aged CO years. The funeral will leave lii* late residence to morrow (Saturday), at half-past 3 o'clock. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

FRIDAY. OCTOBER 12, 1877.

«. c For iha cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that n«:ds resistance, Fov the future iv the distance, Aad tiiEoccJ that wfce.au do.

An important cable despatch from our London correspondent is published in another column. It appears that the re tirement of Mehcmet Ali along the line of the Jantra has incensed the Constanti nople authorities, and ke ha? been replaced by Sulieman Pasha, whose impetuous fighting qualities arc undoubted, although

his discretion is not quite so unimpeachable. Until later intelligence confirms the an nouncement,we can scarcely believe that the Council of War is so infatuated as to recal a General whose prudence, bravery, and success have been demonstrated in several decisive victories along the river Lorn; but it the report prove true, the re cal must have been brought about by that wretched feeling of jealousy which was known to be at work between the Turkish commanders. The other items are of unusual interest. A severe battle has been fought by Mukhtar Pasha with 3,000 loss — both sides claim victory. A disastrous railway accident with 'heavy loss of life lias occurred in Siberia. Gale, the pedestrian, who hr.s been severely handled by the English press for attempting a 1,500 mile walk in 1,500 hours, has accomplished the extraordinary feat of endurance. The death is announced of Mdlle Titiens, one of the most successful lyric artistes who ever entranced an English audience.

Our. reporter at Wellington, whoso tele grams appear in another column, narrated hourly thronghotit tlie clay tlie progress made" with, the formation of a Ministry. The names certain up to the hour of writing are : Sir George Grey, Premier; Messrs Larnach, Macaudrew, Slicehan, and Colonel Whitmore ; hut tho portfolios to he held by each, although indicated, were not finally determined. When the House meets to-night it will probably he announced that a Ministry has been formed, and a further adjournment will then be asked for. An important on dit, relating to colonial finance, mentioned by our reporter, will excite considerable curiosity. II it he found that the House was misled by the late Government in relation to tho financial condition of New Zealand, the ranks of the new Ministry will doubtless receive con siderable accessions.

Ax Australian cablegram to-day announces that the parliament of New South Wales has been prorogued preparatory tn dissolution. The political dcdlock, which necessi tated this course, is one worthy of atten tion. In a review of New .South Wales politics some time ago we explained at con siderable length that political ascendancy in New South A Vales does not depend in any very great degree on the predominance of any particular set of principles tor the time being in the minds of the electors, but on the relative influence of and popularity of Parkes and Robertson. When I'arkos is down, Robertson is up, and when the waning star ■'of popular favour sinks to Robertson it rises in the political heavens of Parkes. New Zealand, until Vogel's audacity broke the spell, experi enced somethiiigof the same kind in the peri odical alternation of Stafford and Fox, until it became a change of evils in which there was no least, bothbeingefjuallyrepugnant to parliament and the country. It happens, however, that no Vogel has yet been found able to break the spell in New South Wales, despite the coarseness of and political jim-crowism of Sii John Robertson or the dogmatism of Sir Henry Parkca ; and although when the former ousted the latter f<>r generously taking on his own shoulders the odium attaching to the Governor's release of bushranger Gardiner, public feelingwasso strong that for an unusually long period Parkes1 star had set, it again struggled through the clouds of popular dis favour at an early period this session. Nut that the people, or their representatives, had cither forgotten or forgiven, Iml one of Robertson's Cabinet w;u- detected in -;;eh barefaced attempts to bribe members that even the remarkably strong stomach of New South Wales turned. Consequently, Robertson went out, and Parkes came in. Before relinquishing, Sir .John Robertson, like most other condemned offenders, made a desperate clutch for existence, and asked Sir Hercules Robinson to grant v dissolution. His Excellency consented" conditionally upon the House voting supply ; but this being refused Mr Parkes was sent for. His term of office was brief. The Robertson party kept well together, ami in a few weeks, one or two members forsaking their last love, brought about another turn in the wheel of fortune ; the House declaring that if it had no confidence in Sir Julia Robertson j), had likewise none "in Sir Henry Parkes. Oil August 4lh, the Parkes Ministry were defeated, and as the Gov ernor again refused a dissolution, the inevitable Robertson once more went to the helm oi ulfoir.s. Hi.-; term of office extended only from the 15th or" August til! the 20th of September, when adverse votes of the Assembly brought !:ni a second time at the feet oi ;':;■ Hercules, siting for the right of appeal to the people. The Governor, not withstanding tliat'three Ministries had been defeated in as many month*, adhered to his first resolution ; and after an ineffectual at tempt to get supply, the Ministry tendered their resignations, which were accepted. Subsequently, Mr J. '<'. Fun;cll, and then Mr Stuart, attempted to f*.-rni a cabinet, but without success; and when His Excellency was absolutely unable to get other rcsponsihle advisors he invited Sir John Robertson tn withdraw his resignation, and granted him a dissolu tion unconditionally ; which is no-,v on the eve of taking effect. Tho action of Ihe Gov ernor in delegating his prerogative to the Assembly—for so the condition making dissolution dependant on supplies was designated—and in declining to inter fere when it had been demonstrated beyond all doubt that the business of the country could not be carried on, has excited a good deal of adverse comment. It would appear that Ills Excellency,who had burned his lingers before with the " fickle populace," and was suspected of having personal leanings in the matter of Minis terial advisers, exercised an unusual and extreme caution in bringing his prerogative to bear on the situation when no great question was as issue ; and ho only did so when no other course was left open to him.

We are glad to learn that arrangements have been made for the thoroughbred entire Mangle to .stand for the season at the Ellerslie Hotel stables. This horse is by the great sire Traducer. He is four years old, and just developing into a magnificent animal for breeding thoroughbred stock. It would be a loss to the provincial district if such an animal were allowed to be sent away into another part of the colony. An advertisement giving the full pedigree and the terms of subscription will shortly appear.

Another respected correspondent in the interests of the North Shore says :—"Now that the Ferry Company has so liberally thrown open such facilities for the con venience of residents and visitors to the pretty suburb of Devonport, allow me, sir, to oiler a word of suggestion and warning to those in authority. There is not a spot, perhaps, in Auckland, possessing such defective drainage as the North Shore. Now that the warm weather is coming on, unless something is done by the Highway Board, the place will be posi tively a stink pot. The paltry cuttings, called sewers, lying open to the sun, are at the present hour sending forth stenches too horrible to describe. A short time ago I was made very ill for two days by the bad and putrid smells arising from one of these. If the Health Officer will only look at the sewer in the street leading up to the Key Mr Bates' house, running out and passing right over the pathway, lie will there get a perfume that he will fail to describe. It is no wonder that so many persons and children and visitors get ill so soon when they live here a short time. Sir, it is no use to cloak the sec-et ; the tendency to diphtheria and other infectious disorders is great amongst the residents at the North Shore. Why should visitors be enticed to come over to live in summer, to be vic timised with bad smells ? The remedy is easy. Let Mr O. Mays and the Highway Board do their duty. Let the proper officer inspect, and all will be well."

The entertainment of tho children of the Convent select school of Parnell, provided by the Sisters of Mercy yesterday afternoon, was of a pleasing character, and witnessed by a number of parents of the children, and other visitors. The Very Rev Father Fynes presided, supported by Revs. Walter Macdonald, Paul, O'Reilly, and Golden. The little drama of n "School for Daughters " was performed very creditably, and the accompanying music was highly at tractive. At the close of the performance the following pupils received prizes at the hands of Father Fynes -.—First Class : Miss Weaver, Miss Mitchell, Misses Avey, Elkin, Slator, McDcrmott, llayden, Cau nell, Croker, Brennen, Lewis, Oldham, Moron, Francis, Fit/;, Miss ~11. George, Second Class : Misses A. George, F. Mitchell, MoClennan, M. Molloy, M. Lewis, Heron, 11. Brennen, M. Kilfoyle, Gearn, Maule, M. Moron. Third Class : Misses M. Slator, G. George, J. Mitchell, M. Odium, Grange, S. Taylor, Lynch. Fourth Class : Misses P>. Elkiu, M. Austin, A. Fitz, Ycates, Austin, Hampton, E. George, M. Austin, Herd Plunkett, Gavin, Croker, A. Taylor, J. Moron, and A. Robin son. The whole linished with the National Anthem.

Six mouths ago an extract from a German publication appeared in the STAR on the proper way to preserve eggs. The material employed is known as waterglass, and is composed of silicic acid, soda, and lime. The chemical affinity of silicic acid and soda is so great that if waterglass is brought into contact with it a silicate of ]ime is almost instantaneously formed, and the soda set free. Its application to the shells of eggs covers them With a .skin of glass, by the combination of their lime with the silicic acid it contains ; the pores are effectually closed to tho admission of aii-, and the eggs can be kept for a con siderable time without undergoing any change. The experiment of preserving eggs according to directions in that extract has been successfully tried by Mr Thomas Kelly, who resides next door to Mr Purchas, in Symonds-strcet. Mr Kelly has taken considerable trouble in the matter, and has left a, sample of the eggs which have been subjected to this mode, of treatment! at our office. Thosu eggs fully retain their ilavour and freshness. Mr Kelly has succeeded with the solution according to the German text admirably, and will not object to let any person into the secret who may favour him with a call. Thursday next, 18th instant, will be a red-letter day in the annals of Otahuhu, for on that day, at 10a.in., the district school committee lias decided to open the new school-house. The school accommodation of Utahuhu has heretofore been very wretched ; the present commodious and convenient building will supply a great want. The district, may now be congratu lated on possessing two elements of progress : a well-built school-house, and ;■.. snug teacher's residence adjoining. The Artillery, Engineer, and Naval Brigade Companies underwent their monthly inspection parades last evening i;i the Drill-shed. The Artillery, under command of Captain Burns, Lieut. Payne, and Sub- Lieut. NY. Norrie, mustered 40 men; Engineers,4o, under Captain Anderson, and Lieut. Kitchen ; and tlieNsival Brigade, 30, under Captain Le Hoy, Lieut. Chapman, and Sub-Lieut Parker. The three Companies subsequently formed iiito a Jine and were exercised by Major Lusk. Tin; bands wcre'in attendance ; and, at the cluse, marched through the town discours ing sweet music. The shareholders of the Hibernian Diind held another of their usual monthly select quadrille entertainments at the Cook-s!rcct Hall. Their patrons and friends all thoroughly seemed to enjoy themselves to their entire satisfaction. There were no less than thirty couples present; in fact, the assembly last evening was the largest that had met together (o enjoy themselves in the Cook-street Hall since the formation of this popular hand ; and the young ladies ;aid gentlemen anxiously inquired when the next one would be held. The dance music was under the direction of Mr J. P. Luuergitn ; and this well-known young gentleman ac quitted himself in the usual style. .Mr J. Patterson acted the responsible part "f M. C.,;uid as the gentlonian's capabilities and manner of pleasing all arc so well-known, it is unnecessary to say more on the subject. The shareholders and band indeed deserve much credit for these very select quadrille parties, which are carried out in such a. decorous and orderly manner. The official inquiry into the cause of the lati; lire at the \Vhau Lunatic Asylum be fore Doctor Skac, Inspector of Asylum*, and B. .McLean, Esq., late Inspector of the Whau Asylum, is being continued in tho ollice of Mr McLean. It is expected that the examination of the witnesses will close to-morrow. The following witnesses have given evidence : —Miss Campbell, nuive ; Miss Woonton, night nurse; Mrs Donald son, nurse; Mrs Longdill, matron; Mr Owen, night attendant ; Mr Woodloek, at tendant ; Mr Wilkington, senior attendant ; Mr Hardy, attendant; Mr Lowry, keeper. The facts elicited are the same as those pro duced at the inquest of the unfortunate in mate who was burned to death. The practice of the choirs of the churches of Auckland and Onckunga was held last evening in St Paul's Cathedral Church, preparatory to the grand choral festival on Monday next. There was a large attend ance of members and visitors,and the clergy of the several churches were also present. The practice consisted of selected hymns and the fine anthem from the 76th Psalm, "In Jewry is God Known." Messrs Beale and Swallow alternately presided at the organ. The practice was satisfactory and promising.

Ad unromantic elopement has thrown the entire city of Newark (U.S.) into an excitement. When Mrs Bruderfels, a newly married lady of fashion, returned to her handsome cottage at the head of Orchard street from her stay at Catskill, she rang the door-bell repeatedly without eliciting a response, until the hackman carrying her and her baggage intimated an intention of charging for additional time, when a little girl informed her that the lady and gentle man of the house had gone away in a carriage. For a moment she imagined having stopped at the wrong residence, but, trying' her night-key, she opened the door, and caused her baggage to be deposited ill the hall. Striking a light, and turning on the gas, she explored the vacant house, and discovered the bed occupied by her waiting maid, a beautiful Creole from Louisiana, to be deserted, with evident marks of having been the recent receptacle for two. Worse than that, the fugitive had left behind her a casket, which she highly treasured. The suspicious wife opened the box and perused its contents, letters addressed to the creole Louise, affording the clearest evidence of the husband's duplicity and infidelity. One epistle afforded a key to the entire con spiracy, through directing the creole, his first and only love, to advertise for a situ ation as lady's companion, when he would insure his wife to engage her, so that their intimacy might not be suspected. Finally, in her own room, Mrs Bruderfels discovered a confession from her unworthy spouse in forming her that, although he had married

to please his family, his heart had not gone with his hand, consequently lie had re joined his earliest flame. For her consola tion at his loss, Bruderfels however took the precaution of leaving securities and money to the amount of §10,000 ; a small sum, as he is reported to be wealthy.

We frequently receive very extraordinary queries, and have heard of ridiculous bets, but the f allowing is one of the most curious : —" Sir, —Would you kindly oblige by deciding the following : A bets B that the last word of the first line in the Sabre Song of the Grand Duchess is spelt "Messiah" ; B bets it is "my sire." The line is: 'Lo ! here the sabre of Messiah (or my sire.') — Yours, &c., A Constant Reader.' " [The author wrote "my sire," but "me sigh yah " will answer all the requirements of a refined boarding-school pronunciation. —Ed. E.S.]

We notice that Mr James Stodart has succeeded to the soorotaryship of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

A two-mile steeplechase, under the auspices of the Tradesmeus' Athletic Club, -will tako place at Ellerslie Gardens to morrow at 2.30 p.m.

A telegram from Timaru announces that Mr Goodall, C.E., has been chosen oivt of nine applicants for the office of Engineer to the Timaru Harbor Board, and we also understand that his design received the £100 prize. Many friends at Auckland and the Thames will be glad to hear of Mr Goodall'sjj success, and the Timaru Board may congratulate themselves upon having secured a thoroughly qualified man.

The leases of two parcels of Crown land were sold to-day by Mr Tole, at the Crown Lands Office. (1) Part of lot 34, North Head ot Marnikau, containing 895 acres, to Mr Joseph Howard, for £15 per annum for .three years. (2) portion of Awakanae Block, Corornandcl to Mr John Lynch, £5 per annum for live years. Both were leased for pasturage purpose only. The dispute between Mr Keane, of the Thistle Hotel, and Mr Herbert Roberts, the billiard player, in respect of a contract, lias been amicably arranged, Mr Roberts having acknowledged that a mistake had been made through his agent. The parti culars of the arrangement were of a private nature. Mails for the Australia Colonies, per Claude Hamilton, close on Monday, loth inst., at 11. a.m.. at Hokitika.

At the annual meeting of the Excelsior Cricket Club the following officers were duly elected for the season : —Mr J. Ellyett, President; It. F. Webster and S. Weston, vice-Preaidents ; F. Rowe, Secre tary ; 11. Potter, Treasurer.

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

MEHEMET ALi RECALLED. Severe Battle in Asia Minor. Terrible Railway Accident. (FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON CORRESPONDENT.) LOxNDON. October 4. Mehemet Ali, being unsuccessful (in his operations against tho Czarevritch at Bicla) has been recalled. Sulieman Pasha siiccoeds him. Eachiof ('? Raouf Pasha) assumes command at Shipka. Russian telegrams state that the Turkish army in Armenia, under Muhktar Pasha, has been defeated, with 3000 loss. A fearful railway accident has oc curred in Siberia, by which four hun dred prisoners were killed.

.Madame Tit.iens. the great operatic singer, has died of dropsy.

Mukhta Pasha Claims Victory.

Exte&or&iaaxy Pedestrian Peat. LONDON. October 7. A telegram from Mukhtar Pasha claims a victory, with 3000 loss, in the late battle. Gale, the pedestrian, lias performed the imnai'allelecl feat of walking fifteen hundred miles in fifteen hundred hours. [REUTEII'.S TKLEGUMI PER PRESS A.OEXCT . a(;knt-(;kneiial's telegrams. SSeSiemot All's Beeal Goaiiisiscl Gthez- olmags3. Tinl Agent-General's message, dated London, (sth, .says : — Great changes have Leon made in tho command of both armies. Ivotestree has been appointed chief of the Russian staff. Todlebon will direct the siege of Plevna. Mehemet AH lias been recalled, Sulieman Pasha succeeding in the chief command. Eaouff Pasha commands at Shipka. There has been no important battle for the last fortnight, but a prolonged and yet undecided battle is proceeding before Kars. The Russians are carefully preparing for the winter campaign.

A Midnight Blaze.

A TARNELL DWELLING TOTALLY BURNT.

A FEW minutes after twelve o'clock last night the house of Mr Wilson, artist, stand ing in its own grounds, at the hack of Rutland-street (Parncll), on the slope run ningl down to St. George's Bay Road, was found to ho on fire. Mr and Mrs Wilson and two children were in the house at the time, and had all retired to rest. At ahout a quarter to twelve Mr Wilson got up, and went into the kitchen for something for the children. There was a fire hanked up in the American stove, but it was well secured, and there was no appearance of anything wrong then. He returned to bed and immediately fell asleep, hut it appeared only a few minutes before he was roused by Mrs Wilson, who called his atten tion to a noise resembling the crackling of flames. He immediately jumped up and ran down the passage into the kitchen, from whence the sounds seemed to proceed. On openingthe door he found the kitchen full of sinoke,and one side of it in flames. He saw at once that it was of no use trying to put them out, and closing the door he ran back to the bedroom, which was in the front of the house, looking down the elope, with a small room, in which the children slept, adjoining it. Mrs Wilson and the little oues hastily put on some things, and were removed into safety, and then Mr Wilson raised the alarm. For some minutes no one answered his cries. He then jumped over the hedge into Mr Walter Hill's back garden on the Rutland Road side of the grounds, and called that gentleman, who quickly came oxxt, and was the first 011 the spot. The two began to remove the furniture ; for although the fire was still confined to the kitchen, which is built on to the house in the form of. a separate wing at the back, it was evident that there was no chance of extinguishing it. Mr Wilson first made for an eight gallon tin lot kerosene, which was close to the kitchen door. This was brought out, and placed at a safe distance in the garden. Sergeant Jackson was the next to arrive, and closely following him came the local constable and several residents in the immediate neighbourhood. The work of removal was carried on with a will, and as—owing to the calmness of the night—the flames did not spread with very great rapidity, almost everything of value was got out, and deposited in the. garden. The scene was one of great grandeur at one

o'clock, -when the conflagration was about at its height. Tlio houso, which contained seven rooms, was very old, and the timbers burnt like tinder. Had there been a breeze the Dnilding would have been consumed in a quarter of an hour. Round the house are some tine blue gum and other trees. _ Two or three of these in immediate contiguity caught fire and were severely burnt. The illuminated appearance of the branches was very pretty. ' The sparks aud smoke ascended in a great column straight up. The falling flakes of fire threatened some danger to the surround ing houses, but a watch was kept on these by the police, firemen, and others, and there was no extension of the destruction. The Fire Brigade under Mr Supt. Hughes arrived on the scene as soon as they could be reasonably expected, con sidering the distance from town, and al though they were powerless to check the flames they were very useful in beating out the ignited bushes, and preventing the toppling beams from falling outwards. A curious feature to be noticed during the early part of the conflagration was the sight of Mrs Wilson's two little ones seated ou the top of a dog kennel with their little faces all aglow with the reflection of the flames, and laughing with all their might at the pretty picture. By half-past one the house had disappeared, and only a mass of burning embers remained in its place. The crowd gradually dispersed, and at two o'clock about tkc only persons left on the scene were the guardian con stable of the district, and the unfortunate tenants. Mr Wilson and family were kindly accommodated for the night at Mr Hill's. The destroyed house belonged to Mr Gisbornc, M.H.K., and was occupied by Mr Wilson, on a lease which has yet three years to run. The hou.se was insured for £200 in the London and Liverpool and Globe Insurance Office, and the furniture for £100 in the South British. We noticed that there was a total absence of available water on the spot, ho that an accident which bofel the Brigade on starting from their station, viz., the break-down of their hose reel, was not of much importance.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROZI OUR SPECIAL REFGETEB.)

[BY ELECTIUC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, yesterday. T&o Kbetioa of Biv Gaorga Sroy.

At the caucus, yesterday, 38 attended, besides the following represented : Sir George Grey, who remained at his hotel; Mr O'llorke, who is ill, and sent an apology ; Mr Lusk, who has gone to Auckland ; Mr Tairoa, who has gene South ; and Mr J. E. Brown. Mr J. S. Macfarlane was not present, but he did uot attend the meet ing of Auckland members called by Mr Whitaker. The meeting opened with a discussion as to Sir William Fitzherbert's claims to the Premiership. Mr Travera desired the meeting to pledge itself to request Sir William Fitzherbert to become Premier, and support him if he accepted ; but Mr Wood spoiled this move by tabling a reso lution pledging the meeting to use every endeavour during the remainder of the session to keep the Atkinson Ministry out of oliiee, whatever new Ministry might be appointed. This was agreed to unani mously. Messrs Larnach, Kolleaton, Travers, and others, then urged the claims of Sir William Fitzherbert, and intimated that Sir George Grey would not accept office. MR DIGNAN EXPLAINS. Mr Dignan said this was a mistake. He was well aware that Sir George Grey did , not desire cilice for the sake of any emolu ment, but was quite willing to accept office it' a majority of the meeting desired it, and 1 would pledge themselves to supporthim. Ec j (Mr Dignau) would not only give this as his opinion, but was in a position to state it authoritatively, as lie knew posi tively what Sir George Grey's inclinations were. He believed Mr Larnach had boon entirely misinformed as to Sir George Grey's willing:?p?s +(; lead the party, Mr Header Wood followed Mr Dignan, and said th .>ugh lie could not speak authori tatively he could say that from his personal knowledge of Sir George Grey, he would be willing to lead a party if called upon by v majority of the meeting. These announcements appeared to astonish many present at the meeting. A proposal was then made to submit the vote for the ejection' of the leadership to the ballot. MR TRAVERS MISSES SOME THING. Messrs Johnston, llolleston, Travers, Curtis, Sharp, and Brandon then left the meceting. Mr Travers appeared much disgusted, and on leaving the buildings said in the hearing of some newspaper reporters, "Why, it's a perfect farce." Mr Travers appears to be much disappointed at having missed something on which he had reckoned. The vote was then submitted by ballot, when out of thirty-two present twenty-seven voted for the appointment of Sir George Grey, and five against. This twenty-seven, with five absent, makes thirty-two votes. Mr Ballance supported Sir George Grey in the staunchest manner. Immediately after the vote the meeting requested Mr Dignan to see Sir George Grey, and ascertain whether he would be willing to accept the Premiership. Mr Thomson, chairman of the meeting, and Mr Larnach followed, and Sir George Grey requested a quarter of an hour to con sider his decision. Meantime he had an interview with Mr Macandrew.

THIS BAT.

DISSOLUTON TO BE ASKED

FOR.

Sir George Grey will wait on the Governor to-day, and ask for a promise of dissolution in the event of being deserted by an adverse vote, or being nnable to carry the measures necessary before the close of the session. Ho will then be able to form a strong Ministry. Mr Sharp, one of the six who walked out, has since had a friendly interview with Sir George Grey. Mr Brandon is not unfriendly to Sir George Grey. It is believed that in the event of a promise of a dissolution being obtained, no fewer than twelve members of the House, not now reckoned amongst Sir George Grey's party, will support him rather than seek another election with the certainty of being rejected. FORMATION OP THE NEW MINISTRY. 10.35 p.m. No Ministry is formed yet. Arrange ments are progressing. Sir George Grey has not scon the Governor yet. THE NEW MINISTRY. 12.5 p.m. The Ministry arranged so far is as fol lows :— Sir George Grey, Premier. MrLakxach, Minister of Public Works. Me Sheehan, Native and Defence Minister, and Minister of Justice. Colonel Whitmore, Colonial Secre tary. Mb MACANDREWj Minister of Lands and Immigration. 12.25 p.m. Mr Larnach has gone to inform the Governor that the new Ministry will be formed by this evening. 12.30. MR MONTGOMERY. Mr Montgomery! had been selected as

Premier by a considerable finding that difficulties arose ih l i bu'' supported Sir George Grey L ! 10. yJ% his own chances. ° S ir GeorgeVf^ warmly supported by Mr°Mm2 Was at the meeting yesterday. Mr g\?eiy gomery is considering the J ?- nt" of accepting the portfolio of TrX! o °n oflcred him by Sir George Grey ™f er folio of Postmaster and T^War,fc rv p0? ---sinner lie, between Mr &$%3S£T^ No Law officer will bo appointed for +1?» arp> sent. "' w -epr&,

MR BALLANCE Mr Ballance was ottered the portfolio ami declined. He has promised to give in wavering support to the new Ministry 0 * they avoid such extremes as Separation

It appears the allotment of portfolio • not finally settled, with the ffi 1 the Premiership, held by Sir fw£ n of but the offices held by Messrs W.T Sheehan, Whitmorc, md Macnndrc£s& probably be as previously telegraphed The names hr.ye been submitted to £ Governor, and approved. the

The names previously telegraphed^;., be sworn m at noon to-morrow.

Jk Discovery. On dit that Major Atkinson has discov ered since the adverse vote that he lm been misinformed regarding the onr,\ state of/the li.ances %i the-Vony, S are i.ot in such a satisfactory condition^ represented in the last financial statement and that he will to-night, or on a?S occasion, make a statement to that efiWt The practice has been to leave evervthinv! in the hands of Mr Button, and iSS rely on his representations. •>

In the House to-night Mr Larra-h will make a statement it it lie advised th Governor to send for .Sir George Grey s George Grey will appoint the names of ih Ministry. The names of the Ministry-2 be gazetted to-morrow. ■

The House will tr-night adinurn vm;] Tuesday when the nJw "Minist^^g ready for ousmess.

[Per Press Agency],

PRESS AGEING ST VERSION. It is stated on good authority that affer various attempts by Mr Larnach to form a Ministry, at a meeting yesterday afternoon it was finally carried by a majority of 2"? to 5 that .Sir George Grey should be'entrusted with the leadership; and a furtherresolution carried that Sir George Grey should inform the Governor he was prepared to form a Ministry on condition that the Governor would grant, a dissolution if Sir George Grey could not command a majority in the Houso. Sir George Grey accordingly will probably wait on the Governor to-day and inform the House of the result, which will bo made known this evening

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. BarstowEsq., E. M.) " ALL-A-GRCATING."

Joseph Osborne, the well-known flower gatherer, was brought up on a charge of being drunk last evening in the serene glades of Parnell. Joseph pleaded guilty ; he was just a little .so-so. According to the facts, Joseph was found by Serjeant Jackson, fancying himself a child of the spring ; lie was making a great noise, singing the old Whitcchapel chant, " Primroses nil a-blowing, all a-grcnving." Fined 10s and costs. A SAD CASE. The young girl Margaret Moran was again brought up under the Vagrant Act charged with having 310 visible lawful means of support. It appeared that the young girl, who was of prepossessing features, was utterly beyond the control of her parents; and was leadincr an immoral life. The prisoner pleaded guilty in a firm voice. Mrs Moran, the mother of the girl, stood weeping, and desired his Worship to give the girl one more chance ; she had a good home, and might be very comfortable, But she was of a wild turn, to the sorrow of he* parents. His Worship : Margaret Moran, will you go to prison, or go home. Prisoner : I will ,^0 home, sir, if you please. His Worship said he would allow her to go home this time, but if she appeared in Court again she would be sent to prison for six mouths. The Kenteuce would stand against her. THE O'MEAEA AND HIS ILLEGITIMATE CHILDBBK. William O'Meara was again brought up to shew cause why he should not contribute towards the support of three out of his nine illegitimate children. The mother of the children said that since O'Meara came out of prison on Saturday last, he had been mad drunk, and was uu-' able to attend. He was now ill in bed, raid she was desirous of withdrawing the charget His Worship considered that the bess thing would be to issue a warrant for hi arrest, as a few days in confinement, where he would not have the opportunity of getting drink, might bring him to his i senses. The spirit-broken woman still desired that the case might be withdrawn, as_ he had given her a trifle, and perhaps might I give her more. The charge was withdrawn. THE DAXGEJROTJS CUTTING IN SALE STREET. James McShane was summoned for neglecting to keep a light burning by a dangerous cutting in Sale-street, in conse-, I quence of which neglect several severe accidents had happened. Defendant appeared to regard the charge with perfect indifference, and merely said, I "yes, guilty." I Sub-Inspector Pardy stated the circum stances. The cutting was unprotected, an several persons in Court haji been injured by falling into the open pit. Thomas Brickton, who had nearly dislo cated his neck, came hopping forth, and i Jane Mullins, a young girl, in the sen ice ! of Mrs Wajmonth, with a sprained ankle, i stood up to give testimony. A third witness was unable to reach the Court, and ' did not appear. , ! The-Court imposed a fine of 20s, and 20s 6'd costs, on defendant. CAUGHT BY A RING. Louisa McKenzie, a respectahle-looKttjj person, was charged with stealing a gow 1 ring and gold locket, value £4 ss, tw j property of James Brooks, of the Nortn I Shore, on the 12fch April and 3rd October of the present year. , Mr Hesketh appeared for the defendant and pleaded net guilty. ~ ; Sub-Inspector Pardy said he would as* : for a remand. . i Mr Hesketh said that he should like J have the ease disposed of at once, as ; was simply a case of finding the P^lfv' ! Sub-Inspector Pardy said his knowW lof the case was rather different; there v^ j several charges against the prisoner. I Mr Hesketh said that prisoner was* respectable person, and her husband w3 known as a shipwright of good characw • !He would ask for bail. . ' j Sub-Inspector Pardy said it was arffaj i painful to him to object to bail, b"11* ! cases like the present, where the V TOFzL , had not been found, such a step i necessary. " ij ! Bail was refused, and the case remand imtil to-morrow.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. j William M. Movie, formerly propnetw" the Wharf Hotel, Qucen-stroet, was brou. up on a charge of attempting to coffin suicide on the 11th inst., by hanging up* self, while in a dcsperate'state of^ into» w tion. , . v. Prisoner, who had evidently beendrifl» ing, said he was guilty. J Sub-Inspector Pardy asked for a reow for the advantage of all parties. W'A obstacle had been put in the <» o f police, aud a few days' quiet would d

rHE EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1877.



£3s A E T N E II S II I P. ■T. KOr.SST CUANWELL, Caeixetmakee, &c, •a.,:. M:-. da;- beer, admitted a MEMBER ol OUJ.V. I:''.r,.'7'l: avi'l, as heretofore, will jlaxa';2 uvj [•■'•inri'iTuriE Department. HOLLOW AY & GAKLICK. !..'-:••,,•' !;7a!i Arcade, A.r.sklncd, October 1, 1377. THE STYLE OF THE FIRM WILL IN FUTURE BE ¥ifPO.ff7^4iv rr NOTICE. M. "Keating introduced STEAM PO WEU i»ro the Manufacture of FURNITURE, v:c are now enabled to Supply our Gus omvrs at GREATLY RED UCED PRICES. T. & 11. COOKIE, QaJyinetmaJcers, Upholstevers, die, &c. %£T SHOW BOOMS. G7, Queen-street. 3 TEAM CABINET FACTORY, Victoria-street. TTHION PIKE AND MARINE IMaURANCB COMPANY OF NEW ZKALAND. MOTICE TO APPLICANTS FOR SHARES. The LETTERS cf ALLOTMENT have been :..s;:r:' ;. mil seU'eiuint ol! Balances will be ~■-■■..■,..," ,ip On presentation of the Letters, and t.ho iv,i^inal receipts, at the Union Bank of A ;•'•.'u; i, where Share Certificates are ready I'ot •!■ -■■■cry upon the Articles of Association ■:■•:: ■■. ;ned. 17; .vl cleXr~Tng-out sale! ,i ■ GIVING UP BUSINESS lIP J. W. PEAB.SE, i)P.APEB, CLOTHIER, ITC, V;"nin 3 ! o inform tbo public that he is lietiriug ■ ■:■; ' '■::.iincs3, on account of thoBKCBNT LO3S t. >■■. ■•.nnily. He will, therefore, offer the ■'Vno;,!-; of his valuable stock for . 'NTH, at an Immense Reduction and ;>avin<^ disposed of his Premises, must . Stack aoTA) by that time. jS?V~ Ni te Address:— ■;:c--k of VULCAN LANE & QUEEN-ST., AUCKIfAND. ':•'. i!. —To Country Storekeepers, Hotelkeepera, .-■:•'•.. ~c . &o.—This is an opportunity seldom met with to secure real liona fide Bargains. SALE TO COMMENCE OX "WEDNESDAY OCTOBKR 10, 1577.



TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £?,00.?,000. A U C X L A Is P B R A N C H : Temporary Offices : QUEKX-S T P. E B T, Next to lUr. G. VT. Binucr's Siori\ FJEE ■OH' >A;rr?T';:xT. Insurances granted on Dvrellins-houses, SBx) i%e B Siior>?. BuiMings in vrliich trade 13 cjlfcvied. on, iierehcnclisb, and Goods of every ascription. MAKKSTE DKPAKTJIKXT. Halls of Ships or Steamers. 3 rereh;i valise of all kinds. Specie anrl ">V"e-ol to Unitocl Kingdom, at Lowest Ccrkhxt Rates. R. IT. STEVENSON, lV[u,n:i;<er. nio AGKIC ULT 'CH ISTS & OT HE itfcj. J. W.VJ. HURST <s: CO. have on sale the undcr menubnedFeitiJixcrs, all of. which have bean proved to produce ■•-.itisfaotovy results in tliia district". Experience teaches that large and profitable return.-; can bo relied op by a judicious and liberal use. oi them. The fiati/ovin^ Testi monials from leading Farmers .i-isii;1/ \V. J. xlurst & Co. ir. ptrong'y commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELL'S r-ONKKLOUT^ i and -5-inch BONEDUST HILLY Xkmjh No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MUTMAT^ O^ POTASH SUP.k^-PIKWE'T-iATW OF L7M?:. SALT, SULPHATK OF LIME. In ad-i.it low to .'ho above, Yv". .1. H. 5: Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for st'mu^VinsrVeak'Oorn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so ranch favourable notice. Analysis, price.-. a-.;l other particulars will do supplied on application at tho Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101 oUEKN-S TitX ET, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING oO'.v'ING Just L.\no?cx ex Co&ttmbus— SO casks now Clovers, eousistmg of Red Clover White Glover CovrG-ras Also en hand, Alsyhe. Timothy, Lucerne. Rape, "Rats-t iil, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rate.3. W. J. lIUJRST & CO. §103, QUEEN-STP. EE T. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) SOUO ~ Oati First-class Tiu-tp.rs for Seed, also 800 sacks or' 1375 crop hard toed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and sonic early varieties tor saed purposes Flonr, Bran, Sharps, Chaff1, Oilcake, Coal &c. '*:"C-. Particrtlar attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Barley at '■.; per Vishft! of 601b. 5 toi'iS Anderson's Fi'esh uatmeal, at £21 per ton. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEX-STRKET, AUCKLAND. EAPERY AND IyLOTEING SPRING AND SUMMER TRADE. The undersigned are now'opening up supplies of NEW GOODS for the incoming Season, comprising :— New Prints, in T?r\ n.+ variety of pattern anl style. from -Vu\ per yard Very Choice Brocaded Prints, quite new designs While Satin Strinecl Broriadcd Muslins Japanese Silks, very choice A nice assortment of .Black Silks, unusually good value, from 3s Gd ivr yard A Varied and Oar sfully-gelectcd Stock of New Fancy Dress Materials Black ami Coloured Lustres in variety, and General Drapery Goods of every descrip tion. A Job Line of Heavy Brown Holland o'. Old per yarn , "B'J:".:'.ee oi ijas' Seasons Drc? ;..oous and Joo Linos at very greatly Reduced Hates, to Job Lo: of large-sized Honeycomb Towels at Gd each. i+ yards long Every Requisite in Furnishing Drapery. Carpets in variety. Curtains. Blind Muslins, "Window Holland, Damask, Sheetings, all makes. Toilet Covers, Coloured and While Quiits and Counterpanes Blankets, a!! sizes, unusually cheap. Sec, &c. A Large Stock of Calicoes, of best in tikes, always an hand. Grer Calico t'roin. :M per yard "White Calico from i}r! ner yard Every Description, or Clothing for Boy.s' and Men Tweeds', Corduroy, Moleskin, strong material, for Boys' wear. ■r. in he 5 allowed on all Cash Purchases of KOs, and upwards. P.UEHI2ROOK & BIUDCniAX, Junction Drapery Warehouse, UPPKR QUEKX-r-TRKHT, ax ckx '.vri.: -yXT E A lIE X 0 W SIIOW IN (i SHIPMENT of O"00DS, Pur < SAaI MENDEL.' J. COSGRAVE & CO. LOVES ! GLOVES! ! GLOVES! ! JU & T OPEN ED. A CASE of Two-Button KID GLOVES At 3/9 per pah". W. R A TTRAY, DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, ■\TEW ZEALAND TJ OUS E, GG, QUEESr-STEEET, AUCKLAKD. A Gaol is the proper p?aco for counterfeiters, and particularly those who poison the com munity by palming oif delotorious liquor sea soned wifh some pernicious drujras that salutary and standard cordial Ucolpuo Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Sohttapps. rJ'o render the ini auity more plausible, the rogues use empty bottles of the genuine and imitate the labels. Be on the alert and so avoid being imposed upon.