SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

lIIGTT TV \T^'R ' This Afternoon, 1.15 * ' Tr.-mr.rrnw Morning, 1.53 ST;N RF.T.—TTiists-onins. 7.15. SUN Tc-inorroTr Msi-r.irig 4.57. MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, 15th, 1.7 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

uzc-y:i. oaj-a;,f.ins, Mo.Knnrin. from Adelaide Opyiiiii, s aeoner. Karri?. f:-cx-i ■'ji^borne Fairy, sctooaar, froaj the Coast

DEPARTURES.

JJ^:*-. 9-S.. Lpsan, for Sjdney and Melbourne janiaya, barque, for ChIT.-» HineTTiba,- Sort, steam yacht, Fairchiid, for \; BUin^ton ; Rapjdo,barque (from RangitotO Channel) for Fanny Kelly,- ketch, for Wangaroa

IMPORTS.

o^.i '-"J\l ui" lr°m Adelaide: 20W bags -wheat, g?° bags flour, US bags bark, 22 cases almond 3, -SI cases jam, ~D. H. McKenzie, Agent.

DEPARTURE OF THE HERO.

fi - J5; 3- Hero ieft for Sydney and Melbourne "is afternoon between one and two o'clock. Saloon to Sydney : Rev. Mr. and .v:-3. ooraford, Rf : v. G. Brown, Mrs. Hopkins ami family (2), Mrs. E. Isaacs, Mrs. Jones; Alessra E O. Boon, A. E. Isaacs. E. Wright. » noon to Melbourne: Mr. and Mrs. Cousins, Mr. jbi-irrjett, Steerage to Sydney: 31. Steerage to ■Mclooui-ns: 7.

j^ Ti\° 9,overriment steamer. Hinemoa left to-day r~i t;jlington. ~ rH§ barque Rapido was towed out to sea by • x<9£ r-v Company?: steamer Tairmi this raorn |p.?. the steamer left her outside Tin Tiri, and ,*ne vessel would no doubi, get a good offing by Hi.-i evening. .^he steamer Eclipse conveyed a large number or vj.suors to and from the Sapphire yesterday. J.ne schooners Saxon and Atalante are loading MLyttelton for this port. iiio barquenfcine Emu, now daily expected irom Leruka, is advertised to return thither four uay.s uirer arrival. rlh.-. schooners Jessie Henderson for Levnka, s"?.™° Josephine for New Caledonia, have nnianed loading-,; and are to sail to-morrow, weather permitting. It will be semi from our telegrams that the schooner Transit has won the challenge race aiiriin;? out of the late schooner race at the I-ytt^iton regatta. The former victor X.X.X. vvao second. Mr .Tagger has this morning sent a leiegram to the captain of the Transit, giving mm permission to sail another match if there is any dispute over the last one. ai T • kn^anfine Mary Webster arrived at Adelaide the day before the Oceola left. «Jr iej?n®antine> Oceola, arrived from Adelaide trtns afternoon. Captain Mathews reports that rIV V'Vi le on 18th December, experienced Jigm S.J2. winds to Bass Straits, then strong westerly for three days, then light S.E. till nth January when Cape Maria Van Dieman was 5? «a> from thence strong easterly breeze to the i oor Knfehta, then light and variable along tne coast. Brings one Passenger.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

M.&SUS will Close as Under :—

r or i iiamea, tnis day, at 5.30 p.m. For Cororaandel, per Lalla Rookh, to-morrow, at 1.30 p.m. F°r T^evuka, (Fiii), per Jessie Henderson, this day, at i p.nru For Russell, Wfingaroa, and Mongonui, per iona. this day, at 4 p.m. For y/ai wara, Kawaii, and Matakana, per Annie _MilbanK, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei and Mansrapai, per Arg/le, to-morrow, at *i p.m. I'or \v hitianga. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowpp.a, on Wednesday next, at 4 p.m. For j ryphena, iper Three Brotlicrs, this day, at 4.30 p.m. Per MawHa, on Tuesday. Oth January, as nnfler:— .

For fridfa, China, Mediterranean ports, and UonnnenS of Europe, at noon. 1!.)!' Tnraria'vi Southern Provinces, and Australian Coionies, United Kingdom, viu Suez arna Sioutlißmpton, (for letter.? specially ndrircss-^IK at ! p.m. ]< or United Kingdom, via Brindiai. and lahe id tcr-i for .Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at I.2o'ji.Tn. For money orders, registered letters, and TißTvajj.ipcrs,..if;']! a.m.

S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

ATKINSON.—On the 2nd instant, at her re sidence. Upper Queen-street, the wife of Mr. It. Atkinson (late H.M.C.) of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

PETERS—WOODS.—On the Ist instant, at the residence of the bride's parents, by the Rev. Dr. Wallis, Robert Peters, eldest son of the late Mr. George Peters, of the Capo of Good Hope, to Jane Anne, tbe eldest daughter ot Jonathan Woods, Newton.

BRENXAN—GALLAGHER.—On the Ist inst, at Otahuhu, by the Rev. Father O'Hara, Henry Brennan, eldest surviving son of Mr. E. W. Brennan, of Albert-street, to Elizabeth, fifth daughter of Mr. F.Callagher, of Otahuhu.

DEATH.

WADDEL.—On January 6, at her residence, Hobson-street. Elizabeth, the loved wife of William K. Waddel, aged 12 years. The funeral will leave to-morrow (Tuesday), the Oth instant, at 3 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 1877.

Tot the icavse that lacks assistance For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance,

And the g-ood that -we can do.

Seven years ago to-day, when the Star, feeble and friendless, flickered into life, people shook their heads and prophecied a sickly and brief career. Its infant life waa menaced by neglect, and for several months 250 copies nightly completed the record of its circulation. And then when it dis covered signs of vigorous vitality, and shewed its ability to kick and bite, and exhibited an independence that distin guished it from the journalism which had theretofore been known in Auckland, Borne said " this thing must be put down ;" but withal the fearless, good-humoured little stripling grew in favour, and developed a more robust strength under the lierce buffettings that beset its advent on the troubled sea of public opinion, than would ever have been gained from a more tender nurture. It is but just to acknowledge that through all the storms which have marked the career of the Star, we have never had occasion to complain of the generosity, the liberality and kindly appreciation of the great mass of the : | people of Auckland. Upon re-perusing ! the retrospective articles which we have annnally indulged in on onr natal anniversaries we find the proofs of tin:; encouragement displayed in an uninterrupted progressiveness. And so it was that the 250 copies of our early issue had grown to 3,650 nightly in January, 1875; in January, 1876, notwithstanding the intervention of strong opposition, then umber had increased to 4,700, and our last issue for the present year (1877) was 5,281 copies.. Twelve months ago we expressed our belief that the city circulation, judged on the. basis of population, had almost reached its extreme possible maximum, and on referring to our publishing books we find that the growth latterly has' been mainly in the country. The greatly improved means of communica tion have enabled us to materially extend our country circle of subscribers, fur nishing them with the six daily issues at the same price as that charged for a single copy oi the weekly paper ; and we have no hesitation in throw ing-open our publishing books for a com parison of our purely country circulation with that of our combined morning contem poraries. The causes which have con tributed to this unprecedented journalistic success are not obscure or difficult to seek. We lay no claim to infallibility, but we do to honesty, and a sincere desire to treat all . public questions impar tially and equitably, without fear, favour, or affection. We owe no allegiance -to person or party, except so far as we believe they represent what is right and for the good of the whole community. We say withou^hesitation, and with some little pride, that no man, whatever his circum stances, has brought his grievance to the Star without receiving the same consider ation as would have been accorded to the wealthiest of our supporters. This has been a prolific source of offence ; and lias in many instances caused us serious pecuniary loss ; but we are satisfied that it is the foundation on which the influence and'prosperity of the Star rests, and that a policy of fawning and flattery, of truckling to wealth and posi: tion, is as unprofitable as it is despicable. The interests of selfishness and of honour are, as we have found after a seven years' experience, so singularly united on the one side that there is no temptation to swerve to the other. The policy announced in our issue of the Sth of January, 1873, embodies the maxims which have guided and will continue to guide the conduct of the Star. " It has been the aim of the conductors of this journal to achieve the alleged impossi ble feat of steering a course perfectly inde pendent of party, and we do not hesitate to appeal to our columns in proof of our asser tion that we admit allegiance to neither party, person, or interest, and that with perfect impartiality and fearlessness we have assailed wrong under whatever protection it may have been sheltered. This course we pursued when it was with tho EVENING Star the day of very small tilings, and when but little might have quenched its rays in darkness, and this inde pendent course we shall continue to pursue now,' when there is hot a power in the province which we need fear to grapple. Our commendation and con sure we have distributed wit)) great iropjJ'&lity, and. we believe tisore is no pnbhc smh or lwtitß&& & tlw fifty \m kv% gw«d k j# &

in accordance with merit and demerit in the particular circumstances in question." As revenue warranted, we have repeatedly made improvements in the paper, increased the literary and mechanical ptatF, and the amount of reading matter given in. each

'issue. We have spared no expense in making our telegram and news columns complete and reliable. And we have now to promise our readers an enlargement of the paper and an earlier delivery so soon as the large printing macitiuo, which, after many vexatious delays, is now sixty days on its journey to this city, arrives. We are not ungrateful for the past or unmindful of its teachings, and in entering upon the eighth year of our existence a3 -a. journal we have -only to repeat the assurance that the Star will still live :—■ For the cause that lacka assistance, For the wrong' that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

RETRENCHMENT at last ! and not before it had become an imperative necessity. For years past the annually recurring promise of retrenchment has been made immediately prior to, and during the session of Parlia ment, but always the promise has been more honoured in the breach than in the observance. While the cry of economy has been heard, salaries and offices have still gone on increasing in- amount and number, until they Haft reached such dimensions that at length retrenchment became a stern necessity of existence. The curtailment of salaries, and the climinishmont of offices must be at -all times grievously unpopular, with this •or that section, and there have been periods in the Parliamentary history of N<wv Zealand, when any attempt to enforce official .re trenchment on an extended scale, would have cost the Ministry of the day their seats. Theoretically, and in public speeches, mem bers have advocated economy, while practically and by private pressure brought to bear on Ministers, they have increased the public burdens. Economy was a most desirable thing so long as it was con fined to officers at a distance .from the member's own home, but when it touched any of his friends it was regarded in quite another light. Instances have been quoted in Parliament, of members who urged retrenchment generally in the House, while at the same time they were bringing all possible private pressure to bear upon some Minister to appoint some protege of the member to an ofliee, or increase the salary of some official who enjoyed the member's friendship, or who had been able directly or indirectly to assist his election. It is to be hoped that all this is past and gone, and that, in view of the absolute necessity that exists for the lopping off of official excres cences, Ministers will unflinchingly face the difficulty, regardless of individual in terests, which must at all times be subordi nate to the general welfare of a community. If the reductions are carried out in a spirit of impartiality the action of the Government will certainly be endorsed by Parliament and by the popular voice. As a first step, we. understand timt Ministers have decided upon making cons iderable reductions in the Defence and Native Departments. The provincial police having now passed under the control of the General Government they will be absorbed in the Armed Constabulary, and generally organized upon one model. At the same time the Constabulary force will he reduced by about 200 men, and as the number of officers has been proprotionately excessive the service of several inspectors and sub-inspectors will be dispensed with. The lirst reductions have bceiy made at Wellington, where Junior Inspectors A. C. Richardson and Goring have been reduced to the pay of sub-inspectors, while the services of Sub-Inspectors McLean and Smith and about HO constables have been dispensed with. The process of reduction will take the form of weeding out, and among other objects facility for concen tration at important points will not be lost sight of. Wherever possible the men will be largely employed in road-making and in local improvements. Retrenchment in other departments is promised, and where prac ticable offices will be amalgamated. We observe that the Hon. G. M. McLean replied to a deputation from Milton, who denired that the services of Mr Mait- Jand might be continued as Resident Magis trate, as follows :—" You are aware that Government is bound to eflectretrenchment. Money is scarce, and people must put up with inconvenience. They must deny themselves luxuries which they enjoyed when money was plentiful. Government must curtail expenditure, not only in your district but elsewhere. We are committed to retrenchments, and we must effect them, or we could not meet the Assembly."

Mr Foote, proprietor of the Miranda Coal Mines, had an interview with the hon. Dr. Pollen this morning for the purpose of soliciting a Government money grant to wards the expense of cutting a channel from the mine into deep water. Mr Foote is of opinion that if thin were done lie would be enabled to supply 100 tons of coal a day, whereas he now experiences considerable difficulty in supplying 60 tons a week at Mercer, to the order of the Government. The sum Mr Foote applied for was £40, which includes, besides the proposed cutting, the cost of a wharf. Dr Pollen said that the Government had resolved upon a system of rigorous retrenchment, and he could hold out no hope of the required sum being granted.

To the Editor : Sir, —Is there no means of detecting the contemptible individual who nightly plills down one of the scats erected by the side of the path leading clown Constitution Hill. From the manner in which it is done, it is evidently tiie act of one and the same fool caeh night.—l am, &c. , Rest.

The quarterly meeting of the Hope of Auckland Tent of Rechabites, will be held this evening in the A Ibert-.street Temperance Hall, for tha installation of officers and other business.

The annual meeting of the members of St. Andrew's Church, will bo held this evening at half past seven o'clock.

Mr J. Moginie has been recommended for the office of Secretary to the Public Build ings Commissioners.

The gentleman who borrowed "Wise's Duncdin Directory from this office is re quested to return it at once.

A.company of capitalists, of whom Mr Proudfoot is a prominent member, has been formed at Dunedin, to construct a railway from Elbow to the Gore, by which it is ex pected that a large tract of valuable land Avill be opened up.

A man named John Mitchell, a settler at the Blueskin, has been killed by the upset ting of a dray. Telegrams report that Lady Norm&nby Is recovering from her illness. At the Supreme Court, Duncdin, Grain ger, accused of setting lire to timber, was acquitted. We learn that the'ss Herojj>will be thoroughly docked and overhauled in Mel bourne this trip,*and that she may not be expected to arrive in Auckland on her return trip until on or about February 20th.

A large and valuable topaz signet ring was lost this tnorniag, somewhere along the route described in our advertising columns. The owner, who places special value on it as a family jewel, otters a handsome reward to the finder upon leaving the ring at Messrs Henderson and MacfarJane's offices, Queen-street. The storekeepers in the neighbourhood of the urinals at the bottom of Grey-stvcot, complain ol it£Uß creating ?.nintolerableßuisaiiCrt. An action against the City Qottnoil forbroar.h of the Jaws which tU«f are. appoint^ W administer, is $a

We have been favoured with the following New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency's produce telegram : '.^London, "January 3.—- Wool: Up to date 50,400 bales have arrived. Tallow : Tallow market quiet. Wheat : Market firm ; Adelaide is worth 36s per 4061bs ; New Zealand, 30s do. The weather is unfavourable for the crop here. Mimosa I)ark : Market dull ; quotations for Mel bourne ground, £11 per ton; do. chopped £10. Copper : Market Quiet; Burra worth £84 per ton ; Wallaroo £35 per ton. Tm : The market is irregular ; fine Australian m warehouse, £75 per ton. Mutton : Majpcr cwt ; beef, 42s per cwt."

The sudden change from cool, even wintry weather to burning hot summer has been marked by several cases of sunstroke. The only fatal case we have to report is that of Mr McCormick's daughter, a little girl living, when taken ill, at Dr Philson's. At the beginning of the week, she was laid up with the malady, and died on Friday. The burial of the poor child took place on Saturday afternoon. Mr McGormick is in the employ of Messrs Seccombe and Sons, and the workmenof the brewery shewed, their sympathy with the bereaved by attending the funeral. Parents cannot' exercise too much care in preventing little children from exposing their heads to the: smiting rays of tlxe summer sun.

The kraiizchen announced for to-morrow in the Lome-street Hall, appears to have puzzled many who are unversed in the Teutonic language. Being interpreted, k'rsnzchon means in English, as near as we can 'express it, quadrille party, and the Geri^nn residents have arranged this pleasant form of meeting between the citizens of Auckland and the officers of H.I.M. Hertha now in our waters. A similar ball given to the officers of the Gazelle a year ago was a complete success. An imnression has obtained that the enter tainment will be restricted to those who can claim kindred with the Fatherland. This is far from being the case. Nationality does not in any way enter into consideration in the issue of the tickets, which may be obtained from any of the gentlemen named in the advertisement published in another column. The price of the tickets is fixed low, with the object of raising no more money than will cover unavoidable expenses, but the committee exercise such discretion as will ensure the general harmony. The programme will be made up of German dances, but these are fully within the powers of those who understand the mys teries of English terpsichore. We have no doubt whatever that the gathering of citizens will be large, and the proceedings interesting and enjoyable.

Several gentlemen who engaged the little steamer Tainui for a fishing excursion on Saturday were rewarded with remarkable luck, catching some hundred's of sclmappers in P.angitoto channel and near Motuihi. Youthful wayfarers on the wharf, when the vessel returned, were rewarded with kitsful of line iish gratuitously.

The hero of Ka!ili, the Rev. Mr Brown, \h a passenger by the steamship Hero to Sydney, en route for the island-of New Britain. Mr Rruwn left his si earn-yacht at Sydney, to under/;') some very necesshry repairs and alterations, which will, no doubt, have been accomplished ere this. We arc

sorry to learn that-for some time past the rev. gentleman lias been suffering from an attack of bronchitis, caused by undue ex posure to cold and wet nights, immediately after his arrival from the rather hot region of New Britain, the scene of his last mis sionary cruise. As a missionary, Mr Brown appears, indefatigable, and hi:; labours entitled him to a, good reception in Auck land. It is not improbable; however, that the reported discovery of the men with tails gave to him a .surf of traveller* renown un attainable by.the mission work alone, and threw over him a halo of scientific romance which led to his being in Borne measure lionised while in .Auck land, ft was in complying with the many invitations out that exposed him to the severity of tho weather and brought:on bronchitis'; this he expects to throw off on the voyage to Sydney, and does not antici pate any delay in getting back to liis im portant, though dangerous field of Labour. Mr Brown states that the extract we gave in alateissue from MrCockcrellthe naturalist's statement to the "Melbourne Age" is

correct, but that it was rather uncertain whether the naturalist would have a chance of going again with Mr Brown's party to explore Kalili, as Mr Cockerel] intended. It is possible, however, that he may be going with a specially organised party. Mr Cockerell is an Australian traveller of some repute, and having disposed of his speci mens from the new group of islands to great advantage, he, no doubt, sees the way clear to make a profitable trip, irrespective of the proposed excursion to Kalili.

The Rev. Mr Webb, from Sydney, filled the pulpit of the Wellesley-street Baptist Church yesterday, so long occupied by the Itcv. P. IT. Cornford. The services were well attended throughout the day. Mr Webb preached in the morning from- Genesis, c. 5, v. 21: "And Enoch walked with God, etc ;" and in the evening from the text, " Believo in the Lord Jesus Christ, and tiiou shalt be saved." The rev. gentleman preached two eloquent and practical sermons, enforcing in the first sermon the higher principle*; of the Christian life, and in the second, the basis of the Christian faith. Mr Webb's exposition of these passages of Scripture were lucid and reasonable. His style of preach ing made a very favourable impression on the congregation.

Mr. J. C. Wilkes desires on behalf of Mrs. Penrose, to thank, through the medium of the STAR those who contributed subscriptions in aid of that lady. Mr. Wilkes also wishes on behalf of the same lady, to cordially thank the Temper ance Variety Troupe for the proceeds of the entertainment voluntarily tendered on Saturday night. We learn that. Messrs. Cruiokshiink Smart. & Co. have been kind enough to grant Mrs. Pcnrosc. a passage to Sydney m the llovo at a considerably reduced rate, and as nhe will have a goodly surplus available on landing1, and will bo among old friends, it is hqpod that her circumstances will be considerably improved.

RELIGIOUS RECEPTION OF NUNS.

A most interesting and beautiful ceremony took place at St. Patrick's Cathedral at 3 p.m. yesterday, boinj? the reception of seven young ladies as novices into the Order of the Siatcrsi of Mercy. There was a crowded congregation present, many being members, of other deno minations. The I'oilowip.s wore the cleray presSht :—Very Key. Father Fynes, V.G., (officiating); Rev. Father Walter McDonald, Master Of Ceremonies; and Revs. Paul (One hunga), O'Dwyer, and Grange. Among the laity we noticed Messrs, JJi^nan, Cos^ro.vc, K. Malioncy, Loahv, Dr. O'Connor (H,M.S. Sap phire). Dr. J. Wood, and many others. Tho choir.under the direction of Miss Shamvfhan.was ably assisted by the Messrs.Tolcand I\lisses Tole and Naughton, and performed several beautiful pieces appropriate to the difFcrents parts of the ceremony. The scene waa one to bci remem bered by those who witnessed it. A nun entered bearing a processional cross, followed by twenty-two other nuns, the choir singing Lainbillotti's " O G-loriosa." The seven postulants then entered, dressed in white, with A'eils and wreaths, attended by seven children, representing angels. The novices were conducted to their positions by the Rev. Mother Superior and Mother Assistant, where they received each a lighted taper, which had been duly blessed. A very impressive and appropriate discourse was delivered by the Very Key Father Fynes from St. Matt., c. IU, v. 21.: "If thou wilt be perfect, so sell what thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven"; and came, follow me." At the close of the discourse the postulants retired, and their hair was cut off. This haying; been done, they re-appeared in the dress of the Order. The ceremony of investing then took place, during which proceeding several hymns were sweetly and softly sung. The novices then gave and received the kiss of peace. The ladies names arc:—Miss Anne Comert'ord, of Castlecomers, Kilkenny ; in religion, Sister Mary Barbara. Miss Mary Rsdmoncl, of Goroy, Wexford : in religion, Sister Mary Vincent da Paul. Miss Catherine Bolger, of Kildare; in religion, Sister Mary Alphonsus Ligpuri. Miss Eliai McDermott, of Roscommon; in religion. Sister Mary Margaret Alacoque. Miss Crokor ;in religion, Sister Mary Clare. Miaa Kathlaen Curtis, of Australia; in religion, Sister Mary Ursula. Miss Elizabeth Regan, of Otahnhu, h'-y -sister; iv religion, Sister Mavy Agatha. , • Wo ur.rlersta.lHl that ?.fisfi Janie Evangclinft Croker, is a daughter of Mr^or Croker, forsjioviy i Kcsificut■ IVTftiiwt.ratc and Warden. »t Tnapdcn, ! and map<J^a,'«gUt«r oi i\w Wm Hir JoL.^ MlU>!,^ ,

The Late Sir Donald McLean., K.C.M.G.

A FEW ANECDOTES OF HIS CHAR-

ACTER

[BY A FOKMBE PRIVATE SECEBTABY.]

Life in the colonies is full of vicissitudes, and "there are few old colonists whose career haa not been accompanied* with experiences which illustrate the old adage that " truth is stranger that fiction," The life of one who, like the late Sir Donald McLean, raised himaelf by his own energy of character from obscure and humble cir cumstances to a foremost position in t}ie colony, is full of interesting incidents, from the-study of which many young men of this '.-eneration may gather instruction, and guidance, and encouragement to persevere. Sir Donald McLean possessed great self reliance, and force of character. He was usually shrewd, clear-sighted, and ac curate" in his , judgment, and his knowledge of character was intuitively keen and quick. The following brief reference to some of the more prominent traits in his character, are by one who was for some time intimately associated with him in his official capacity, and who had many opportunities for observation. ' The writer has borne in mind the old injunction of Solon in Plutarch " De mortuis nil nisi bonum.

HIS RETICENCE

The most prominent characteristic of Sir Donald McLean, was his-extreme reticence. Li his early official training, he had learned the great value of this (quality in dealing with difficult and involved native questions. Particularly in nejfoeiating the purchase of large blocks of land, and in settling conflict ing claim.? between tribes which were hereditary enemies, or which mutually dis trusted each other, soerecy" was essential to success. In. hia early days he was suiTOXinded by vigilant and jealous competitors who would not scrupleto appropriate his ideas and adopt 'ilia plans, and in dealing with Maoris who are naturally suspicious and impulsive, he was obliged to be extremely reserved. Ev n those who were brought into the closest relations with him in his official capacity knew little of his intended pkps and movements ; and lie resented curiosity, and conceived dislike towards those who troubled him with questions an to his inten tions. In travelling, few of his attendants were able to tell at night where they were to go next day, how long they might be on a journey, or what route might be adopted. ,Sir Donald was frequently obliged to act on emergencies, and he could not always foresee the results of his negotiations. He expected his staff to be pre pared, like himself, to move anywhere at a moment's notice. In travelling he was never encumbered by baggage. _ A small portmanteau which anyone might carry with ease, contained his whole travel ■lin« wardrobe. Ke was capable of bearing Teat fatigue, and in his early days he possessed wonderful powara of endurance. !Irs wants were few and Hjimjde, he depiSed luxury and effeminacy. ' The mystery which characterised his movements was often a source of much perplexity to his lair ■ Young gentlemen, accustomed: to luxurious habits, when travelling with Sir Donald in remote native districts, were frequently placed in ludicrous straits for lack of those attentions and home comforts t<> which they had been accustomed. The stock of cigars would be exhausted, rienn Ur.cn would be used up, and rough bush fare would take the place of the table d' liotc. TREATMENT OF SUBORDINATES. .Sir Donald's treatment of his subordinate officials was always kind and considerate. What he expected and exacted from them above all things was implicit obedience, and unwavering loyally. When travelling, : he always exhibited the utmost consideration and thou»htfultieH3 for his staff. Indeed their comfort was invariably his first study, and iv hi* indifference to hardship and fatigue he often paid more attention to their wants than to his own. Jlis disliked fussi ness or impatience in an official. What lie required most of all was promptitude, intel ligence, and unquestioning obedience to commands. To his staff he was wont to behave with careful impartiality. In travelling ho took opportunities of convers ing in turn with each, often making some dry caustic remark-, on the*incidents of the journey, or speaking .some word of encour agement. He was a man of strong likings and equally strong antipathies, but to those to whom lie was attached he was a firm friend. The writer could relate _ many anecdotes of private pecuniary assistance rendered to subordinate officials in times of sudden misfortune or family bsreaveraant, but the publication of such mutters might cause pain, and Sir Donald himself had an absolute horror of such things becoming publicly known. HIS HOSPITALITY.

Sir Doiiald McLean's hospitality was proverbial. He never sat down to dinner without entertaining several guests, either native chiefs or European friends. Respon sible onicials of his own department, who had occasion to confer with him, were always hospitably entertained by "the Chief," a peculiarly affectionate title used by officials' of his department. In travel ling he dispensed hospitality lavishly. The Cabin of the Luna was an open house to the officials and settlers in the ports visited, and Captain Fairchild's resources as a providore were frequently taxed to the utmost, to keep pace with the demands made upon him by the number of guests entertained. When Mir Donald was fortu nate enough to bo able to put up at an hotel, officials, settlers, and Maoris trooped in by scores from near and far, to interview the 'Native and Dofeuce Minister. On such occasions they were never sent empty away. Sir Donald was often terribly bored by the mendicancy of Maori chiefs, some of the bluest-blooded rangitiras being inveterate beggars. Requests for every imaginable thing poured in upon him from all '.sides whenever he visited a Native District, and though lie often refused many requests, his policy obliged him to comply with some of a 'most preposterous character, merely to conciliate the, chiefs and strengthen his influence with the tribes. It is only right to add that Parliament voted liberal allow ances for this service, and that it did not examine too critically into the manner of their disposal. Large votes were annually given for what was practically " Secret Service money." INDUSTRY.

Sir Donald McLean possessed great powers of industry. When occasion re quired, lie could got through an immense amount of departmental labour. While journeying in native districts, he kept a constant check upon the administration of the Department through the medium of thu wire, using orderlies when the telegraph oftico waa ;it a distance. Whenever he returned io Wellington, after a prolonged tour, he found considerable arrears of departmental work awaiting him, and his rapid and methodical manner of dealing with it \is-^d to astonish the officials. On such occasions he kept the clerks in a state of the utmost activity, often working far into the night. At other times, when en gaged in conducting difficult negotiations with natives, he manifested little concern about time. His stock of patience was inexhaustible. His calm imperturble de meanour, and his extraordinary patience were exactly the qualities to please tha Maoris, who regard haste in anything but war as undignified, and only proper to slaves and common persons.

HIS TACITURNITY.

vile was a believer in CarJyle's motto :— "Speech is ailverjii kut silence is golden."

speeches though he could speak clearly j and forcibly ca occasions of great, moment, i But the fact remains that he disliked speech- j making. He was essentially a man of action. ; His utterances were usually short and pithy and to the point, though he knew enough of diplomacy to gnard his statements, particularly" in receiving"1 official < rtepn-' j tations, and listening to the complaints oi j natives. In his younger days he was a j clear and forcible despatch writer, as a nerusal of the blue-books will shew. His | style was plain and unadorned. He dis liked quotations and flnridity, and exagger ation of style he regarded with contempt. Fine penmanship he looked upon as a secondary consideration. What he required was a bold plain handwriting. His own possessed these features in a remarkable degree. In his latter years he was accus tomed to use glasses when writing or reading but ha seldom wore them in public, and he did not like the idea that his eye-sight was seriously failing. HOW HE REGARDED CRITICISM.

He was an assiduous reader of the news papers, and received them regularly from all parts of the colony. He was peculiarly sensitive to attacks in the Press, and was angry at the mis-statements which sometimes apppeared. Ho was accustomed to have every paragraph relating to his department culled from the papers ana pasted in a scrap-book, and a few years ago some unfavourable comment was excited by the appearance on the estimates of an item of £50 for a "culler of native items from newspapers." This sum was paid as a bonus to a clerk who was supposed to do the work after the regular office hours. ■ Towards the end of Ids official career, Sir Donald exhi bited a remarkable indifference to the attacks made upon his department in Parliament and the Pres?. During last session, when urged by some of his friends to reply "to some bitter strictures by a young and not very sapient member of the House, ho spoke in terms ot contempt of the attack, and said he did not consider it worthy of a reply, that his cha racter was too well known to need vindica tion, and that he could afford to treat hostile comments from that quarter,with contempt uous indifference.

SIR DONALD AS A MASON. Sir Donald McLean was Grand Master of the English Constitution in the North Island. There can be no doubt that lie sin cerely admired the principles of the Order, and that he was a worthy and useful mem ber of the Craft. To distressed brethren he was ever ready with friendship and succour, but his benevolence took a wider range, and was extended^ without regard to nationality, creed, or social ties. The above is necessarily a brief sketch of a few of the more prominent traits in his character. Whatever may be said of the pilicy in which lie was a sincere believer, there can be no denial of the fact that his private character was estimable, and that his death will be mourned by a large circle of official and private friends.

CABLEGRAMS.

(PRESS AGENCY.)

The ship Great Queensland blown up by Gunpowder.

FIC3&3 in Ungland.

LONDON, January 6. The San Francisco mails were delivered on January 3rd.

It is supposed that the ship Great Queensland was destroyed by gunpowder, oi which a hundred tons were aboard.

Floods continue throughout England with great destruction to property. Wheat is firm at previous quotations.

TURKS REJECT CONFERENCE PRO POSALS.

LONDON (via SYDNEY)

January 6.

The Government has received a cable gram, dated London, January 4, stating that the Turks justify their counter pro posals, and reject the proposals of the powers. The rejected points are still under discussion. The representatives reassemble on Monday.

AUSTRALIAN.

ENGLISH CRICKETERS BEAT GEE-

LONG IN ONE INNINGS. Melbourne. January 8.

The Englishmen beat Geelong in one innings and a 100 runs to 21. Arrived, from London, the steamer Nemesis.

EMIGRANTS FROM AMERICA.

CRICKET MATCH AT GEELONG.

SYDNEY, January 6.

The Government have received advices that the first vessel with emigrants leaves America in a few weeks.

MELBOURNE, January 6. The revenue for the year shows an increase of £250.000.

At the sale of Mr Robertson's shorthorns and Herefords at Colac, purchases were made for New Zealand.

In the cricket match of thn Englishmen against Geeiong, the former, in the first inn ings, made 265.

INNINGS OF THE GEELONG TEAM. SYDNEY, January S. The Gcelong twenty two in their first innings, made 7-1.

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE.

The "Sydney Morning- Herald" of De cember 30th says re the Californian mail service : —" It has been pointed out to us by the Hon. Colonial Secretary that in .corres pondence recently laid upon the table of tiie Legislative Assembly, a letter from the President of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, dated New York, 31st October, IS7CJ, to the agents in Sydney, indicates that the company were under a slight misappre hension as to the difficulties that had arisen in the matter. Mr Clyde, in the letter re ferred to, says the difficulty seems to lie in the adjustment of the share of subsidy which shall be contributed by each of the two colonies. Mr Eobert son says that the difficulty of adjust ment is by no means the principal money difficulty. The difficulty is this : that while the company oilers to do tSie line by way of Auckland or Bay of Islands for £80,000, New Zealand only consents that the united colonies should "pay £G5,000 for the service via Bay of Islands, or £70,000 by way of Auckland, neither of which pro posals come up to the final offer of the company for £80,000. This Government have written to the Government of New Zealand, recommending them to come up to £75,000 for the united colonies, but have been unable to get a decisive answer from them. The letter of Mr Clyde further speaks as if both colonies desired that the line should go by way of Auckland, whereas the tact is that this Government have always protested against Auckland bein* the port of call." °

The Commision of Inquiry, appointed by the General Government to examine into and report upon the condition of tho Gaol Hospital and Lunatic Asylum was appointed to hold its first sitting to-morrow, but owing to the unavoidable absence of some of the members, the meeting has been postponed nmi Thursday^ 11 o'clock. AOonJKSm to enquire into the condition of lite charftaMa institutions and ouwloor relief wirfba hSI the. $ mm % board has

SUPREME COURT. —C R IMINAL SITTINGS.—THIS DAY.

(Before His Honor, Mr. Justice, Gillies, and a common jury, Mr. John McLachlan! foreman.) FORGING- AND UTTERING. Louis Pierre Dugleaux, was arraign^ upon an indictment, charging him \yith forging a promissory note for £81, and with offering and uttering another, on the 24th August with intent to defraud. Mr. Rees for the prisoner pleaded not

guilty. Mr. Brookfield opened the case for the prosecution, and explained the particulars as will appear in the following-evidence, Josiah Tutcliin, residing at Gisborne, deposed that he had an account -with tha Bank of New Zealand ; that on the 4th of Dec., he went there, when to his surprise, Mr Turner, the manager, told him there was a promisory note due on that day, with his signature attached. The signature was not his : he never gave a promissory note in his life. He had-known Dugleaux over two years ; he had never had any land transac tions wtth prisoner. On the Ist August, the date of the note, he was at home. After some conversation, he left the bank with Mr Turner, and they met Dugleaux in the street, and asked him to accompany them to the bank, and further, what he had been doing. He was very much agitated, and said he got it from a man with a large family, but did not wish to tell his name. On meeting him again, he asked for the bill, and he would give the money. Wit ness replied, " I will see you bye and bye." Had always been on intimate terms with Dugleaux/ He called afe witness's house in the afternoon on horseback. He said that he had been informed at the bank that they could not take the money for the bill, but he (witness) could. He asked him to take a bit of dinner with him. He replied "He could not eat, for he had made a fool of himself." He wished Dugleaux to tell him all about the matter, but he wanted the bill first. Ho saw Dug leaux the next day, and he asked if witness intended to go on with the case. Witness replied " I intend to find out who forged my name." It was then in the hands of the police. Cross-examined by Mr Rees : He did not hear Dugleaux say that he would take the advice of the Magistrate. Had been on friendly terms with him. He always regarded Mr Dngleaux as an honest man; he was generally respected ; he is a baker by trade. George Oliver Turner, manager of the Bank of New Zealand, deposed' that he knew both the prosecutor and prisoner. He remembered the note bsing pressiited, and the circumstances as statad by the previous witness. The signature so closely resembled that of Mr Tutchm, that it was easily passed. Pie did not tell prisoner that Tutchen could accept the money ; but he could not.

To Mr Rees : He had always regarded Dngleaux as a man of good character. Mr Graham, merchant, of Gisborne, de posed that in August last he received of the prisoner two promissory notes for £75 each, dated cm the Ist August, and drawn in prisoner's favour. He discounted the billis in tHa usual course. Oue was at three and the other at five months. Just before the 4th November, prisoner called and oifered the money, wishing to get the bill back into his possession"; the se'eoad bill fell due on the 4th January. At the close of December he wisheu to retire the .second bill in the same manner. Ec re ferred him to the Bank.

To Mr Rbes.: He had dealt with Dugleaitx for some three years. Held a hiyh opinion of prisoner's general character. Cornelius Dempsey, hotel-keeper, had known the prisoner a long time. Oil the ■±th D^eember he called at witness's house and said 3ie was about to take a public house, and asked for the loan of £80. He lent him that amount, and would have .lent him more had lie required, it.

Sergeant Mills, of Gisborne, deposed that lie was called upon the occasion, and that prisoner told him that the money was had tor a man named Chapoute, in connectioa with some land transactions, but he did not wish his name to appaar. Ho persuaded him to lay an information against Chapoute, but he was not to bo found. He had en quired at the hotels where he lodged, and at Napier, where it was said he had gone to, bat could learn nothing of him.

Albert Montague Crapp deposed that he was a book-keeper in Gisbonio, and iiiledup the body of three promissory notes at the. request of Chapoute, in Dugieaux's presence. He kept Dugieaux's business books. Un derstood that the bills were in relation to some land transact ions, but Chapoute did not wish his name to appear, and Dugleaux allowed his name to appear for a considera tion. He saw the money, £10 or £15, placed on the table, but could not state the exact amount. The transaction, he believed, was between Chapoute and Tutchen. Chapoute took the three bills away and returned in about an hour, when witness saw Tutchen's signature upon one of the bills. Chapoute had lodged money with Dugleaux. To the Foreman : Mr Dugleaux remained with him in the office, while Chapoute went out and got the signature to the hills. This being the evidence, Mr Rees pro ceedded to address tho jury for the defence.. His Honor summed up with his usual care, and the jury retired at 2.20 to consider their verdict, and as the jury had not likely to agree for some time, his Honor adjourned the court until a quarter to four.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M.)

THE DRUNKARDS CELL,

Two unhappy individuals were fined-for this offence.

THROWING STONES,

Arthur Duke, a boy of 14, was charged with assaulting^William Grant by throwing a stone, and striking him on the back of the head.

Duke appeared for his son, and first of all pleaded justification, and when that plea Avas not allowed, pleaded not guilty.. Thejcase was therefore gone into. William Grant, a middle-agedman, who described himself as a shoemaker, living in Newton, said, on the 4th January he saw a lot of boys and girls chasing his "son down the street, and throwing stones at him ; he went to his son's assistance, when oiie of the stones hit him on the back of the head and rendered him senseless. He was picked up and his wounds dressed, and that's all he knew about it. He did not see the stone thrown.

By the defendant's father : He saw his boy chased home. He saw his son give young Duke a thrashing, and then a whole lot chased his son.

The. cross-examination both as regards question and answer, Avas conducted in such a manner as to call forth strong com ments from the Bench.

Mary Asher was sworn, and deposed that she saw young Duke take up the stone and throw it at Mr Grant.

By Duke : She was quite sure that the stone was thrown at Mr Grant. There was no one else near.

By the Court : Arthur Duke was only a yard or two front Mr. Grant when he threw the stone.

The Clerk : Havefyou any more witnesses! Mr. Grant.

Mr. Grant : Yes ; there's my missus. Mrs. Grant corroborated her husband's evidence. The whole lot of young Dukes were throwing stones. Several of them struck tho house. She heard the eldest girl caU her husband Man old —*," aut^ aais him if lie meant to strike her. By Mr, Duko : She gsw hor §on tHrash (&« pt ft!s 1& jpffls

THE EVENING STAR, MONDAY, JANUARY 8, IST?



\^Am- TR^OR GISBORNE AND !.. NAPIER A^AjJ^,^^^ The clipper schooner OPOTIKT, 40 tons, Captain TV. Harris, will leave for the above ports on or about THURSDAY next, 11th instant. For freight or passage apply to OWEN & GRAHAM, Agents. ' Readers who need a fashionable coat, Or fancy vest and trou.3ers, please to note. TT Li POSSEN ISK lE, In thanking his patrons and the general public for past favours, begs to intimate that he has SS. REMOVED REMOVED _» TO MORE CENTRAL PREMISES in, (First Shop in Shortland-street), AND HAS U3T OPENED A NEW AND CHOICE SELECTION OF TWEEDS. FANCY COATINGS AND VESTINGS, &c. fee too. ■W7.URH.ITURJE! FURNITURE I Ladies ani Qmilt-n^ti about to F.irnUh are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stack of Dlt A iVTNa boom:, dinixq -room BEDROOM, AND GENERAL ROUSE HOLD FURNITURE, In our Nev: and Spacions Showroom. T. & R. COOKE, 07, QUEE.N BTBSBT AdtolninQ P.a-rik of Nrm Zealand CABLEGRAM. -♦»— ——— (SPECIAL LINE.) Berlin, this day. Allen meinen Freunden and Goennern -wTieriseht cinen vergnuegten Wcihnaehten und em glueckliches neue3 Jahr. BISMARK. I. ALEXANDER Heartily joins in the above, and begs to recom mend his Well and Large Assorted Stock OF GOLD AND SILVER WATCHES, BY T. RUSSEL & SON RO'JTIERHAM BENSON DENT EHRIIARDT, and others With GUARANTEES from the Manufac turers, Besides his Own, for Two Years. THE JEWELLERY DEPARTMENT Is acknowledged by Connoisseurs one of the Finest Collection in New Zealand, and is replenished, by every Mail with the Latest Designs" from Home and the Continent. FOR THE COMING HOLIDAYS, I SHALL OFFER THE ABOVE GOODS AT REDUCED PRICES, To Effect a Clearance of Surplus Stock. I. Alexander, Jeweller to His Excellency the Governor, QUEEN-STREET, _ ,*.' AUC-LAND. <*-■". __._*_ ■...?,JJildFsr-N y/Pir ' ■ • '^XL T N BANKRUPTCY. In the matter of " The Debtora and Creditors Act, 137G," and in the Bankruptcy of ___LF«ED MoKENZIB NORMANBY, Of Auckla.id,, Tailor, a Debtor. It iB hereby notified that a First Meeting of the Creditors of the said Alfred McKenzie Nor manhv, held at the Supreme Court House, Eden street" Auckland, on Monday, the eighth day of January instant, at II o'cio'.-s. in the forenoon, Thomas MacfFarlane, of Auckland, Certificated Accountant, was elected Trustee in the above Estate. Dated at Auckland, this Bth day of January, 1877. (Sd.) ALFD. 11. KING, ■ „ „ Deputy Registrar, I William Coleman, l YvUcan Lane, &?ijiM_-r£._s.l.§TJ.9r t



xr o " t i c c. JL^ ' ' —■ - ! DRAPERY GOODS, NEW AND CHEAP!!! The undersigned have Purchased at Auction a LARGE LOT of NEW DRAPERY GOODS. | inst landed ex City of Auckland, the whole of "which hiving' been .bought at much under the usual Warehouse Rates, they can afford to offer to their Customers aS Vkrst Low P.RIC23. The Parcel comprises :— Grey Calico, various qualities, from ,<3rl yard .Strong White Calico at ii yard, or' 3/10 doz. 72-iu. Grey Sheeting, 1/ yard, good quality 72-iri. & 80-in. White Twill Sheeting 72-in.. 80-in. r-" 90-in. Croydon Sheeting. 1/6 yard Huckaback Towels, good, /6 each, 5 9 doz. ■White and Unbioacned Damask and Damask Table Cloths, from 2/6 9 1,10 i Sell/i Alhambra Quilts, good qualities, 3/11 Rough Brown Holland, from /8 yard Half-dressed ditto, superior quality, very cheap at /lO£ and 1/ Black Lustre, and snperior quality Black Bnl Han tine Lustres New Prints, good patterns, at /if, /SJ, and /G, very cheap Harvard Shirting, good quality, /7J yard Fine Irish Linen, Tot of Remnants, a bargain, from 1/4 yard Gents' Br. Cotton Half-hose do. do., merino foot Grey and Fancy Striped Merino Half-hose, and other goods too numerous to mention. All Purchasers of Drapery and Clothing should inspect our Stock, and prove that although not sellixg off, we are giving full value fob money. ' ~ £2T One Shilling in the & returned on all pur chases of 203. and upwards. RUSH BROOK & BRIDGM-AN, Upper Quern-street, Auckland.



A flood of liquid rubbish has been placed upon the market, put up in Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps bottles, the genuine contents of which have been used. Spurious labels are also often used by the scamps who seek to persuade the public that the hurtful liquors thus disguised are the same or similar to the true and peerless medicinal cordial. Ask for the genuine and insist upon having it.