SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

(This Afternoon,"6.l7 HIGH WATER— •) To-morrow Morning, G.3S SUN SET.—This Evening. 5.39 ST*N* RISK—To-morrow Alortnng. ?> : u MOONS AGE.-Xew Moon, Sept. Sth, 0.39 a.m,

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

F^^ton^Uof thf%n, about 6th Sept.: Columbus, barque, early. For the South-Wanaka, Bth Sept.; Hawaa. 11th

For Napier and South—Rptorna. l'th Sept. For the Islands-Charybdis, schooner, and Fo^y^r^S York, X.M.S., on arrival from 'Frisco, about Friday.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Sitr or Auckland, ship, from London •Vctive. schooner, from the Islands, early Hinemoa, schooner, from the Islands, early Augusta, brigantine, from LevuVfl, early Haleione. shrg, from London, early Otaki. ship, from London, early OV nlra ilenschikoff, barque, from Samoa and 1^ UKa Elsinore," barque, from P^edin, early Cabarfeidh. barcme. from Ljtt9lton, cauy SSv S'^S.s!C San Francisco S^^aSS^KoSa from Sydney, early.

The Captain of 1 he cutter Magic wlucl i arrived yesterday reported seeing the cutter -yacht SccVeV^oin^ into Wausavci Heads for sheltei on Tuesday last.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

(From our own Correspondent.) The brigantme Sea Gull, Captain Marks, arrived atKaipara on Tuesday, 4th inst., alter a very smart poss^e of three days and eiu'ht hours'from Dunenin. Shu loads back with sawn U Thfbarque Elizabeth for Melbourne, and Prince Alfred for Lyttclton, left Kaipara Heads on Tnpsi iv pTH':iiri'.r with a tair wind. The brig SSwas at Kaipara Head* on Wednesday loaded for Sydney with sawn timber frThVhri^Va ave Unai lkv.-ivcd at Aratapu mill. The br g XiK»tiusalc is loadii-B sawn timber at Aratapu and v.-iil finish in about a week. The Sarah Pile is disnharginpr a carffO of AVcstport coal at Mangawlicrs. She loads back V£?&*£?£&ci fromTana^atl Bulteingsloweti." Jones, and a cargo consisting parsed the brigantine about 10 miles outside Tiri this morn inL?r She was beati'.ig up against a strong 5. V\ . wind. She hails from Levuka, and has been ex- PeTh ec d Nort^Shor^'FeiTy Company directors were not lone in sett hi- steam up on their new steamer. TeAroha: Yesterday afternoon they took possession of her, and nine gentlemen, in cluding the directors, ail in black " bell-toppers, manned the vessel for the purpose of taking her across. The respectable appearance of the crew caused some remarks to the etteel that if the Company bought any more such bargains they would be able to man all their vessels in similar There was quite a jovial partj on tne way across, and the North Shore residents on the arrival of the boat, appeared much pleased with her. _™~,

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

The follow-in- pro the dates ana amourus o cbUb in connection with the undermentioned <<old mining companies

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

For Thames, this day. at 5.30 p.m. ; and to morrow, at 11 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. . For Coromandel, per Argyle, to-monov\. at For?\Van Igarei Heads, per Mary, this day, at i WnvTaivna ne'- "vlercnrr, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For WMtianllTauranga, and Opotiki. per Fo^oX'n^rpefspffif the Dawn, to-

Fo? TPrai ? ki and Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Wanaka immediately after arrival of the City of New York. For Waiwlm Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai. pei Anne Milbank, on f^J°ftg%££&.

BIRTH.

KELLY. -On the 6th September. IST", the wife of Thos. Owens Kelly, hi Symonds-strect, or. a son.

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1877.

fforthe cause that lades, assistance, For the wrong that needs lesistanco, For tlie future in tie distance. And the eoo&that me «»» do.

A CABLE dispatch from our London special correspondent to-day reports that Sulieman Pasha has suffered a defeat with one wing of his army. Previous telegrams had° announced" that the Russian force holding the North end of Shipka Pass were being surrounded and cut oil' from their communications with Gabrova. This will be understood by a consideration of the configuration of the country. Colonel Baker describing the Pass says :— " it is accessible from the north by several routes leading up the spurs, sothat an army occupying one spur could easily be turned by an enemy passing up another. Arrived at the watershed (about 4,000 ft. above the sea) the descent begins to the south." We have already been informed by tele gram that Sulieman Pasha succeeded in scaling the heights, which would give him command of the various spurs leading down to the Gabrova road. Gabrova, it should be mentioned, is a town on the Northern slope of the Shipka Balkans, about 20 miles S. W. of Timova. Its popu lation is 7,000. The Russian force holding the pass, which is numerically much smaller than that commanded by Sulieman, would be posted in one or more of the routes mentioned by Colonel Baker. The Turkish General, while engaging hem in front, has pressed forwaid a large body of troops by another route to fall on the road in the rear of the army holding the Pass. This, avc take it, is the operation which has just failed. When opening out on the road the Turks have encountered the Russians in force and been driven back with heavy loss.

The other matter referred to in our special correspondent's dispatch is one of the utmost moment. To trace tlie course of events which have led up to the present crisis in France, however, would occupy a considerable amount of space, and owing to the complicated character of French politics, would probably not convey any very clear impression to those who are unacquainted with, and little interested in the constitution of foreign political institu tions. A few months ago we gave a resume of the events which culminated in the resignation of Jules Simon, the Presi dent of the Liberal Cabinet. The imme diate cause was the interdiction by the Gpvemment of the sittings of the Paris Catholic Committee, aud the sub sequent passing by tlie Assembly of a resolution moved by the Left, and accepted by Jules Simon's cabinet, expressive of a determination to put down ultramontane intrigues as dangerous to the peaceful relations of France with

foreign powers. The numbers by which this resolution was carried, 361 to 121, should have convinced Presi dent McMsihon that the Assembly repre sented true Republican principles, and would not tolerate any machinations opposed to the liberal Government of the country- McMahon, however, is not the kind of man to bend his own will to the exigencies of politics, and relying upon the Septennate (his seven years term of oilice) he shortly afterwards picked a quarrel with the Ministry over the prees laws, and asserted his own irresponsi bility to the Assembly and his supren o duty to France, whatever that might mean. The Ministry resigned, and stormy scenes ensued in the Assembly and the streets of Paris. M. Gambetta was fore most in his denunciations of the unconstitu tionalaction of the President. Toallaypublic excitement, McMahoniasued a proclamation dec'a n:g his intention to put down ultra montane intrigue.?, and to preserve the peace of France. He allied together a Con servative Council, but being in a large minority in the Assembly the Govern ment came to a dedlock, and after various attempts at Ministerial re construction from the Right, Me. Mahon declared his inability to work with the Assembly, and dissolved it. Every precaution had been taken by the Govern ment—in the deposition of, Republican officials, the prosecution of the radical press, and even the arrest of political opponents for strong utterances, against the Government, but the elec torates declared by a large majority ill favour of the Republican party. Once more, the eyes of the country turned to the venerable Thiers, as the hope of poor France, torn by her terrible throes in the labour of liberty. A man whose moderation, whose patriotism and ripe experience com manded the; respect of all parties. And he is dead. Where is France now to look for the cool head to savo her from a disastrous outbreak between the ; impcriousnesH of the President and the rovolutianaryisni of the extreme Left? McMahon " has declared himself superior to the will of the people ;is represented by the Assembly, and he must either bend, or representative govern ment goes to the wall. The position is indeed critical, and in looking to the Right and the Left, we can discover no name which stands out as likely to lead France safely through the conflict in which she has been plunged by the re-assertion of the old spirit of Imperialism which unhappily protrudes its hated form into every move ment made by a great nation to work out the problem of liberal government.

Tliortias Joseph Bainbridge, storekeepei', of Ponsonby, and George McCaslin, con tractor, of Newton, have become bank rupts, and the first meeting of their respec tive creditors will be hold in MrMacttailtine s oflicc, on Friday, tho 14th inst.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court, j Helonsville, on Tuesday last, Arthur | Deacon, hotel-keeper, appeared before Captain Symonds, on a charge ot serving liquor on Sunday, the 12th ult., to two men in the employ of Mr John Lamb. Mr Sub- Inspector Partly represented the Police, and conducted the case. The men, James Campbell and Joseph Mullins, having been cxamiuod, the defendants contended that they were " travellers," within the meaning i of tlie Act, and had taken no more than was ; necessary. The Court held a different opinion, and imposed a fine of £•> and ; costs. A rumour lias been current all day that the Auckland Directors of the Union Beach mine have telegraphed to Mr llanncy, the Manager, asking for information, and that a reply to the following elicit has been le-eived : " I have no specimen:* in hand, and am not getting any." We believe the rumour ia correct.

Mr Cscorge Harrison is the coiTCct usunc of the man who was largely instrumental in extinguishing the tlames at the late out break of (ire at Frasor and Tiune's; his name uppeared us Harris.

A football match will be played, if the ■weather , should permit, ou Saturday next on tho Metropolitan ground between the team that is to visit the Thames on the 15th instant and a tmm of All-Comers —

Thames 15 :—Henderson, Carter, Ring, Ewen, Burgess,Shakespere, Woar. I'liilson, Kerr, Whewull, Warbrick, Purchas, Beunor, -Means, Miilson. All-Corners : - Cotton, Mucky, Biu-^s. Anderson, Gudgeon, Mason, Tonka, (2) Beale. Sibbin, Robinson, Burgess, Macky, fates, Somerville, Bravewater, Clark. Gatland, Haultain, Ridings, Adam-'. Walker, Laing, Davy, Orchard, Butler, Uanna, and Colcman. As it id very oe.-urable that the fifteen should have at lcisfc one game together playeia are particularly requested to put in au appearance on Saturday. Fifteen : Colors, Blue and White ; All-Coiners: Any colors.

In our list of nominations for the City Council last evening the nominators of of Messrs Fleming and Prime were reversed by some inadvertence ou the pavfc of this re porter in copying them. The following is the correct form of the nominations :—Mr Alexander Fleming, nominated by Messrs Alexander Black, John Smith, Thomas Cole, and George Leahy : Mr F. L. Prime, nominated by Messrs. C. B. Owen and J. L. Wilson.

Tlie paragraph in la.st n%ht'« issue relat ing the story of the steam-tug_, is, we learn, rather loose in its facts. It is only some three months ago since Mr Masefield's resolution in favour of a tug was carried, and an advertisement was immediately prepared. The publication was delayed at Mr Masefield's own request, in order tlrat certain inquiries might he instituted, and as these have now been made the advertise ment in compliance with the resolution was published in the ordinary course. We think it doubtful, however, whether the Board, in the present state of its finances, will accept any-tender, but this can only be determined when the question again comes up in the ordinary course.

A correspondent, T. F., Hepburn-.strect, expresses tho pleasure his recent volunteer trip gave to him, Avith the exception of the night passage to and fro, as the heartless rain fell in torrents ; so heavily iuaoed that, having taken a rump steak for supper, he dreamed that the earth was again deluged, and lie was among the noise of the almost countless animals of Noah's ark. On awaking however, he discovered that his dream had been caused by the play of knives and forks over a smoking sup]>er. He goes on to describe his iirst morning view of Grahamstowm, wheu the early Sabbath sunlight was resting on mountains of gold, which reminded him of old Bunyan's picture of the "delectable mountains," so charming to the eyes of pilgrims. " The locality of the clustering townships," he says, " was at peace, and presently the men mustered for church parade." He then describes the church of St. George's, and vrrites of the sermon by Rev. C. M. Nelson, of St. Paul's Cathedral church, as " appropriate and impressive." The particulars of the match have already been described in the STAR. T. F. was favorably impressed with the Thames scenery, especially that of Tararu, which he considers is 'really enchanting and romantic. The only mishap was that which befer Volunteer MoLeod, of the Scottish. That young man, in rushing on to the steamer, went headlong into the water, but was gallantly brought to deck hy some of his brave comrades.

At the Licensing Court, Onehunga, ■Wednesday, (before 11. C. Barstow (Chair man), T. Paton, J. D. .Jackson, and J. Robertson, Licensing Commissioners, the following applications for transfers were re ceived from Eden district :—Newmarket Hotel, from A. Cunningham to George Robson, granted ; Junction Motel, from* R. Foos to G. B. Martin, granted. Onehnnga Disirict : —Royal Hotel, from Henry Fuller to W. White, granted. Pakuranga :—Star Hotel, from E. Foley to Henry Leon, granted ; Critevion i [otul, from Thomas Rogers to J. Willi.s, granted.

A company is being formcxl to carry out j the work of prospecting tlie whole of the Cape Colvillo Peninsula. It is to be called the H;uiraki Gold Milling Ass/mation, and its plan of operations is as follows :—To employ ten men in two parties of four each with two leaders, to be out for a period of twelve months prospecting ; the men to be paid 23s per week aud rations. The whole outlay is expected to reach £1,000, which it is proposed to raise by fifty subscribers con tributing £20 apiece. Sixty promoters shares are to be issued to subscribers and. workers alike. Each leader and the pro visional secretary is to have one extra, maK in" 63 promoter's shares Each promoter s share will entitle the holder to 100 ±-1 shares, 5s paid up, which will be endorsed on the face ot scrip when payable gold is struck, to workers free of cost, and to non workers on payment of £5. The sum of £230 thus raised, to go towards the ex penses of forming a company, and paying for working the-mine. The full prospectus appears elsewhere in our columns. There can be little doubt that the part of the Coromwidel Peninsula whish up to the present time has been opened up aw a gold iiold is only a small portion of the gold bearing region. Indeed, it is very likely that the richest tracts are as yet unknown The Association holds out a fair prospect ot a good return, and if properly carried out it should be a very legitimate venture. Messrs Samuel Meekan, Walter C. Brickenbury, and William Hood were yesterday nominated as candidates tor the Parnell Borough Council, in addition to the three whose names appeared in our issue ot last evening. The Police Court this morning was crowded with persons curious to witness Madame Valentine, ofPaddingtouvilla, and her friend Theodore. The lady, who is a native of sunny Trance, did not appear to feel comfortable in her position but her friend out on a bold front, and as he raised his hand and parsed his fingers through his lockw the ring* met the sunshine and sparkled in the light. Numerous com plaints had been made to the police nbout, the nightly interruptions by Madarne'a visitors, and at length police interference was deemed nocesjary m order to stop what was considered a pe.st and the mission fell to the lot of Detective Jcflery, who wei.t last evening to the " villa " aud after taking such a vkv ofithe " little'cot" as the doubtful light per mitted, went in and arrested the lady of the house, and her companion, Iheodorc Francis. It was vaguely (suggested that citizen visitors we under cover of the vi Ilii besides the girl Isabella, but fortunately for them, their nai. es were not disclosed for the satisfaction of the singularly curious. The persona arrested were discharged, on the united promise that they would not only quit the Grey-street nest but the uolony of New Zealand ; and if this " con summation dovoutlv to bo M'khed, 1; should result from the evening's surprise, the peace-loving inhabitants and jironorty owners of the street will be grateful. It i< to 1)0 feared, however, from the recent revelations, that there are other villas m Auckland that need cleansing, scouring and purifying from the taints of vice and immorality. At all events, there is hope for the good people of Grey-street.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OCR SPECIAL REPORTER)

[BY KI.KCTIUC TELEUKAI'II.]

WELLINGTON, this day. MIDDLE OPPOSITION J'ARTY. At the meeting of the Middle Op position Party, held in the Parliamentary buildings, nineteen attended, and seven others .sent apologies. Two others who did not attend are known to syinpattii.se. After a discussion, which lasted tally an hour an Executive Committee was ap pointed to take action. The party was entirely unanimous in its view as to the necessity of taking stops to ton,! an organised Opposition to the present Govern ment M«st of the principal members present made speeches, but no leader of the party was appointed—the work of direction and control being left to the Executive Committee, which is small in number. Sir George Grey still retains seventeen followers, including MeswrH Di-man, Tolc, Pees, Header Wood. Sheehan Stout, Maeandrew, and others. Only three Auckland members attended yesterday's Middle Party caucus. live members attended from Otago. Lno attendance from the Middle Island was about equal. Mr Waketield was present, and this is regarded an significant of Mr Stafford's pre.lilictions. It is understood that two main points of the new party are localisation of the laud fund, and shelving the question of Separation for some time. Mrltowencnt »n apology, being sngaged on a conmiittoc. Mr Wakclield's Lend Fund resolution is to be moved on going into Committee of Supply. It. is generally understood to have been dratted by Mr Stafford. The middle party attempt to preserve a most impenetrable .silence about yesterday's proceeding*, and, when applied to by reporters, state that to divulge par ticulars would frustrate their objects. It IH understood that at the meeting .each member pledged himself to strictest SCISSwN GRANTS I'OK RESERVES A question was a.sked m the House by Mr Tolc of considerable importance to the Thames. The question was whether the Government would i-sue Crown Grants for the reserves which Mr Mackay made out of the lands at Whangamata, and other blocks purchased from the natives at the Thames. These reserves have been sold, and have passed through several hands on the strength of Mr Mackay's certificate of entitlement to Crewn Grants, which hare, as yet, not been issued: and it would assure confidence to holders to know that they are safo. Mr Reid replied that a bill would be in troduced for the purpose in a few days. PURCHASING WAIROA RIVER. Mr Tole gave notice to ask the Govern ment whether they intend to give effect to the petition in favour of buying the AVairoa "m KEES AND MRS McMANUS. Mr Recs drew attention to the evidence in Mrs JVlcManus' case, printed in the "New Zealand Times." He said imputa tions of misconduct had been cast upon him. He called upon the Petitions' Committee to vindicate his character. Mr Kelly, Chairman of Committee, said Mr Rees had completely cleared himself before the Committee from the imputations cast upon him. If the Committee had thought the evidence would be printed, they would have expressed an opinion in their report clearing Mr Rees. Several other members of Committee spoke exculpating Mr Rees. MR 110WE AND HIS CONSTITUENTS.

Sir George Grey read a telegram from Father Chastignoii, stating that much dis satisfaction had been caused amongst the Catholics of Auckland in consequence of Mr Rowe's speech, as telegraphed to the Auckland STAR.

CHANGE IN THE FRANCHISE. During the debate on Mr Woolcock's motion affirming desirability of change in franchise and electoral law this session, Sir George Grey said he could not trust the promise of the Government to introduce a bill on the subject next session. They had promised last session the same thing, and induced him to withdraw motions. He would therefore press his motion on the notice paper. Dr Hodgkinson referred to the hint thrown out by Mr Woolcock that there were rumours 'of intended dissolution. Dr Hodgkinson said he hoped that a dissolu tion "would speedily be granted, as the House in no sense represented the real opinion of the people at large. Mr Woolcock, who probably only moved his resolution for the purpose of wiring a speech for his constituents, then withdrew kis motion.

BAY LAND PURCHASES.

POVERTY On the motion of Mr Sheehan the Poverty

Bay land transactions and the circumstances attending the dismissal of Mr Wilson, Land Purchase Commissioner, were referred to a committee.

GAMBLING The Government promised compliance with Mr Fox's resolution that, " Instruc tions be given to the police regarding the suppression of sweeps, gambling, rattles, &c, and sales of spirituous liquors to natives ; also,the (prosecutions and con victions for these offences." Mr Rowe spoke very warmly in support of the necessity for putting down these very immoral practices. CROWN LANDS DISPOSED OF. A return of the Crown Lands absolutely disposed of for cash, scrip, or under native grants from the date of the first sales \o the 30th June, 1876, has been laid on the table. The lands sold in town amount to 1,520 acres ; suburbs, 0,05S ; country, 1.055,471. The consideration in cash was £314,456. Hcrip — New Zealand Company's old land claims, Government scrip, or debentures, £41,075; for public -works executed: amount, 271 acre*! ; value of work done, £371. Lands disposed of without sale to immi grant*, £446,671 ; naval and military settlers under New Zealand Settlements, Act, 78,632 acres ; reserves granted for public purposes under Public Reserves' Act, 1854, 36,500 acres ; to Europeans or natives under Waste Lands' Act, 1858, Crown Grants' Act, 186'2,and Native Reserves' Act, 1865, 1,448,563 acres; in satisfaction of land scrip or otherwise not specified, 540,380 acres. Summary of extent of Crown lands abso lutely disposed of for cash, scrip, or under native or other grunts from June 30th, 1870, to June 30th, 1577, in Auckland:— Country lands, 4,642 acres ; consideration, £359. Scrip, £2,482 ;to natives by grants, £4,255 ; acres, land scrip, SO acres ; Total of land selected in Auckland district up to 30th June, 1876 : Homestead selections : applications, 62 ; area selected, 6,790 acres ; average in each selection, 109 acres. Land forfeited for breach of conditions, 665 acres. Selected up to June 30, 1877 : Auckland, homestead selections applications, 70 ; area selected, 15.305 acres ; average to each selection, 218 acres. Summary of particu lars of applications to convert leaseholds into freeholds, for the year ending June 30, 1877 : Applications, 1,985 acres ; lease, other than agricultural leases, Auckland. areas leased, 73,660 acres ; rent, £368. A^Tegates of lands sold or otherwise disposed of ; lands absolutely disposed of for cash, scrip, or under native or other grants from date of first sales to June 30, 1$7(; : —Lands sold in town, 13,354 acres ; suburban, 70,451 acres ; country. 7,833,753. Consideration cash, £7,506,702 ; scrip, £210,235 ; for public work* executed, 286,451 acres. Value of work done, £85,171 ; to immigrants, 447,417 acres ; naval and military settlers, 155.79S acres; reserves for public purposes, 576,415 acres ; under Waste Lands' Act, Crown Grants' Act, No. 2, and Native Reserves Act, 133,444 acres ; under Native Lands' Act. 1865, 2,289,51S acres ; in satisfaction of land scrij), 551,352 acres. Summary of extent of Crown Lands j absolutely disposed of for cash, scrip, or j under native or other grants from 3033 June, 1576, to 30th June, 1877 :—Lands k O I,1—Town, (122 acres; suburban, 1,220 acres ; country, 495,821 acres. Cash re ceived, £-875,520 ; scrip, £3,078 ; for public works executed, 3,326 acres; value of works, £2,387 ; lands disposed of without sale to immigrants, 925 acres ; reserves for public purposes, 13,110 acres ; under Waste Lands' Act, 7f>2 acres ; under Native Lands' Act, 34,0"7S acres ; in satisfaction of laud scrip or otherwise not specified, 3,100 ; lands selected up to June 30, 1576 :—Appli cations, 7,517 ; approved. 4,075 ; area selected, 322,113 acres; average for each selection, 79 acre* ; fees, yearly, £30,810 ; rents, £77,012. Laud granted in fulfilled conditions, 44.750 acres. Lands forfeited for nonfulfilment. 30,134 acres. During the year ending June 30, 1877 :—Applica tions, 1,585; approved, 569, area selected, 89,253 acres ; average selected, IM9 acres. Fees payable yearly, £12,128 ; rents paid, £2(1,581 ; land granted for conditions ful filled, 15,017 acres; forfeited, 10,142 acres ; agricultural lease exchanged for leases deferred payments for the year ending June 30, 1877 : — Applications to exchange, 47 ; extent, •!,.")G(; : applications to convert leaseholds with freeholds : number of applications, 15; extent, 20,789; cultivated, lOacres. Area i of pastoral leases issued during the year I ended June 30th, 1877 : Holders, ii ; area, 2(13,115 a-cies ; rent, £1,424; license fees,

■ PASTORAL LANDS. Summary of lands held under pastoral license or leiise on 30th June, 1577 :— .Auckland: 14 holdings; total area, 109,:i!H) acres ; average of each holding, 7,813 acres; total stocks, not known; rent, £162. Efawkes' Bay, 15 holdings ; total area. 147,1KK) acres; average each, 19,900 awes; stock depastured, 35,700; rent, £414. Wellington: 1 holding; 3,000 acres ; stock, 800; rent, £52. Nelson : 04 holdings ; 602,266 acres; average, (>',407 acres ; rent, £4,236. (In this return are included all leases over 500 acres, this being the nearest possible approximation to n return of lands held for pastoral in distinction from agricultural purposes). Marlborough : 7*2 holdings; ,1,076,509 acres ; average each, 14,951 ; stock, 151,000; rent, £4,406. Canterbury: 537 holdings ; 1*27,645 acres; average each, 7,686; sheep, .1,010.SOS; cattle, etc., not known ; rent, £38,553. Westland :36 holdings ; 429,670 acres ; average each, 11,935 acres; rent, £990. Otago : 221 holdings; (>,472,71S acres; average each, ' 29.98S ; stock, 2,017,421 acres ; rent, £59,734. Southland district :24 holdings, 710,965 acres ; average each, 29,623 acres ; rent, £6.005. Total for colony

holdings, 1,014; total acres, 13,667,363; average each, 127,603 ; rent, £124,490. Leases and licenses other than agricultural and pastoral during the year ended June 30th, 1877—area, 107,215; rent, £1,559. Licenses revoked during the year ending Juue 30th, IS77—extent, 146,074 acres.

LAST NIGHT.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL BILL. In the House last night, Mr Lusk moved the second reading of the Auckland Grammar School Reserve Bill. Mr Stout hoped the Government would add a clause to the Education Bill dealing with all similar reserves, in order to prevent the endless introduction of local bills.

Sir George Grey opposed second reading. Be was greatly interested in the question of certain reserves in Auckland, dedicated by himself from Crown Lands which contained provision for night schools, but this had been overlooked.

The second reading was agreed to.

LOCAL OPTION

The House last night was in committee on the Local Option Bill for some time, when Mr Travers pointed out that clause four allowed only persons of twenty-one years of age, neither under nor over, to vote. On clause two, amended in the former committee by substituting fifty for twenty, to set the Act in operation, was struck out. This makes room for a new clause to define districts, A GOOD JOKE. In committee last night, on the Goldfields Committee resolution, one of the best jokes of the session Avas solemnly perpetrated by Mr Gisbome. He -was explaining the reso lution, and said, " The Government reserve thd right of making tracts." The House wont into convulsions of laughter. Minis, ters looked funereal. The best of the joke wars Mr Gisborne's lugubrious face. He was the only one in the House, who did not see the joke. This morning Mr Manders was endeavour ing to let light into Mr Gisborue was just replying with reference to some point of English parliamentary practice on the I subject of j'>ke> when your reporter left. ' BRITISH JUSTICE. I A most blackguard attempts is made in

the New Zealand " Times" to prejudice Jones's case while sub judice. Tools of the land-jobbers are sending disgraceful telegrams to the "Times" for publication. The editor disgraces his cloth by adding to them one this morning, which is so utterly blackguarding and cruel to Jones that it excites general indignation. The wire is being pulled by Ministers, and the puppets dance.

In the new clause which will probably be passed, any political district, whether school board jor higl way, will be a district under the Act. In all cases the smallest organ ized political districts will be re-organ ized for the purposes of the Act. This will be done to prevent the creation of new districts. Clause four was amended —6", 7, and S struck out. Progress was reported.

AUCKLAND HIGHWAY VALIDA TION.

The Auckland Highway Districts Vali dation Bill was in committee of the House, for consideration of the differences betAveen the two branches of the Legislation on this Bill.

Mr llees moved that the conference of the Houses should meet again to ex plain the difficulty. The Legislative Council was under a misapprehension as to the proclamation which he relied on in his reasons for the objections. Mr Justice Gillies had supposed there was a resolution of the Auckland Provincial Coun cil, when no such resolution existed. After some discussion, Messrs Sheehan and Kees were appointed managers of the Upper House, with reference to the proposed amendments. It is understood that the Upper House will give way, if shewn to be in error.

Mr Luslv was present at the middle party caucus, and is one of the Executive, appointed to draw up a programme of future action. The two other Auckland names will transpire shortly.

DIABOLICAL OUTRAGE AT WOOD SIDE.

A SHORT time ago we drew attention to the circumstances attending the closing of the public school at Woodside, Groat South Koad. This school had been erected with

subscriptions laised in the district, upon a ! site given by a resident for a public school. | The land was vested by the donor in ' trustees. Subsequently, upon the appli- '■ cation of the trustees, the Board of Educa- ' tioa agreed to make the school a public school under the Education Act, built a teacher's residence out- of the funds of the ; Board, created a school district, and a j committee was elected amdteacherappointed ; in the ordinary course. Everything worked well enough, until a certain section of the ! trustees, personally antagonistic to Colonel ' Kooke, the teacher, endeavoured by various i expedients to oust him, in defiance of the school committee,, snd the wishes of the great majority of settlers in the district. The Board of Education built the teacher's house, relying, on the assurance that the sohooland land would be handed over in the usual way. But on making the demand for the transfer, the trustees refused to hand over tho building, raising a question of accounts. Instead of at once determining their position by a suit in the Supreme Court, the Board temporised with the trustees, and at length arrived at the peurile decision of closing the school, thinking apparently that the teacher would thus be got out of the way. The school committee, however, were not the incn to be domi neered over in the performance of their legal duties as representatives of the householders of Woodside, by persons utterly unknown to the Education Act, and they very properly re-elected Mrs Kooke, an accomplished lady, and thoroughly qualified teacher to the charge of the school. But the school building has been kept closed, while the Board remains inactive, and all the children attending the school liave been crowded into a small room in the teacher's house. On the tenth of last month a further stage in this extraordinary story was reached. \ the trustees applying to the Jti.M. Court Papakura, for an order to oust Mrs Eooke, i the duly appointed teacher, from the house I erected by the Board of Education. We ! are not aware whether the Board took any i steps to protect the teacher, or left the ; lady to bear the whole brunt of it. The j part taken by the Board throughout has ', been singularly vacillating, and undignified, i and has placed the teacher and the^ school • committee in a false position and subject iu> continual annoyance. But latterly the ' lady has been subject to a species of perse cution of a ttill more serious and diabolical ■ character, the perpetrators of which are, as i yet, undiscovered. Colonel Piooke having ! been forced from the district, the lady with j her children are living alone, and during I the last few weeks the dog has been ■ poisoned, the windows of the house smashed,and the hedge set onfire. Theseout , rages culminated early last Monday morn- I ing in an act of a most atrocious character. : At daybreak a loud explosion was heard i close to the house. and on Mrs i Rooke's going into the room used i for a school, she found it full of I smoke, which from the pungent smell | emanated from burnt gunpowder. Mr ! Burnside, who lives in :i cottage not many j chains off, had heard the explosion, and oil j seeing Mrs Kooke, he asked what had i exploded. She replied that sho did not | know, and the two together searched the I premises, Under the stairs leading to the j kitchen a piece of burnt fuse was dis j covered, and the remains of a powder flask. i Evidently some cowardly ruffian had I lighted the fuse and left the flask to burst, either with the intention of doing harm, or with the idea of frightening Mrs Kooke. No trace has yet been discovered of tjhe author of the malicious trick, but Detective Grace visited the place yesterday, and we I trust the miscreant will be discovered, and brought to iustiee

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

GRxVHAMSTON, this day.

The Piako Company got 20 lbs of speci mens in the main winze, sinking for the new leved.

THE,. CATHOLICS AND MR ROWE. The Catholics here are highly indignant with Mr W. Rowe'e speech on the Education Act. Sir George Grey was telegraphed to and read a telegram to the House from Father Chastagnon, flatly contradicting Mr Rowe. NEW "MORNING STAR." The new " Morning Star" has appointed W. Goldsworthy manager, to go to work in the upper levels as soon as engine and pop pet heads are overhauled. The joint tunnel for the Moanatairi Great Golden Calf and NeA\* Morning Star, from the 360 feet level of the Caledonian, is to be com menced next week to drain this extensive country and cut lodes at deep levels in this prominent locality.

ONEHUNGA, this day. BOROUGH COUNCIL NOMINATION. The following gentleman have been nominated as candidates to fill the three vacancies in the Borough Council :—Messrs Waller, Dunwoodie, Broadfoot, Noakes, Earle, and Hartnett.

RUSSELL, this day. Sailed : Fawn, Christina, Julia Price, and Dream.

COROMANDEL. this day.

ROYAL OAK AND TOKATEA SPECI MENS.

Royal Oak.—About twenty live pounds of specimens were obtained yesterday, ami there is a splendid show in the face. The crushing is also showing up well. The low level is rapidly nearing the shot of gold. Tokatea.—A small quantity of picked stone hits been obtained. The mine generally ts looking well. Bright Smile.— Specimens are being oh-

tamed nearly evry day. Some good oi «^ were got yesterday. ACCIDENT. Kapanga. — A miner, named Colling working in the mine, had a serious accident yesterday, breaking two or three of his ribs. The Mary Hogan cutter from Auckland j is wind bound here.

ALEXANDRA, this day

FENIAN FLAG FOli THE KING.'

Oonnor, Uie man who caused some talk some time pback by visiting Tawhiao and presenting him with a Fenian flag, is up near Kaipiha endeavouring to arrange another interview with the King. Hi* visit kept as secret as possible from the natives generally.

DUNEDIN, this day

BRAN CH IiAILWAY.

A firm offers to construct a railway from Waipahe to Tapamii if the district takes m> £4000 worth of shares. ' '

LEASE OF RUNS. Judge Williams decides that the Laud Board have power to levy an acreage rate in addition to the assessment on runs. The Board has been acting for some time on the same interpretion of the Act, and dealt with all runs as they fall in on that principle. When the Hon. Mr Campbell's rates came^to be considered the question was raised as to the power to charge more than the assse&ment. The Crown j Solicitor's opinion supported the latter, in i spite of Mr Justice Williams' opinion." j The Board, by the casting vote of the chairman, guided by Mr lioggit's opinion in respect to run 415 "decided to ■ charge the assessment only. The Board | determined not to re-lease runs 414 A and | 414 Bof very small acres. A great rush j was made to-day for land on Chaton and j Otamutu Hundreds, in the Matawea district. Officers here and at Invercargill I are fairly besieged with applicants.

1 THE EMBEZZLEMENT CASE. ■ Longwelle has been committed for trial j on two further charges of embezzlement of i premiums paid for Life Insurance. Four j other charges are to be heard.

(Pee Peess Agency.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, Wednesday. The nnitilated body of a European was reported as having been seen on i he Charriet Reach by natives. Search has been made, but it has disappeared, and is supposed to have been washed out to sea or covered with sand. It is supposed to have been the body of a man who fell overboard from the cutter Fiery Cross, when oft" the Sugar Loaves, on the 7th August.

PORT CHALMERS, this day. SCARLET FEVER.

Scarlet fever appears to have assumed a malignant type. Three deaths are reported this morning ■

Gfeorgs Jones Committed for Trial.

WELLINGTON, this day.

George Jones was brought up at the Resident Magistrate Court" this morning, before three Justices of the Peace. The Bench wanted an adjournment till to morrow, when the Resident Magistrate would be present. Mr Rees pressed for a hearing at once, as he wanted to get away that afternoon. Mr Izard having stated the case, reading a portion of the article considered libellous.

The defence contended that the article only stated that Mr Whitaker sought to pass the Act so as to acquire a great quantity of land "by law," which was open to everyone else ; and that his action was not stated to be wrong, but only unpopular. After a good deal of argument, tiie Bench ruled that a prima facie case had been made out. The whole tendency of the article was to the effect that the Land Bill ought to be calle"d a bill to enrich Mr Whitaker and his friends at the expense of the public.

Mr Rees then wanted to place Mr Whitaker in the box to examine him, but Mr Izaru raised the legal objection that he could not be examined to prove the libel at a preliminary investigation. Mr Jones reserved his defence. ! Mr Jones was then committed to take his trial at the Supreme Court of Otago; bail allowed, accused £100. and two sureties , of £50 each. j THE '• WAKA MAORI " CASE. The Chief Justice has been all the morn ing, and is now summing up in the " Waka , Maori" case. He is not expected to con i elude his remarks before five or six thi* evening.

DUNEDIN. this day.

CHARGE OF RAPE.

George Breudfoot, brother of the well known contractor, was charged at the Police Court this morning with rape on a girl in his employment as servant. The case is proceeding.

At a meeting of the Presbyterian Synod yesterday the present Education Bill was approved, but the denominational system condemned.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE LATEST

WAR NEWS.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDOS

CORRESPONDENT.)

DEFEAT OF

SUXISIIAI PASHA

2,000 TURKS

KILLED.

LONDON

Tuesday night.

Sulieman Pasha, who has been strongly reinforced in the Shipka Pass, attacked the Russians fronting the Plevna-Gabrova road.

There were twenty thousand men engaged on each side.

The Turks were repulsed, with a loss of two thousand men.

M. Thiers' death at the present crisis in French affairs is considered alarm-

ing.

DEATH OF M. THIERS.

SULIEMAN PASHA ADVANCING.

REPUBLICAN MAJORITY IN

FRANCE

[reutek's telegram pee press agency.]

BOMBAY, September 4, 8.14 p.m.. ]\J. Ihiers died of apoplexy. , Sulieman Pasha has telegraphed to Con stantinople that he has been strongly rein forced, and that on the road to Gabrova lie had completely dislodged the enemy near Yechilagie. LONDON. September 8. Despite the action of the Government, the French elections will give the he pulieans an overwhelming majority.

THE ALBURNIA.

i he directors of the Alburuia v..ai. pany have to-day declared a dividend 01 ] 5s per share, payable on the 1-ith inst.

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1877.



,uiu uiiniue llit -" ' jj s d. Date. New Golden Pah.. .. 0 0 3 - Sop. 12 Youns Colonial .. ■•00 2- Son. 12 Young New Zealand.. 0 0 6- Sep. 12 iS^ :: :: :: :: g f I £ |g N-^S and: Mer:. 010 0 - oct. 1 1?SSS?£i 0 1 0 - Sep. G



T^- O T I C E Zealand, are informed that the Monthly List will be closed on 13th instant. Nominated Immigrants on arrival in the Polony may join their friends immediately after i-nap"ction a; P id will not bo required to go into depot. Any person nominating a friend residing out of the United Kingdom must make arrange ment! fa? joining the ship at the port ot em "barkation. . Full particulars and forms can bo obtained from this office. EDWARD L. GREEN. Immigration Officer. Immigration Office. Auckland. 3rd September, ISti. f A N C nf¥ S T E R GOOD S. Yv. RATTRAY Be-s to notify that he has JUST OPENED an "assortment of the following Goods, viz.: Horrocks' and other makes of Calicoes and 40 51,°72^0, 90, and 100 inch Finlay's Plain and Twilled Sheelintrs _. _, ~ 6/4, 7/4, 8/4, 9/4, and 10.1 White Linen Table ' Damasks n , , 6'! 71, and 8 1 Ifambro and Unbleached do., ao. Damask Table Cloths, Napktas and Tray Cloths, Rough and Dressed Hollands, Diapers, Linwf and DCotto'n'Bed Tick, Huckaback Towel ling, Tea and Glass Cloths, Christy's Turkish Till stj6l*3 Counterpanes, Quilts, Toilet Covers, and Anti macassars. The above have bken Marked at the Lowest Remunerative Prices. v-EW yEAL AN D JJ OUS E. 66, QUEEV-STREET, AUCKLAND. T MPORTANT NOTICE \Saving introduced STEAM POWER into the 'Manufacture of FURNITURE, toe are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GREATLY RED UGED PRICES. T. & H. CO ORE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, the, <£'C SHOW ROOMS. 67, Queen-street. STEAM CABINET FACTORY Victoria-street. The latest quotations in the meat depart ment for prime oxen of superior quality are: 4d per lb. for rich roast beef ; boiling beef 2d to3id ; mutton only two prices, fore-quarter, 2d, le< r, 3d ; pork, veal, choice lambs, and poultry ; sausages, 4<l; Watling's pork pies, 4d each. On Saturday, cash price at shop. —GEORGE HULME, Auckland Steam Sausage Factory, Queen-street.—[ADVT.J VEKY IMPORTANT to all persons wishing to furnish their house economically, to know that the greatest Variety of Furni ture and Carpets is to be seen at the City Hall Arcade. The proprietors have just added another large Show Room entirely for Bed-room Fumitue, where may be seen very handsome Cedar, Rimu, Mottled Kauri, Iron, and other Bedsteads; splendid assortment of Toilet Glasses, &C, &c. Drawing and Diningroora Suites ready to deliver at a moment's notice. Upwards of 100 patterns in Carpets to choose from ; Tapestry, from 2s lid; Brussels, from 4s (Jd ; Floor Cloths, from Is lid ; New lot of Oil Canvas at 9d. Holloway and Garlick lay carpets and deliver their goods, free of charge, to any part of the town. Strangers and others are invited to wrrfk th/ough the ''Arcade" and see for them- J selves the quality and stylo of Furaiure I before buying.—[Adyx.]



1. COSGUA YE & Bey to infirm the inhabitants of Auck land they are now holding a SALE of the "remamin,; portion of their WINTER DRAPER? and CLOTHING. Ladies Costumes, Mantles, Shawls, | furs, French Jlerinoes, Fancy Dress Stwfts and Silks. The Goods will he offered to the fiublic at Very Low Prices, in order to clear. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do- TTT , BELL'S BONKFLOUR land*-inch BONELb bl. BTLLYAKD'S No. 1 do. NITR VTS OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA supplied on application at the stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN -STREET. CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING. Just Landed, ex Columbus— 30 casks new Clovers, cou3istmg of Bed Clover "SV'hite Clover Cow Gras Also on hand, Alsyhe. Timothy. Lucerne, Rape, Bats- ail..llyo grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101. QUEEN-S TRE ET. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) OJ Fi'rst-clasa Tartars for Peed, also 800 sacks of 1575 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth l"00 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour. B^n. Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c. &c. Particular attention is called to SCO sacks Prime Barley, at 4a per bushel ot 50!b. 5 tons Anderson a Fresh oatmeal, at £21 per ton. rw. j. hurst & co. 101, QUERN- STR E E r i, AUCKLAND. ! nnHORNToif, SMITH. ANDFIRTH'S J_ PRICES CURRENT (WHOLESALE). Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100' S. 50's. Crownßrand Flour, .s. d. g b. d. * s. d. TfS CanterbUi:r 19 0 0 19 10 0 20 0 0 Meal for Pig-feed -.000 Sharps 80 0 .. Tii-nn .. O 111 8 Fowl Wheat .. ■■ 0 * oto As. 6d, .. The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not retrjnable. Terms: Cash. Auckland. Gth September. 1877. 6i> "DAY OF PLENTY TIMES." MR. ARTHUR F. SISLEY is at present in the city, and will wait on ADVERTISERS for a continuance of their favours. Mr. SrsLEY is authorised to receive Monies due to the "Bay of Plenty Times." E. M. EDGCUMBE, Proprietor. Tauranga, Ist September, IST". What is more nefarious than selling adultera ted and poisonous drams labelled and bottled to imitate a pure and health-yielding medicinal | beverage. This is precisely what tho rogues ' are doinff who sell imitations ot the celebrated Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps put up in bottles which previously held that incomparable cordial and speciuc lor disease. Let the public beware of such shams.