SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, s.s., from Dunedin and Napier, via Thames. Fauny, cutter, from Wangapoua. Hawea, 5.5.,-Wheoler, from the South.

DEPARTURES.

Kowena, s.s., Scllars, for Tauranga. Hero, s.s., for Motntapu.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

j.ui ummuii—<jiry oi-a.ucKianci, latn; uiemora, barque, early For San Francisco—City of Sydney, s.s., 16th inst (English Mail) For Sydney and Melbourne—Hero, s.s., Monday Bth inst. For Sydney- (from Onehunga)—s.s. Rotorua, 16th January For tho South—Hawea, 9th inst. lor Tauranga—Rowena, s.s., Wednesday, 10th. lor Coromaadel—Argyle, s.s., Mondays and Friday 3 For Levuka—Jessie Henderson, schooner, Mon day. • For Wanjrarei— Argyle, every Tuesday ±or the North—lona, 5.6., every Monday For Dnnedin—Southern Cross, mission vessel, early. For Gi3borne and Napier—Southern Cross, s.s., Monday. For Adelaide—Oabarfeidh, barque, early.

The steam launch Eclipse was yesterday en gaged by the Harbour Board in towing the silt punts from and to the dredge. Bhe performed the work very satisfactorily, and it is not un likely she may receive permanent employment in this way. The p.s., Annie Milbank, came up from Mahu rangi last evening, on a special excursion trip, bringing about 70 passengers. She returned at 2 o'clock to-day, crowdf3d. The cutter, Fannie, brings 30,000 feet of timber from Whangapoa. The s.s. Kowena left last night for Tauranga with a largo number of passengers. The schooner Kenllworth loft Wangapoa on "Wednesday with 80,000 feet of timber for Lyttel ton.

The s.a. Southern Cross arrived early this morning from Dunodin, Ada Napier and the Thames. The Whakatipu arrived at Sydnoy on January 3rd.

Mr G. W. Owen has given an order to Mr Jno. Uarrach, of Mahuranga. to buijd him a fore and aft schooner of about ioO tons register. Tho model was shown to our shipping reporter , yesterday, and if the vessel is faithfully built, she is hound to piwe a clipper. . Her length on dock is to be 105 feet, on the keel, 02ft.; her beam, 25ft.; and her depth of hold, 10ft. 3in. The noteworthy features in her shape are hor beautifully fine linos aft, and her fulness below the waterlino foi-'ard. Swift sailing is intended to be the chief qualification attained, and for this her lines are avcll adapted. Her timbers were all cut last July, when the sap Avas down, and have been well seasoned. Especial care is to be taken in the building, and no black iron at all will bo used, as she is to be classed for 10 years like the Nellie, the builder's last vessel. We understand that the keel is noAV being laid.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr Greenwood reports his usual sale heia in the Market House (noon) as folloAVs: Geese, 2/ to 2/G; turkeys, scarce, and none entered; fowls, good, 2/ to 2/4 ; do., poor, 1/3 to 1/9; chicks, 9d to 1/3 ; ducks, 1/6 to 2/3; canaries, 10/; sucking pigs, Berkshire, 10/ ; potatoes, 2/ to 1/ per cwt; onions, |d lb; cheese, id to od lb; other goods fetched fair prices.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails avill Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 1.30 p.m., and on Monday next, at 5^30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Levuka, (Fiii), per Jessie Henderson, on Monday next, at 11 a.m. For Kawan, per General Government steamer Hineinon, on Monday nexh, at 10 a.m. For Whitiangi, per Ocean, on Monday next, at

11 a.m. For New Caledonia and Norfolk Island, per

Josephine, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For Gfisborric and Napier, per Southern Cross,

on Monday next, at S p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per

lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, KaAvau, and Mataknna, per Annie

Milbank, on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m. For Wanpraroi Heads, Waipn, -TVangarei and Man«apai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at 4 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Hero, on Monday next, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and l newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne will be received till 11.20 a.m.

Per Ilawea, on Tuesday. Oth January, as undor :--

For India, China, Mediterranean ports, and Continent of Europe, at noon. For Taranaki Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton, (for letters specially addressed), at Ip.m.. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at 1.20 p.m. For money orders, rosistered letters, and newspapers, at 11 a.m. S. B. BIBS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

AUGER.—On January 5, at her residence, Par nell, the wife of Mr. B. Auger, of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

MORUIS—WHYTE.—On the sth Instant, at the residence of Mr. Shaw, by tho Rev. R. F. Macniccol, George Morris, Esq., of Auckland, to Margaret, youngest daughter of James Whyte, Kinross, Scotland.

DEATH.

PHILLIPS.—On the oth Instant, at the Provin cial Hospital, Charles Phillips, of Ponsonby, late Trumpet Major Military Train, aged 62 years. The funeral Avill leaA'e the Hospital at four o'clock on Sunday next.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

" Garter."—The statements made in your letter should be verified by some bona fide signature.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1877

for the hWfe that lacks asslsmnMk For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And, the good that we can aoi

The death of Sir Donald McLean, an nounced in the later issues of the STAR last night, will cause a feeling of regret through out New Zealand. Political differences and party animosities are obliterated as we realise the fact that inanimate clay, heed less alike of human praise or censure, remains alone the object of our chiding. But if it be so that of the veriest churl we reverently exclaim "de mortius nil nisi bonum," may not every colonist justly lay his wreath of immortelles on the tomb of one who had for more than thirty years, through good report and through bad report, through some peril and hardship, been identified with the growth of New Zealand, and with the administration of the most difficult department of its public service. We arc of those who regard as pernicious and demoralising the system of wholesale bribery, and of rewards to aboriginees living in open hostility to the Queen, which has distinguished the native policy of the last few years, and we fear it Has sown the seeds of a crop of difficulties that will embarass future Governments for years to come. But we do not fail to recognise that in the policy of conciliation of which the late Native Min ister was a too zealous apostle, lay the germs of the right deportment of a civilised towards a barbarous race. It is not our in tention here, however, to review the late Native Ministers career, with the object of shewing either its successes or its failures. A brief biography elsewhere, sets forth the chief incidents of his life. In the language of Gray's beautiful elegy, we

No farther seek his merits to disclose,

Or draw his frailties from tbe:i' dread abode. There they alike in trembling hope repose-, The bosom of his Father and his God. Yet we cannot but lament that he was denied that season of retired ease which had been earned by a life of labour. Just when, by unremitting toil ho . had attained a position .of honmir and wealth, had raised himself hv his own merits and exertions from small beginnings to the pinnacle of a reasonable ambition, &od was preparing to enjoy ths ripened fruits of 1m tabQipj dAftth stepped iv pd elatosu Him

as its victim. Viewed in relation to his public life, Sir Donald's death realises that ideal which delights to picture the warrior as falling in the moment of victory, when his services are no more needed by his country. We believe his system of native administration Avill pass away with him. The colony has grown out of that state of dependence upon native good-will which rondered its path difficult and uncertain in the early years of the late Native Minister's public career. No one will question that, in those days, Sir Donald McLean rendered New Zealand mauy important services, and he would have carried with him to seclusion the good wishes of the colonists. His large Hawke's Bay estates, which a few years ago were encumbered, had been cleared, aud were, it is said, yielding £18,000 a year. Everything combined to render his retire ment from active public life into a luxurious privacy, graceful and happy, and, humanly speaking, he might have looked forward confidently to many years of case and en joyment. But it was ordained otherwise, and there is no appeal from tho dread decree. His death gives us another romindor of the vanity of all human designs. The title Avill die with him, but his only son becomes heir to a handsome fortune, and may, if his in clinations lead him that way, commence to build up a house and a name at a very much better starting point than that from which his father, by indomitable Scottish^ perse verance and force of character, achieved a foremost position in the colony, and en graved -his name imperishably upon the history of New Zealand.

Her Majesty the Queen, from the royal scat at Balmoral, has been shocking ultra- Sabbatarians iv Scotland by the expression of so-called latitudinarian views concerning the observance of the Lord's Day. The season has been unusually wet, and Her Majesty haß stated her opinion that there is no harm in Carrying on harvesting opera tions on Sunday, hi Presbyterian Scotland, the utterances of the Queen on theological subjects may not go for very much, but to a section of the press this deliverance has furnished a text for some sharp shots at the old ecclesiastical party, and for a good deal of raving upon the liberal tenden cies of ° the age.. It hardly re quired ' a royal decree, we should imagine, to authorise a work of necessity on Sunday—particularly one so important as the salvation of the food of the people. Her Majesty in putting on record her pro test against a species of Sabbatarian fanaticism which still lingers in some Scottish rural districts has shewn her good sense. But if, as would appear from the tone of some journals, this Avcre_ a royal mandate for making seven working days instead of six iv the week, very keen excep tion might, and doubtless would, be taken to her ability to fill the chair of the theological professor or that of the social philosopher. Harvesting on Sun days now, looked at from a worldly point of view, means seven day* pay for a week's work, but the enlightened and liberal principles of those apostles of the new dispensation who pr.ato of '' frmil notions" and "superstitions survivals, would be something very different. Tno reserve of one day in every seven,, sacred to rest and worship exhibits a divine philan thropy, and is the dearest privilege which remains to an over-worked humanity. If those who do the world's drudgery under stand their true interests, they will hedge it round (is their most sacred right.

The story which appears in the " Nelson Times " to tho eflect that the Agent- General's Department in London is to be wound up, and that Sir Julius Vogel has been instructed to prepare to wind up tho Agency, is most probably a mere news paper canard. We understand that there is no authority for the statement, and it is most likely that it is a mere hap-hazard guess. His Honor Mr Justice Gillies, with true liberality, gave on New Year's Day, an entertainment to about 100 children of the Destitute Home. The children were conveyed to His Honor's residence ni Epsom, where they enjoyed an excellent dinner and tea, and were entertained in the intervals with various games on the green sward. The children presented a cleanly and neat appearance, and rellected much credit on their keepers, Mr and Mrs Stick ley, and they conducted themselves romark ably well.

The programme of the Temperance Variety Troupe for this evening in tho lecture room of the Young Men's Rooms, Wellesley-strect,'promises a judicious and pleasing' entertainment. The names of ladies and gentlemen prominent as vocalists, appear in connection with sweet songs and other representations.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Board of Education was held yesterday afternoon, but the business was of the ordinary character. The reports of the Finance and Building Committees were read ; also, of the Grammar School. The successful competitors for the open scholar ships were Masters Clayton, Skcen, and Coutts, and for the possession of the district scholarships, Masters Elloy, Burgess, Wilson, Skeen, and McGarrigle.

The session of the Grand Lodge of the order of Templary, for New Zealand North. will commence its sittings on Tuesday next in the Albert-street Temperance Hall, at half-past ten o'clock. The sittings are looked forward to with much interest by thfe Templars of the province, as a number of important questions will be brought up and discussed. The sittings will be attended by about 70 delegates from different lodges in the province, and other parts of the colony.

The band of H.I.M. ship Hortha gave a grand concert last evening, in the Lome street Hall, in aid of the Orphan Homes of Auckland. Although a great number of tickets were taken, the audience was. less than anticipated, at least inside the hall, for we observed that there were at li'ast 150 persons listening and capering in Lorae streerj where the music could be dist'nctly heard. The playing of Hcrr Weber was excellent and noteworthy, and indeed the whole of the performance? were of the first order, and worthy the great German people, who occupy a high position in philosophy, poeiry, music, and general literature.

A Wellington telegram states that Parlia ment has been further prorogued until April 13th.

Mr D. Reid has been appointed Minister of Lands aud Immigration; Mr Ormond Minister of Public Works.

Yesterday the chiefs One Te One, of Kawhia, Major To Wheoro of Alexandra, Te Raihi of Tnmahere, and Paul Tukaere, of Orakei, had a long interview with the hon. Dr Pollen, Native and Defence Minister, with reference to administrative matters affecting the welfare of both races in the Waikato. Major Te Wheoro spoke in highly hopeful terms of the disposition of the King natives towards the European settlers in the Waikato, aud lie compared the present attitude of the Kingites with that which they exhibited seven years ago, attributing the beneficial change to the exertions of ths late Native Minister, Sir Donald McLean. Much symathy was ex pressed tor Sir Donald McLean whose death had not then been reported. Mauv of the cases which come before the Resident Magistrate at the Police Court afford matter for punning. As an instance we may state that in the case where Mr White was charged with assaulting a Con stable, it was said that defendant was knocked clown by the policeman, which brought forth the following pun, disturbing oven the gravity of Mr White, who could not avoid laughing : "He gHQTQVEE

At the great native meeting at Omahu, on the East Coast, 300 persons were pre sent, including all the leading chiefs of Ngatikahungungu, and representatives from the Arawa, tJriwera, and other tribes. There was a great feast of fat things in the shape of poultry, eels, puddings, wines and cigars etc. Spirits were rigorously excluded. The object of the meeting, was to arrange the subject for discussion at the great meeting of chiefs and representatives of tribes to be held at Pakowhai. Resolu tions were passed requesting the Rev. W. Pomare, of Muriwai, and the Rev. Piueha, of Otaki, to come and settle among the Ngatikahuugungu. Renata Kawipo stated that the claimants to the Omarauui block were determined not to give up possession. The subject of Good Templary was dis cussed at somo length, and opinions were generally expressed in favor of tho spread of temperanca principles.

In reply to Mr. Rowo, M.H.R., who waited upon the hon. tho Colonial Secretary yesterday with reference to the opening of tho Wa'irakau block for settlement, the hon. Dr. Pollen stated that if any promises had been made by his predecessors in the Government they would be fulfilled, and Mr. Rowe's representations on the matter would be forwarded to tho Waste Lands Board.

The lives of Mrs Fisher (daughter of the Rev. J. Warren of Onehunga,) and her infant child wore jeopardized at Grahams town the night before last, owing to the unprotected condition of the wharf. The lady in question, had arrived by the s.s. Rotomahana, and after waiting for some time for the Rev. Mr Bunn who was to meet her, proceeded to walk up the wharf. Hearing a truck coming up the tramway, she stopped hastily to the left side, forget ting that there was no rail on that side. Mr Eraser, the purser of the steamer who was walking by her side, saw her danger, and put his hand out to hold her, but he was too late to do more than clutch at her shawl as she fell over into nine feet of water. Captain May was fortunately close at hand, and immediately slipped down one of the piles, and caught hold of the child and held it up. Mr Richctts, a carter, descended directly after Captain May, and succeeded in getting hold of Mrs Fisher. Meanwhile Captain Edwards of the s.s. Durham hearing the alarm, lowered a boat from the steamer, and proceeded to the scene of the accident in company with Captain Farquhar. They took the lady on board, the child havingbecn alreadyhanded up on to the wharf, where it was received and t.iken care of by Mrs Farquhar. After a short time Mrs Fisher was able to proceed to tho Wesleyan Parsonage with the Rev. Mr Bunu,who arrived after the rescue. We understand that it is intended to protect the sides of the wharf, so that accidents of the same kind will be rendered impossible.

The greatest praise is due .to the gentlemen who ko promptly rescued the lady and her

infant,

The Treasurer for the Home for Neglec ted and Destitute Children, begs to

acknowledge with thanks the following donations :'—R. B. Lusk, Esq.., 40s. ; a friend £10 ; Hon. James Williamson, £24 ; Holmes Bros. £S 15s o'd. ; 5s per favor of STAR. We have received a letter signed "Justice" purporting to be written by "a stranger in Auckland," commenting on the :sase of assault heard at the Police Court yesterday. We consider the writer's con clusions and strictures wholly unwarranted by the evidence adduced in the case, and Ins comment.1? on the character and probable motives of the witnesses are such as might bo expected from a stranger.

We -believes tho Government is not yet in receipt of any definite advices from the New South Wales Government respecting the proposed modifications in the San Fmuoisco mail service,

Mr Owen C. McGoo is one of the right stamp of racing men. When he .has a horse that has a chance of a race he has no objection to t)ic public winning a pound on it as Avell as himself, which cannot be said of several other racing men A\re know. Then, after he has Avon, he is liberal, and

allows his friends to share his satisfaction in a substantial way. We understand that Owen kept open house for two days at Otahuhu, in honor of the successes of May Moon and Perfume.

We understand that Mr A. 13. Donald, of Custom House-street., has obtained tho contract for supplying sails to H.I.M. ship Hertha, the amount of the contract being £1000.

The artisan class amongst whom the STAB so widely circulates are informed, by an advertisement inserted elsewhere, that facilities are now to be afforded them for acquiring a house of their own without a strict adherence to the rales of Building Societies. After a connection of twenty years with Building Societies afc home and in this colony, Mr C. Williamson has devised means to simplify many of the regulations adhered to by Societies, and at the same time oilers many advantages to intending builders or borrowers, who may call upon him at his office, 3 Vulcan Lane.

The stake money won at the late Summer Meeting was paidovcr last night by the Secre tary Mr Percival to the following gentleman : Robert Kay, £-148 8s ; George Cutts, £399 ; O. C. McGce, £383 16s ; James Hunt, £76' ; 8. Collins, £22 lfis; Charles King, £38 ' H Mcltae and Nicholson, £42 15s ; M. Edgar,* £13 6s ; W. Walters, £18 Is ; J. Lenniird, £1) lO.s. The total amounted to £1451 12s.

The Rev. R, Laishley, from Thames, will conduct the services to-morrow at Beresford-street Congregational Churcb.

T4ic following account of a highly romantic marriage is given, it is almost needless to say, by an American journal, the "Providence Herald." Among the recent summer guests at Narraganset Pier have been a wealthy resident of Baltimore, his blooming daughter, and a companion, whoso ofllee was to stand guard over her young mistress, and intercept any letters that she might send to a young gentleman at the South. Before a fortnight had elapsed a dainty little missive was in the Baltimore mail bair. 'The young gentleman packed his valise and set out for Rhode Island. The father was forbidden by his physician to batho in tlia surf, and his daughter's companion hated salt water, and usually sat on the rocks when her charge donned a bathing-suit. While .the happy girl was in the water her lover sud denly appeared before her swimming like a duck and proposed that thoy should be married the nsxt day in tho breakers. She said "Yes." Tho next noon the lovers, a clergyman and two wit nesses, formed a little group iv the surf further out than the other hathera dared to go. The marriage ceremony had to ba suspended every few seconds on account of the breakers, and a laugh broke from the lips of the girfc when the clergyman solemnly gave full opportunity for the forbidding of the banns. Everybody noticed how gay she was at dinner that" day; and her father thought " She's forgotten that .Baltimore upstart already." A few hours later and ho was undeceived. Then the tempest raged again, but a lawyer's cool counsel prevailed. The bride groom lingered a few days and then went back to Baltimore.

ggThe sympathies of the charitably disposed are solicited on behalf of a poor woman named Miss Penrose, who has been discharged from the hospital with an incurable disease in the leg, and" for whom a few friends are engaged in raising a subscription with the object of defray ing her passage to Sydney, where she has a pros pect of support. Any donations towards this worthy object, however small matters not will be received and thankfully acknowledged at the Star Office.

Sir George Bowen, in a speech at the Mel bourne Grammar school touched on the question of political patronage. He advocated the substi tution of competitive examination instead of Ministerial patronage as the best mode of en trance to the Civil Service. He regarded the system of patronage os bad for the community at large and especially injurious to the real strength andinfluenee of the ministers themselves. He said there never was a truer saying than that ascribed to Pitt, "A minister in giving away a place makes one ingrato and ten enemies." • Sir George Bowen went on to say: " J-f I had not been en caged for more than a quarter of a century in pub lic affairs, and if Iliad not lived too long in the world to be surprised at any instance of human inconsistency, it would appear strange that in ao-oallod aristocratic Kngland a father who dosiro.s to-put his son into tho public service has to R3k a iUvom* of no laan; whorea3 in so-called democratic- Victoria be haa to go oap In hand to soros Minlsior, or so;s*o ether intluQMii&l mem

£|Time for receiving nominations for the Papakura Handicap has been deferred till Friday next.

Mr Bastian, the Auckland chiropodist, whose corn-curing skill has caused hundreds to frisk and walk with freedom wiio aforetime limped painfully with the aid of a stick, has now determined upon placing his powerful remedies Avithin tho reach of the multitude. For this purpose he will tako his stand this evening, like an ancient Roman, in the marketplace, and will retail his specifics to all and sundry.

The Engineor and City Band will play in front of the Supreme Court on Monday evening com mencing: at seven o'clock. Programme—March. —Keisler; Overture, "Dame Blanche, 71 —Boldiou, quadrillo, -'The Busy Bee—Metra; Grand Selec tion, "DorFreischutz"—Weber; "GermanPolon aise"—Keisler ; Waltz, "Marie Alexandrowna —C. Godfrey; Galop. "Tho Wee Dog"— S. Jones. " God Save tho Queen."

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Boforo R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M.) THE LIQUID FOX Patrick and Anthony wore both brought low, By sundry glasses from tho liquid foe. Patrick Gray, a fair young man, .pleaded fmilty to being drunk, but said he was somewhat green, and had just come from the bush. He was not aware <of the ovor powering character of the colonial beer. Fined 5s and costs.' Anthony McCowan, an old man, was charged with the same oftence, and being the second time, be was lined 10s., or 48 hours.

"OLD POLLY."

What, up again, old Polly- Robinson ! Tour sad lifo-work of drinking's nearly done. Mary Robinson, an habitual drunkard, was charged under the Vagrancy Act Avith being a rogue and vagabond, and Avith hav idg no visible, hvsvful means of living. The old woman pleaded guilty, and pro mised amendment. She had only been drunk five times last year. The countable proved that Polly was found opposite the Waitomata Hotel in a state of senseless stupefaction. It Avas found that 42 convictions had been recorded against the old woman. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the old Avoman S chief error Avas drunkenness. His Worship said he Avas afraid he must give her twelve months. Polly: "Oh, your Worship, do let me off, and God and" all good Angels, bless you. I will go to my daughter." His Worship discharged prisoner on the promise that if she came again, she must go to Mount Eden for a yfear. LUNACY.

John Smith, was charged Avith being of unsound mind. Sub-Inspector Pardy, said that Smith was a seaman on board the Jessie Osborne, but had been suffering in the head, in con sequence of incessant drinking. Fie was running up and down the wharf last night shouting at imaginary personages, at one time, declaring that someone was going to shoot him, and again shouting to the spirit of his Mary, " the girl he left behind him." Remanded until the 16th inst, in the meantime to undergo a medical examina tion.

ALLRGED BREACH OF THE LICENSING ACT. Tis well to close tho week with pleasant sonsy, But. spiliiitc drink on Sundays must he wronar. Philip Hackctt was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act by selling alcoholic liquor in the Market House Hotel, on Sun day, the 24th of December of last year.

Defendant pleaded not guilty. William Anolis, a native of Jamaica, deposed that by profession he was a sea cook. On Sunday, the 24th December, lie, in company with a man named Asthorpe, went to the Market Hriusrs and called for drinks ; he had a glass of rum, and his friend a glass of port. They Avere supplied by Mrs Hackctt, but ho had no idea it Avas Sunday.

David Asthorpe deposed that lie accom panied the last witness to the hotel, between 9 and 10, but lie could not pay whether lie drank ;i glass of port wine or not lie never paid for anything, lie had been drinking brandy at his own house before going out. His memory was quite disturbed, and lie had no clear recollection of anything.

To Mr Hackett : He might have been drunk. He did not know what he Avas about. His eyes sparkled very much. Elizabeth Hackott deposed that both the men came into the house. Roth were A Terv drunk. The black man had nothing to drink, and the other man Apthorp Avas refused. She offered him a glass of soda, as the best, thing for him, and he would not lake it. She could swear most positively that they had nothing to drink. His Worship said, nfter Mrs Haekett's eA'idcnce, he must dismiss the case ; but ho distinctly wished it to be understood that in cases of convictions in Sunday liquor selling, the persons so convicted would find at the annual licensing day that their licences would be forfeited. * He hoped, therefore, that hotel-keepers would be warned in time, and escape -what Avill certainly be the end of such practices.

This concluded the business,

CABLEGRAMS.

(PRESS AGENCY.)

LORD SALISBURY URGES PORTES ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS.

MUSIIAD PASHA* ON TURKISH

DIGNITY.

LONDON, January 3,

After the sitting of the Conference on Monday, Lord Salisbury visited Musliad Pasha, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and in sisted that the interest of Turkey would be promoted by her acceptance; of the proposals submitted by the Conference.

Mnshad Pasha expressed willingness as regards certain points, but absolutely rejects anything that would be contrary to the dignity and integrity of the Turkish Empire. There has been a serious overflow of the Thames, and the rainfall continues.

AUSTRALIAN.

MELBOURNE, June 3,

At Geelong yesterday, the English Cric lectors scored 155 with eight wickets down,

Arrival of the Alhambra.

REPORTED LOSS OF THE 'GREAT

QUEENSLAND.'

LOSS OF THE 'SERINGAPATAM' CONFIRMED.

HOKITIKA, this day.

Arrived: Tho Alham bra from Melbourne. She sails for Nelson at noon. She brings 30 pass.engers and 131 tons of cargo for all ports.

MELBOURNE, December 27.

W. 11. Clarke, a supposed Lieutenant in the army, died on board the Aiawata on the passage to Melbonrne.

Sterling won the Hawkesbury Handicap ; Kismet second.

It-is reported in shipping circles that the Great Queensland, which has been out 144 days, is now posted at Lloyds as lost. It is reported that several Insurance Companies here and in Sydney have received telegrams confirming the news of the loss of the City of Seringapatam.

WRECK OF THE SCHOONER SELLING.

SYDNEY, December 27. The schooner Sailing, of Hobart Town, foundered off the Capo Three Point. The captain and crew wore picked up by the steamer New England, > ufter being nine Uours in a boat.

TJie. >;iUiiug niftieh, bstwee.n. TtfsK^V*

brother and Holomon was won easily by the latter. Two children, brother and sister, were killed on the 24th at Newcastle, by gun shot wounds, by a boy snapping, aa he sup posed, an empty guv at them. Davis Avon tho Sydney Athlctio Cup of sixty guineas. Mr Parkes |lia3 retired from the leader ship of the Opposition. . A report has been made to the police ot further cruelty to boys at Randwick Asylum. The sickness on {board the mail steamer Brisbane is reported to be malignant small pox.

A MAN STABS HIS WIFE IN A FIT OF JEALOUSY.

A GIRL BURNT TO DEATH. A fire occurred at Margery's mill, and ninety tons of flour were destroyed. It is suppose!! to be the work of an incendiary. The loss is estimated at £9,000. It Avas insured for £35,000. A man named Samuel Dudley, stabbed his Avife seriously last night, in a fit of jealously. A girl named Higgins, has been burnt to death through her clothes catching fire. Wylde beat Roberts last night by 328, the same odds being given as Avith White. Mr White won a match against Mr Roberts by 137, the latter giving 700 out of 1,000.

Sudden Death.

Mr. Richard Bach, engineer of this city, was found dead in his bed yesterday morn ing. On the previous evening ho retired to rest in his usual health and spirits, and nothing was observod in his appearance to indicate that death Avas so near. Mr. Bach Avas in his sixty-second year, and had been in the colony about 15 years. He Avas a Birmingham man, and known as a skilful and contriving engineer, although not always able to give practical eflect to his in ventions. He left Birmingham in Novem ber, 1862, and came to Auckland in the Ger trude, bringing with him a steam canoe, which he put together and set in motion by the wood-wharf to the astonishment of the natives. Mr Bach has engaged in various speculations in Auckland, and at the Thames, but none of them brought the desired success. His latest schemes Avere a new baby-ongine, and a trycicle, in the foundry of Mi1. ILiArkeswood, but which Avill probably never be finished. Mr. Bach leaves a Avidow, three sons, and five daugh ters, all married, and residing in different parts of the province.

Death of Sir Donald McLean.

Thk announcement which appeared in oui third edition last evening of the death of Sir Donald McLean, must have awakened feelings of deep regret in the breasts of a large circle of persons who had met him cither in his private or public capacity. Particularly amongst the leading chiefs of the Maori race will his death cause the profoundest sorrow, both among Quccnitcs and Kingites. Few men in New Zealand surpassed him in critical knowledge of the Maori language, in acquaintance with the traditions and customs of the race, and no man equalled him in his wonderful tact in dealing with the natives. Indeed the ea.se with which lie was wont to settle difficulties and complications, which had baffled all others who had ■ essayed to arrange them astonished those most in timately acquainted with native aiFairs. There "can be no question that he had acquired an extraordinary influence over the minds of "the natives in all parts of the country, or that that influence was fre quently exercised for the benefit of the country at critical junctures, when it was most valuable in averting disaster and ruinous expenditure in profitless war. Sir Donald McLean Avar, born in Argyleshire, and his family was highly respectable. We are not acquainted with Sir Donald McLean's early career in this colony, but avcbelieve that ho arrived in New Zealand about the year 1830. He was gifted with a great amount of self-reliance and frugality; and though he had received a fair education prior to leaving home, he found that the only field open to a young man in New Zealand in those days was that of in dustry. For some time lie laboured as many others of the early colonists did in those days, and in ordinary bushwork at Waiheke and Command el first formed those habits of shrewd observation and self-reliance which distinguished his subsequent career. He rapidly mastered, the Maori language,* and thus early acquired an influence amongst the natives by whom he was engaged from time to time to conduct negotiations with ■Europeans. His steadi ness and his -influence with the natives attracted the notice and won the favour of Governor Fitzroy about the year 1843, and he was employed in the capacity of a native agent. In 1844 the late Dr. Sinclair recommended him to the notice of Captain Grey, then Governor of New Zealand, and when Governor Grey abolished the system of native agencies, Mr McLean was appointed an Inspector of Police at Tavanaki. In 1849 he was appointed a Land Purchase Commissioner, and from that time to ISSI, he was engaged in negotiating the purchase of extensive blocks of land. In the province of Hawke's Bay alone he acquired some 700,000 acres at a price which was exceedingly advantageous to the colony, and earned high encomiums from the Government. He was afterwards Native Secretary, until the two offices of Land Purchase Commissioner, and Native Secretary were separated. In IB6o,disputes arose between the Government and Wi Kingi with regard to tha ownership of the Waitara block. Governor Browne relied to a large extent on the advise of the Native Secretary, but when the dispute. reached a climax the Governor practically disre garded thai advise, and resolved upon occupying the Waitara by force of arms. The official documents of the time shew that the Native Secretary was strongly averse to the war, and expressed a decided opinion that any attempt to occupy Waitara with troops would lead to years of war, the destruction of much valuable pro perty, and the loss of many lives. Governor Browne was convinced that 3,000 troops would be sufficient to subdue the natives. Mr McLean warned him that 5000 soldiers would barely suffice to protect the settle ments. The war began, and Mr McLean was for a period of six weeks confined to his bed at his home on the East Coast, suffering from a severe attack of rheuma tism, from which it was at one time thought he would not recover. During his illness, Governor Browne frequently urged him to come down to the Waitara at fhe earliest possible time,-as his services were urgently required in order to deal with the native complications that existed, the Waikatos and Ngatimaniapoto having espoused the cause of the Ngatiawa, and the country being threatened with a general war. Early in 1861, Mi- McLean had sufficiently recovered, and a steamer was sent specially to convey him to the Waitara. The very day after his arrival, he held a quiet meeting with the insurgents in the bush Avhile white flags were hoisted at the outposts, and in a few hours it was announced that the Avar had been settled, and that the natives were re turning to their homes. About the year 1865, Mr McLean wag elected Superinten dent of Hawkes Bay, and he filled also the office of agent for the General Government in that province. When Mr Stafford be. came Premier, he dssired tho Genera! Gov« eminent agent at Namer to use his iuQu ©nee with tho chief JRopata <\nd tha JNga.tjporo.tt tQ imluga thgm to mx\%

against the rebels on the West Coast. Mr McLean met the natives, and endeavoured to persuade them to proceed to Wellington, but they refused, on the ground that their own homes were in danger. Mr Stafford appears to havo _ supposed . that Mr McLean had improperly influenced the natives in their refusal, and lie forth with deprived him of the office of agent for the General Government. From aTeareftd perusal of the despatches, we teel convinced that Mr Stafford's suspicions were un founded, and that they were formed in ignorance of the circumstances. In 1869, Mr McLean was elected to the House of Representatives, for Napier, and on the defeat of the Stafford Ministry, on a want of confidence motion by Mr Fox, Mr McLean took the portfolio of Native and Defence Minister in .the Government of which Mr Fox was Premier, and Sir Julius Vogel Colonial Secretary. The new Ministry initiated an entire change of native policy, and upon the Native Minister devolved the task of organising the new Armed Constabu lary, or demilitarised force, and of putting an end to the system of harrassing and ir regular warfare which had been earned on in differents parts of the North Island, and which' was straining' the resources of the colony to the utmost without any com mensurate benefit. A policy of conciliation, quietude, and peace was inaugurated and has ever since been successfully main tained, with the exception of small outbreaks;, which have been suppressed with ease and without loss. In 1872, the Vogel Ministry was ousted, and Mr. Stafford, with what was known as the Superintendental Ministry, held office for twenty-nine days, at the end of which \ time Sir Julius Vogel turned the tables on his opponenents with another no-confidence motion, and returned to office with his former colleagues. It was during the interim of 29 days that Mr. McLean's staunch loyalty to his colleagues was con spicuous. Repeated overtures were made to him to join the Stafford Ministry, but in vain. He rejected every inducement, and it was the want of confidence which the Middle. Island members had in the native policy of the Stafford Ministry, which was the primary cause of their restoring the former Ministry to power, the South being anxious for the maintenance of peace above all other questions of policy. In the same year, Mr McLean was made a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, and in 1874 Her Majesty, in recognition of his many y^ears of service, and the admin istrative ability he had shewn in dealing with the native race, conferred upon him the order of Knighthood. During 1874 and 1875 Sir Donald McLean's duties were very arduous. In addition to the ordinary work of his department, lie had undertaken the negotiation of large blocks of land, amounting to some 6, 000,000 acres, in order to acquire a landed estate for the North Island, the sum of £750,000 having been appropriated out of loans for tiie purpose. In 1875 Sir Eonald McLean held a meeting with Tawhiao at Kawhia, and in 1870 he again met him at Kaipiha. Sir' Donald appears to have been ! impressed with the conviction that the time i was ripe for reducing the King movement I to the authority of law, and he had formed | the design of inducing Tawhiao and the ] principal Kingite Chiefs to become amen able to our laws, to permit roads and rail- ' I ways to be made through their lands, to open Mokau and Kawhia, to surrender , murderers, and generally to permit the Queen's writ to run through the whole island. This he regarded as the consum mation of his policy, but ere he could' achieve it,the seeds of his former complaint broke out afresh, and ho was compelled by a sinking constitution to retire from the arduous labour of politics. He "was removed still suffering, to Maraekokaho, but it .soon became necessary to remove him to Napier. He was attended by the best 'i

medical skill of the district, but a few days ago the symptoms became more alarming, aud Dr. Grace was sent for from Welling-; ton, biit the disease—dropsy of the heart— had obtained too great a hold upon a con stitution sapped by sedentary laboxir, and the cares ana anxieties of an office which was peculiarly harassing to mind and body, and his medical advisers warned him to prepare for his-approaching end. He died, yesterday at ten minutes to four o'clock. He was married many years ago to a daughter of, 11. R. >Strang Esq., Resident Magistrate of Wellington, bnt his wife died after giving birth to one son, Douglas McLean, a young man of much premise, who is now heir to very considerable property. This is not the time to criticise Sir Donald McLean's policy. There was much in it of which we honestly disapproved,'but of the man himself only one opinion can be expressed. Ke was of a kindly generous nature, and those who knew him privately ever found in hifh a true and loyal friend. He dispensed much unostentatious charity, and his pnrse was always open in aid of the needy and dis tressed. A few months ago Sir Donald McLean was elected Grand Master of the Freemasons of the English Constitution in the North Island, and. was installed with much ceremony at Wellington. He was always a bright ornament to the Craft, to which he will be a great loss. It may be said that Sir Donald McLean died practically in harness, for he only relinquished office when severe illness rendered him incapable of discharging its duties. Sir Donald McLean had, -.ye believe only reached the age of 57 years, so that he might have reasonably looked ior ward, after his many years of arduous ser vice, to a few years of dignified ease, as the reward of long years of patient industry and self-denial. Whatever his political failings may have been—and no public man was ever free from failings— we feel sure that the grave will throw over them the pall, of oblivion, that his private virtues and his well-meaning devotion to the public will.be remeinterea with kindly feelings when his faults will be forgotton, and that the public will remember only that the best years of his life were given to the colony.

BERESFORD-STREET CONGREGA TIONAL CHURCH.

A large gathering of the members of the Beres ford-street congregational church met last even ing for the ptirpose of pi-esem ing an illuminated address,- and a substantial testimony of their esteem to Rev. Warlow Davies, A.M., their late pastor. The chair vras occupied by Joshua 0. Firth, Esq., supported by Yen. Archdeacon Maunsell, Revs. Dr. Wallis, R. F. JMacniccol, P. H. Cornjford, T. Hamer, A. Maodonald, and other friends of religious progress. The pro ceedings opened by a hymn and prayer. Mr. Firth then delivered an interesting address in relation to the immediate obioct of the meeting, namely, to say farewell to their late pastor, who was about to leave the colony. Having made many excellent remarks on the changes, vicissi tudes and farewells of life, Mr. Firth, in refer ence to Mr. Davies, said their late pastor had spent ten of the best years cf his life amongst them, and had conferred great and special bene fits upon them as a congregation. His labours had not been in vain in the wider sphere of the city, and he was suro that the news of Mr. Davies-s departure had been received ■with deep regret, not only by thos<} privi leged to hear him, but by tho"se on!side the sanctuaries. Rev. Thomas 'ilamer. Venerable Archdeacon Maunsell, Rev. Dr Wallis, Rev. P. 11. Cornford, having addressed the meeting in congratulatory and pleasing terms, Mr Mr. tthewa sen., read the illuminated address, clepfnntjy worded, to Mr Davies; and which the chairman (Mr Firth) presented in the name of the congre gation'as a memento of their minister's success ful and highly valued labours in this city, hoping that in after years the memorial would remind its owner of his connection with the members or the church over which he had presided in New Zealand. Rev. Warlow Davies, on receiving the tribute of esteem, spefce at some length, and said these separations were intensely painful. Ho had found that there were many causes of thankfulness which recurred to his uii»«i although his ministerial career had not been. without trials. The chairman was one of tho moat valued -friends he had met with since hie arrival in Auckland, and Ms associations with |urn were lull of pleasing recollections. Ha tyslievea thttdoy would be. far distant when they wpnul cease to remember the ten years during

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1877.



fITBAWBEERIESI STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM! SWINGS AND CROQUET FOR THE USE OF VISITORS AT xy ILLOW Q.ROY E, devonport, North Shore. B. ALISON, PftOPBIEJTOB O ; T t C E, DRAPERY GOODS, KEW AND CHEAP !1! The underaisrnod have Purchased at Auction a LARGE LOT o£ NEW DRAPERY GOODS, just, landed ex City of Auckland, the whole of which having been bought at much under the usual Warehouse Rates, they can afford to offer to their Customers at Very Low Prices. The Parcel comprises : — Grey Calico, various qualities, from /3Jrl yard Strong White Calico at /i yard, or 3/10 doz. 72-in. Grey Sheeting, 1/ yard, good quality 72-in. & 80-in. White Twill Sheeting 72-in., 80-in. & 00-in. Croydon Sheeting, l/G yard Huckaback Towels, good, /G each, 5/9 doz. Whito and Unbleached Damask and Damask Table Cloths, from 2/6 9/I,lo't & 11/4 Al hambra Quilts, srood qualities, 3/11 Rough Brown Holland, from /6 yard Half-dressed ditto, superior quality, very cheap at/lOiand 1/ Black Lustre, and superior quality Black Bril liantine Lustres New Prints, good patterns, at M§, /si, and /6, very cheap Harvard Shirting, good quality, /"i yard Fine Irish Linen, Jot of Remnants, a bargain, from 1/1 yard Gents' Br. Cotton Half-hose do. do., merino feet 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 selling off, we are giving full value for £5T One Shilling in the & returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upwards. RUSH BROOK & BRIDGMAN, Upper Queen-street, Auckland. Readers who need a fashionable coat, Or fancy vest and trousers, please to note. XT L. POSSENISKIE, In thanking his patrons and the general public for past favours, begs to intimate that he has tjs. removed removed -®& to more central premises (First Shop in Shortland-stkeet), AND HAS " UST OPENED A NEW AND CHOICE SELECTION OF TWEEDS. FANCY COATINGS AND VESTINGS, Sec.. &0.. TIURNITURE t . FURNITURE ! Ladies and Gentlemen about to Famish are respect full}/ requested to i»*pso4 the Large Stack of i)BA WIN& - BOOM, DIVING -ROOM BEDBOOM, AND QENERdL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our .New and, Spadons Showrooms, f. d E'COOKE,



LINOLEUM ! CARPETS! (Ex ' Tamaya*) FURNITURE I X INOLEUM !—Unsurpassed for Durability ; JU Soft and warm to bho feet. LINOLEUMT^Best covering evor invented for Dining Rooms, Halls, Offi ces, and Billiam Rooms. T INOLEUM !—A large variety of Patterns at JU the City Hall Arcade. X INOLEUM hotted to any size or shape JU - T-oom by Holloway fc Garlick. ARPETS!— Just landed, Velvet Pile, very handsome. . /-lARPETS!— Beautiful Brussels, latest de- V>» signs, for Drawing Rooms. /CARPETS I—Kidderminster, large varioty. \v Tapestry from 2fll to i/G. FURNITURE !—lnlaid Walnut Centre Tables, Modern Drawingroom Suites URNITURE I—Sittinffroom Suites, Bedroom Furniture for all olasses. TTURNITURE I—The best Show in Auckland. JT Show Rooms 166 ft. lone:. L IBERAL DISCOUNT^ puRQHAgER ~ T>UY your FURNITURE, DRAPERY, AND B 1 HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, Proprietors. CONTINUATION OF «ar CLEARING-OUT SALE, =S« GREAT REDUCTIONS IN ALL KINDS OF CLOTHING! SPECIAL LINES for TO-MORROW:-» . Owji Make Trousers and Vesta, 37/6—Reduced to 21/. Drab Shell Hats, 16/6—Reduced to 6/. Gents' Coloured Scarfs, 3/., -Is/.—Reduced to /10. W. RATTRAY, Outfitter and Clothier, GG, Qucen-stroet, Auckland. X- COSGRAVE&CO. Beg to announce they will bring forward A Fresh Lot of B A R G A I N S! ! ! Consisting of THEIR LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORARI, Purchased at Home at Job Prices, together with the whole of their SUMMER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, REDUCED IN PRICE TO SUIT THE TIMES 1 Several Bales of CALICO, damaged by sea water, will be Sold under Invoice Price.



Tun Medical Profession have declared Steanf/b Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering cither from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying- health by taking that which will act most beneficially on the system. Mr. "Win. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, roport: — "I have examined Steanc's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wino, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 16 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding: in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined Avith a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel keepers. Why Poison the Sick with the liquors of com merce when a puro stimulant containing vege table agents, which endow it with extraordinary alterative and strengthening properties, which neA rer excites and invariably affords relief, is just as eabily procured. If tne patient is weak or nervous, his kidneys, stomach, or bowels out of order, let him haA'e recourse to that safest, surest, and pleasantest of regulating tonics, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedasi Aromatic Sch napps.