SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„_„ _.._,_,„ (This Afternoon, 9.10 HIGH WATER—, To . morrovi - Morning, 9.29 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.5 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, L 39 MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 13th, 9.13 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Pearl, ketch, from Norfolk Island lona, s.s., Farquhar, from the Nor th

DEPARTURES.

Wanaka, s.s., icrineoouui St. Kiida, s.s., for Wanganui (from Manukau) Taranaki, s.s., for the South (from Manukau) Roderick Dhu, brigantine. for Kaipara

IMPORTS.

Per Pearl, from Norfolk Island : 20 tuns whale oil. 15 bales wool, 70 bunches bananas, 1 ton onions.—Owen Se Graham, agents. Ex Lcetitia—lß cases bacon—R. Arthur.

EXPORTS.

Per s.s. Wanaka, for Southern ports:—3 bales crop leather. 2 cases upper leather, 1 barrels pegs, 1 cask grindery, 2 hunks leather uppers, 1 calk trace chains, 3 cases saddles, 1 case harness. 1 cask saddlers' ironmongery, 1 case chamois, 3 kegs nails, 1 cask brass rivets, 1 cask heel tips, 1 case hemp.—lreland Bros.

EXCURSION.

The p.s. Takapuha proceeded on an excursiuu this afternoon "to the Tamaki. A moderate number of pleasure seekers took part in the trip, which would have been moro enjoyable had there been less wind.

The ketch Peartfarrived from Norfolk Island this morning with a full cargo of whale oil. The ketch Venus is to load at once for Wel lington with a cargo of drain pipes, tiles, &c. The s.s. "Wanaka left Onehunga this morning for tho South. Passengeis:— The schooner Latitia, whose arrival from Lyt telton we announced yesterday, has had a tedious passage of twenty days' duration. Tbe cutter Three Brothers, which has been lengthened by Messrs Hendersom andSpraggon, was launched yesterday. She is to all'intents and purnoses a new vessel, and will yet do good service for Mr Blair, her owner. The job has been carried out well. The barque Iron Queen is 92 days out from London, and the barque Abbey Holme-87 days out- Both may be expected in about a fort night's time. , . , The s.s. Argyle, which arrived yesterday afternoon from Wangarei and Mangapai, brought several uassengers and the following cargo: 50 bales wool. 100 bags sum, and several tons of =ettlers'produce. The Pearl sailed from Auckland on the 30th September. Arrived in Tonga on the 15th Oct. after a passage characterised by variable and light Winds. Left, Tonga for Vavau on the 17th. arriving on the 19th. Left tbe same day for Apia, Samoa. Arrived on the 22nd. Left on the 27th for New Hebrides, md arrived at Sand wich Island, after a capital run of 7 days, after calling at Wallis Island on the passage. Left Havannah Harbour for New Caledonia on the 7th November. Arrived in Noumea on tbe 11th. Sailed for Norfolk Island on the 11th end anchored there on tbe 19th. While lying there lost an anchor and chain Loaded there with whale oil. whale bone, and wool- Left t>ere on the 2nd inst., and arrived at Russell yesterday morniog at 8 o'clock. Left again at noon, and arrived in harbour at, 7 o'clock this morning. Passengers: J. E. Brown, and S. Heather. The s.s. lona arrived from the North this morning, with several passengers, and the following cargo: 297 bags gum, IS bales wool, 25,000 shingles, 12 sack* fungus, 12 head cattle, and a quantity of sundries.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

(From Our Own Correspondent). December 5. E_Loading at Dargaville.—Speedwell. _ East Lothian, barques; and brigantine Nightingale. At Aratapu—Barquentine Prince Alfred ; schooners Torea, and Maud Graham. At Kopuru—Jane, brig ; schooners Marmion Dunedin, Julius Vogel, and Enterprise. At Port Albert—Barque Cabarfeidh, and schooner Maggie Paterson. At Makanrau—Barques Palace and Stetlamaris. Bar bound at the Heads—Barques Elizabeth and Chira for Mel bourne; brigs Wild Wave and Paheha for Dunedin. ___i**_ TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING. -.»_«*-. WELLINGTON. KDacember 7.—The Hawea sails for Napier, Taurar ga, and Auckland, at noon. Passengers; —Chief Justice Prendergast, Messrs Williams (M.H.R.), Dean, Bishop, Welsh. Mason. Miss Williams, Mr and Mrs George, Rev ,Mr Dews burv, Mrs Hadfield. Captain Morris (M.H.R.), Mrs' R. Johnston. Sailed : The Annie Hill, for Manukau, The Wellington for Nelson and the North this afternoon. Passengers: Mrs Rose and servant, Justice Richmond and secretary, Messrs Rose, G. Law, E. Rogers, Rivers, Levey, r< i j 0v,„,„, Hffno tiol-or, ■ Pliffn^'o Mirrni"

Ij-awianu, OJIiUJJ, -Lt_aa caikci , vimuiuo ™»"i"i for Manukau. Commercial: E. and H. Isaacs held at exteneive sale of ship 3 stores, ex Otaki, on the 6th inst; splendid prices were obtained, which the provisions really deserved, being of good quality. 113 kegs tea. ex Hero, were also quitted at fair prices.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under : For Thames, this day, at i p.m. and 5.30 p.m. ; and on Monday next, at 4.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Chatham Islands, per Omaha, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For Russell and Kawa Kawa, per HaAvea, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For fussell, Kawa Kawa, Wangaroa, and Mongon'ii, per lona, on Monday next, at i p.m. For Whitianga, Tairua. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday next, at i p.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, ana Matakana, per Annie Milbank. on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m. For Napier, per Southern Cross, on Tuesday next, at i p.m. For Wangarei Heads. Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at i p.m. Per s.s. Wellingtor, on Tuesday, 11th instant as follows:— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 9.30 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez aud Southampton (for letters specially so addressed), at 10 a.m. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi. and late letters tor Southern Provinces and Melbourne at 10.15 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Hawea, on Thursday, 13ui inst., at 3 p.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Wednesday, 19th instant, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. _. _. iiiao, __i__ i'ouunaster.

BIRTHS.

[The price for inserting birth notices in this column is reduced to one shilling; other notices as before.l

WRIGHT.-On the 25th November, 1877, at her

residence, Karangahape Road, the wife of

Air. George Wright of a daughter. WATT.—On the 6th December, at Onehunga, the wife of Mr. R. H. Watt of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

JACKSON—MAIR.—On the 28th November, at St. Stephen's, Marton, by the Rev. A. low good, John Howard, oldest son of J. D. Jack son, Onehunga, to Lavinia Laura, youngest daughter of the late Gilbert Mair, Esq., Wangarei.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1877.

St*jr«ie caase that lacks, assist—ice, For the -wrong that needs lesistencc. For the future In the disteoce, Aad-tte good _2t wa«a»d_

We referred in our issue of last evening to the fact that the Telegram Copyright Bill, introduced by Mr Sheehan, has been ruth lessly slaughtered amongst the many other innocents of the session. Within the last twenty-four hours, however, our attention has been drawn to another striking proof of the necessity that exists for somelayv which would protect legitimate journalistic enter prise from unscrupulous piracy. It is un necessary to reiterate the fact that for some six months past the STAR, in concert with leading Australian journals, has maintained a special telegraphic agent in London, who has frequently succeeded in anticipating Reuters Telegram Company in the transmission of highly important items, and has often sent news of interest about which Renter's Agency has been silent. The special telegrams thus obtained at very great expense have, however, been systematically pirated by other jour nals in this colony who contribute nothing towards the cost of them. We have from time to time exposed this dis creditable practice, but without awaking an echo in the hardened consciences of the wrong-doers. Emboldened by im punity, and the indefinite state of the law, and relying also upon various artifices to evade detection, our contemporaries persist in filling their telegraphic columns at our expense. The latest instauce is to be found in the "New Zealand Herald" of to-day. A lengthy special telegram, transmitted by our London agent, and containing fuller, later, and more important items than Reuters, appeared in last night's Star, under the heading " From our Special Lon don Correspondent." This morning the same telegram, appears in the " Herald " in exactly the same language, but with the order slightly transposed, and under the heading "Special to the Press Agency." Now there are only three modes in which the telegram could have come to the Press Agency. We must either suppose that the London Agent of the Press Agency has transmitted a cable message word for word identical with that sent by our own, which is absurd—seeing that the two agents derive their informa tion from entirely different Continental sources ; or that the correspondent of the Press Agency in Sydney has pirated the message from tbe Sydney "Evening News," in which it would be published simul taneously with the Star of last evening. A third hypothesis is that the message has been taken by the Agency from the Wel lington "Evening Post" of last night, which is one of the subscribers towards the special telegrams. A review of all the circumstances points to the last hypothesis as the most probable one. We publish to day ample further special telegrams, which were probably issued in Sydney last night by the " News," but were received here at half-five o'clock yesterday evening, too late for publication in the Star, and consequently would not appear in the "Post." The Press Agency would not be able to obtain these telegrams without incurring the cable charges from Australia. The other message in the "'Post" however, would be open to cheap piracy, and perhaps the Agency was unable to withstand the temptation to transmit it to its subscribing journals. Thus the Agency, without incurring a farthing of expense, is enabled to retail to its customers telegrams obtained in anticipation of its own, and at very considerable cost. It is not so very long ago that the Agency threatened legal proceedings against non subscribing journals which had made a practice of publishing its telegrams. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, says the old hackneyed proverb. For our part we have continued from the first to pay the Agency charges for Reuters telegrams', and in addition have voluntarily incurred extra expense foi further special messages _from London, _ supplemen tary to, and in anticipation of, the messages received by the Press Agency. We have therefore good ground of com plaint against the Press Agency and its Sydney correspondent, and we trust that a sense of ordinary fairness will dictate an immediate discontinuance of this sharp practice. If repeated protests should un fortunately prove unavailing, the journals which suffer from this persistent piracy have the remedy in their own hands, and will not be slow to enforce it. At the same time we sincerely desire that no such necessity may 'arise as that to which we allude. |Our relations with the Press Agency—with the exception pointed out—have hitherto been entirely satisfactory, and we cannot but regret that persistence in an unfair course should endanger that friendly connection.

_f_Our own further and later special tele grams received direct from London are pub lished in this issue, and contain intelligence of the greatest interest and importance. These report that the Russians have com pletely surrounded Erzeroum, that there are suspicions of Turkish treachery in connec tion Avith the surrender of Kars, and that the Turkish cause in Armenia is collapsing. There has been a serious collision on the frontier between the Turks and Servians, and a declaration of Avar is expected during the present month. Servia Avill be able to bring a strong contingent to the aid of Russia, and hasten the ineA'itable result. Political affairs in France have assumed a serious phase, and a fresh dissolution of the French Assembly is imminent. Amongst othei important items are the heads of a. important speech on the Indian question y Earl Derby, the rumour of an ultinir am sent by England to Russia, and Englai; i's refusal to recog nise tho blockade oi tne Euxine.

Parliamentary telegrams of last night's proceedings inform us that the House after a conference rejected the amendments introduced by tbe Legislative Council, omittiug the clause which rendered the Homestead system applicable to the whole colony. Major Atkinson has got his £40,000 for the Taranaki mountain road, and in a spirit of gratitude Avas found voting Avith the Government in support of a grant of £40,000 to be distributed amongst tho Counties in the Auckland Provincial district. This Avill be a welcome addition to the .county funds.

Our parliamentary telegrams state that Sir George Grey will leave Wellington on Wednesday or Thursday next for Napier, where he will remain only about a_ day. He may therefore be expected to arrive in Auckland about Monday or Tuesday week. _

An entertainment took place at the Y^hau Asylum last evening. The perform ance consisted of solos, part songs, and medleys, by the Warders' Minstrel Troupe, which caused infinite satisfaction. Mr Bible, one of the patients, exhibited con siderable skill with the tin whistle, and also sang the song "The Yaller gal who winked at me" in a laughable manner. He was encored, and repeated his per formances. Mr Geo. Bevege danced a sailor's hornpipe, and the Highland Fling, and was much applauded. The perform ance concluded with a grand " walk round" by the fcompany, and then a dance was started, and kept" up until midnight. The patients appeared to enjoy themselves heartily, and entered thoroughly Avith the frn. A large number of visitors were present. Such entertainments as these are to be encouraged at the Asylum as they do a large amount of good. A fire occurred at Kaihu on the 30th November, destroying one of the smaller flax-mills, belonging to the New Zealand Flax and Fibre Company.

The first meeting of creditors in the estate of Charles Edward Madden, a bank rupt, is announced to be held at tho Supreme Court House, on Friday next, December 14.

An old woman, aboub 80 years of age, an inmate of the Old Womens' Refuge, strayed away from that Institution on Thursday last, but she was found the same evening in Parnell by Sergeant Jackson, and conveyed back to the Home. The old woman had been admitted only the day before her escape.

The date of theJjAutumn meeting of the Christchurch Jockey Club has been altered to Easter Monday and Tuesday. Professor Beckerton (professor of chemis try), has been engaged by the Board of Governors, of Canterbury College, to deliver lectures on " Agricultural Chemistry" in the country townships. A woman with a ruddy nose, well-known to the officers of the Police Court, and known also for her ceaseless love of raal Irish, was seen waiting very patiently this morning in the Police Court passage "wishing he would come." Presently the Clerk of the Court made his appearance, aud " here he is " was repeated, while a glow of satisfaction was immediately per ceptible on the woman's features. She wished to speak with him, and went into the Court for that purpose. " Well, what is it; another summons ?" '' Not this time. But my throat is on fire, pray lend me a bob." "You had better go out, and get a little fresh air." "Do, pray, for tho love of humanity lend me a bob." "You had better ' bob' off, or I'll call a bobbie, and bob you out of the office." The woman immediately retired.

The strain of a prolonged and desperate Avar begins to tell seriously upon the Ottoman Power. As the resources of the belligerents are developed in the struggle the fact be comes more and more apparent that superior numbers and aa eight must tell, that in short victory lies with the big batallions. Kars has been stormed by a night attack; Erzeroum is invested, and its defence believed to be hopeless, Azzi is in the hands of the Muscovite, Russian administration has been established in the pashalic of Erzeroum, and the' Rus sian commanders propose to march on Scutari, on the eastern shore of the Bosphorus, a distance of 650 English miles, as the crow flies. Turning to Europe the the Russians have completely invested Plevna, captured the Gravitza Redoubt, the main tactical key, and are noAv contracting the cordon around the apparently devoted Turkish stronghold Avith the double object of a decisive assault, or of repulsing any attempt on the part of the Turks to cut their vray out. Orohanie, the tetes ad pout of Sophia toAvards Plevna, has also been captured by the Russians, Avho are advancing in force to Sophia, probably with the object of crushing the army Avhich is mustering there for the relief of Plevna.

The_journeymen bakers of Auckland will meet this evening at 8 o'clock, at the British Hotel, at the corner of Durham and close to Queen-street, to present the report for the quarter, and tell of their progress and just how they stand among the societies still in the laud. The chair will be taken by Mr McLean, and a motion proposed by Mr Tureen.

Particulars of Sunday services will be found in onr advertisement columns. The Sunday evening service for the people in the Theatre Royal at the usual hour.

We learn by a telegram from Wellington, that Mr Rees"' novel, " Sir Gilbert Leigh," (colonial edition) has arrived in one volume containing 3GO pages.

Some important information respecting the intentions of the Government in connec tion Avith County subsidies will be found in our parliamentary telegrams. One instalment of the County subsidies is to be paid into the County funds during the present month, and the second in March ; but meantime a commission will sit to determine the amount to be contributed by each County towards the maintenance of charitable institutions.

The anniversary services of the Franklin road Primitive Methodist Church Avill be held to-niorroAv in the neAV church. Special sermons on the occasion Avill be preached by Rev. Allan W. Webb, Rev. D. Dutton, and R. Taylor, according to announcement in our columns. A public tea-meeting -will ue held on Tuesday evening, Avhcn addresses will be delivered by ministers and gentle men. We learn that a considerable debt hangs over this pleasantly - situated and commodious chapel; and Avith the laudable view of lightening the pressure, the friends have been exerting themselves to the utmost towaids the Primitive Bazaar, to be opened on Thursday next in the neAV market house. We understand there is also a series of interesting entertainments in prospect, the first of A\*hich Avill be given at Christmas time-] on, "Christmas, past and preseiat," associated Avith music, and carols, parti culars of Avhich Avill appear in the STAR.

The "Northen Advocate" of the 7th publishes an ably written article vindicating the political character of Mr F. Whitaker from some stupid attacks in an obscure Southern print.

It is intended shortly to use the electric light in connection with the harbour works at Dunedin, which are now proceeding as rapidly as possible, men being employed by both day and night.

A childrens' service, in connection with the Industrial Exhibition, was held last evening in the church of St. MattheAv's, and was fully attended. The ' lessons Avere read by Rev. Mr. Tomlinson, of One hunga. and Rev. Mr.fDudley, of ..t. Sepul chre's. Rev. C. M. Nelson, of St. Paul's, read the prayers ; and Rev. R. S. Hassard preached a suitable sermon, from Genesis, c. 45 v. 24—" See that ye fall not out by the AA'ay." A number of hymns Avere sung by Mr Webb's Sunday-school choir, and the collection amounted to £2 13s sd. The youthful assemblage then repaired to Lorne street Hall to receive their prizes and certificates of merit. The hall was cro\vded ; and the prizes distributed by Mrs CoAvie, assisted by Revs Messrs Nelson and Hassard, were received by the youngsters Avith shouts of joy. The confusion for a time Avas deafening, and caused the Rev. Mr Tomlinson to raise his voice to its highest pitch for the purpose of restoring order, and in so doing the rev gentlemen experienced a heavy fall, Avhich did not lessen the noise. The amount taken at the door on Thursday was £9 14s 6d, and last evening £9 19s 6d, making £19 14s. We Avould remind intending purchasers of Villa residence sites that Mr R. C. Greemvood's sale of allotments in Mr J. Kelly's estate at Mount Eden comes off on Monday next, at the Market-house, at 11 o'clock ; and those Avho have not availed themselves of the opportunity of getting places and viewing the land, ought to have no time in doing so, as the many advan tages, nearness to toAvn, good roads, volcanic soil, and fashionable locality render the allotments unequalled, and the easy terms bring them within the reach of all.

__If there be hearts in Auckland Avho have sympathies for the Missions and Mission aries the Avorld over, they are invited to show their kind feelings in this great cause by being present at the Missionary Services on to-morroAV, at the Temperance Hall, Albert-street. The services are in connec tion with the Methodist Free Church. The singing Avill be specially good. There will be seA'eral addresses by reverend gentle men and others at 3 o'clock,

ISLAND ITEMS.

By the arrival of the ketch Pearl this morning, Aye are in possession of tbe following interesting items of news from Samoa, New Hebrides, Nor folk Island.

LATEST ABOUT THE CANTERBURY.— MORE DUSKY TRANS ACTIONS.—MR HUNT IS OVER-REACHED.

When we last heard of the Canterbury, she had just left Apia for Savage Island, with what object wa< not Avell understood. A day or two before the Pearl left she had returned, and her report reveals some curious transactions.

Two or three days after sailing from Apia, a serious leak Avas discovered, and as there ap peared no chance of stopping it, the captain, with Mr Hunt's approval, bore up for Tutuila, Avhich port was made in safety. Arrived there, the captain immediately called a surA'ey, Avhich was held by the local storekeeper, who pro nounced the vessel unseaworthy, and condemned her. He also ordered her to be sold by auction for the benefit of whom it might concern. The sale wa°i held, and was attended by two or three niggers in addition to the crew of the vessel. The captain became the purchaser for §121—not so dear—it being arranged that he and Hunt should become partners in the transaction. Im mediately after the sale the vessel Avas got under weigh, and returned to Samoa, Avhere the cap tain circulated the story of tbe cruise, adding that he was now the owner of the A'essel. Hunt suggested that "part-owner" would be more correct, but the captain, being aware that Hunt had no proofs of partnership, declined to admit this, and insisted that he was sole owner. In other words, he threAV his partner over. When the Pearl left Hunt was going about like a raging lion, invok ing all manner of vengeance on the head of the captain, and swearing that the sale Avas not a legal one. The most singular part of the story is that before the Canterbury left Samoa it was commonly reported that she would be con demned and sold, and even the name of the island where the sale Avould take place waa mentioned. The Flirt Avas a long tinieoverdue at Apia, and her return from the Lino Islands was eagerly looked for. THE DAYSPRING. At Havannah Harbour the Pearl Avas in com pany with the missionary schooner Dayspring. The captain warned Captain Harrison against going to the islands further north, as he had lately been fired on by the natives at tAvo or three places. n^„ THE WOMEN OF THE NEW HEBRIDES. The women of the NeAV Hebrides are by no means good-looking, at any rate from a Euro pean point of view. They are by no means so careful of hiding their char_s as the men natives are of concealing the women from the eyes of Europeans. At Vati, when the Pearl arrived there, a large number of canoes came off to the vessel. When a short distance from the side, a commotion of some kind was visible among the canoes, and it was at length seen that tbe natives were huddling all the women into one canoe. This was accomplished, and two men paddled them back to the shore. When tho natives came on board, one of the Pearl's crew asked one of the chiefs why thay did not bring tbe women on board Avith them. He replied, "No good," from which we leave our readers to infer what they like. At another island, a boat's crew of the Pearl, on taking a ramble inland, found a whole lot of women, guarded by three men. They had been sent there when the Pearl shewed signs of communicating with the island. In figure these women are hideous. They haA'e skinny legs and arms, their knees and elbows being the thickest part of their limbs. Their breasts hang down sometimes to the length of fully half a yard. NORFOLK ISLAND.—THE DROUGHT. Latest reports from Norfolk Island in reference to tbe drought are of a serious character. There had been- no rain for three months when the Pearl left, and the cattle were dying in all directions. Their »odies are found on all the roads. (The same absence of rain is reported from almost all the places at which the Pearl stopped.) FATAL WHALING ACCIDENTS. The successful catch of last season has been marred at the finish by two fatal accidents, which have shed a gloom over the island. At the latter end of October, while a boat's crew wero engaged " cutting in " a whala, the knife suddenly slipped, and almost sliced the leg off •a poor fellow named Jacob Christian, who is well-known in Auckland, as well as in Norfolk Island. The doctor, after examining the injury, pronounced amputation necessary; but this the patient de clined to submit to. The consequence was that in t> few days mortification set in, and death followed coon after. The other accident was a more extraordinary one. One of the boats was out early in November, and made fast to a coav whale at sundown. The monster had a calf with her, and before tho crew could do anything to prevent such a catastrophe the bereaved young one stove in the boat with a blow of its tail. The whole of the six hands were precipitated into the water. The boat filled and settled down, with her gunwale level with the water. The men succeeded in getting hold, and although it was blowing hard all night, and there was a heavy sea on, they managed to keep themselves afloat for eighteen hours. One poor fellow, whose name was Isaac Chrishan, and who, singularly enough, was an uncle of the un fortunate man alluded to in the other accident, waß taken with cramp in the middle of the night. His son was also in the boat, and with the strength of filial love this young hero kept his father's head above water throughout the long hours of that fearful night. A boat was sent from the island in search after dark, but it did not succeed in reaching the ship wrecked party. It returned towards mid-night, and the little community Avere kept in a state of apprehension all night. Towards morning another boat Avas sent out, which, after a long search, came upon the drifting and almost exhausted Avhalers. They were taken into the boat, and corn-eyed ashore at once. Old Christian was, however, . quite dead. Two of the survivors were seriously ill for some days, but ultimately all recovered.

THE MOKO-HINOU PUFF.

In spite of all the voluminous evi dence brought forward by our con temporary to prove that the smoke on Moko-Hinou is caused by the outbreak of a volcano, our readers may rest assured that the much simpler solution of the affair given iv our issue of Thursday is the correct one. The s.s. Argyle arrived from Wangarei yesterday, and the captain informs us the natives and settlers up North look upon the rumour as one of the most amusing jokes of the season. The schooners plying betAA'een Rus sell and the Thames pass close to Moko-Hinou and had there been anything out of the common going on upon the island it would have been reported long ere this, as a schooner bound to the Thames left the Bay in company Avith the ReAA'ard schooner on Monday last, and the captain of the latter vessel says he saAV her nAvay on his port beam fully fifteen miles in the direction of Moko-Hinou. Where there's smoke there's fire may be quite true, but it does not follow that there's a volcano to account for the fire. Our contemporary has been very dull lately, and Aye presume it had become aAvare of the fact by their lugging in an imaginary volcano to make its columns more lively.

The chief officer of the lona reports that on Monday night, when betAveen the Little Barrier and the Hen and Chickens, he saw a great light aAvay ou his starboard bow. From the direction he should take it to have been a fire on Moko-Hinau. Nothing Avas seen of it on return.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. BarstoAv Esq., R. M.) LITTLE DAVID. Too much he drank, and his poor wife In corners vainly sought him, When Tommy Dodd, the constable, Popped down Queen-street and caught him. David Murray Avas charged Avith being drunk and disorderly in Queen-street. David expressed his regret. Constable Dodd deposed to pouncing upon David Avhile he Avas preparing for a fight; he had ' just got his coat off, and was stripping up. David expr»ssed hia regret. He Avas not quite compos mentis. It was the liquor that prompted him to stupid action. Fined 10s and costs. <$ Mr Graha , Relieving Officer, addressed the Court, and said that he did not Avish to be hard upon Kelly, as he Avas informed that he had paid £1 off the arrears. His Worship : I understand he has paid £1. Mr Cunningham : Don't you know that he has paid £1, of your own knoAvledge ? You say you have been "informed." Mr Graham : I believe he has paid £1, as I hold nis note iv my hand. (Laughter.) ffjHis Worship remanded the case for a month, and hoped defendant would pay up in the meantime. A WANDERING SON. William Kelly Avas brought up on a war rant, charged Avith neglecting to contribute towards the support of hismother. Arrears £2, November 6. Defendant said he he had not been in con stant work lately.'

The members of the Ponsonby Rowing Club intend giving their friends a treat, in the shape of a grand concert, Avhich they propose shall take place during the present month, and judging from the programme we[predict an immense success,

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON

CORRESPONDENT)

Special to the "Star."

Tho Crisis in Francs.

Another Dissolution Imminent.

LONDON, Nov. 13.

President MacMahon has refused to accept the resignation of the Cabinet, and the crisis is increasing.

Nov. 16. A fresh dissolution of the French As sembly is imminent.

Mitchell and Large (Deputies) fought a duel, and both were wounded. The political bitterness is increasing. The Pope's health is worse.

THE SECRET ATTACK ON KARS.

FORTY TURKISH BATTALIONS RETREAT. . Nov. 19. Fifteen thousand Russians secretly at tacked Kars on Saturday night, and cap tured all the posts. On Sunday morning they held undisputed possession, aud forty Turkish battalions Avere retreating. The defence of Erzeroum is believed to be hopeless. The Russians are in front and rear of the place, Avhich is completely surrounded. .

TURKISH AND RUSSIAN LOSSES AT KARS.

SUSPICIONS OF TURKISH

TREACHERY. In an attack on Kars the Turks lost 5,000 killed and Avounded, 300 cannon, and 1,000 prisoners.

The Russian loss was 2,700. There are suspicions of treachery, the toAvn having been captured. The Turkish cause in Armenia is collapsing.

Plot to Assassinate Emperor William.

A plot to assassinate the Emperor of Germany at Berlin was discovered. Nicholson beat Blackman in the sculling match. November 20. Prince Leopold is indisposed. The Russian progress is mis-stated. The Generals propose marching on Constanti nople.

EARL DERBY ON INDIA.

MACKONCHIE CONVICTION QUASHED. Nov. 28. In a speech the Earl of Derby denied that the Euphrates is the true line of India. H e said there need be no anxiety Avhile the Suex Canal is open, affording easy access to Bombay, and while Turkey is allowed to occupy Constantinople. The conviction of Mackonichie is quashed. He Avas prosecuted for refusing to remove a figure of the Virgin. The Pope's illness is increasing. GREAT WALKING FEAT. Gale walked a thousand miles in four thousand consecutive ten minutes. Several steamers are aground in the Suez Canal. Boyd -will toav Higgins on the Tyne for the championship. COLLISION BETWEEN TURKS AND SERVIANS. There has been a between the Servians and Turks on the frontier, and many were killed on both sides.

Further Special Cable Message.

(BY TELEGRAPH FROM OUR SYDNEY AGENT). England and the Euxine. Russians Preparing for Winter Quarters. SYDNEY, this day. The " Sydney Morning Herald " of to-day publishes "the folloAving message, dated LONDON, November 26. It is rumoured in Paris that England has sent an ultimatum to Russia. England has intimated to Turkey that she refuses to recognise the blockade of the Euxine, unless enforced upon her, the Porte having granted an exceptional permit to Greek vessels. November 2. Moukhtar Pasha telegraphs that the Russians are preparing for winter quarters in Armenia. Serious dissensions are arising in the Turkish Ministry. Mahomed Ali is expected to retire to Vienna. IMPENDING WAR BETWEEN TUR KEY AND SERVIA. The Press declares that Servia will take part in the war about the middle of December. Prince Milan proceeds to head-quarters on the 7th December. The independence of Servia is expected to be proclaimed on the 12th. The Shah of Persia has dispatched a secret envoy on a secret mission to St. Petersburgh. The French Senate has appointed a com mittee to enquire into the cause of the bad state of trade. A deputation from the Sydnicate pre sented a memorial to President MacMahon, sheAVing that the commercial condition of the country is in a critical state.

OPERATIONS AT SHIPKA PASS.

PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENCE OF

(PEESS AGENCY.)

STAMBOUL.

The Turks are extending their batteries at Shipka. There is great popular excitement at Stamboul against the supposed authors of the recent military disasters. 17,000 Russian troops have been de tached from the army of Asia to assist the siege of Plevna.

Much outcry is raised about British interests being endangered. Montenegrin successes continue. The Turkish Minister of War urges the unfurling of the Prophet's Standard. The Sultan thinks such a measure premature. 150,000 Civic Guards, Mussulmans and Christians, kave been enrolled for the de fence of StambouL

Mehemet Ali received news from Osman Pasha by pigeon post that out of 50,000 of the garrison of Plevna he had 9,000 sick or Abounded.

A Berlin telegram to the «' Daily News"

asserts that Germany refuse* tr> „„+ ._ . diplomatic relations AVith K^vZ^Sft?* ernment spring from a coup "d'etat " Cardinals Simeoni and Perci h'e-n^t ._, transact aUthe Pope's business A^ folth of the Pope have been^pendtd^l6^B Agency "" the -^Wrf The Russian loan has been a p artial failure, only five millions were „ffl by France, Holland, and Germany ed The American-Canadian Fisheries Com mission awarded England five and-affi million dollars. uaLt l7th 1C mail via Brin,iiaiwa3 delivered on the COMMERCIAL .... LONDON, November 17 At the opening wool sales prices were well sustained. Good combing ££ especially firm . clothing unchanged. CoS market declined is to Is 6d per qWte? StotofiSf Udwheat ' acCOT<^S to qua%; r™ . November 26 The wooi market betrays symptoms'., weakness. Prices are irregular and d_! pressed. 60,000 bales were catalog" and 6,000 were withdrawn. wK i,' unchanged. " November 28 At the trial of the detectives, Clarke waa acquitted. - FRANCE. LONDON, November 21 President MacMahon requested the Ministry to retain office, but two days after they tendered their resignation, which AA-as accepted. The moderate Constitu tionalists Avere summoned by the President to form a n eAV Ministry. After an animated debate the Chamber approved of the official inquiry into electoral abuses. November 23rd President MacMahon still experiences great difficulty in the formation of a Cabinet. November 24 A Conservative Ministry >yas formed upon which the Legislative Chamber adopted resolutions refusing to enter into relations Avith it. A vote of Avant of confidence in the new- Ministry aams carried on _the 24th, by 323 against 203. ' —. November 27.""" Marshal MacMahon has resolved upon a determined policy of resistance to the Chamber. November 28. The Bonapartist gathering was held on the 26th, by proclamation of the Bona partists abroad.

(Special to " Sydney Morning Herald.")

PEACE EXPECTED ON FALL OF PLEVNA.

Skobeloffs position encircling Plevna has been contracted.

Mehemet Ali is mustering at Sophia for the relief of Ple\ma.

Osman Pasha has refused to surrender saying he has not exhausted all his means of defence.

The Russians have immense provisions ready for the starving gariison of Plevna.

Mehemet Ali is going to relieve Osman Avith 50,000 men.

Fodder is abundant. Water and clothing are scarce.

Peace is probable on the fall of Plevna.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Press Agency.)

MR PARKES FORMING A NEW

GOVERNMENT.

SYDNEY, December 7th. Mr Parkes is forming a New Govern ment. The Assembly has adjourned.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(From our own Correspondent.)

MR REES' RESIGNATION.

It is believed that Mr Rees will send in his resignation to the Speaker at the close of the session; the reason alleged being that politics are interfering with his private business. It is said that Mr Rees is satisfied now that his party is in office, and as he has sacrificed considerably by the neglect of his business. However, con siderable pressure has been brought to bear upon Mr Rees to induce mm to re-consider his decision. Couaty Subsidies. Mr Tole has been urging the Government to pay County subsidies. A _ technical difficulty has arisen in ascertaining the proportion of deductions to be made for charitable purposes. Mr Tole received an answer from the Treasury to-day to this effect: That the County subsidy would be^ paid into the County fund in two instal ments, one during the present month and one in March ; but in order to determine exactly the proportion to be paid by each County to the charitable institutions in the pro\incial district, and divide the residue of County subsidies, a commission Avill he appointed to determine the basis of de duction without delay, when the various bodies -will receiA^e the sums they are entitled to. SIR GEORGE GREY REMAINS ONE j DAY AT NAPIER, Sir George Grey Avill leave for Napier on Wednesday or Thursday next. Will stop at Napier only about a day, and then leave for Auckland. There is nothing further definite. __, AUCKLAND LOANS CONSOLIDA TION BILL. Mr Sheehan says that once the Slaughter house (Bill and Bill securing the Water- AvorksJ Reserves Avere passed, the City Council Avas not solicitous about the Loans Consolidation Bill, and at this period of the session it was therefore withdrawn. SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES. At the evening sitting yesterday, a snß of £1,256 -was passed on the additional supplementary estimates as a gratuiiy to Mr Clayton's widow. An amendmeut was proposed, reducing the amount to £900, "^ this was negatived by a majority of ol to 26. Sir George Grey in reply, said that as soon as the proportion iv which the ree»- Avere to be distributed should be ascertained the money Avould be handed over. THE NEXT SESSION. .. Ministers are expected to form their policy during the recess, but it is generally believed that the next session -will-oniy., sit about four Aveeks when a sori~ tion must take place m oraw to allow the business to be proceeded ff»£ The length of the present session J» caused the private business of manyoll members to be sadly neglected, and sever already talk of giving in their resignation^ Tho policy of the Government next sessi<£ is expected to include amongst w^Z, sures a complete change in ihe inciae of taxation. a bill.to regulate the payn"^ of members; triennial parliaments: * on property ; a neAV system for P urcj**? re _ and settling on. native lands; agen?™f__ e adjustment of the representation in. House, and an extension of the franchise. TOLL FEES. Mr O'Rorke inquired Avhether it.-ff» intention of the Government to «P®°? an d fees received at the Great South tfoau Onehunga Toll Bar for the maintenance.^ , the Waikato Ro„d, and the road leaning^ the Avharf at Onehunga, or .»PP°™r{_ same to the districts through avMcu roads run for their maintenance.

Last Night.

On a division by 23 to 16tJ e?®t*S; a free conference, agreed to the Le_. Council's Amendments in the law BiU, except striking out the ciau» teßl tending the Auckland Homestead SF to the whole colony.

IBE L\ LINING STAR, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1877.



7_T_ _f\_f»_ REWARD RE HITCHEN'S £jlL\J\r BLOOD RESTORER. As several Bottles,"containing trashy worth less compounds, have been palmed off on un suspecting people on the pretence of their being the celebrated "Kitchens' Blood Restorer,"the Proprietor respectfully cautions his patients to see that the Bottles bear both his Trade Mare ajtd Signature. He also warns the unscrupu lous persons who, under false pretences, receive people's money, that 100 Pounds Beware, will be given on conviction of persons guilty of infringing his rights. H. HITCHENS. (TH EA P JJ AT S ! CHEAP HATS ! ! . CHEAP CLOTHING ! ! _ A Quantity of Men's and Boy's DRAB A3TD Black Felt Hats will be offered at fiST GREAT REDUCTION TO CLEAR. Also, a Parcel of CLOTHING, comprising Men's and Boy's Tweed Suits, Trousers and Vests, &c. These Goods are slightly soiled, and will be sold REALLY CHEAP. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, -&TEW 7EALAKD TTOUSE, Auckland. CARP JETS, in {HEARTHRUGS, LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTH. T. & H. COOKE Beg to inform their friends and the public that they have imported a large assortment of the above, which will render their FURNISHING ESTABLISHMENT one of the most complete and extensive in Auckland, having purchased these Goods of the Manufacturers direct, for cash, they are enabled to offer them at VERY LOW PRICES. New Patterns in Carpets and Linoleum. «@T SHOW ROOMS: 67, Queen-street. Steam Cabinet Factory Victoria-street. THE undersigned are now brin ing forward a Large Parcel of GENE AL DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &C, bought at considerably less than usual prices, to which they invite the attention of all requiring Good Value For Money. Corsets in great variety of quality and style, white and coloured, from 2/6 per pair Linen and Lace Goods, Cuffs, Collars, and Sets, in variety Ladies' Underclothing Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, Alpacca, &c. Lot of Flowers at very low price, quite fresh Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves, &c. A Splendid Stock of Muslin, Lace, and Lenoe Curtains, Counterpanes, Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Sheeting, Felt Squares Carpets, Floorcloth, China Matting, Ticks, &c. Large-size Huckaback ToA\ rels at /_ each New Fancy Dress Materials, Japanese Silks, Coloured Lustres, Black Lustres, Embossed, Striped, and Check Muslins, Prints, &c. BrOwn Holland, from /6_ per yard Union, Fancy Jean, and Oxford Shirtings, very cheap A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mixed Fancy Shirting, at 2/3, usual price 3/6 per yard White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard Also, very large assortment of Gents' Shirts, White Longcloth, Union and All-wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Twill, Fancy Jean, Oxford, &c. Strong Tweed for Boys wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel at below Factory Braces 2 Belts, Ties, Scarfs, Collars, Cotton and Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &c. Leghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and Drill Hats, for Boys and Men, &c, Sec, Sec. In he & allowed-on all Cash Purchases of __ [20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, .'ITER QUKEN-STR__T, . AUCKLAND..



JSTew Spring and Summer dress materials. -{h. Atkins j- — Has now for Sale, CHEAP, a Splenli Assort ment of m NEW DRESS GOODS, =558 Buitaoie for the Spring and Summer Season of every variety, style, quality, and texture. \\\ % % Attention is respectfully invited to this Season's Shipment, which is the Largest and Best-selected ever shewn in the city. The Prices are also very rzasoxable. _3 4 4 S_ J_ Also, Just Opened, MANCHESTER GOODS, CALICOES, SHEET INGS, QUILTS, BLANKETS, LONG CURTAINS, TABLE LINEN, &C. A Great Reduction has been made in the Prices of Manchester Goods, owing to the reduced List of the Home manufacturers. NEW SUMMER CLOTHING, SHIRTS, HATS, &c, Just Received. Splendid Lines in Auckland & Melbourne-made CLOTHING. The Largest Stock of MOSGIEL & IMPORTED .TWEEDS in Auckland to select from. £_" Tailors Supplied at Wholesale Prices GENTLEMEN'S ORDERS EXECUTED. A Large Lot of Cheap Tweeds foe Bojy's Wear. Ho A™ TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLAND BRANCH: QUEEN-STREET, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United. Kingdom, at Lowest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. "VTATIONAL FIRE AND MARINE i_N INSURANCE COMPANY OP NEW ZEALAND. Capital £1,000,000. Reserve £50,000. Re-Insurance Fund .... £20,000. Insurances effected against Fire and Marine Loss of Every Description of Property, at Lowest Current Rates. Prompt and Liberal Settlement of Claims. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, Manager, Auckland Branch. /^kN THIS DAY AND DURING THE WEEK, WE "WILL SHOW PIEo? ES 10,000 PIi CES FASHIONABLE DRESS GOODS AND m- PRINTS. "Sa REDUCED TO HALF PRICE IN ORDER TO CLEAR. J. COSGRAYE & CO., QUEEN-STREET. NEVER Have the Public had such a Choice of BED STEADS offered them a3 at the present time! Besides our already well assorted stock of Iron Bedsteads, and those of our own manu facture in Kauri, Rimu, Cedar, and Mottled Kauri, we ask them to bear in MII\D that we have Just Opened Up, ex •'Otaki,' TWO HUNDRED IRON BEDSTEADS of the most modern style, comprising French, Half Tester, Children's, and Stetmps, also Cots, at Prices to suit all classes. Having purchased for Cash from THE Best Manufacturers, we can SELL A GOOD BEDSTEAD at a "Very Low Price. BEDDING, of every description,keptin Stock. HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Our system is to make a large return ; to insure this We Sell for Ready CASH at a Small Profit, and DELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. _§* Give your Furnishing Order to S'olloway, Garliek & Cranwell, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, and clothiers, City Hall Aecade, QUEEN & LORNE-STREETS AUCKLAND.



An Iniauitous Game is being played by cer tain flagitious scamps who put cheap and fiery liquor in bottles which have held the national medicated beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, for the purpose of deceiving the unwary into the belief that their vile concoctions are identical with the great original. Demand the genuine.