SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

The s.s. Southern Cross loft early this morning for the Tamaki, where she was to take on board j 800 sheep for Poverty Bay. She takes a quantity I of general cargo for Gisborne, Napier, and i Wellington. I The schooner Clyde left last night for the : Thames. She Avill load 30,000 feet of timber at the Hauraki Saw Mills for Lyttelton. A preliminary enquiry was held yesterday before the Collector of Customs, respecting the grounding of the cutter Wanderer on D'Ur v ille's rock, Hauraki Gulf. The iniuries a. ere so slight, that no further action Avill be taken in the matter. The s.s. Taranaki, which arriA'cd yesterday afternoon in the Manukau, brought the following passenger..: —Miss Bowdcn : Mesdamcs Thorne, I-eily. Fritz, Carl, Crawford, Brown: Messrs, Donald, Elliott, Sharland, Druight, Crawford, Nankin, Tomlinson, Cozens, McKerrow, Thorne, Campbell, Ellis, Ned Kirk. M. Doonan, Bi-oavii and son. Turter, Coates, Sir J. C. Brown, and 10 in the steerage.—Henderson and Macfarlane, Agents. The? s.s. lona left last evening on her usual Aveokly trip to the North. The schooner Louise cleared out at Melbourne on the 22nd ult. for this port. She may be expected in a few days. Tho magisterial enquiry into the stranding of the Glenlora, will take piace at the Police Court before Mr Barstow, R.M., and a nautical asses sor on Friday next. The barque Loch Urr, is simultaneously taking in her London cargo,-Avhile landing her railway iron. The Go-ahead yesterday trans ferred into her 5S bales of wool from Gisborne and Napier, and Avill bring up another shipment onhcr next trip. To-day the schooners Favorite, and Kriemhilda, have been transhipping their island produce into her. She has also nearly 230 tons manganese on hand. As soon as the hold is clear, some heaA-y goods already stored for her, Avill be sent on board. The Loch Urr is ono of the smartest barques ever seen in our harbour.and Avill secure good dispatch. Mr Gellie, the Chief Officer of the schooner Favorite, was inadvertently referred to as the steward of that vessel in our yesterday's issue. VV o must apologise for the mistake.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

-UAll.s WILL ULOSK AS UNDER;— For JThames, this day at 5.30' p.m., and to morrow, at 5 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, to-morrow, at 4.30 p.m. For Tryphena, per Three Brothers, to-morroA., at 11 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. Per s.s. Taranaki, on Wednesday, 7th inst, as under :— For India, China, Mediterranean ports, and Continent of Europe, at noon. For Taranaki, Southern provinces, Austra lian Colonies, and United Kingdom, Ada Suez and Southampton, (for letters specially addressed), at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi. and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at. 1.15 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and neAvspapers, at 11 a.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per RoAvcna, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. Per City of New York, on Monday, 12th instant, as under:— For Kandavu, SandAvich 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, this day at 10 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, Avill be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

Birth.

3MULLAMPY.—On Ist Feb., at her residence, Ponsonby, the wife of Mr. John Mullampy of a son. LEPINE.—On February 3, at her residence, St. George's Bay Road, Parnell, the wife of John S. Lcpine of a daughter.

DEATH.

GRERN.—On February ">. Amanda Catherine, aijcd '.) months, youngest daughter of Samuel Martin and Rachel Maria Green. lEBBORN On the 21st October, on the passage to Queensland, of apoplexy. R. T. Ebborn, formerly of Auckland.

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1877

Tor the G-,v_e that lacks resistance, For the wrong that ncec.s.resistanc-, For the future in the distance, An-1 the i^ood that wc can do.

The awful tragedy brought to a dreadful close this morning at Mount Eden has deeply excited public feeling during the past two or three weeks, and avo belicA-e that a very large amount of sympathy avus enlisted on behalf of the repeated efforts made to obtain the reprieve of the con demned man. It is creditable to our

.humanity, and oilers the strongest safe guard of the innocent, that the current of British public opinion alAvays leans to the side of mercy. Better that many guilty should escape than one avlio is innocent sull'er wrongfully. So widely does this feeling pervade tbe current of thought among the community from which juries arc drawn, that avc are convinced no t.Avelve .men could bo indiscriminately selected "Avithout securing to any man placed on trial for life the full benefit of every reasonable doubt of his guilt. The counsel for the wretched man avlio has uoav gone to render up his account before an all-wise judge suggested at the trial that the Press had pre judiced Ciirtin's case, and Aye have heard the same statement made since. An asser tion of this kind, if seriously offered, Aye dismiss as au insult to the jury sworn to give a verdict upon the evidence, and to the judge who conducted the trial and has since failed in discovering anything to warrant favourable consideration of the influential petitions praying for an ex ercise of the clemency of the Crown. The reports published at the time of the murder have been borne out with remarkable minuteness by the evidence, and Curtin in conversation Avith n warder, alluded to in another column, acknoAvledged their general accuracy. .Since then, avc have scrupulously avoided comment upon the crime or the evidence, and such references as have appeared in our contemporaries have not passed the bounds of fair and moderate comment. While restrained from actively promoting the petitions in favour of reprieve by a careful investigation of the evidence, which could lead to no other conclusion than that arrived at by his honor and the jury, we have refrained from everything tending to militate against the merciful efforts put forth to save the unhappy man. Noav, however, that aught avc may say is poAvcrless for good or evil to the accused, avc feel impelled to review the circumstances surrounding the crime, with the object of removing a painful, lingering doubt that justice may possibly have miscarried, and, still more, to clear the jury of any suspicion of a harshness that has lightly valued the life-of a felloAv creature. Two circumstances have contributed mainly to the feeling that the case might i have been one of manslaughter, and not Avilful murder. These are the .veil-attested fact that quarrels we.c frequent between the men, developing into mutual threats, and that .Shanaghan was a trespasser on Curtin's land avlicii killed, justi fying the conclusion that there was no deliberate lying in Avait to slay him. Here was strong presumptive evidence in favour of the belief that Curtin and his victim had words about the trespass, that the quarrel culminated in a fight, and in the heat of the moment .Shanaghan was struck down by his antagonist, fatally Avoumled. So probable does this appear to anyone who has had no opportunity ot ex amining into the niinutio. of the evidence, that it supplies ample -ground for a doubt which, if uncombated by clear.testimony, should have prevented the exercise of the extreme penalty of the law. But when the evidenc.e is WsU.it, (Mid due mmxkxmmi

is given to the nature of the wounds and the position in Avhich the body was found, the supposition of ;i fair light becomes untenable, Avhile it is as certain as anything can he which no human eye witnessed, that the liloavs which killed Shanaghan \yere dealt deliberately, Avith murderous intent, and while the unhappy victim was attempt ing to escape from his assailant. To make the matter clearly intelligible to our readers, avc have made a rough outline of the ground from the plan prepared by Mr Baber for the guidance of the Court. It is important to note the positions and distances.

The simple facts testified to Avcrc these:— Shanaghan left his home on Saturday morning with a dog and pig, to visit a neighbouring settler, Mr Markliam. Some time after, on his way home ho called at the house of Mr Dunn, a settler living about a mile from Ciirtin's place. Mr Dunn deposed that deceased had a scythe in his hand. Also thai, "he was anxious to get away, fearing his pig might get into anyone's 'gardens, mentioning Ciirtin's garden particularly." Deceased was next seen, and for the last lime alive, by Mr James Howell, a man working on Mr Phelan's farm, which adjoins Curtiu's on the side farthest from Shanaghan's oavii holding. Deceased again inquired about his pig, and expressed anxiety lest it should have gone on Ciirtin's farm. Some distance beyond, on the road bounding ( 'urtin's land, the scythe was found leaning against a stump, (A on plan) and near it a hole in the fence where deceased might have got through into Curtiu's pasture. This unquestionably marks the spot where Shanaghan entered the fatal ground. The pig and dog went home alone, and do not appear to have com mitted any trespass. The next clear fact is the finding of the body. This was discovered lying across the roots of a rata tree, close to the fence, (marked D) a portion of the whiskers adhering to a branch projecting from the low dog-leg fence, as if the decea cd had fallen at first with his face upon it. The spot is 000 feet distant from where Shanaghan entered. The surround ing circumstances are testified to by three witnesses : The arms were tied tightly behind the body, the legs also tied, such violence being employed that all the marks were clearly visible three days after death ; the hands clenched and half-filled Avith dirt or mud, gathered up no doubt in the Aviith in"'S and contortions of death's agonies. The opinion of the witnesses who gave evidence on the subject was that deceased had been tied up alive, their belief being founded on the fact that " the ground about the body bore the marks of a person who, being tied in the manner described, endeavoured to get free." "A soft felt hat avus placed under his head, doubled up, and not like as if it had fallen off." Now let us inquire into the nature of those terrible wounds. Dr Bayntun says : —" There was an extensive incised wound on the top of the head, winch mhdit have been inflicted from before or "behind. Below, on tho pari eta bone, another incised wound fotii inches long, which Avas delivered most probably when deceased Avas in a stooping posture.*" And another wound above the right ear, caused in the opinion of tho doctor, by a stroke from behind. " The second wound Avas lacerated upAvards, ;is if the instrument glanced upAvards." There wm a fracture of the skull nine inches long. Tiie skull Avas, in fact, fractured from above the temple round to the back of the head—au open and ghastly wound. It was utterly impossible in the opinion of both medical gentlemen, and they maintained the opinion under keen cross-examination, that those Avounds could have been indicted by a stick. The length of time a man might live Avith such wounds \ylnle tied up could not be determined. What was Ciirtin's explanation of these horrible facts. Simply this, that when Shanaghan came on his ground, he (Curtin) Avas working at tho dumpings (B on plan) ; that Shanaghan said "Come here and see me burn yom place, and banish you !" that a fight wifcli sticks ensued, in which Shanaghan, a man of remarkably powerful build, at first prevailed, but ultimately Curtin, though a little man, " bested" his antagonist in the fray, Avithout receiving a scratch, Avhilst inflicting those; three deep incisive wounds, and then, notwithstanding the entreaties of Shanaghan, tied him to the roots of a tree (D), 2d'4 feet distant, from the place where the fight began. The deceased, according to Ciirtin's own statement, en treated him to unloose the .cords, but he (Curtin) replied, "No! I've fixed you." And so, upon his oavii shewing, lie left this poor victim with shattered skull,with clean cut open Avounds from front to back, into Avhich he (Curtin) might have thrust his fingers when putting the felt hat beneath the head in furtherance of his diabolical scheme ; he left him, lying across the root of a rata tree bound hand and foot in a most painful position, the cords sunk deep in the flesh, to suffer untold agonies, to struggle Avith death, to tear up the earth with his clenched lists, until life ebbed away, and a happy unconsciousness gave him the release denied by the man who had struck him down. According to Ciirtin's oavii statement, he tied up ' his victim before two in the afternoon; went to Drury, and did not return until after an absence of 12 hours, between one and tAvo on Sunday morning, when he found Shanaghan dead, and cut the cords that fastened him to the rata tree, leaving, however, his wrists and legs tied. If his own statement were true, Aye could only say with Mr Justice Gillies, that it disclosed circumstances of cold-blooded atrocity,and warranted but little mercy from others.' Believing, however, as Aye do, that if Ciirtin's statement of a light Avith sticks Avas reconcilable Avith the evidence—if it was not absolutely refuted by it—the prisoner should have received the benefit of the doubt, avc must compare the defence Avith the evidence. And the more carefully the whole testimony is examined the plainer does it become that the prisoner's version is false, and is contradicted by direct testimony, supported by a connected chain of clear circumstantial evidence such as avc seldom meet with in cases of this kind,. Avhich are rarely wit nessed by any human eye. First, we have the evidence of the doctors, it i% MiiiY&to wwx&, to mmm .«&■_ cw»y

experienced medical man could mistake the cuts of a stick milicted in three different positions for those of a sharp instrument ; and particularly is it so in the case of Dr. Bayntun, whose experience in the Crimea must have made him familiar Avith every species of cuts and Avounds. Supporting this is the evidence of Detective Jeffrey, Avho made a careful search of the whole scene described by Cm-tin, and Avho deposed : "I could find on the spot no sticks that would hurt a man, much less Avound him. There Avere a few sticks of soft wood about. The place Avas very clear." ConstableMcLennan deposed to the same effect : "I could not see anything, but a feAV rotten sticks." Curt in has, himself, given several versions of the nature of the sticks with which the light avus carried on. In the first instance, he spoke of four sticks, then of only tAvo, and the character of these he \-ariously des cribed, as the evidence disclosed the nature of the Avounds. He made no attempt to produce the sticks in evidence, although professing his ability to find them easily. Reverting, however, to the evidence, the completing link AA-as supplied by the position of the body. No one avlio has seen lhe Avotm-s, can doubt for a moment that tne unfortunate man fell Avhere he A.as struck; no one can bclioA-e that Curtin Avas ignorant of their character and extent. He might, as avo have said, have put his finger in them. Shanaghan fell at the hedge, with his head towards it, 26*4 feet from where, on Curtin'. statement, the fight took place. The slip panel (C) Avhich served the purpose of agate leading to Curtin's house, was between tho tAvo points indicated. Those avlio have examined the ground arc of the firm opinion thai Shanaghan was endeavouring to escape over the dog fence when struck down from behind. The evidence leads up to this so clearly that avo cannot avoid the conclusion. The circumstances Avhich immediately pre ceded the fatal termination will remain for ever hidden. But there is every reason for believing that Shanaghan lied, pursued by Curtin Avith some murderous Aveapon. That on reaching the fence he was struck down, and the murderous deed possibly completed as he lay on the ground, where his death struggle left the traces described by the witnesses. We believe the tying Avas done after death in the hope of conceal ing the dreadful crime. The whole subse quent behaviour of Curtin affords strong presumptive evidence that lie knew the man was dead. We do not see lioav the verdict of the jury could have been otherwise, and it was doubtless this aspect of the evidence, as presented to a clear judicial mind like that of Mr Oillics, that caused him subse quently to withhold any recommendation to mercy. Of passionate temperament, Curtin had become prepared for the commission of this crime by brooding over his supposed wrongs during his lonely life. The previous quarrels but form the evidence of motive—of malice and revenge. Althougli lie did not plan the crime as finally accom plished, there Avas strong evidence of a general premeditation. Mrs Shanaghan swore that Curtin had told her lie would have revenge, and leave her Avithout her husband. Hugh Toohey swore that on one occasion, while in Curtin's house, a noise was heard, and the accused said if he had Ihcgan (which was always kept on full cockand loaded) lie would shoot Shanaghan. The [.risom.r had p .limited his mind to haib im- such thoughts, and in doing so he entered on the first stage towards the commission of the crime for Avhich he hassuf f. rod. Again, employing the language of Mr (iillies, " ft is unfortunately the brood ing over in juiies, tin's fostering feelings of revenge, tha' too often drives men suddenly to the commision of such heinous crimes."

Wo have gone over the main points of the evidence very brielly, not with any inclina tion to dwell upon the painful details, but to .shew that so long as the law provides that any man who deliberately and Avilfully kills another shall forfeit his own life, so long must judges ami juries administer it—pain ful though the duty be—as it has been ad ministered in the case of Martin Curtin. Notwithstanding the tenacity with which the unhappy man has adhered to bis story, even on the gallows, stimulated probably by a desire lo mitigate the disgrace to his friends, avc do not waver in the conviction that his execution was a just, an inevitable vindication of. the law which he violated.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of 5s from Mrs Cole, for Mrs Bright. S&We would draw the attention of our readers to the list of prizss offered by the Committee of the Working Mens' Horticul tural Exhibition. We sincerely hope that the working men will take the matter up thoroughly, for t he success of the Exhibition Avill depend mainly upon themselves. The Committee have done all in their power to make if a success. The children of the Naval Training School, Kohimarainara, and the children of the Howe-street Home for Destitute children have signified their intention to compete for the special prize set apart for these Homes. We understand that the elder children of the various orphanages have been invited to visit the Exhibition in tho afternoon, for which no charge will he made. Justice Gillies, Messrs Macfarlane, Hurst, Henius, Rattray, Dickson, Gillespie, and others have intimated their intention to send exhibits not for competition, but merely to aid the committee in making the show as attractive as possible. In the evening at 8 o'clock p.m., the Mayoress, Mrs W. J. Hurst, will present the prizes to the success ful competitors for tiie best kept working man's garden. Mr Green the working manager of the committee to whoso.untiring zeal, the success of the slioav Avill in large measure depend, avi'll be at the Hall from G o'clock to-morrow morning till 11 o'clock, to receive exhibits, so that working men may lose no time in getting their exhibits to the place of exhibition. We believe that it was' intended that Sir G. Grey should present the prizes as last year, but his health is such that he has been com pelled to dec-line. The members of the Auckland Fire Brigade, had a satisfactory practiso last evening. Subsequently the report of the anniversary committee Avas received and was as follows :• —"The Anniversary Committee report that application has been made to the City Council 1, and also to the Insurance Companies' Association, for contributions to enable the Brigade to celebrate its

anniversary. The former had refused to con tribute,AA_ulst the latter had,Avith tlieirusual liberality, contributed, £10. The committee

consider it but right to state that several of the councillors offered to contribute privately, but, after carefully considering the matter, your committee recommend that on this occasion the anniversary supper and torch light procession bo dispensed with.—(Signed) J. T. KNIOHT, Chairman Anniversary Committee." The report having been adop ted, it was resolved " That the thanks of the Brigade be given to the Insurance Companies' Association, for their liberality on this and previous occasions, and that

liev be informed that the £10 contributed

by them Avill not be required on this occasion." Mr. John Hughes, superinten dent of the brigade, then presented Assis-

.ant Foreman, Thomas Ansell, Avith a gold medal, on behalf of the Dunedin Fire

Brigade Demonstration. Mr. Ansell then handed in a note of thanks to the Dunedin Committee, which Avill be duly forwarded. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the business.

The members of the Nixon Light Horse met for their six days consecutive training: yesterday afternoon in the Drill Shed, under command of Lients. Calvert and Peaoocke. There avbs a full

attendance, and the men were put through an exhaustive drill by Sergeant Mai or Eraser, who complimented the troop on their efficiency. The drill AViil be continued this day and Wed-

nesday at the Drill Shed, dismounted, and tho remaining days at Otahuhu mounted, p,t 1,30 PiUh

A young whirlwind followed the heavy thunder clap, Avhich broke over the Tamaki on Sunday night, and twisted its corkscrew course over the Tamaki river, and into Otahuhu without doing much injury until it reached Mr Plumley's property, when it rushed Avith irresistable force into the end of his large barn, tossing the weather boards up in the air as if they had been but few of Gledhill's ginger-beer corks. il then swept through the nursery, leaving twigs and fruit scattered about, gave the side of the house a kick as it passed by, Avhich nearly sent the worthy proprietor "Ms chair, rushed across the road, on to th* . p of Mr Donnovan's stables, and mourning on to a lot of sheets of galvanized iron which formed the roof, rode off with them from the spot, no more to he seen or felt. The damage has since been repaired. To the Editor : Sir,—Mr Waymouth states in his letter of to-day for tho satisfaction of Mr Black and others, that the amount paid to ear.h officer, on account of salaries, was debited to his account. Will he tell us that there Avas in each case a corresponding credit for services rendered He further states "My objections in August were largely removed in November—journal entries for the assets and liabilities of the pre vious year having been passed in tho interim." Now, Mr Waymouth, will you tell the ratepay ers whether those iournal entries were made by yourself and Mr Frazor, or not, and avli.u so made. Avcrc they posted, as they ought to have been, by Mr Urodio, before Mr Wright examined i his books, which was nearly three months after wards. "Will Mr Waymouth tell tho ratepayers how much ho has rc-oived from Mr Erodio for seiwices rendered.—A. Black.

The annual meeting of the Hauraki SaAV-mills was held yesterday at Messrs Owen and Graham's oflicc, Mr J. S. Macfarlano in the chair. The business consisted in reading and adopting the minutes and the report, and in re-electing Mr G. 15. Owen on the directorate.

The receipts and expenditure of the Acclima tisation Society during the months of December and January were as follows : Receipt.., £\2'.\ l,Ss !ld: Expenditure, £173 lf>s 8d ; Balance at Hank of New Zealand, .€(3 l (is Bd.

Mr Meek of Shortland-street. has undertaken the agency of the Waiwera medicinal waters, and our Auckland invalids can now procure this invigorating restorative without the trouble of a journey to the Springs. The waters are now extensively used as a tonic, and already have secured a good sale at the various hotels in town, and in the adjacent colonies of Victoria and Ncav South Wales. Mr Meek already has the Avaters in the shades of Seltzer and tonic, and an experienced manufacturer is employed in utilising the Avater for cordial, gingei-beer, and lemonade of a superior quality. We arc glad to see that the st rcnuous efforts inadc by Mr Graham to giA-e those waters their deserving publicity, seem noAv in a fair way of being thoroughly successful.

Yesterday afternoon the members of the Acclimatisation Society passed a vote of thanks to Mr Hugh Craig for his efforts for tho benefit of the Society.

The quarterly meeting of the Good Samaritan Lodge was held last evening, and the folloAving officers were duly installed by Bro. Goldie, D.D., assisted by Bro. Ellis, GAYS,, and Bro. llemu., G.W.M. :—W.C.T.. Bro. Mouldcn ; W.V.T., Bro. Uettany: W.S., Bro Hamilton; W.F.S., Bro. Allen : W.G., 15ro. Crouch ; AY.A.S. Bro. Wells ; W.T.. Sis. Mackay : \YM.. Bro. Mackav, jnn.: W.T.0., Bro. McGrath: "W.0.G., Bro. Norris ; W.D.M.. Sis. Biggs; W.R.H.S., Sis. Uettany; W.L.H.S., Sis. Mouldcn.

Tt was stated at tho. meeting of thf. Acclimatiza tion society yesterday, that Mr AA'. If. [{.usso.ll (not Mr T. Russell) had shipped 3:1 fallow deer of which 20 are for Auckland, in the ship Thur land Oust In, now daily expected. It was resolved In place them out on Mr Thornton's land in the Waikato. Mr Firth and Mr T. Morrin, will see to their transport.

Mr 1.. I). Pavics. Ynntrilorprst. who will be remem bored by the Auckland public, and whose wife died al the Roval Miil Hotel, Victoria street, has again catered into the realm of wedded blis .. Mr Bavics was married on the 19th .Tami iry, in Ifobart Town, by Dean Bromhv, to Mrs Kii/.ahcth Barton, widow of the late Mr Henry Barton, of Adelaide.

At the Acclimatisation Societymeetingyester day, the 'member' present snokc in high terms of the generosity of the Uivterl Slates Fish Oommis.iioners in sending out salmon ova to tliis eoionv free of charge. It was resolved that minutes should be kepi of the results of all the parcels'of lhe fish'distributed, ami a summary forwarded to Mr Sp.nmr [i-.ir.l. th*. Chief Com missioner. The question of introducing Euro pean trout and salmon was discus.cd, but no definite resolution pas<id, except an instruction biing given to Hie Secretary 1 ■> obtain all the information he could. As regards California!! salmon, the Board decided not to introduce any more at present A vote of thanks was passed to Mr McDonald and his staff of railway officials for their cordial assistance in transporting the fish from one plane to another. It was incident ally mentioned that the. total cost to Auckland of introducing the, ova was about .-GIO., in additionl^ to the expense of building the fisli housn.

Special religious services in connection with the Presbyterian churches of the city and suburb-, will b-. held this evening in the church of St. Luke, Remuera.

A man in chase of his wifoAvastobe seen yester day morning trudging along the road from Pen rose to Onclmnga. It appear, that the fair one had left Opotiki some eleven weeks a.-_ro to visit friends in the south of Auckland, and stopped so long away that the husband came over to fetch her bank. She seems to have wished to cut him, but they came down in the Mercer train yester day she uding llrst-class, and he second-class. On stopping at Penrose, she slipped into the One liunga train, Avhich was Availing at Penrose Junction, and had her box put therein. He, seein_r the. step taken, jumped out, intending lo follow, hut. while delaying in tho purchase of a ticket, the Onehunga train wont oil*.

An example of n-ai. oworthy perseverance is to be seen exemplified by Mr Impor, the proprie tor of the coaches running between Onehunga and Penrose. Tn spite of the small traffic, and the little chance of picking up passengers, he drives through the worst of weather to meet mo=t of the trains from Auckland, and does this in the best of humour. The time-table will be found elsewhere.

There appears to be a large demand for small hoys, or for almost any size of boys, at Otahuhu. during harvesting time. "We saw one little fellow yesterday, about eleven years of age. lie said he had been picking potatoes for some weeks. On enquiring the wages lie was get ting, lie stated that he received 3s per day, and that other little boys Avere equally avcll paid for their work.

Six coveys of partridges have been seen with in the la. t few days in the Waikato district. This is good news, as ir was concluded that these birds had wholly died out since their introduc tion some years ago.

The Railway Commission.

The following communication addressed to the Railway Commissioner has been kindly handed to us for pvblication :— Public Works Oilice, Wellington, February Ist 1877. —Sir, —l am instructed by the hon. tbe Minister of Public Works to forward to you the enclosed copy of a coin mission under the hand ot His Excellency the Governor, and the seal of the colony appointing the gentlemen named in the margin to be Com missioners to inquire into and ascertain.in what manner the several railways under the control of the Governor of the colony in the Provincial District of Auckland'arc uoav being worked and managed, and Avhether consistently Avith the reasonable economy of management and administration of such railways greater facilities can be given to the public in respect to the traffic thereon and the use thereof. The original commission has been forwarded to" Mr Header Gilson Wood, Chairman. It is presumed that tho Commissioners -will not enter on their inquiry until Mr Passmore, Superintending Engineer for Constructed Railways, arrives in Auckland. That officer is uoav on his way thither via Nelson, and he has been instructed to place himself in communication Avith you immediately on his arrival, and to afford you every facility for conducting your inquiry.— I have, &c Jno. Knowles, Uunder-Secretai-y for Public Works.

THEATRE ROYAL.

Mr. Emmet re-appeared last night at this popu lar place ot amusement in his favourite drama of " I ritz, and was equally successful as on the previous evening. There was a very good at tendance, and Mr Emmet received a hearty reception, which must have been gratifying to his feelings. His varied performances were the same on Saturday, and the "Lullaby" and the coined silver drum solo, a most extraordinary musical performance, Avas loudly applauded. 1 he lesser characters which revolved round the central figure were more perfect, or appeared to be so, than on Saturday evening, the representa tives being closer up to their Avork, and which necessarily gave .to "Fritz" a completeness winch was not previously noticed. The drama was noted at length in our sketch of yesterday, 80 that the reader who has not seen this lively ana interesting drama, may gather the outline, and have an opportunity of witnessing "Frit?." this evening. The orchestra and the whole eg \hs wwmmmiwti we .0 praiseworthy,

Execution of Martin Curtin.

His Hopes of Reprieve

DUKI-.0 the time that the petition in favour of a reprieve was in course of signature, Curtin was encouraged with hopes ola commutation of his sentence, but from the time that the unfavourable reply was commu nicated to him he resigned all hope, and pre pared for his impending fate. Ife made over his entire property to his sister, Mrs. Canny, who since the trial, had been most assiduous in her attentions to her unhappy brother, and had exerted herself to the utmost to pro cure a mitigation of the sentence of death, llappilv the attempts of Messrs Macfarlane, and Swanson were never communicated to Curtin, strict injunctions having been given by Mr. O'Brien, Governor of the gaol, to the two warders who watched Curtin day and night to prevent any reference to the matter, and such of the condemned man's friends avlio visited him were specially admonished to observe absolute silence on the point. The result AA-as that Ciirtin's last hours were not disturbed by any illusory hopes of pardon, and he was left to complete that preparation for a future state which had been going on under the solicitous ministrations of the clergymen of his denom ination. But yesterday, a singular occur rence took place. Curtin, on awaking in the morning, told one of the warders who had watched him during the night that he had A Strange Dream- He had dreamt that some further at tempts were being made to secure n pardon, that the dream had made a strong-impression on his mind, and he wished to know what was being done outside. The warder, how ever, bade him attach no importance to such impressions, but to resign himself to death. This fact is somewhat singular, but the probable explanation is that one of Ciirtin's friends had contrived in some way to drop him a hint of the action about to be taken by Messrs. Macfarlane and Swanson.

Cm-tin's Last Hours.

The warders state that Curtin was very quiet during bis confinement, and gave less trouble than any other prisoner they had ever seen under sentence of death. He was allowed any reasonable refreshment he desired, but he contented himself Avith little, took no stimulants, and ate plain food. He slept soundly during the last two or three nights.

His Account of The Murder

In conversation -with the warders as to the manner of Shanaghan's death, he ad hered closely to the account he had given from the first. He said that on the day in question Shanaghan came on his farm, bav in his hand a piece of lance-wood that be must have picked up as he came along. He came up to Curtin, and inquired where his pig was. Curtin replied that he did not know. Shanaghan then said " come and sec me burn down your house." Curtin further said that he then placed himself in Shanaghan's path, having in his hand a piece of (i tree sapling, which he had used Avhile driving his cattle ; that sonic " fencing" then took place, and they commenced to strike each other, Shanaghan being struck down. The remainder of Ciirtin's statement tallied with that made at the trial, and since repeated on frequent occasions. In further conversation, Curtin said he did not blame the people of

Auckland for their coudeuiuat-Oli of him, but he considered that the jury ought to have returned a verdict of "manslaughter," instead of " wilful murder." lie admitted that he deserved punishment for the crime, but not capital punishment. He was asked whether he bad any complaint to make respecting his treatment by the Press, and replied that the main facts given in the newspapers were true, and he did not blame the writers for anything that appeared against him, as they could havo no personal ill-feelings toAVards him, and Avere merely doing what they believed to be their duty in recording all"tbe circumstances for public information. With reference to the sticks, Curtin told one of the gaolers that if accompanied by a police man to Ararimu, he Avould be able to point out the place 'where the sticks were left after the light.

PBEPABATIONS FOR DEATH.

Curtin took leave of his sister last evening at half-past seven o'clock, and the scene between them is described as Aery dis-

tress ing

Mr Hoar, another friend, also bade him farewell about the same time. "* Curtin went to sleep at about half-past twelve o'clock, instructing warder Maddi-j gan to call him early. He had eaten his' supper as usual. He slept soundly un til about four o'clock, whan the Avar-; dcr awoke him as requested. Cur tin declined to take breakfast, and contented himself with a cup of tea. At about twenty minutes to six o'clock the Rev. Father Walter McDonald arrived at the gaol, and was conducted to the Penal establishment where Curtin aa-us confined. From that time until seven o'clock the rev. gentleman did all in bis power to prepare the unhappy man for death, by spiritual counsel autl prayer.

Shortly before seven o'clock there Avere about thirty persons assembled in the outer yard of the gaol near the office of the governor, amongst those present being Col. Haultain, Sheriff; Major Green, late acting Sheriff;' Dr. Philson, Surgeon of the Pro vincial District of Auckland ; Sub-Inspector Pardy in charge of a detachment of six constables Avithout arms, the gaol officials, a feAV of the public who had been admitted to Avitness the execution, and the represen tatives of the press.

At this time the sounds of prayer could be beard proceeding from tbe interior of the Penal department. The countenances of those assembled in the yard avoic a grave expression, and Avords Avere exchanged only in an undertone.

After a few m'nutcs' Availing, the hands oi the clock in the oilice of the governor of the Gaol indicated the hour of seven. Ml-. O'Brien, after exchanging a few Avords Avith the Sheriff, walked to the door of the penal establishment, about five or six yards away, and intimated to the warder on sentry at the outer door that the hour had come. Shortly afterwards Father Walter McDonald', arrayed in the surplice and stole, and bear ing in his hand a crucilix, appeared at the door, closely followed by Curtin, avlio Avas dressed in the clothes which he Avore Avhen arrested. He was bareheaded, and held his brown felt hat in his right hand. He looked someAvhat pale, but Avas calm and collected, and he took a brief survey of the persons assembled outside, and then sub mitted himself to the operation of biudin»' The irons Avere struck off'by the gaoloiyuu. then the executioner appeared Avith a piece of black crape over his face, and bearing the cords with winch to pinion the condemned man. The executioner, on approaching Curtin, utterred the Avoids " Good monv ing," to Avliich Curtin replied Avith the same salutation. Thou the local Calcraft set about his business, in evident haste to get it oyer. He was singularly nervous °in passing the cords round the arms and body of Curtin, and drew them thdit Avith some degree of roughness. At this point Curtin turned his head to the execu tioner and said quietly " keep cool, man take it coolly." The operation of pinion ing occupied but a moment, A long white canvas cup was then placed on Ciirtin's head, and he moved forward, Father Mc Donald preceding him with the crucifix held aloft before his eyes. As the party moved onward to the scene of execution the spectators formed into a kind of procession and followed. Inside the huge van! the ' police avo re drawn up in line niu>.._i.n th . scaffold under Sub-Inspector Par.lv"and the wu-dsw weav then under tho govgowft

The Execution.

Curtin ascended the scaffold Avith n. linn deliberate step, Avithout hesitaOT^ ing, looking upwards. He Avas accompanied • 1 by the priest, chief warder I.ickerby warder Maddigan, and the executioner The scaffold Avas erected close to the northern Avail of the yard, the platform being slightly below the level of the Avail and screened from observation from Avithout by a box, in which the rope hung from a hook fastened to the middle of a cross beam. The executioner then bound Ciirtin's legs securely together with cords, anil moved him on to the drop. During the Avhole of this process Curtin submitted passively, and his countenance was calm and immovable. There Avas no sign of fear or wavering, as the moments of his earthly existence sped SAvittly; but ho was apparently absorbed in listening to the prayers of his spiritual comforter, a.ho repeated tbe service of the church in audible tones, but evidently Aveakcncd by emotion. The executioner exhibited extreme nervous! ness in adjusting the rope, at first placin. it over Ciirtin's chin, but adjusting it correctly on a motion from Major Green, who observed tbe preparations with a watchful eye. At this solemn moment the unhappy man avlio was so soon to be launched into eternity took one brief glance upAvards at the morning sun which was shining brightly down on the scene. It was only for an instant, and the voice of the priest repeating tho burial service of the church recalling him to his situation, he again looked downwards upon the specta tors.

His Last Words

Curtin-then addressed a feAv words in an undertone to the two warders on the scaffold, the purport of which was under stood to be a request to be alloAvcd to make a few remarks The Sheriff nodded an assent, and Curtin spoke as follows : — "Well, Cod bless us all. I am very thankful to Mr O'Brien for his kindness (here Ciirtin's utterance.became tremulous and he paused for an instant) —for his kind ness, and his noble spirit toAVards me. I am very thankful to all his officers who treated me very nice, and to all the prisoners in tlte place —they acted very quiet and very decent towards me. Also, I Avould like to mention that this was not - a wilful murder on my part, I did nothing to the man but with the sticks avc had in our hands, and it Avas his own fault to come into my place and commit groat destruction, and it was his fifth tiirc of coming and committing the same acts. I could not help the man at all. I had no malice towards him or towards any man living. I thought to live honest as well as I. could. I was living in my own place. There was no instrument, no axe, or anything of the kind in our hands. We never used them at all. The fight was a fair up-.taiKli.ig fight, face to face. I could not help it. The man Avould not knock off injuring me. I told him to knock off", but he would not. I had nothing to do but to walk out and leave my place, and take my blanket. I did not think of killing him. I never thought of anything of the kind. I never thought be would die, but I could not holpwhatwas done. The Lord have mercyon his soul, poor man. I had no malice what ever, I had none to any man living. lam very sorry I did what I did. I could not help him at all. I ani quite innocent of his death, in any other way than the lighting, but it was- his own fault for coming in to my place, and he would not knock off. He left his sythe above on the road, and Avould not go to work as an honest man ought to do. Of course I must commit, myself to my Heavenly Father, the Lord have mercy on me. And also I am very thank ful to the honest men of Auckland who signed the petition, and I am very thankful to Father McDonald, aud Father Fynes, Viear-Geueral."

Curtin spoke in quiet subdued tones, and Avitli deep huniilty. At times his voice faltered slightly, but otherwise he was calm and collected.

Tho Bolt Dra^n.

There was a solemn silence during the deliA'ery of the above words, and scarcely a movement amongst the listeners. When Curtin had concluded he appeared to resign himself to death. The executioner dreiv the Avhite cap down over his face, tightened tbe rope, and awaited the signal to draw the fatal bolt that Avas to launch a soul into eternity. For a few brief moments Curtin appeared to be engaged in prayer. He bowed his head, raised his hands as far as the cords would permit, and there Avas an awful pause. Suddenly the b >lt was drawn, the body descended swiftly, there Avas a dull thud as the rope stretched to its utmost tension, and all that remained of Cmtiii, was a quivering corpse. Singularly enough, Curtin had retained hold of his hat from first to last, and the body was suspended for a feAV moments before the hat fell from his nerveless hand. The spectators then dispersed to await in the outer yard, the cutting down of the body, which by IaAV takes place one hour after the execution. '

At the end of that time, Dr Philson examined the body carefully and pronounced life extinct. A common shell coilin was then brought, and the executioner again appeared and cut down the corpse, Avliicli AA-as lowered into the cotlin. In this again he exhibited the same nervous ness as before, his hurry preventing him from easily loosening the knot. Mr O'Brien endeavoured to calm his per turbed feelings by saying, " Take your time; there's no hurry." After the body had been placed in the coffin, the cords were cut away from the arms and legs. The features were not distorted, but Avere overspread with the pallor of death, the tongue protruding betAveen the teeth. The cotlin avus removed to the inner yard by a party of warders. The p oceedfngs Avere uoav at an end, and the visitors were free to depart, after a few of them had signed* their names to a certificate vouching that the execution had been carried out in accordance Avith the law. From first to last the proceedings Avcrc characterised by the utmost regularity. There waa no hurry, no excitement, no unseemly haste, and Ciirtin's passive and humble demeanour rendered force absolutely unnecessary. The whole scene Avas a strik ing example of the stern power of the law. One part of the subsequent proceedings is worthy of mention, namely, the handing over to the local Calcraf t of a cheque for £10, the fee for the dreadful business.

The Inmost- An inquest was held on the body of Curtin before Dr Goldsbro' at 10 o'clock, aud the usual verdict returned.

HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.

I he Working Men's Exhibition will be openec to-morrow, according to arrangement, in w temperance Hall, Albert-street, and froniAvhai Aye can gather, the Exhibition is likely to be 8 success. Mr Goldie, Mr Green,and others, have been exerting themselves towards this end, hi a very laudable manner, solely for the bene lit 01 the people, in order to encourage them ii habits of industry and self-heln. The judges. Messrs, Purdie, Gillespie, and Green, appointed by tM comniittee to inspect working men's gardens for Mr Wm. Swan son's prizes for the best kept gardens, performed their duty yesterday. iJI? gardens of Mr Gorringe, of Ellerslie. ana Messrs. Hendry and Clarice, of Kyber Pftji were inspected, and were highlr coniuiciiatU tor the admirable way in which'they had been kept. The judges then went to Ponsonby ana over-looked the gardens of Messrs. Clea. Currie, Arch, Trayes, MeNab, Gaul., Harris* and Melville, all of which were more or less admired. The garden . generally A.ere ltt'e* cedent order, with good shows of vegetables, flowers, and fruits. The result of tho investiga tion will bo known to-morrow, when the prizes will be announced with the names of the success* ful gardener... which avo intend to publish vntn f. general skctob of the productions in tho itv hibttimi which will be opened tg«morr. W, at°fll y §4_ci_, m {>§. t*

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 187T,





"]W" O T I C E DRAPERY GOODS, NEW AND CHEAP! ! The undersigned have Purchased at Auction a LARGE LOT of NEW DRAPERY GOODS, in st landed ex City of Auckland, tho whole ot Avhich haA'ing been bought at much under the usual Warehouse Rates, they can afford to offer to their Customers at Veky Low Pricks. The Parcel comprises :— Grey Calico, various qualities, from ,'?,hd 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. & 90-in. Croydon Sheeting, 1/6 yard Huckaback Towels, sood, /G each, 5/9 doz. White and Unbleached Damask and Damask Tabic Cloths, from 2/6 9/1, 10/1 & 11/1 Alhambra Quilts, good qualities, 3/11 Rough BroAvn Holland, from /6 yard Half-dressed ditto, superior quality, A rory chean at /10i and 1/ Black Liistre, and superior quality Black Bril liantine Lustres NeAV Prints, good patterns, at /4J, /SJ-, and /6, very cheap Harvard Shirting, good quality, /7- yard Fine Irish Linen, lot of Remnants, a bargain, from 1/1 yard Gents' Br. Cotton Half-hose do. £. merino feet Grey and Fancy Striped Me.-inu Kalf-hose, and other goods too numerous to mention. All Purchasers of Drapery and Clothing should inspect our Stock, and prove that although not shilling off, we are giving full value for MONET. && One Shilling in the £ returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upA\ rards. RUSHBROOK & BRTDGMAN, Upper Quern-street, Auckland.



SPECIALITIES ! SPECIALITIES ! F. HEWIN & BROTHER Have much pleasure in announcing that they haA'c just received from Messrs. CROSSE and Blaokwei.l- (Purveyors to the Queen, another SHIPMENT OF SUPERIOR GOODS. We enumerate a feAV lines, and respectfully invite an inspection of the Large Stock we now have on view:— )_. 13 ( p 3|33 ( \ Tarragon Vinegar / \ Essence of Rennet / c Chili Vinegar : : Jugged Hare ) . Red Cabbage V ) Mince Meat \ ) Pickled Walnuts ( ) Plum Pudding ( ) Oriental Pickles ( ) German Sausage { ~ Orange Jelly m , \ Oxford Sausage / ( Apple Jelly " ; ( Hare Soup .) ) Black Currant y \\? ( ) Mock Turtle ( ) Red Currant \_\ ( )Ox Tail ( \C.& B. Honejv * ( ) Kipped Herrings ( )g( ) S ( A Nice Assortment ok Huntley & Palmer's Biscuits Just Landed.



F. H. & B. take this opportunity of thanking their numerous patrons for the encouragement they have given them in.introducing abetter class of Goods into Auckland, and Aye beg to assure them that Aye Avill continue to do so, and oiler them at reasonable prices. TEAS. Wc are giA-ing the Best Vulue in the City. A trial solicited. PROVISIONS. Being Direct Import jrs of the Finest Canter bury Cheese, Hams, and Bacon, we give un usual advantages. PRESERVING SUGARS. A Splendid Stock on hand, viz., Crushed Loaf, English in Loaves, and Chopped in 7H>. tins, Snow Drops, and Mauritius. An early call is respectfully solicited. N.B.—Goods delivered in the City and Suburbs, and Families Avaited upon for orders, F. HEWIN & BROTHER, FAMILY GROCERS, AND PROVISION MERCHANTS, T, _-,„, Cornkr OF QUEEN AND POT, AVELLESLEY-STREETS, AUCKLAND. Also, at GrahamstOAvn and Shortland.



"OULBS ! . "OULBS ! "OULBS ! JUST RECEIVED, - DIKECT FROM PARIS, A QUANTITY OF. ™g>ICE FLOWERING. As they must be Planted immediately, they will be on Sale for FOUR DAYS only. R. BAIRD. VICTORIA SEED STORES, VICTORI A-STREET. NB-A large quantity of Colonial -grown Bulbs will be ready for sale shortly. 'a" UCKLAND AND NORTH SHORE • J\_ STEAM FERRY CO. (Limited). The ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders in the above Company wffi be.held at the> Com nany's oflice, Bank Buildings, on MONO AX, tne ?2th February, 1877, at 3 o'clock in the^emoon Business-To receive Report and Balaam sheet for the year ending 31st December, 1876, and the Election of Directors and AwgMKj^ ' ''Man. K_r. | j



I^OTICE OF REMOVAL. H. A TKINS BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE m II A S REMOVED!!^ TO TIIE Premises Next Door Below his Old Shop. 11. ATKINS Begs to heartily thank his numerous Cus tomers for their A~ery liberal patronage from his first commencing business up to the present time, and to assure them that although bis trade has increased to that extent, that his REMOVAL to more Commodious Premises Avas a neces sity, the same principles of business will still be adhered to : Adz., keeping a good article, buying in tho cheapest market, and selling at the smallest profit possible His New Shop shall always be known as The Cheapest in Auckland. lI.A. Avill be happy to see all his old Customers, and as many new ones as may honour him with their patronage.': ■' A SPLENDID STOCK OF DR A P.E R V AN D CLO T lIIN G Will always be found, and tho PRICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND!



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