SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„ Tr , xr --_,-„---> (This Afternoon, 5.54 Hl(jU v Al^K—"( To-morrow Morning, 6.16 SUN SET.—This Evening. 5.58 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 6.15 MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon, 20th, 5.28 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Loch Lee, schooner, from Tonga and Samoa, Rotorua, s.s., Macfarlane, from Sydney Mary Hogan, schooner, from Port Charles

DEPARTURES.

Hally Bayley, schooner, Crone, for Hobart

Town Wellington, s.s., Lloyd, for the South Go-ahead, s.s., Cooper, for the Thames and East Coast

IMPORTS.

Per Rotorna from Sydney: 35 gunnies sugar, 2 quarter casks treacle, 1 package, 4 bales paper, 2 cases sewing machines, 14 half chests tea, 24 boxes do,, 1 quarter cask vinegar, 16 hhds rum, 1 case brooms, 1 case, 2 casks ink, 1 case paper, 30 boiler platos, 4 cases leather, 2 cases, 1 map, 4 cases vesta.., 1 package. 4 coils rope, 21 cases fruit, 1 truss canvas, 102 bags maize, I parcel books.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents. .. bales paper bags, 1 bale wrapping paper, 15 boxes tea.—Barnett and Levy.

13 cases, 67 cases fruit.—R. Arthur. I cask bottless —G. W. Owen. 1 case papor.—H. Brett.

ARRIVAL OF THE ROTORUA.

The s.s. Rotorna, James Macfarlane, com mander, arrived in harbour this morning. She cleared Sydney Heads at G p.m. on the 21st. Passed the Three Kings at.3.30 a.m. on the 26th ; Cape Brett at 5 p.m. 10 a.m. next day off Mon gonui, and passed the p.s. Durham. The Rotorua experienced a continuance of strong ca°tcrly winds throughout the whole of the passage. Arrived at 5 am. on the 26th. Passengers: Saloon, For Auckland—Miss Flcmmine., Miss L. d' Kloot, Mr E. Rattray, MrKenzie. For Dune din—Dr Llewlvn, Mr Clumsoy Mr Clarke. For Wellington—Mr Holmes, Mrs Holmes. Miss Holme. Steeragcfor Auckland—Messrs Hughes, Wall is, Eaton. ForLyttclton—Rev Mr Forsaith, and 8 for the South. We are indebted to Captain IVlacfarlanc, and Mr Pringlc. the purser, for report, passenger-list, and other favours.

The barque Stag left Nescastle on the 19th instant with 450 tons coal.

During a S.E. gale in Newcastle, N. S. W., on the 10th instant, a hulk with 60 tons coal on board sank. The hands on board were rescued with difficulty. The barque Glimpse, and the brigantinc Nightin&rale.arrived in Melbourne from Kaipara about the 18th inst. The s.s. lona left last night on her weekly trip to the North. The brig Transport, is now 14 days out from Newcastle, and may be cxpccled in a few days. The strong easterly winds reported by the cap tain of the Rotorua, will prevent her making a very rapid passage. The s.s. Pretty Jane isto leave to-morrow at 4 p.m. for Gisborne and Napier. The s.s. Rowena left last night for Tauranga with several passengers. The s.s. Rotorua leaves for Napier and the South at 1 p.m. to-day. She will be docked on arrival in Port Chalmers.

The schooner Hally Bayley left last night for Hobart Town in ballast.

The s.s, Wellington left the Manukau for the South last evening. Passengers :—Rev. Mr and Mr3 Harris, Mrs Fake and 3 children, Mrs Hartley, Messrs. Cameron, Carrington, Bayley, Carter, Rughforth, McKenzie, Maxwell, Sheri dan, Kyle, Clark, Smallgharo, Mawson,Phillips, Wheeler, Nelie (2), and 15 steerage. The Transport, brig, sailed from Newcastle for Auckland with 470 tons coal on the 13th inst.

The Fiery Cross, schooner, cleared at One hunga to-day for Wellington with a cargo of timber, to be loaded at, the Heads. The cutter Dante arrived last night, in the Manukau from Waitara with a cargo of sheep. > The barque Elmiranda was brought alongside the wharf this morninsr. She has takm the berth just vacated by the Oxford, inside the oater Western tee.

The cutter Lancashire Lass has cleared for Tauranga. via Port Charles and Mercury Bay, with a full general cargo. The schooner Telegraph has cleared for Napier via Mahurangi with timber and stores. The barque Courser entered out to-day for New York.

The s.s. Hawea will leave Onehunga for the South to-morrow morning at eight o'clock, should the mail steamer arrive before six o'clock, if not. she will be detained till 8 o'clock on Thursday morning. The schooner Omaha is to sail for the Chatham Islands about Saturday next. She was to came alongside the wha__ this afternoon, and com mence to take in a cargo of timber, &c.

The schooner Jane Anderson is putting out her cargo of grain on the west side of the wharf. The schooner Loch Lee, from Tonga and Samoa, is signalled outside Tiri as we go to pre..... She is not Itkely to make the harbour before sundown. Her cargo will be consigned to Owen and Graham, and will doubtless go towards completing the Glenlora's homeward freight. The following are the nassenprers by the Rotorua, which leaves this afternoon for Napier and the South : Mr and Mrs Julian, Mrs Wakcham, Messrs Studholme, White, T. Morrin, Bowden, and 12 original passengers from Sydney.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at, 5.30 pm., and to-

morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Kina, to-morrow, at

1.30 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per City of Sydney,

immediately after her arrival from Kandavu. For Napier, Wellington, and Southern Pro vinces, per Rotorua. this day, at 3 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, this day, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Austra lian Colonies, per Hawea, to-morrow, at 5 a.m. For Russell, per Ruby, to-morrow, at 9 a.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane,

to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Waiwora, Mahurangi. and To Arai, per Anne Milbank, on Thursday, at 10 a.m. For Chatham Islands, per Omaha, on Saturday,

31st instant, at 11 a.m. Per s.s. Taranaki, on Monday, April 2, as fol lows :— » For India," China. Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 7 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially ad dressed), at 8 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, on Saturday, 31st inst., at 5 p.m. For newspapers, at 6 a.m. For New Hebrides, per Dayspring, on Monday. 2nd April, at 6 a.m For Norfolk Island, per Southern Cross, on or about Wednesday, 4th April. N.B.—Friday, the 30st inst., being a Post-office holiday, the mails usually closing on that day will be made up on the previous evening, at 7 p.m. S. B. DISS. Chief Postmaster.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 1877

Tor rii« r_vse that locks a.-sisl.in.et Imii the ».■»,£ that iiceils,!....'.tance.

OUR contemporary this morning presents County Councils with a "happy thought." It sees, truly, "a few objections to the scheme," but adds encouragingly that if these little difficulties were got, over, the idea might produce another £20,000,000 loan for public works. The thought is beyond all question a very happy one, and must have been conceived in one of those superlative moments when all things mun dane wear a, rich, golden tint, and the ecstatic dreamer feels "elevated" and "glorious." The author of tlijs "happy thought" thinks it, bad for Counties to pay interest on loans ; and after a terrible expenditure of brain power, has hit on an expedient by which County Councils may have all the pleasures of borrowing without the attendant pains. Empower them, says Uo, fa fcsiUQ M Cum. tjf fceri^ w^h yfiii-l.

they could pay all their contractors and all their accounts, such scrip being a legal tender for the payment of County rates." He assures us that by this dodge was gained •• the independence of the United States." "The contractor," he proceeds to explain, "would pay his.men and his merchant, and the men and the merchant in their turn would pay the farmer for his beef, cheese, butter,- eggs, Sec, and they would pass the scrip round, and pay their rates with them." All this _is to be accomplished without one fraction of coin, but by the issue of rag money, having "jthe County as its security." The plan is, as its author justly concludes, so "simple" and delightful, that to "say any more would only obscure the subject." But, with all respect for the author, and without any desire to infringe his copy right, wo think one important aspect of tlie plan has escaped even his observation, and the " happy thought" has, in con sequence, been shorn of half its value. We refer to the wonderful elasticity of the scheme. Why confine it to County Coun cils ? Here we have the Corporation paying £6,000 a year interest on water supply loan, and the "Harbour Board a like amount for dock and reclamation works. Ten years' simple interest on these amounts, and thore is a cool £120.000, which, by the "Herald" plan, would have been saved the payers of taxes in the city. We have not gone into compound interest, because we don't want to put any .fancy colours on a. plan naturally so beautiful. Of course Messrs T. and S. Morrin and Jones and Ware would have been glad to take the scrip, because of its handiness to pay rates with, you know. And although the people in Britain from whom the pipes and machinery and that sort of thing were obtained, might want money instead of scrip, still the contractors would always have the Council as guarantee that the scrip was nil right. The thing is simply superb, and the more we think of it the more we feel that the writer is not doing justice to his wife and family in allowing it to go unpatented. It is nothing short of the philosopher's stone. What on earth is the good of money, when we can issue scrip ; of toiling in the mines for gold, and paying twenty pounds a share for Moanatairis, when the whole thing—public works, wages, meat, eggs, butter, and all the luxuries of life—are obtainable for a dash of printer's ink. Publicly and privately, we go for the proposition bald-headed. The sub scribers to our contemporary should initiate the system forthwith, and demon strate its happiness by paying their quar terly bills in the delightful currency, just to see how it answers, as a preparatory stop towards more general adoption.

" NECESSITY is the mother of invention/ and the wits of County Councillors have been sharpened to a preternatural acutcnc-S by the exigencies of their circumstances. A Council in Otago, bearing the name of Waitaki, has been studying Turkish politi cal economy, and has been smitten with the advantages' of farming the taxes. Acting on the hint, the Council has advertise:i for auction the whole revenues accruing to the County from the dog tax. The Waitaki auctioneer, contrary to the ordinary trick of the trade, does not paint the investment in glowing colours. The yield from puppies in Waitaki for the year, according to the notice of sale, is "at present a sort of mystery, and purely speculative concern." The knight of the hammer would no! have been very far astray in his reckoning if lie had classed the whole of the County revenues in the same category. It may not be generally known, that by the legis lation of la*t session a license issued to ... favourite poodle in any County will hold good throughout the colony for the year during which it is current, the onus, how ever, remaining upon the owner in case of summons to .prove registration somewhere. This benefit of central institutions and one strong colonial Government, will be learned with great approval by travelling maiden ladies and gentlemen of sporting proclivities. Highway Boards will hear with less satisfaction that a source of revenue which has hitherto been exclu sively their own, now drops into the County coders. It was hardly, however, with a view of opening a chapter on canine legisla tion that we referred to the action of the Waitaki administrators, but merely to point out the trick as the very idea which the Eden Councillors searched for in vain. What a capital plan for determining, once and for ever, the conflicting estimates of revenue submitted by contending Council lors, to the confusion of the electors ! What would Councillor Wrigley really "go " on his own figures . The notion of farming taxes is so romantic and Eastern, so sweetly primitive and character istic of centralism, that a leather medal, bearing the image and superscription of the departed Vogcl, should be forthwith struck ot. in suitable recognition of the sensitive appreciation displayed at Waitaki concern ing the genuis of the new dispensation.

The cablegram received to-day and pub lished in another column, is calculated to give rise to feelings of mingled re-assurance and uncertainty. The statement that the armistice between Montenegro and Turkey has been prolonged, indicates that hopes are still entertained of a peaceful .solution of ex isting differences. On the other hand the rumoured failure of the negotiations between Great Britain and Russia will lessen the hopes hitherto entertained of a cordial understanding between the two Powers. Probably Russia anticipates meeting with more sympathy on the Conti nent, and it is perhaps with this view that General Ignatiff has gone to Vienna. The denouement of the plot is awaited with interest.

The inaugural poem (original) read at the opening of the Whau. Literary Institute, is published on the fourth page of this issue.

It is feared that, from a desire to make the payment of city rates last year as light as possible, by making the payments in two half-yearly collections instead of one single payment, will result in a consider able loss to the city, unless all current rates now due are paid before Saturday, 31st inst; (Friday being a closed day). . We trust all who recollect that every pound un paid is a, pound lost to the city funds will roll up in time.

An adjourned sitting of the District Court was announced to be held this morning, but owing to the fact that Judge Fentou had only arrived from the Waikato last night, and had not had time to read up the notes on the cases pending, the sitting Avas ad journed until a future date.

The run between Waikato Heads and Raglan, to which reference was made in last evening's STAR, has been jointly purchased by Messrs T Russell, Studholmc, and H. C. Young. It is estimated that the run will bear 30,000 sheep, and it is the inten tion of the owners to stock it fully. The number of sheep to be brought from the South by the Southern Cross is 6,000, not 600, as stated yesterday.

The barque Herman has arrived at Wel lington from New York with the New Zealand exhibits.

Four friendless children were recently brought up at Echuca a* foundlings, the father having cleared out for New Zealand.

Dr Pollen had another meeting with the Taupo natives on Saturday, ami promised to aid the natives in passing their lands through the Court. He has left for Napier, and Rewi has gone back to Waikato.

The "Advertiser," of yesterday, thinks that at the meeting at Taupo Dr Pollen ought to have expressed a decided ipitagon ism to the King's boundary, iustetul of stfttiii^thatfe. Wtf topee.i. v

Messrs Stewart and Anderson's wholesale stock of drapery and clothing was disposed of by tender to-day. Messrs Cosgrave and Co. were successful in securing the whole estate for cash. The stock is the largest one that has been ottered in Auckland for years, most of the goods being specially selected in the English market for the firm.

The capital of the company forming in Wellington to publish the new temperance journal to be called the " Reformer," has been increased to £100.

We direct the attention of our readers to an advertisement in another column con taining a notification of services at St. Matthew's.

Tenders were called by Mr Hammond for a villa in Hobson-strcet. Nine were opened, and Mr Bunting's, the lowest, was accepted.

The following is a list of the Counties in which it, has been resolved not to bring the third schedule of the Act into force : — Geraldiue, Piako, Waimea, Westland, Coromandel, Mongonui, Clutha, Bruce, Whakatane, Wairarapa West, Mannkau, Maniototo, Collingwood, Raglan, Marl borough, Selwyn, Aniuri, Eden, and Akaroa.

The funeral of the late Archbishop Pold ing, at Sydney, on the 18th inst., was attended by a large number of Churdi dignitaries. The cofiiu bore the following inscription :— " Joannes Beda Folding, 0.5.8., Primus Archiepiscopus Sidniensis, natus die lStli Novembris, 1704, consecratus die 29th Junii, 1834. Obdormivit in Domino die 1 .mo Martii, 1577._ Requiescat in pace." The funeral obsequies were very imposing. The funeral procession extended over three miles, and it is estimated that the fore part of the procession numbered 4000 or 5000 persons. The various Guilds, and Societies in mourning regalia came first, next the ministry, officials, &c. The body was placed in a vault in the centre of the cemetery. The new Archbishop, Dr. Vaughan, then delivered an address, and the clergy left the ground chaunting the " O Sacrum Conviviura."

Judging from the small number of new claims to vote one would be disposed to believe that there exists considerable apathy as to the value of the electoral franchise. Those who are qualified and are not already on the roll, and others who have changed their residence since the last roll was com piled would do well to bear in mind that the 31st inst. is the last day for registering claims to vote.

Mr Thomas Tun-bull,of Wellington, was the designer of the successful Town Hall plan for the £200 premium ottered by the Wellington Corporation. Mr W. H. Clay ton, Colonial Architect, gained the second premium of £75. There was a great squabble in town over the .settlement.

To the Editor : Sir,—ls it not time some reduction was made on the present exor bitant commission charged by the brokers, i. c., 21 percent. Surely 1| per cent for sales over £50 should be enough for so small a service.—Yours, SHAItE-SEELER.

Another victim to the Education rate. Rev. J. Paul, of Onehnnga, has again sacri ficed his Lares ahd Penates on the altar of principle. To-day two valuable globes at iiis residence were seized under distress warrant for non-payment of Education rate, and will bo offered under the hammer by Messrs Cochrane and Son.

The "Sydney Morning Herald" esti mates the wealth of New South Wales, exclusive of fixed and floating .capital, at £84,7:.5,665. At Sydney, the estate of Abraham Jacobs, late of New Zealand, has been sequestrated. Mr G. W. Collier, Miss Tilly Andrews, Lizzie Bushc, Mr Harry Simmons, and other members of the Simmons-Collier Dramatic Company have been playing to good houses in Brisbane.

We call attention to Miss Jessie Ray mond's benefit this evening at the Theatre Royal, in which that lady will be supported by the leading professionals and amateurs of Auckland. A new local drama of special interest will be introduced on this occasion by a local writer, and at the close of the entertainment, Miss Raymond will deliver an original address.

The liabilities of George Edward Sanders storekeeper, of Tokatoka, were set down at £1,100 and the assets at Cf.29. Mr Walter Hill, solicitor, appeared for the bankrupt, and Mr Meyer for Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co. Mr Macn.irlano was appointed truatee. It was resolved to sell the estate to Mr Spenee for ten shillings in the

pound

The adjourned Assessment Court of the Newton district, wa.*> held yesterday after noon in Mr McLean's shed, Ponsonby-road, before J.. <.'. Barstow Esq. Mr Ashton attended as valuer, and Air Robert T. Warnock, as the representative of the district Highway Board. The following reductions were made : —A Burns, from £30 to £1(5 10s ; William Edgar, from £50 to £20; John Creevy, from £26 to £12; Alexander Donald, from £10 to £5 ; Thos. Faulder, from £%' to £65 ; John Geddes, from £13 to £'.) ; Sarah M. Jones, from £70 to £60 ; James MeNair, from £45 to £35; John Motion, from £20 to £12 ; Lawrence Tattersall, from £70 to £30 ; Warnock Bros., from £100 to £.5 ; George Wilson, from £102 to £80 ; on their respective lands and dwellings. Several valuations were sustained. Mr G. McLean applied on behalf of Mr James Williamson to have the name of William Crowther placed on the roll as occupier of a portion of land on the Surrey Hills estate, which was granted, and Mr Crowther was assessed at £90.

The question " Has any Government the right to impose the observance of the Sabbath?" was ably discussed last evening by the members of the Auckland Weslcyan Mutual Improvement Class, Pitt-street. Rev W. Kirk in the chair. Mr G. Rhodes opened the debate in the affirmative, and Mr William Cooper took the negative side. On the question being put to the vote, the affirmative side had a majority.

A valuable tli .-oughbred colt by Totara belonging to Mr Banks, met with an acci dent on Sunday night at Ellerslie, which was within an ace of rendering it a cripple. It got its hind legs hung up in a wire fence, and was found in that condition by Mr J. Brown, of the Ellerslie Hotel, on Monday morning. Fortunately it was extricated without any material injury,though its legs were barked in one or two places.

The young men of St. James's Improve ment Class, held an animated discussion last night on "Napoleon Bonaparte, was he worthy the admiration of the French people ." Mr Crawford, Vice-president, occupied the chair in the absence of Rev R. F. M acnicol. Mi* E. Cooper was in favour of the Emperor, and considered him worthy of admiration. Mr J. C. Macky held the opposite opinion, in which he had the sympathies of the majority present.

The Point Chevalier Assessment Court was held this morning at 11 o'clock, at the Northern Hotel, North Road, before R. Barstow, Esq. Assessment Judge for the district. There was only one appeal. The Corporation of Auckland appealed against the Assessment of £1,040 on the Western Springs Estate. Mr Philips, Town Clerk, appeared on behalf of the Corporation. The valuation was reduced by arrangement to £500.

Mr H. A. Severn is lecturing in Christ church on scientific subjects. He com plained of the small attendance, and in polite language expressed the opinion that Canterbury folk think a good deal more of turnips than of the solar system.

To-day and to-morrow are the last two clays for paying city rates and enabling ratepayers to be placed on the Burgess Roll. All unpaid will appear on the defaulter's* list, and lie for public informa-

The County Council of Rodney has resolved to bring the whole Act in force.

The " Sydney Morning Herald" says that Jem Mace has had fair support in his statuesque performances at the School of Arts. He was to have appeared on the 14th for Dr Silvester's benefit; but having received a telegram from New York, engag ing him for certain performances, he was unable to do more than make his bow and exhibit his champion's belt.

We learn that Mr Henry Weight, whose name will be familiar to the public in con nection with the affairs of the City Council, has been- appointed', by his Honor, Mr Justice Gillies to be certificated accountant in bankruptcy within the Northern Judicial District, under the " Debtors and Creditors Act, 187b'." Mr Wright is already well and favourably known in commercial circles and in the management of insolvont estates, wiU have the advantage of large business experience.

Meetings of creditors in the estates of John Thompson, clerk, of Newton, and Henry Pilkington Hay ward, upholsterer, were held to-day in the Supremo Court House, and in both instances Mr Thomas MacfFarlanc was appointed trustee. Messrs Tonks and Co., will oiler for sale the lease of Government tolls to-morrow (Wednesday), for six calendar months, viz, the tolls of Newmarket, Tamaki Bridge, and others, as per advertisement.

The Artillery band will play on the further end of the Queen-street Wharf on Thursday evening next, at a quarter past seven. "Programme :1. March, '-Love's Request," (S. F- Jones) ; 2. Selection, "Santa Maria," from "Dinora," (Meyer beer); 3. Valsc, "Tho Beautiful Danube," (Strauss) ; 4. Selection, " The Young Musicians," (Kucken); 5 Quadrilles, "The Gems of Offenbach," (S. F. Jones) ; 6. Polka, "The Royal Bengal Fusiliers," (Ilrophy) ; 7. " Goil Save the Queen-"

On Saturday next, eleven Auckland cricketers will proceed to the Thames for the purpose of playing the local team on Kaster Monday. Our Eleven is not quite settled, but some of our best men have already determined to go, and it is hoped by the day that a team capable of doing justice to Auckland will be found pre pared to do battle with the heroes of the gold fields. The match is an annual affair, and is looked forward to, both here and yonder, with considerable interest.

THE LOCH LEE.

NICCOL v. STEPHENSON,

As we go to press, the Loch Lee, from the Islands, is signalled as coming in. The advent of this vessel is regarded with more interest than usual in consequence of a lawsuit between Mr Malcolm Niccol and Captain Stephenson, the master, which is arranged to come on at the approaching civil sessions. Our readers will not have forgotton that when the Loch Lee returned from her last trip She brought back Captain Lombard, who had taken a cutter named the Bella to Tongatabu for sale on behalf of Mr Niccol. Tin: vessel was sold, but Mr Niccol did not get the money. Captain Lombard, who arrived in dire distress, stated that he had entrusted the, proceeds of the sale, £3(>'l 10s, to Captain Stephenson for safe-keeping, and that one morning—it, was about the middle of October last, when the vessel was at llapai, after he and the captain had spent the preceding evening on shore, the latter informed him that; some one had broken into his cabin and sfolen the money. The captain added that fortunately he had taken his own money ashore with him so that ho had not lost anything. Before Captain Stephenson left on this present voyage he was served with a writ commencing a civil action for the recovery of the money, on the ground that ho was liable for the amount, the money being in his possession. The captain answered the writ by a general denial of liability. Messrs Russell and Devon,'have be.n retained by Mr Niccol, and Messrs Hcskcth and Richmond by Captain Stephenson. The case is likely to create considerable interest in shipping circles, and will be important as showing the extent of responsibility to which sea Captains render themselves liable when they accept the custody of goods committed to their charge by passengers.

ELLERSLIE GARDENS.

The following capital entries were received lasl ni-flit for th . two principal races in the nro gramme of sports to come ciF at Ellerslie Gar dens on Monday next.—

Mile Rac (handicap).—-A. Kelly, pink and whit'!; J. Hill, pink and blue ; L .1. Nelson, blue and while; 1). Donovan, green and white: J. Bryan, bhicl* and white ; E. McGinley, black and yt.lo'*'; W. S. Fagun, green and white; H. Phillip.., groijn ; A. Daly, magenta ; J. Carpenter, red: J. J_. Bull, jnnr., blue. 150 yards handican.—-Neil Whisker, blue and white; 1). Donovan, green and white; E. Mc- Ginley. black and yellow; R. Gaulr. blue; J. Jones, bine ; N. Gow, mauve and white stripes ; "W r. Dickinson, blue and white stripes ;A. Kelly, pink and white; F. Dalton, red and black; T. Mofnny, black and white; T. Lucas, blue; 11. Palmer, mauve; J. Martin, pink and white; v\*. Mcttam, black and white ; J. Baker, black : J. Carpenter, red; L. J. Nelson, blue and white; William Harris, green and white ;J. B. Bull, junr., blue.

Arrival of the Rotorua from Sydney.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

The Rotorua arrived from Sydney early this morning, bringing Australian dates to the 21st inst. We condense the following items : —

g NEW SOUTH _WALES.™ The body of a man, name unknown, was found at Wagga Wagga, with the skull beaten in, apparently by an axe-head. A verdict of wilful murder against some per son or persons unknown was returned at the inquest.

A miner's delegate, named Henry Young, was accidentally killed at Rasbcrry GuUy, Newcastle.

A rider was killed at Walgett by colliding with a tree.

VICTORIA,

The Government have decided to build a new Court house in Melbourne, of Tas manian stone.

The will of the late Samuel Ramsden has been proved at £160,000.

The English eleven play fifteen of this colony at' Melbourne, at Easter, They also play at Ballarat, Ararat, and Sandhurst.

Requiem Masses have been performed for the repose of the soul of the late Archbishop Folding. Armitage, one of the English cricketers, was arrested for attempting to rescue a prisoner from the police in Bourke-street. He was let off with a small fine.

An elderly man, named George Scott, has been committed for trial for forging an acceptance for £14,000.

Arthur Fitzgerald, Helps first officer of the ship James Wilson, was lost at the Heads from the vessel on Saturday. He was a nephew of Sir Arthur Helps.

A testimonial is being raised for Bannerman. It is likely that a, large sum will be subscribed. The English Eleven give five guineas. Kendall has been awarded the " Austra lasian " Cup for the best average bowling in the recent match.

The sum of £SOOO has been subscribed for the new cathedral.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA,

A haystack at Hackney was struck by ligHtning, and over £1,000 worth of damage was done.

Between GOOO and 7000 persons were present at Cooper and Bailey's circus on one night. At a meeting of citizens, resolutions were passed against free immigration, as retard ing the material interests of the colony, but in favour of a system of assisted lmmi %:o>ti<mk fa whiyi. Migrant. ehQiUd

contribute one-fourth of the cost of their passage out. At the beginning of the voyage of the Mangalore, from England, two sailors quarrelled on the main top. Both fell and were killed.

Dr William Romanis Smith, of I aura, was found dead. He is supposed to have been killed by a fall from his horse, which was frightened by the lightning. QUEENSLAND.

The Government will shortly appoint a Royal Commission to report on the question of liuancial separation. . '.-..P^,

COMBINED ELEVEN V. ALL ENGLAND.

The following is the complete score in the above match :— COMBINED ELEVEN. FIRST INNINGS. SECONO INNINGS. Thompson, b Hill .. 1 c Emmet b Shaw 7 Horan, c Hill b Shaw 12 c Selby b Hill .. 20 D. Gregory, run out .. lb Shaw .. .. 3 B. B. Cooper, b South erton 15 b Shaw .. .. 3 Midwinter, c Ulyett, c Southerton b bSoutherton.. .. 5 Ulyett.. .. 17 E. Gregory, c Green- c Emmett, b wood b Lilly white.. 0 Ulyett.. ..11 C. Bannerman, not out 165 b Ulyett .. .. 1 Blackham, b Souther ton 17 lbw, bShaw .. 0 Kendall, c Southerton b Shaw 3 not out .. ..17 Hodges, b Shaw .. Ob Lilly white .. 8 Garrett, not out .. 18 c Emmett b Shaw 0 Sundries .. .. 8 .. .. 1 Total .. ..215 .. ..10- ALL ENGLAND ELEVEN. FIRST INNINGS. SECOND INNINGS. Jupp, lbw, b Garrett 63 lbw, b Midwinter _ Selby, c Cooper, b Hodges 7 c Horan b llodgc3 38 Charlwood, c Black ham b Midwinter .. 36 b Kendall .. .. 13 Ulyett, lbw, b Thomp son 10 b Kendall.. ..21 Greenwood, cE. Grc- c Midwinter b gory b Midwinter .. 1 Kendall .. 5 Armitage, c Blackham c Blackham b b Midwinter.. .. 0 Kendall .. 3 Shaw, b Midwinter .. 10 st. Blackham b Kendall .. 2 Emmett, b Midwinter 8 b Kendall.. .. 9 Lillywhite, c and b Kendall ..10 b Hodges .. .. _ Southerton, c Cooper b Garrett G not out .. .. 1 Hill, not out .. .. 35 c Thompson b Kendall .. 0 Sundries .. .. 1 .... 5 Total .. .. 196 .. -.108 It will be seen that the firat innings of the Com bined Team presents the singular feature of two men " not out." The explanation of this is that Bannerman was badly hurt by a ball from Ullyet, which hit him on the fingers. The play was stopped for ten minutes, but Bannerman was unable to go to the wickets. The next man, Kendal, then took his place, and both he and Hadges, the last man. were disposed of.and _still Bannerman was unable to return, The innings were then brought to a close, both Bannerman and Garrett being not out. It is worthy of note that Garrett with 18 was the next highest score to Bannerman's 165. Australia has to thank tho last named for winning the match. Banner man's score was composed of 43 singles, 17 twos, 12 threes, and 18 fours. The following are the only bowling analyses which seem to have come to hand: Australia Ist innings—Shaw, 223 balls. 51 runs, 31 maidens, 3 wickets; Hill, 92 balls, 42 runs, 10 maidens, 1 wicket; Ullyett, 100 balls, 36 runs, 12 maidens; Southerton. 148 balls, 61 runs, 17 maidens. 3 wickets: Armitage. 11 balls, 15 runs, 2 wides; Lillywhite. 5G ball-, 19 runs, 5 maidens, 1 wicket; Emmet. 48 balls. 13 runs. 7 maidens, English second innings—Kendall. 133 hals, 12 maidens,.._ runs,7 wickets ; Midwinter, 76 balls, 7 maidens,2.. runs, 1 wicket; I). Gregory, 20 balls. 1 maiden, 9runs; Garrett, Bballs, 9rnns; Hodges, _8 balls. 5 maidens. 7 runs, 2 wickets. Kendall was kept oa all through the day.

The New Soiith Wales Cricket Association ofFf red to play thirteen against the All England Eleven, which was declined, the players prefer ring to play at Melbonrneat Easter. Theythere forc desired the N.SAV, Association to co-oper ate, which they refused to do. Tho Eleven will play 15 Victorians injMelbournc. Armitage, in bowling, tried to pitch the ball over Bannerman's head on to the bails.

AUSTRALIAN SPORTING.

TflE Kyneton races took place on the loth instant.

Hurdle Race.—Quicksilver won easily ; Gaffer Grey 2, Alice 3.

Handicap.—Southern Cross won easily ; Filibuster 2 ; Haricot a bad third. Time, 3 niins. 11 sees.

Novel Race.—Bcnhain 1, Devlin 2. Won by a head. Lauriston Handicap.—Southern Cross won easily ; Peerless 2 ; Tom Kirk and Monk run a dead heat, for third place. Waurxambool. The Cup.—-Adelaide 1, Star 2, President 3. Won by two lengths. Time, 2 mm. 42 sees.

THE MAIL STEAMER.

Up to the time of our going to press there was no sign of the now fully due mail steamer City of Sydney.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Bank oC New Zealand—Buyers, £19 15s ; sellers, £20. National Hank—Buyers. Gss ; sellers, 67s Gd. Thames Gas Co.—Buyers, 2__ Gd. South British Insurance—7'Js. Nation;:! do.--Buyers, 30s. A./. Insurance—Buyers,s2s (new). Union Sash and Boor Co. (old issue)—-Buyers, £8 2s Gd : sellers, £8. Red Queen—(is, 7s; sellers, 7s. Caledonian (dble.)—Sellers, £1. Moanatairi—£l7los, £18 10s, £19 10s (ex. div.): buyers, £17 10s ; sellers, £IS. Inverness—Sellers, 8s Gd. Waitekauri—l9s, 20s; sellers, 19s. Alburnia—22s; sellers, 225. Young New Zealand—Sellers, Bs. Queen of May—lis ; sobers, 12s. Union Bench— Sellers, IGs Gd. Toka tea—Sellers, Bs. Knranui Hill—2ls, 23s Gd ; sellers, 23s Gd. Welcome—Sellers, 7-. Thames—Sellers, £1. Shannon and Fergus—Buyers, Is. Palnierston—ls Grl. JOSEPH" NI.WMAN. Chairman.

CABLEGRAMS.

Armistice Between Turkey and Montenegro Prolonged.

Bumoured Failure of Russian -STegociatians with England.

LONDON, March 25. The armistice between Turkey and Montenegro has been prolonged.

It is believed that the negotiations between England and Russia have failed. General IgnatiefF has arrived at Vienna.

BRITISH WAR ESTIMATES.

LONDON, March Bth. The army estimates which have been submitted are £14,500,000 sterling, against £15,281,(100 for 1876-77; and the naw estimates £10,750,000, against £11,288 872 for the previous year; together £25,250 OOo" [The above, as telegraphed by the Press Agency,was stated to bo the Turkish Bud get, instead of the English Army and Navy estimate..] J

President Hayes has nominated Mr .t-chiu-se as Secretary for the Interior.

mt_-T. .LOND°N, March 10th. _, __ THE CAPE ROUTE. the Pacific Steam Navigation Company's steamers via the Cape of Good Hope, are advertised to leave as follows •_The Lusi tania, in June; the Chimhor asco, in August, and the Cuseco, in September LONDON, March 17th. THE MAILS. The Australian mail via Brindisi was delivered in London on the 12th VICTORIAN POLITICS. 1 he political crisis in Victoria is regarded hopefully by the London Press. ° The M-pSi ™mayte that Sir James M Cullooh and his colleagues must definitely adopt either a free-trade or a protectionist policy. If they adopt the iormer.they will probably be regardeS with conhdence by a majority of thorn who lo n in the electoral vote ; but if they should be now defeated they may feel X? e °d that they are marching to a triumph which is ff: The « Economist *- thinks that

should choose sides on the s^aT^T*^ of the day, and bring, the SSL?^o* tainty to an end. P Sent <**cer.

The Moanatairi.

The follow _, telegram was posted!li the office tins morning :-- "^^§l "Twelve hundred and sixtY oiSS from yesterday's specimens. BroW-38** morning 15 hundred weight _S_ specimens. Show of gold left aaS?l ever. 9.50 a.m. R. Comer." g?od«« The "Thames Advertiser" 0 f vp«t__. gives the last three weeks returns If. lows :—First, 905 ozs ; second, 4 nnsV third 6,235 ozs ; total, 11,148 offjpj days work— representing a sum ex_*»_._l £29,000 In round numbers, thSft scrip had gone up from £1 to £20, - B M$ a value oh the mine of £270,000. £t*A p.m. on Saturday, Mr Comer, attended £ some of the battery staff, was driven \m in ..coach by John Connell, our Tham Jehu, who to do honour to the occasion had harnessed his four best horses, and brought the most valuable load that had ever bee wheeled to the Bank of New Zealand |i_ the olden time of Caledonian suprema^ they hand-carried their gold), -where i_ the presence of a large number of later ested parties, eight parcels or retorting* were delivered. The bulk of this Law. amount of wealth has come out of ah insfe. nificant space, not measuring more than in feet in length and height, by 3 feet -wide and the quantity remaining cannot be told' It cannot be supposed that the reef will continue as rich in the length, depth or height, but there is ocular demonstration to those who know gold when they see it that there is an extraordinary rich run of gold and the only way to prove its extent is to mine properly, when a short time -will m ve the cue suffcient to justify a judgment.

THE CITY WATERWORKS.

The pumping yesterday at the Western Springs resulted in about eight feet of water standing in the Ponsonby reservoir this morning. The pumps were stopped last night, after working admirably, and were re-started to-day at one o'clock. It is ex. pected that by this evening the Ponsonby basin will be quite fuU, after which the water wiU be directed into the Kyber Pass receiver. By the terms of the contract, Messrs T. and S. Morrin are bound to maintain the works in full operation and in good working order, at their own risk, f6r one month after the Corporation Engineer has certified they are finished to his satis faction. The object of filling the reservoirs at the present time is that the full pressure may be exerted upon the pipes. It is ex pected that the Engineer will give the necessary certificate in a"few days, and then at the expiration of a-month, if all goes well, the water supply will be available for the public use. At the present moment the water is turned on right through the city.

SUPREME COURT.—This Day.

In Chambers,

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies). Re Samuel Coombes.

Mr Hesketh appeared for the trustees, and Mr J. B. Russell, instructed by Mr Coleman, for the bankrupt.

Mr Hesketh said he was instructed to withdraw the application which he ma_e to the Court that Mr Coombcs should give up a portion of the estate to the trustees.

Mr J. 15. Russell asked for costs, as the bankrupt had done all he could in the clearing up of the matter, and it was done openly and above board. The information was sought for the estate, and the estate should pay for it.

His Honor said the trustees were perfectly justified in the course they had taken, and in making a searching investi gation, as circumstances certainly looked suspicious. There was an arrangement between Mr Winter and Mr Coombes, the former agreeing to advance money to enable Coombcs to carry on business, on the promise or expectation that Coombes would receive money from home. The trustees were right, therefore, in making the examination, and all the costs that could be ordered were Mr Coombes' expenses as a witness and the expenses of his solicitor.

Costs were not allowed. The application for the bankrupt's discharge will be made to-morrow.

COURT OF PETTY SESSIONS.-This Day.

(Before Messrs. C. C. McMillan, J May, and J. Mitford, Esqs., J.P.s) DRUNKENNESS. Two drunkards were dealt with In the usual manner. LIGHT AY EIGHTS. James Kilgour was charged with having two quarter-pound weights in use, which were not properly stamped, in accor dance with the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act • also, with having two light weights in his possession. Mr Kissling appeared for defendant, and stated that the weights had been brought into town some time ago, and found to be correct. The lead had dropped from the inside. He would plead guilty. Fined 20s in each case • the weights to be forfeited.

Edward Boucher was charged with hav ing two unstamped weights in use in his shop. ' The defendant stated that he had lost his own weights, and went to Mr Kitchen, who manufactured two more for him. Mr Kit chen told him there was no necessity to have them stamped. He did not offend wilfully. I One of the weights was heavier than it should have been.

Fined 20s and costs. Thomas Barnes was charged with haying two unstamped weights in his possession, also with having two light weights in use. Fined 20s and costs. John Smith was charged with. > having five unstamped and two light weights in his possession. Sergeant Gamble, Inspector of Weights and Measures, gave evidence. One 71b weight was 2 ounces too heavy. The Bench was of opinion that this case was more serious than the others, and fined the defendant £5 for having the five un« stamped weights, and 20s for the ligh weights. Richard Sandall was charged with having a quarter-pound weight in his shop whicn was not stamped, also with using the said weight, knowing it to be light. . Mrs Sandall appeared for her husband, and stated that the weight was merely for ornament. It had been in her family for over one hundred years. Fined 20s in each case. Caleb Wood was charged with having a number of light weights in his possession. Mr Hesketh appeared for the defence, and stated that the law relating to possess ing light weights was so arranged that l was almost imnossible to escape a convic tion. Mr Wood had sent the weights to the inspector, who found them to be untine. He put them into a desk, and proceeded to town, and endeavoured to procure a SOT of brass weights. Messrs Porter and U» informed him they would have a quantity in about 4 weeks'", and he decided to wart*. Mr Cross lent him the set which he vraM , present using. He had not used the otne. m since they were returned by the Inspector, f The same defendant was ehnrgert WUJ having four unstamped weights i« m possession. ..j Mr Hesketh objected to being JjWgJ against for the frame weights, a- «>*"• punished for one, he did not think «,»■>' nil that both ehargns should be pressed. , Tho Bench inflicted a tins pi ft. W», !

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 1877.



THE PHO_NIX FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF LONDON. Established a Century, during which time it has Paid in Claims, Eleven Millions Sterling. Head Ofkice : Lombard-street. AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,. Managing Directors : Sir John Lubbock, M.P. (Robarts, Lubbock, and Co., Bankers, Lombard-street. Kirkuian Hodgson, Esq., M.P. (Director of Bank of England). Octavius Coope. Esq., M.P. Secretaries : G. W. XiOveU and F. M. Broomfleld. The undersigned is now prepared to effect INSURANCES at Lowest Current Rates. THOMAS 11. MABIN, Superintendent for New Zealand. Office: Lower Queen-street, Opposite Fort-street. W. R A T T B Ay HAS OPENED HIS FIRST SHIPMENTS ENGLISH AND COLONIAL TWEEDS, INCLUDING A CASE OF MOSGIEL TWEEDS, OF THE, NEWEST PATTERNS. •WHICH HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE LOWEST REMUNERATIVE PRICES. LIBERAL ALLOWAKCE TO THE TRADE. B NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, W, QUEEN-STREET,



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