SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„, » This Afternoon, 0.59 tUCxil v»ji±iiiii—"(To-morrow Morning, 1.30 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.9 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.41 MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon, 20th, 11.00 p.m.

ARRIVALS.,

DEPARTURES. Otaki, ship, for Port Chalmers Hawea, s.e.. Wheeler, for the South

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Tauranga and tne Boutn—xaupo, £vlu, Wanaka. 28th , . For Taranaki and the South—Taranaui, lbth Wellington, 25th. .... For 'Frisco—City of Sydney, Wednesday, 19th, (English Mail) For Sydney—Rotorua. s.s., 13th inst: Hero, 2/th For London—City of Auckland.ship; Famenoth, ship, early For Gisborne—Go-ahead, to-day, at 5 p.m.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Hero, s.s., from Sydney, 23rd instant. City of Sydney, s.s., from Sydney, Wednesday May Queen, barque, frDm London, sailed sth Oct S.R. Lyrnan, barque, from Dunedin, sailed 6th inst. Mazeppa, schooner, from Fjji, early Mary Ann Annison, barque, from Melbourne, ei"Vr] v Lorraine, barqus, from London; sailed 11th Oct Charybdi3, schooner, from the Islands, early Linda Weber, from Tirnaru; sailed sth inst. Apelles, ship, from London; sailed 16th Oct. Iron Queen, barque, from London; sailed /th Abbey Holme, barque, from London; sailed 12th September. Loch Fleet, ship, from Lyttelton, early.

EXPORTS.

Per Hawea. for the South: 2 -qr.-casks brandy, 219 cases, 29 bundles, 3 bales.—Owen and Graham. 3 bales, 1 bale leather—lreland Bros. 1 case, 1 parcel—Wilsons and Horton. The s.s. Argyle arrived from Wangarei this morning. Passengers: Mr aud Mrs McMurdo and family, Captain Brown, Mrs Brown and family: Misses McKenzie 12), M o ss Mclnnes, Mr and Mrs Lewis. Mrs Shewring; Messrs Whitelaw, Fraser, Carter, Lynch, Broadbent, Lorrigan. Cargo : 12G bales wool, 30 bags gum, 20 cases fowls, 2 tons.produce. The barque Wodonga is putting out her cargo of wheat at the inner western tee. The ketch Pearl is to sail for the Friendly Islands immediately. Captain Loverock is to toke charge this voyage. The s.s. Hawea left last evening for Tauranga and the South. The passengers were more numerous than usual, several being booked tor the excursion round the colony; the following i<= the li=»t ■ Mr and Mrs Martin and 2 children, M" and Mrs Comiskey, Mr and Mrs S. Jones, Mrs Clarkson, 3 children, and servant, Mrs Evans and 2 children, Mrs »nd Master New bold, Mrs Jordan, Mra Graham, Mrs Black, Mrs Duncan, Mr3 Baker, Mrs Connell, Miss Kirby Miss Eames, Miss Boord, Miss Jackson, Miss Coates, Messrs. Whyte. Hewitt (2), Clare, Roberts, Motion, White, Marks, W. D. Buttle, Carr, Teasdale, Healy, Cameron, Spiers, Harris, J enning3, Grahame, Enoka Te Wanaka, seven natives, and seven steerage.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents. . The ship Ocaki sailed last night for Port Chalmers, where she is to load for London. She tookawav nearly 500 tons of manganese, half of which she will retain as stiffening for her home cargo, while the other half will be transferred to another ship for the same purpose.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs Cochrane and Sons sale of house hold furniture, etc., to-dayjwas moderately attended, and fair prices were obtained for the various lots offered. 9- At Mr R. Arthur's sale to-day, fovvls realised Is 8d to 2s; Brahmas, 2s 6d ; Spanish, 2s ; geese, 3s 6d to 5s 6d ; ducks, Is 7d to 2s each ; pigeons, Sd each ; young pio-s, 6s each; peas, Is per peck ; onions, l^d to If d per lb ; potatoes, 2s to 6s cwt. ; plums, 3|d lb; Canterbury hams and bacon, 7|d to BJd lb ; Auckland bacon and hams, s|d to 7d. There was a good atten dance at the sale.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under : For Thames, this day, at 5 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. and to-morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at £ p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, ana Mangapai, per Anne Milbauk. to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Friendly Islands, per Pearl, to-morrow, at 2 p.m. For Russell, Eavva Kawa, Wangaroa, and Mongoum, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. 1 For Russell and Kawa Kawa, per Taupo, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Tuesday next, at 2.45 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Jlotorua, on Wed nesday next, at 11a.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Wednesday, 19th instant, as follows:— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing g|in extra fee of 6d, in addition to the postage, ggwill be received by the mail agent on board Igthe steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. KtKS. Chief Postmaster. Scamps are selling counterfeits of that most wholesale of medicinal stimulants, Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, famous alike for its health-givingpropertiesand agreeable flavour. The knaves who are carry ing on this wicked trallic put their fiery decoct ions into empty bottles of the real article, and in most instances imitate the genuine labels. Insist upon having the real Schnapps.

BIRTHS.

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

DEATH.

YOUNG.—On the 13th December, at her resi dence, 13, Grey-street, Jane, the beloved wife of Alexander Young, after a long and painful illness.

The funeral will leave her late residence at 3 p.m. on Saturday. 15th instant. Friends please accept this intimation.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1877.

¥a* the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong thit needs iesistaric«, Fo* the future In the distance,

And the jfoc-d eiat we «j« <S»

The determination come to by the Union Steam Shipping Company to largely supply their steamers with coal from the Kawa kawa Company's Mine is a matter of con siderable importance to the community. It is an undeniable testimonial to the value of the coal for steaming purposes, and of its advantages in the matter of cheapness over Newcastle and other New Zealand fuels. The Company find that the change of coal wiil produce an annual saving at the piesent rate of consumption of £5,184 —which must make a very considerable increase in the dividends, and materially enhance the market value of the shares. Bay of Islands coal can be purchased at the rate of 12s. per ton at the liver mouth, while Newcastle coal costs 335. ; but as a ton of the latter is reckoned equal to 25 cwt. of the former, the actual difference of price is equal to about 275. to 12s. The existing requirements of the Shipping Avill necessitate a supply of about 8,000 tons per year, calcula ting on the basis of their sending one boat to the Bay of Islands per week. The coal will be conveyed down the river in barges, which will be taken alongside the steamers. The weekly visits of the steamers to the Bay will not in any way disturb the regularity of the time-table, as the steamers, instead of remaining in this harbour from Monday to Wednesday, will make the return trip to the 'Bay returning in time to take up the Southern trip on Thursday. It is also believed that the expense of the Bay trip will be recouped from passengers and freights. Altogether the decision of the Union Company is most satisfactory, aud (indicates a laudable desire on their parts to encourage native resources and industries in preference to sending money out of tho colony for foreign productions. We hope to see the example followed in other quarters. We believe that the quality of the coal now obtained from the Kawakawa Company's mine is very superior in quality and heating power to that which was turned, out in the early history of the mine, before the magnificent and practically unlimited supply of coal had been fairly developed.

MAJOK ROPATA, has adopted the role of a social reformer amongst the Ngatipoirou, He is doing the peripatetic philospherjand vigorously denouncing drunkards, adulter ers, and fornicators. The result is that the Ngatiporou have resolved to repair the churches, to invite clergymen and lay readers to reside in the district, and to abolish swearing, Sabbath-breaking, adultery, fornication, stealing, in short "all other deadly sins." This is good news. Unfortunately, however, these religious revivals amongst the natives are usually too transient to have any perma nently beneficial effect; and after a short period of industrious devotional exercises, the old Adam re-asserts its dominion, and the good intentions go to assist in complet ing..the pavement of a certain place where the temperature is popularly believed to be many degrees above the boiling point. We sincerely trust, however, that there will be no back-sliding in this case.

A telegram from Mr Williams, M.H.R., informs the editor of the "Northern Advocate" that the Government will accept tenders for the^ Wangarei and Kawa Kawa mail service. This postal service will benefit our plucky contem porary to a Large extent, aud throw open the entire North to their enterprise.

The " Northern Advocate " suggests the appointment of an itineraut magistrate for the Northern districts, in order to facilitate the administration of justice.

The usual weekly drill of the Artillery was well attendedlastevening. Themembers appear to pay great attention to the in struction imparted to them. Captain Burns informed them before dismissal that the inspection of the battery would be held on Wednesday next, the 'Oth, in full dress uniform. The Picnic ■ lotnmitteo met, and all arrangements arc ] ,'Ogrosstng satisfac torily to make it a groat hucccms.

The committee aud teachers of the Sunday-school of the Presbyterian Church, West Tamaki, announce a soiree and «oncert, to be held in the Panrnure Hall, on Tuesday evening next. The object of the entertainment is to provide a few books of a moral and religious character for the school children, as the school at present is without a library. We understand that this is the first entertainment of the kind in connection with the Tamaki Church, and as an excellent tea will be provided by ladies, and fa good programme prepared, the undertaking should be a success. We learn that in addition to the merry voices of the Tamaki young ladies, the friends will be assisted by ladies and gentlemen from Auckland. Mr and Miss furrell will give pianoforte duets and violin solos ; Miss Spurgeon will sing a sentimental song ; Mr William Doran will sing two irresistibly comic effusions from the versatile pen of Con Crogan, the eminent song writer of Ballymoreen, on the banks of the Shannon. Mr McPherson will represent the land o' cakes, and warble something of Burns in the Scottish dialect. A few jottings will be given from the diary of Dr. Brierroot, and a poetic description of Auck land at the present time. It is confidently expected, therefore, that the soiree at Paumure Hall will be satisfactory.

A considerable portion of the time of the Resident Magistrate's Court was taken up yesterday in hearing a case in which Mr Solomon Reid, a storekeeper, claimed of Ed. Griffin, the sum of £2 10s, which had been standing over for more than two years. The defendant ingeniously attemped to e'-ade payment, but the evidence left little doubt upon the mind of the Court as to the justness of the debt, and judgment was given for plaintiff for the full amount, with costs, £2 4s 6d.

The agent of the Scripture Gift Associa tion awarded thirty prizes to the scholars of the Mangare public school on Wednesday last.

The juvenile concert given last night by Miss Smith, of the Catholic school, and her pupils, was most successful. The new school room was rilled with an appreciative audience, who did justice to the talents of the children, and the ability with which the various pieces were placed before them. Everything went off admirably, and the conceit on the whole was one of the best (considering the age of the performers) we have ever witnessed ; the singingof Miss Lynch was loudly applauded, as also was the duet rendered by Misses Gibbs and Worncr ; nor must the pianoforte duet by Misses Boyd and Rayner be forgotten, as they contributed in no small degree to the success of the evening. Miss Bishop is also deserving of the highest eulojjiums for her rendering of the "Liquid Gem" and the "Robin." In short,everyone did their best; and it is almost invidious to single out any names, where all did so well.

A dividend of 2s per scrip upon 3,000 shares in the Old Whau Goldinining Company has been declared.

With reference to a rumour telegraphed by the Press Agency and by special correspondents to the effect that Mr Ballance had formally severed his con nection with the Ministry, we telegraphed to that gentleman, and received the following reply: "There is no truth in the Press Agency's rumour that Mr Ballance lias left Sir George Grey's party."

A special meeting of the Victoria Cricket Club is convened for this evening at 7.30 p.m., in the Young Men's Christian rooms, when business of unusual im portance will be introduced, including the cricket match at Pakuranga, election of oilicers, &c.

The members of the Licensed Victual lei-s Association met yesterday at the British Hotel for the purpose of transacting ordinary business. Mr Henry Keane presided, and offered the congratulations of the Associa tion to Mr Melton on his accession to the Mayoral chair of Parnell, the highest office in the gift of that Borough. Mr Melton having made an eloquent reply to the words of the president, the reception of Sir George Grey was the subject of conversation, and the members resolved to intimate to the Reception Committee their desire to take part in the reception. The revision of the rules was the next discussion, and altera tions were made which will be submitted to a full general meeting for approval. A letter of thanks was drawn up to Mr G. Johnstone, the late president, for the interest he had evinced and the energy dis played in the affairs of the Association. The accounts were passed, and the meeting concluded.

The Legislative Council of Victoria has agreed to the first reading of the Appropria tion Bill, but it is expected that the second reading will be negatived.

Mr H. W. Farnall has obtained permis sion from Government to try his claim for compensation, respecting his Auckland Im migration Agency, in the Supreme Court, the claim to be decided on its met its. Ho claims £1,500. The House struck out a vot(! of £500, which would have concluded the matter.

At the meeting of the Reception Com mitee yesterday afternoon, Mr Shera was appointed Permanent Chairman, Mr John King, Secretary; and P. Darby, Treasurer. About 30 additional names were added to the general committee, and an influential executive committee elected. The ferm of reception most likely to be arranged upon Avill be the erection of two arches, one near the Waitemata and Thames Hotels, and the other some distance up Queen-street. His Worship the Mayor will read an address to the Premier and the Auckland Repre sentatives at the lower arch,and Sir George Grey will then proceed up Queen-street with the other members of his party, in a carriage drawn by six grey horses, with postillions gratuitously provided for the occasion by Mr F. Quick. A public recep tion meeting will be held in the evening in the Theatre Royal, Avhen the people of Auckland will have the privilege of listen ing to addresses by their representatives. Should these arrangements be fully carried out we think they cannot fail to give general satisfaction. Sir George Grey, the Hon. Sheehan, and Mr J. C. Brown left Welling ton yesterday for Napier on their way to Auckland. A rumour is current to the effect that the latter gentleman, who ably acted as whip for the past session,has deter mined to sever his connection with it. From the above there does not seem to be any foundation whatever for the rumour.

Attention is called by advertisement^ in this day's issue relative to a requisition numerously signed by the Auckland share holders of the Waitekauri G.M. Co., and now lying at No. 11, Insurance Buildings for further signatures, calling upon the directors to hold the next general meeting in Auckland, where such large interests in the mine are held, they having been debarred hitherto from expressing their views relative to their property, _in con sequence of all meetings as yet being held in Grahamstown.

Duke Humphrey sends us a stupid letter suggesting a programme to be observed in the reception of Sir George Grey. The whole point of the letter is nullified by the fact that the Hinemoa will not come via the Bay of Islands, there being no special necessity at present for the steamer to circumnavigate the North Island in order to come from Napier to Auckland. The suggestion that the silt basins should be rendered innocuous on the occasion by an infusion of disinfecting fluid is worthy of some consideration. The remainder of Duke Humphrey's" letter is slightly in coherent, and perhaps, from obtuseness on our part, we fail to comprehend in what precise direction His Grace is driving or drivelling.

Captain Tovy has grown some fine speci mens of lemons at Tauranga. One weighed nearly a quarter of a pound. ,

At an inquest yesterday Jon the body of the woman .Stevenson, who cut her throat at Bulclutha, a verdict of " Suicide under temporary insanity" was returned. She leaves six children.

It is denied that seats in the Ministry have been offered to members of the House since it was px-orogued.

We learn'that Mr W. Mitchell, of Auck land, (Hansard reporter) has received the appointment of private secretary to Sir George Grey. Mr W. A. Baker has been appointed to a similar position in connec tion with Mr Sheehan.

Afire broke out yesterday morning at Dunedin, in a house occupied by a woman name Wood, Union-street, and in a brief space of time destroyed the entire building. The mother went to bed in a state of intoxication, and when questioned about her two children she could give no satisfactory answer, but supposed they were somewhere in the house, or per haps among the ruins. They were after wards found fast asleep in a coal shed, to which place they had resorted on being turned out of doors in the night by their drunken mother. The cottage was insured in the South British for £200. The father of the children recently went to Melbourne, and formerly held a responsible situation in the Provincial Treasury.

A Bill has been introduced into the Victorian Parliament to authorise the des truction of grape vines on all properties infected with the philloxera vastalrix. There is no provision for compensation to owners.

Recent telegraphic news from Sydney stated that Mr Parkes was engaged in form ing a Ministry, but from a cable message received yesterday, we learn that Mr Parkes has relinquished the task, and the House has adjourned until Tuesday. Ministerial crises appear to be the order of the day in the colonies.

The last Government estimates included a number of increases of salaries in several departments, and when the Appropriation Act passed, Ministers were asked to authorise the drawing of arrears of increases, and in some cases the authorities were actually signed. But on look ing into the groixnds for advances of salaries to Civil Servants, Ministers dis covered that favouritism, and not merit, was the chief ground so the authorities were stopped until Sir George Grey's return, when the merits of each case will be honestly investigated.

The redoubtable Titokow.iru, who fought so savagely against the Colonial Forces, and succeeded in inflicting serious losses upon them, is now as mild a mannered man as ever cut a throat. At a recent native meeting Avith reference to the survey of the Waimate Plains he came out in the character of a blessed peacemaker, and, says the " Patea Mail " : "as a warrtaitry of mutual trust proposed an exchange of watches, which Mr Williams agreed to. While good feeling lasts the watches (both valuable ones) wilibe held as now. Should ill-feeling arise the watches will be again exchanged." We know several people who would be glad to exchange watches in token of friendship, especially if they could secure gold watches for silver ones. But the chances of the watches being returned in the event of ill-feeling would be exceedingly remote.

The Colonial Treasurer has returned from Nelson to Wellington, where he remains

for the present. Seven thousand acres of land have been thrown open for settlement at Rawitia near the Feilding Block.

The" rumour that Parliament would re assemble in February is contradicted.

An open verdict was returned at the in quest on the destruction by lire of Dutton's House, Balclutha, yesterday. The pro perty was valued at £SOO, and was insured in the National for £250, and in the South British for £200.

Mr P. F. Connelly,an artist from Florence, has been plundered by the Hauhaus at Rotoaira while returning from a trip to Tongariro, and Ruapeha Mountains where he had been sketching. Mr Connelly is at present on the south side of the Lake Taupo, with the object of securing the assistance of Topia Turora, a friendly chief of Rotoaira, who is in Wellington. The reason of the attack may be easily explained. Some time ago, the natives fixed a tariff of charges to be paid by tourists for the privilege of sketching the beautiful scenery to be found in the native country, and no doubt Mr Connelly has refused to comply with their demands for "utu." This is the most probable cause of the outrage. No doubt the intervention of the chiefs will result in the restoration of the stolen property. Sharks are making it lively for bathers in Tauranga harbour.

An account of the first open Lodge meet ing in connection with the Good Templars' organisation at Kamo appears in the last issue of the " Northern Advocate." The meeting was presided over by Dr Les sons, W.C.T., and passed off very success fully. An accident (says the " Northern Advo cate ") occurred on Sunday last to Miss Kate Bowman while riding from Kaiwako to Te Ami. She was thrown violently from her horse, sustaining severe-Injuries. A companion named Miss Lamav procured assistance, and the sufferer Avas taken to the residence of Mr Brown, a settler, where she is recovering slowly.

At a meeting of the Hobson County Council, held at Paparoa on November 2Sth, it was agreed that dog collars should be issued, and collectors of the tax appointed. Tenders for works were authorised to be called foi, and Councillor Balderston requested to secure a temporary loan of S per cent, for the purpose of meeting the liabtlity oi the Matakohe District Board. Councillor Balderston was elected Chairman.

At the Wellington land sales during the last fortnight,'a total of £21,343 was realised for 37,042 acres.

The Poverty Bay " Herald" of the 7th reviews the political conduct of Captain Morris, M. H. R., in the late session of Parliament, and ill the course of the article remarks :—'' Of his merits as the member for the district, the representative of the rights, the claims, and the requirements of Poverty Bay, there can be but one opinion —he has proved a lamentable failure, from the moment that he was declared duly elected, up to the pre sent time. It is nearly two years since Captain Morris presented him self to the Poverty Bay people as a candi date for their support. He declared himself in the strongest terms to be neither Gov ernment nor Opposition. He was bound to no party, he said ; his utmost efforts would be directed towards the extermination of what he designated " That Upas tree," the Native Department. Poverty Bay interests, he promised, should receive his unremitting attention. Our back country should be opened up, roads formed, bridges built, nothing should be neglected in advocating our in terests ; our claims should be forced upon the notice of the House. * * Captain Morris changed his note even as lie took his seat in the House. All his indepen dence of both parties, his threats against the Native Department, were hurled to the winds ; he deliberately abjured his fair promises, threw over his constituents, and iiltimately developed into a Government Whip. In fact, we do not overstep the mark when we assert that Captain Morris is more unpopular at his own end. of the district, amongst his own original supporters, than with the Poverty Bay people. He has simply done nothing for his constituents, he fettered himself hand and foot to the Atkinsons Ministry apparently for the mere pleasure of so doing. We defy him to shew any way in which his presence in Parliament benefitted the district." Our contemporary is wrong in supposing that Captain. Morris supported Ministers for the pleasure of the thing. Captain Morris must have seen some profit sticking out somewhere.

The Thames " Star" in an article on the final speeches of the existing Premier and the ex-Premier in the late session, expresses its belief that the admirers of Sir George Grey have "gone blind on him, and will stake their last shilling on their hand." We may add that Sir George Grey evidently holds the two bowers and the all.

Mr Rowe, on his return to the Thames, was met by a number of frienda at the wharf. ~, .. _ Our diminutive contemporaiy the Bay of Plenty Times " is severely exercised over certain telegrams published in the Auckland papere, with reference to the stoppage of surveys at Taupo, and the editor takes upon himself to administer some parental admonitions to "the editor of the ' Herald' and of the Stab, as to the conduct of the business of those journals. In the first place we may remind the editor of the " Bay of Plenty Times " that the editors of " the * Herald ' and of the STAR," are not one and the same person, and that on many material points their views do not exactly coincide. Speaking for oiirselves, we feel deeply grateful to the editor of the " Bay of Plenty Times " for his sage advice on professional matters, and we entertain the profoundest respect for his great journal istic experience, and intimate knowledge of the business. On the other hand, as we happen to be on the spot, we prefer to_ trust to our own judgment as to what is or is not fit for publication in the STAR. The " Northern Avocate " says that Mr J. M. Dargaville has opened a bush about 20 miles from Whangarei, and 80 from Dargaville. Mr John McLeod has been appointed to superintend operations. From the last issue of the " Northern Advocate '.' avo learn that a fire occurred a short distance beyond Hikurangi, and about 20 miles from Whangarei, by which a hut, containing the tools, clothing, &c, of Mr Wilson and party, surveyor, was discharged. To the Editor : Sir,—-Can you inform the public if the Corporation of Auckland requires an inspector of scaffolding, for there is a preaching man that holds forth on Saturday night, causing an obstruction on the footpath, and blocking up the street, who has been very assiduously performing the duties, giving the police a great deal of trouble about scaffolding in Victoria street. An inspectorship would probably suit him, and be well bestowed. Yours, etc.,—Ak Admirer of Your Paper. The prizes won by the boys of the Parnell Church of JBngland lirammar School are to be presented this afternoon. A programme of recitations will also be gone through. This is an educational exercise in which the boys of this school are peculiarly proficient.^ ORGAN RECITAL AT ST. MARY'S, PARNELL. An organ recital was given in St. Mary's church Parnell, yesterday evening. That these displays of church music are popular in Auckland, is very evident from the eagerness with which the congregations look forward to them, and from the crowds which flock to hear them. The church last night was quite full, and many strangers had a difficulty in finding seats. The selections made for tne occasion were very happy, and exhibited the different styles of the several composers in a very marked manner. The first item on the programme was a sonata by Haydn, played as an organ solo. Thi? over, the choir, who were present in full strength, sang Barnby's anthem, " The Grace of God." due prominence being given to each of the parts. The march, " Silver Trumpets," was played on the organ in dashing style, and then three of the ladies of the choir sang the exquisite trio, "Lift thine ifiyes," from Mendelssohn's "Elijah." The adjective applied to the com position would not be out of place in reference to the execution of the eem. Wagner's March " Tannhauser," played by Mr Li%-ingstone. gave the audience a lively illustration of the most popular modern author's peculiar style. The well-known anthem " How lovely are the messengers " was taken rather more slowly than usual, but the harmony was perfect. " Ardan tino " (Spohr) was effectively rendered on the organ, and formed an appropriate prelude to Mozart's appealing anthem " Out of the Deep," of which the most telling feature was the treble solo, and the duett for treble and alto. Mendelssohn's "Wedding March was played with plenty of elan, and, no doubt, many were surprised at the power developed from such a small organ. The anthem "Praise the Lord," from Spohr's 'Last Judgment,'' wa? one oC the most artistic performances by the choir. The chorus was good, but the principal features were the treble and bass solos, which were admirably achieved. "ORest in the Lord" (Mendelssohn's " Elijah ") made a capital finale. The whole performance was very creditable, both to Mr Livingstone in his double capacity as organist and choirmaster, and to the members of the choir. The vocaJ harmonies were such as could only be attained by careful practice and considerable musical talent, elaborated under a competent mentor. The congregation shewed, by their reluctance to depart, that they thought the performance all too short. We believe that these recitals will, in future, be held twice a year at St. Mary's. POLICE COURT.—This Day. (Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) MAGGIE AND MIKE. Maggie Brainsbury, a woman with worn features and unkempt hair, pleaded guilty to being drunk last night ; also Michael Foster, and were fined 6s each. DRUNK AND WILD. Henry Williams, a tall young man, was brought up on several charges of assault:— (I) With striking Richard Richards on the face ; (2) with kicking David Haggin ; and (3) with biting Constable McLelfan. Prisoner said he would plead guilty, but he knew nothing about the affair. Sub-Inspector Pardy stated the case. The prisoner was drinking at the Eagle Hotel, when Richards, a man ot colour, went in with Haggin for a nobbier. As soon as Richards made his appearance prisoner said he would smash that image of ebony, and struck him violently in. the face, saying he detested a black man. His Worship: Did prisoner give com plainant a black eye ? (Laughter). Haggir was about to. remonstrate, when he gave him a severe kick, and when the Constable v\as called, prisoner let fly at the Constable's nose, and bit him severely on the arm. Prisoner laughed and said he supposed it was all right. Two months' imprisonment with \ hard labour. AN UNHAPPY CASE. Robert Chalmers was charged with desert ing his wife and child, and leaving them without means of support. Mr Thome, for defendant, pleaded not guilty. Mr Madden appeared for Mrs Chalmers. Grace Wells Chalmers deposed that she had been married six years to Mr Chalmers In May last there was a separa tion by mutual consent, and she was to receive2ss per week; lie disposed of his furniture under a bill of sale ; she had not received that amount, and £20 was due to her on that agreement ; she had recently been supported by the charity of friends. To Mr Thorne : Mr Chalmers had paid her rent 18s a week had found her bread and butcher's meat, also two scores at hotels. She did not know what her husband's earnings were; she worked occasionally as a dressmaker. Mr Thome said he would call Mr Chalmers by permission of the Court to give his version of the matter. Robert Chalmers, gasfit*er, deposed that he was in ill-health, and had been unfor tunate in business, but had done all he could for the support of his wife and child He«had paid his rent regularly; and allowed her 6s a week for butchers' meat. He also offered to give her a sewing machine, but she jrefuced, saying she was not going to work. He was living with his mother, and was willing to do the best for his wife. Mr Thorne : Heghad found it necessary to clear out, as Mrs Chalmers "was a lady of hasty temper and had saluted him heavily one morning with a billet of wood. His Worship said this was a very un pleasant case, and he could not see what there was to make an order upon. Mr Madden said defendant could make a home for his wife. His Worship : But the stick ! Mr Madden : We will put the stick on one side, your Worship. His Worship :. Man and wife should stick together. He must find the defendant guilty of neglecting to support his wife and child, and must order him to pay 20s a week. _.„. _ THE MILKY WAT. William, Bawson was charged with allowing his two cows to wander ia Richmond Road, Ponsonby,. on the 6th inst. Defe&dant deposed that he was not aware of the absence of his cows, they were tempted into the 4kmilky way" by the green grass. Fined 2s 6d, costs Ss 6d. A VALUELESS CHEQUE. John Williams, aliaa Walters, \?as brought up on a charge of obtaining the sum of £3 by means of a valueless cheque, from a person at the Thames, on tne liih. inst. Sub Inspector Pardy aaid the prisoner had

a e n? igingin driftking» 4«w I Prisoner was remanded to the Thum* ° I CITY KATES. KeS- 1 Nine city rate cases were settled out of Cso I

Terrible Discovery.

mJ' i AN AUCKLAND MAN SUSPECT^ I OF A I PLOT TO BLOW UP THE BU^." FLEET. W Thk Doctor BEstrjtaaM. ■ It was eve. The labours of the day o'er, and nothing bntthe shrill voices nf*?" c Star runners, and the- infernal »i l^e and threshing of the big WharfdauT^g ing machine disturbed the serenitv n(V* Doctor's philosophic reverie.. It foy r*s rather a lively day in the Star office^ The Doctor's patience had beeu»n tried that day, but his customary swpp^ of disposition, and urbanity of d P m o Ss had never forsaken him. % ™Jgg* t each and every one of the people that t viewed him. He was civil to the man th had grown the big strawberries meaL • 4 ins. x 6 ing. ; to the man who w o k7^ the middle of the night and thoS P tm saw Moko Hinou ia fiery eruption c Auckland a second Pompeii • he •» * to the Mount Albert man that, brouS^ centipede which he had mistakeiTwi. 1 Colorado beetle, and even when th • multi-legged reptile went for the-lW » legs, that saintly-tempered personage ffi blaspheme; he even was civil totheri that thumped the table, and vanL know who was the writer of that the! lying paragraph, threatened sixtesn actil for libel, and wound up by askinc ,T Doctor if he would partake of some sIM? refreshment; he was civil to the poet w?rt, long lank hair and frenzied eyes, whojL sisted on reading in a solemn mannT seventy-six stanzas, entitled "An Od + Death," and who ' only retired when th I Doctor ventured to mildly suggest thatdeart I might be a very good thing for some peon]. ' But it had .been a sore trial. Nobody wh hasn't been in Purgatory can adequatelJ realize it. The Doctor hasn't &£? ■Purgatory yet, but if he ever does «* there, it will be a blessed haven of peace, ana he won't mind ;it » bit. But, as was said before, it w,, all over for that day. The Doctor had lighted his pipe, an d Was calmly and judiciously selecting by the aid of a pair ox scissors various interesting passages froni a , ° " HOREIBLE MURDER AJSD TRIPTi? SUICIDE !!! " U when suddenly there was a rap at the door, and a man entered the room I There was that about this man that I excited the Doctor's curiosity. . His hiffh J intellectual forehead, and keen, piercing I eyes, and the big official envelope which he I flourished in his hand, gave promise of news. I "Do I look like an Alabama!?" inquired 8 the visitor in breathless haste. " The ones. {■'■ tion was somewhat startling, but the 1 Doctor, who has ere now been equal I to the task of answering questions re. I lating to every subject in the earth beneath I; in the heavens above and in the waters j under the earth, was not to be floored I by such a common - place query as I that. He took a calm survey of the I visitor, inspected the protuberances of his I person with the view of detecting any con. f cealed' infernal machine or explosive 1 materials, and having completed his exam- § ination, was compelled to admit that there I was no very striking resemblance between [ the Alabama and the person before him; I with the reservation, however, that not I having seen the Alabama, he was not able I to speak with absolute certainty on the I point, but would look the matter, up, and I give a positive answer to-morrow. I This reply appeared to afford considerable I relief to the visitor's feelings. He dashed II away a tear, looked unutterable gratitude, I and then, having conquered his emotions, I rejoined, "But do I look like*a pirate! I Tell, ah, tell me quickly, do I look like a I pirate ? I The Doctor took another calm, survey of I those manly features, and seeing no I indications of a "black flag, replied in I soothing tones :— I '' No, my dear sir, frankly I confess I that you have not the ferocious appearance I of a Paul Jones or a Captain Hayes." I Then the visitor showered a thonsand I fervent blessings on the Doctor's baldhead, I again dried Ms tears, and took the I prof erred seat. Then he opened the I above-mentioned official envelope, marked I "On Public Service Only," and numbered I 1663, and franked with various raore or I. less illegible signatures, and hauled out a M "Gazette," and pointed out with trembling I fingers to the heading : I "NEUTRALITY TO BE OBSERVED I DURING WAR BETWEEN TUBKEY I j AND RUSSIA." I The Doctor assured his visitor that he 1 (the Doctor) was pre-eminently a man of ■ peace, and that he had no present intto- | I tions of declaring war against either of w|| j belligerent Powers. I I Then the visitor commenced to lead a H I royal proclamation beginning witk "By™ 1 I Queen, Victoria R.," and going on to recite ■ 1 that, "Whereas we are happily at peace Witt | I all Sovereigns, Powers, and States, aw I I whereas, notwithstanding our utmost exer- | I tions to preserve peace between all Powers, ■ 1 Sovereigns, and 'States, a state of war n- I I happily exists between His Majesty W I I Emperor of all the Russias and tvs ■ | Majesty the Emperor of the Ottomans, Ml ■ 1 no British subject should, underpay I I various dreadful punishments, buna, eg% H 1 or cause to be built or equipped, »J ■ ■ ship, or make, manufacture or sam ■ ■ any explosive materials, infernal macnif, m m torpedoes, Greek fire, or fTJZ I I combustible, inflammable, or desbnw* ■ m weapons, or materials with th*.°^L ■ I blowing up Constantinople or bt.r« ■ ■ burg, or of destroying either the Jfl^ H ■ or the Turkish fleet." This Proclamg ■ ■ was backed up with another by E ■ Pollen " urging each and every and aj M ■ Her Majesty's subjects in New Zealand | ■ read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest | m aforesaid Royal edict. „■ „*»!«*•■ I The Doctor ran his eye over this ngj^ B ■ ing document and remarked:— to H I sir,—You may convey my MS^ nfthil ■ ■Dan Pollen, Her Majesty the Off^lß ■ Emperor of Russia, and the fo"*^ ■ ■ Turkey, that I never entertaine*^ B m slightest ill-feeling towards any-ot es* p n if you will only°just caUm to-aggj ■ about one (when I, was- certain to d*f»j m H| lunch at Waters') I shall he Bgf^-■ ■ ■ make a solemn affidavit to that en<^_ { tfeßf ■ But again the trembling aie«fi ■ visitor dived into the big envelope^ M forth a written document, n i umUeS" Col ffH B margin 77,16,315 and 1663^0^ aadl ■ nial Secretary's office, -^&^» ■ setting out that whereas. Ma Wff^eMm ■ reported that he (my visitor). *TCm oV iij» ■ a certain torpedo, which:. ma i ftaf ■ ■ fleet in the world into H^gV Bob^M ■ ments while you could say / ■■ son," and whereas the ■ sented that he was willing iom*v o vei i<sW H of this plaything;to any European^ H a consideration, he was kere Dv_ $ m m notice of the enclosed PJP^Svff *" v 1 I no account or considen^e^ii^g-pM ■ ATTEMPT TO BLOW jP C^jft ■ ■ TINOPLE OR ST. H or to demolish either, the fleet ■ ■ m or of Russia. , j[ on | Dimly the, situation da^ ; ■■ ■ Doctor's mind. .m e to^f H \ H "Yoa are the inventor oi w ■ H then ?" ke inquired. ■.. •; oOM ■■ "Y«b, I have invented & /gkoJi^ii ■ am prepared to back againsl: .^oi^l! ■ Tongariro, Vevsuvins, or any v°^ ypm m Avorld. It will Wow any fleel ia gß ■ two seconds. . I have also wv he sJfM ■■ for ships to protect 'em against ■ pedo. I axn billing to bet We _ PU go on board that theie Vgß ■ blow"the whole BritishjMJtfrfM ■ anyone in the. world kn?™,* a « ■ about it but myself, I small boy to turn the ■ tea doUars. that I'll go oa twarui HH

'ABE IUMNG STAR, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 1877,



CART JETS, HEARTHRUGS, LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTH. T. & Tl. CO ORE Beg to inform tlieir friends and the pullic that they have imported a large assortment of the above, which toill render their FURNISHING ESTABLISHMENT one of the most complete and extensive in Auckland, having -purchased these Goods of the Mattufacturers direct, for cash, they are enabled to offer them at VERY LOW FRIGES. New Patterns in Carpets and Linoleum. SHOW ROOMS: 67, Queen-street. Steam Cabinet Factory Victoria-street. npHE undersigned are now brin ing I forward a Larsre Parcel of GENE AL DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &C bought at considerably less than usual prices, to which they invite the attention of all requiring Good "Value For Monet. Corsets in great variety of quality and style, white and coloured, from 2/6 per pair Linen and Lace Goods, Gufts, Collars, and Sets, in variety Ladies' UnderclothmK Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, Alpacca, &c. , . ' Lot of Flowers at very low price, quite fresh Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves, &c. A Splendid Stock of Muslin, Lace, and Lenoe Curtains, Counterpanes. Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Sheeting, Felt Squares Carpets. Floorcloth, China Matting, Ticks, &c. Large-size Huckaback Towels at /6 each New Fancy Dress Materials, Japanese Silks, Coloured Lustres, Black Lustres, Embossed, Striped, and Check Muslins, Prints, &c. Brown Holland, from /6£ per yard Union, Fancy Jean, and Oxford Shirtings, very cheap A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mixed Fancy Shirting, at 2/3, usual price 3/6 per yard White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard Also, very large assortment of Gents' Shirts, "White Longcloth, Union and All-wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Twill, Fancy Jean, Oxford, &c. Strong Tweed for Boys wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel at below Factory prices Braces, Belt?, Ties, Scarfs, Collars, Cotton and Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &c. Leghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and Drill Hats, for _.. Boys and Men, &c.,&c., &c. |in he £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, auckland. fi H E A P TT ATS!. CHEAP HATS ! ! CHEAP CLOTHING ! ! A Quantity of Men's and Boy's Drab AND Black Felt Hats will be offered at S3- GREAT REDUCTION TO CLEAR. Also, a Parcel of CLOTHING, comprising Men's and Boy's Tweed Suits, Trousnrs and "Vests, &c. These Goods are slightly soiled, and will be sold REALLY CHEAP. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, •VT E W 7EALAND TTOUSE, Auckland. UNION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLAND BRANCH: QUEEN-STREET, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is ■carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of .all .kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at Lowest Current Rates. , R. H. STEVENSON Manager.



]Wew Spring and Summer dress materials. ATKINS 1- Has vow for Sale, CHEAP, a Splendi Assort ment of 3=r NEW DRESS GOODS, 158 suitaoie for the Spring and Summer Seaso*» of every variety, style, quality, and texture. . 1$ % % % Attention i 3 respectfully invited to this Season's Shipment, which is the Largest s-nd Best-selected ever shewn in the city. The Prices are also very reasonable. Also, Just Opened, MANCHESTER GOODS, CALICOES, SHEET INGS, QUILTS, BLANKETS, LONG CURTAINS, TABLE! LINEN, &c. A Great Reduction has been made in the Prices of Manchester Good 3, owing to the reduced List of the Home manufacturers. NEW SUMMER CLOTHING, SHIRTS, HATS, &c, Just Received. Splendid Lines in Auckland & Melbourne-made CLOTHING. The Largest Stock of MO3GIEL & IMPORTED &T WEEDS in Auckland to select from. C2T Tailors Supplied at Wholesale Prices GENTLEMEN'S ORDERS EXECUTED. A Large Lot of Cheap Tweeds for Boy's Wear. H. ATKISS IMPORTANT NOTICE E. W A T E R S Has very great pleasure to announce that since his removal into Mr. Dyson's late shop, his m- dining rooms ~m have been renovated at great expense, with every regard to the convenience of his cus tomers. The LOWER SALOON is th« most spacious and comfortable, as well as the best ventilated Dining Room in the Pro vince ; and Up-stairs he has furnished an extra room, of comfortable size, to prevent over crowding. Th«re are SPECIAL ROOMS FOR LADIES also up-stairs, to which are attached side offices provided with ablutionary and other conven iences. His Table he feels confident needs no recommendation. The liberal patronage of the Professional and Commercial Gentlemen of the City which he has received for a period of over eight years is a guarantee that the Bill of Fare is such as will please the most fastidious. EVERY DEI jICACy OF THE SBASON is always to be obtained. British Magazines, Illustrated and Comic Jour nals, together with the leading London News papers, are laid on the table 3 immediately on the arrival of each mail steamer. He, therefore, hopes with some confidence that he will, in his New Premises, continue to receive the large share of patronage which has been accorded to him in the past. E. W. wishes also to draw the attention of Merchants and Storekeepers to .his local]/ manufactured Confections, which rival those of Keiller and the best English makers. He has removed his Factory to Durham-street West, where he has titted up all the most modern machinery of the trade. E. WATERS, Wholesale and Retail Confectionee, auckland. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS W. J. HURST tz CO. have on sale the under mentiemed Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify AY. J. xJurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXIOA.N do. BELLe nONEFLOUR i and Hneh BONED UST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bo supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101 QUEEN-STREET, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING Just Landed, ex Columbus— 30 casks new Clovers, eousisting of Red Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand. Alsyhe, Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Rats-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. £101, QUBBN-STRBBT. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 8000 „ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sack 3 Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour, Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c, &c. Particular attention is called to 600 sacks Prime Barley at 43 per bushel o 50lb. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh <J atmeal, a £21 per ton. W. J. HURST & CO.. 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND. At the Pharmacy. STANDARD MERICAN MEDICINES. JUST LANDED, Ex 'Elsinoke,' @ New York:— TILDEN'S FLUID EXTRACTS of Medicinal Herbs. A large supply of the most useful kinds. PACKER'S ALL-HEALING TAR SOAP. This is a valuable Cosmetic, and commands an extensive sale. The Celebrated and World-known MEXICAN MUSTANG LINAMBNT, in Bottles . at Is. 6d.,35., and os. LYONS KATHAIRON FOR THE HAIR. Incomparably superior to any American preparation as a Restorative and Embellisher of the Hair. 2s. per bottle. SCOVILL'S FLUIb EXTRACT OF SARSA PARILLA and STILLINGIA. the Great Blood Purifier and Liver Tonic. Price, ss. per bottle. SEA MOSS FARINE, for Invalids and Child ren. Is. 6d. per packet. DRAKE S PLANTATION BITTERS, th Great American "Pick-me-up" and Appetiser. 4s. 6d. per bottle. LYONS ESS. OF GINGER, for Colic, Flatu lence "and Indigestion. 2s. 6d. per bottle. WYNKOOP'S ICELAND PECTORAL for Chest Complaints and Influenza 2s. 6d. per bottle.. LYONS MAGNETIC INSECT POWDER Is. 6d. per bottle. • AICKIIN T, DISPENSING CHEMIST, DRUG, CHE.vtICAL. AND PATENx' MEDICINE IMPORTER, i^UEEN- -STREET, Auckland.



■ftTATIONAL FIRE AND MARINE J3I INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. Capital £1,000,000, Reserve £50,000. Re-Insurance Fund £20,000. Insurances effected against Fire and Marine Loss of Every Description of Property, at Lowest Current Rates. Prompt and Liberal Settlement of Claims. HENRY K. WILLIAMS, Manager, ~nd Branch. fIiAA REWARD re HITCHEN'S %j JL\J \f BLOOD RESTORER. As several Bottles, containing trashy worth less compounds, have been palmed off on un suspecting people on the pretence of their being the celebrated " Hitchens' Blood Restorer," the Proprietor respectfully cautions his patients to see that the Bottles bear both his Trade Mark AND Signature. He also warns the unscrupu lous persons who, under false pretences, receive people's money, that £100 Pounds Reward will be given on conviction of persons guilty of infringing his rights. H. HITCHENS.