SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

i Tins; '• r-o---.,.,! n HIGH WATER—I 11.5 i SUN STCT.—This Evening. G.lO SUN RISE.—To-movvow Mornin:;, n.T3 MO;.)N"ri AGK.—F.irstQ.'iai.'t'-T, 3 iih, 3.21 p.m.

ARRIVAL.

Inna, s.s., Farnuha'% fi-o-.n the North Vranika. s.s., McGillivray, from tU-i South, via Tauran^a Hauraki. p.s., Oakos, from V, r,u?:i:-a, (ill the .uauukau) St. Tv;!:;:;, ?.«.. from '»V.injjr.T>in. •Vtahint.a, schooner, fmm i';uv.:. P:-et'i'.".Tii:io. s.s.. >re'Jr:i; -v ■r.y. ;ro-n Olabome.

UNKNOWN.

VTfi:;a::n.. ?.-x, tnv IJu.- ■ -.: V.'i'.d Wave, b/i;;, .';•:• lC:;i;i-ir-i. r>; .--•■) .ri;"-T ;■;,-: i >l-)r A.[\'y v'V" ";. L'ith ivist. (■•'.'. i;::'";V i ii\".) Ar.ekii'.Tvl. shin. '■' "';■' y.x: "C :;::•:> :-:;:i vi;l V: ■ r-'r.i'. jl— TV-ilv-ik;;., 13th Vo: '■lellvjunio—■•ii:"!i i.'xiVi-.'lcl, .:ihin, abo'.:t Tues- Foj Valparaiso—Gala- ■.■:;. bur-fae, early. Pi:'- vr.-inn.ka iYon tl.-j Seiu-h :— ?. u:i:-i3fi^~3. I'ori. r :ir.ii Co, T;rj3?!:oonerAf-:.i :n; rryiyod in rbfOr.rnnkaTi lil-jsrrs Case" nr.:l S-iri a^vcvllse that on Sa.luivVi.y3, in furuiv. tli.: y.:-. - ■ '<■' ■-'■' 'Dork-will >':i!i excursion trii)--: :/- '» .■.■•':■■;;' n-udl): ck, the L'snorno of the tv.-n j;i:r':;sve 1 hi:.; covored by the pvice oi ft sin;;!'' CK'l: 't. v;.-;., Sj. The boat will ioavo Aufkhiu.l .v iuuf-pa'-vV. Dv.'vl'.'e, k.iv_l Tho probah'.!' ; :'';: 'lv -of tho barquo Columbus "will bo the 7t.li N'ovo:iil>gv. Tha 3.3. \v"an-»ka iirri v.d fronuLVuvaiiKft and the South at 10 o'ci c":c3a-t :ii/vt. i:ue landed ho'1 iiaPrjongors ;in\ ;• '■ •. - •■> ';;" i:\tiry o* farso at o-.ieo. and sailed !r.;:ii;i r-i- Un^.l an hour or two later. Siio brl;>:,-■! for: Chalraois advices ; - tlieoth in=it. auA iV'eliinL;u.:i to the 7.h. The VTfiii:ik'i vrill lv. br.; ; r'r.'ia U'.iiH- ■' ro-:r.orro"w, Rud'is'a'lvcftisjd to .• :! for 'I'aur.i -''. and the South o:i iionday r,!t..'r'oon. PiussunKers— Saljpn:^lrs and ?.[isi 'A'iiii&ms, jiiwdamea 3r3nhouso, neck, Sniitli. Wil'Uinii, ana iiowell; ?.r:-3;;c;s Cox, R r;i;l. R-'ynes, Mr and Mra Cnverhill and ffinn'r ('.). 'M-r^vs Crupp, Tiirabiill. Ho well, i.iwk. :>!.U.:,., ArLhur, Clark, stoddart. W^c.t. h'iss^nuen, Captain Parker, and 6steora^1..I.—llcruevsor. and Mao ra"l°-ne. agents- , . Tho 5.3. St. KiMa arrived at Oneliunga this morain.e." with a ci r^'o of ■ ■~' v- tV >;a >.", ivi'Kanui. The ori-; wild Vrav--'rv/1;--! i-. ■■:■■-a- noon fo^ Kaipara in ballast, :.nu w:i!i r, slv.ull quantity of furniture. The s.s. lona arrivrd from ti";o .'■.orth tms iiiorniiii;; v.'ith several i'.;soc;r-.^era err;;o:—130 ISO bags gnm, 130 '-i".3 5 do., 70 bugs oysters, 10 ca"k3 wiialf- oil. 2 t■■>iv= sunrti'ieß. ! -The s.s. Pretty Jauo arrived froni Gisborns this morning, and lv\.i, boeii ]a:>'Ur;,- ii'r cargo of live stock at the Tav.iaki d^;-i^s t!io morning. The s.s. Ro-wena arr'ved from Tauranga and Mercury Bay this afternoon full oi 1.-assengers and cargo.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

Bank of New Zoaln nd—Sellers, £22 7s Sd. National Bank—Sellers, 70s, Colonial Bank—Buyers. 17s: sellers. 50s. South British Insurance—Sellers, 70s. National Insurance —Buye-s, 3:>s. Union Insurance— Buyers, l-'s. Union Sash and Djoi- (3rd rssiio)— slo 17s Ga; sellers, 510 17s 6A. Moanatairi—£s, £5 2i (3d; buyers, £o ; sellers, £5 2s 6d. AVburnia —02s to f!;;3 ; Filers, luuc. Union Beach— Buyer:-, '2';;;. Kuramii Hill—lss; buyers, I'.s 0-1. piako—l3s 6d. Welcome Sellers, 7-r. JOSEPH XEV^TAX. Chairman.

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

The following: are the dates and .vnounts of calls in connection with the undermentioned gold mining companies:— £ s. d. Date. Pride of Tokatea .. .. 0 0 G — Oct. 15 Phoenix 0 ! o — Oct. 20 Greymouth Coal Co. .. 0 5 0 — Oct. 20 New Comstoci* .. .. 0 0 3 — 2N ov. U CKEDITOP^S' ItfRETINGS. In the estate of Samuel Place .. Oct. 13

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

T,Tail3 "i riLL Close aw Under: For Thames, this day, at 1.30 p.m. .■:■;.: 5.30 p.m. For Covomandel, per Ar-rylo, on liloaday next, afc 11 30 111. For Waiheke, per Transit, or>. I'lcad^y next, at 9 a.m. For "Wangamii, per St. I-lilai, on .' [onuay next. at 12.15 p.m. Per b,s. Wanaka, en Monday, 15th instant, as follows:— For India, China, Mediterranean ana Continent of Europe, at --.osn. For Tauran^-a. trisborne, JJT.ipier, Southern Provinces, Austraikai Colon;*.-.--, vn 1. !i,',;"i- Kingdom, via Sue:'; and >:oi:th.t;'::;.>ton (for letters specially so addresse.1"]!. at 1. p rr. For United Kingdom, via liiir.-i>.i. imd late letters for Southern i-rovincioa and I'.lelbourno at 1.15 p.m. For money orders, registered ietears, ..ana uewsT)apers, at 11 a.m. For WMtianga, Tauranga, and Opotlici, per Rowena, Monday next, stjl u.ra. For Russell, Eawa Earn W. n iarca. -rd Mon« gonui, per lor.n, on Monday next, at J p.m. For Waiwera, K;v.va\i. Omaha, and Mata kana, per Annie Mil>;ank, on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waiim, Warfare], and I.langapai, per Arg'^le, on Tuesday next, at 1 p.m-. For Taranaki and Southern Piovir.ces, per Taranaki. on Saturday, 20th inrt, at 12.-15 p.m. Per s.s. City of New York, on >,Vednosday, 28th instant, a,s under :— For Sandwich Island?, United States of America, Canada. Hrit;.-;h Columbia, Central and South America, v.n-.l British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, at 11 a m. For money oi-clors, rerf^'ored letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fes of tkl, in addition to tho postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. ft. RISS. Chief Postmaster.

DEATHS.

I O'REGrAN.—At his residence, Kapler, on Pun day. October 7. Mr. Michael O'Kegan, late of j Auckland, and formerly President of the j Limerick Clongreeatofl Trades.— Jjijnirink jmd | Canadian papers please copy. { 2IUIR.—At the residence, of lior unnle, Hugh | Murdoch, Tararu, Margaret Murdoch,-the j daughter of Mr. D. Muir, oi" Otahuhn. j Funeral takea place at half-past - o'clock to morrow (.Sunday). i GOIIRINGE.—On 12th October. Elizabeth Mary, the beloved wife of George Gorrinjje, aged 52 years. The funeral will leave the residence of IMr. T. Cole, Rokeby-street, olf Lpper Queen street, to-morrow (Sunday), at i p.m. Friouds ■ Bi"3 rospecti%"ely invited to attend.

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

SATURDAY. OCTOBER 13, 1877.

/<.o-i t'zc £o«i Uuit v/e c2-*i <-■•">

The neAV Ministry, so far as it is yet i formed, were sworn to-day, as follows : — Auckland Members. Sir George Grey, Premier. Mr. SHKEHAN, Native Minister. Otago. Mr. MACANDKEw, Minister of Lands. Mr. LaeNACH, Minister of Public Works. (Three portfolios are to be filled up). In analysing its constitution the objection cannot be raised that the Premier hopes to retain office by accommodating every one's views in an olla podrida Cabinet. There is a marked predominance among the new Ministers of the old provincial party, who have voted with Sir George Grey session after session. Mr Ballance, who, it is reported, will be the new Colonial Treasurer, forms an exception. His claim rests, perhaps, on the active part lie has taken in urging a change in the incidence of taxation, which will doubtless be a cardinal point of the new Government programme. We think it may be safely assumed, that the Cabinet -will allow provincialism to rest in the grave where its enemies laid it, with the object of instituting those financial and administrative reforms urgently needed by the colony. And there is good reason for suspecting that when the new Ministry get to work they will find affairs in anything i but the state which successive budgets have represented. Already it has leaked out that £350,000 provincial liabilities, which must be met, had been left unprovided for by the late Ministry, and were concealed from the House. It will be observed that Canterbury is, up to the present time, un represented in the Cabinet. The Canter bury members of the Middle Party have evidently been disappointed, and now hold aloof from the new combination. It was expected that Mr Montgomery would have joined as Colonial Treasurer. Bringing to the Assembly a good reputation from the I Treasuryship of Canterbury province, lie • has improved it by carefully digested criti cisms of colonial finance. Mr Montgomery's utterances have thus gained very consider able weightwith all parties in the House,and his acceptance of the Treasurer's portfolio would have gone far to gain support for the new Cabinet. He has, however, definitely declined. Mr. Ballance is an untried man ; he is entirely self-made, and bears a reputation for pains-taking industry. His capacities have yet to be demonstrated. Mr. Larnach is likewise new to oilice. The other Ministers have all graduated in pro vincial or colonialpolitics,butitisnotG\vorthy that none of them have yet held a, seat in any New Zealand Cabinet, and the Ministry may be correctly described as a Cabinet of new men. Interest now centres in the question : what is the Government policy to Tjc? If wisdom guides their councils they will I

find a wide field in moulding those measure relating to retrenchment, incidence of taxa tion, representation, local government and the administration of lands, which are demanded after a period of national waste, recklessness, and corruption. The country requires a season of rest and home reform. Whether the House will allow the Minis ters sworn in by His Excellency to-day, to carry out the needful changes is, at least, doubtful. In its relations to existing political parties, the Cabinet is in several respects weak. The number of disappointed men and other malcontents supply a strong nucleus of opposition ; but it will'bc admit ted by the country, and possibly by a majority of the House, that the Ministry should not be condemned Avithout trial. The sins of their predecessors were many and great, and were borne with

signal long-suffering ; the present Cabinet have not had a chance of sinning. With out the consent of the House they can do comparatively little harm, and it would be premature to condemn Ihem before they have been permitted time to devise and submit their measures.

THE relative merits of our London corres pondent's telojn-ams and those from Reutor and other sources, were demonstrated in a marked manner yesterday. The news of Mehomot All's recall, and Sulieman Pacha's apjiointmctit to the chief command, together "wiih intelligence of the destructive battle before Kars, "was telegra])lied from London by our special correspondent on October 4th, but owing to the stoppage ou the cable was delayed for the steamer at Singapore for several days, "when it continued Its journey in company with another message from him of London date the 7th. These were re ceived at the i\ Tev,r Zealand cable station at 12.35 p.m., and iv Auckland at two o'clock in the afternoon. The news had' been published in our four o'clock edition, with leading comments on its important char acter, and we were just upon the point of issuing the town edition when a telegram from i,lie Agent-General, dated London, October Gth, two days after our correspondent's, came to baud, con firming the changes in command. It was not till .seven o'clock at night that Renter's telegram arrived, giving particulars of the recal of Mehemet Ali, and other particulars of the fighting at Kars ; these were published by us as a second edition immediately on receipt. Our correspondent thus anticipated Router by live hours with the news of Mehemet Ali's recal, and the lighting at Kars. The other items contained in bis special telegram have not been sent through any other channel. The terrible railway disaster in Siberia, by which four hundred prisoners (probably Russian criminals and exiles en route for the usual place of banishment), is, we suppose, not con sidered of interest by the Agency which neglected to telegraph Brigham Young's death, and devotes half its tele grams to contradicting the other half. The extraordinary pedestrain feat by William Gale, the announcement of which was ex citing comment throughout the English pressl when the mail left, of course comes under the same category; but we are perfectly content with the wider scope which our correspon dent's despatches are giving the English cable news, and are likewise willing to bear the heavy extra expeii.se which the telegrams entail, so long as we are secured in the exclusive enjoyment of what we pay for.

At the next meeting of the City Council, Councillor Dickson will move, " That the City Surveyor be authorised to erect a timber facing to embankment in Colling wood-street, cost not to exceed fifteen pounds."

Mr F. C. Loggott lias been appointed teacher of Maketu .school, nearDrury. The Tradosmon's Athletic Club hold their first meeting ;it Ellerslie (Jardeus this afternoon, A two-nulc steeplechase was to be started at three o'clock.

The liabilities in the estate of Willliam Tattersall, painter and glazier, were set down at £95 2s 9d, assets nil ; and those of Peter Pascoe, settler, at £81 IDs, assets nil.

The fine draught staliion, " .Sir Colin Campbell, " was sold yesterday by Mr Alfred Buckland to Mr George Lendrutn, for"£l3G.

The Auckland Cricket Club commenced their season to-day with a general practice in the Domain. A good many members showed up, and by the defence exhibited by some of them, the winter has not had much eilect on their cricketing capabilities.

Mr Herbert Roberts, the celebrated handstroke billiard professor, is to give a grand exhibition of his marvellous powers to-night at the Thistle Hotel. Admission will lie free.

We are pleased to .sec that Mr Frank Amodco, late chief officer of the lona, is about aj;ain after his recent accident. He has been laid up for a week with a bruised side, caused by his falling clown the after hatchway of the steamer. In a few days he expects to be all riylit again.

At an adjourned meeting of the Board of Education this day, the application for the assistant clerkship was taken into consideration. Mr J.L Fellon wus .selected for the appointment.

Another correspondent from North Shore takes exception to the remarks made by a contributor in our last night's paper. He writes: —"The .statements made are not altogether correct, and are calculated to do the district a serious injury without any corresponding benefit. The drainage in this district is quite equal to that of any sub burban district of the city, and in one re spect better, inasmuch as the soil being volcanic, all impurities are quickly absorbed. The want of proper drainage is one of the results of the District Board system, viz : levy as few rates as possible, save the pockets of ratepayers, owners, and absentees, even at the expense of childrons' lives ! But it must be borne in mind smells are by no means an evidence of danger. Virulent fevers and epidemics have often been found to scatter death where every thing looked most pleasant, and the smells all that could be desired, The only serious illness at the North Shor6 to residents has been traceable to the ignor ance of those hitherto never needing the services of a medical man, and the result of the gifts of visitors who have always made it the citysanitorium." Our correspondent concludes by saying that there is room for improvement, but that gross exaggeration will not tend to improve matters.

Scoria is one of the necessities of citizens, and it is of importance that it should be procured at as low a cost as possible. The Government have hitherto had gravel pits on oae side Mount Eden, from which scoria could be procured at sixpence a load royalty. Those pits have been closed, and the charge per load for scoria at the only private pit remaining open is now one shilling, which will necessarily increase its cost to the town. The object of the Government in closing the pits was to preserve the beauty of the mountain. It will be serious matter for the city, however, if the useful is sacrificed to the ornamental, and a monopoly created in the supply of stones. The interests of the public Avould be much better served if the Government, instead of increasing the price ot scoria by closing pits, were to keep them open, or open others, under proper super vision for the benefit of citizens and the improvement of our thoroughfares.

Mr Morrison, the well-known hotel kocper of Rotoruti renown, has brought with him from the lake districts, especially from Lake Kotorua, a most wonderful col lection of natural curiosities, including specimens of sulphur stone, petrified ti-tree, bark with moss attached, the petrified wrist of a native, and ji number of other animal remains. Some of the ti-trce and bark appear as though carved by the cunning hand of an artist, so beautiful and true is the tracery, like to the workmanship of an old cathedral. We have not space to notice these curios at length, but they may be inspected this evening in the shop of Mr Brewin, seedsman, Queen-street.

The male patients are now securely | housed in the lower part of the Lunatic Asylum at the Whau, which was rendered habitable by the new temporary roof erected at Mr Hcrapath's suggestions and under his supervision The Immigration Barracks are thus once more available for their old purposes, and residents on the Improvement Commissioners' property repose in security. Plans of the new building are being pre pared, and no time will be lost in pushing it on

The Key. Mr Munro will give an address at the Sunday evening service in the Theatre Royal to-morrow evening.

The members of the Hobson Company mustered last evening in full fore?, under command of Captain Dignan, assisted by Lieut. Clifton and Sub-Lieut. Connolly, and were successfully exercised in the movements necessary to good soldiership. Five new members were sworn in. At the close of the inspection drill Capt. Dignan stated that the next monthly inspection would be held on Tuesday evening next, when the propriety of a moonlight trip on the water would be discussed, for the benefit of the band.

Particulars of Sunday services will bo found in another place. The anniversary .services of Pitt-street Wesleyan Church will be held to-morrow. Key. K. Taylor will officiate in the morning, and the ilev. G. 13. lilonro iv the evening. The evening service for the people in the Theatre at the usual hour. The Juvenile Templars held an open lodge entertainment last evening in the side room of the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr James McKcuzie, super intendent, delivered an opening address ; Brother Andrew, of Carlton School, Hobson street, also spoke eloquently iv favour of total abstinence, and expatiated freely on the political aspecte of the times. Despite the haziness of the political and moral atmosphere, he could see with the mind's eye, over and above the surging sea of time, the star of temperance shining steadily, brightening and brightening, which he regarded as a significant sign of the "good time coming." Song- were fairly rendered by Bros. Jamicson, Ilayward, and Masliiiter, also by Sisters Bums, Marson, Anderson, and Gribble, interspersed with recitations. Sister Anderson gavo a dialogue in pleasant style. The meeting wound up with an ode by the company.

Tuft-hunter: Do you mean to tell me that disreputable-looking fellow is a lord? Friend : Yes; I am quite sure of it. Tuft-hunter: I'll go and spunk to him. What's his title? Friend: Lie's land-lord of the Bluebell Inn. (tableau).

The lady members of the Franklin Road Primitive Methodist Church are making ellbrts for the liquidation of the building debt by preparing for a bazaar, to be held iv some suitable place in November next. The friends solicit the help and patronage of the public, in order that their object may lead to a successful issue. A rhymed cata logue intimates that almost any contribu tion of goods, chielly for domestic use, will be acceptable, but the ladies object to ; liquors of an intoxicating character, such as gin and rum, brandy, whisky, punch, but not to bread and cheese and bain, as these will do for lunch. TJie Franklin lioad (..'lunch is one of the most compact in Auck land, with its commodious school-room, and the school is well attended by Sunday scholars under an cllicient stall'ot" teachers. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the minister and members will shortly have the satisfaction of possessing a church free of encumberauce.

The exceptional proximity of Mars, before noted in these columns, and the scrutiny to which the surface of the planet has been subjected, have led to a discovery of consi derable importance. Professor Hall, of the Naval Observatory, Washington, lias dis covered a new satellite of the planet,, and another object, which may turn out to be a satellite, was found by Mr Todd, of the same Observatory. Professor Hall's dis covery was made in this way :—About 11 o'clock at night, Professor Hall noticed a very small shir following Mars a few seconds and made an estimate of its distance from the planet. Two hours later, he looked again, and was surprised to find that the star seemed to be still following the planet. As the distance had not increased, while the planet was moving away at the rate of lifteen seconds an hour; lie therefore made a careful series of measures, which shewed that the satellite was eighty seconds from the planet. On Friday morning, he shewed his observations to Prof. Nowcomb, who was so confident that the object must lie a

satellite that he calculated roughly the (ime of ils revolution, which he fixed at one day eight hours, or a little less. This shewed that the object would pass- behind the plauct sonic cime during the following night, and that if not seen in early evening it would reappear before daylight in tin: morning. In tho evening it was invisible, but reappeared, true to the prediction, about 1 o'clock in the morning with a companion satellite. JJy observing the revolutions of the satellites, Prof. Hall Las been enabled to set at rest the diil'erent calculations of the mass of the planet. lie gives the ligures at 3,01)0,000 of the sun's mass.

) Messrs flesketli and Richmond received 1 an answer to their telegrams from the I lon. !F. Wlutaker, respecting the Mount Eden toll-bar, stating that the toll-houses arid ' gates appear to him to be Crown propelty, and not to be taken possession of by chair men of .Road Boards ; and further, that as ; some legislation will probably take placo | this session, the best course will be to leave j the matter in the hands of the Government jat present without dispute, as it will prc i judice nobody. The representative collec | tors in opposition still pursue their struggles I for tolls; one for the Government and the I other for the Board. Matters, however, ; are likely to come to a satisfactory conclu- I sion in the course of next week.

To the Editor : Sir, —I .sec by your con" temporary's issue that a list is opened for those who are willing and able to contri bute to the Indian Famine Fund. Some years ago a bazaar was started for a some what similar purpose, and a considerable sum of money raised thereby. I think the same might be done now, say, to take place in three months. Tin's would afford an opportunity for many individuals, who cannot put down a large sum, to add the labour of their hands to a few shillings' worth of the raw material, and thereby increase the amount. This, I think, is an object for which the institution of a bazaar is perfectly legitimate.—Yours, Labour.

Captain Walmsley's thoroughbred mare, Moonbeam, hay dropped a colt to the im ported English sire Fevc.

Mr E. Perkins has secured an addition to his stock of curios in the shape of a six logged lamb, which he purchased a few days ago at Mr Buckland's sale. The extra limbs are attached to the hinder quarters, two of them being shorter than the others, but all of them fully formed. The animal is at present alive and well.

The fifth annual festival of the Diocesan Choral Association will be celebrated on Monday next at St. Paul's Cathedral Church. The services will be at 11 a.m., and 7 p.m. Admission to the evening service will be by ticket. The sermon will be preached by the Rev. E. S. Haesard, M.A. ; and an offertory will be made in aid of the funds of the Association. Copies of the festival book—price, 3d —can be purchased at the booksellers, and at Mr fiardwick's, opposite the church.

The members of the Hope of Auckland Tent of Rechabites will hold tliei.v quarterly meeting on Monday evening next in Albert street, when business of importance will be introduced.

The Queen has been graciously pleased to appoint MarcusOctavius Flowers, Esq., now Hey Majesty's Consul at Nagasaki, to be Her Majesty's Consul at Hiogo and at Osaka ; James Troup, Esq., now Her Majesty's Vice-Consul at Xeegata, to be Her Majesty's Consul at Nagasaki.

■ The noonday prayer meetings which were opened by Dr Semerville (expected shortly in Auckland) in the Asseßibly Hall, Mcl ! bourne, have (says a Victorian exchange) so j increased in interest that the building has j become too small to hold the numbers who flocked there. Last week, therefore, the I meetings were held in the Collins-street i Independent Church, and that has not been found much too large. Mr H. Varley lias presided each day, and at 12 o'clock punc tually streams of people, chieiiy ladies, but wirh a large propoition of men of all ! classes, have been seen directing their steps to tlie church. Every night, also, at half-past seven the samebuilding has been crowded by tliosc who were desirous cf | hearing Mr Varley. The movement I (writes the "Telegraph") is nlto j gcther unprecedented in the religious

world of Victoria, and is well worth attentive consideration and discussion. Dr. Somorville is now preaching with equal success iv Sydney, and is thus described by a correspondent : " Dr Soracrville, though over seventy years old, is still in the possession of a fine clear voice, and much vigour of frame. His discourses, which are simple, but very eloquent, are delivered in a fervid and impressive style. His benign countenance, and silvery locks which float about his neck, gives him the appearance oi a divine of bygone days. Dr. Somerville has come all the way from Scotland to stir up different colonies to a deeper sonee of the importance of religions matters. His mission is purely one of love, for ho will not accept any remuneration whatever, either in money or its representative."

A half-yearly meeting1 of the Committee

>£ the Auckland .Scripture Gift and Prize

Association was held latst evening, when l,hcro were preaeut : Messrs W. F. Ham mond, W. liattray, J. Longmore, S. Brown, J. G. Urown, and »S, limit. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs C!. 11 emus and§ O. It. Burgess. A report of the doings of the Association for the past

six months was produced, of which the following is the substance : — Eight city, and te.t country schools have been visited with prizes for various Scripture exorcises done by the children, and 612 prize volumes have been distributed. The interest manifested by the .scholarsgenerally who have competed, has been a hearty one, and its good effects in many instances •will bo lasting. The Committee wish to express that the teachers of .schools have as a rule shown courtesy and favour, though of necessity inconvenienced by the lengthening of school time. Nearly 2000 neat, large, text cards have also been dis tributed among the children for exhibiting on their home walls, and the contents of these cards have been repeated from memory. 500 neat New Testaments are on board the ship Famenoth, and on receipt of these a second visit will be made to many of the schools, and an extension of the work commenced at the Thames. The Committee regret that only four clergymen (Revs A. Webb, W. Taylor, T. Williams, and a student supplied by the Three Kings' Institution) in response to the Association, persevere in the important work of weekly Bible instruction in the schools ; and suggestions are now made for securing volunteer laymen (having leisure), and the help of ladies. A few thousand attendance tickets have been printed by the Association to encourage a larger atten dance at the weekly classes for Bible instruction, and these have been used in two schools with good .success. Public sympathy is now asked in helping to carry forward this work in town and country, on behalf of the children ; the funds arc now spent, and any assistance, however small, will be thankfully received. The average cost of the school prizes is 13d, and thu New Testaments somewhat 'ess.

The numerous bathers who frequent the lovely bays on the east side of Auckland are warned of the presence in harbour of several large and ferocious shark:-. Yes terday afternoon Mr C Hodgson was cross ing Orakei Bay in a small dingy, when a large shark rushed up alongside his boat and appeared about to attempt a seizure. Mr Hodgson describes this savage denizen of thu vasty deep to be unusually large, and as people have been seen bathing from boats ir the locality, it will be wise of them i.o keep their weather-eye open. The rowing season was inaugurated to day by the annual procession of boats. The Auckland Mowing Club and the Banks' and Telegraph Clubs made the boat shed:* thoir ivixii'/.vous, and by a few minutes aficr three a regular little ilotilla, consisting of fours, pairs, and sculling-boats, set out in the direction of the North Shore, being met midway by the North Shore Rowing Club. Thus reinforced, the procession was to turn and take two or three trips up aud down the harbour in Indian file, in line, by com- , panics, and in other formations. When the procession started, a large number of spectators were assembled on the Break water and the Queen-street Wharf, to

witness the sight. Miss Alice May and her husband, Mr G. i">. Allan, after a short engagement in Liverpool, seceded from Mr Souths opera company, and are at present unattached. Miss Patty Laverne has since filled Miss May's position in the company. Mr George Fawcett Rowo has made arrangements for the production of hia comedy "Brass" at the Haymarket Theatre on the 13th August, the author himself appearing as \Vaifton Stray.

Several weeks ago we had to repoit sev eral cases of cattle and horses being killed on qhe Waikato line of railway by the mght trains, since which there have been a few other occurrences of a similar kind, but of much less magnitude. In consequence of these mishaps the manager decided upon adopting the use of cow-catchers, which, on American railways, are affixed to nearly all the engines. Last evening, the " Madge Wildfire" locomotive to the Mercer train started away with the first of these cow catchers. It does not project so far as the American ones, being only some 3ft long, and about sft Gin across. It is stated that the engines in use here were too small to carry these usoful appendages, but that was mistake, and as they answer so well on other similarly exposed lines of railway there is no doubt but that they will prove a great safeguard to passenger trains, and re move that feeling of uneasiness which travellers by night were beginning to feel. It will also afford relief to the officers in charge, who have hitherto been running the trains at a disadvantage.

At about twelve o'clock last night the coffee stand so well known to belated way farers in Queen-street came to grief m rather an unexpected manner. A cab driving rapidly along the street suddenly swerved, and one of the wheels came into violent contact with the portable emporium. The whole machine was capsized, and plates, dishes, polonies, hot coilee, bread and butter, the proprietor's knives and forks, &c., all became converted at one fell stroke into " turnovers," and " rolls."

The superintendent of the Auckland Fire Brigade received a cheque for £33 16s from the Government yesterday, for pay ment of services and expenses in connection with the recent lire at the Whati Lunatic Asylum.

PORT ALBERT.

The Rodney County Council have accepted the tenders of Becroft Bros, for two of the sections of the now road from Port Albert northwards. Messrs Becroft were the contract ors for section 5, Mahurangi and Port Albert Koad, and also for a bridge over the Wharehino Creek, ;;00 feet in length. The creditable manner in which those works were done is a guarantee that this important road work is in good hands. Mr J. S. IViawcr has been appointed inspector of the work.

The Hey. S. Bilker preached in the school room on Sunday. His visits to this place are a source of pleasure and profit to the settlers. Were his visits more frequent, some would be less narrow in their viows. We want lischt.

The Hope of Albertland Lodge, 1.0.G.T.. held a epeeial meetinir on Tuesday, on the occasion of thu visit of iiro. Edger, W.G.C.T., in the school-room. There was a good attendance of members, notwithstanding the unpleasant weather that evening. Sister Shepherd has bean elected Chief Templar, un honour other lodges would do well to bestow ou seme of the

PiSterS.—-CORJBEj3I'O.X»EXXi

THE INDIAN FAMINE.

PUBLIC MEETING CALLED BY THE

MAYOR

PROBABLY few of our readers have formed an adequate idea of the terrible calamity which has befallen Southern India. A famine is not like an accident involving the loss of human life. The latter occurs in one great crash, and the accounts which come to hand are full and fresh, and convey n current impression of the seriousness of the disaster. A famine, on the contrary, comes on by degrees, and consequently people get accustomed to reading of it, and come to regard its progress with apathy. But this way of regarding the present dearth in India is altogether wrong. The calamity has now reached such ;• pitch that it demands the serious and immediate atten tion of all humane persons all over the world, and 'the special sympathy of the Anglo-Saxon race. Owing to the failure of the crops in Madras, Mysore, and several other districts, the crowded population is left without the means of supporting life, and the fearful nature of the destitution. may lie imagined wlion we say that thou sands are dying daily from acf ual starvation. Measures of relief have, of course, been long ago started by the Government, but the extent of the distress renders them alto gether msuiHcient. In London the special subscriptions amounted, some weeks ago, to £270,000, but even^this sum, princely as it is, is not large enough to give even tem porary relief to more than a tithe of the HiilFerers. To illustrate tho urgent demand which there is for extraneous assistance, we quote the following statistics telegraphed to sin American paper last month;

': There has been a further increase m Madras of the number relieved of 180,000, making 355,000 increase in the last fortnight. In Mysore the labourers on the works are decreasing, and the charitable relieved increasing. In Bombay the reverse in occurinj*, but there ia a slight general increase in the totals relieved. In Madras there are 983,000, labourers on works and 1,009,000 charitably relieved; in Mysore 400,000 on the works and 164,000 charitably relieved ; and in Bombay 205,000 on works, and 110,000 charitably relieved." The " H»mc News" says that "the calamity will probably involve an expenditure of twenty millions. This will necessitate a draft upon tiie Imperial revenue, and it certainly depends upon the amount of such draft, whether additional taxation is or is not." If we had the full particulars we doubt not that scenes almost as harrowing as the " Bulgarian atrocities " might be described, but it should not require these to .stimulate our charitjr, which was never more pressingly called upon than now. It will be seen that His Worship the Mayor lias called a public meeting to be held on Monday in the In surance Buildings to discuss this grave question. It is to be hoped that all who can will attend. We aro pleased to acknowledge £1 from Mr John Abbott for this object, and we shall be happy to receive any other subscriptions that may be for warded.

PARNELL BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual weekly meeting of the Council was held yesterday evening at 8 o'clock. Present ; His Worship the Mayor (Colonel Nation), and Councillors Mitford, Brown, Coleman, Wood, Winks, Robinson, Bracken bury, and Bell.

The usual formal business was dispatched

Coruespondknck. — Copies were read of letters sent by the M^Caor respecting the continuation, by the Harbour Board, of the par.npet near the Railway Bridge culvert; and the completion and finishing off, by the City Council, of the approach to Manakau Road from the Strand.

ACCOUNTS.—Accounts for wages and printing were passed.

Slauciitkring ix Park ell.—At the last meeting of the Council it was decided by the Mayor's casting vote not to grant an application by Mr Raynes, butcher, for leave to slaughter at hia shop, in Manukau Road. Mr Kynes not being satisfied with that decision, now forwarded another appli cation signed by him and a few others (not ratepayers), some of whom signed by mark. The application requested a re-considera tion of the matter by the full Council, and that the permission sought by Mr Rynep might be accorded to him. On the motion

of Councillor Brackenbury, seconded by Councillor Robinson, it was resolved that the re-consideration of the matter be ad journed till the next full meeting of the

Council

After a short discussion about ligthing and other matters, the Council adjourned.

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War JfeT^s.

[eeuteh's telegram per press agency,

TWO GREAT BATTLES.

ENORMOUS LOSSES ON BOTH

SIDES.

SICKNESS AMONG RUSSIANS

ROUND PLEVNA.

LONDON, October 6,

A Russian unofficial dispatch states that on the 2nd inst. the Russians captured the entrenchments near Kara oia Mukhtar Pasha's left, repulsing large masses of Turks, but subsequently abandoued them owing to want of water. The Russian loss was eighty-three officers and three thousand two hundred men. The Turkish loss was enormous.

A Turkish official dispatch from Mukhtar Pasha reports a complete victory on the 2nd. The Kussians attacked tiie whole line, but were compelled to retire, the Turks pursuing them to Opaehai. The Russian loss was five thousand ; Turkish loss unknown.

Other accounts say the battle was in decisive.

The Czar has resolved to remain with the army until the war is ended.

There is much sickness amongst the Russians round Plevna. The Turks are not answering the bombardment.

Operations at the Shipka Pass are stopped by fogs.

A Russian unofficial dispatch states that the Turkish left, supporting the garrison at Kars, attacked the Russian right on the lthJ but was defeated with great loss. Sulienian Pasha is appointed Commander in-Chief on the Danube, and Mehet Ali is recalled.

RauoiF Pasha commands on the Balkans. The Russian head quarters are removed to Sistova. LONDON, Oct. 6. A Turkish official dispatch reports a great battle at Guniri, (Alexandropol) in Asia Minor, with a favourable issue to the Turks. ENGLISH COMMERCIAL. LONDON, Oct. 6th. The Bank rate of Discount is four per cent. lUJThere have been heavy withdrawals of gold. The Stock Market is dull. Colonial Bonds are half per cent lower. Wheat : The Market is dull. Wool : Combing, firm. Clothing : Unsteady and depressed. Arrived : Kent.

SYDNEY, Friday. The Zealandia arrived at Sydney al mid night.

Lovers of really prime meat can get the same of G. Hulnie. Splendid Napier beef, best in the market ; choice roasts, 4d to Gd ; boiling beef, 2d to 3§d ; lamb, 2s 6d to 4s 6d per quaitcr ; veal and pork. Mutton at the usual price. The celebrated beef sausages, 4d per lb. ; genuine pork sausages, Gd lb. ; German sausages, Sd lb. ; Watling's pork pies, 4d each. Poultry ready "dressed. About two tons of good'eorn beef, to clear shop, will lie sold at' 2M per lb. See tlie quality.—GEOßGE JiULME, Auckland Sloam Sausage Factory, Queen-street. —

PARLIAMENTARY.

(FROM OUR SPZCItLL RTSPORTEX)

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

THE OTHEJR TWO MINISTERS.

WELLINGTON, yesterday Messrs Montgomery and Sharp win probably 30m the Ministry. The «, ) will be finally arranged after the TT adjourns this evening. This will fin portfolios of the Ministry. U the

S P-m. -'"'"When the llou.se mot at half p' ls t : . there was an immediate rusli to the Lafi Gallery. Ls Stafford and tail were again absent The late Ministry were in their nlnpoo the Treasury Benches Mr Fox Sa^g absent. Sir George was in his pi ace T the Auckland members, lie looked reservS and watcnful. v Presentation of a Petition Ihe proceedings opened with a lj.,u skirmish, by the presentation of a petit!™! by Sir Robert Douglas, from WanS •* favour of a railway to the Bay of I?Wc. Mi ; Macfarlanc printed! petition^ Mr Brissenden. n Hocnssinr-- a Member Dr. Henry then read a paragraph f roTn the "Evening Port" WSnJi^ the House who was hccus=ed and iiW soned. Ho met a gentleman at an hotel outside town. Tho member had luncli ami a glass of beer. (Laughter.) 'Mr Barf? rose to oroer. He asked wliv should a private matter of this kind v. referred to the House ? De Dr Henry continued : He accompanied the member fco the v.-'use. They went to a room upstairs in the Parliaraentarv Buildings, where they had sherry and a cigar. The member then wished to be left alone. Ho (I)r Kenry) locked him up The member said he wished to vote for the Government. He (Dr Henry) left j^ and then went away. Subsequently persons camo and demanded that Mr Joyce be released. They bounced, but'he (Dr Henry) refused to be bounced. He would not give up the key. They opened the door without tlie key.

Mr Thomson said tho hon. .member was explaining a matter which took place out side the House. He was explianing some misunderstanding, whereas there had been no misunderstanding at all. The explana tion full flat.

MAJOR ATKINSON'S STATEMENT. After a few formal matters of no conse quence, Major Atkinson rose and said • Sir, —as I intimated on last sitting day, my colleagues and myself hold oiiice until the appointment of our successors. MR. LAENACH'S STATEMENT.

Mr. Larnaeh then rose and said : Sir ■when the House List met, I intimated that I had undertaken the work of forming a Ministry. lam glad to say that my efforts in that direction have been crowned ■with the most complete success. (Loud cries of Hear, hear, from the Opposition.) I waited on His Excellency and submitted several names, and I am glad to be able to state that His Excellency approved of the names submitted. (Hear, hear.) His Ex cellency was pleased to appoint to-morrow at 12 o'clock for the swearing in of those gentlemen ; I have therefore to ask the House to be good enaugb. to grant an ad journment until half-past seven on Mon day. jAjThe Hon. Mr Reynolds sang out, " Give the names.".Cries of " Hear, hear," "Uh, oh," "Order," and laughter. The motion for adjournment of the House was then put and carried. Tha following names of Zvlinisters were sub mitted to the Governor to-day and approved of: Sir George Grey, Premier; Mr. Larnach, Minister of Works ; Mr. Sheehan, Native and Defence Minister ; Mr. Macandrew, Minister of Lands ; Col. Whitmore, Colonial Secretary. Messrs. Montgomery and Sharp will join the Ministry ana the matter will be settled at nine o'clock to-night t^en all portfolios will be filled up. They have definitely signified to Sir George Grey their willingness to join. S WEARING MEMBERS. Sir George Grey, Messrs Sheehan, Larnach, and "Macandrew were sworn at noon to-day. Dr. 'Henry's Statement. Dr. Henry's statement last night with regard to locking up a member of the House was privately prepared by the ring. The whole proceedings are regarded as disgrace ful to Parliament. The statement fell Hat. None applauded but les miserables the late Government. Further explanation will be made in the House.

2.24 p.m. Taking- Over the Offices. The new Ministry will meet the Under secretaries at half-past two to-day to take possession of the oiiices. The portfolios will shortly be .filled up. It is understood that Mr Ballance will be Colonial Treasurer, Mr Montgomery having declined.

Prognostication. Portfolios will shortly be filled up. There is a general belief that the Grey Ministry will weather the present session despite prophets of evil.

MR MAOKAY AND MR HISLOP.

Sharp letter-- have passed between Mr James Mackay and Mr Hislop. Mr Mackay wrote a letter to Mr Hislop threatening him tor having stated that he (Mr Mackay) was concerned in locking Mr Joyce up. Mr Hislop replies that Mr Mackay's statements are untrue, and re quests him to write in a more civil manner to a member of the House. Mr Orrnond's Attack on Sir GeO.

Grey. The interim report of the Reporting Debates Committee on Mr Ormond's alter ations of "Hansard" proofs shew most disgraceful erasures and interpolations, with suggestives of wickedness. Mr Ormond tried to stab Sir George Grey behind his back by alterations in the proof, but they were discovered. The general wish here is that the STAR should print both proof, copy, and " Hansard" speeches in parallel columns, with erasures in other type. It would open the eyes of Auckland people.

[PER PRESS AGENCY.]

THE NEW MINISTRY.

The following gentlemen were sworn in members of the new' Ministry at noon, before the Governor:— Sir George Grey (understood to be Premier). Mr Sheehan, Native Minister. Mr Macandrew, Minister of Lands. Mr Larnach. Minister of Public Works.

Mr Ballanee will be sworn this afternoon as Colonial Treasurer. A Liability Unprovided For. It is stated on the best authority ™f? there are £350, COO extra provincial liabili ties more than had been estimated by tne late Government, which will have to be provided for by the new Treasurer.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. BarstowEsci., R. M.) BY THE LIGHT OF LUNA. . Kate McManus was charged with being drunk and disorderly last evening in "Wake field-street. Sergeant Clarke deposed *o the circum stances, which were of a ludicrous character. Fined 20s. or 4S hours in prison. ON A VISIT TO THE CITY. John Flyrm was charged with indecent conduct in Vulcau Lane last evening; ana, with tremulous voice, he pleaded guilty. Sub - Inspector Parcty described tne offence ; the prisoner was under the in fluence of liquor, and had come into totfn on a visit. He was the proprietor of an hotel in a country district. As defendant was unknown to the police, and apparently a respectable man, .J"- Worshlp, with a few words of advice, g»Te him his discharge. WilliamEdgcumbe, jnn. was chargedlTO"

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1877.



'Mill \J±ijjLj-±J.*± J-\ \J J. 1 O JCJ. Saving introduced STEA2I2 JO WEB, into tie Manufacture of FURNITURE, too are now enabled to Supply oar Cus oviers at GREATLY RE D U CED PRICES. T. & H. COGKE, Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, d'O., <&c. SHOW ROOM 8. 67, Quean-street. STEAM CABINET FACTORY, Victoria-street. TTNION FIRE AND MARINE U i INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. NOTICE TO APPLICANTS FOR SHARES. The LETTERS of ALLOTMENT have been issued, and settlement o£ Balances will be effected upon presentation of the Letters, and the original receipts, at the Union Bank of Australia, where Share Certificates are ready for delivery upon the Articles o£ Association being signed. TJIINAL CLEARING-OUT SALE. GIVINa UP BUSINESS !! I J. W. PEAESE, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, ETC., Wishes to inform the public that lie is Retiring from Business, on account ot the bucjgnt loss in his family. He will, therefore, offer the WHOLE OV HIS VALUABLE STOCK FOR ONE MONTH, at an Immense Reduction and Loss, be having disposed of hia Premises, must have the Stock sold by that time. CST Note Address :— oen-eb of VULCAN LANE & QLJEEN-ST., Auckland. N.B.—To Country Storekeepers, Hotelkeepera, &c, &c, &c.—This ia an opportunity seldom j met with to secure real bona fide Bargains. ! SALE TO COrvP-THNCTC ON WEDNESDAY ! OCTOBBK 10, 1577. «



IT N lON INSURANCE COMPANY [ EO OF NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. AUCK L A IN D B R A N C 11 : Temporary Offices : iQUBEN- S T R B E T, j Next to Mr. G. W. Binney's Store. | FIRE tjepai:t:,i:-.;\t. ? Insurances granted on Dwelling-honses, ! (Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trn.de id i qiijTied on, Merchandise, and Goods or every i description, i I JIAKTKE DEPARTJIIiNT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, lltiroha ndise of all j kinds. Specie and Wool to United .Kingdom, AT ; LowiSoT Current Hates. | R. H. STISVKXSONT, Mji ri;i ;\-".\ jjL^R APERY AND CLOTHING FOR THE SPUING AND BUMili^t TRADE. The riiiiiCi'si^fied are now onenin;.r up supnlics j of NJv'.V" GOODS for tlio incorairj.; Sea-sou, ' comprising:— New Prints, in great variety of pattern and style, from ijd por yard i Very Choice Brocaded Prints, quite new White Satin Striped Brocaded Ivliusima j Japanese Silks, very choice ■ A race assortment of ]Slack Silk.-, unusually I good value, from 3s (3d per yard i A Varied and Carefully-selected. Stock or New Fancy Dress Materials Black and Coloured Lustres in variety, and ■ General Drapery Goods of every descrip tion. i A Job Line of Heavy Brown Holland at CJd per yard . Balance oi! Last Season s Dress Good.-; and Job : T.insja at very greatly Reduced Rates, to : clear. I Job Lot oi" large-sized Honeycomb Towels at j (id each, 1} yarda lons* Kvory Uoquisite in Furnishing Drapery. i Carpets in variety, Cartnins. Blind Muslins, i Window Holland, Damask, Sheeting's, all I makes. Toilet Covers, Coloured and white Quilts and Counterpane: PJ.irTk-.'ts:, all. sizes, unusually ehoaii. 5;0., &c. i A Lar^e Stock of Calicoes, of best niaiios, { always on hand. : Grey Calico from 3d per yard White Calico from Ud per yard Every Description of Clothiny for Boys' and Men j Twoeds, Corduroy, Moleskin, strong material. for ISoj s' wear. s. In he £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of •20s. ana upwardu. rustebrook £c bridget an, Junction Dkapeky Warehouse, Upper Qukbn'-ptkket, ! AUCKTjANIJ.i j I 4^ LOVES! GLOVES ! ! GLOVES! ! JUST OP ENE D, A CASE of Two-Button KID GLOVES At 3/9 per pair. W. KA T T 11 AY, DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, "TVT X W (7EALA N D IT OUS X, 6G, QUEEN'-STKEET, AtTCIvLAXD. | j What is more nefarious than selling adultera i ted and poisonous drains labelled and bottled to j imitate a pure and health-yielding medicinal j beverage. This is precisely what the rogues I are doing who sell imitations of the celebrated I Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Ahomatic 1 Schnapps put up in bottles which previously held that incomparable cordial and specific for disease. Let the public beware of such shams.