SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

High water--}?SS IO^Sw IM«aiS!g. i.tt SUN SKT.-This Evening. i.LS SUN R[33.--To-nionlow Morninz. >-A MOON'S AG£,—XcvMoon, 12th, 2.U a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Hji]- B.iyley, schooner, Cro:ie, from Eefctffu Tovr,

DEPARTURES.

AuguKta, brigantino, Paliman, for L^vaka

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Forlhc South—Ladybird, ss., 11th ifest., laupo, £.s., luth For Kaipara—Ethel, briganl.inc, ejKTy . For Napier and South—Molo.ua, s «.. SOtli mst. Far the Islands—Fliff, brigantir.&, earl.v For London—Elcctra, ship, early; Anne bram bles, barqup, early. For Wan-sarei — Argrlo, efery Freovuay For Lsvuka—Augu-ta, btigantta-3, Llrirsuaji Don, cutter, early

IMPORTS.

Per Halley Barley, schooner, fro;.-. Hooavt Town: 2.714 casfs f--uit. r.55 c.vsea lam, tJ.Uiw palings, l'Jf pieces Umber, i n.asa. 100 cases jam, Owen and Graham. 1,09," cases fruit, It Art am. , 1,030 cases fruit, 163 cases jam, 11. S. Meyers and Co.

EXPORTS.

Per Augusta. brig.-imVne. for Levnka : 60 bosres soap. 1 cisc b«con,"2 eases cheese, ?, kegsbut'.ur, 23 sac';s potatoc?, I cases drapery, 3 trunks.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Napier, this cut. The s.s. Southern Cross arrived yesterday from Auckland.

The barque Cibarfeidh is loading at Ljttelton for Auckland. , _, The schooner Ephoniy arrived at the Thames on Tuesday from Lyttelton. She is to come on to Auckland shortly. rh" bri" Thonia-* and Henry made a good passage of eight days from Oatna-u. She lett on the 30th ult., and rounded the Last Lape on Monday last. TT „ The "smart Hobart Town schooner .Hall} Bavlcy arrived from her rort of ownership last ni^ht. after an cxcsedingJy fast passage or 11 T days. She brines a cargo of jams, fruit, palings, &c. Tho following is the captain's report:— " Left Hobart Town on tho 2ot.h May. .with a strci" S.W. breez2, which on tho fo lowing day hauica round to tins S.E., and remained in this quarter, with pqasOly wcalhor during the passage across or within a hundred miles of the three Kings, when it shifted to light ?x.k, weather. Th* Tkrec Kings were pa sed on the 3rd inst—wind south. Had light south rly airs along the const, with fine weather. Came to anchor off Rangitoto at G p.m. la~t night. The brigantinc Augusta sailed tins morning for Lovuka, with a small general cargo and the following passensirs: Mrs Pullman. Mrs and aiiss Marter. OWi :;g to the litilit southerly win a and th'i fiowing tide, elm did not round the Heads until three o'clock this afternoon. The Hannah Barrett, schooner, from Welling ton, arrived at ICaipara on the Ith. The Barracoota, 5 paddle-wheel sloop, whicli arrived home some short time asro from Austra lia, out the paying off of which has bean derived owm~ to the. trial by court-martial of. her com mander (Captain C. E. Stevens*, is ordered to be placed in the "Sied /ay Steam Reserve when paid off, but, no money is toba spent upon her. She is one of the oldest steamers m the >.avy, and it is thou*at she would soon have to be broken up, as site is in such a defective state.— Mitchell's Regisiftr, April 13. The schooncrs'llosanah Ross ana Jtialiy lsa-y ---ley were berthed to-day on the west side of tho Queen-street wharf, where they will discharge their cargoes. The brig Thomas and Henry has the irisiJe of the imip.i- wrsforn tee.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

"\IR ALFKKDBUCrCLAXD'3 WEEKLY KEPOET.— At the Haymarket. rodder, best quality, from 4s 3d to us Cd per cwt; oats, 3s fid ; barley, 3s lOd per bushel. Horse stock : Hiding or light har ries - horses ranged from £10 to £16 each. Hides, good quality, brought £}& per Ib. At Remuera, fat cattle in full supply, 170 head yarded, but many of them falling off in condition, and conse quently of inferior quality. Weli-fatted cattle, 303 the lOOibs, inferior quality, dull of sale. Fat sheep, 100 yarded, several pans selling from lid thelb. * , „_. Messrs Hunter and Nolan's Weekly Report.—Ho- ses: We quote hacks from £5 to £15; light harness horses from £14to £22; heavy draught, £35. Cattle : Fat beasts have ottered in adequate minsters, and elicited spirited com petition, top sorts realising KO3 per 100 lbs. Sheep were in rather short supply, but brisk demand at 4d per lb. for wether mutton. Pigs: Good porkers, from 2^d to 3d per lb., live weight.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails -will Close as Uxdhr :— 3*or Thames, this day, at "».3O' p.m. ; and to-morrow, at 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Jar Coromandel, per A.rgyle, on Monday next at 11.30 a.m. ii'ov Waiwera, Mahuransri, Matakana, Lfanpra ■wai, AVaipu, Ms.ug.irei, arid Mangapai, per Anne MUlbank,sso-inorro\v, at 10 a.m. For Tairua, per Mana, to-morrow, atS a.m., and par Tairua, at 9 a.m. For Chatham Islands, (per Omaha), via "Whiti angi, per Ilowena, on Monday 18th inst., at 1 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday next, at i p=m. For Wangarei H^iids, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at i p.m. Rowena. tliis day at 1 p.m. For Taranaki, Southern provinces: and Austra lian Colonies, per Ladybird, on Monday next, at 5 a.m. S. B. RISS. Chief Postmaster.

DoN'Tbe hoodwinked by imitators of Udommio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic .Schvapi'.s, who inclose vile spirits in bottles which contained the Simon Pure Schnapps and put bogus labels thereon. Repudiate these nostrums. Scruti nize the labels, and if they are deficient in exe cution or the cur-marks of authenticity, don't buy. Relief from (Joursii in Tex MINUTES.— Sharland's Cherry Pectoral, a specific for Colds, Coughs, Asthma, Consumption, Bronchitis, Lung Diseases, Sec. It acts like magic. Price, 2s. Gd. and-Is. Gd. a bottle. Sharland's. Instant Cure for Toothache; Is. a bottle. , , , Suarlaxd's, opposite Post-omce, Auckland.

DEATHS.

JACKSON.—On the Gth Juno, at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. C. Sutton, Remuera, Anne Jackson, aged 78 years. The funeral will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, 9th instant. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the -wrong that needs lesistance. For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 1877.

IN our previous articles on the Native Lands Court Bill we pointed out that free trade in laud is tlie only policy open to the country. It is no longer advisable to place obstacles in the way of natives who arc desirous of opening tlieir lands for settlement. The -safety of the public lies in the opposite direction. If the Maori title were so simplified that every owner might bring his land into the market us readily as a European, the evils of the system would be reduced to a lnininuui). The natives are shrewd enough to get the best price offer ing, and the competition of purchasers of 200, 800, and 400 acres must seriously interfere with the operations of land specu lators. Nothing more equitable, both to the settler and Maori, could be secured than a system placing natives on precisely the same footing as Europeans with respect to their.lands. We could not.then prevent the wealthy man from buying many and the r oor man few acres, but the rights of each would be guaranteed, with less prospect of tlie millions of acres of magnificent territory now locked tip under Maori tenure falling into a few hands. The difficulties surrounding the acquisition of native lands, where the title vests in a large number of claimants, prohibit competi tion by any one unprepared to employ interpreters, and bear all the expense of a wearisome negotiation. The capitalist and speculator is thus left in undisputed possession of the field, and may fix his own price, which natives desirous of welling have no option but to accept. Any measure attempting a simplification of the Maori title, however, has various serious complica tions to overcome in the tribal rights that enter into nearly all native claims. Indi vidual titles to land, as distinguished from the rights and tenancy in common of the tribe, are an innovation dating noiarther back than the advent of the pake'ha. The chiefs, whose ownership is mainly .recog nised in the Native Lands Court, have in the majority of instances really no more title to the ownership than other members of their hapu. But the absence of counter evidence, even of the slender character ;that suffices to establish a Maori claim, has gained for the decisions of the Courts a singular immunity from dispute, considering the intricacy of the investigations. The introduction of coercive legislation com pelling the jndividualisation of titles to lauds passed through the Native Lands Courts would materially increase the onerous duties of the Judges, aud might excite the hostility of the natives. But it is clear that the matter must be faced, and the na tives taught that their own interests are in timately bound up with the question of sim ple marketable titles. The proposed Native Lands Court Act contemplates the simplify ing of complex titles, and the individualis ing of owner-ship rights in two ways. . It provides that in all cases where the num ber of owners exceeds ten, and in other cases with the consent of all the owners, the Court may, at its discretion, order one or more divisions to be made. It may, further, upon the request of any owner, divide the land in order that he shall enjoy his share separately. These provisions go, perhaps, as far as legislation can safely venture in the direction of interference with the communal rights of the joint owners, and unless the powers are exercised with extreme caution, there is still a danger of exciting general discontent by one or two owners forcing a sale of sections of a block,selected by the Court,in defiance of the general desire of a tribe to hold their lands for occupation, Ifc is doubtful whether the bill would not be more satisfactory to the natives, and more

if th<3 provisx**lis were modified t^itvftj,l3 ~>v:. t the Act se us to make individualisation <ol title -Irs all cases dependent upon the consent of. a majority of the 'O\vners> at the same stanio securing the objects contem plated in a reduction of the acreage of the grants by compelling individualisation of title before sale. That is "to say, that so long as the native -owners determine to held in common, the Court sliall only issue goneral certificates of title, available for tribal purposes, but imveja iabli, and that Crown grants snail only be autho.-is^d when i the natives resolve by a majority to apply for a division of tfce^aul. Clauses 4-9 and 50, empowering any person to lend money to claimants for the purpose of defraying expenses of survey and Court costs, are open to grave exception. We are strongly of opinion ths't ;the Government ought in all instances undertake the expense of granting gosiß titles to Maori applicants, and no advances, liens, claims incurred prior to that (late, should be recognised as : a chargeJnpon the land. Any risk incurred : by the" Government is amply covered by j the powers granted under clause 47, authorising the Court to recover the. expense "from sales of land owned by the natives in whose interests the surveys have been carried out. Tfce Act is" specially defective in its want of sufficient restriction upon indiscriminate advances made to natives with the ulterior ©bject of ousting them from their .posses sions. Clause 51, which provides for the registration of securities over native lauds, fails to [Stipulate any period within which -such liens shall be registered, and renders it optional with the Chief Judge ••whether he shall register forthwith or causC'inqniries into the reasonableness of the charges. The frauds committed under cover of

the mortgage system in Hawkc's Bay are surely ;i beacon conspicuous enough to warn the legislature from the shoals lying under the demoralising practice of inveigling the native.-, inio debt for the purpose"of seizing their lands. Nor is it suliiciciit to place reliance upon the discretion of the judges to check a system so intrinsically bad in practice as to warrant the special intervcnlim of Parliament for its suppression. The powers conferred upon the judges under the Act are so large and arbitrary as to render them dangerous. The Court is supreme under the Govern ment. Although carrying on its operations in places removed from public observation, and without those recognised forms of pro cedure that are supposed to aid the move ments of justice in other law courts, it is proposed to bar claimants against appeal, and to deny even a rehearing, unless applied for within three mouths. It is not necessary to suppose corruption to see what enormous evils and grievances might arise through this exercise of despotic power, which has no parallel in our system of jurisprudence affecting the tenure of lands. Amendments to the bill should materially circumscribe the tendency through the'whole Act to make the judges (subordinate to the Government) the be all and do all in matters affecting native lauds. So far as the bill attempts to provide a simple machinery for the IR3UO of good saleable titles it ex presses the right principle that should guide legislation. And we do not know that anything better thai, a Court presided over by experienced judges could be devised. The past operations of the Native Lands Court shew a very fair per centagcof small holdings. From a return we find that in 964 cases dealt with, 305 grants were made to single owners, 172 to two owners, and 487 to more than two owners. The blocks covered by certificates were thus classified : Under five acres, ISl' claims ; between live and a hundred acres, 343 claims; between a hundred and a thousand acres, 286 claims ; between 1000 and 10,000 acres, 132 claims; and over 10,000 acres, 21 claims. Our three chief objections to the bill are the unlimited power the judges, the recognition of liens upon native lands before the i.ssue of a certificate of title, and the weakness of the provisions ostensibly designed to accomplish the individualisation of titles, and simplification of transactions with native lands. These provisions will require very considerable amendment and revision when the measure is before Parliament. It has been deter mined, we learn, to leave the royalty upon purchases and leases blank, to be fillod in at the discretion of the Assembly.

The immigrants at the special settlement of Fielding are quarrelling with Mr Hal combe, the resident manager, about wages. They allege they were promised 7s a day, but cannot make more than ss.

Separate railway carriages for drunkards, especially on holidays, are .suggested by the Melbourne "Telegraph." It points out that smoking is prohibited in the ordinary carriages, and does not see why drunken exhibitions, accompanied by foul language, should be permitted to annoy sober and respectable travellers.

A singular error occurred in our report of the Resident Magistrate's. Court yesterday, in which Mr Russell was made to say that he saw Mr Coombes in the morning busily engaged at Epsom, when the remarks were made by Mr Barstow in reply to Mr Russell. Mr Coombes was said to be unavoidably absent from town ; the setter of the type, whose thoughts were evidently absent from the case, omitted the latter portion of Mr Russell's words and the commencement of Mr Barstow's remarks, which caused tiie error.

The case of Somerville v. Rochfort, being a claim for £29 5s for goods delivered, which came on for hearing in the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, was not concluded last evening, and consequently the further hearing of the case was ad journed until Thursday, the 14th inst.

The " Wellington Argus " falls foul of the "New Zealand Times," for having, at the direction of Ministers, contradicted the statement that there was a " difference in the Cabinet," and censures tlie Press Agency for permitting itself to be made a tool of. The " Argus" says :—" We have, in this instance, excellent authority for knowing that very serious differences of opinion have arisen in the Cabinet, and that since Mr Whitaker's arrival from Auckland, that is, since Ministers all met for the first time since last session, they have been anything but the happy family Avhich Mr George McLean, in Dunedin, represented them as being. Time will shew the truth in this, as in other instances."

There are 15,000 Chinese on the Palmer and Hodgkinson, and at the present rate of arrival the number Avill soon be doubled or trebled. But the Palmer is already fright fully overcrowded with these poor wretches ; nothing new is being opened ; aud the old ground having been worked over and over again, the prospect before the thousands of these people now engaged in fossicking for a miserable pittance during the next six dry months, is horrible to contemplate.

Tho Auckland journeymen shoemakers will hold a trade meeting this evening at the Foresters' Arms.

New possibilities arc looming out of the mists symbolised iv the disjointed Avar tele grams. Russia has intimated to the Powers the likelihood of an occupation of Constan tinople ; and the neutrality of the .Suez Caiial has been iaised as a direct issue. England's note on the subject was decisive, and we cannot doubt that it Avill be followed by action as vigorous should necessity arise. The absence of intelligence from the seat of war on tlie Danube is manifestly due to the difficulties encountered in the transport of a large army, material, and commissariat, over the unmetalled roads of Roumauia. Operating in a friendly country, and with no danger of .the Turks taking the offensive north of the Danube, as Omar Pacha did in 1854, the Russian commander is In a position to move easily with his preparations for a decisive blow, aud a rapid march upon the capital.

Mr J. H. Jouning, of Great North Road, writes for the information of Good Templars that Mr Tucker did not sign the petition

To the Editor : Sir,-—Can you, or any 1 of your subscribers, inform me what were | the reforms of the new Turkish Constitu tion contained in the Imperial Statt published by the Sultan ftlurad on_ Ins accession to the throne, and partially carried into effect- -by Midhat Pasha ? and oblige, yours, etc., INQUIRER. [The Constitution framed by Midhat Pasha created a representative parliament, elected byMahommcdans and Christians both in Turkey Proper and the mbutary States

south of the Danube. It also conferred equal civil and religious privileges upon all subjects.—Ed. E. B.] Mr Hooper has been non-suited in his action against the " Reformer" temperance newspaper for £75 damages for insufficient notice of dismissal as editor. The plaintiff intends to take the case to the Supreme Cottr't. At the Resident Magistrates' Court, Te Kopuru, the civil case'of Denis Moroney, bushman, v. Dunn, a Maori, was heard, being a claim for the recovery of £9 17s. The case was adjourned to the Kaihu 'Court. A narrow escape from poisoning occurred in Albert-street yesterday. A "bottle of creosote, which Mrs Middleton had been in the habit of using to alleviate tooth-ache, was left on a table by accident, and a son of Mrs Middleton, about two years old, managed during her temporary absence to get possession of it. and drank a portion of its contents. Dr Hooper was immediately called in, and he promptly took the child to the shop of Mr Dawson, chemist, where an emetic and antidote were successfully administered, and the child was pronounced out of danger.

The Lynch family of bellringers, and Tom Margctts, the conrique, have returned to Melbourne, says tlie "Argus," from one of the most successful tours ever known in Gippsland. From iiist to last they drew crowded houses, and the local press states their success lias been unprecedented in that portion of Victoria. The troupe per formed at Dandenong on Thursday _ even ing to a crowded house, and met with an excellent reception. Next week the bcllringers leave Melbourne on a lengthy intercolonial tour. They may be expected to arrive in Auckland in September next en route for San Francisco. " "Merchant" urges the ■appointment of a wharfinger for the Railway Wharf. We again remind all supporters and friends of the Young Men's Christian Asso ciation that the opening literary and musical entertainment in connection with the winter course of lectures will take place this even ing. From the demand which has existed for tickets, it is believed that a crowded house will reward the efforts of the Committee. The programme is well selected, and includes several musical gems which are highly popular in Auckland, amongst which may be men tioned : "Hail Smiling Morn," choir; glee, Orpheus Club; "Fairy Land" (Oberon), choir; glee, Orpheus Club; bass solo ; " Awake the Morning," " Here in cool Grotto," &c. The Star of Newton Lodge of Good Tem plars last evening was visited by the Pioneer Lodge, and a party of members of the Order from 11.M.5. Sappho. After the initiation of a new member, a well selected and most enjoyable programme of songs and readings was gone through. The iuon-o'-wars' men displayed considerable vocal ability, and the choruses to their inspiriting sea songs were well sustained. At the conclusion of the meeting a number of Saukey's hymns were sung with good effect by the* united assemblage, with accompaniments on the harmonium. The Graftou v. Auckland Clubs will play a return match to-morrow in the Metropoli tan {•round ; kick-off at 3 sharp. Grafton— Whewell (:i|tan), Buttle 8., Clark M., : Kunii!Jinn, Dixon, Earl, Gatlaud, Green, Kalleiukr, Moars, Moss, Orchard, livid, Somerville, Williams. Auckland —Hender- son T. (captain), Mowbray, Gudgeon, Hen net, Sibbin, Burgess C, Uurgess E., Shake speare, Robertson, Carter, Colbech, Rattray, Peacock, King. The " Waikato Times " authoritatively contradicts the rumour circulated in Southern journals that tliere was a proba bility of Mr Whitakcr's retirement from the Ministry, and of the accession to its ranks of Mr Rolleston. Tlie " Deutsche Zeitung " says that Count Andrassy's last words to General Ignatielt'were : "We want to keep our hands unfettered. AYe shall always act in the most friendly manner towards Russia, unless she attempts to injure our interests." Charles Malhews lias written to the " Daily Telegraph," denying the statement that he was in very weak health. He says it is hard if a man cannot be seedy for an hour or so without being startled by such sensational reports as "a total collapse," " prostrate condition," and so forth. Some men persistently refuse to acknowledge that they arc getting very old, and Charles Mathews is one of them. A manager of a leading bank in London receives a higher salary than a Minister of State. According to the London corres pondent of the " Australian Insurance and Banking liecord," the head manager of Coutt's Dank receives a salary of £30,000 a year, and the two assistant managers £10,000 each. Many of the crowned heads of Europe keep an account thee, and the manager has, as a matter of course, to mix in the most aristocratic society. The managers of the other principal London banks receive salaries varying from £5000 to £1000 a year. Yet the Prime Minister's salary is only £5000." The settlers in the township of Kihikihi were lately thrown into a state of apprehen sion by the drunken orgies of a mob of Maoris. According to the " Waikato Times," they forced the hotel-keepers to supply them with liquor, threatening, in case of refusal, to take what they wanted. The "Times" thinks a small detachment of Constabulary should be stationed at Kihikihi.

The suppression of Sunday trading in Melbourne is accomplished by strengthen ing the police force on duty on the Sabbath, a number of constables being told ofF for the special duty of detecting and prosecu ting offending publicans. The degradation to which constables are subjected in having to act as common informers causes them to lose self-respect, and the esteem of other members of the force. The Onehunga wharf porters inquire our opinion on the rights of a porter recently licensed by the railway authorities to carry goods from the railway to steamers lying at the wharf. They also say that his scale of charges is too high. Our correspondents may rest perfectly secure in the pursuit of their advocations. The railway authorities have the right of employing what porters they choose for their own Avork, but any license issued by them for general porterage work on the wharf is not worth the paper it is written on. The porters will shortly come under the control of the Onehunga Borough Council, and must then look to that body for licenses and regulations.

The monthly inspection parades of the Auckland volunteers for the month of June will be held on the following dates, in full dress, and with arms and accoutre ments : —Thursday, 14th, 7.30 p.m., Otahuhu Rifle Company, left half, One lmnga; Saturday, 16' th, 7.30 p.m., Otahuhu Rifle Company, right half, Otahuhu ; Monday, 18th, 7.30 p.m., Engineer Cadets; Drill-shed; Thursday, 21st, 12.30 p.m., Grammar School Cadets, Drill-shed ; Thursday, 21st, 7.30 p.m., Artillery, Engineer, Victoria, No. 3 Co. A.R.V., Hobson, Scottish, and Naval Companies, at the Drill-shed, when Captain Clark's Champion Belt will be presented by Mrs Clark to Volunteer Leigh, of the Victoria Rifle Company, who is the winner for the present year. Every member is requested to be present, and punctual attendance is necessaiy.

On the motion of Mr Robinson, seconded by Mr Elliston, Mr Caleb Wood was elected -without opposition yesterday to the

We understand that no less than 17,227 l.ttcis, and 9407 newspapers passed through the Chief Post Office in Auckland on Wed nesday last. By the boat from Whaagarci this morning we receive the first number of the new journal, " The Northern Advocate," or general advestiser for Hobson, Rodney, j Whangarei, Bay of Islands, Hokiauga, i and Mongouni Counties. This is a de velopment of the " Whangarei Comet," and tin* difference between the two sheets speaks well for the progress of journalism iii the North. The " Northern Advocate is published at Whangarei, but instead the little fourpage paper we have a twelve page record of the latest town and country news, varied by a novel, riddles, &c. The rising sun on the front page we take to be emblematic of the yefc, comparatively speak ing, new influence which settlement and civilisation are exercising over the North ; and from the tone of the leading article, we presume it is to be the work of the " Advo cate" to make that inilucnce extend its range. If it carries out that work conscien tiously and well, it is bound to be supported by the settlers. j ; ' The " Neve Frcie Presse" (Vienna) states that, although the alliance of the three Emperors will continue notwithstanding t the failure of tlie Protocol negotiations, it will only be i:i the sense in which it was i originally concluded at Vienna and Berlin. f The idea of co-operation with Russia, adds r the " Ncuc Freie Press," never existed as 1 the basis of the alliance, which was formed 2 with the view of abstaining from action, ■r rather than resorting to intervention. Only I one more task can now remain to this alliance, that of localising the conflict should Avar break out.

Perhaps the most graphic and accurate history of the Turkish Empire in Europe is Sir Edward Crcasy's "History of the Ottoman Turks." The author is well known to literary fame as the author of '' The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World, " History of the Jiritish Constitution," and other important standard works which bear a high reputation. For the history of the Ottoman Empire Sir Edward Creasy has ; laid Yon Hammer, the great German histo- \ rain of Turkey, largely under contribution, but has so condensed, amplified, and critically altered what is borrowed, and has drawn facts from such a great variety of other works, that the new look is more accurate than Yon Hammer's, and very much more readable, seeing that the German work only brings the history down to the middle of the eighteenth century, and Occupies ten oct.VJ volumes. Coming from an authority so high as Sir Edward Creasy, the new 'history of the Ottoman ! Turks, which is brought down to the end of ; the Stamboul Conference in the present year, is one of the most valuable recent contributions to historical literature. The rise of the Ottoman power is traced from its source with a graphic power and com prehensive grasp, and tile principal events of its subsequent history are described with masterly skill. The most interesting parts of the book are the accounts of the siege of Constantinople, the devastating wars of Timour the Tartar, the later chapter devoted to a description of the wars with Russia hi IS2S-9, and 1854-5, and ihe com plications which have led to the present war. Mr E. Wayte has received a supply of the work by the last Suez mail. The " Home News "says :—" On the 12th March, Mr Ashley asked a very apposite question of the President of the Board of Trade. By Sir Charles Addeiley's express admission" in the House of Commons Mr Ashley's facts were correct. The Thomasina M'Lellan, which sailed from London for New Zealand last June, carried passengers, and also, for their personal ease and bodily security, bore the deadly freight of 532 ; o is of coal, SOO kegs (tf gunpowder, and divers cases of matches and turpentine. The coal caught lire, and the gunpowder had to be thrown overboard, while a fearful sacrifice of human life was only avoided by this course and by putting into the South American port of llio." In Dublin, a young woman named Con nor summoned Dr. Lynch to the Police Court for having damaged a silk dress. She had a few weeks ago been bridesmaid to a cousin, and the defendant was one of the wedding guests. He several times attempted to kiss her, and in their struggles her dress was torn. He also accidentally spilled some tea on it. The dress was worth £4, and lie promised to replace it, but did not. She said she complained of his conduct to her aunt, who only laughed, and said " she should get used to it." For the defence it was pleaded that lie only took the recognised liberties with a brides maid ; but the magistrate, Mr O'Donel, said that not being " best man," he was not privileged. The case excited amusement, and ultimately the magistrate told all parties to " Go away out of that." The Thames "Advertiser" relates how a local George Robins lias immortalised himself:—" The rope-tying feat was done most successfully yesterday in the presence of a private assembly, in the rooms of the City Auction Mart. It appears that after the seance on Monday night, when Professor Fay was occupied thirty-five minutes in extricating himself from the very secure tying of one of the audience (Mr John Watson, of Messrs Price Brothers), the proprietor of the City Auction Mart observed to a friend that he would submit to be tied, and forfeit an eighty guinea piano he had on sale in his mart if he did not release himself within foiir minutes. As the otter was of such a tempting nature, involving no sacrifice on the part of the friend, should tlio gallant knight of the hammer suc ceed in accomplishing the feat, the bargain was closed, and yesterday morning at 11 fixed as the hour for carrying out the engagement. Accord ingly, at the time appointed, the two met at the mart, accompanied by a goodly number of friends as spectators, and the auctioneer was carefully and apparently securely tied to a chair. The room was then cleared, and in a minute and a quarter he emerged, rope and chair in hand, to the astonishment of those present, by whom he was warmly applauded, and congratulated upon saving his piano. One gentleman re marked that he was au Fa(a) It at the perform ance '

A Conference of Goldfields Wardens on the West Co* si drew up the following suggestions: —(1). An increase in the size of claims, (2). Dis pensing with the necessity for attending the Warden's office annually for renewals of rights, except as regards water-races. (3). The grant ing of extended water licenses fei* a period not exceeding fifteen years, with right of renewal at a small rental per sluice head. This recom mendation was made with the view of enabling working miners to obtain the assistance of capi talists in providing an extensive water supply, by securing a better title than a mere annual tenure. (4). The reduction of the registration fee to Is in every instance, (5). A much more speedy method of dealing with applications for gold mining and agricultural leases than that at present in vogue. (6). The reduction of gold mining lease rents from 50s to 20s per acre. (7). The abolition of the necessity for surveying extended claims except in special instances. (8). Provisions for allowing miners to enter upon residence areas, business, and machine, and other special sites for the purpose of mining."

DREADFUL SUICIDE AT WOOLON GONG.

MENTION was made in the Australian telegrams published yesterday of the dis covery of the charred remains of a man, his son and daughter, in the ashes of a burnt house. We have since lighted on a later telegram, Avhicli states that a slate was found in a cart near the bouse, and bearing the following in writing : —"May 25th, Friday evening. I cannot live any longer. During the last ten years I have wished a thousand times I had never been born. I love my little children too well to leave them to be tormented by their brutal mother. * * * * I rejoice at the near approach of my end. lam not afraid [Two lines obliterated here] perfectly well what lam going to try to do. Good night to all, except Bully Walsh and Peter Brauen." Two razors were found in the ashes near the remains of the bodies. Brauen worked a small garden at Bellambi. His wife hawked the produce about town for sale. They were both somewhat eccentric, and lived very uncomfortably. Brauen turned his wife away three days Tiefore the fire. It is supposed his reason for killing the dog, as well as the children, was because it was a favourite of his wife's. At the inquest, a verdict to the effect that there was not sufficient evidence to shew

CABLEGRAMS.

[Pbess agency.]

This Day.

f?9 f$ fj* A "F?

Despatches re Suss Canal.

Coalition Ministry at Athens. mcHvwo LONDON. June 7th. Sir Stafford Northcotc lias refused to table a copy of the dispatch sent by the British Government, relative to England's inten tions with regard to the Suez Canal, on the ground of the inexpediency of the step, though he wasHsked to do so by Lord Hart iugton, leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons. The Tan j ore, with the Suez Mail, arrived at Tan j ore on the G'thinst. A Coalition Ministry has been formed at Athens.

ENGLAND WILL NOT ALLOW FIGHTING IN THE SUEZ CANAL.

RUSSIA PROPOSES TO OCCUPY CONSTANTINOPLE TEMPORARILY.

ARREST OF A FRENCH MUNI-

CIPAL PRESIDENT,

SINGAPORE, Jane 7. Lord Derby refuses to comply with the proposal which had been made to neutralise the Suez Canal, and lias informed the Russian Ambassador at London, and also the Porte and the Khedive of Egypt, that England lias determined to disallow any warlike operations on the Canal. LONDON, June 6". It is stated by the " Times " that Count Schovaloff, Russian Ambassador at London, is the bearer of a note from St. Petersburg, replying to certain questions raised by England. The '• Tunes " further says that the note has special reference to an eventua tem porary occupation of Constantinople by itussia. . . The President of the Pans Mumcipa Council has been arrested for attacking! President MacMahon i

THE VOYAGE OF THE ASPASIA.

A MONTH ON A LEE SHORE

The voyage of the Aspasia from Welling ton to Kaipara occupied l'S days. The vessel lias arrived at To Kopuru in capital con dition, without loss of sails, and very little injured by the heavy weather. She has had to contend against facts which speak volumes for the excellent quality of her gear and fastenings. The follow in"- is a condensed report of her adven tures:—" Left Wellington with a head wind on the 4th May. Found the wind outside S.E., blowing hard, with a heavy saa running. Passed Cape Egraont, bearing S.E. by E. 25 miles oil" at 7 a.m. on the sth. Shortened sail, and ran the ship for two hours, but on account of the heavy seas causing her to broach to, hove her to till daylight next morning, when squared away for Kaipara. On the 7th stood in for the bar, but when 10 miles off the shore had to back in consequence of th» wind shifting to N.N.W. from E.N.E. Came on to blow heavily ; reefed her down, and hauled off shore against a heavy gale, which at times came down with hurricane force. The little vessel behaved handsomely, inch by inch making: good her offing, till on Thurs day the wind altered to S. S. W., and she was put on the othertack. Thejibboom was car ried away, and the vessel driftedsevcralmiles. When land was made she was ten miles from the shore, and eight miles south of Mokau river. Had to head-reach along the land during the night, with a fearful westerly sea driving us in. On the morning of the 10th, found ourselves near Port llaglan, and in the afternoon, opened out the Manukau. The wind moderated next day, and we stood away for Kaipara, but next morning it came down from the N. E. as hard as ever ; and after vain attempts to make head against it, squared away, and ran for shelter to Pelorus .Sound, where we anchored on the 15th inst. The master was ill here for several day. After repariug damages left again on the 21st, but bad weather still stopped progress, and shelter was sought a second time in Port Hardy. The third attempt was successful, for the 31st saw us inside Kaipara. Heads, thankful to have survived such a knocking about for a month on a lee shore."

THE ENGLISH DERBY.

The result of this year's English Derby will be hailed with almost as much satis faction in the Colonies as at home. Throughout the sporting1 world Lord Falmouth's name is knoAvu and respected, and his success in thus carrying oti' for the second time the blue riband of the turf is thoroughly well-deserved. The winner, Silvio, a bay colt, by Blair At hoi out of Silverhair by Kingston, is whole brother to Garterly Bell, who came in fourth for the Derby in'lS7s. As a two year-old he ran five times, scoring four victories. His first appearance was in the Ham Stakes, Goodwood, which he Avon, and his only defeat was in the Buckenham Stakes at Newmarket, when he succumbed to the French Verneuil. The company in which he ran was never very choice, which probably accounts for his not figuring much in the winter betting. On the 31st of March his price was 100 to 3. Chamant, backed ever since the Middle Park Plate, at the ridiculous price of 5 to 1, seems to have gone the way of many an other Derby favourite—we always thought his form vastly over-rated.

The second horse is telegraphed as " Gleu avth," but we feel sure that this is Mr Mit ehell-Innes' Glen Arthur, a very likely out sider.

The following represents the occasion of the

Ninety-Sixth Derby Stakes.

Vi*count Falmouth'3 b.c. Silvio, by Blair Athol—Silverhair (F. Archer) .. .. 1 Mr W. S. Mitchell-Innes Glen Arthur (Wain wright) 2 Mr Mackenzie's Rob Roy (distance) .. .. 3 Duke of Westminster's Pellegrino (F. Well) 0 Mr Baltazzi's Plunder (Maidment) 0 Lord Falmouths King Cloves (Osborne) .. 0 Lord Roaebery's Touchet (Constable).. 0 Count F. de Lagrange's Chamant (J. Goater) 0 Mr C. Rayner's Warren Hastings .. 0 MrC. Alexander's Thunderstone (Morbey) 0 General Pearson's Chevron (Mordan) '' 0 Mr Bennett's Bay Athol .. .. " o Lord Rosebery's Rosbach .. . 0 Mr Naylor's Sidonia .. .. .. "." o Mr Gretton's Monk " n

Mr Robinson's Adamite Mr R. Peck's Actaeon Mr R. Peck's Morier ..

We forget how Glen Arthur is bred. He only ran as two-year-old, in the Middle Park Plate, and was unplaced. Rob Hoy is by Blair Athol, out of Columbia. As a two-year-old, he ran twice, but won both engagements, the New Stakes at Ascot being one. During the winter he was backed co win £40,000 at prices varying from 15 to 12 to 1. On March 31st his price was 10 to 1. This is the first time a son of Blair Athol has won the Derby, and the victory will tell greatly in the popular sire's favour. Winners of the Deeby from 1567 1867—Mr Chaplin's Hermit 1868—Sir J. Hawley's Bluegown 1869—Mr Jardine's Pretender 1870— Lord Falmouth's Kingcraft 1871—Baron Rothschild's Favonius 1872—Mr Saville's Cremorne. First, Second, and Third prom 1573 1873—Mr Merry's Doncaster—Kaiser—Gang Forward". °

Cartwright's Geo. Predk.—Couron ne de Fer—Atlantic.

1875-Count Bathyany's Galopin-Claremont— Repentance C. Juias"d| r S arBaltaZZi>S Ki3^ ~ forerunner-

LISA ECCLES.

Tins original drama, which professes to he a. description of life in New Yor i, as seen in the' parks and music halls of that heterogeneous city was produced last evening inthe Theatre Royal" by \Tessrs Baker and Farron, who bring with them an unrivalled reputation as dialect actors comedians, and comic singers, and judging calmly from the performances of last evenins? we feel assured that the reputation of these gentlemen is well deserved. The drama, like many of the American dramas, is brimful of fun character, and incident, rollickingandlaughable' with here and there a slightly serious passage for a tear. There is a thread connecting the incidents running through the drama, bun occa sionally of so fine a texture that it is scarcely discernable, the story having so many apparently digressive associations. The drama is founded upon the tender passion, or love, the heroine being the adopted daughter of Phillip Appleby a wealthy banker, around whose charmed life there hangs a mystery, but the mist in time is melted away by the incoming sunshine of truth and the young girl and her mother stand forth as examples of the triumph of truth over calumny, as virtue over plotting villiany. The object of the writer of this lively and facetious play did not seem, however, to care to point a moral or adorn a talc, so much as to minister successfully to the popular taste in obedience to the old advice, "laugh and grow fat." The drama ends happily, and all parties, excepting 1 the plotters and robbers, who retire to gaol, are perfectly satisfied with the pleasant inlets of sunshine that premise rest. The play opens very prettily, with views of the Battery Park and Bay of New York. The .scene is well presented, w'th the loungers and walkers, which invariably take advantage of tine weather iv any park adjacent to a thronged city. There are the lovers on the shaded saat. the solitary poet musing oa the green, Ilia far-stretching water dott jd landscape, and the old Irish woman with her lonely tab!e by th.«side of the parade, selling apples and nuts. To have missed an Irisn woman in such a living picture would have been a serious omission, as there is no peopled park in the whole world without a daughter of the Green Isle and her apple stall. Mr "Baker here comes forward with 3 very humouro'B ditty, entitled, " You know what I know," which, while it is exceedingly amusing, displays merit and a happy play of words. At this mom nt there is a rash of New York ragamuffins upon the scene from among the by-trees of the park, and poor Mrs Madigan's apple stall is knocked over, at which the old lad; is very indignant, and begins to take the law into her own hands. The Irish woman was well represented by Miss Maggie Knight, a local actress, and her imitative brogue wa3 very exact. Eccles (Mr Baker) then gives an account of himself to Maggie Madigan, and a comic dialogue and S3me very smart acting ensue— the conversation is beaded with wit. The pugilistic encounter between the Dutch farmer ' and .Mike Slasrkcrty (Messrs Baker and Farron) was immense, and brought doiv the house. The lively Irish song of " Since Terence joined the g«ng" was loudly encored, but the singer , desired that the audience would not call for repetitions, as several songs in connection with the drama would be forthcoming, and the drama itself was of considerable length. The representation of the ballet girl, the little coquette, and other characters, were extremely clever aud acceptable ; the voices, gait, and male or iVminine peculiarities of the characters represented being almost life-like. The Atlantis Music Hall was of the New York type, and the loungers therein exact. The lovers were in the side grotto, the swell and his girl at the convenient table, the saloon at the ex treme corner, and the call, "waiter, two beers ;;.nd a pack of cards." delivered in the style of these days by specimens of animated human nature, were quite characteristic of Yankeeism on the edge of the Atlantic, by New York city. Ti:e Mike SlasKerty of Mr Farron was, beyond al; ouestion, ih . cleverest impersonation of the shrewd, rollicking, witty Irishman thatwehave ever witnessed in any part of the world. His remarkable evolutions, and ever-bubbling wit k 'pi the audience :n perpetual roars of laughter. The two prominent representatives of this drama were,of course, Messrs Baker and Farron, whose acting ar.d singing must be seen and heard to he fuliy enjoyed and appreciated; still, some of the other players deserve a word of praise. We must not omit to mention the com pany of volunteeis, who appeared in Battery Park, under command of Captain Baker. The parade of the volunteers was one o'<: the prettiest things of the whole drama The exactness, timeiy Ptep, and correct march of the boys were very remarkable, and shewed ver> earefu training. It was, moreover, a most interesting' sight, and, by urgent calls from all parts of the house, the march was repsated. The insur ance agent and reporter wa3 a very fair presentation by Mr Harry Power. Policeman Batters by Gainsborough was played* as also was Philip Appleby the rich banker, by Mr Searie ; Edgar Vernor, the banker's clerk, was Mr A. Smith, who performed with a live liness and power of language that was marked and well-defined. Mrs Searie was the banker's wife of the piece, but in which Mrs Searie had not th 3 opportunity of exhibiting her motherly capabilities to the full extent. Laura (Miss Jessie Raymond), was the adopted daughter of the banker, and the heroine of the story, in which character the actress found means Of displaying her abilities and winning theapplause of the numerous audience. The whole closed wiih Mr Baker's operatic medley, a meritorious performance. A full orchestra rendered the musical selections and ucoompanimentsin. a most creditable manner. The drama will be repeated this evening with sonss and dances,

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

William Sunflower forfeited his bail. AVILD.

(Before R. G. BaistoAv Esq., R.M.) DRUNK.

Henry Dignau was brought up on a charge of drunkenness and disorderly con duct, aiso with striking constable McDon ald, and damaging his uniform to the amount of 10s.

Prisoner pleaded guilty to all the charges. Sub-Inspector Pardy said that prisoner was under the influence of liquor in Queen street last evening, and caught hold of a young lady who was passing, and attempted, to take a liberty with her. The constable interfered, when he assaulted him in the manner stated in the charge. This Avas the second constable Avho Avas'laid by during the present week through ill-usage. The Court ordered a fine of 40s or one month for the drunkenness, and assault ss, and lGs for the damage, with costs ; or 14 days for the second oiience. MASTER BOAVDEN. Edvrard Bowden was charged, with as saulting Richard Steele, but as complainant was not Avilling to press the charge—de fendant having made an apology and placed 10s in the Industrial Home poor box—the: Court permitted the charge to be Avith draAA m. JACK ASHORE. John Thompson was charged Avith a breach of the Merchant Shipping Act, by leaving the barque Alastor, on the 7th inst., without leave of the commander. Prisoner pleaded guilty. The captain said the prisoner had been a. good sailor, and this Avas the first time he had offended. He hoped, therefore, that his Worship would deal leniently Avith him. His Worship advised the defendant to> alter his course, and steer clear in future. As the captain had spoken kindly of him, he would be discharged on payment of 6s Gd costs. A LADY'S WATCH. Martin Dwyer, and Ellen were charged Avith stealing a silver watch, value £10, also, a one pound note on the 6th inst, the property of Annie Hooper, of Grey street. Sub-Inspector Pardy asked that the case might be remanded until Monday. The property had been recovered, but the prisoners Avould not account for the posses sion. Semanded accordingly. SICKLY SHEEP. Hugh Macky, farmer, of the Great Soiith Road, Remuera, Avas charged Avith alloAving sheep to be at large Avhich Ayere infected; with the scab, Avithout permission of the- Inspector. Mr Macky said he Avould plead guilty, although he Avas not aAA rare of the offence. Mr Lewis stated that scab Avas very perceptible on the sheep. He AA rould not,, hoAvever, press for a heavy penalty, as he thought that Mr Maeky might have been ignorant of the scab in his flock. Fined £10, and costs. DOGS. Several citizens AA rcre charged under the Dog Nuisance Act, A\ rith alloAving their favourite household pets to bark and bite without the necessary collars on their necks, but as the summonses had not beea served, the cases AA'ere passed. ;•: THE HOWICK OUTRAGE. gfiS CHARGE OF RAPE UPON AN OLD WOMAN OF SEVENTY. , David King, Hugh Mackenzie, and Duncan Mackenzie, were broxight up on a charge of committing a rape on Ellen Garrett, of the village of Ho wick, on tne 30th of May. Sub-Inspector Pardy conducted the case on the part of the police, and Mr Hesketft appeared to Avatch the case for tne prisoners. The Court was cleared of spectators. Ellen Garrett deposed that she was a Avidow, living at Howick. -\ She kneyrjj"^

THE EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, JUKE 8, 1877.



SMALL PROFITS, AND QUICK RETURNS. WINTER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. R JSHBROOK AND BRIDGMAN Invite the attention of Purchasers £ of Drapery to their Large and Complete Stock of NEW AXD SEASONABLE GOOD?. A nutnbar of Special Lines now offering :— Girls' and Ladies' Waterproof Mantles.—A lot slightly damaged to be cleared out this, season at Very Greatly Reduced Prices. Ladies' Black Cloth Jackets very cheap Moss Trimming, assorted colours, 10ld per doz. Good Strong YVinney, heavy make, 7d yard Striped, Check, and Rob Roy Wool Plaids, very cheap Ladies' White and Shetland Lambawool Hose, good. Is 3d per pair Good All-wool Flannel, Is per yard. An Unequalled Stock ef BLANKETS. Further supplies jsist received, all sizes and qualities, at Very Low Prices. A lot of Moleskin Trousers, small Men's sizes, various qualities, at Great Reduced Prices ■ to clear A lot stock of Gentlemen's 'Overcoats.,' Macin tosh Coats, &c. Clothing of every description .for Boys and Men Hosiery, Shirts, Hats, Caps, &c, &c. Is. in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 203. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Waee'Hguse, Upper Queen-street, auclkand. OPECIAL NOTICE. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, TTTTT A HII LL OO RRRER TT A II L O O R R TT AA II L O O R-R-R TT A—A H L O O R R TTAAIIL OORR TTT A A lIH LLLLL 00 R R AND . HABIT-MAKER, SHORT LAND-STREET, .Auckland. H.L.P. begs to inform his customers and the public generally tliat he has Just Received a Large Consignmeni.of WINTER TWEEDS and FANCY COATINGS; also, a Special Line of SUPERIOR SILK NESTINGS. N.B.—The Trade ejipplied at a small advance Tnvoice Prices, fcrCash. MJTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act gf Parliament. NEW ZEALAND ERANCH: Head Office, Auciiland- Local Director: •'oausEBuRG^TNE Owen, Ekq. KMessra. Owen and Graham.) Principal Medical Offlc&r: Charles Field Goldsbro', Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand: William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principe£ Towns. Every information on the subject o£ iLZFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by S. A. ■- jwe, Travelling Agent to :fe? Association •: ,or WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. ;■-. Special Featores.— Age asmitted on ■fl°t 1f 3 ' Wlucll ara UNCHALLAKfGABLE from



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