SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„^« nr«n-uD (This Afternona, 8.31 -7 HIGH WATER— ) To-morrow -doming, 8.50 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.1 SUN' RISE.—To-morrow Mort.inrr, L_9 MOON'S AGE.—First Quatt_i. 13th, 9.13 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Argyie. s.s-. Stephenson, from Wangarei I lie ward, schooner, froni Russell | Lsetitia, schooner, from Lyttelton

DEPARTURES.

Hauraki, p.s., for Waitara (from One__-_.sga) PROJECTED DEPARTURES. For Napier—Southern Cross, s.s., Tuesday For ,Fri,co-*-Cu_y of Sydney, Wednesday, 19th, (English Mail) * . . For Hokian*?a—Queen, schooner, Saturday For Chatham Islands—Omaha, brigantine, early For Levuka-~G.ael, schooner, Saturday Vnv Kaipara—Roderick Dhu. brigantine, early For London—City of Auckland.ship; Famenoth, ship, barly For Port Chalmers—Otaki. ship, early For Sydney via Kaipara—Syren, brig, early.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

•Citvoi Sydney, s.s., from Sydney, Wednesday, TDth Lmda Weber, from Timaru; sailed sth inst. duellos ship, from London ; sailed 16th Oct. May Queen, barque, from London', early Iron Queen, barque, from London; sailed /th Sept. „ , ~ , Abbey Holme, barque, from London; sailed September. The brigantine Roderick Dhu, Captain Robert son sails at once, in ballast, for Kaipara. She will load timber at Kaihu for Motueka and Rind Bay. Mr T. Keane was a passenger by the schooner La Gironde. , . ._,_... The S S St. Kilda brought up the following pissengera from Wanganui .—Mrs Hall and child. Mrs Elley and child, Mr and Mrs Lloyd, and Mr Davidson. She left the Manukau this morning on the return trip-to the same port.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

MR. ALFRED BUCKLAND'S WEEKLY REPORT. Hor .c Stock.—Prices obtained were: Staunch Ivavy dfaueht,- £30 to £10 ; unbroken draught lilies £73 to £31 10s; active light harness hors°s £12 to £20; light hacks, £7 to £12 each. _ t the wool sale on Wednesday, an advance averaging id per lb. on first sale was obtained. 557 bales were catalogued, and all were sold. At the sale held at Remuera on Thursday, December 6, dairy cows were yarded in greater number than usual. They were dull or sale, and prices ruled low. Store cattle were in average sunolv, yearling steers of good quahty fairly competed for ; other descriptions of stock duU "of sale, and at lower values. Fat calves in p.s than usual numbers, but no improvement on last week's values. Fat cattle in full number; 135 head yarded, mostly heavy weights, and all of arood ou .litv. Prices lower than last week, ->s to 3s the iflOlbs. Store sheep of an inferior class were fairly competed for. Fat sheep in full supply;"heavy weights at lower values. but small and medium-sized at last week's rates. Prices given were : Auckland fatted cattle, 26s ta 253: ship-borne, 25s the lOOlbs.; fat sheep. •Hdto 3d the lb. : well-bred yearling steers, £3 5 . to £3 10s ; coarse bred, from 15s ; dry cows, £3 10s to £1 2s 6d. .

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under : For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to morrow, at 4 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyie, this day, at 5 p.m.; ana on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Tryphena, per Wave, this day, at 1.30 p.m. For Levuka, per Gael, to-morrow, at 7 o.m. For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Wanaka, to-morrow, at 8 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, this'lay, at i p.m. For WaiAvera. Mahurangi, Matakana, Mhnga vvai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, Jper Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Chatham Islands, per Omaha, to-morrow, at 2 p.m. For fussell, Kawa KaAva, Wangaroa, and Mongo.ni, per iona, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For Whitianga, Tairua. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per RoAvena, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. Per s.s. Wellington, on Tuesday, 11th instant as follows: — For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 9.30 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially so addressed), at 10 a.m. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi. and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne at 10.15 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Wednesday, 19th instant, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United State 3of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. 8. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

At their Old Tricks Again.—lrresponsible speculators are again attempting to foist spur ious rubbish of a hurtful kind upon the public as identical Avith the celebrated Udolpho Wolfe's Shiedam Aromatic Schnapps. They put their poisonous imitations in the genuine Schnapps bottles and either counterfeit the label or pretend that the false is a3 good as the genuine. Take none but the true health beverage.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

" A Subscriber." —Yes. The last race run by Yaterina Avas the Autumn Handi cap, at tbe Auckland Autumn Meeting. 1874, Avhich she won, beating Maori Weed and several others. " Constant Reader," Parnell. —Peerless and Pcinter are not mentioned in tbe "Australasian" among tbe horses that finished in the last Melbourne Cup. They Avere probably both among tbe "pulled up" lot, and a bet betAveen them should be draAvn.

BIRTHS.

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

DEATH.

BURGESS.—On the 6th December, 1877, at his parents' residence. Hill-street, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand, Frederick John, youngest son of Mr. E. Burgess, aged eleven months.

The funeral will leave Hill-street at 1 p.m to-morrow (Saturday). Friends please accepi this invitation.

KISSLING.—On 6th December, Mary Verena, only daughter of Theos. and Ellen Kissling, aged 1 year and 3 months.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1877.

Vat the cause that lacks assistance, Pat the wrong; that needs icsistance, _?o* the future in the distance, Aad tte £ood-ti___t we «a <_•<*.

The survey-obstruction mania has seized upon a section of the natives in the North Island, aud is spreading like a mild form of epidemic. Fortunately, up to the present, it has not assumed a seiious phase, and therefore no ground exists for alarm, but tbe indications are such as to call for the exhibition of tact and patience on tbe part of the Native Minister and his subordinates. The sources of these period ical displays of Maori bumptiousness are generally hidden from the uninitiated • they are concealen behind that mysterious veil which hasfor many years past enveloped I native affairs in the North Island. To those, ! liOAvever, who are privileged to lift a corner of the curtain, and behold-Avhafc is going on behind, these periodical --native difficulties^ Avear all the characteristics of a .veil rehearsed farce, full of souud and fury, and usually signifying next to nothing at all. The managers and principal actors In these little performances are usually actuated by the laudable desire of squeezing some con cessions out of the pakeha, and Avhen these have been secured the curtain falls, and general harmony is restored. Within the past Aveek there have been two cases of obstruction to surveys by natives The .scene of the first .vas the Waimate

plains, where no opposition was anticipated ; mid. of the second, Taupo, where, according to the tiaxe-honoitred etiquette of the Maori, a party of harpies, assisted by some scoun drel who has been in receipt of Govern- j meat money as a native constable, pounced upon the surveyor's chains within view of the Constabulary barracks, and stopped the survey. Telegrams reporting the occurence add that the natives in the district are j übilant over the success of this piece of ** bounce," aud regard it as likely to promote the- restoration of the con fiscated lands. If -any such. hope do ' animate the minds of the natives the earlier ! they are undeceived the better for themselves. Tae confiscated lands are irrecoverably gone; hut even if it were possible to restore them, such an act would create a precedent iufinitely disastrous to the colony, and likely to defeat its own object by inciting the Maoris, a people incapable of regarding concessions as other than confessions of weakness, to further and still more mons trous demands. The natives have beeu repeatedly told that the return of the con fiscated lauds was impossible, but the fluctuations of policy which have accom panied the accession to power of successive Ministries, aud the bids made for native support, have flattered the innate vanity of the Maori, destroyed his confidence in the consistency of our native policy, and raised up vain hopes aud aspira tions. At every great native meeting at which the Native Minister for the time being lias been present the burden of the song has been " give us back Waikato," restore this or that block of confiscated land. The natives have obstinately clung to the vain hope that some fortuitous change of administration, some European complication, or some internal rupture be tween the colonists, would present a favour aOle opportunity for recovering these lands; and unfortunately this hope lias been kept alive by some worthless Europeans, who have found an asylum amongst the natives, or have endeavoured to acquire a temporary influence for the advancement of their sel fish projects by ministering to the vanity of the race.

There is another view of the question which is equally worthy of consideration. The native mind has been agitated by the land policy of the late Government. Liv ing at a great distance from the European centres of population, relying upon tardy and chance sources of political information, Avbicb is generally exaggerated or dis torted, and incapable as they are of accur ately gauging tbe motive and influence of political measures, tbe Maoris in tbe centre of the Island have been unable to distinguish bet .veen friends and foes, and their minds have probably been _ filled Avitb an undefined dread of approaching danger, It behoves tbe present Govei _imnt to quiet this feeling, and it can best be done by a straightforward declaration of policy in a form which will circulate throughout the Island. The duty is incumbent upon tbe Government to declare absolutely once or all that the restoration of the confiscated lauds, as a Avbole, is, and Avill be, an utter impossibility; and that, so long as tbe natives regard it as a sine qua non of a permanent reconciliation between the tAvo races, so long Avill an amicable discussion be equally impossible. We do not anticipate any serious results from such an out-spoken declaration of policy as that. The idea of the restoration' of the confiscated lands has never been more than a mere chim era in tbe native mind, and has never re ceived any direct official encouragement from any Government. It is cruel to encour age, by a Avant of firmness and decision, these delusive hopes. The natives are gifted with sense enough to reconcile themselves to the inevitable, if it be put before them in au honest and straightforward Avay. But there is still another feature about these occasional local "scares" which ought not to be overlooked. It may be noted that they occur regularly under certain circumstances. Whenever a Ministry succeeds to ofiice Avhich is sus pected of economic designs, especially as regards the expenditure of the Native Department, then these little coincident " difficulties " simultaneously break out in certain parts of the North Island—like vari ola, or like tbe ominous and aAve-inspi'ring phenomena that bangs, or lately bung, over Moko-Hinou. It aa'us so in 1572, Avben Mr Stafford bad charge of the Native Portfolio for 29 days and a few hours ; and the same mysterious programme is being rehearsed now that Mr Sheehan is in power. We are confident, however, that the present Government possess the tact and skill- to grapple AA'ith these so-called '-native diffi culties," and that they will end, as we hope the great Moko-Hinou Mystery has endel— in smoke.

Since the above Avas put into type, Aye have received tbe following confirmatory telegram :— " Rotorua, this day, 12.45 p.m. Telegrams re tbe Rotorua surveys in the Auckland "Herald" were incorrect. Tbe surveys will not be permitted until the Government declare their native policy re lands. Tbe humbugging conduct of tbe late Government is the real cause. The surveyor at Taupo Avas stopped again yesterday, and a number of Trig, stations destroyed. This avus done within sight of tbe Armed Constabulary barracks. A visit from Sir George Grey might settle matters. Tlig natives are anxious to see him."

The more one looks at the Hinemoa correspondence tbe fnore it Avears all the peculiar characteristics of a storm in a tea cup. The first Ministerial memorandum appears to have ruffled the aristocratic , feathers of the Marquis, who replied in a tone of ill-concealed pique. In tbe hysterical excitement of tho moment His Excellency—or more probably tbe ill-in formed Secretary avlio drafted his hasty reply—appears to have overlooked the im portant fact that privateering was abol ished by the Treaty of tbe Great Powers at the Paris Congress of 18G6, and to have had in bis mind's eye the possible contingency of an Alabama carrying oft' tbe Norman by family jcAvels and plate from Government House. Ap parently His Excellency (or the aforesaid Secretary) is loth to realise the fact that the old days aro no more, and that tbe colony, having been bled to almost its last shilling, can no longer afford these prolonged holiday trips in a gilded steam yacht, Avitb tbeh ceaseless round of balls, festivities, addresses, and jollification. Of course, so distinguished a personage as Sir William Jervois must have been chaperoned by the Marquis in his inspec tion of tbe harbours of the colony, and nothing short of a retinue of aides, secre taries, and lackeys would have sufficed to impart eclat to the affair. Then, naturally, the thing .vould have to be done under high pressure, and the consumption of coal would not be stinted; not to speak of an un limited supply of those luxuries which are so necessary to render a sea-passage toler able. But why all this fuss and nonsense because tbe Government, acting in the interests of economy, did not see their way to despatch a special steamer for tbe pur pose of bringing over Sir William Jervoise to draAv up ■ a report Avhich must remain in abeyance for years to come ? When Lord Belmore, Governor of New South Wales, visited Neav -Zea land accompanied by Lady Belmore, be contrived to find ample accommodation in tbe Hero, and did not regard it as deroga tory to bis vice-regal dignity to take bis meals at the saloon table. Even His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby himself Avbeu be assumed _ tbe Governorship of the colony availed himself of tbe same means of transit; but, as all tbe Avorld knows, and as Captain Logan learned to bis cost, tbe noble Marquis regarded tbe s.s. Hero as utterly inadequate for bis personal convenience, and complained of being " cabin'd, crib'd, conlin'd." Nevertheless, Governor Weld visited New Zealand in an ordinary passenger steamer : and, if we mistake not, Governor Ferguson left NeAv Zealand by the same means of conveyance. Perhaps when the Marquis of Normanby shall lo recalled home, tbe Commodore on tho Australian station »vill place the .entire n -uadron at his dis posal; or the Lords ol* the |Admiralty, J

fearful t)f woundmg the amour propre of this -Ostinguished man, may send -out tbe Channel fleet to escort him home. Perhaps !

The House, yesterday, reduced the amount of the proposed loan to £2,500,000, and last night passed the measure through its remaining stages. The whole of the Supplementary Estimates were passed, with the exception of a sum of £500, which, Aye presume, was intended as a solatium to the relatives of the late Colonial Architect ; an unnecessary and extravagant item of £2,500 to the General Assembly Library; and £500 to Mr W. H. Farnall.

To the Editor : Sir,—l was very much grieved to see the heading " despicable coward" placed over the report of the little difference between myself aud wife, which unfortunately came before the Police Court yesterday. As the case was withdrawn voluntarily by my wife, in spite of several endeavours to get her to go on, nothing could have been disclosed to warrant the title uuder which your reporter choose to insert tbe report of the case. And if evidence bad been taken, it would have shewn that the title was equally little justified. I have been in Auckland since 1554, and during that time my character in various respectable employs has been sufficiently established to free me from the suspicion of even desiring to deal harshly with my wife. The little domestic differ ences which led to the case yesterday was but a momentary occurrence, which was not worth notice, much less such a stigma as your report fastens on it. My wife was urged on with the case, but bad no credible ovidence. Those who got the most beer were likely to swear best. Several respect able people, unsolicited by me, bad attended Court to vindicate my character.—Yours, &c, James Green.

A correspondent inquires if there has ever been a thoroughly authencicated instance of the death of a human being from spon taneous combustion. In reply we may state that in some aucient medico-legal works cases are recorded in which it was supposed that the body was either con sumed by inward combustion, or acquired such extraordinary combustible properties as to be consumed when brought into con tact with fire. The case of a woman named Millett was recorded in 1725, by the dis tinguished surgeon Le Cat, but subsequent disclosures led to tbe supposition that the woman was- burnt to death through her clothes becoming ignited. Licbeg thinks that the idea of spontaneous combustion originated at a time when entirely false views were entertained on tbe subject of combustion, its essense and its cause. Since the case of Millett, some 50 others have been recorded. Dr Frank, of Berlin, records 45, but of these Liebeg shews that only three are worthy of belief, aud he goes on to state that " hundreds of fat, well-fed, brandy drinkers do not burn when near a lire." In 1847, the body of a man who was neither fat nor a drunkard was found in bed in a state of combiu-tion, and the case is re ported in the " Gazette Medicale" of Sep tember 4th, 1547. On the 13th June, 1547, the Countess of Coerlitz Avas found dead in her bed-room with the upper portion of her body partly consumed by fire. This was supposed to be a case of spontane ous combustion, but 14 months later, in cou sequence of suspicious which had got afloat, the body was examined and subjected to special examination by the Hesse Medical College, who re ported that the cause of death was not spontaneous combustion. The matter was referred to Liebeg and BischofF, and they reported that the Countess had been murdered, and the body burnt to conceal the marks of violence. Her varlet, Staufl', was put upon his trial, and after his con viction he confessed to the crime. Altogether scientific evidence is against the popular belief in spontaneous combustion. _

Upon the second reading of tbe Lotteries Bill in tbe Legislative Council, one honor able gentleman thus delivered himself, although, strange to say, the "Hansard" reporters have made a sad hash of it. He said be rose Avitb great pleasure to support this Bill, or any other Bill calcu lated to prevent the frightful indulgence in lotteries, sweeps, games of chance, and in fact games of all sorts. He could speak from personal observation, and he might also add from personal experience, of tbe fearfully demoralised condition of some parts of the Colony in regard to these matters, especially on the West Coast. In order that be might be better able to trace tbe mischievous tendency of gam bling, andjto study] its pbyscbological and physiological ell'ects, be bad endeavoured to make himself proficient. He might be pardoned for haA'iii" played tbe precarious game of poker, and having Avooed Missy iv the enticing [game of Loo. Care they to knoAV that be ever kneAV the grief of being euchred with the tAvo boAvers and a queen in bis band? YetsoitAvas, Avhilst in the Egyptian game of pyramids be bad Avatcbed the pang which overcast 'his op ponent's face as ball after ball dropped into the pockets, and visions of half crowns rose before him. He had wit nessed tbe loss of many useful and valuable lives caused by that fatal game of pool, and bad often been on the A*erge of losing bis oavu, but managed generally to come oft' a conqueror. What was to be expected of a community, except uarroAv-mindedness, Avbicb Avas al .vays playing crib, or quarrel ing over whist ? Sir, [gambling pervades the whole place—cards, dice, billiard-balls are everyAvhere. You eat dice, you drink dice, and sup off cards ! And then, sir, the SAveeps ! Sir, I tremble Avhen I think of tbe many times I have nearly Avon the best horse ; I could Aveep even now AA'beu I think of foolish sales of doubtful animals which afterwards turned up trumps, and I have knoAvn Avhat it is to get up at daylight and implore a lucky purchaser to cry off or let me go halves. Sir, I could draw you a pic ture of misery occasioned by the practices I have referred to, but I Avill spare the feel ings of the Council. (Hear, bear.) I have learned all I Avant to knoAv, and having given the Council the benefit of my ex perience, I can only say that I hope the Bill Avill be carried. (Applause.) Rumour hath it that tAvo hours later the eloquent orator.was overheard remarking : " Who's my player?" And subsequently " I'll go you one better."

Mr H. N. Abbott announces that he Avill resume possession of the City Club Hotel on Monday next, when he will be happy to see both old and neAV faces around him. Mr Abbott was always a most popular ■maitre d''hotel, and his numerous friends \vill be pleased to see this announcement. A day of humiliation and prayer was recently appointed at Mururundi, N. W, S. ,on account of the prevailing drought. Referring to Mr Charles Bright, the "Sydney Morning Herald" says:—This gentleman, who has been for some time delivering lectures in tbe cities of New Zealand, arrived here in the Rotorua. Mr Bright Avill remain here for a few weeks, during which time he Avill deliver lectures on advanced subjects, and then return to NeAV Zealand to fulfil engagements tbei-3. A singular case of blood poisoning oc curred to a man named James Huston, of Glenore. He opened a cow Avhich had died from eating "tubi," and in doing so inhaled the carbonic gas, which had the effect of causing him to turn black in tbe face. He recovered under medical treat ment. A first-class performance of Athletic Sports is advertised to come oft" on Boxing • Day at the Ellcrslie Gardens. The con tests comprise events open to amateurs only, and others open to all. There is a 150 yards handicap open to members of the Trade smen's Athletic Club only. Tilting at the ring and jumping with horses Avill also be conspicious even's. Tbe entries for the handicaps AviJl le received by Mr Alfred King, the Secretary, at the Thames ' Hotel,' on Wednesday, the 19th instant. The other entries will be taken on the ground. Mr J. K. Smith, butcher, Parnell, an nounces his removal to new premises adjoin ing tbe Barrel Hotel, and publishes bis bill of fare.

No wonder ho&se rent in Wellington is high. During .he session Mr Richardson, late Minister of Public Works, paid £30 per week for the use of one eutire floor of the Occidental. Sir Dillon Bell paid £10 a week for tbe occupation of three front rooms-, and Mr Montgomery paid a similar amount for the rent of a house which could be got in Auckland for 255. The Remuera and Epsom Cricket Clubs are almost as sturdy rivals as tbe Dingley Dell and Muggleton Clubs of Pickwickian renown. 'Great preparations have been made for the first match of the season, which is to come off in the Domain to-morrow afternoon. It will be? remembered that on the occasion of the inaugural match last season the Epsom players "secured a somewhat, unexpected victory. We have it on the best authority that Remuera is burning to retrieve its laurels, and that its captain has sworn to do or die in the encounters. The bloodless conflict will commence at 2 o'clock. The teams are composed of the following players :— Epsom—A. Heather, R. Brown ing, Willmott, C. Hesketh, A. Aitkin, H. Havr, A. Mears, T. Gillies, R. Baird, J. Baird, J. C. Seecombe. Remuera— W. F. Buckland, J. Nolan, S. Jackson, D. Tonks, T. Whewell, W. H. Airey, W. Tonks, A. Baber, Cbeeseman, R. Scarborough, __.. Tonks.

The following is offered by Autolycus in the Nelson "Times," as a valuable sugges tion for a pantomime during the Christmas season :—

SCEXK.—The Temple of Finance, in tha Garden of Mystery. Very foggy.

Enter.— The Presiding Deity and the Immediate Past Presiding Deity, with attendants, &c. (Th: Presiding Deity points to the fog, and sings J — Ho, disperse tho?e noxious vapours; Let the public see our capers: Let them see the road we're going, Let them know the cash they're owing. Past Deity (imploringly)— Preserve the fog, although it choice us Don't destroy the hocus pocus; While outsiders, peer or peasant, Pay their money and look pleasant. The attendants invoke a breeze, that dears the fog. and discovers a magic mi>ror, on vjhich is in scribed : "The expenditure of the colony is £1,920 per day in excess of its legitimate revenue. The result must be ruin."

The Immediate Past Deity falls down, and is carried out. Blue fire, and bluer looks among the out s'ders. Curtain falls.

" Observer," Hobson-street, |writes : Sir, —On looking round tbe Souuday-school Exhibition last evening I noticed that several excellent exhibits Avere passed with out notice, and which in my opinion, Avith out reflecting unfavourable on the judges, deserved prizes. I observed further that the names of the exhibitors were attached to their productions, which I consider a wrong course of procedure, as tbe judges ought not to knoAV the names of exhibitors before awarding tbe prizes. The articles would then be judged on their merity with out favor or prejudice. A meeting of the Volunteer officers of Auckland Avas held last evening for the purpose of considering Avhat steps were necessary to be taken with reference to tbe new road which is to be made across the face of tbe butts at Mount Eden. _ There avus a fair attendance, the chair being occupied by Captain Devrom, of the Victoria Company. The Chairman introduced tbe business" in a brief speech, in which be showed that tbe range had been constructed during the time Mr Gillies held tbe posi tion of Superintendent of Auckland. At that time, an effort was being made to con struct tbe road, but Mr Gillies voted money for tbe construction of another road instead. Should tbe road projected be made, it'would render the range prac tically useless. The land on Avhich the range bad been constructed was part of the stockade reserve, and therefore the property of the General Government. They had the poAver to interfere. Some discussion took place on the subject of establishing a trust, and it Avas finally agreed, on-the motion of Sub-Lieutenant Connolly, seconded by Lieutenant Payne:—" That the officer commanding the district, and tbe officers commanding the various com panies in the district, be trustees." It was decided that the resolution should be forwarded to tbe officer' commanding the district, Avitb the request that be would bring the matter uuder the notice of the General Government. The meeting concluded Avith a vote of thanks to tbe Chairman.

On Saturday Aveek tbe Auckland Cricket Club are to try conclusions on tbe Domain ground with the Thames cricketers. A team of tbe latter is noav being coached for the occasion, and avc expect the contest will prove an unusually exciting one. It is expected that the railway line to Hamilton Avill be ready for handing over to tbe Government within a fortnight. A pub lic meeting Avill be held at Hamilton to morrow, to adopt measures for suitably in augurating tbe opening of the line. Telegrams from Wellington report that Mr Sbeeban'ryesterdayiutroduced a Telegram Copyright Bill, which, however, he ay .s in duced to postponeuutilnexfcsession. Wepre sume this is tbe measure which has so long and urgently been demanded vy all the most influential journals of the colony, Avbo have suffered loss and annoyance from the piratical tendencies of a number of small journals Avhich have existed on the enter prise of their contemporaries. A portion of the Shortland-street pave ment has been asphalted during the present week, and Avas a necessary wort, but unhappily tbe asphalting suddenly ter minates opposite what is known as " Franklin's," and inconsequence several persons have slipped and fallen, and re ceived some injury. Last evening, a milk man slipped, and spilled the greater portion of his can of genuine lacteal fluid ; and this morning a little girl fell aud broke a bottle of " Kitchens'," to her utter fear and con fusion of mind. We call attention to this spot especially, as it is really dangerous, and trust the omission will be remedied without delay.

Mr Augustus Van Zaudt Macdonald is gazetted general manager of the Kaipara and Punui Railway, as avc 11 as of the Onehunga line. Since Mr Macdonald has managed our raihvays a notable improve ment in tbe arrangements has been observ able, and tbe public convenience has been studied consistently. We are glad to see that bis sbadoAV is not likely to grow less.

The Nelson " Colonist " referring to tbe conduct of Major Atkinson, says _ —"He Avas loud and saA rage in bis denunciation of tbe division taken in the absence of three gentlemen, Avbo at that time were counted among bis folloAvers ; and be A'OAved never to rest till the negligence of bis whips Avas re paired, or perhaps tbe reluctance of- the truants to enter the same lobby with him was overcome. He fumed and raved, gre.v Avbite or livid AA'ith passion, shouted at the Speaker till be was hoarse, and strange to say, not a member Avas awed by the spec tacle. Tbe only effect indeed Avas to convince the Avbole colony that a man cursed with such a frightful temper, and Avbo, instead of sorrowing Avben it mastered him and striving against it, gave full SAving J;o its excesses, and seemed to pride himself on being so frequently driven by it out of tbe category of rational beings, could not safely be trusted at the bead of affairs. People saAV that be hugged his besetting sin, and some Avbo had previously sup ported him became alarmed at restoring a slave of passion to power." Mr Hugh Hogarth, many 'years of tbe bouse of Archibald Clark and Son's, has taken Argyie House, at tbe corner of Vulcan Lane, recently occupied by Mi- John W. Pearse, and will open the same to mon-OAV (Saturday) in the drapery and clothing business. As Mr Hogarth is well knoAvn he may anticipate a fair share of public patronage.

An entertainment Avas given last evening in Mr Domwell's Hall, by tbe members of tbe " Hengard Star Variety Troupe" for the benefit of widoAv Tapsall and family. The object avus Avorthy of a larger audience. The late James Tapsall AA*as an officer in the water police, and had Avon much re spect by bis courteous conduct and steady adherence to the line of duty. The pro gramme Avas fairly cairied out, including songs, hornpipes, double trapeze, and a quadrille party.

The treasurer of the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children begs to acknowledge with thanks, the following donations :— "Nemo," £5; Mr Neumagen, per EVEN 7 ing Stab, £110s. To the Editor : Sir,— Youjwill oblige by correcting tbe report of the fire in Wake field-street. As stated in a recent night's issue, I was tbe person who left a candle in the office, which must have fallen into a cask of Avaste paper aa*hile I went into my house. I was not absent tAvo minutes, but Avben I returned 1 discovered tbe fire, and immediately threw tavo buckets of Avater, Avbicb completely put the fire out. Margaret Sbanaghan may have given the information to the pa-ties named in your report, but all danger Avas over before they arrived. The police certainly made an examination, and Detective Jeffrey took tbe key of my office, and returned it on Wednesday morning. It is true that my policy bad expired.—l am, &c, Henry P. Hayden. A ease came before Mr Barstow in tbe Police Court this morning, in which a man was charged with drawing off water from a standpipe without a permit from tbe Town Clerk ; and several others Avill be heard on Tuesday next. For the information of the public generally avc publish beloAV section 256 and sub section 2, of section 262, of the Municipal Corporations Act, in order to remove from the minds of our readers any doubt which may exist with reference to those provisions. " If any person refuses or fails to pay any AA'ater rate for Avbicb he is liable, the Council may without prejudice to any other remedy for the recovery of such rate, stop the sup ply of water to the premises in respect of which such rate is pay?ble in such manner as the Council thinks fit, and may recover from such person the Avhole expense incurred in stopping such supply." Section 262, sub-section 2, provides penalties for any person who unlawfully draws off or diverts any Avater belonging to the AYater YVorks.

On tbe Cup day in Melbourne one lady wore a satin dress, ornamented with £2,000 worth of buttons, each button having a diamond iv the centre. Tbe dress has since been placed with the lady's banker for safe-keeping.

A lad in the employment of Bro .vn, Campbell, and Co., while in the act of delivering orders at Nathan's bond yester day, was attacked by a ferocious dog, and severely bitten in tbe arm. We understand that proceedings Avill be taken in the matter, by tbe parents of tbe lad.

Tbe " Otago Daily Times " comments as folloAvs on tbe speech delivered by Dr Wallis in tbe Choral Hall :—" During that speech, tbe honourable member appears to have stated that " every fourth man in the HouseA\ rasapolitical trimmer and. a rogue." Whether the honorable aud reverend gentleman had made an accurate calcula tion of bis colleagues aud of their personal worth, totting them one by one, or whether he merely spake in round numbers, by the way of oratorical generalisation, honorable members appear to have objected to the exact numbers, and to have felt that the proportion of rogues to honest men .yas something less than one in four. According to Dr Wallis there are tAventy-tAA*o political trimmers and rogues in the House. We think the general impression outside is that be has rather understated the number, and that a good many more than this number have entitled themselves to be enrolled in tbe dark Indeed, if Aye take tbe judgment of; honorable members themselves on their colleagues as being in any degree accurate—and who should knoAV better—Aye skould be com pelled to admit that one in four is a wholly illusory proportion, and that the reverend and honorable member, in taking a survej of bis companions, was yielding to that spirit of charity by which clergymen are so often led astray in looking indulgently on the weaknesses of their felloAV-men. In fact, there being only tAventy-tAvo rogues and political vagabonds in tbe House—if we could but believe it- correct —would serve to raise the Assembly very much in the estimation of the country, for at tbe present moment Aye cannot exactly recollect any member of tbe House of Representatives who has not been charged by some other one with having been implicated iv roguery, to say nothing of political trimming, Avhich is a very venial offence as things.go."

PARLIAMENTARY

(From our own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. CONSOLIDATED STOCK KILL. Tbe principal clause of this Bill was carried on a division by 38 to 13, and after some further discussion the measure was read a third time and passed. PUBLIC REVENUES BILL. The clause authorising the issue of defi ciency Treasury Bills was amended by increasing the amount from £300,000 to £400,000. FOUR MILLION LOAN BILE; " This Bill proposed to authorise tbe Go vernment to raise £4,000,000, and provided for the appointment of tAvo or more persons as agents for raising and managing tbe loan, who, in addition to tbe general powers conferred by the Act, may agree that deben tures issued by them shall be converted into stock, created or issued under tbe New Zealand Stock Act, 1577, and may either specify tbe terms of such conversion or arrange that such terms shall be subse quently agreed upon. Tbe annual rate of interest is not to exceed 6 per cent. Pend ing tbe raising of tbe loan, short-dated debentures may be issued at a not greater rate than 6 per cent., such debentures to he for no longer term than seven years. The House Avent into Committee on the Bill, when Mr Ballance moved that the amount of the proposed loan be reduced from £4,000,000 to £3,000,000. There was a long discussion on this amendment, which the Government party appeared to regard as having been brought forward by Mr Ballance on the nature of a com promise. The Premier said tbe Government con sidered that £4,000,000 would be necessary, but as they Avere in tbe bands of tbe House they would take what .vould be granted, and endeavour to expend it in an economi cal manner, so as to meet outstanding liabilities, and to provide for authorised works. The AA-ords " Four millions " having been excised, the motion to insert "Three mil lions " in lieu thereof Avas negatived on a division by 27 to 26. Major Atkinson then moved to insert the Avords " Two millions." Mr Wood (Invercargil) moved as an amendment thatfthe amount be £2,500,000. After further discussion Mr Wood's amendment Avas carried on a division by 28 to 25. THE SCHEDULE. At a subsequent stage the folloAving schedule was prepared :—Public Works and Immigration, £1,400,000 ; Provincial liabili ties £300,000; redeeming guaranteed deben tures, £800,000 : total, £2,500,000.

Last Night.

Loan Bill Passed.

(PRESS AGENCY.)

WELLINGTON, this day, The Loan Bill Was read a third time;

An address for a sum to bridge the Arapeina, near Callie's ford, was negatived by 26 to 25.

The QueenstoA\n Waterworks Amend ment Bill was read a third time. SURVEY OF RAILWAYS. Mr Macandrew, on a motion for going into Committee of Supplies, stated that the Government would survey the various rail way lines authorised this session by tbe Bill, even if the Bills did not pass tbe Legislative Council.

ALL ESTIMATES PASSED. Tbe House then went into supply, when

the whole of the Supplementary Estimate, Public Works and Immigration Estimates and Supplementary Estimate. Avere got through. * s A large number of items Avere objected to and there Avere a great many diAusions • but with the exception of £500 bonus to the late Colonial Architect, Avhich was struck out by 27 to 13; and £2,500 for the new Assembly library, struck out by 33 to 22; and the compensation to H. W. Farnell, £500, struck out by 21 to 17, all the items passpd' FREE IMMIGRATION TO BE IN DUCED. • Mr MacandreAV intimated his intention, to gradually reduce ordinary free immicrra tion as tbe nominations increased. With regard to tbe vote for the Maonui Avater race, Mr MacandreAV, in reply to Mr- Gisborne, said the Government would make a tunnel at a cost of about £16,000, if private enterprise would finish tbe race ou the security ot a guarantee of six per cent ou £50,000, half tbe interest to come from the^ Government, and half from the county or nfunicipality. Progress was. reported at four o'clock and tbe House adjourned till noon. ' Mil WOODS-AMENDMENT. Mr Wood's amendment to reduce the Four Million Loau to _ £2,500,000 Avag. accepted without a division, there having been tAvo previously. - 8 Eepo_-te& designation of &Ir It is reported that Mr Rees has resigned his seat in Parliament though it has not been formally announced. Cn L'r Woou's motion that the loan be £2,500,000, Major Atkinson's motiouthatit be £2.000,000 was put, and negatived by 27 (0 2~ } this carrying Mr Wood's amei_& ment. Slvisioa _Mst. For the £2,500,000 : Mess s Baigent Ballance, Barff, J. C. Brown, Bryee' Bunny, Carrington, , DeLatour, Dignan' Fisher, Gisborne, Grey, Hamlin, Hislop' MacaudreAV,JMacfarlalle,|Murray-Ayncsley, Nahe, ijßowe, § Sharp, Sheehan, Shrimski S.vanson, Tairoa, Takamoana. Tole, Wood! Against : Atkinson, Beetham, BoAA*en' Brandon, Burns, Curtis, Douglas, Gibbs' Hunter, Hursthous'e, Johnson, McLean' -Montgomery, Moorbouse, Ormond, Reid' Richardson, Rolleston, Stevens, Sutton' TaAviti, Teschemaker, Travers, Wason',. Woolcock. Important Co_?respc_fids__ce Ec- DissoltLtion. For some weeks past a \?jry animated correspondence^ has been carried on be tween thefGoveraor and' Sir George Grey on the question of granting a dissolution, which the latter has been urging the Governor to grant at tbe gclose of the present session. The Governor declined, Avhereupon Sir George Grey took up the position that the Governor is bound to take the advice of bis consti tutional advisers on this asfon all other questions, and that the Premier of a colony could demand a dissolution when ever he chose. The Governor, on the other band, maintains that the power of a dissolution is the special prerogative of tbe Crown, and informs Sir George that he as Crown representative will exercise such prerogative at his discretion. The corres pondence will be laid before loth Houses.

To-Day.

HOUSE DISAGREFS WITH COUN-

CIL'S AMENDAIEMT.

The House met at noon. The House disagreed with the reasons of the Legis lative Council for its amendments in the Land Bill, extending tbe term of the- Southland pastoral leases, and tbe amend ment of the Council in tbe Land Sales Bill, striking out tbe clause extending the homesteads over the the Avhole colony,- Avere disagreed with on a division by 29 to 15.

The House meets again at three.

CABLEGRAMS.

Russians Carry Kars by Assault.

Orchanie Captured. Srseroum Summoned to> Surrender. (EEUTEE'S TELEGKAMS PER PEESS Agency). LONDON' November 19. A Russian official dispatch, dated Nov.. 18th, reports that Kars Avas carried by assault, under General MelikofE. Tbe Russians successfully attacked the- Turkish positions, and captured Orchanie on November 21. Tbe Russian commander has summoned: tbe Turkish garrison at Erzerouni to sur render. Tbe Sultan haa ordered resistance to the last extremity.

AUSTRIA DECLINES TO MEDIATE.

RUSSIAN CONDITIONS OF; PEACE.

LONDON, November 24 . Count Andrassy, replying to the Turkish- Ambassador's note, stated that the monieat; for mediation bad not arrived. The Russian press contain the proposed, conditions of peace, which stipulate for the cession of part of the Turkish fleet, a joint. Russo-Turkisb occupation of the passage of the Dardanelles, and tbe exclusion of an other nations. . An Imperial ukase is published, sanction ing the formation of a National Guard at-- Bucharest. „ RUSSIANS CAPTURE ETROPOL. The Roumanian army is beseigmg: Widdin. , ' Tbe Russians captured Etropol. ' It is semi-officially reported that the Turks abandoned Orchanie. ..: SERVIAN INDEPENDENCE. A Servian declaration of independence is expected.

RUSSIAN CAPTURE OF ORCHANIE CONFIRMED.

London, November 2t_ A Russian official dispatch states that Turks Avere attacked and completely defeated at Orchanie, wbicb they subse quently evacuated. This is since confirmett by tbe " Daily Telegraph." ■-■"' Sulieman Pasha has assumed the ot fensive. Tbe Russian loss before Kars was- enormous. o0 London, Nov. U. RUSSIANS MARCHING ON EE/h- ROUM. Prince Hassan, with the Egyptian con tingent, has fallen back to his former position. .., a The Russian brigade, under MehKon, remains at Kars, while tbe rest ol Russian troops are marching against Jirz TURKISH RECONNAISANCE ON THE LOM AND JANTRA.

LOSS INFLICTED ON LUSSIANS.

A Turkish official dispatch statesjh the Turks made a reconnaisance pey» the Lorn and Janira rivers, and jnflicteu heavy loss on tbe Russian forces.. , RUSSIANS CAPTURE GB^-"*** ' REDOUBT. „ . tza Skobeloff has captured the Gravis Redoubt. n ._,•»-, Sulieman Pasha is appointed Commam.' in-Chief in Rounielia. __ _ »{; Mehemet Ali commands the troops Rasgrad. . , t j. a t A Eu sian official despatch state.-. * tbe battle of Azzi is substantially..s firmed. . , ■, According to a Bussian official WW* the Turks, on the night of the 15th, ,iw unsuccessfully attacked SkohelottsPPs° s Moukhtar Pasha received reinforceD*

7BE 1 . LINING STAR, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1877.



<Qi_ A\6\ REWARD RE HITCHEN'S i^JL\llf BLOOD RESTORER. As several Bottles, containing trashy worth less compounds, have been palmed off on un suspecting people on the pretence of their b _ng the celebrated " Kitchens' Blood Restorer," the Proprietor respectfully cautions his patients to see that the Bottles bear both his Trade Mark and Sigxattjre. He also warns the unscrupu lous persons who, under false pretences, receive people's mone3*, that 100 S'ousds Seward will be given on conviction of persons guilty of infringing his rights. H. HITCHENS. XT NI ON INSURANCE COMPANY i_J OF NEW" ZEALAND. CiPITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLAND BRANCH: QUEEN-STREET, % Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at Lowest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON • Manager. r-1 HE A P |J AT S! CHEAP HATS . ! CHEAP CLOTHING ! ! A Quantity of Men's and Boy's Drab axd Black Felt Hats will be offered at B3T GREAT REDUCTION TO CLEAR. Also, a Parcel of CLOTHING, comprising Men's and Boy's Tweed Suits, Trousers and Vests, &c. These Goods are slightly soiled, and will be sold REALLY CHEAP. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, "SvTEW r^EALAND XTOUSE, Auckland. CARP UTS, HEARTHRUGS, LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTH. T. & H. COOKE Beg to inform their friends and the public that tliey have imported a large assortment of the above, which xoill render their FURNISHING ESTABLISHMENT one of the most complete and extensive in Auclcland, having purchased these Goods of the Manufacturers direct, for cash, they are enabled to offer them at VERY LOW PRICES. ' New Patterns in Carpets and Linoleum, t_W BHO W ROOMS-. 67, Queen-street. Steam Cabinet Factory Victoria-street. QTEAM'ENGINES. FOR SALE, Cheap, in first-class condition, with certificate for 65lbs pressure: 1 Portable, double cylinders, 9J; 1 Do., Do.. 7s ; 1 Do., single cylinder. 10; 1 Do., Do., B.—Apply to G. HOLDS HIP. THE undersigned are noAV brin ing forward a Large Parcel of GENE AL DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, fee, bought at considerably less than usual prices, to Avhich they invite the attention of all requiring Good Value For Money. Corsets in great variety of quality and style, white and coloured, from 2/6 per pair Linen and Lace Goods, Cufts, Collars, and Sets, in variety Ladies' Underclothing Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, Alpaeca, &c. Lot of Flowers at very low price, quite fre3h Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves, &c. A Splendid Stock of Muslin, Lace, and Lenoe Curtains, Counterpanes, Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Sheeting, Felt Squares 'Carpets. Floorcloth, China Matting, Ticks, &c. Large-size Huckaback Towels at /G each -NeAV Fancy Dress Materials, Japanese Silks, Coloured Lustres, Black Lustres, Embossed, Striped, and Check Muslins, Prints, &c. ■Brown Holland, from /G_- per yard Unipn, Fancy Jean, aud Oxford Shirtings, very cheap A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mixed Fancy Shirting, at 2/3, usual price 3/6 per yard White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard Also, very large assortmentef Gents' Shirts, White Longc-otk, Union and All:wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scoteh'Twill, Fancy Jean, . Oxford, Sec Strong Tweed for Bsp s wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel U below Factory prices Braces, Belts, Ties. Scarfs, Colics, Cotton and Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &c. Leghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and 'Drill Hats, for s___^Boya and Men, Sec, Sec, Sec a. in he £ allowed on all Cash Fnreliijaes of J2Ds. and upwards. RUSHBROOK 8c BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Warehouse, _ Upper Queen-street, J AUCKLAND.



■W-OW IN THE PRESS. To Be Published in a S*fiW Days, A NEW MAP OF THE NORTH ISLAND, Showing boundaries of Counties compiled from the latest Government Surveys, conta-nmg over 1800 names of places, rivers, &c. Engraved and Lithographed by Schmidt and Co., Vulcan Lane and High-street. mo A~GRICULTUI-I_mT& OTHERS W. J. HURST i_ CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and i profitable returns can be relied on by a j-adicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. j Hurst &'Co. in strongly commending them to, evs*y Agriculturist:— MADDEN ISLAND GUANO "PERUVIAN GUANO - MEXICAN do- BELL-c dONEELOUR i and i-inch BONEDUST BILLYARD'S No. I do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME- In addition to the above, W. J. H. fc Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato ahd Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars Will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 161 QOEISN-STREE T, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING Just Landed, ex Columbus — 30 casks new Clovers, cousisting of Red Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand. Alsyhe, Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Rats-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. [101, QUEEN-STREE T. 500 sacks Sydney Maize, (superior sample) 3000 „ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour, Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c. Sec Particular attention is called to 600 sacks Prime Barley at is per bushel o 50!t.. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh v atmo.al, a £21 per ton. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND. STATION AL FIRE AND MARINE J3I INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. Capital £1,000,000. Reserve £50,000. Re-Insurance Fund .... £20,000. Insurances effected against Fire and Marine Loss of Every Description of Property, at Lowest Current Rates. Prompt and Liberal Settlement op Claims. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, Manager, Auckland Branch.