SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

nrriTT watt?.? •'This Afternoon, 6.11 HIGH WAll-K—} To . morrow Morning, 6.29 SUN SET.—This Evening, 5.38 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 6.31 MOON'SAGE.—New Moon, 14th, 5.29 a.m

ARRIVALS.

Zcalandia, R.M.S.S., Honry Chevalier, com mander, from Sydney Hinemoa, s.s., from the South (with supplemen tary English Mail) Julia Price, Rchooner, from the Thames. Electra, ship, from London.

DEPARTURES.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES,

For London—Glenlora, barque, early; Loch Urr, barque, early For Wangarei—Argyle, every Tuesday For Kaipara and Melbourne—Loch Lee,

schooner, early. For the South—Hawea, s.s., 16th inst,

IMPORTS.

Per Electra: 200 boxes Belmont candles, 30 cases Anglo-Swiss milk, 20 do jams (Morton), 5 do Crosse and Blackweil's jellies, 5 do capers, 5 do Van Houten's cocoa, 3 do tartaric acid.—G. W. Owen and Co.

Per Emily Chaplin: 30 cases Keillor's marma lade, 20 do iams (Pink's), 5 do baking powder (Millor's), 30 casks and cases currants, 10 barrels linseed, hempseed, &.., 4 cases ground ginger, 5 casks ultra-marine, 3 cases safety vestas, 2 cases figs.—G. W. Owen and Co.

Per Electra: 2 cases Venetian blinds, 4 do. chairs, 2 do. linoleum, 2 cases trimmings, 6 do. furniture, 1 do. reps, 13 cases iron bedsteads, 1 bale mats, 1 do carpets. Per Zelandia from Sydney : 139 boxes fruit, 10 cases tobacco, 1 case "drapery, 1 case cigars, and 130 packages in transit, for Fiji, Honolnla, and San Francisco.—Owen and Graham, agents.

EXPORTS.

Per Zealandia for San Francisco: 20 bales fungus, 2 cases ferns.—Owen and Graham, agents.

ARRIVAL OF THE ELECTRA.

The ship Electra, whose arrival we noticed last night, made the harbour long after dark, and brought up in the powder ground. She has made a long and tedious passage of 118 days from Gravesend. Sho has not been to this port before, but has made several trips to the South of the colony. She carries the Shaw, Savill and Co. flag, aad is consigned to Messrs Cruickshank and Co. The Electra is a neatly modelled com posite ship of 66S tons, and is in her eloventh year. She brings several passengers, all of whom arrive in good health. The following are the principal features of the voyage: Left Graves end on the 14th December. Sighted Madeira on 15th January. Crossed the Line on the Ist of February, 48 days out, the lengthy passage to this port being caused by continuous heavy S. W. gales. Carried the trades to 22° S. Passed the meridian of the Cape on 25th February, and was abreast of Tasmania 29th March. The eastings were run in the parallel of 46° S. From Tasma nia to the Three Kings experienced a succession of heavy gale 3, which culminated on Sunday last—the vessel being then off the North Cape— when the sea broke aboard several times, on one occasion throwing the captain and chief officer down on deck. The ship brought up off Tiri on Tuesday night, after having variable weather down the coast. The following is a list of the passengers:—Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gresham, J. J. Hamilton and family (2). Second Cabin— N. R. Biffen, E. A. Maddox. A. M. Wright, A. Winnett, T. Mounsey. and J. Bennett. Steerage —W. Webster, J. Corbey, J. Moore, A. Button, G. Gayner, T. A. Brown, D. Turner, E. Mason, and W. Sellars. They were landed this morning.

DEPARTURE OF THE ENGLISH MAIL.

The P.M. Co's s.s. Zealandia left for Kandavu and San Francisco this afternogn, conveying; the homeward English and American mails, and the following passengers in addition to those who came through from Sydney :—From Auckland to 'Frisco, Saloon—Mr J. S. Edge, Captain Prtherbridge, Mr G. L. Sunderland, Mr R. F. Soufhby, Mr R. H. L. Fergusson, MrR. Tupper, Mr Jas. Gittos, Mr A. Gavin. Mr C. Sutherland. Steerage to'Frisco—Wm. Dalley, G. Rawson, M. Deegan, Mr and Mrs Keogh, and 4 children, F. Martin, W. Jackson. A. Wiltshire. Saloon to kandavu : Miss M. Smith, Lady Gor don 2 children and 2 servants, Mrs Chinnery, Colonel Pratt, Mr A. Mundsley. Steeraae : Mr F. Martin.

The s.s. Zealandia arrived from Sydney early this morning. Captain Chevalier, late chief officer of the Australia is in command, and reports as follows:— April 7th. 2.50 p.m. -eceived H.M- mails. 3 p.m. weighed and proceedeu. 3.55 p.m. discharged pilot, and passed through Sydney Heads at 4.10 p.m. Fresh S.E.E. winds experienced for first two days, accompanied by heavy beam sea, afterwards moderate, and fine to port. Passed Three Kings on the 11th at 10.15 a.m., and North Cape at 3.30 p.m. Auckland pilot boarded on the 12th at 7.40 a.m. Anchored in harbourßa.m. Passen gers: MrandMrsStewart.MrE. Stone, Mr A.Bea ver, Mr W, P. Wood, and 4 in the steerage, and 41 saloon and 36 steerage in transit for Fiji, Honolulu, and San Francisco. We are indebted to Mr R, McDonald, the purser, for the usual favours. The brigantioA Matchless is about to sad for Kaipara to loan timber for the South. The barque Elmiranda wi'l make Valparaiso her next port. She is now quite ready to sail. The s.s. Hawea has been detained at Welling ton, and will not arrive at Onehunga until Saturday morning about 10 o'clock. She will leave for the South at lO.o'clock on Monday, 16th instant.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr Alfred Buckland had a large and success ful cattle fair yesterday at the Riemuera yards. The sale was generally satisfactory. The princi pal sellers were: Messrs J. S. Buckland, Frank Lawry, R. Biddick, W. Wills, A. Willis, M. Mander, Geo. Dibble, Jas. B. Hay, John Johns, R. J. Middleton, Jas Hayr, James Henning, Joseph May, and R. and E. Maclean. The buyers chiefly were Mr William Kelly, of Opotiki, Messrs Pollen and Young, Mr William Innes Taylor. W. F. Hunt, W. Young, Andrew Sinclair. John McLeod, of Raglan, R. J. Taylor, and J. S. Buckland. Mr E. Perkins, of the Junction Hotel, provided a capital spread on the occasion.

Messrs Grant and Morton held a sale of pro fierties this morning. Although there was a arge attendance, and the terms exceptionally liberal, there was very little competition, and the only property sold was the Royal George Hotel, Newmarket, for the sum £1 90..

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

The following are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below :— £ s. d. Date. Calls— New Morning Star 0 1 0 — April 16 Dividends— Moanatairi.. .. 2 10 0 — April 12 Alburnia .. .. 2 6 — April 12

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to morrow, at 11 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coroinandel, per Kina, this day, at 4.30 p.m. and to-morrow per Argyle, at 2.30 p.m., and per Kinajat 4.30 p.m. For Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, and the Australian Colonies, per Hinemoa to-morrow at 5 a.m. For Gisborhe and Napier, per Pretty Jane, to-

morrow, at 3 p.m. For Whitianga. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per

Rowena, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Hawea, on Monday 16th inst., at 8 a.m. For Tairua, per Tairua, to-morrow at 3 p.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

WESTMORELAND.—On the 11th April, at her residonoo, Franklin Road, Mrs. Joseph West moreland of a son.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1877.

For the cavse that lacks assistance For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance And the good that we can do.

The vagaries of cable dispatches on the Eastern question, have exhausted the patience and ingenuity of all who have endeavoured to follow them with the object of forming an intelligent opinion on the prospects of peace or war. To-day, the political sky is bright and serene, to-morrow overcast, the next day surcharged with electricity and all the elements of a terrible storm. Anon, a favourable breeze springs up from an unlooked-for quarter, the clouds break and the sunshine of peace streams out. One day, the obstinacy of Turkey menaces the general weal; another day, the machinations of Russia ; again, it is the want of general concert between the Powers; and then we learn that the very perfection of their concord is likely to drive the Turks into a defiant attitude. We don't know how far we are warranted in charging these vagaries upon the chequered character of the negotiations, and what proportion the compiler of the cable dispatches should bear. But -we do know, to our sorrow, that the Eastern Question is costing the Press of New Zealand a tremendous sum of money with no more useful result than the non-plussiug of readers. If anyone doubts it, let him clip out the shortest telegram on the subject that has appeared in any one of our issues during the last month and ascertain the cost of cabling it to Australia. The worst feature of all is, that -while paying for expensive telegrams the journalist is twitted in these dull times with the cry of '•nothing in the papers," as if he were personally responsible for the obstinacy of the Powers in not precipitating hostilities that would impart sensation to the daily dose of costly cablcgraphic twaddle. The cable message published in our issue last evening is the most mysterious of all the indefinite announcements that have reached New Zealand at a cost of a pound sterling per word. AYe are told that the decision of the Turkish Cabinet Council, which had met to consider the invitation of the Powers with reference to the protocol, is awaited with uneasiness. And immediately I thereafter, the telegraphist goes on to say, " it is rumoured that the Porte has resolved to negotiate with Russia." It would appear from the sequence of the sentence as though the first statement was dependent on or explained by the second, or in other words, that the "uneasiness" was a consequence of the better understanding between tho two nations which for the last few months have been crouched for a final spring at each other's throats. This view of the position might gain some support from pre vious telegrams declaring Russian influence all powerful at Constantinople, or Stamboul las the Turks render it; and British " un easiness," it would be inferred, was occa sioned by the supposed Ottoman entangle ment in Russian toils. A glance at the previous negotiations, however, will place the matter in a different light, and will bring our periodical reviews of the progress of negotiations up to a stage from which the general reader may gather some glim mering of connection and sense in the disjointed telegraphic news. After Turkey rejected the reforms prescribed by the Conference, Prince Gortschakoff, the ! Russian Prime Minister, issued a diplomatic circular to the various European Courts, inquiring what future measures would be taken to preserve the European concert and exact the demanded reforms from the obsti nate Mussulman. Replies from all the leading Powers were favourable to the granting of a reasonable time to test the reforms guaranteed under the new Turkish Constitution. Rus sia was dissatisfied with the fruitless cha racter of recent negotiations and the state of aimless inactivity thus imposed on her, with a large army already in the field. Scarcely prepared, however, for isolated hostile action, the Cabinet of St. Peters burgh submitted to the Powers a draft agreement for future action, should Turkish incompetence re-assert itself, and prove European intervention to be an in evitable proem to any curative treatment of the Sick Man's disorders. The English Cabinet refused to sign the original protocol, but after further negotiations, during which the war fever was again in the ascendant, and the Russian press raised the cry of "War or dishonour," the protocol, in an amended form, was signed in London. The full cable dispatch announcing this im portant event throws light on the nature of the agreement. The telegram came , under date, London, April Ist :

The Ambassadors of the Great Powers have signed the amended protocol at the Foreign Oflice the Earl of Derby declaring thai the validity thereof depended upon peace being concluded with Montenegro, and the disarming of Russia and Turkey. Count SchorwalofF, the Russian Plenipotentiary, declared that Russia would consent to the demobilisation of her army, and was willing to receive an envoy from the Porte to negotiate the terms of a mutual dis armament, provided that peace with Montenegro was assured. Turkey, it was said, was favour able to disarmament, and was willing to execute the promised reforms.

This treaty which has become the basis of European concert in future dealings with the Eastern question, recognises Turkey's efforts at reform, is favourable to some smaU cession of territory to Montenegro, and urges the Porte to place its army on a peace footing. It also makes provision for unitedly considering a plan of operations to compel the just government of Turkish Christians, and secure the peace of Europe, if Turkey fails in speedily determining these points by its own energy. Immedi ately following the signing of the protocol, telegrams reported that Turkey was likely to treat the agreement as an infringe ment of the dignity of the Empire. But yesterday's message, may, we think, be accepted as an indication ot the willingness of the Porte to act upon the programme em bodied in the treaty and meet the Russian invitation for mutual disarmament. So far, $b* JfctjJQs.t-«» WW- -WftOlW ewe faYWWrtl .i

to peace, but a day or two should disclose definitely the policy of the Sultan's Govern ment. If the deliberations of the Council at Stamboul prove that Moslem obstinacy is opposed to every attempt at a peaceful settlement of the troubles created by Turkish misgovernment, Russian diplomacy will be strengthened, and the views of those members of the Liberal party who have insisted that it i» the duty of England to make common cause with Russia against Turkey, will demand re-consideration by the English Government.

The comparison made in an advertisement of the Auckland Gas Company elsewhere is generally interesting. By a typographical error in former publications, the advantages in favour of gas over all other lights was not clearly demonstrated, but it will be seen that, the present price of gas being only 10s per 1000 cubic feet, it stands in relation to kerosine as 10s to 13s 6d ; to tallow candles, 30s 2d ; stearine, 78s 3d, and pure sperm, 183s 9d. These facts are worthy of general consideration, and we think the e_Torts_ of the Company to supply cheap light, and im prove its quality, are deserving of encou ragement and commendation. From our Dunedin files, we observe th .t tho Corpora tion of that city are engaged in a bitter con troversy over the loss of £900 on the half year's operations at the recently acquired gas-works. The loss is attributed to the reduction of the price of gas from 13s, at which the Company maintained it, to 10s. The ratepayers feel aggrieved that the general city taxation should be threatened with charges for the supply of cheap gas to shopkeepers. The failure of the Corporation of Dunedin, with a much larger demand and more compact city service, to accomplish what the Auckland Company has done, besides paying handsome dividends, is owing we suppose,to the general mismanagement of commercial undertakings controlled by public bodies. But the extravagance or incompetence is the more conspicuous, inasmuch as the quality of gas furnished in Dunedin is one-third poorer than that of Auckland, the lighting power being, relatively, as 12 to 18. By importing kerosene shale from Sydney to improve the gas manufactured' from Newcastle coals, the Auckland Company has maintained the standard of lighting power at eighteen, which is about thirty per cent, higher than the general lighting power of gas in England. This, of course, entails extra expense on the Company and gives a gas of higher monetary value to consumers. In comparison with Dunedin gas, a con sumer would pay 15s there to obtain the same light as that supplied in Auck land for 10s. That is to say, he must burn 1,500 feet of Dunedin gas for every 1,000 feet required here. The very bad quality of gas in the South must have been remarked by all visitors who have had experience with the same description of light in Auckland. It is only fair to our own Company that these facts should be made known, and that the readiness manifested by the Company to reduce the price as improvements in the works and increased demand warranted, should receive more general recognition.

To the Editor : Sir, —In reference to the Choral Society's Concert on Tuesday last, permit me in justice to the lady (solo soprano) and the gentleman who sang the solo tenor and bass parts in Beethoven's Mass in C that they, m order to relieve the Society from a serious difficulty arising from the indisposition of Mrs Mitchell and the gentleman to whom the parts were originally alloted, kindly consented at the eleventh hour to fill their places. Under these circumstances any little unevenness during the performance of the mass will be readily excused by all who were present, including-yours obediently, HERR SCHOTT.

Mr Ernest Hill, farmer, of Epso*u, was found guilty of using threatening and abusive language towards Joseph Longley in March last, while in Durham-street, Auckland. Mr Hill threatened to smash the head of Mr Longley. The case was heard in the Resident Magistrate's Court, of Onehunga, and the defendant was bound over to keep the peace for six months, him self in £50, and two sureties in £24 each ; costs, £4 9s fid.

The fine of £3, imposed by His Honor Mr Justice Gillies, on a juror for absence from the juryroom, was yesterday remitted to £1. Mr McKerras, at the midday adjournment, left the Court with the intention of going home to dinner, not being aware that a good dinner had been provided for him in an adjoining room. Mr Brookfield represented to his Honor that Mr McKerras was a poor working man with a family to support, and conld ill afford to pay the fine. His Honor considering these circumstances reduced the fine to £1.

To the Editor : Sir, —I observe in your issue of last evening a local under the signature of " A Well-wisher of the Order," who writes in reference to the forthcoming anniversary soiree and ball of Court Zcalandia, A.OF., on the 24th May next, and in which he suggests that it should be held on the 23rd instead of the 24th. I beg to inform " Well-wisher," and all others who are interested, that it was the original intention to hold it on the 23rd, as was done last year, but the Lome-street Hall being engaged for that night we had no alternative but to alter ours to the 24th, as by a resolution of the committee no other Hall could be engaged. Nevertheless we believe that the alteration will not affect us to a very great extent in a pecuniary point of view!—l am, etc., Fred. Christmas, Secretary, Court 4741, A.O.F.

We regret to learn that Dr Wright, of Parnell, met with a very serious accident yesterday, while proceeding along the Manukau road in his buggy. The horse became restive and plunged violently, throwing the doctor violently on to the road. A crowd immediately gathered round, and Dr Wright, on recovering consciousness, was placed in his buggy and driven home. Dr Dawson was sent for, and found that Dr Wright's leg was broken in two places. The broken limb was immediately set, and the patient is doing as well as can be expected. The members and friends of the Christian Meeting House, in Cook-street, will hold a meeting to-morrow evening, for the purpose of presenting a silver wedding memorial of value to Captain and Mrs. Rattray, that being the fiftieth anniversary of their wed ding day.

Martin O'Brien, recently the lessee of the Wairnaku Hotel, Henderson's Mill, a bank rupt, appeared yesterday at a meeting of creditors, in the Supreme Court Buildings. Bankrupt's liabilities were a little over £100. The trustees brought up the report, and the creditors agreed to the bankrupt's discharge. The members of the Secular Association met last evening, Mr Greaves, the Presi dent, in the chair. The business of the meeting consisted in reading and confirming the minutes of the previous meeting, and the announcement that the hall would in future be called the '* Lyceum," instead of the "Old Carlton." It was also deter mined to fit up a library at once for the re ception of ancient and modern works, in furtherance of the secular objects of the society. It wall be remembered that some time ago the Rev. Mr Hassard delivered an able lecture on the subject of " British Work men Public Houses," which lecture was published at the time in the Star supple ment. Since then nothing has been publicly said about the matter, but we observe the Rev. Mr Hassard has issued a circular, inviting persons interested in the peoples' welfare to meet to-morrow evening, at the Young Men's rooms, when the desirability of .stabli. hing such an. inst .tutiQft H. thw city will t$ fiiUy di .epw^

The school children of the Mount Eden Sunday-school were entertained last even ing in the School-room, Avith tea and buns, and songs and music, chiefly by the children, under the superintendence of their teachers. The evening was pleasantly passed, and all prosent seemed happy.

The settlers of Otahuhu enjoyed an evening with Shakespeare on the sth inst. The readers of passages from the great poet's works were the Rev. E. Browne and Mrs Freestone. The pieces selected were the balcony scene, from Romeo and Juliet • Prince Arthur and Hubert, from King John ; Cardinal Wolsey, from Henry the Eighth; and the trial scene from the Merchant of Venice. Each reading was introdnced with a brief description, inter vened with selected music, by two ladies. The whole was instructive and entertaining, and deserving of a better audience.

■'Talking of candidates, I may mention one rather curious specimen of the class," writes the Melbourne correspondent of the 'Otago Daily Times,' "Dr Macartney— now a teetotal lecturer and caudidate for Parliament—was once a clergymen of the Church of England, but left that position on the ground that it did not afford scope for the movement of large intellects. So he studied for the bar, became a barrister-at law, and ultimately a member of Parlia ment. When in that capacity he did not hold, or at any rate did not practise, the opinions regarding the duty of total abstinence which he has formed since. Neither is he believed to have shown any tendency in this direction during the time of his stay in Fiji, where he is understood to have had a chequered career. It was rather a surprise and a cruel cut to his old friends when they found out, on his return, that he had became a burning and shining light of temperance doctrines, and did battle with the demon drink on teetotal plat forms as a means of living. The other day he was announced to lecture at the Temper ance Hall, but in the afternoon the evening paper came out with a report of an applica tion made to the Supreme Court by the wife of Dr Macartney to be premitted to file a petition of divorce against him for drunken ness, ill-usage, and unfaithfulness. He met his audience in the evening, but did not proceed with his lecture. In lieu of that, he read to them a letter in which he declared that he was the injured party—not the culprit, but the victim—and that a bosom friend of his, whom he had introduced and recommended to a constituency, and who had been, and was now, seeking to be a member of Parliament, had betrayed his confidence, poisoned his domestic happiness, and did other very wrong things. To those who take Mr Macartney's version it becomes manifest that queer people found their way into Parliament, and those who disbelieve him altogether may nevertheless agree in the same conclusion." Dr Macartney, after vacating the office of Attorney-General in Fiji came to Auckland and endeavoured to pass as barrister but failed. A report was recently circulated that he intended to make a tour of New Zealand lecturing in the interests of Good Templary.

Members of Lodge Ara are informed by advertisement that a Lodge of instruc tions will be held this evening at the Masonic Hotel.

A very cord ial gathering assembled at the Thames Hotel last night. For some time past it has been the intention of the employes of Messrs Jones & Ware, engaged on the ne>v dock works, to present to Capt. W. H. Percival—their late superinten dent—a token of their esteem before his projected departure for the old country, which is to take place shortly. It was settled that the token should take the shape of an illuminated address and a gold ling, and that it should be presented at a supper to be given at the Thames Hotel last night. About 50 sat down, including nearly all the workmen in the contractor's employ. After the company had paid due attention to a substantial repast prepared by Mrs Grattan, a variety of toasts were proposed, and responded to. These included the Queen, Royal Family, the Governor, Army and Navy, Our Guest, the Dock Contractors, Mr Errrington, the Hostess, Sec. Mr Mercer, the chairman, in proposing Mr Percival's health, paid that gentleman a very high compliment for his untiring zeal in his employers' interests, and his unvarying kindness, and fairness to the men. At the conclusion of his speech he presented the ring and address, amid cheers. Capt. Percival re sponded in tones which betrayed the emotion he felt at receiving such a mark of esteem. He should keep both as long as he lived, and should esteem them as memorials of the cordial relations which had existed between them. He was glad to find that his desire to do his duty to his employers had not prevented him earning a place in their esteem ; he congratulated Messrs Jones and Ware upon having such a liberal minded and earnest set of workmen. Their constant cheerfulness and desire to obey orders in the spirit as well as in the letter had made his duties a pleasure to him. He thanked them heartily for their kind pre sent and works. The assemblage passed a pleasant evening, and broke up shortly before midnight.

A cleverly executed drawing, represent ing styles and columns of architecture, appears in the window of Messrs Phillipps and Sons, of Queen-street. The drawing is by the second son of Mr P. Herapath, architect, of this city, a student in Univer sity College, London.

CABLEGRAMS.

[Press Agency.]

Russia Demands an Answer.

The San Francisco Mail.

LONDON,

April 11. Russia desires Turkey to reply to protocol before the 13th instant.

The Australia, with the London mails of the 10th March, left San Francisco on March 29.

The City of New York, with the New Zealand March mails, arrived at San Francisco on April 6.

AUSTRALIAN.

"Wrecks and Loss of Life.

SYDNEY, this day. Further particulars about the wrecks on Lacipade Islands states that when the Aboyne struck, the captain's wife, Mrs Swan, and two children where in the cabin and were drowned, also the ship's carpenter and two boys. Twenty minutes after strik ing nothing of her was to be seen. The bodies of the drowned washed a .bore were frightfully mutilated by sharks.

DEPARTURE OF THE HERO.

Messrs Cbuickshank and Co., have received a telegram stating that the s.s. Hero left Sydney for Auckland at 5 o'clock last evening.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

A serious dray accident occurred late last evening, about 200 yards below the Ellers lie Hotel. Mr Penal, of East Tamaki, was proceeding home from Auckland with his wife, in a dray, when in the darkness it went into a hole on the side of the road, and instantly capsized, throwing out the occupants. Mr Penal sustained severe injuries in the leg, but the injuries to Mrs Penal were serious. She was promptly removed to the hotel, and Mr Robinson, of Symonds-street, drove out in a spring cart

CHICAGO MINSTRELS.

TnESE talented minstrels are clearly growing in favour, as the audience of last evening fully proved, and the performances were highly satisfactory. The programme was the" same as on tho previous evening, with the exception of the introduction of an operatic duet. This evening there will be a change, including the "Rival Artists," "Shandy-gaff," "Down in a Diamond Mine." the " Eaby Elephant," and the " Mississippi T wins,"associated with appropriate musio and a number of beautiful ballads.

Arrival of the Zealandia from Sydney.

FURTHER AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

MELBOURNE,

April 7

Messrs Poole, Picken, and Co. have received a telegram, which states that during a hurricane in the Lacipede Islands, six vessels became total wrecks, including the Cingalee, from Sydney, which was insured.

There was a very large attendance at the Volunteer encampment. Nearly 4,000 Volunteers of all arms took part in the review at Sunbury. The Governor was present. The appeal to the Privy Council, in the case of Syme and Langton, was sent forward by the San Francisco Mail yester day.

An explosion of a crucible in a brass foundry at Wllliamstown occurred. Two men were injured. The ship City of Foochow, from Sydney, bound to Calcutta, became a total wreck on the north-cost end of Flinders Island, Bass' Straits, on the 17th March. She left Sydney under the command of Captain Tait, with 1,034 tons of coal on board, on the 12th March. The crew managed to get ashore with provisions and tents. They were taken off the island by a small cutter on Good Friday, and were landed safely at Launceston to-day. The German war steamer Hertha has arrived from Auckland, and will only remain for a few days. The stewards of the Kensington Park Races have disqualified Joseph Laverty and Leonard Grimwood for manipulating the lead after the horse Salem had been weighed out for the Selling Race on Saturday. Hipe won the foot race of a hundred yards against Selby, pretty easily. Wheat is firm. Flour brought at sales £13 15s ; £14 is now asked.

A New York telegram states the decline on oil to be only temporary, and prices here h ( ave advanced again. New Zealand oats sold at a decline of 2d. New Zealand soft wheat, 5s 7d to 5s Bd.

It is probable that all the racing clubs will follow the example of Kensington Park in disqualifying Laverty and Grimwood. The R.M.S. Bangalore will be released from quarantine to-morrow.

Kerosene is selling more freely, ADELAIDE.

A farmer named Johnston stabbed his wife in a fit of drunkenness, and the woman is in a daneerons state. The Agricultural Society and Chamber of Manufactures have arranged to give Mr Davenport, the Philadelphia Commissioner for South Australia, a reception on his arrival here.

Twenty-two have been selected to play in the return match against the All-England eleven here.

Tho population has increased during the past year by 15,000 ; it now stands at 225,677. The revenue for the last quarter amounted to £369,893. There was an increase in Customs' receipts, and in railway receipts there was a decrease. The revenue from land sales is improving.

QUEENSLAND,

The E. and A. M. Company's steamship Thales is to leave Cooktown for Fitzroy Island this afteronor. Captain Coles says that the ship was in a sinking condition, and, notwithstanding that the pumps were kept going by steam, the Avater was making at the rate of ten inches per hour. There was neither provisions nor water aboard. The rock upon which she struck is not marked upon the chart, but is situate two miles south by east of Cambridge Point. Finding the water up to the ash-pits in the engine-room, the captain beached the steamer on Albany Island, and made repairs as quickly as possible. Another case of small pox lias occurred amongst the passengers by the Brisbane steamer quarantined at Keppel Bay. It was a very severe case, and the man died yester-night.

The Hon. E. King, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly ; M. T. M'llwraith, Mr T. M. Marrossan, Mr John Scott, and Mr Pcttigrew, members of the Legislative Assembly ; and Mr Forrest, Mr Turner, and Mr Drew have been appointed members of a Financial Separation Commission.

LAUNCESTON

Mr James Fincham, lately employed on the main line of railway, has been appointed Government Engineer at £750. It is rumoured that Ministers will be met by a want of confidence motion immediately after the opening of Parlia ment.

News per Suez and Torres Straits Mail.

On the 29th a scaffold, 130 feet high, fell at Lambeth, killing one, and injuriug 18 men and women.

At Birminham and Stockton, buildings were blown down, several persons being killed, and many fatally and dangerously wounded.

The steamer George Washington has been wrecked off Cape Rise ; all on board, twenty-four in number, perished. At Ahmedabad, an explosion has killed 50 persons, and injured 1000. An explosion of'firedamp in a colliery at at Graisessac, in Rome, on the 14th, resulted in the death of fifty-five out of sixty men working in the mine. At Steinbruch, in Austria, on the rail way line between Vienna and Trieste, a mass of earth calculated at 400,000 cubic yards fell on the 2nd, burying eight cot tages and their inhabitants. An express train had just passed before the fall.

SMALLPOX IN ENGLAND.

itenewea outbreaks of smallpox at Blackburn continue. At St. Peter's, in the Isle of Thanet, the disease has committed great ravages. The village is tabooed, all communication with it being stopped. In London the deaths are not now so numerous. The Prince and Princess of Wales, with their chddren and their households in town and Sandringhame, were all re-vacci nated.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

J<eb. 16.—The Royal procession was in every way satisfactory. The day was warm and clear, just what thirty years ago used to be called " the Queens weather." The Kingerbread of the SS!__w was richly gilt>and the mere sight-seers stared to their heart's content. But there was fSkS_ h_? B- pafB?ls fh ow in the reception given to her Majesty by the countless thousands, who tnronged the whole line of progress from Buck ingham Palace to Westminster. It wS not a general hubbub ; but a cheer of hearty affection ate recognition, which rose as "the Queen" came in sight, and accompanied her with a steady persistence as she moved along the line ™f e»»-t to remember thefewevil days (now almost forgotten , during which there was a passing cloud between the Sovereign and hel along without a single note of applause • calm and self-possessed, yet with an indignant flush of D Vh_ .?i° f Uti hful bJ ow- And ifc was whh a sense ?h_t th _anl- fulS ess for a «reat national blessing thf^_^ 1I. g 1 herpr?gress of last week I noted o™ Pea(i eful serenity of her face as she gazed around her, mature in years and honour! be holding on every side the tokens of a peopled deep-rooted love. The Prince of Wales had an ample share of cheering, indeed his ponufaritv ™_M VSS*-* °i- -'-s-1--^ Australia, and fain would I see it done. But, oh! the milliners' bills! Apropos of the procession, wasit not fn^ I?Ri* hat ™iU_ador wa_ loudly cheered? Was it " Russa-nhobia" ny n W^ r^ colJ? c«on of the Crime 1* or niorelv

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.- THIS DAY.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq., R M \ PV, J™°M-f TS FOR PLAINTIFpf'- Charles Bailey v. Wm Lano- . i •' value of a boat, costs £ lSftfc& n IB 0 ' v. John Callaghan, cairn sJ oq ? Br°B £1 2s ; John Grey v.' John FerS Son ' .°^ 8 £6 Bs, cordials, costs'£l Se-jff %-&*» Philip Lemprierre, claim £03 *-„ " f ci «v. Hesketh for plaintiff) £rh ?& "iff*}* (M- W. Craig v. R. Chalmers, claim _£ L^ a? d (Mr Brock tor plaintiff) &£ffift Saunders v. James Foley, claim &' k trousers, vests, etc, costs 19s : Hollar,? _ Co. v. John Cox, claim £3lssM Sr^ costs 14s, 5s a week; J V^_t*' v. James Cramond, claim £29 13s 6d m* Defendant said he could not pay as he-t a poor man with a very large family R? Honor said he should think so, by the i*. quantity of meat he and his family hE. consumed. Defendant said he had th meat to sell again, he could only p ay K a month. Accepted. His Worship said l* hoped defendant would keep his payment, up, as plaintiff had evidently been ver. kind to him. Costs £1 55.--J. W Stocks ▼. John McMahon, claim £2 2s meat costs lis 6d; 2s 6d per week.-^J to Stocks v. George Blake, claim 17s'ran.' Costs lis 6d.-W. R. Hayward v. fi McCullock, claim £414s 4d. Costs £1 2s W. R. Hayward v. George Wanni'nT claim £5 13s lOd. Costs £1 16s 6d.—W R Hayward v. G. Evans, claim £_ 3 S : n/_ Brock appeared for plaintiff in these cases! —Messrs Winks and Hall v. Elizabeth Mills, claim £3S, goods. (Mr Alexander for plaintiffs), costs £3.

JUDGMENT SUMMONSES.

W rm. Buchanan v. M. Bell, claim £23 18s, goods ; £2 a month, or failing, two months imprisonment.—David Fort v Hugh Reid, claim £2 3s, boots. Defendant said he did not object to pay, but he -was unable, and could only pay by small instalments. Ordered to pay the whole amount by 25th May, or fourteen days in Mount Eden.—Edward S. Hill v. Thomas Horgan, claim £1 0s 6d. Defendant said he was in very poor circumstances, and could not pay. Defendant, smiling, was understood to offer a shilling a week. Mr Alexander, who appeared for plaintiff, "said that defendant had means. An order was made by May 10th for payment, or in default, two months in prison.—Charles Major v. F. B. Barnes, claim £5 Is 6d. __ a month, or 14 days.

AN EXPENSIVE DRESS,

William Rattray v. James Wilson. Claim £14 14s sd.

Mr Coleman for plaintiff.

Mr Rattray stated that Mrs Wilson ordered an expensive silk dress, which was made to order for cash, but when the dress was made, Mrs Wilson refused to take the dress, it was thrown on his hands, and being of a peculiar size, he might keep it a long time before he found a customer for it.

Mrs Wilson said she ordered the dress, but without the knowledge of her husband, and she could not get the money to settle for it.

Mr Rattray was not desirous of being hard upon Mrs Wilson, and would take 5s a week.

Judgment accordingly, costs £2 ss. Maselield and Co. v. John McGarrigle, claim £1 ss, work done.

Mr Rees for plaintiff, Mr Alexander for defendant.

Thomas Taylor Masefield deposed that he received orders from Mr McGarragle to face up a plate ; he did so according to orders. The charge was very low for the work; the plate was eaten with rust, and riddled with holes.

George Jones, clerk, deposed that he applied to Mr McGarrigle for the account, when he replied : "It should have, been burnished, I'll see Mr Masefield d d before I'll pay him. The facing the plate occupied 13 hours. Joseph Tonge, foreman to Mr Masefield, described the condition of the plate; the charge was very reasonable. Robert Otway, fitter in the foundry, deposed to the rusty condition of the plate, and the time and labour expended upon it.

Mr Alexander said that the woijk was not polished, and when returned was hot fit for photographic purposes. Ciesar Zambra, photographer, deposed the plate was to be level and polished, but his instructions had not been fully carried out • the plate could be used but not success fully

John McGarrigle, photographer, said the plate had never been in the fire. George W. Heslop, engineer, gave evi dence. Judgment for plaintiff, costs £4 3s (id.

CONSECRATION OF REMUERA LODGE.

The interesting ceremony of consecrating the new Masonic lodge, under the name of "The Remuera," took place at the Newmarket Hotel last evening. The growing importance of New market, and the fact that a considerable number of old and influential members of the craft residing at Newmarket, Remuera, and adjacent localities, have experienced considerable difficulty in attending their lodges in Auckland, resulted in a movement for the formation of a lodge at Newmarket, at which the brethren could attend regulnrly. and devote that attention to the study of the sublime moral lessons of Freemasonry which its antiquity no less than its high teachings deserve. The move ment received influential support, and resulted in a requisition behig drawn up in the usuw form. A warrant of dispensation was received in due course from the Deputy Giand Muster, Bro. Toxward, of Wellington, and to Bro. Leer., . P.M., 1338 E. 0., Acting Deputy Grand Master, was delegated the important and high office ol consecrating the new lodge. At the appointedhour last evening the brethren who intended to form the new lodge, together with many visiting brethren from various lodges in Auckland, assembled in the lodge room, on the upper floor of Brother Cunninghams Newmarket Hotel. The room had been taste fully fitted up in Masonic style, and formed one of the most comfortable and pleasing lodge* rooms in Auckland, the brethren being largely indebted to Mesdames Lodder and Haase tor the very handsome drapery and ornamentation. The following officers and brethren were present :— ___ _. _, „*, William Lodder, P.M., 689, E.C., W.M. Elect, M. Leers, P.M , 912, acting D.D.G.M.N.J>A; J. Warren, W.M., 689, E.C., A.D., G-S-W.. Charles M. Nelson, A.D.G.C.; W. H. Skinner, P.M., 1338, E.C., A.D C.: G. S. Graham, PM-, 689, E.C.: Wm. Charles Walker. R-W.M.r m S.C.; H. W. Brewer, P.M., 670, E.C; H.hees George, M.M., 689, E.C.; Henry Haase, M.J»-i 1338, E.C.; F. W. Hewson, M.M.; Wilham J. T. Bell: W. Rattray; J. Martin; J. Herlwtt Burns, P.M., 421,1.C.; H. Chapman, S.D., m E.C. ;E. Perkins, M.M., 689, E.C; J.C.Sharlana, Charles O. Montrose, M.M., 1338, E.C-;_J- «• Gossett, 1.G., 1338, E.C; William P. Mo*--* M.M., 1338, E.C.; J. Westmoreland, 689, &.%■, Walter Crahame. 1338, E.C; Thos. Hood, 3» 1.C.; J. S. Hatswell, 689, E.C; E. B. Wetheyj M.M., 1338, E.C; W. S. Collins, S.,l3%'££;» T. Hobson, M.M., 689. E.C.; Geo. H. f^.- 6/' 348, I.C; H. L. Posse.neskie, -T.D., 348,1.C.. * W. Page, M.M., 962, E.C.; John B. WSfk M.M., 106,1.C: T. E. Durance, M.M., 1292, B.W T. Cole, 689, E.C.; F. Coombes, 689, WmY Saxton, M.M. 1338, E.C; W. J.Rees, £•<*=• T' I.C; W. R. Robinson, P.M.. 348, I.C. rp. A. Avey, 348, I.C; A. Heather, M.M., L°a&?j^ 348, I.C ; Geo. H. Layer, P.M., 348. J.C.; Joh» F. W. Churton, M.M.. 1338, E.C ;R.C. Wer S.D., 1338. E.C. ;|F. G. Clayton, W.M., »_%___ Arthur Wright's. D., 348, I.C; W. A. Pu"-_i At 7 pan., the lodge was called to order.^d Bro. P.M. Leers, D.D.G.M., entered thelodge room in procession, accompanied w _ following acting officers :-Bro. G. M. >«S V Senior Warden. Prince of Wales Lodge, _#g E.C, Deputy Grand Chaplain; Bro. ■§* Graham. P.M. ; Bro. J. W«wen, WJ£ Waitemata. 689, E.C, D.G.5.W..5 »* H. W. Brewer, P.M., Lod(?e EgmoM, D.J.W.; f ßro. W. H. Skinnen ££' Lodge Princeof Wales, 1338, _ % c,' B iZ Director of Ceremonies; Bro. J. *»■ ££ a P.M. 421, 1.C., V.W.M.; Bro. Porter, AJ**J. M.M.L., R.A., Deputy Grand Senior Deacon. Bro. A. Heather, W.M. Lodge_ Ar». __*£_. Grand Junior Deacon :JBro. <*• H. Lavere, r.« Lodge Ara, D.G.1.G.; Bro. Rees,.P.M. 42U m P.M. 348, 1.C., P.K.1..A., Deputy-Grand urn nist. The officers having been rewjeaw* lr grand honours, prayer was offered by tae j^« r lain, after whioh the Lodge was opened, in "•» first degree, _. _, v_rt__ " After solemn music and the readm* WVZ Grand Chaplain from Psalm 133, the petPW una warrant of dispeii.at.on were w**Jraj£

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1877



A UTUMN AND -\XT INT E R ■^ 1877. V? The undersigned are Now Opening Up a Large lot of NEW GOODS, for the incoming Season's Trade, comprising— NOVELTIES IN DRESS MATERIALS (New Patterns). Winceys, new shades, extra width, and un usual good value, frfm 6_d. Black Lustres, Merinoet o'atin Clothp, Sec S3" FLANNELS ! FLANNELS ! "©* Flannels all makes, white and coloured. AH wool and Union Crimean Shirting All wool Plaids, &c. A Very Choice Lot of NEW LINEN GOODS— Linen Sets, Collars and Cuffs, in great variety, new shapes and cheap. Alloa and Fingering Yarn, plain and fancy colours. WO BALES CHEAP GREY CALICO, 30in. 3d. per yard; 36in., 4_d. per yard. Specially suited for House Lining; superior to Scrim and cheaper. Black Straw Hats, New Ribbons, Flowers, and Trimmings, Skirts, Umbrellas, Jackets, and Waterproof Mantles, all sizes. THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT / is also well stocked with Boys' and Men's' Clothing, in great variety. A New Lot of Men's Printed Moles, good patterns Men's White Moleskin Trousers, a good line at 7/6 per pair, really cheap Belts. Braces, Collars, Scarfs, Ties, Hats and Caps, and other Goods too numerous to particularise. £__" One Shilling in the & returned on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMA.N, junction drapery warehouse, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel), y?P.W Q^N-BTB.JPT?



"VTEW T^RESS pOODS, W. RATTRAY Is now Showing his NEW DRESS GOODS FOR AUTUMN AND WINTER WEAR, Which are of the NEWEST MATERIALS, Most FASHION ABLE STYLES, & MODERATE PRICE. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, 66, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland ~W"OTICE OF REMOVAL H. A TKINS begs to announce that he ___T H A S REMOVED!!-®*. to the Premises Next Door Below his Old Shop. H. ATKINS Begs to heartily thank his numerous Cus tomers for their very liberal patronage from his first commencing business up to the present time, and to assure them that although his trade has increased to that extent, that his REMOVAL to more Commodious Premises was a neces sity, tho same principles of business will still be adhered to: viz., keeping a good article, buying in the cheapest market, and selling at the smallest profit possihle. His New Shop shall always be known as The Cheapest in Auckland. H.A. wiU be happy to see all his old Customers, and as many new ones as may honour him with their patronage. A SPLENDID STOCK OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING Will always be found, and the PRICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND 1 H. ATKINS. THE PHO_NIX FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF LONDON. Established a Century, during which time it has Paid in Claims, Eleven Millions Sterling. Head Office : Lombard-street. AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. The undersigned is now prepared to effect INSURANCES at Lowest Current Rates. THOMAS H. MABIN, Superintendent for New Zealand. Office: Lower Queen-street, Opposite Fort-street. 9 % f § \t % We notice a great rush of I ople into PEARSE'S CHEAP DRAPERY and CLOTHING SHOP. On investigation WE find the EXCITEMENT is caused by his Selling CLOTHING, DRAPERY, French Merinos, Alpaccas, Blankets, Flannels, Ribbons, Ruffles, Millinery, Silk Umbrellas, &c, at frightfully LOW PRICES, which seem to us SUCH a SACRIFICE. However, we recommend all who have the CASH to ROLL UP for Bargains now the CHEAP SALE IS ON. /CRETONNES!! Large Assortment of Beautiful Patterns in CRETONNES Just Opened. FURNISH your House economically from the _______ City Hall Arcade. FURNISH your Drawing-room from Holloway and Garlick's Choice Stock. FURNISH your Dining-room, Kitchen, and Bedroom with substantial and Cheap Furniture. "OEDDING!—AII made on the Premises. "DEDDlNG!—Guaranteed Genuine. BEDDING!— To fit all sizes Bedsteads and Cots. BEDSTEADS !—Half-tester, French, and Folding. BEDSTEADS —Iron, Wood, all sizes and prices. "OEDSTEAD Hangings made to order. INOLEUM l—The best covering for Floors of Halls, Dining, and Billiard Rooms. Unsurpassed for durability. LINOLEUM !—Especially prepared for Stairs, just opened ex Loch Urr. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN wanting Good and Cheap Furniture, Drapery, and Clothing, are invited to inspect Our Stock. Most Extensive Show-rooms in Auckland. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE, Queen-street and Lome-street. Auckland. MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland- Local Director: George Burgoyne Owen, Esq. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.) Principal Medical Officer: Charles Field Goldsbro', Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand : William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Towns. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe, Travelling Agent to the Association ; or WILLIAM T. J. BELL, General Agent. U33, Special Features.—Age admitted on Policies, which are unohallangable "from date of issue. Lowest Rates of Premiums, and no hamper ing conditions as to residence or occupation. ~JJIURXIIUME! FVBNJTUBE Ladies and Qent emen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the-Large Stock of DRA WING ROOM, DINING -ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL j ROUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Showrooms, t. <& hTcookk 07 QUBWSmitET



THORNTON, SMITH, AND FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale). Sacks. 100's. 50's. Crown Brand Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. per ton 18 0 0 18 10 0 19 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 17 0 0 17 10 0 18 0 0 Seconds Flour .. .. 14 10 0 Sharps 8 10 0 Bran 600 Fowl Wheat .... 0 4 6to ss. The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. Auckland. April 4. 1877.



Shun as you would prussic acid the detestable shams which their vendors proclaim an identical with, similar to, or as good as Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps. They are all worse than worthless. Very frequently they are sold in bottlos which previously contained tho genuine article, which is as agreeable and remedial as they are nauseous and hurtful. Pure and Healthy Blood, Clear Skin, and Good Complexion obtained by using Sharland's Concentrated Sarsapariha. Price, 3s 6d. and 4s. 6d. a bottle. Sharland's Podo ohyllin (Pearl) Pills, for Billiousness, Constipa tion, and Liver. Price, Is. and 2s. 6d. a box.— ._r Apothecaries Hall, opposite Post-office, Auckland.