SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

vnrvr WATTJ-f (This Afternoon,3.27 Uierti \\ Al_H— -j ,|_o-morrOAv Morning, i.o SUN SET.—This Even-in::. 1.52 SUN RISE.—To-morroAV Morning, 7.17 MOON'S AGE.—New Moon. 11th. 9.15 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

lona. s.f.. Farqnhar. irom rue iNorta Go-ahepd, s.s . from Gisbornc Ryno, brigantine. from the Islands ROAvena, s.s.. Sellars. I'rom Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

Hinemoa, Government steamer, tor w emiii,t<.:u (from Manukau) Melrose, barque, for Ncwcostlc

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London—Electra. ship, early: Ann Gam bles, baroue, early : Spirit of the ikuvn, barque, early wor AVangarei—Argvle, every raesftay For the Islands-Edith schooner, eariy For Nev.-castle---M.iss Kilmar.segg. brig, early For Napier—Southern Cross, s.s., luesdaj , Rotorua. s.s.. 17th hist For the South—Hawea, s.s., Tuesday; laranal-i. 13th ins! For Tauranga and the South—v\ anaua, s.s., 11th inst For Svdney—Ceara. schooner, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

">ro. P.P., from sV-'i-ev. about July IMh Yoss-mite, ship (H.W.V.L.), from London, sailed

13th April G. Broughton, shin. (N.K.V.Q.), from London

sailed lith April. Columbus, barque, from Loudon; sailed Ith

Galatea, barque, from London ; sailed 10th June City of Auckland, ship, from London Elsinore, barque, from Now York, early Belle Urandon, schooner, from the Islands,

early , -r -, -, Pearl, ketch, from the Islands.early Vision, brig, from Sydney, early Ryno, brigantine, from the Islands, early Catharina. brigantine, from Oamaru. early. Camille. brigantine. from Dunediu; sailed 29th

June „ _ , . ~ Emu. barquentine, from Adelaide, early. Blanche, schooner, from the Islands, early Norval. schooner, from the Islands, early Stag, barciue, from Lyttclton. early BellaMarv, barque, front Hobart TOAvn : sailed

Ist inst Syren. brig, from Sydney : sailed --..tbult. Memento.'barque, from Newcastle ; saillcd 27th ulitimo.

The schooner Edith Avill leave for the Islands early next week. At present she is alongside the woodAvharf taking iv timber. --The barque Ann Gambles completed her load ins for London to-day. She- is to clear out on Tuesday, and sail immediately after. The Government steamer Hinemoa left the Manukau yesterday afternoon, for Wellington, with the Hons.F. Whitaker and Dr. Pollen as passengers. Consignees of the Lombardian are requested to call at Mr Bather's oiiiee, and sign the aver age bond, in order to facilitate the delivery of cargo. ' The s.s- Southern Cross is advertised to leave for Napier direct on Tuesday next. s.s. Hero sailed from Melbourne on the 6th inscant, for Sydney and Auckland. She is to leaA-e Sydney on the 9th instant. SSThe Union Co.'s. s.s. Wanaka Avill leave Tauranga to-morroAV (Sunday) afternoon, and Avill arrive alongside Queen-street wharf at daylight Monday morning. The Union Co.'s. s.s. Hawea leaves NeAV Ply mouth at 5 o'clock this evening, and Avill arrive at Onehunga about 9 o'clock to-morro v morn- The brig Miss Kiimansegg cleared out to-day for Mercury Bay, where she is to load timber for Dunedin. The s.s. Rowena arrived this afternoon from Tauranga, with ten passengers and the following cargo : 300 bags maize, 10 bags ay heat, -12 pigs.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails avill Close as Uxirer.:- For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and no

Monday next at 10.30 a.m. Fo-.- Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next

at 11.30 a.m. . . For Newcastle (N.S.W.), per Craig Ellachic-

this day at 1 p.m. ror Waiheke, per Lpey, this ciaj at l p m. For Bussed, Wangaroa, and Opotiki, per lona,

on Monday next, at 1 p.m. . For Wangarei Heads. Waipn, W angarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at i p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga. and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For Napier, per Southern Crosa, on Tuesday next at 5 p.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces and Aus tralian Colonies, per HaAvea. on Tuesday, 10th inst., at 5 a.m. For Truranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per jWanoka, on -Wednesday nex!, at 3 p.m

S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster

The Medical Profession Have declared Stf axe's Superlative Aromatic Toxic W ixe to be a necessity to all in search of health and especially to those suffering either from tn<- pient or Chronic Tndiirestion, Dyspepsia, and .lie dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all avUo are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which, will act most beneficially on the system. Air. Wm. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Steane'S Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, aud find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con aining about 16 per cent, of a Aery pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Litter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotol keeners. Look for the signature and address ol the pro prietor upon labels of bottles purporting to con tain Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic SCUXAPI'S, and observe whether the same are deficiently executed or not. If anything be lacking, you may know them for shams and reject them. Swindlers arc putting up bad liquors in bottles which previously held the most salutary medicinal beverage in existence. Daiiie the rogues. Reliew from Cough i.x Tex-- Minutes.— Sharland's Cherry Pectoral, a specitie for Colds. Coughs, Asthma, Consumption, Bronchitis, Lung Diseases. Sec It acts like magic. Price, 2s. fid. and -Is. lid. a bottle. Sharland's Instant Cure for Toothache; Is. a bottle. SKARLAXD'S, opposite Post-otlice. Auckland.

BIRTH.

KEDDELL On the lib July, at Coromandel. the wife of Major Keddcll of a son.

MARRIAGE.

CLARK—MOTION.-On the Ith July, 1877. by the Rca\ R. F. Macnicol, John, the eldest son of Mr. Joseph Clark, to Mary Anne, the fifth daughter of Mr. John Motion, both of Auckland.

DEATHS.

McKOY.—On the 6th July, at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. Alderton, Waterloo Quad rant, Elizabeth Mcivoy, aged 70 years.

The funeral will take place to-morrow (Sunday), at 1 o'clock. Friends please accept this iiiA'itatioii.

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

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 1577.

l ror the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs lcsistance, tor the future in the distance, A—d tile t'ood that we can do.

AN important cable message was received to-day, and is published in another column. The Russian left wing has sustained a crushing defeat at Baia-Kilissa, which avc fail to find on any map out of a number Avhich have been diligently scrutinized, but it is probably situate between Sevin and Kars,and dovbtless about twenty miles from the latter. The Turks have almost annihilated their enemy, have captured an immense quantity of booty, have advanced to within tAVelve miles of Kars, and Mukhtar Pasha is continuing his victorious advance tOAvards that city, where the Rus sian besieging army has been driven from its intreuchments. Making thc'l'iillest _al lOAvance for the probable exaggeration which accompanies all merely Turkish Avar dis patches, there is enough to slicav that the Russians have suffered a series of crushing defeats betAveen Kars and Erzeroum, and are iioav in a critical position, Avith tAVO di visions of their army defeated, and doubtless mere or less disorganized, their line of retreat by no _ means secure, and a powerful and victorious army, raised to the highest pitch of fanatic enthusiasm by repeated victories, iv their rear. Having regard to the fact that the Ru-sian army which invaded Armenia on April 24th was composed of thoroughly disciplined troops, Avell equipped, and organized, and considerably out-numbering the irregular forces and raw levies opposed to them, it is apparent that they have so far been defeated by the superior strategy of the veteran Mukktar Pasha, avlio has more than sustained his Herzegovian reputation. If it is true, as stated in a Avell-infornied English paper, that the Turkish commander is a religious zealot, avlio relies on inspirational strategy, then it follows that the position of the Rus sians is much more critical than mightatfirst sight appear. Doubtless the Turks Avill attribute their recent victories to the aid of invisible hosts led on by the invincible prophet, and will be fired Avith the conviction that it is the Avill of Allah that the Giaour -shall be driven from Turkish soil. The result Avill be to bring out all the latent Avarlike ardour of the Mohammedans, and to inspire them Avith such a belief in their own invincibility as will go far to render them victorious. In order to obtain a clear idea of the nature of the recent operations in Asia Minor Aye must pass in brief revieAV the occurrences which have led up to the present position of affairs. It -will be remembered that the Russians invaded Asiatic Turkey in three divisions simultaneously, from their main base at Tifiis, near the termi nation of the railway through Caucasus, and establishing 2}oiid--; de appul at Akhal sikh, Alexandropol, and Bayazid for the right, centre, and left, respectively. Thus tluj Russians advanced upon the objectives, Kars and Erzeroum, by three distinct lines of operation, the right and left Avings being separated from the centre by a distance of betAveen 50 and GO miles. The right division operated along the valley of the river Joruk, the centre ad vanced by a nearly direct line on the strong fortress of Kars, Avhile the left, advanced by the main road, which crosses the upper tributaries of the Eastern Eu phrates, tOAvards Erzeroum. These simul taneous movements were apparently designed with the object of enveloping Kars, cutting off all exterior communication, and concentrating the two Avings somewhere in the neighborhood of the strong Turkish position of Hassan Kalch, Avhich covers the main road to Erzc-roum. The movement of the three divisions upon this city thus resembled the closing of a fan, and doubtless had the Russians suc ceeded in their operations and invested E -ze rouni, the same strategy would have been repeated in respect to Baiburt, on the main road to Trebizond, aud the point which the Russians reached in 1829. This strategy closely resembles that which the French commanders pursued in 1870, Avith such disastrous results, the three divisions be ing hurled back from the frontier aud crushed in detail. It Avill be seen by a glance at the map that the Russian strategy avus in many respects most hazardous, not only from the length of their communications, the wide separation of the lines of operation, but from the mountainous character of the intervening c«mntry,nnd the strong cmfrjil

Muklitai- Pasha appears to have acted Avith rave judgment in detcrming to keep liis forces' concentrated in a central position COA-cring Kars, retreating if neces sary along the road to Erzcroum, and drawiiii;' the Russians as far as possible from their bases, instead of dividing Ills forces and attempting .to check the advance of the Russian divisions in detail. Up to a certain point—probably the very point upon which the Turks bad calculated—all Avcnt Avcll Avith the three Russian divisions. The centre drove the Turks from their out-works in front of Kars, and completely invested that fi r..ress ; the right captured Ardahan after a severe struggle, occupied Olti, and N ad man on June 9th ; while tho left Aving ad vanced on Dyadin, and reached Karakilissa on the same date, the Turks being strongly intrenched on Hassan Kalch, the converg ing point. A glance at the map, however, will shew that the right Aving bad advanced too far, as compared with the j parallel movement of the left, and had exposed itself to defeat in detail before it could be .supported by the co- j operation of the other column, the only available road for communication, that between Koprikoi and Nariman, being held by the Turks at Hassan Kalch. The con-' (ingency pointed out actually occurred. On June litil the Russian right Aving was compelled to fall back on Panak, or Penuek gerd. inula few days later they,-were defeated at Tavasgerd, or as it was spelled iv the telegraphic messages " Alasgherd ;" the left wing appears to have been in ignorance of this retrogadc movement of the other wing, for it continued its advance towards Hassan Kalch, and fought a victorious battle at Deli Baha, probably dur ing the temporary absence from that position of the Turks in pursuit of _ the Russian right Aving. It avus stated in a tdegrain ofthc 20th ult.Avliicli announced this victory, that the Turks had retired to Koprikoi, Avhere they Avere awaiting reinforcements, whether from the direction of Erzeroum or from the returned pursuing division at Alisgerd is not clear, but probably from the former source, as Aye learned on June 23rd that a Turkish force had advanced to Ribles, Avhich stands at the apex of a triangle, Avith Erzeroum and Koprikoi as the base. About the same time the Turks were reinforced by 24 battalions, and then they assumed tlieoltensivc against the Russian left which avus driven from Deli Baha, driven back to Zeadakim about the 26' th, again defeated at Sevin, about 40 miles from Erzeroum, and 20 from Kaprikoi, and on the direct road to Kars. The re-capture by the Turks of Bu.ya.zid had rendered their retirement upon the road by which they bad advanced a dangerous experiment, and they doubtless perceived the strategical necessity of re-uniting the defeated and broken Avings in the neighbourhood of Kars, in order to save them from utter de struction, just as the French Avere de stroyed after the defeats of Weissen bonrg, Forbach, and Sedan. This brings us to the present juncture as recorded in the cable message published to-day. The course of events slioavs the extreme hazard of advancing by separate and distinct lines of operation iv a moun tainous country, intersected by rivers, and defended by a vigilant commander and a determined enemy. The Russians have drawn back their Avings from a most perilous position, and Avill probably iioav concentrate all their energies upon the reduction of Kars. which. Aye modestly venture to affirm, they ought, in ordinary military prudence, to have secured before pushing forward their isolated Avings. Probably they did not anticipate that the Turks Avould be so Avell generalled, or so strong in numbers and in spirit ; and besides they Avere over-anxious to cover and occupy territory, so as to fortify their claim to a slice of Asia Minor in the event of the sudden intervention of the other PoAvers bringing the Avar to an abrupt termination.

gave them the command of interior lines,

Tue equalising «»f railway fares throughout the colony has doubled the ordinary charges mi the Onehunga line. A liberal concession, hoAvevcr, has been made in the issue of season and school tickets. The 'busses, Avhich have successfully competed Avith the railway heretofore, may not, there fore benefit to the extent they \voulu otherwise have done from the alteration. We have heard comparatively few complaints from regular travellers on the line, and it may be inferred that they are tolerably Avell satisfied Avith the new tariff. The scale of charges falls lighter on the Mercer and Kuipara railways, and, so far, the interests of the country arc a gainer. The rates rule about the same as those charged in England. Our Canterbury telegrams, how ever, record dissatisfaction Avith the altera tion, and it is said that the farmers and dealers iv Timaru district are reverting lo drays, the tariil' being considered prohibi tory. Hitherto, under local management, the Canterbury lines have yielded -i large profit, and any change resulting iv a depreciation of' the gross returns would be particularly unsatisfactory. It is apparent that a system relying for success on uniformity lacks elasticity, and is in capable of adaptation to local requirements, and when the machinery is controlled from an ill-informed centre, and by irresponsible officials, the danger of failure becomes very much greater. We have no desire to sit prematurely upon the reforms Avhich the Government are evidently attempting to carry out in the Railway Department, but unless some radical modification of Mr Pass,mori's cast-iron system is made, the removal of that gentleman Avill not bring any material improvement in the working of the lines. We do not soo lioav com plaints arc to be avoided unless a certain amount of latitude is alloAved either to the district managers or is vested in local Boards, accessible to those of the public avlio think they have a grievance. Reforms have lately been introduced by the Com missioner of Railways in Victoria, Avith t-Q object of facilitating the public con venience. Among these are the isme of un dated tickets, Avhich may he used any day, and alloAving passengers to' alight at intermediate stations, resuming their journey Avhenever they choose. The tickets Avill be marked as a guarantee against fraud. On the Victorian railAvays avc believe the rates are not uniform, a loav tariff being adopted on parts of the line near the city which people are accustomed to use for a healthful trip into the country. This {dan has given excellent results to the revenues accruing from the railways and proved satisfactory to the public. Under the amended rules for the control of New Zea land raihvays, no attempt will be inade,to promote tra'ilic near large centres of popu lation by means of a cheap rate available to the public, and it will he contrary to experience in most instances of the kind if the consequences arc not decidedly un favourable to the higher tariff.

There avus a clean sheet at the Police Court to-day, not even an inebriate appeared iv the dock to answer for an overdraught His Worship, Mr BarstOAV, took his seat on the Bench, and Avas informed that there Avas no case. Mr Cunningham, clerk of the Court, then presented his Worship with a pair of gloves, remarking that he believed this was the first time iv New Zealand in which a Magistrate had received such a presentation under similar circumstances, and he trusted ie might prove the forc sbadoAving of a' better state of things. His Worship, on receiving the gloves, expressed his gratification, and hoped that the state of society might so improve that clean sheets would no longer be remark able ; he could not help recognizing the influence of his friend Mr Grigg on the business of the Com t. Yesterday, the first time for years that the poet had been absent, the business was heavy, to-day be Avas present and not a single offender appeared in the dock. rbe en]) Avon by Mr James Morton in the re:-c r. the < tmi'n imei.t is to Jo presented

on Monday at 4 o'ciock.

The Sunday services at the se\'cral churches of the city are announced in another column. The evening services at the theatre Avill be held at the usual liour. In consequence of the illness of Rev S. Edger, there Avill be no service at Lorno street Hall. The annual meeting of subscribers to the Auckland Dispensary was called yesterday in the Mechanics' Institute, but only two gentlemen made their appearance, viz., Mr Shalders, the secretary, and Mr James Coupland, the treasurer. The meeting, therefore, was adjourned until Friday, the 27th inst. The dispensary has been of great advantage to the people in times of sickness, and the supnort hitherto given has sustained it creditably, if not to the entire satisfaction of its immediate promoters. The dispen sary is not in debt, but its funds are low, and additional assistance is necessary for it's future progress. We hope the friends of humanity -will not be backward on the | evening of the 17th instant. j The annual distribution of prizes to the I children attending the Roman Catholic Sunday Schools, in connection with St. Patrick's Cathedral and St. Francis' Church, NcAvtou, Avill take place at the Cathedral, to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon, at three o'clock. The journeymen bakers of Auckland will bold a meeting this evening, in the British Hotel, to determine the manner of celebrating their anniversary. The third quarter of the Teachers' Training Class, conducted by Mr Worthilig ton, at" bis residence, Hobson-strect, Avill be commenced on Tuesday evening next at six o'clock.

The new novel, " Sir Gilbert- Leigh," written by Mr W. L. ltees, is expected, and as soon as copies come to hand they Avill at once be delivered to subscribers. The scenes and diameters are of special interest, as pictures of Ncav Zealand life. The introductory services of St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, Remuera, will _be held on Sunday next. The morning service Avill be conducted by the Rev David Bruce, who Avill introduce the Itev George B. Monro to the congregation. The after noon and evening services AviJi be conducted by the hcav minister. The Avolconviug soiree will take place on Thursday, the 12th inst., Avhen various ministers Avill address the meeting. We Avould remind those avlio have pur chased tickets, or promised to do so, that the postponed musical entertainment in aid of the funds of the neAvly-established Devoiiport. Club, will take place at the hall Oil the North Shore, on Wednesday evening next, at 7.30. Some superior singing and amusement may be expected, several of our leading amateurs having promised their valuable assistance. Tickets arc only one and two shillings each. The holders of the latter Avill be entitled to stay for the select dance at the cud of the enter tainment, for an hour or tAVO. Doubtless the Ferry Company, with their usual accommodating courtesy, Avill run a boat a little later than usual from the North Shore, for the convenience of visitors and friends from town, as the objects of the Club are to provide a good library and reading-room, with chess, draughts, etc., for both residents and visitors. We hope to see a croAvdcd hall.

A croAvdof children gathered around the shop of Mr HatsAvcll, grocer, of Princes street last evening, and there Avas a general buz/, of many voices. It avus conjectured that a school iv the immediate locality had broken up, but upon inquiry our reporter ascertained that the real secret of the commotion amougtlie merry juveniles Avas the opening up of several large cases of Prince of Wales jcAvel packets which the proprietor bad received from London i)\- the good ship Dilpussund. The packets Avere taslilv made up, and of the same patterns as those distributed to 10,C00 children by His Royal Highness Avhen in India. They are novelties in their way, each packet containing a number of lollies, Avith an imitation gold ring, or a fancy pin, or a brooch impressed Avilli a portrait of one or other of the sovereigns or the Turkish and Russian empires.

A meeting of persons interested in the copper discovery at Port Augusta, South Australia, avus held at the oiliee of Mr Tyler yesterday. Present :- -.Messrs Tyler, T. Peal", Luke. R. Home, T. Macky, -f. Mucky, W. Sully, and Gillet. Mr Tyler Avas voted to the chair. Messrs Sully and Luke reported the result of their inspection of the lode, two samples from Avhich had been tested by Mr 'funny, and had yielded 52 per cent of copper, Avhile another had yielded 34 per cent. A resolution was carried that a company be formed, to be called the New Zealand Copper Mining Company (Limited), under the Joint Stock Companies Act, l8o'(>, Avith a capital of 30,000 shares of £1 each, 10,000 shares to be considered paid up. Five thousand shares are- to be allotted to .Messrs Fairlec aud party, the discoverers of the lode, and the remainder of the paid up and contribu ting shares to .be allotted amongst the shareholders. Mr Tyler was instructed to prepare the deed of association, and it is understood that no time Avill be lost in com mencing operations.

The diorama of the American Civil War Avas exhibited last evening, at the Theatre Royal, to a large and respectable audience. The orchestra Avas in full tune, and per formed several excellent pieces with stirring effect. The distribution of prizes was looked to with intense interest, and " 1 wonder who Avill get the gold watch," was frequently repeated. The holder of No. 2 ticket, Glasgow man, bearing tiic honored name of " Carlyle," obtainod the watch. The theatre this afternoon was Avell attended by young people and children. The latter with expectant eyes, received prizes ammo blanks. A large number of gifts Avill he given to subscribers this evening, including a tea and coffee ser vice, tAvo sovereigns, an opera glass, a sil ver card basket, aud a live fat pig, of fair dimensions.

The Degree of Bachelor of Arts Avill be presented to Miss Kate M. Edgar, at the Choral Hall, on Wednesday, the 11th inst., at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The presen tation Avill bo made by Mr H. H. Lusk, chairman of the Board of Education, on be half of the Chaucillor of the Ncav Zealand University.

The " Waikato Times" lias a strong arti cle against the Government, for its neglect of the district, and advocates the extension of the railway to Te Awamutu. Speaking of " Hamilton, Avith its unbridged river." the "Times" says:—Hamilton has been officially and semi-onicially tickled Avith promises, till it has purred again with de light, but expectation has never been real ised, as it doubtless Avould have been, had the purring deepened into a loud and long continued growl Avhen it found that the Government Avas only befooling it. So long as a community takes matters easily, and is satislied Avith vague promises and the mere smell of the cooking, Avhile it gets none of the solid beef and pudding, govern ments Avill keep up a liberal supply of such easily-provided and shadoAvy food. It is only the importunate widows avlio succeed in obtaining the substance.

A Belgrade correspondent writes : — Among the patients in the English hospital here is a Russian soldier whose entire loavci jaw and chin have been carried UAvay by a fragment of shell. He partakes of nothing but liquid nourishment, but appears in capital spirits, and amuses all visitors to his Avard by his grotesque antics with per ambulating around the room. He smokes his cigarette by inserting it in one of his nostrils. I believe Dr Attwood con templates taking him to England and trying to construct an artificial Juav of silver, ami afterwards covering it by a dap taken up fro_i the chest.

The butchers of Christehureh have estab lished a mid-winter Meat SIiOAV, iv place ot Ci.-.t fo • •_• v It dd in tiu Chii-jlm.^' «'« ■ •::.

„_v_ *_«. •> —..-.or id toa ho..

'The Ponsonby difficulty has not yet ' subsided. It has already been stated that j some members of the Board desired to j resist payment of Mr Stevenson's claim for revising the rate roll, while others are in favour of paying it at once, and have j virtually deposed the chairman, by ; resolving that cheques can hoav be signed j by other members than originally agreed on. On another page will be found an I advertisement calling another public j meeting in the district on next Tuesday j evening. I The " Akaroa Mail" neAVspapcrs has been sold by Mrlvess to Mr J. D. Garwood, late | merchant, and Mr A. Bridge, late telegra- . phist at Akaroa. The Pakuranga Hunt Club met this j afternoon at .the Raglan Hotel, Great South I Road. ; We are requested to state that the an- j nouncement in the "Herald" this day of the i concertin the Devonport Hall should read Wednesday next, and not Thursday as printed. " Lead us not into temptation, &c.," avus truly exempli lied in a ease in the Resident Magistrate's Court at Wellington, in which a colored man-, a barber, Avas charged Avith having stolen £24 from a Chinaman, avlio had taken a bed for the night in Jones' boarding bouse, Willis-street. The prisoner, when fairly caught, said he had seen the money, and the temptation was too great for him to 1 esist. The case, of course, avus sent for trial.

PARNELL BOROUGH COUNCIL.

AN adjourned meeting of the Darnell I Borough Council took place last night. J Present :—His Worship the Mayor, (Col. Nation), Councillors Mitford, Melton, Cozens, C. Wood, Bell, It. Drown. REPAIRS. ; It avus resolved that the surveyor be instructed to repair the foatAvay at the | bottom of St. George's Bay Road. THE MAYOR AND THE HARBOUR BOARD, j A letter from the Colonial Secretary Avas read, in answer to the application of the j Council to be informed whether the Mayor j Avas entitled to sit at the Harbour Board. I The Colonial Secretary replied that the \ Government declined to answer the ques- : tion. i The Mayor said the question had been j submitted to Messrs Hesketh and Rich- j nioud, but no answer had been received. ESTIMATES. The Mayor said the Finance Committee j had, in accordance with the Act, prepared < an estimate of the probable expenditure and revenue of the Borough. This was as ! folloAVs : Estimated Revenue of the Borough of Parncll for the year 1577-S : Annual value, £16,869 15s ; rate at Is, £SOO ; probable amount of rates collected, £2.") ; yield of dog collars, £120; publicans' licenses, £945 ; grant from Government, say £300 ; total, £1,745. Estimated expenditure of the Borough of Parncll for the year 1577-S : salaries, £109 10s ; forming and maintaining roads, £1,100; printing ami stationery, £25; rent, £11 ; lighting, £74; commission on collecting rates, £G0 ; valuation, £30; Health Officer, £5 5s ; sundries, and unforsecn expenses, £150 ; total, £1,514 15s. It Avas- resolved that these estimates be forwarded to Government. H.E.4 LIT! OFFICER. On the motion of Councillor Melton, seconded by Councillor Mitford, Dr. Goldsbro' Avas appointed Health Officer to the Borough, at a retaining fee of £5 5s per annum. TENDERS. It avus resolved that tenders be called for the supply of metal and scoria for the year 1577-S. ACCOUNTS, The accounts were passed for payment. THE KATE. The adjourned discussion on the rate for the present year Avas resumed. At the last meeting it. was preferred by Councillor Mitford, seconded by Councillor Cozens, that the rate for the year 1577-S be Is in the £ on the valuation. It Avas proposed as an amendment, by Councillor Wood, seconded by Councillor Dyer, that the rate lie lOd in the £. The amendment by Mr Wood Avas now put to the meeting, and rejected. The original motion for a shilling rate Avas then put and carried. This concluded the business,

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. DAVID BRUCE, OF ST. ANDREWS.

rl'ii;-. church of St. Andrews, Symonds-strcet, was well filled last evening, and a testimonial, consisting of a purse of £050 sovereigns was presented to Rev. 1). Bruce, asa token of esteem and respect, by the congregation on his retiring from the pastorate of St. Andrews church, to till the position of travelling agent and secretary to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. Mr George Sibbin was called upon to occupy the chuir on t^ie occasion. Almost all the Presbyterian ministers

of Auckland were, present, including Rev. G. B. Monro, Rev. It. McKinncy, Rev. M. Runeiman, Rev. R. Soimnerville, Messrs R. Whitson, 11. P. A.nderson. J. Kirkwood, .1. Winks, and T. Peacock. Rev. R. F. Macnicol avus unavoid ably absent, and a letter of apology Avas ivad from him. The effective choir of St. Andrew's, under the direction of the organist, Mr Culpan, commenced the proceedings with the 100 th psalm. Mr Sibbin, the chairman, s]ioke on the immediate object of the gathering, and was skid to find that the subscriptions had exceeded his expectations. Re felt that Mr Bruce deserved some such tribute of esteem, after the work of a quarter of a century amongst; them, and they honored themselves in thus recognising the long and arduous services of their pastor. Mr Bruce had been appointed to his new sphere of duty by the unanimous A-oicc of the Presbyterian Church., and he was pleased iv knowing that the contri butions t_> the testimonial Avere made Avith true heartiness, each contributor wishing that lie CLiuld give more abundantly. The choir then sang, " Oh !bo joyful in the Lord," Mrs Culpan singing the beautiful solo, "He Shall feed His " flock, Mr T. Peacock then arose to present the address and accompanying purse. In the course of a Sew appropriate remarks ho said that Avhat had been done was done heartily and cheerfully, and he believed the members of the committee Avould bear him out Avhen lie said that not once but often had the sentiment been ex pressed that the giver would have been grati fied if it had been in his power to give more. The subscriptions had not been confined to those alone connected witli the church, but many outside them had gladly taken part iv it, and thus given tangible evidence of the general esti mation in which Mr Bruce is held by all classes. Mr Peacock then read the address, Avhich Avas engrossed on parchment, as follows: ~"T6 the Rev. David Bruce. Upon your retiring from the active superintendence of St. Andrew's Church, Auckland, and entering upon the dis charge of Avider duties as travelling secretary to the Presbyterian Church of NeAV Zealand. avc desire to mark the occasion by an expression of our goodAvill and regard for you. For the long period of a quarter of a century you have faithfully discharged the pastor's duty amongst us; you have taken an influential and laborious part in the general Avork of the Church, by correspondence with the mother country, by clerical duties in her. Assembly, by the OA-er sight of Church extension. The Home Mission and other useful schemes haA'e also benefited by your services. You have, more over, had the felicity of Avinningthe regard and esteem of many holding A'arious A-iews and opinions, and who uoav gladly bear Avitness to your tcenuine worth as a man and a citizen, and join with us in expressing the high estimation in AA'hich you are held hy all classes in this com munity, and throughout the colony at large. Desirous of avoiding any elaborate reference to points of personal merit, we shall only briefly mention our high opinion of your Christian con sistency and manly bearing, your thoughtful and effective preaching, and the spirit of self sacrifice and devotion which has characterised a our intercourse Avith those in affliction. Not less do avc A-alue the sagacity and prwdeuee which have marked your share in the delibera tions of our Church and its work, and your zeal for the promotion of Christ's Kingdom, and your broad charity towards all men. These qualities, exhibited steadily and Avithout affectation, have called fcrth our affection and respect. Actuated by these feelingsaate readily aA-ail ourselves of this opportunity; to testify in some measure our appreciation of your Avorth by presenting you with the accompanying purse of sovereigns. In doing so, we pray that God, whose seiwant you are, may long spare you to the Church, your family, and your wide circle of friends. "We beg to subscribe ourselves, Avith the utmost respect and kindest regards (on behalf of the subscribers), George Sibiiin, R. Whitso.n, T. Peacock, John Kirkwood, H. F. Anderson. H. W. Heath, A. Brock, J. Winks?, aitken. G. Fraser," Members of the Committee. The Bey. Mr Bruce replied at con siderable length, and revieAved the chief pr.jrtts in his career since the time when he first ••-.-; ■' "i! .ipoii -.ho bhorcs el New — eahir.il, a:;d . Lsl;:;• spying tliatke shouldaiWPTShav.

the interests of the Presbyterian Church in Now Zealand at heart. He would sit down after Avail ing the. congregation all peace, happiness, and unity: and hoped to hear of then- soon hav ing a man in their midst avlio would be genial as a member of a Christian community, a faitniui instructor of the young, Avh o would be welcome in their families and in the chambers of the sick, one Avho Avould be. regarded as both rr.end and pestor Ho thanked the office-bearers for then co-operation; the Sunday-school teachers tor their many manifestations of kir.uiicss; and -Ur Culpanandjtho choir for their co-operation in the conduct of the services of the church; all for their kind sympathy ana magmlicent gitt. | < -Cpplausc). Miss Vaughan then sang in a very sweet and touching manner " Oh, Rest, in the Lord " Revs. Messrs McKinney, Run-man, and Mumo brffly addressed the asscinbly The choir sane "God be merciful;" Mrs Cnlpan. Lhoa Snot leave," and Mr Harding » O God ha mercy," the whole concluding-with the benertic | tion pronounced by Rev. air Bruce.

My Weekly Dose.

i LBY THE DOCTOR.] '' "If the rascal have not giA'en mo medicines to make me love him. 11l se hanged I —oHAI^EbI 'J_AuL. j PERSONALITIES. i SOME people assert that the Doctor deals \ too much in personalities. I met Brown in Queen-street the other day, and he said, : '■ Look here, Doctor, your Dose is tar too ! tame. Why don't you write a slating I article on old Jones?" A few minutes I afterwards I met Jones himself, and he i said •'•' Hullo, Doctor ! Fine day. What ! arc 'you _oing to give us in your next 'Dose*'" I said, "Well, the fact is, I'm at ! my wit's end for a subject, but I'll tell you ! Avhat I met a gentleman just now aviio

su<«'CSted that you would form a very good subfcct for a skit." You ought to have seen Jones' face Avh.cn I said that. It re minded me of some of the cheap engrav ings of the knight of the rueful counten ance. He Avhispered mysteriously " Coinc aud have a drink," and, when avc were comfortably seated over a glass of hot toddy, he went on to oUnevve, " Well, you see, the fact is, I don't care about seeing my name in print. You Icuoav I'm an old colonist of twenty years' standing, and it would be hardly "the thing to make game of me. But (and here he appeared to be all at once struck with a brilliant idea) there's that feIIOAV BroAvn—he's fair game, you know, and he deserves a slating. You mhdit just say that lie opposes the Deceased Wife's Sister Marriage Bill, be cause all bis Avife's sisters squint, and ■have got red hair (and betAveen you and me his Avffe drinks aAvful) ;or something funny like that, you knoAV. Of course, Avith your facile pen," etc. After all, my friends, I am strongly reminded of Avliat Bishop Warburton said about orthodoxy. " Ortho doxy, my L»r<l," said the Bishop, in a Avhisper, " orthodoxy is my doxy,—hetero doxy is another man's doxA\" VERY TOUCHING. I read in some paper, the other day, that some old waif of a woman, AAuecked and stranded on the shores of life, had been gathered up by the police with the other social notsom and jetsom and brought up to be sampled by the head of the salvage crew, the Resident Magistrate of the place where that paper is published; and the journal I refer to informed its readers that •■'His Worship, having commented on the AA-retched course of the poor creature, ordered her to prison for 12 months" —I suppose, as a kind of climax to the com mentary. It reminds me very much of Avhat Caleraft said to a prisoner on the gallows, Avhom he had knoAvn in better days :—" Well, upon my word, Bill, I'm awlful sorry to see you here, I ncA-er turned anyone off Avith so much reluctance in all my experience ; but keep up your pecker, old man, and I'll do the business for an old friend as easy and comfortable as I can." MY EYES. So Dr SeliAvnrzbach (Mr printer, please look to the consonants) is going to leave us. '•' Hoav sad it is to say farcAvell." The j doctor is, hoAvever, very different from the ghost in Shakespeare. It cannot be said that he has no speculation in those eyes, for if current report is to be credited, he finds them a very good spec indeed. We are told that, "for removal of squint he operated on seven persons, all but one being ! fully benefited." Methinks I should like jto see that one. He must be able to see I round corners. j TRUTH DISGUISED. Horace Greely Avrote " 'Tis true, 'tis pity, aud pity'tis 'tis tree,'' and on seeing the proof the philosopher Avas dumb Avith astonishment when he read " 'Tis tAvo, 'tis fifty, and fifty "tis ,tis five." But that avus nothing to the horror which must have stricken the manager of the " Conquering Hero " claim at Coromandel. Avhen he read ■' We understand that the Conquering Hero will commence avoi-v (work) at once." Wore they going to make a call, I Avonder, and was the punter a shareholder ? "True patriots they, ;'or be it understood, They left their country for their country's good." " I might have told you," said a Avituess in a police case the other day, "that you had to leave your country. That's nothing, I had to leave my oavu." It is very seldom one meets with such refreshing frankness as tiiis in these degenerate days. Most of us left home, 1 believe, for the benefit of our healths, and not because Aye were starved out of it. Oh, dear no. not a bit of it. We all Avish avc were out of this wretched country, and back again riding in our car riages with those Avealthy relatives of ours, avlio are connected by various degrees of kinship Avith the nobility, Don't avc ? MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES. " Materfaniilias "_ draws a doleful picture of " Auckland's Suture," "in con sequence of the lack of colonial indus tries and local manufacturies." She asks'pathetically "AA-hat is to become of old age Avhen their props are gone?" what indeed ? of course, the only alternative open to the aged parties Avillbe to go about on crutches. But Materfaniilias has discovered a remedy. She says "our young men should learn to cut hay." "11l fares the land to hastening ills a prey," When all its youth negle--t the art ot cutting hay. This is a slight improvement on the original, but I don't make any charge for it. I think I can explain why haymaking is not so popular in this colony as I remember it in the old country. First of all, the pretty girls don't muster in the hay held as they did in the good old times of glorious memory, Avhen it avus so nice to sit under the shelter o€ a rick Avith your arms lovingly' entwined round the waist of a boxom lass, the birds twittering and carolling around, the brown jug close at hand, and the sun shining in all his summer glory. Haymaking in those bygone days Avas not the prosy business it is iioa-v, Avhen the girls are afraid of spoiling their delicate complexions, and prefer operatic squalling and strumming at a 25 ---guinea piano. Materia mi lias, old girl, take the assurance of the old man, avlio has seen a feAv things in his chequered career, that you've not struck the reef this time. It's not the boys avlio are to blame, but the girls. Only get the pretty girls to go into the hayJields and you need not be alarmed in the slightest about "our youngest and best blood," or " the props of old age." They'll be all right enough, never fear. But while the girls shun the hayfield what can the boys do but soav their Avild oats? BULGARIAN ATROCITIES. as folloAvs: —Pauak giugeschAvauksky, Wal laehy bucharuDlicopo givoski, etsettera, etsettera. The " Waka Maori" lias recently been giving its coloured readers the benefit of the Avar news, and the editor deserves a \ leather medal from the Philological Society | for his ingenuity in twisting Turkish and Russian names into Maori. Giugcvo becomes " TiAvatiwo," Bucharest. " Pukarehi," Ployesti, "Poroeti," and Alexaudropol, " Ataranaporo." This is the march of intellect. REMARKABLE DISCOVERY. According to the Auckland telegrams published in some of the Southern : paperl-, Capt. Bvoun has discovered

tras, and in that case be has knocked old Schielraanu higher than a kite. "It seems that one of these Cleopatras rejoiced in the portentous name of " Mrs Cicindela (Avliich is the Egyptaiu for Cinderella, of course,) Hispida " Avhile another of 'em used to go to lied staggering under the awful weight of a name like this, " Trichosternus Augustus." Oh Je hosophatus ! This is enough to stagger a canvasser for a local directory ; but after all it's nothing to " Platynus de'pressiuscules," Sphoarus Atrocerruleus (Jcrtisaluleus !) and "Holcaspis picinus,' and "Hokeypokeyhot chophrous" But if you want aregularsneezer yon must look at the " Platynus Chees manni," and the " Cloacamus Greena- Avaiachus," and the " Ventusernperiferous Hurstophibious," and the " Stinchonasor ious Goldivigilantibus," and the " Aquafor tisdomusraticus Philoterrificus," and the— (does Schwartzcnbach do anything in the way of mending .jaws, I Avonder?)—Avell, perhaps Ave've had enough of Cleopatra for this time, and Aye pass it." (The idiot means the neAV " Coleoptera," the discovery of which Captain Broun reported to the Auckland Institute, but Aye fail to find in the list many tremendous names mentioned above. We caution our readers against accepting them as genuine.—Ed. E.S.) THE PUBLICAN'S PETITION. So Messieurs the Licensed Brethren of the Bung, you are agitating for an equalisation of the license fees, and you know, dear boys, you are sure of my sup port. You arc groaning under a deep and oppressive wrong, you are the victims of a most unequal and unjust system, and you. have my sympathy, and you can get as much more as you want for a barrel of beer, you knoAA r. But, dear boys, is there no other direction in Avhich this equalisation principle might be adopted Avith advantage. What do you say iioav, my respected official liquidators, to equalising your oavii charges, just by way of preface to the ether moA^c? and then, perhaps, if Aye could once come to a proper understanding about this equalising business, you might consent to make up a fund to pay the bail-money and the i fines of all the unfortunate inebriates avlio ■ patronise your establishments. This would be true equalisation, but matters would be hardly square yet. You Avould have to ante up just a little more, dear boys. Sup pose then, you were to provide a fund to ■ maintain all the sorrow-stricken and ■ famine-pressed widows, the shoeless, gaunt, mind-starved orphans, the miserable, s deserted avians, the body-and-soal-ruined ' men and Avomen, dragging out their ' Avrecked existence iv degrading chaiu gaivs, gaols, asylums, and penitentiaries, ) or fluctuating between the gutter, the ceil, ■ and the grave. Here's a fine field for i equalisation, messieurs the publicans.

MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT !

" Does man possess a conscience?" Mr Cooper is prepared to slicav that he doesn't. By the way, is this Mr Cooper in a lawyer's office? It looks like it Avhen he is going

"to enter a plea for Jezebel." I wonder if Jezebel possessed a conscience? I shouldn't be surprised to find the emi nent Cooper proving that she avus one of the most conscientious Avoinen that ever lived. Then if he piwes that man does not possess a conscience— and I haA'C no doubt of his ability to prove that the moon is ma • of green cheese—it f olloavs that men are inferior animals in the order of creation to Jezebel. Mr Schmidt is next to explain AA'hat is " the most beneficent form of Government for NeAV Zealand." But lioav can Aye slicav that there can be any beneficent form of govern ment at all Avhen Mr Cooper Avill have previously proved that men—and most politicians deserve the name—do not possess a conscience. The next problem to be solved by the St. James' Mutual Dis provement Association ought to be •'would not a Ministry and a Parliament composed exclusively of Avomen be con ducive to the most beneficent form of Government?" (Mr McNab). I use adviseclly the Avord " exclusively." You know there are already a few "old Avomen " intima tely concerned Avith the Government of Ncav Zealand ; but I wish to avoid personalities, so I refrain from mentioning names. Here are a u feAV more subjects which may serve to beguile the hours in the St. James' school-room :—" The Stone Age " (Mr Mason) ; "The last of the Mohicans," and " the geometric ratios of beer barrels," (Mr Cooper ; " XXX and pale ale, is it unknown quantity?" (Mr Burton) ;" " Do policemen possess a con science " and on "Traps," (Mr Nab) ; " The horrers of Avar" (Air War-Knocks) ; "Or. social priggerv," (Mr Steele.) ' " QUERY.

I read an English paper that the Rev Dr BcHoavs, of NeAV York, preached a sermon not long since, in which be endeavoured to shew that some of the statements in the Bible arc mere fables. 'Query: Is this a case of Bellows-bloAving ? THE V AN-SLAYS.

Mrs Partington used to say that if Prince Alfred accepted the throne of Grease he Avas sure to slip off again. Mrs Brown, of Auckland, says he ought not to accept the Crown of the proposed Pan-Slavic kingdom in Europe, because " Britons ncA-er, never, shall be slaves," and whether the slays have frying-pans or warmiug-paus they Avill fee slaves all the same.

FOOTBALL.

POXSOXBY V. GRAFTON. Play in this match is now going on iv the Metropolitan held.

DUNEDIN FOOTBAL- CL'JB,

Yesterday afternoon telegrams Avere re ceived by Mr T. Henderson, junr., from the captain of the Duuediu Football Club, asking if Auckland could guarantee any portion of the expense of extending the pro posed trip of the Dunedhi team to Christ church and Wellington, so as to make it in clude Auckland. Mr Henderson, on receipt of the fust telegram, waited upon several prominent playes and supporters of the game, and Avas enabled to telegraph back what Aye hopcAvillbe considered a favorable answer. We may expect to see farther action taken in the matter.

CABLEGRAMS.

(PRESS AGENCY)

THE W A a.

Complete Defeat of Russians at Baia Kalissa.

Reported Destmctioa of Sus-iaa ___my Oorps-

Itessians Drivaa from latrsnoli-

ras&ts at __ars.

__ „_:_-tar Pasha Within 12 Miles

of --&X 5

SINGAPORE, July 6th, 11.15. Am ofiici.il Turkish dispatch from Asia Minor reports that a battle took place at Baia Kalissa, betAA'een Sevin and Kars, on the 2nd inst., which resulted in the complete .defeat and almost annihilatio.i of the Russians. An immense quantity of booty was captured ky the Turks. The Russians have been driven fro" 1 their intrench—tents at Kars. Mnkhtar Pasha, the Turkish commander, has reached within twelve miles of Kars' with the intention of relieving that city. ITo continues his victorious advance.

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JULY 7, 1877.



-ttT O T I C E. J. W. PEARSE GIVING UP BUSINESS \-___ POSITIVE CLEARING-OUT. "^8 In order to effect a Speedy Sale, the Whole Stock of DRAPERY, ; AND MEN'S AND BOY'S CLOTHING Will be Sold at a Great Sacrifice. THE SALE IS NOW ON. Corner of Queen-street and Vulcan JMPOR TA NT NOTICE- Having introduced STEAMPO WER into the 'Manufacture of FURNITURE, we are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at the greatly reduced rates. T. & IT. COOKE, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, e>-v. ijr'c, l£2fr SHOW R O OM S: fry QUEEN.STREET; fiy. STEAM CABINET FACTORY: VICTORIA -STREE T. JUST RECEIVED, EX "HERO":— A SMALL SHIPMENT OF SUPERIOR, QUALITY GEELONG TWEED MELBOURNE-MADE car CLOTHING. -©» To our Order, Direct from the Manufacturers. MATERIAL OF NEW PATTERNS AND STYLES, AND FIRST-CLASS CUT. 18. in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSH-ROOK Se BRIDGMAN, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Qukkx-street, auclkand One ok the Advantages of direct communication Avith America is apparent by the introduction of the SELF-ACTING ROLLER Blind. This Roller Blind is perfection. Works iv the most natural aud easy manner. No side lines and racks to get out of order. It falls and rises noiselessly, and the instant response to the gentlest touch of the hand is a most pleasing feature. It has been patented and tested for the last 12 years in America, superseding all other kinds. The ROLLER BLIND OF THE AGE is obtainable only at the City Hall Arcade. All iicav Buildings should be fitted Avith them, the expense being very little more than the old fashioned sort, and they can be supplied for window1-! of any size by Ifollnway and (jtt— — C—, vlw_UiV— ._.j—^ _ —~— ; — ■»!'», - [Advt.] j



QTOCK-TAKING TD>ARGAINS;! ! £3 ._~ ■•■■ bjl» - W. RATTRAY Is Preparing for STOCK-TAKING, so.he offers a lot of CHOICE DRESS MATERIALS At Cost Price. Remnants of Dress Materials at and under .>..-•.;• iiCosT Price. The Balance of the STOCK of LADIES' COSTUMES, JACKETS, and FURS, At Cost Price. W. RATTRAY, 1) RAP Elt AX D CLOT HIE R, New Zealand House, GG, Queen-street, AuotvT.anp.