SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

. This Afternoon, 0.31 |< HIGH AVATER—{ T o_ morr ow Morning, 1.11 ' ■SUN SF,T.—This Evening. 7.17 g>;\' RISK—To-morrow Mormncr, 4.4b MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, 27th, 5.59 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Hinemoa, s.s.. E*irchiici. irom wm ww_u Iron Queen, barque, 796) tons, Captain Smith, from London

DEPARTURES.

TTe~o, s.s., Logan., tor Sydney Belie Brandon, schooner, for Ro*__E___n

IMPORTS.

T"er ..•il Queen from London : 321 packages, 27 cases, IS bales, 18a cases.— Owen aud Graham. 771 bars iron, 6 cases.—E. Porter and Co. 4 packages.—Wilsons, Horton and Co. 20packages—Ireland Bros. ~._. 2 bales linen ticks. 1 base damask?. 1 do. blinds, 4 bales carpets. 1 do. mats, 1 case twine. 4 hhds. toiletware, 3 cas?s ironmongery.—W inks ana _ c"aP3 chessmen, 2 do. cabinet goods, 1 do. baskets 2 do. valentines, <_ do. dolls, lo do. aesorte-1 toys, 2 do. perfumery, 1 do. cutlery, 1 do. G.B.D. briars, 5 do. sundries.—M. Levy and % cqsbs crushed loaf sugar, 20.000 cigars, i", 000 Pistes. 100 cases ale by R. Porter and Co., I<l quarter-casks 'Brandy, 25 cases brandy.— Hummer and Co. ARRIVAL OF THE IRON QUEEN. The "dinner barque Iron Queen arrived from London this morning with a general cargo and thirt Tr pas»-°ngprs. all of whom arrive in good health The vessel has made the nassage in 112 days and corner consigned to Messrs. Cruick- Shank and Co, Having 20 tons of gunpowder on bonrd shZ brought un in the powder ground. Captain Smith has supplied us with the follow ing report:—" The Iron Queen has had favour p *Ye weather throughout the passage of 112 days from Grav-ssnd. In latitude 9.00 N., and longitude 2(1.00 W., spoke the Hampshire, from London to Melbourne. Passed sn ice-berg in latitude 15.30 S. and longitude 87.00. and two more iv latitude 15.00 S.. longitude 100.00 E. fin o of tbe latter was very larare. Breasted the North Cane on the 23rd instan., since which date had light airs and calms.

DEPARTURE OF THE HERO.

The s.s. Hero left for Sydney to-day at noon, tA-i_E- the following passengers: Mrs Knox, Mrs Walker. Mr and Mrs Quick, Mr F. J. Vickers Mr and Mrs Lloyd, Mr and Mrs Harris, W Harris, Ed ward Harris, Jessie Harris, Frank Hprris Messrs O. Hewlett, -T. Trewhitler, Miss iZ.Zbeth McDonald, W. H. Davis, Mrs A. Parker Mr J. Northey, Mr and Mrs T. Stevens, Robsrt Stevens, Eva Stevens, Eliza bsth Stevens, William Stevens, Jane Stevens. Edwin Stevens, Thomas Stevens. The Crafe Ellachic was sold by auction at Tiraaru yesterday for £229.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Mr Alfred Buckt.and's Weekly Report. —At the Haymarket horses were brought for w.:.rd in large numbers, and met with a steady de mand at s'ic-htly advanced prices, active yo-ing horsesor mares, suitable either for trap or plough, being e?gerlv competed for. Hides: prices were lower than hitherto, and ranged from 2d to 3d the lb. Sheepskins and small parcels of wool were in full supply, and steadily competed for at late values. At Rernuera, on Thursday, dairy cattle were in average sunply and late values; these sold realised from £6 to £9. Store cattle v.-e-e unusually plentiful, and in fair request. "Pat cattle offered in moderate numbers, 85 head sold. At opening of sale prices were steady for _-oo*i steers at 283 and 27s the 1001bs.. but fell as the- sale proceeded 10s per head. Fat cows, ,23s to 25s the lOOlbs. Fat sheep, in fair supply, and or medium quality, were dull of sale at 2id the '1.. Fat lambs, numerous, and slightly lower than la~t week; they ranged from 6s to 12s each. Store sheep, at nominal values, 2s and 3s each.

BIRTH.

HOLDSHIP.—On the 27th December, Mrs. G.

Holdship of a son. THORPE.—On the 27th December, 1877, at Parnell, the wife of G. J. Thorpe of a son.

MARRIAGE.

WHITE-GILPIN 7.—On December 19. by Rev. A. W. Webb. George S. White, third son of Mr. James White, of Kent, England, to Ann Gilpin, eldest daughter of Mr. Jchn Gilpin, of Co. Armagh, Ireland.

CAMPION—BAKER.-On tho 22nd December, at St. Paul's Church, by the Rev. C. M. Nelson, Rowland Hy. Campion to Alice S. K. Bake r, both of Auckland.

DAVIS-SMITH.-On the 2Sth December. 1377, at the Office of the Registrar, Mr. Mark Davis to Miss Elizabeth Smith, both of Raglan.

DEATH.

CRAIG.—On the 26th December, at Scafield View, William Alexander,' only son of James and Jessie Douglas Craig, aged 14 months.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

8.C.8. (Hamilton.)—lnformation respect ing the registration of births, deaths, and marriages, corrected to the latest date, will be found in the Auckland Almanac and Provincial Handbook.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1877.

JFor tho cause that lacks-tssJstsnc*, _T_:r tire ti.tJC need. tcsi:;t;_-_-_, !?«. the future lr. tlvs distance,

<_■;:■_ ike good t'__c w_ <*--_- _-.

The collision on the railway yesterday is an event calculated to create feelings of uneasiness among those who are iv the habit of travelling by the line. With the small amount of traffic—three or four trains per day at most on the line beyond Mercer —collision is a form of railway disaster that should never happen, and the occurrence of which is prima facia evidence of culpable negligence or bad management somewhere. An inquiry of the most searching character is demanded in the public interests, and we do not hesitate to saj' that-—whether the accident has arisen from faulty instructions or from wilful disregard of orders that would have secured immunity from blunder-the blame should be fastened on the right shoulders, and such an example made as will act as a warning. Those who entrust their lives and limbs to the care of the railway department must receive a better guarantee than they now apparently possess that they are not liable at every curve to plunge into some wander ing engine pursuing its own wayward course heedless of consequences. We believe this

not a solitary instance of material trains idangering tke regular traffic the line. «If reports which yester- Ly's occurrence have put in circulation \ true, great recklessness has been dis lyed in running special trains, A the wonder is not that a serious a'dent has now occurred, but that it has bu delayed so long. Station-masters are sa to be frequently surprised _by the sit en appearance of engines cf which they ha had no warning. There has ceffnly been some excuse for this in die want of a telegraph wire alor. the line, but the ordinary tele grajlc service of the colony would answer in nit instances to announce any change in thtime-table Avhen intimation cannot beseiby earlier train. With respect to the anient more particularly under notice, it is ntour intention to anticipate the re sult c the inquiry which must ensue. But tlie are certain main facts that re quire c-cidation. The material train, it appearseft Auckland before the goods train, b<i bound for Hamilton. For some reason » other, the material train, on reaching Newcastle turned back, and although-iere was no means of intimating to the gotp train the altered course, rushed at high spd towards Huntley, in the hope of gettinahere before the goods train readied tit station on the journey up. Meanwhile the goods train, proceeding unsuspectiily along, passed Huntley station whout receiving any warning of the altered programme, and was apprised, the change for the first time, on turning curve, by discovering the material traiWishing headlong down upon it. It is evi.nt tliat if a change in the original ordeiof procedure were deemed desirable the r.s. simple precaution would have prevente disaster. It was only necessary for x c guard of the material train to secure to detention of the goods train at Huntie station until his return from Newcastle.ft.nd failing that he should himself have renxned at Newcastle pend ing the arrival i the expected train. It appears, howevei that for some reason or other, as yet -explained, the station master of Huntleyjvas not at his post, but was coming dowi'in the mateiial train when the accident pcurred. These, so f; r as we can gather, re the circumstances connected with the ecident. An official inquiry may serve toaodify their bearings, but nothing can iter the fact that through carelessness or want of judg ment a criminal rile of human life has been incurred. Ilis providential that the train going up wi not a passenger train, or the consequents would inevitably have been of a most paifui character. The officers on the locomotive saw their danger, and were able to do somthiiig to avert it ; passengers confined in che carriages must have been helplessly invo'ied in the general wreck, and the Governmes would probably have had heavy claims ir compensation added to their other seriou losses by the casualty.

A curious sight was to >c seen in the harbour yesterday. On the ust side of the wharf there were about a lkndred do/.en bottles which had been thrown overboard from the ship Famenoth. Thy were lioat ing about at high water, aud kany persons wondered how they had come here. More practical was the honorable member for Newton. Mr W. Swanson no sooner did he see them than he called to ai old man named Leakis, and told him if ... could get a boat for a few minutes, he mi;ht earn a day's wages. The man procured .boat from the schooner Elsiaore, and the id fellow and Mr Swanson having got in, tiey were speedily among the bottles, the member guiding-he boat with an oar out of flic stem, and the old man grabbing at them; about six dozen were recovered, amid cries of " Bravo Billy," "good boy Swanson," &c.

A teacher is required for the Arapohue School, Wairoa.

Thenative chiefs of Taupo havij'resolved to allow Kawirißaihito survey the Mohaka Blocks, and the Tauhara reserve. At the interview between the Hon. the Native Minister and a deputa tion from the Eden County Council, noticed in our issue of last evening, Mr Sheehan promised to obtain from Wellington a return shewing the amount which would accrue to the county from slaughterhouses, tolls, license fees, &c. The lion, gentleman further stated that tke Government intend next session to intro duce a Bill making the adoption of the Counties' Act compulsory, but the new Act would not contain any material alter ations on the one now in operation. An extraordinary general meeting of the A.S.P. Company is to be held at the office of Mr Tothill, on Monday next, for the purpose of confirming the minutes of the last meeting. We notice among the cargo of the Iron Queen, 10 packages of surcical goods for the Auckland hospital, and four packages for the Lunatic Asylum.

The crops at Canterbury having been very good this season, the price of flour has been reduced 20s per ton. Superfine is now £17 per ton, and household £16 per ton. We shall look with interest to see the price of bread lowered in proportion to the reduc tion on flour.

A few days ago Te Rangiorua and three other leading natives came down to Wel lington on a visit to Sir George Grey and the Hon. the Native Minister. As a token of amity the first-named cnief laid a sum of money at the feet of Mr H. T. Clarke, Native Secretary. The visit was the first Avhich Te Rangiorua had made to a Euro pean settlement since the last war.

On Monday afternoon, Mr J. Stewart, District Engineer, presented Mr H. Hitchens, messenger iv the Public Works Department, with a gold Avatch, as a mark of the esteem in which he was held by the officers of the department, previous to his severing his connection with the office.

In our report of the Foresters' Fete ou Boxing Day, we should have mentioned that the beautiful banner of Zealandia's Pride, Juvenile Court, which excited such unusual admiration, was the work of Mr W. Godwin, of Grey-street.

An East Coast correspondent informs us that a large number of the officials there have been notified that their services will be dispensed with, the present Government having determined to reduce the horde of officials who were appointed by Mr Ormond in order to strengthen his influence iv that district.

The Hamilton East Highway Board appear to have done good service this year iv forming back streets. A common com plaint in Highway Districts is that the back streets and roads are neglected, while upon the principal thoroughfares is ex pended the bulk of the ratepayers' money. This year, is probably the last of this Highway District Board's existence, in consequence of the application sent in to be formed into a borough conjointly with Hamilton West.

" Victim " writes, denouncing the heart less and unmanly conduct of certain apprentices to shipbuilders at the North Shore, who "in going to or returning from their work morning and evening make a point of insulting and abusing (using the most abominable language at the same time) a poor industrious and hard-working old man in the pursuit of his daily avocations."

All the races at Christchurch yesterday were won by Christchurch horses.

The nominations for the Papakura Handicap have been postponed until the setting night for the Auckland Summer Meeting.

We understand that Hippocampus was scratched for the Bacmg Club Handicap at half-past eleven this niornine. We call attention to,the time table Of the Auckland and Thames Steam Navigation Companies steamers, Enterprise and Dur ham, in another column. The Durham is announced to sail to-morrow at 9 a.m.

The officersjof Lodge Ara, T. C., were in stalled and invested at the lodge-room, Masonic Hotel, last evening.

Sir George Grey is to visit the Thames on on Saturday. Great preparations are being made for his reception.

About thirty couples were present at the Free Tempiars' Quadrille Party in the Cook - street Hall on Boxing night. Mr Donald acted as M.C., and Mrs Hertz and Mr Davis supplied the music. The ordinary half-yearly meeting of shareholders in the New Zealand Insurance Company will be held at the offices of the Company, Auckland, on Wednesday, Janu ary 9th, to receive the report and elect three directors and two auditors.

A meeting of the Tradesmen's Athletic Club was held at the Charlemont Hotel last evening, when a number of new members, including several quoit players, were elected. The Club is desirous of adding the names of other quoit players to its list of membes, and it is intended to hold a quoit match at the Club's sports at Eilerslie on January 29th. There are now said to be six followers of John Bunyan in Hamilton, a sufficient number, it would seem, to prevent the possi bility of any tinware being allowed to remain long without repairing.

Mr McGarrigle's new grocery premises at Hamilton are nearly completed. Mr Elliott, the builder, expects to have them thoroughly finished by the Ist January.

It is related as a good joke that at the sale of township allotments at Hamilton, last Wednesday, while Mr Kennedy Hill was repeating with energy the figure offered for an allotment, a well-known Auckland gentleman was walking by, and nodded familiarly to the auctioneer. The nod was taken as a commercial not a friendly nod, and the "nodder" found himself after the sale purchaser of a piece of ground for £30. This story reminds one of Sam Cochrane's smartnes*. He was selling timber on the wharf, when an acquaintance sauntered by, giving the premier auctioneer a sly wink as he passed, as if to say, "You're a funny fellow, Cochrane." After the sale the acquaintance of Mr C. received an invoice for timber bought at the sale, £13, evidently the product of his wink. He did not re quire the timber, but had to pay for it, and took it.

The united prayer meeting in connection with the projected visit of Dr Somerville will be held this evening in the Young Men's Christian Associotion rooms at 7.30. The Committee hope all interested will attend.

The Auckland Racing Club have made arrangements to take over Eilerslie Gardens ou the Ist and 2hd January. Under these circumstances the public wro visit the course will have free admission into the gardens.

The cricket match at Otahuhu on Wednesday between the local club of the Excelsior (Auckland) was won in the first innings by the former with one run to spare. The scores were : Otahuhu 47, Excelsior 46.

His Honor Mr Justice Gillies has ap pointed Mr P. McTavish an accountant in bankruptcy for the Northern District of New Lealand.

A woman named Kennedy was brought up this morning on a charge of drunkeunest and pleaded "physical inability." She was a person of ample build and propor tions. She was seen struggling through the passage of the Auckland Hotel yester day with a huge bundle under her arm, and with some difficulty staggered across the main street, but seeing Constable McDon -nell at the Corner Mart, she exclaimed, " There's my enemy," and increased her speed upon reaching Wyndham-street. On reaching "Uncle's," she mounted the steps and stumbled head foremost into the mystic store, her bundle going ahead. She was kindly raised from her prostrate condition by geiitle hands, aud a mutual exchange having taken place, she carefully felt her way into the street, and pulling out a bottle was heard to mutter "Shakespeare." She crossed the street and had her bottle tilled, and on arriving at the Bank corner, she fell down, the bottle smashed, and a strong smell of rum was per ceptible to the senses of those who stood by. Constable McDonnell helped her to the station, and this morning she paid the penalty of her Christmas carouse.

Mr W. E. Sadler writes a strongly rcmonstratory letter against the peg ging oil' into allotments of the land be tween the railway embankment and the Strand, to the destruction of the proposition which found favour some time ago that a straight footpath should be formed from the railway arch to the Christmas tree near the old Wynyard pier. Space compels us to exclude the text of Mr Sadler's protest.

Mr H. J. Case, of the firm of D. M. Osborne and Co., of New York, is a passen ger by the mail steamer, and proceeds by the Zealandia to Sydney to arrange with Trickett for the proposed sculling match for £1000 a side.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Haibour Board is being held as we go to press. Owing to the arrival of the mail steamer, we have been compelled to hold over our report of the proceedings until to-

morrow.

The Rotomahana.

THE FIRE LAST NIGHT

The following account of the outbreak of fire on board the s.s. Rotomahana was obtained by our reporter from an eye witness on board:—"We started at seven o'clock last evening for Grahamstown, having on board amongst the passengers Rev Lush, aud Mr Brown, of Ilenshaw's. When we got to the North Head we wore steaming slowly down the harbour. When abreast of the North Head, the engineer came aud told Captain Farquhar that he would have to stop the steamer for a while, as the water was low in the boiler. I ascertained afterwards that the engineer had previously discovered that there was scarcely auy water in the boiler, and had pulled the fires out. It is not known whether the guage had indicated wrongly, or whether the low water was due to the fact that the water had been allowed to run out. The captain asked the engineer how long it would be necessary to stop, aud he replied that it would be some little time. The captain asked if an hour would do, and the engineer replied "yes." Cap tain Farquhar then ordered the steamer's head to be turned towards the wharf. By this time the boiler had become very hot, and tho lagging around the dome was smouldering. The steamer made towards the wharf as long as the steam would allow, and came to anchor. Captain Farquhar then sent. a boat ashore for Mr Fraser to come and examine the boiler. At this time the fore part of the boiler was smouldering. The donkey engine aud pump were started, and the boiler was deluged with water. The fire was taking hold of the logging. Captain Farquhar then sent a boat ashore to the New Zealand Insurance Company to bring off Baclcock's patent, and this with a baby engine was brought oft by a man in the employ of the Insurance Comprny. jl'lie man recommended that M.i Hughes should be sent for, and the ship's pump, in case of further danger. He came back in the ship's boat, with the ship's fire engine, and a flood of water was pumped round the drum and boiler. The bulk head, and all the casing of the bunkers were thus kept cool. It was found that only the logging was -burnt, but the casing made a great smoke, and caused more appearance of fire than actually existed. The Rotoiti took off the passengers, who had rendered such aid as was necess?.ry, and conveyed them to the Thames. There was no -alarm amongst them. The main hold and- the steerage were shut off by Captain Farquhar at the first alarm, so that had the fire been serious, he could have flooded tho engine room. It is not true as stated in the " Herald" that the deck was on fire.

We may add that our reporter inspected the damage this morning, and found it very slight, only the lagging round the boiler and drum being injured. The browns o the two furnaces have not dropped as re ported in the "Herald," but are intact.

Mr Jobson and Captain Clayton inspected the vessel this morning, preparatory to an inquiry. The steamer was insured in the New Zealand for £5,000. The damage is slight, and the Rotomahana will be ready to resume her tiips in a day or two. While the fire was smouldering Capt. Farquhar sus tained some severe bruises in the leg by slipping down an open bunker grating.

NEW YEAR'S RACES.

The following are the handicaps declared for the Auckland Racing Club Handicap and Grand Stand Handicap, to be run on New Year's Day : — AUCKLAND RACING. CLUB HANDICAP. st.lb. Danebury, 4 year 3 9 7 Hippocampus, 1 years 9 1 Lara, 5 years 8 10 Klsa. 5 years 7 10 Tamatea, 4 years 7 8 Gang Forward. 4 years .. ..7 7 Gillie Callum, 5 years .. .. ..74 ]3ide-a-wee, 6 years 7 4 Luna, 5 years 7 2 Oberon, 3 years 7 0 Venus Transit, 3 years .. ..70 Parthenoposus, 3years .. ..7 0 Foul Play, 3 years 7 0 Rosalie, 3 years .. . ■ •. .. 6 8 Ratcatcher, 3 years ..6 8 Queen Mab, 3 years 8 8 GRAND STAND HANDICAP. Hippocampus, 4 years 9 3 i'-ira, 5 years 8 12 Izaak Walton, 5 years .. .. 810 Perfume, aged 8 0 Whitefoot,*aged 7 10 Gillie Galium, 5 years 7 0 Golden Crown, aged .. ~. ..7 0 Chanticleer, 5 years 6 12 Queen Mab. 3 years 6 0 Jessamine, 3 years o 7 Baron, 3 years .. .... •■57 Wai. Pebcival, Secretary A.R.C. The acceptances are due on Saturday.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. THE TARARU RACKS. The Tararu races yesterday were attended by 3000 persons. A T&ranakt horse and a Coro mandel horse won two everts. The races were continued to-day. Silt GEORGE GREY'S RECEPTION. There are great preparations for Sir Georgo Grey and Mr. Sheehan's reception. They are expected to arrive to-morrow night in the Hinemoa. and address the electors in the Theatre Roval. The sons of old colonists had a meetiug la"<t night to arrange for a special reception to Mr. Sheehan. Amongst them were school-fellows of the Hon. the Native Minister. They resolved upon an address of welcome. There is no mining news. NEWCASTLE, this day. SECOND DAY'S RACES. Hurdle Race.—Loafer, list. 51bs., 1; Gladstone, list., 2 ; Count, lOst. lOlbs., 3 ; were entered. Owing to Count and Glad stone having baulked the race was a gift to Loafer. Delta Stakes. —Late in the Field, Sst., I; Prima Donna, lOst. 31bs., 2 ; Memento, 9st. 101b. 3. This was a well contested race, Late in the Field coming to, the front in time to win. Tui, Sultan, and Taupiri ; nowhere. Forced Handicap ; for all winners.— Loafer, Sst, 1; Late in the Field, Sst 121b, 2 ; Master, 9st 91b, 3. In this race Master was winning, but.falling on last round, Loafer took up the position, and won easily. Hurry SCURRY.—Master, Ist ; Mermaid, second. Eight horses started in this race. Consolation Stakes. — Memento, Sst 71bs ; Count, 9st; Sultan, Sst 51b... This was a well contested race between Count aud Memento, Count leading for the first mile, Memento winning by half a length. The races were well attended on both days. Every one appeared to thoroughly enjoy himself. Thus finished two excellent days' sport. HOKIANGA, this day. DEPARTURE OF THE GEELONG. The steamer Geelong left here for Onehunga last night at 5.30 p.m., 3 pasßengers Mr McMath, Mr Donald, and a native. DUNEDIN, this day. DROWNING CASE. A man was drowned at Waihoua Lake last night while boating with five others. The body is not recovered. The Soldene Opera Company's opening performance was immensely successful •' Genevieve de Brabant" was played. GOLD ROBBERY. Henry Brown has been arrested at Clyde for robbing his partner of a hundred ounces of gold, the proceeds of washing-up. (PRESS AGENCY.] DUNEDIN, this day. OPERA COMPANY.—ANDERSON'S BAY RAILWAY. The Soldene Opera Company opened last night to a crowded house. It was a great success. The Anderson's Bay Railway is now open for traffic

Tremendous Collision Between Two Trains.

WONDERFUL ESCAPE,

ISO LIVES LOST.—THE ENGINES

CRUSHED

Taupiri Gorge, This day, 11 a. m. The collision occurred yesterday at 1.17, and was an astonishing event. The engines are much damaged; the smaller onemounted in the air, and sat on the large one with two front wheels. The following are the par ticulars : The material train left Auckland at 6.30 a.m., with, a small engine of about IS tons weight named the "Jeannie Deans," James Bracewell, driver; J. Sarjernt, stoker ; and John Smith, guard ; destina tion, Hamilton. The goods train not having made the usual trip on Wednesday, went off yesterday about an hour after the material train ; destination also Hamilton. Attached to the latter was the locomotive known as a "Fairlie," named "The Snake," weighing about 2S tons ; J. Whitburn, driver; Manning, stoker; and T. Hill, guard. The cargo consisted of about 40 tons of railway iron in S trucks, the latter weighing about 24 tons, thus forming a battering-ram of nearly 100 tons. This enormous steam projectile was driven in a careful manner by the steady and ex perienced driver Whitburn. He kept good time, and left his last station—Huntley —at regulation time, viz. : 1.12 p.m. Meanwhile, the material train had been stopped at Newcastle ; and, through some blunder, was started back to Auckland with several. trucks of sand. The driver reached Taupiri, and appears to have' thought he could reach Huntley Station before the goods train left. About a mile and - a - half from Huntley is one of those nine-chains curves, which are so much criticised on the Auckland lines, at the bend of which the trains could meet without previously being seen. Yesterday this awful meeting took place, and from each side of the curve approached a train. The puff-puff of the mighty steam - engines was not heard, neither could the smoke be seen. Without the slightest warning the two engine drivers found themselves FACED BY iEACH OTHER'S LOCO MOTIVE, each rushing swiftly on, with a force too well known to admit cf a second's delay. The rapid turning off of the steam was followed by the drivers leaping from the •trains, followed by the stokers, and the immediate smashing into one another of the ponderous locomotives. The " Jeannie Deans " being lighter, rebounded, and with its rapid onward impetus, rose and made what seems to be a partial wreck of the " Fairlie " engine. The "Jeannie Deans" was travelling tender iront, and with two wheels up, she went with a FEARFUL CRASH INTO THE "SNAKE," carrying awayone of the latter's funnels, and breaking one of her boilers; while

a variety oi fittings and framework, together with the front of the engine, engine, are tor&endously crushed up. Had the engine-drhrs and stokers remained in their places tly would have been annihi lated in ten seinds. The railway iron on the truck behinthe " Snake" was propelled through both cq boxes of the engine, doing great damage. The prodigious weight of the train kept it>n the line. In addition to the injuries istained by the engines the trucks presei a dilapidated appearance, with buffers kndced off, cars split up and strained out of stpe. The officials on the train had a most arrow escape, as may be imagined. The di^er of the " Jennie Lean" was most injured^aviug broken his leg; he fell 12 feet dowm, bank after his jump. * The stoker receive a wound on the side of his head. The gird was slightly hurt on the forehead. Th Huntley stationmaskr was in the guards An of the material train en route for Hun tie, and was much cut in the face by broken lasss from the window. We should have rmtioned that the con tractor's engine, the" Lord of the Isles," Keats, driver, was to the goods train en route from Auckland to Hamilton, with permission to leye the latter train and run ahead after passjg ail trains on the road. This engine Yfc still in position at the time of the accidei but was uninjured. Yesterday afternoon _r Elliott went to the scene of the collision i a special to render assistance and direct _erations of removal.

The battered engifcs were towed to Auckland at about 2.3ithis morning. Our reporter went into th engine shed aud carriage department, wire the engines we: c respectively stowed, buan officious indivi dual who carries the feys of the latter establishment, in whichhe " Snake " is to be seen, obstructed ur representative, and rudely insisted upoj locking the door. We have,*' however, give_ sufficient to shew that a deplorable loss hi-been sustained to the plant of the railway The next question Is tie cause of this collision. There is evkkit-ly "a screw loose" somewhere ; and it behoves the management to take a waning, and keep station-masters informe.l o; special trains running on the line. T_* thi credit of those in authority be it siid, there has not hitherto been any lives los through colli sions, but the increase oj traffic on the line necessitates the most clar and positive instructions as to the ruanig aud ci ossing places of special trains, of fhich yesterday there appears to have boenwo unfortunate ones. On inquiry last nipt, we learned that written instructions a.'to the duties of the engine-drivers were peted up in the engine-shed. It specified hat the material train was to leave for Himilton, and the goods train to follow. Th material train appears to have been the on to deviate from the instructions, and to havturned abruptly back. It did not wait at fewcastle ; and, to make matters still wora, the driver of the goods train could haveio idea that the train supposed to be goog ahead was running along to meet tbm with great velocity.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. BarstowEsq., R.M.)

THE BACCHANALIAN BRIGADE)

Five men and four womb, were succes sively introduced into th dock on the common charge of drunkeniess, under the leadership of Captain Mogan, and were put through their facinga and fined 5s each. Ellen McLean was ordeed to pay 20s or 4S hours and five or even days im prisonment ; and her ddghter Maggie was fined ss. John Chapman, remanded.omyesterday, was again brought '-up o a charge of drunkenness. 'i Prisoner said he was not drunk, but he had not had the opportuni. of getting his respectable witnesses togetfer. Serjeant Mulville and kvo constables proved that the prisoner ras helplessly drunk, and they were obligd to carry him to the station. Prisoner.: I could not lave been very drunk, because I recollect icing taken to the station. j Sub-Inspector Pardy said the prisoner's sole object in pleading not ruilty was the dragging thejconstables out ci their bed. Fined ss, and 9s costs, or B nours. LIZZIE DRUMMOfD. This young person was charged wifh being drunk, and screamingthis morning, between 1 and 2 o'clock, in Chancery Lane, and using threatening langu^e. Prisoner hung down he head, and pleaded guilty ; she had takjn a drop. His Worship regretted to cc so young a woman in such a position, aid imposed a £ne of 20s, or 4S hours. ROBBERY OF £lf). John McMahon and Janes Coughlin, alias Haslett, were brought ujthis morning on a charge of stealing a chesfand cashbox, containing £170 in notes did gold, the property of Michael Flynn, landlord of the Nottingham Castle Hotel, !__bercrombie street, on the 26th inst. Sub-Inspector Pardy said hat a portion of the money had been found but not all; some clothes were also missing consequently he would ask for a remand. The prisoners are both young men, McMahon being the son of tie late land lord, and who bore a loose cjaracter. Mr Flynn, who was in Court, pla©d the box in his bed-room, aud in it was loiked his cash box, containing the sum of ?170. Young McMahon was aware of the Act that the cash box was kept in Mr ___y_a's bed-room, and it is believed that the bd_ was got out of the window, as a ladder wis found close at hand, and the window le£ partly open when Mr Flynn went to led yesterday morning at one o'clock. '.One of the thieves, it is supposed, got iito the bed room while the other waited nitaide to re ceive the stolen treasure. On* missing the box, a stir was made, and every part of the hotel searched, withoui the desired success. Information was <iven to the police, and Detectives Jeffrey and G.ace set in motion. Inspector Thomson also caused telegraphic dispatches \o be at once sent to all the outlying stations. It was ascertained that two young* men of the description of the prisoneii had been spending money freely at different houses, in the city. McMahon pulled kit a handful of money iv one house, and yhen he was asked if he had a "windfall,'; replied that he had made a "rise" at the diggins'. The prisoners -were taken into custody at New market. About £52 was found upon them.

The case was remanded tntil Friday next, when it is expected ths remaining property will be found, and tho case made clear.

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

The Presbytery met last evening at half-past seven o'clock:, in the church ofiSt. Andrew, Symond-street. Present: Rev. David Bruce, (who acted as Moderator), Rev. T,' Macky, Rev. T. Norrie, Rev. R. Somerville, Ret*. A. Carrick, Rev. W. Evans, R.v. J. B. Miinro, Rev. J. Galloway, Rev. J. Ned.

Cambridge.—A call from Cambridge, Wai kato, to the Rev. W. Evans was presented, and upon the motion of Rev. R Somerville, seconded by Key: J. B. Munro, it as sustained; the induction of the rev. gentleman to take place as early as possible in February. St. Andrew's.—The- ceremony of inducting the Rev. Alexander Carrick to tlie care of the Church of St. iAndrew was then* proceeded with. The usual announcement wa.s made to persons who might have any objection to make against the life or doctrine of Rev. A. Carrick. The announcement having been marte three times at the church doors without a response, the ministers re-entered the church, and the induction was made. The choir sang "Come, Lord, and tarry not," Mr Cnlpan accompanying on the organ. Rev. J. Neil then asc.nded the pulpit, and read the 6th chapter of St John, and delivered n, sermon on the words of the 63rd verse,—"lt is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh proflteth nothing; the words I speak to you they are the Spirit and they are the Life." Rev. D. Bruce, moderator, then delivered the usual exhortation to the new minister, on the exercise of care in the perform ance of the duties of his sacred office, after which the members of the Presbytery gave him the free hand of fellowship. Rev. Mr Macky, next delivered an impressive address to the congregation on their duties in reh.tion to their minister, exhorting them to accept his minis trations in a tolerant spirit, assisting him in bis* work by every means in their power. Mr R. Whitson presented to Rev. Mr Carrick the gown and bands, on behalf of the ladies of the congregation of St Andrew's. Rev. A.

Camck replied at some length, and e__nra=« his thanks for the various kindnesses he h received since he had been in Auckland tt_. believed that he had been led to this country by the hand ot {Providence; and conlident of tha heip of thf- congregation, he would do all in his power to discharge faithfully the dut.es heThai been called upon to undertake. The nroppnrt ings closed with the benediction Proceett-

THE PERILS OF AN ARTIST.

Mr Connelly, the artist, who was robbed by the Maoris of Lake Taupo after his ascent of Mount Tongariro, or more properly speaking of Ngauruhoe, takes his mis fortunes very philosophically, and expresses a conviction that all will be right, without and more trouble, in a few days. The great opponent of the feeling in favour of gfvinw back the things is Huiatahi, who, un fortunately for Mr Connelly, is reckoned the pest speaker in the district. However it is considered pretty cettain that he will have to give way. It is satisfactory to learn that the greater portion of the artist's sketches are safe in his possession. Those which are lost are only the two or three which Mr Connelly had been busy upon the day they were taken. Throughout his trip the greatest kindness was paid on all sides by both settlers and natives; and even when he was. despoiled it was done with a deprecatory air, as if it was a sore necessity which compelled the action. The name of the place where the robbery took place was Otuku, a settlement which bears a very bad name. Mr Connelly had been upon the mountains for several days, and rode into the village cold and hungry, to get food. When first, informed °of the intention of the Maoris with regard to his goods and chattels Mr Connelly laughed and thought very little of it, as he had ofteii heard of raids being contemplated and they had never come off. He took the rumour for the ordinary piece of Maori bounce. It was great fun in talking to the natives to hear them boasting of their o-wn influence and abusing others. Some of tuem, when afterwards asked why they did not prevent Mr Connelly going up, replied that they did not really believe he intended |to climb the mountain. In speaking of the mountain they always said, "You | can't go up it," not " You may not go up." jMr Connelly's description of what he saw iin the crater is likely to be made public [at no very dis.ant_ date. The most interesting fact which he claims to have elicited is that Ngamuhoe's or as it is more commonly called. Tongariro,is not a volcano proper at all, but a laud of elevated geyser. On climbing into the large crater Mr Connelly saw a thick cloud of steam proceeding from a smaller, and inner crater. Approaching as nearly as he couldjjto this he saw between the volumes of steam the distinct glimmer cf water, which appe red to rise _on oue side of the crater, and flowing across to sink near the other side. Sir Connelly's opinion is that this water must find its way through the outer crust of the mountain into one of the small streams at the base. He was very anxious to solve the mystery satisfactorily, but he only had a boy with him, and he would be of no use in the event of an accident. When theycame down, the Maoris believed what the boy related of the mountain more than they did Mr Connelly's story. They appeared to be in total ignorance on the subject among themselves. There was a great native feast going on at this time at Waihe, about three miles from Tokano, and Mr Connelly was warned not to go to Te Heuheu's dwelling, as there would be trouble if he did. It is thought by some that this meeting partly explains the treat ment to which the artist was subjected. It seems that with these natives there is a custom of releasing a prisoner, something resembling that alluded to in the history of our Lord iv the Bible. At these feasts the chief of the home tribes ask the chief of the visitors if they are willing to pardon a certain offender who is named to them. The pardon of the culprit is regarded as a cementing of friendship. Several telegrams have been sent from the Hon. Mr Sheehan and others, to the in. nuential chiefs, &c. of the Taupo tribes. A rumour was current that the natives had said if Sir George Grey would agree that no white man should again attempt the ascent they would pass over tin event, and forget him. Con nelly was mounted by Hoheke on his own horse free of charge for the journey through 'from Taupo to Cambridge. Hoheke is one of the chiefswho disapproved of the action taken by Huihatal in seizing the horses. Mr Hazle*dean, in management of the Walker Run, accompauied Mr Connelly the wdiole way through. He left Mongaiti (Walker's Run) last Wednesday, calling en route at Tokaano ou Thursday, there making final demand for restitution of horses and efiects,_ and reaching Taupoharera same night, being a ride of about 120 miles. Remained Friday at Taupoharero, leaving Saturday morning, and reaching Hamilton through Cambridge Sunday night.

ONE-EYED CRITICISM.

(To the Editor.) Sib, —I have- read occasionally in the " Herald" certain notes on the war, signed " Austria," and have been greatly enter tained thereby. Every little success by the Turks, according to this impartial reviewer, is a " glorious victory ;" every achievement by the Russians, a mere insignificant oc currence. In fact, the former are always just on the eve of doing something very startling, which, somehow or other, never comes off; while the latter are bound to go pell-mell across the Danube or to some dreadful place where, as the event turns out, they obstinately decline to go. For the triumph of enlightened criticism, however, commend me to' the so-called " Review of the Campaign " published by your contem porary ou Tuesday. A writer who com pletely ignores the Herzegovinian, Bosnian,. Bulgarian, Montenegrin, and Servian war, as causes of the more gigantic conflict now raging, and who sapiently sums up the situation thus, must be a Daniel come to judgment indeed : — "No writer acquainted with the political situation of Russia cares to deny that it was through the action taken by Mr Glad stone in his autumnal crusade against tne Government of Earl Beaconsfield, that the actual war began. * * * It is now a matter of history how Mr Gladstone's agi tation vanished" into thin mist, for the British nation had had time to reflect, and accorded to the Conservative Government its unqualified approval of its conduct 01 the foreign policy of the nation. But in the meanwhile the Emperor of all the Rus sias had made his boastful speech to his nobles assembled at Moscow." ,As "matter of history," I thought that every schoolboy knew that Turkish affairs had become so bad that before Russia became actively embroiled, Austria—not the reviewer, but the nation this time—was impelled to take action, and tne Andrassy note first suggested a solu tion. The Berlin memorandum, .which England neglected, accepting, however, the Stamboul Conference ; thus admitting and confirming more emphatically, by the action of Earl Salisbury, a member of the Conservative Cabinet present at the Con ference, that foreign intervention was justified; As a matter of history, again, every school-boy knows that the Moscow speech followed immediately upon the bouuceable Guildhall address, by Earl; Beaconsfield, and. was generally accepted as the Czar's answer to Disraeli's no mination. The result has proved _ that* Disraeli was not supported by the voice of the country nor yet his colleagues. .Read ing the sign, of the times and accepting them, yet without understanding or else rebelling against their spirit, the Premier has bent to the will of the intelligent; sentiments of the nation; but with such bad grace, and in so half-hearted a way, that England has been left in her present unsatisfactory and humiliating position, while Russia glories in having defied Eng land as well as Turkey; undertaking single handed a work which was the joint duty or all the Great Powers to whom Turkey was pledged under the Treaty of Paris.—Yours, etc.,' Not a Prophet, but one who can bead History.

iHE IA LIS ING STAR, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 38, 1877.



FTTiO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS E. W. J. HURST 3. CO. have on sale the under rn en tinned Fertilizers, all of which have been nroved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a.judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. jjurst & Co. in strongly commending them to c v sry Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do BELLe, jsONEFLOUR J-and .-inch BONEDUST BTT.LYARD'S'No. t do. NTTRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH * SUPRR-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. _ "T*i addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing CTover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. "'Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101 QUEEN-STREK T, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING Just Landed, ex Columbus— SO casks new Clovers, eousisting of Red Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand. Al _vhe. Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Rats-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, Sec, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-STREET. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) r~r3OOQ „ Oats ST.?*" First-class Tartars for Seed, also r^'-SOO sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing H3S any of last season's growth 02 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour! Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c, &c. Particular attention is called to _00 sacks Prime Barley at Is per bushel o 501b. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh oatmeal, a £21 per ton. W. J. HURST & CO., 101. QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND. £JHEAP JJ AT SI CHEAP HATS ! ! CHEAP CLOTHING !! A Quantity of Men's and Boy's Drab AND Black Felt Hats will be offered at m- GREAT REDUCTION TO CLEAR. Also, a Parcel of CLOTHING, comprising Men's and Boy's Tweed Suits, Trousers and Vests, Sec These Goods are slightly soiled, and will be sold REALLY CHEAP. W. RATTRAY. CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER. -RTEW ZEALAND TTOUSE, Auckland. &®®%F¥ RL- —A neat and pretty Cottage c£ejAj 4 O of 5 rooms, with large freehold allotment, pleasantly situated on the Great North Road. Price, including Venetian blinds, curtains, poles, book-case. &c." (all new), £275.— S. Vaile, House and Land. Agent, Shortland tsect. UNION INSURANCE COMPANY, AUCKLAND BRANCH. Reduced Ratss for Detached Dwelling Houses in the City, from 12s. upwards. In the Country from 13s. R. H. STEVENSON. ■ Manager. TAXATIONAL FIRE AND MARINE J3I INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW .ZEALAND. Capital __1,00.,000. Reserve £50,000. Re-Insub ance Fund £20,000. Insurances effected against Fire and Marine Loss of Every Description of Property, at Lowest Current Rates. Prompt and Liberal Settlement of Claims. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, Manager, _ Auckland Branch. (WS THIS DAY AND DURING~THE • WEEK, < WE WILL SHOW j p,Eo-ES 10,000 PI.? ESJ FASHIONABLE DRESS GOODS AND i ear prints, -m 1 RKDUOED TO HALFpIWCa IN ORDER r TO CLEAR. j, S- COSGRAVE & CO., _ QUEEN-STREET. ' {-



THE undersigned are now brm 1 _ forward a Lar*,.e Parcel of GENE AL , ! DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &_.. bought at considerably less than usual prices, to which ! they invite the attention of all requiring ! Good Value For Money. Corsets in great variety of quality and style, white and coloured, from 2/6 per pair Linen and Lace Goods, Culls, Collars, and Sets, in variety Ladies' Underclothing. Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, Alpacca, &c. Lot of Flowers at very low price, quite fresn Straw Hats, Ribbon., Gloves, &c. A Splendid Stock ot Muslin, Lace, and Lenoe Curtains, Counterpanes, Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Slice tins. Felt Squares Carpets, Floorcloth, China Matting, Ticks, Sec Large-size Huckaback Towels at /6 each New Fancy Dress Materials, Japanese Silks, Coloured Lustres, Blank Lustres, Embossed, Striped, and Check Muslins, Prints, &c. Brown .Holland, from /6_- per yard -Union, Fancy Jean, and Oxford Shirtings, very cheap A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mixed Fancy Shirting, at 2/3, usual price 3/6 per yard White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard Also, very large assortment of Gents' Shirts, White Longcloth, Union and All-wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Twill, Fancy Jean. Oxford, &c. Strong Tweerl for Boys wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel at below Factory prices Braces, Belts, Ties. Scarfs, Collars, Cotton and Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &c. Leghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and Drill Hats, for Boys and Men, &c, &c, &c. in he £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rush brook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, UrPKi. Queen-stbbhst, AUCKLAND. ___ TT N lON IKSURANCE .COMPAN V NEW ZEALAND. C APITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLAInI) B R A N C H : QUE E N - S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trace is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hull 3of Ships or Steamer-. Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, AT owest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. TfcTEW YEAR'S PRESENTS AT THE AN CITY HALL FURNITURE ARCADE. PRESENTS, for Wives and Daughters PRESENTS, for Sons and Husbands PRESENTS, Quaint and Cuvious PRESENTS, Useful PRESENTS, Ornamental PRESENTS, Scientific PRESENTS, Beatific PRESENTS, for all Pockets PRESENTS, for all Prices. HOLLOW AY, GARLICK, & CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade. CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND. Mails will Ct..o_k as Under: For Thames, this day, at 5 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. ; and to-morrow, at S a.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, this day, at a p.m.; and per Argyle, on Saturday next, at 8 a.m. For Australian Colonies, per Ci.y of Mew xork, this day, at S p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at 1 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Waipu, Mangapai. Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at, 10 a.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. Fop Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Monday next, at, 7 p.m. Per s.s. .Australia, on Tuesday, Bth January, 1878, as follows : — For Sandwich [I-dands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 o.m. For United Kingdom and Continent] of Europe, at o p.m. . For money orders, letters, and newspapers, at 1.30 p.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. Per s.s. Wellington, on Tuesday, Sth instant, as follows: — For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, ana Continent of Europe, at 7 a.m. For, Taranaki, Southern Provinces. Aus-. tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially so addressed), at 8 a.m. For United Kingdom, via Briudisi. and iato letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne at 8.20 a.m. For newspapers, at G a.m. For money orders and registered letters, tne previous evening, at _ p.m. N.B.—Tuesday, Ist January, being a postal holiday, the mails usually despatched on that day will be closed on the previous evening, at 7 o'clock, S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster. Look for the signature and address of the pro prietor upon labels of bottles purporting to con tain Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, and observe whether tho same are deficiently executed or not. If anything be lacking, you may know them for shams and reject them. Swindlers are putting up bad liquors in bottles which previously held the most salutary medicinal beverage in existence. Baffle the rogues.