SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Wanaka, s.s.. from Southern province. Hawea, s.s., Wheeler, from Tauranga and the

South ___, S . Kil-a, s.s.. Flowerday. from vv anganui Hauraki, p.s., Oakes, from Waitara Oceola, bri .antme, Matheson. from Lyttelton Golden Islei schooner, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

Rvnn. t>ri_ant.ne. B^^er. for «nwarrow Wild Duck, ketch, Campbell, for Waitara

IMPORTS p. r Hawea from Dnnedin: — 360 sacks flour, 20 sacks oatmeal.—Coupland & C..

EXPORTS

Per Columbus for London :— 2565 cases kauri p. ir.. 19 boxes do., 357 bales wool. 5 bags do.. 556 bales flax. 27 bales cotton, i boxes 17 cases leather. 32 bales do., 1100 horns. 1 bale hair, 103 cases nearl shell. 8 tens ivory nuts. 140 tons . nrrra. 55 ton? do. in bulk. 87 kegs butter. 95 casks tallow. 12 b?.g3 boner-. 1} ton bark, -1 cases. 27 do. oldmetal. 5 casestubes, 1 case ferns, 150 tons mansranes.. 73 ingots _me, 15 pieces timber, i eases. 1 box printed forms.—New Zea land Shfpoing Co., agents.

THE COLUMBUS.

Thebarque Columbus cleare<_at me Customs tbi-afternoon for Loudon with a full car.ro of gum. woo!, and other colonial produce. She is to sail the first opportunity.

Th° bai-aue Cabarfeidh i; chartered to load +;--.-_. &r Pert A Inert for Dunedin on behalf of timber "i- , , ; n_ T_-p~.pgCouD_.nd Sc Co. TV- brigantine Ryno sailed for Suwarrow yesterday, getting under welsh at about 2 °'mvp g .s. lona was on the hard on Saturday, , A-T'c- a clean below the watermark:. She ___»s her usual trio to th. North to-night. All claims against the ship Famenoth are to T-pj^nt'.n by noon to-morrow to the agents, Messr- Owen and Graham, or they will not be Hawea arrived yesterday from _____„* a'and the _.•_*_. Her Port Chalmers date-Tar! to the 3rd inst Passengers: Miss Sr^lake. Mesdames Comrie, Recce, Evan., TVT.-U-." C_rbe . v.. ere. Moms, Dr Walks, ... H P i S* 6-Hi;1I . Hon. Mr Waterhouse, . _t T P"" Mess -3 Whitafeer. -Wilson. Davidson, _;_;^.Vt. " Brow. Ferguson. Edgecombe, War fro-. Harris. Dun-as? R. Wood C-.H.R.), Wigg, Hewlines. Wi Xaronga, Pera. Lpaniha T.a!__ia Kom Kewa. Tio, and 13 in the f?^ZTo . I_Henderson and Macfarlane. agents. " Th- Tv_"p ntir.ft Oceola arrived from Lyttelton IQ -V T ,V.--nf",witba full cargo of grain,: our, and o4- p-oduceSiie left on the 31-t; ult., and has had baffling N.W. winds the greater part of thThf e-Iper fore-and-aft schooner Mazeppa wa^^ ha. .3 been sold at auction to-day by Mr R Arthur, but before the time fixed for the gale a private arrangement was made, and the v T^-^VarSa-rlved in the Manukau this afternoon For some reason our passenger list %^VTw_..Sa dwill again leave for the S<vv^r?S .Khe^sonof theMazeppa hpine withdrawn from sale by auction to-day, wasi that she was bought privately by Messrs °^^wb"& an.me built by Messrs Darrach f_> Pons for Mr G. W. Owen, has had her r-m^ altered, and will be called the Ada C. Owen. She was measured to-day by Mi li. N. Brewer, of H.M. Customs-, and was found to re T_. SbiE»D.ine Tr_ _yen Family elearedout to-clay in ballast for Newcastle. _____H

BUCKLAND'S CATTLE FAIR.

M . ALFRED BUCKLAND- Cattle Fair, held at Eemuera on Saturday afternoon, was a tn-at success ; whether we look at the number of beasts yarded or the prices realised Mr J, S. Buckland acted as auctioneer, and got through his arduous duties very satisfactorily. Eleven hundred and twenty animals were on offer in the yards made uu as follows : 500 young steer.. 300 cows'and heifers, 300 yearlings, and 20 young bulls, some of them pure bred. The condition of most of the cattle was good and their quality not to be despised. Some of the best Tots, "especially among the bulls had to be passed in, owing to tne bids not reaching the reserves put upon them ; but in almost all these cases the animals were of a very valuable description, and were only put 'in the sale on the off chance of a purchaser turning up., Such am mal- are not disposed of at a mo ment's notice. The following was the average range of prices :—sss to £8 5s tor two. three, and four-year-old steers ; from £5 to £S 15s for grown steers ; from 57s 6d to 9Ss for heifers ; from 42s 6d to £7 5s for cows : from 40s to 74s for yearlings ; and from £5 10s to £3 15s for yearling bulls. The two pure-bred shorthorn bulls, Argus and Somerset, belonging to Maclean and Co., were withdrawn, the former having elicited a bid of 80 guineas.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

Mails will Close as Under : For Thames, this day, at 5 p.m, and 5.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, on Wednesday next, at 11.30 a.m. ; and per Argyle, on Friday nest, at 2.30 p.m. For Kussell, Kawa Kawa, Warjgaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, this day, at 4 p.m. For Russell and Kawa Kawa, per Hawea, this day at -1 p.m. Fcr Whi-iangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at 1 p.m. \ For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Wanganui, per St. Kilda, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. Per s.s. Waraka, on Tuesday, 13th November, as follows s«— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Ans tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton, for letters specially so addressed, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi. and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne at 11.15 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. For Wangarei Heads- Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Russell, per Golden Isle, to-morrow, at 4p.ni. For Napier, per Southern Cross, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Southern Pro vinces, {and Australian Colonies, per Hawea, on Thursday next, at 3 p.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Hawea. on Thursday next, at 3 p.m. Per s.s. Zealandia, on Wednesday, 21st instant, as under :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, and Continent o_ Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, re_istered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. 3. B. BI3S. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTHS.

[The price for inserting birth notices _a this column is reduced to one shilling; other notices as before.] GRUBB.—On the 11th November, Mrs. David Grubb of a son; both doing well. MADIGAN.—On the sth November, at her re sidence, Cambridge, the wife of Mr. Madigan of a daughter. YATES.—On the sth November, 1877, at her residence, Farnell, Auckland, N.Z., Mrs. R. J. Yates of a son.

MARRIAGES.

CUTHBERTSON—DINNISON.— On November Bth, at Newmarket, by the Rev. G. B. Monro, Henry Cuthbertson to Jeanie, second daughter of Mr. John Dinnison. PHILLIPS—DANKS.—On the 3rd November, at All Saints' Church, Auckland, by the Rev. L. L. Cubitt, Alfred John Phillips to Mary, third daughter of Mr. F. W. Danks, of this city.

DEATHS.

JUSTIN.—On the 12th November, at his late residence, Willo"w-streo., Freeman's Bay, after a short illness, Henry Justin, late of the 58th Regiment, aged 72 yeais. Deeply regretted. The funeral will leave the above at 3 o'clock to-morrow (Tuesday). Friends are respect fully invited to attend. COLLISON.—On the 12th November, at his re sidence, Princes - street, Henry Collinson, baker, aged 26 years. The funeral will leave as above to-morrow, at 4 p.m.. at which the attendance of friends is invited.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

Bank New Zealand—Sellers, £22 ss. til \ ',' ■ Colonial Bank—Seller?, 503 6d. Auckland Gas.—Buyers, £10; sellers, £10 ss. South British Insurance—Sellers, 785..' Union Insurance—Sellers, 123 9d. i U, \ Union Sash and Door—Buyers, £1017s Gd. N.Z. Loan—Buyers, £510s. Bismarck (old)--8s 9d, 9s; sellers, 9s. Moanatairi—£s 2s 6d, £5; buyers, £4 17s 6d ; sellers. £5 2s Gd. Waitekauri—4s ; sellers, ss. Alburnia—Buyers, 65s ; sellers, 70s. Royal Oak—2s ; buyers, 6s 9d. Kuranui Hill—Sellers, lGs. Piako—Sellers, 12s. Welcome—Buyers, 5s 6d. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

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

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1877.

i~or-_e cause- that Licks ass-stance, Fsir .he -rrroog that needs .e_is.___ Per __ _*ire »th? distance.

__.*. t _c __o_ ----- we <__ do.

TITE latest turn of the political kaleidoscope has brought up a proposed compromise. Mr Stafford seeks to fill the office of King Maker. He has discovered that- the point at issue among Ministerial and Opposition members is entirely a personal one between Major Atkinson and Sir George Grey, and he proposes a solution which leads one to exclaim " A very Daniel come to judg ment." He says, " Let the present leaders step on one side, and leave the rank and file to pick their colleagues from both parties in the House, and you shall have the support of the faithful few who still acknowledge me as the shadow of one who once ruled in New Zealand." Let us suppose for a moment that there was the barest possibi lity of Mr Stafford's so-called compromise coming to pass. With Sir George Grey and Major" Atkinson removed, who would remain upon whom the mantle of leader ship might naturally fall. There is the hon. member for Timaru, like a maiden coy, but willing ; and there is likewise his traditional opponent the teetotal cham pion. Does Mr Stafford think it possible that, the Vogel spell being broken, there may now be a return to the little game of battle-door and shuttle-cock, with the premiership which he and the member for Rangitikei played so successfully for many years? "We do not believe that Mr Stafford has so far outlived his judgment and politi cal foresight or tact as to contemplate such a contingency. A much more feasible explanation of his proposition is available. Iv asserting that the present struggle is based, on personal grounds, Mr Stafford states one half of a truth. There is no personal feeling either on one side or the other against Major Atkinson; but Sir George Grey has made himself feared and very objectionable to the land ring of the South, to the representation of whose interests Mr Stafford lias of late years cnclusively devoted himself. Tim Canter bury clique are prepared to sacrifice the member for Egmont if they can only get rid of Sir George Grey. They are ready to give the Opposition rook for the Govern ment queen. Rut the Government, or at least the Premier, does not see the force of the exchange. That such a proposal should have emanated from the Opposition is a sign of weakness. It shews that they are not quite so sure of being able to gain their point by lighting ; that they will sacrifice their dearest relations to win. There is a parallel to it in the now well-known inten tion of the late Ministry to replace Mr. Whitaker, the most aide man in the Cabinet, with Mr Ballance. It won't do. The other members of the Ministry know full well that Mr Stafford's ten votes, so purchased, would be won at a loss of a larger number, and by the sacrifice of everything which gave them a claim to office. Mr Stafford's wish this afternoon to obtain an adjournment until to-morrow would lead to the inference that he deems a compromise practicable, but we cannot con ceive of it on the terms stated in the tele gram. Our special reporter makes no mention of the way which Major Atkinson views the proposition, but it is evident that the materials composing the party which has made such a series of savage onslaughts on the Treasury Benches are not so'cohesive as the leading members would have the House to believe. And it supplies good ground for the confidence expressed by Minis.e-ialists in the ultimate victory of Sir George Grey.

On the fourth page of to-night's STAR appear a few items of mail news, an account of a new torpedo, designed by Mr Charles Crawford, of Freeman's Bay, and a few notes from Helensville and Hamilton cor respondents. These appeared in our country edition a few days ago, but were taken out to make room for late telegrams. The money taken at the cattle show gates on Friday was £121 lis 9d ; by a printer's error on Saturday it read £2 12s 9d.

The racehorse Greyhound,, entered in the A.R.C. Steeplechase, has arrived from Wanganui to fulfil his engagements at our Christmas meeting.

In our notice of St. Matthew's Exhibition we omitted t© mention a first prize awarded to Miss Mary Fox, 12 years old, for two pairs of knitted socks.

A dividend of 7s Gd per share, payable next Friday week, has been declared to day by the directors of the Moanatairi G.M. Co.

Persons who read the London " Times" are accustomed to see paragraphs in which the Chanceller of the Exchequer acknow ledges receipts of " conscience money," as it is called, from persons who have got out of paving their income tax. We are afraid that the consciences of New Zealand settlers are not tender enough to constrain them to make reparation in cases where the Edu cation Tax has not been levied on them, but the following may be quoted as a case analagous to those mentioned in the "Times." Mr R. Davidson, of the Star Hotel, a few days ago received a letter from England enclosing a bank draft for £1. The letter was to the following effect :— "June 23,1877.—Mr Robt. Davidson : Dear Sir,—This will no doubt take you by sur prise, but as a sense of duty urges me to it, I should like to make some reparation. When you had a tent on the old race course, Te Awamutu, there was some liquor left, out of which I for one made free with ; or, plainly speaking, stole some of it. I should have attended to it before, but circumstances and carelessness led me to put it off. The amount, I dare say, will not eXceed more than £1, if so much ; at any rate it will cover the offence. I trust you will look at this in its right light. Hoping such occurences will not tempt me any more. My address I will give, if required." Mr Davidson recollects nothing of the robbery, but he has no doubt the man is telling the truth, and he accepts the £1 without compunction. The follow! ng is the requisition to be pre sented to the member for Roslyn :—" To Arthur John Bums, Esq., M. H. R.—Sir, — We, the undersigned qualified electors for the Roslyn district, express our strong dis satisfaction with your conduct in deserting the party with whom you were elected to act, and in withholding your support from Sir George Grey and ' his administration ; and call on you either to support the pre sent Government, or at once resign your position as representative of that district, so that the constituents may have the privi lege of electing a representative in whom they oan have confidence." We would remind our readers that the land sale at Ellerslie will take place on Wednesday next, the 14th inst. Mr Tonks will conduct the sale at his auction mart, Queen-street, so that intending purchasers who have not already viewed ' the land should do so before tho sale. It is needless to say anything to commend this valuable property to the notice of the public, for most persons in and near Auckland know it thoroughly. There are, however, some advantages which should not be overlooked, and they are these : good soil, a magnifi cent view, constant railway communication, and one of the most healthful sites in the province. .

The spring clip of wool is now coming in from the country districts very fast. Scarcely a day passes but some fresh arri vals are chronicled. The Rowena brought up 23 bales from Taurauga on Saturday, and a large quantity is expected from the coast during the week. The greater part of what comes in will bo sent on board the ship City of Auckland and Famenoth, for conveyance to London, and will materially aid in the filling up of these vessels.

We are pleased to hear that Mr Living stone, one of the most indefatigable officers in our Post-office, has been promoted to the post of chief clerk of the Christchurch Office, with a substantial increase of'salary. Mr Livingstone expects to get his marching orders one day this week. This gentleman has for some time officiated as organist at St. Mary's, Parnell, where he has brought the choir into a very satisfactory state of efficiency by his untiring exertions. After the evening service yesterday Mr Livingstone requested the members of the choir to remain for a few minutes, and took the opportunity ot addressing them in a neat farewell speech, in which he spoke very regretfully of the cessation of his connection with St. Mary's. The members then said good-bye to their organist, who has suc ceeded in gaining their esteem during his term of office.

Joseph Pridmora, who was burnt out by the fire in Abercrombie-street, and his wife and children, lost all their clothing and household goods. The two girls are ten aud fourteen years respectively, and the boy twelve. Any bundles of cast-off clothing adapted to their case sent to this office will be duly called for.

An old Otago man, writing to fthe secretary of one of the Dunedin cricket clubs, says :—I see Midwinter has been doing well at Home, and although by no means the best bat of the representative Austalian team, I think he is the most likely man to score in good matches, as he reaches half way across the wickets and falls on a good ball like an oak tree. Alfred Shaw said it was disheartening to bowl a man who claimed half the 22 yardsgns his own particular property. In conversation he told me Dixon played as good cricket as any man he met in New Zealand, and praised Fiith's bowling very much.

To the Editor : Sir,—Having had cause for serious complaint against the railway authorities in times past for excessive charges, &c, I should like on behalf of some other Waikato settlers and myself to express our thorough appreciation of the cheap excursion trips to and from the Waikato and Auckland lately organised by them, as well as the patience and courtesy shewn by all the officials.—Yours, &c, Settler, Whatawhata. The time gun taken from Auckland to Wellington has proved a white elephant to the Council there. It has been stored away in the Market yard, tenders called for removing it up Mount Victoria having elicited only three : £200, £100, and £60 respectively. Councillors were thunder struck at the amounts, and refused to have anything to do with them.

Thc§ annual tea meeting in connection with ..the anniversary services of the Alexandra-street Sunday-school, will be held this evening. Tea at 0.30. From the interest manifested in the school by the members attending the church, and the public generally, wa anticipate a successful meeting. " A Volunteer," after having held a con ference with several of his brothers in arms, writes asking "how it is the Major Commanding does not call a parade for all hands on the Prince of Wales' birthday, and come and head us like a brick, as was done on previous occasions when our much - respected Major Gordon com manded."

We hear that it is intended, at no distant date, to hare a children's exhibition at the Lake. Some kind-hearted ladies and gentlemen resident in the vicinity have bestirred themselves in the matter, and are taking steps to organise the affair. _ The exhibition will be somewhat similar in its nature to that held in St. Matthew's school room on Saturday, and will comprise boy's aud girls' departments. In the former specimens of amateur carpentering, carving, gardening, &c, will be invited ; while the latter will include needlework, fancy work, &c, &c. The idea is a good one, and we trust it will be carried out success fully.

The manager of the Old Men's Refuge writes thanking Mr Thoipe, of the Harp of Erin Hotel, for being so kind as to send the old people a wise of broken meat, part of the remains of,the Agricultural Show dinner held at his house.

Mr Goldie has given notice of the following questions for Wednesday : — 1. Whether Mr F. Whitaker was retained by the Council as their solicitor iv all matters pertaining to the waterworks contract? 2. What amount, if any, has been paid to him as retainer ? 3. Has he been requested to give a legal {opinion on matters pertaining to the contract, and has he refused; if so, why ? Also, has the Mayor, in his capacity of Justice of the Peace, signed all summonses in accordance with the resolution of the Council, passed when considering the Office Committee's report; if not, why not ? I To the Editor : Sir,—Apologising for, trespassing on your valuable space, I would fain call the attention of St. Paul's Church authorities to an existing evil in this house of worship, viz., a number of children,ranging from 10 to 17 years of age, make a practice of assembling under tho choir portion of the building for no other purpose than to play,and disturb the unfor tunate people who happen to be sufficiently near to be cognisant thereof. I may men tion that often is my meditazione religioso seriously interfered with. The same complaint applies also to the seats on the opposite side. Here ladies (?) take advantage of the minister's back being turned on them to chat as freely as though they were in an office (I mean drawing room). In vain do.es the inscription on the wall say, "My house is the house of prayer. —Yours, &c, F.F.

THE MOANATAIRI REPORT.

The following has been received from the Manager this morning. " I have the honor to report as follows :— 150 feet level, S. cross-cut.—l have not yet succeeded in intersecting reef iv cross cutting north from No. 9. The drive is in 17ft, and the country is full of leaders and stringers. I shall continue a few feet further before driving west in present reef. We shall, in a few days, strike Wallace's leader in cross-cut south.

The rise on hanging wall branch of No. 9 has broken through to 80 feet level, and stoning started. The stopes between No. 1 and No. 2 winzes are giving good profitable ■tuff, and the reef in eastern stope is 6 feet thick, and shows good colours of gold. There is no change iv drive west No. 1 reef.

80 feet level.—No. 9 reef in driving west is 2£ feet thick and well defined, showing good .colours of gold, and looks promising for further improvement. The winze in Wallace's leader is down 15 feet, and. 601bs specimens have been obtained since starting it. In 15ft more sinking the leader will junction with cross reef. The western stopes in No. 9 reef in back of this level are looking well. x scwt rich specimens have been broken this week, and there is now a good show of gold for 3ft long. This is about over the No. 1 winze sunk below 80ft level. There are also good indications for gold, extending 30ft in length, with large quantities of copper and mundic show ing. The stope is now carried west from " run " of gold, and it will take a few days to bring along the next stope, as the reef and country are hard. The stopes on cross reef and Wallace's are giving good payable stuff. Main tunnell has not made such good progress this week, a few shifts being occupied in working up the bottom, and making drain, as a large quantity of

water was met with. I may mention the iron rails are laid down with a rise of 4 inches per 100 feet. Since last report we have driven 20 feet.

During past fortnight 500 tons of quartz (including sJcwt. specimens and _ 2cwt. picked stone) has been crushed, yielding 1,2100z5. retorted gold; and the mine throughout is looking very well, During low tides we are occasionally rather short of water for supplying tables, as it then becomes very thicy with mud ; to remedy this, and keep up the supply, we are now putting in boxes from Herald tail race, so that their water may run into our well. The cost of this work will be about £20. All the machinery is in good order. — I remain, etc., R. COMER." The following telegram was posted at the Company's office, and at the Exchange this morning:— " GRA.HAMSTO.v_., this day.

" I intersected No. 9 reef in prospecting cross-cut 150 ft. level. One cwt. specimens from No. 9 stopes ot SOft. level. Gold shewing freely in face. —R. Comer."

PARLIAMENTARY.

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPON-

DENT.

THE LATEST PHASE,

PROPOSED COMPROMISE,

WELLINGTON

This day. The latest phase of the political situation is Mr Stafford throwing out a suggestion that as the present political struggle is a personal question between Major Atkinson and Sir George Grey, both should retire, and a Ministry be completed from both sides of the House in the discretion of the Government. Mr Stafford promises that if this compromise is effected he will be able to bring over ten supporters to the Government. The Opposition to-day look much dispirited. The proposal to accept Mr Travers ns leader of the Opposition has created ranch dissension.

It is understood there is not the slightest intention on Sir George Grey's part to ac cept Mr Stafford'a proposed compromise by retiring from the Premiership. The Gov ernment is practically safe this session. The Opposition threaten their existence on going into Committee of Supply. Many of the Opposition are weary of the struggle at this late period of the session.

The following telegram was received on Saturday afternoon, addressed to the Hon. John Sheehan : "Through the desire of Tawhiao to see Sir George Grey, he has told his people in his district to collect food; also from Maungakawa, Maunga tautari, and other places there has arrived there several tons of potatoes and flour, which have been taken on to Kopua by the natives in canoes. Canoes have also gone down the Waikato to get.eels; other natives have gone to Kawhia to get fish ; so that by the time Sir George Grey has arrived there will be abundance of food for the assembly at Korekoia. Tawhiao is now waiting for word from Sir George.Grey when he is coming.— Major Te Wheoro." •AD J OURNMENT. Soon after the House met this afternoon Sir George Grey asked leave to move with out notice that the House adjourn till half past seven, in order to enable members to attend the funeral of the late Mr Ludlum, an old colonist and old member of the House. Mr Stafford seconded, and sug gested that they adjourn till to-morrow. Sir Brown, of Tuapeka, opposed saying that to 4.30 would be enough.

_?Sir George Grey not accepting Mr Staf ford's suggestion, the House adjourned till 7.30.

The Civil List Act Amendment Bill was introduced by Mr Larnach, and read a first time.

HOMESTEAD ACT.

To tho Editor of the_F.VENTXG Star. Sir,—Can you inform me if there is a Home stead Act in operation in this district, and if so, why it is kept such a secret. I think it should be the duty of tho Government to keep such an Act before tho eyes of the public. Now that reclamation and street work is drawing fast to a close and that there is neither the spirit nor tho will amon-st capitalists to create any local industry of such a character as would employ the surplus population, there is likely to be bad times in Btore for the overcrowded labouring population of tins city. There is many a family depending upon the daily labour of one indi vidu-1 for their support, paying lar«e house rent, and other rates in and about town, who would bo much better olf in tho country, settled upon a few acres of land ; for one acre of middling land well tilled and planted with fruit and vegetables that cost so much in town, would produce moro comforts for a small family than all one man can earn would in Auckland. When a family has their own fruit, -which they may have in abundance anyplace north of Auckland tholr own milk, butter, eggs, and vegetables, they want little more. They can grow maizo and wheat at nearly any placenorth of Auckland, and their firewood is another great advantage. Let any working man put all the foregoing items together, calculate their value, and compare with what ho earn 3 and spends in town, and ho would secataglanco that bis ownlittle homestead would bo tho best fallback. Ho would be his ewn master, and his children would be removed from idleness and the many temptations that beset them in and about the city. I would say to young men, as well as to those with a family, try your hand while young, andnothe burdened -with a family. Don't be looking about town for light ioba, counter-hopping, and the like. Be a man—try and make y owr home in the forest; you will do more good to yourself and your adopted country.—Yours, &c, Homestead.

[The Homestead Act is still in force. Full in formation respecting it has appeared annually in " Brett's Auckland Almanac aiid Provincial Handbook," and wo have no doubt whatever, that the Waste Lands Commissioner will assist anyone desirous of taking advantage by the provisions of the law. Several blocks of excel lent quality havo been thrown open for free selection. —Ed. E.S.]

Australian Cablegrams.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

RACING CLUB'S SPRING MEETING.

FOURTH DAY.

MELBOURNE, Nov. 10.

The fourth and last day of the Victoria Racing Club's Spring Meeting was held to day, and there was not only a great atten dance but a brilliant assemblage. The following are the results : All-aged Stakes. — Bosworth, 1; Emily, 2 ; Tim Whistler, 3. Time, Imm. 45_sec. This was a really good race. Mares' Produce Stakes.—Chester, 1; First King, 2 ; Lockleys, 3. The race was won easily by Chester. Time, 2min. 12sec. V. C. R. Handicap.—Woodlands, 1 ; Whisperer, 2; The Vagabond, 3. The race was won by two lengths. Time, 3mins. s£sec. Steeplechase. — Lonehand, 1 ; All Fours, 2 ; Opposition, 3. This was a good race.

Canterbury Plate.—Glenormiston, 1; Robinson Crusoe, 2. The race was won by a head. Time, 4min. 45sec.

ARRIVAL OF SUEZ MAIL. Sydney, November 10. Arrived : The Tangore, with the Suez mails, at Glenelg yesterday. Passengers for New Zealand : Rev. Mr Elton, wife and children, Messrs Lightband and Halliday.

Mr Charles Bright, the free-thought lec turer, delivered an address last night at the Choral Hall,Jon "Materialism, Positivism, and Spiritualism." There was a large audience in spite of the weather, and the lec ture was attentively listened to. Mr Bright informed his listjprs that he in tended to stay only eight days longer in Auokland, and that he should there fore give only one mote Sunday evening lecture. He would, however, be able to give a social and humourous lecture in the Albert Hall on Thursday night, while on the evening before he would attend at the hall for the purpose of meet ing his friends and answering any questions which might be asked him. An advertise ment in reference to the Thursday evening lecture appears elsewhere in our columns.

A CHILD BURNED TO DEATH.

AN inquest was held on Saturday last at ! Parua before H. R. Aubrey, Eaq. (coroner), J and a respectable jury, touching the death j of Helena Danby, daughter of Mr C. S. Robinson, of Waikawa, Parua district, who met wth her death under the follow ing painful circumstances the previous j afternoon : —Mrs Robinson, the mother of j deceased, had occasion to go to the well—a distance of about fifty yards from the house ; she was not away more than five ! minutes, having left her two children shut I in her bedroom, playing. When she had drawn two buckets of water, she heard her ! little boy screaming, and ran towards the I house, where she saw the deceased (two years old) standing near the chimney, with I nearly all her clothes burnt. The unhappy • mother found her child dreadfully burnt, ! and, with the assistance of her husband, applied every available remedy. Dr Sissons was immediately sent for, but the poor ! little girl died before it was possible for him j to arrive. The elder child (about four j years of age) afterwards told his mother j that he had let his sister out into the room where the fire was. The deceased did not seem to suffer much pain, was conscious to j the last, and before 3he died confessed that | she had been playing with the fire.. The jury returned a verdict of " Accidental Death." We trust this sad affair will act i as a solemn warning to parents and children j alike. '

DISTRICT COURT.—This Day.

(Before F. D. Fenton Esq., District Judge)

KEANE AND JENKINSON V KING AND

HORNE.

Mr Hesketh for plaintiff; Mr Brookfield for defendant.

This was a claim of £60, damages, and was submitted for arbitration; Mr J. ■ Phillips being appointed a-bitrator. Mr Lodge stated that the award had not j been sent in ; consequently the case was i adjourned till next Court day.

PORTER AND CO. V. MUNEO Claim, £46 10s 9d

Mr Laishley appeared for Messrs Porter and Co., and stated that the claim was for balance of account for goods supplied.

Robert Condcr, accountant, deposed that the balance was due, and still owing by John Munro.

Judgment for plaintiff; costs, £4 lis. MARTELLI V. PERCIVAL.

Claim, £94 6s 6d. In this case, the plaintiff, Horatio D. Martelli, claimed of William Percival the' sum above mentioned for mortgage and in terest, but after waiting some time, tho case was allowed to stand over for a fort night. This was all the business.

THE CONFESSIONAL.

CANON Carter has addressed a second let ter to the Archbishop of Canterbury on '• The Freedom of Confession in the Church of England," in which he says :—" One would have trusted that the revival of con fession would be a cause of rejoicing and thankfulness to your Grace and the rest of our chief pastors, for certainly its rise and progress have been coincident with a more active ministry, the growing conviction, of sin, and the deepening and advancing of our spiritual life, which have been the blessing of our later years." After citing the regret of Bishop Cosin aud Dr. Sparrow that confession whs dying out, Mr. Carter says that his own tutor, Bishop Short, in his ," History of the Church of England," expressed a similar regret. He denies that a catechetical scrutiny into all kinds of sin is the habit of confessors, though none but those who had to deal closely with the intensely diversified forms of sin in all classes under our complicated and artificial conditions of society can possibly imagine what needs have to be met, what sores to be probed, what unsought questionings to be solved, what deceits to be unveiled. Butitis a very axiom, that no evil should be suggested, or any approach to it, or any suspicion broached as to an unknown evil. It is persons making confessions who desire questions to be put, but even then it is reckoned a sin in a con fessor to question more closely than is requisite. The fact that a confessor is called to remit or retain sin involves a judgment, and a judgment must imply consideration and probable inquiry, and inquiry may test the experience and discretiouof theconfessor to the utmost. He conludes as follows :—

" Permit me also to add that it seems strange that such a desire is felt on the part of your Grace and other Bishops to repress all approach to publicity in giving confessions, when yet in this, as in other things, publicity is the truest safeguard. Driven as confession has been into so much privacy the wonder is that no scandal has arisen. That there has been nothing of the kind, as far as I am aware, is surely the strongest evidence possible that the suspicions and excited fears of confession are groundless. It is hard for men to be charged with secrecy in their proceedings while publicity, when desired, is forbidden. If confession be a recognized ministry in the Church of England - (and it

seems impossible to overthrow the proofs on which itrests.or to deny the blessings which innumerable souls ascribe to it), it could only lead to order and to safety to give it a locus standi, however retired, within public cognizance in our churches. Nor is it less strange that there should be any feeling which yet exists among some against con fession being administered with the formal accompaniments of the priest's appointed vesture, when everything that can add sacredness and solemnity to this ministry is the truest protection against abuse."

THE CHARGE AGAINST LONDON DETECTIVES.

! : ! Everyone who has read the extraordinary j evidence of the convicts Kurr and Benson j in the deteciive case, (as given in the | "Home News" and "European Mail") must have wondered what the advertis ments were like which (as they assert) j imposed so frequently and successfully on | many thousands of credulous Britons and ! foreigners. Having a file of " Bell's Life" j for 1872 by us we searched the advertis- i ment columns, and now have before us the dearly-paid-for notices not only of " Herbert j and Murray," but of " Adkins and Wood," j whom -wi take to be the same persons, j "trading y ' under a different name. The notice of the first-named firm assures us that they are the "actual and responsible proprietors" of " the Edinburgh, London, Epsom, and Newmarket Racing Indicator," \ established 1859." "During the last I 13 years," it continues, " Aye have landed j more single and double events than | any other Turf advisers ever achieved." ' In proof of some we nold over 1,000 letters i of congratulation, any one ot which will be t sent to our subscribers on application." Adkins and Wood are " The systematic Turf Investment Commission Agency," Bankers (! !.) The London and County ! Bank. " The promoters of this highly j successful and infallible mode of Turf speculation append a list of successes. j achieved at a few of the principal meetings ! of last season, so that intending investors i can judge for themselves as to the correct- I ness of their assertions, and as to the ' opulent winnings realised week by week I at every important race meeting. Facts , speak for themselves. Each £50 investor . at Lincoln realised £1,726 ; £100 at Liver- I pool, £5,706. (Here follows a list of the i results ot a dozen meetings.) " The pro- ' prietors" continues the notice " court inquiry, and invite contradiction, and publicly offer to forfeit £5,000 to j any investor at either of the above-named | meetings who did not receive the amounts of winnings as stated above in proportion to the amount invested." _ I | Then follows a long series of "opinions of the Press" all, of course.highly laudatory.

BENSON AND KURR'S ADVERTIS-

MENTS.

: Unfortunately, however, Me _nr_ a!._. I have omitted to add' theTmt _?$' journals m which they anneVrL Sle : | really fail to understand^owS. be imposed upon by such adTeHnL^ ! these, and yet Kurr asserts thS^gS * : and Murray " had usually 700 letter iett i post, and collected £ Win woSJ?**' , One would think that the very ffi 7*^ jof .the advertisements woSl i££?£ swindlers cause, and that at any fafc? . j an assertion as " during the whole seZ? | loss never occurred " would make c.A _.a j most innocent fool doubt. Bnt this o c ; have been, the case. Amongst theS 1* I by us there are several dozen adverti**™ 18 obviously the work of swindlers 'bit? ; pitched in an extravagantly high toae. | . There is one thought which we shm,,. j nave imagined would have occurredl . j everyone on readi_g these advertise^ i viz., why do t^hese people advertise r?, ! they really had discovered a way to ___: ■ money on the Turf, surely they would L.T ; the secret to', themselves, at any rate h„ j they had realised fortunes. Again iTu I likely a man would divulge such ari'imJ I taut matter for .the paltry sum Jg££ j stamps 1 . . ■ 7en ; We earnestly .hope that the public win takejto heart the lesson to be learnt 1 these convicts' disclosures. " %

A NATIVE RAID.

! THB maoris of the Upper Waikato havekx, i gun.yof a singular exception to thatq_ e ._fs orderly conduct which ha* characterised th for many months. It appears that privatem gramn have received, stating that la-geniimV.. of cattle have been driven off Europeeaten? tory. and have been taken across thePunniS?" tho King country- Apparently the act has __ been countenanced by any authority from Tawhaio or his chiefs, for the latest re_w_ .state that 170 head have been returned with apoiogies. The land from which the cattle wm_ driven had been passed through the Court __ there ought to be no dispute, as to its owner. ship.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) DRUNKENNESS, Four drunkards were mulcted -in .the ! usual penalty. "ALLEGED ARSON. | Joseph Pridmore, a lad, was again i brought up on a charge of being-connected : with the late fire in Abercrombie-stfeet • | but as there was not sufficient evidence j to convict the prisoner, he was diecharsted. {■ _n_a_gas ___gal__st S£r _feyers, * The charge against the accused was" to ' the effect that the said Henry Solomon Meyers unlawfully did not to the best of his knowledge and belief, fully and thtlv ; discover to Thomas Macffarlane, t_en ; bsing ' the Trustee administering the estate,;t__ ! bill of exchange or promissory note made | by H. P. Gibbons aud Co. on or about "the ; fourth day of July, 1877, for thestanof ; £41 14-3 4d, being part of the personal property of the said Henry Solomon Meyers. Mr Brookfield and Mr Hesketh appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Tyler for

defendant. Hudson Williamson, assistant-Registrar, of the Supreme Court, deposed "tfiat. by virtue of his position, he took possession of all documents iv connection with cases of bankruptcy. He had prisoner's declara tion of insolvency, filed on 16th July last; also his schedule of assets and liabilities. On the ICth October 2vlr Meyers applied to the Court for his discharge, and witness

was present during his examination. Henry Gibbons deposed that he carried on the business of a grocer in Wellesley street, in the style of H. P. Gibbons and Co. He was the principal representative, lie knew defendant, having had bi_u.ess transactions with him. In July last he pnr chased jams of defendant amounting to £41 i2s 4d ; for which he "gave a three months' promissory note, due on sth October, pay able at the Union Bank. He was unable to produce the note. Mr Tyler intimated that- there had not been such a search made as would warrant the conclusion that the note could not-be

found.

"Vvitneas said he fancied that it must have been destroyed when he settled -with Stitch bury for it, as Stitchbury told him not to leave the note lying about. Mr Tyler asked that all witnesses might be ordered out of Court. His Worship said he did not think he had the power to do so without orderingal persons out of Court. Witness continued : ;He signed the note. Mr Meyer's clerk subsequently came and asked Mm to change the note for another. He asked "Why?" He replied..that previous to his bankruptcy, Mr Meyers had given him the bill in part payment of monies due to him (witness). Subsequently he gave a note for the same amount due a week afterwards. On the holiday,^ Mr Meyers asked him if Stichbury had been up and got the money for it. He said "yes, aud he "hoped, it would

be all right." Witness was armpns to know if it had passed through the proper channel. Mr Meyers said he did not want any conversation about it, as he believed it was coming before "the; Court. Thomas Macffarlane was next examined, and deposed that he was trustee to the estate of Henry Solomon Meyers, and had the books belonging to the estate. He had requested Mr Meyers to give him the necessary information as to assets and liabilities. He received the books orithe 23rd July, the day of his appointment Mr Meyers always had access to the books, for the purpose of giving information. The books were not balanced up,-and Mr Meyers assisted in balancing them, in consequence of what his clerk had.said he asked Mr Meyers to go over them again. Hedid so, assisted by Mr Stichbury, and their additions and alterations werernade in red ink. He also examined the statement of assets and habibties, but found no asset of £41 12s 4a, promissory note from H. P. Gibbons and Co., nor did Mr Meyers mention their name. The salary of James Arthur Stichbury was entered, £241Ss4d, as due for wages, whicH he paid to him, with something beside for extra services. Mr Meyers said that a further sum was due to Stichbury, but ne was not certain whether or not: it. was mentioned as lent money. There was & sum of £69 in the cash book, without any name, and he understood that amount was due to Stichbury, but how he got^Jw information he could not say, it was like a dream in his mind. James Arthur Stichbury, clerk, recently in the employ of Mr Meyers, knew Mr H. P. Gibbons, and remembered ttte promissory note which was given to him of Mr Meyers since his bankruptcy, on ttte day that he got his cheque from Mr Mac ffarlane for salary. He lent Mr Meyew £14, when he gave him Gibbons' note, ana told him to take it out of that. B.em received cash previously on Mr MacJr\ lane's cheque, hence he was enaw» to lend the £14. He got the cheque on Friday; the 2Sth September- He lent Mr Meyers £10on the 12th and m on the 16th of Oct. The last paid after the promissory note had De^ paid which was settled on the previous day. He gave the original bill to m Gibbons for another, but did not know what became of it. The throe sumsi maae £39, and the difference he handed to *« trustee. Never lent Mr Meyers £69- " his examination in the Supreme pfffJK^ Meyers said that he had given Gibbon promissory note to witness oa m^> . of a loan of £69 ; that #§g>g| was incorrect. He could not account w tne £6i) entry '; it did not refer any loan made by hml , § Mr Meyers, because he never made sucn advance. The figures were his, bur transcribed them from another book, made up the book by Mr Meyer s-wgw tions, he supposed in anticipation ot d ruptcy, as it was just before the first m ing of creditors. He never advanced money, other than the sums ..lentionea j Mr Meyers. ' .

-HE EVENING STAR, MONDAY, NQVEMBER 13, 1877.



STew Spring and Summer DRESS MATERIALS. — -(H. ATKINS }■ Has now for Sale, CHEAP, a Splendi < Assort ment of __r new dress goods, =xkj suitable for the Spring and Summer Season of every variety, style, quality, and texture. &» e» & ' V_ ft @i 1 S^ _) s$ ""'^A_tent7oa is respectfully invited to tl_3 Season's Shioment, which is the Largest and Best-selected ever shewn in the city. The Prices are also very reasonable. Also, Just Opened, MANCHESTER GOODS, CALICOES, SHEET INGS. QUILTS. BLANKETS,, LONG CURTAINS, TABLE LINEN, &c. A Great Reduction has been made in the Prices of Manchester Goods, owing to the reduced List of the Home manufacturers. NEW SUMMER CLOTHING, SHIRTS, HATS, &0., Just Received. Splendid Lines in Auckland & Melbourne-made CLOTHING. The Largest Stock of MOSGIEL & IMPORTED TWEEDS in Auckland to select from. «_T Tailors Supplied at Wholesale Prices GENTLEMEN'S ORDERS EXECUTED. A Large Lot of Cheap Tweeds for Boy's Wear. HA TKINS. O _T3L JP* StEPH ENS Having now the Sole Proprietorship of the old-established Business at No. 138, ad joining Lewisson's, will spare no efforts to keep up his name as a leading BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURER AND IMPORTER, (Laxe Cater), !--->, Queen-street Xoo, opposite the union bank, Auckland. BOOTS & SHOES of every description made to order. ! . ■-' : j'- French and German Kid Boots and Shoes always in Stock. _2T Storekeepers Supplied Wholesale __& Prompt attention given to all orders. Cash Orders from the country will receive immediate response. Goods forwarded by train, steamer, &c, &c. NOTICE.—AII Debts due to the late.Klrm of Stephens and Carter must be paid to the under signed, whose receipt alone will be a sumcient discharge. P. STEPHENS. Auckland, November 3,1877.



THE undersigned are now bringing forward a, Large Parcel of GENERAL DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &a, bought at considerably less than usual prices, to which they invite the attention of all requiring Good Vai_t_ For Money. Corsets in great variety of quality and style, white and coloured, from 2/6 per pair Linen and Lace Goods, Cutis, Collars, and Sets, in variety Ladies' Underclothing Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, Alpacca, &c. Lot of Flowers at very low price, quite fresh Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves, &c. A Splendid Stock of Muslin, Lace, and Lenoe Curtains, Counterpanes. Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Sheeting, Felt Squares Carpets. Floorcloth, China Matting-, Ticks, Sec. Large-size Huckaback Towels at /6 each New Fancy Dress Materials, Japanese Silks, Coloured Lustres, Black 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 V-lite and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard ALSO, A very large assortment of Gents' Shirts, White Longcloth, Union and All-wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Twill, Fancy Jean, Oxford, fee- Strong Tweed 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. Is. in he & allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, JUNCTION Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, auc_____>_ I\/r A N_ T L E S, COSTUMES, UNDERCLOTHING, AND BABY-LINEN. A Large Assortment of these Goods has just been received by W. RATTRAY, DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, ~KT E W ZEALAND TTOUSE, 66, y,UEEX-STREET, AUCKLAND. ~T O H N W. P E A E S E, DRAPER & CLOTHIER, CORNER OF QUEEN-STREET & VULCAN LANE. TTNI.ON INSURANCE COMPANY NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. A U CX L A _N D BR A N C H : Temporary Offices: QUEEN-ST R E E T, Next to Mr. G. W. Binney _ Store, FIRE "DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores, Shops, Bni!ding3 in which trade is carried od, Merchandise, and Goods of every Ascription. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers. Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, AT Lowest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON, Manager. jTcosgrave & CO. Beg to inform tho Inhabitants of the Province, that they have Received a Large Consignment of Goods, ncr the City of Auckland, purchased at tho End of the Season, in the English Markets, consisting of— Manchester Goods ( ~") Black, Colored, and Dress Materials J I I Japanese Silks Straw Hats 1 T f Men's Clothing, Sec, Boys' Clothing (.JL. &c, &c. They have now Marked tuem Down, and are now holding a Sale of the same. The Public are requested to come Early and Secure the EXTRAORDINARY BARGAINS that will be given.



Although the law has been frequently and successfully invoked against the counterfeiters of Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, their cupidity has again overcome their prudence. Imitations of this famous me dicinal beverage are being put up by unprinci pled parties in empty bottles of the genuine article, and the labels imitated. Be cautious, purchasers.