SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mr-M vmtfp ( This Afternoon, (!.:;.") fill? A WTATKR—;| To . morrow Morning, 0.55 SUN,SET.—This Evening, 5.15 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning. <•)..">! MOON'S AGE.—Now Moon. 9th. 1 56 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Wanaka. s-s., McGillivrar. from Ru3Sell Stella. Oovernment a.s., Fairchild, from Wel lington

DEPARTURES.

Wanaka, s.s., McGillivray, for Tauranga and the South Argyle, 5.3., for Wangarei

iA special charge is marie for cnn-ngnees n.™*s in r'lis column. Two lines, is; it booked,

2s Sd.i

EXPORTS.

i "er E'.ootrafor London : i!, 057 cases kauri gum, l"o tons copra, 111 casks tallow. S cases merchan dise, s cas>>s fern?, 32 bat's shank bones. 3 trunks merchandise. 3 bales mers, 0 pkgs. effects, 1 case slag. 1 fur coat, 101 bales wool. f> bales leather. 113 cases pearl shells, 4 casks glue pieces. 2,50f> bags manganese, i cases woodware, ko bales cotion. Cruickshank and Co., agents.

THE SHIP ELECTRA.

ISThe ship Electra finished her loading yester day and to-day her har.ch.es wore closed down, and the stores 'and water were taken on board. Her clearance at the Customs was effected this afternoon, and she is to move away from the wharf to-morrow. Captain Thomson has earned the respect of the mercantile community by his straight io rward conduct in business matters since" his arrival, and one and all wish him a prosperous journey home.

THE ISABEL.

The cutler Isabel, we learn, has been floated at VVaactiWei Heads, and was to have sailed for Aucklad last night.

The bai'que Lombardean cleared opt for New castle to-day in ballast. She is to sail at once. Tiie st. am barqucntine Emu was sold to Messrs OouHshaw Bros., o£ Sydney, for £3,.30 i). She lias been purchased for the Solomon Island The brig Vision sails at once for the Marshall Group. -" The s.s. Pretty .Tane, which arrived yesterday afternoon from" G-:3borne, sails again for the same port this afternoon. Messrs Cruickshank and Co. have received a later cablegram from Sydney, stating that the sailing1 of the s.a. Hero from Melbourne had been postponed until the 14 th instant, ar.d that she would leave Sydney for this port on the ISth instant. . , . ~ Tiie Government steamer Stella arrived in the Mauukau, from "Wellington, yesterday. She oroceeds to Can« Maria Van Dicinan. where Captain Fairchild will land the material for the intended lighthouse on that point. The schooner Miwoppa is to leave again ior Levuka on Tuesday next. The a.3. Southern Cross is to depart for Napier direct to-morrow afternoon. The s.s. Wauaka left tor Tauranga, Gisborno and Southern ports this afternoon. The s.s. Hawea is due in the Mamikau to-mor row morning. The cause of her detention at Nelson a day beyond her time is that she had to take on bocrd the passengers and cara:o for New Plymouth, which the Taupo was unable to land fcher i ■ Captain Stewart, late of the brisrantine Eliza and Mary, has been appointed to the steam tug Lionel. He will leave with his vessel for Hoki anea on Saturday. The brig Vision cleared out for the -Marshall Group to-day with a general trading cargo, and the following passengers:—Messrs J. Cozens, T. Lytteiton. She is to sail to-morrow morning at the schooner Saucy Kate lias cleared for Naoier with a cararo of firewood and shingles. BSThe schooner Golden Isle has cleared for Russell in ballast. The schooner Minnie Hare has arrived from Naunsurn with 22,500 fe°t totara timber, 30.000 shiug'^ 3000 staves, 10 tons wood, 12 50-feet piles! and 100* feet timber, part of which is to be taken on to Napier. A schooner is coming in as we go to press.

COMMERCIAL.

3VEeS3VB E. and IT. Isaacs have to report on their sale o ! damaged tin and boots yesterday as fol lows :—Taking into consideration the damaged stit?. of the goods the sale went off well. Mr R. Arthur held a sale of goorls to-day, ex Vosemite, with the following results: White and stone gold stone china cups, 7s Cd per doz., assorted cups and saucers. Is 6d. Rosewood harmonium (5 stops),l.'£l4 103. The furniture averaged fair prices.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Tbames, this 'day, at 5.30 p.m. and to gjinorrow at 11.3", a.m. Fo- Ceromaadel, per Argyle, oa Friday, £at 2.30 p.m. Foi" Waiwera. "sT'afkworth, and Te Arai, per Anne Milbank. to-morrow, at 10 p.m. For Napier, per Southern Cross, to-morrow, at i p.m. For London, per Electra, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per H&wea, immediately after arrival of the Aust-rallia from Honolulu. For Australian Colonies, per Australia, im mediately after her arrival. For Leruka (Fiji), per Mazeppa, on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m. Per a.s. Taranaki, on Thursday, 16th msfc., as follows:— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports,and Continent of Kui'ope. at 10 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Austra lian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially addres sed), at 11 a.m. P'or United Kingdom via Brmdisi. and late letter for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at 11.20 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. 3. >?. KISS. Chief Postmaster.

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, &c.-

Augusts. Naval Brigade Entertainment, Albert Hall, at 3 p.hi. Good Templar. Annual Tea Meeting, Presby terian school-room, Parnoil. at 6.30 p.m. Fortnightly Meeting of Court Zafilar.dia. 47-11, A.0.F.. Young Men's Rooms, at 3 o'clock.

MARRIAGE

WILLIAMS—XEWBY.— On the 2nd August, at St. Matthew's Church, Auckland, by the Rev. R. S. Kassard, Charles Williams, oi' Auckland, manufacturer, to Mary, ivliot of the late Joseph Newbj, o(. Wolverhampton.

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

WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 8, 1577.

■for the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs lesistaace. For the future in the distance. And the good thai we civ do.

T.HE Native Lands Bill, as might have been anticipated, is encountering strong opposi tion in the House of Representatives. There is a very unanimous aversion to the uncon trolled pOAvcr vested in the hands of the Chief Judge, and the facilities offered by the Bill for the ficqui.sit io:: of vast landed estates. The chief points taken exception to are those which we touched upon at considerable length when the Bill was circulated. Despite Mr Whitaker's eulogy of the measure as one that would enable small settlers to compete with capitalists in the purchase of native lands, the members who have yet addressed themselves to the subject, have, without exception, denounced the Government proposals as handing the natives over unconditionally to land sharks. The question is admittedly one of the most difficult that the colony has to determine. The vote for purchase of native lands in the North Island is completely exhausted, and the Government cannot, if it were desirable, continue the work of extinguishing the native title. A certain degree of free trade in laud is necessary if the outposts of settlement are to be pushed into the heart of Maori dom. But the transfer of tiie waste lands from the hands of Maori, owners to those of speculators would prove an exchange of doubtful advantage. The Maoris" will always be willing to part with their lands' at a reasonable price whenever they are required for boua lidesettlement, but is the same thing true of greedy land sharks, or men who attempt to secure the freehold of whole counties for the .support of a few thousands of aheep ? Free trade in native lands should, if possible, be limited to an extent that will secure the colony against any purchasots but those made purely in the interests <>i colonization. it is, of course, impossible to restrict the pur chasing power of money ; but, there fore, is it the more important that the operations of speculators should not be aided by powers of mortgage, which could not be taken advantage of by the small pur chaser. The survey of native lands at the cost of the Government, and the individmil isation of all titles before sale, offer the only safeguards against landed monopoly

ami Maori pauperism. The spirit evinced in last night's debate is an encouraging si: ? fn that the North Island members are not blind to the dangerous tendencies of the VAll hi its present shape. \

TURKEY AND THE CHRISTIANS.

[Bvtiiis Vi'x. Archdeacon Mauxsell.]

What can be said in justification of the treatment of the Christians by the Turks? What can be said i» extenuation of their massacres in Bulgaria and Bosnia t When posterity comes to weigh the several events of our time in the balance of history, will she thinks that those deeds of barbarity were worse than Hogging men and women through a river, in a Russian winter, and compell ing them to record their names as members of the Creek Church ; or will she regard the massacres in the Principalities as more heinous than those of General Klausman at Khiva, when he commanded that every man, woman, and child of the tribe should be put to death if they attempted to leave the district, or did not pay the tribute demanded? The excited feelings and language of such men as Gladstone and Carlyle do honour to our common nature ; and as Englishmen we may be proud to see that the minds of men in the mothorcotmtry are so excited that they cannot form a correct judgment on the case. Feelings of benevolent human sym pathy will sometimes rise and sweep along with the fury of a torrent, carrying away tiic

judgment, and even justice, with it. It is related that when, after the massacres in

India, reinforcements were landed at Calcutta, a gigantic Highbinder rushed ashore, and knocked down the first Hindoo that ho met. Many of our deeds in India, iv the course of that struggle, have been wisely written on blotting paper. Now,how stands the case as presented by the Turkish advocate T We are told, first, that no Government can be held responsible for acts of its agents in times of panic ; and are reminded of what Governor Eyre did lately at

Jamaica ; secondly, that those massacres took place in times of panic, when insur rection was threatened, and emissaries of certain secret societies were sowing discon-

tent broadcast; thirdly, that the condition of the Christians is now very different from what it was ; fourthly, that the Koran is no obstacle to the progress of the people ; and, lastly, that great changes for the better have, during late years, taken place in Turkey. There is very great weight in all the.se arguments. Let us brieily and impartially look at them. Let us lirst consider the nature of the (Jo vemiiieut, the character of the magistrates, and the character of the people. Turkey, with its many nationalities, and its weak central Government, seems to bo a land of contradictions. With all its advantages it is undeniable that the nation has made but little progress ; that cities once great and prosperous are now in ruins ; and that large tracts of land are, from the insecurity of property, and the badness of the roads, lying waste. Like all centralised govern ments it is weak in the administration of details ; and as there is ivo free Press, and as inter-communication is defective, tiie central authority is shut up into the hands of the local rulers. Corruption also reigns .so much at head-quarters that cases or mal-goverumcnt are with diflicnlty ex posed and punished. The Divan also, a council of thirteen, who advise the Sultan, does not feel very strongly disposed to search out and punish cases of wrong-doing towards the Christians. The Turks June a saying that, a law of the Sultan only lasts for three days. A law may be issued from Constantinople, but the provincial autho rities will decide the case only as they see lit; or in accordance with the pressure of some local magnate, or of some Euro pean consul. Our illustrious countrymen, Hobart Pasha and Captain IJuninby, "affirm that then: is no case of persecution in Turkey, and that toleration reigns. In reference to the massacres, Hobart Pasha writes to Mr (Gladstone : " April 4th, 1.577. Let mi; ask, did you ever inquire into the real cause of the unhappy eveMts in lJul garia ? or did you, from the very outset, act upon the idea that they were caused I>\- Tiirkish misrule, and that only? Did you ever he;vr of six Turkish policemen being burnt slowly to death in quicklime before the row began '! '" * Did you ever hear that through ihc crafty intrigues of certain high personages, the regular troops were ;ill removed before the order to quell the revolt was given ':" He cuds his letter by saying, in reference to Mr Gladstone: '■The Turks say, why sloes not this just man mention the horrors committed by

Christian insurgents, such a'-* cutting of]'the noses of prisoners and boiling Turks alive V Why does he make out one side to be all

angels, and those on the other devils V" This reveals to upaterri 1)1 estate of fooling between

the different communities of that population, a state of feeling that would tax to tin:

uttermost the' powers of any Government. A parallel to it might he found some years ago in Ireland ; and we iviiow how deeply il: engaged the thoughts, and battled the efforts of our rulers. Take now a case from the opposite side, supplied by I)r Sandwitli. '■' A steamer was on its course to Constanti nople. On board of it were four Turku,

who, according to their custom, spread their carpet, drew v Una, and proceeded to make their prostrations. One or two of the passengers smiled at the proceeding. Up they rose from their knees, turned up their palms t,o heaven, repeated a religious for mula, and ,as if by common consent., drew their scimitars, and ' ran a muck' through the passengers and crew, striking down all whom they could. At la-4 they were over powered and slain. On their arrival the captain reported the case to the authorities. They, of course, could do nothing. But the ulemas, or priests, claimed the bodies. A deputation or white turbans came down to the vessel, who carried them away and buried them as martyrs, -with imposing ceremonies. One of the Sultans ven tured once to make some reforms. A fanatical priest met him in the streets, and in a loud solemn voice, and with fierce action denounced the wrath of heaven upon him. The Sultan was a man of g.eat decision of character. The priest was seized, carried away to prison, and was thought to have been quietly strangled. How much even a tolerant Sultan would he battled by tiiese antagonistic influences may he .seen in the following fact : About twenty years ago the Sukau, wishing to give relief to the Christians, proclaimed a law that in the courts of justice the information of the Christians should be accepted. He dared not say oath, for that would have put them on a level with the Turks. Under these conditions, and with the law of Mahomet a« the law of the land, is there any hope for toleration in Turkey ? What is the amount of toleration in that country ? and has any change for the better taken place amongst them? This is a question to which we shall next address ourselves*.

Mr Charles Wlxeatleigh, the actor, who was so popular here in his famous character of the Shaughraun, is to leave Sydney for Auckland on the 25th inst. with au : entirely new company, under engagement to : Mr DeLias to J>la\ r at the Theatre Royal. I The success of the "Working Mem' ] Club in Wellington appeal's now to be : established beyond the shadow of a doubt. The roll comprises nearly 120 members, ■■ sixty of whom are honorary, and in the establishment now opened by the club in Dixon-street comfort and convenience appear alike studied, so that the club should prove what it is intended to be— a real boon to working men. The Napier police have just completed a census of the town of Napier. From this it appears there are 911 inhabited houses, the total population being 5135. The house containing the largest family is the gaol, where on the day of the census there were 40 inmates. A meeting of all interested in educa tion in is convened for to-morrow night in the Young Men's Christian Association rooms.

At the Harbour Board meeting yesterday, Mr William Thorne took his seat as the representative of the Ponsonby Highway Board ; and Mr William Hoyle Brown, on behalf of the North Shore Highway Board.

A number of tenders were opened yester day by tbe chairman of the Harbour Board for various worksabout to be commenced, and 1 foil "

the iollowmg were the successful tenderer* For erection of fence at Naval Reserve, Mi W. Plrilcox, £46 ; filling in intake allot ments, Messrs Wins tone (conditionally), £256 ; erection of signalman's house, Mr W. Phileox, £58 ; forming and covering reclamation-road between Nelson and Har dinge-strects, Messrs McDonald and McShane, £5 10s per cubic yard. A little girl, the daughter of Mr George Martin, of Pakia, was suffocated on Satur day, the 2Sth_ult. The child, five years old, was amusing herself in a hole in the bank, when the sand above gave way, slipped, and completely buried the child. The verdict of the jury, before Mr Aron Stunner, the coroner, vras "Accidental Death." The Good Templars of the Parnell Lodge will hold their annual tea-meeting this evening, in the Presbyterian school-room of the district, when the report and financial statement will be submitted. The remain ing hour will be devoted to music, speecii, song, and elocution. The Rev. George Brown presided last evening at the meeting of St. Andrew's

congregation, for the purpose of taking steps for procuring a suitable successor to the

Rev. David Bruce, whose new duties necessitated his relinquishnient of the St. Andrew's pastorate. The report of the committee was read. It intimated that the commissioners in Scotland had not yet succeeded in meeting with a minister, and the committee recommended that the church should bide its time. The report was adopted and the matter referred hack to the committee, with instructions to con tinue their inquiry for a suitabh minister to fill the pulpit.

Wo learn that tlicrc is no truth whatever in the statement extracted from the Poverty Bay ;< Herald," that Mr E. Hcsketh, barris ter, proposes to sojourn thereon the surges-

tion of his medical advisor. Mr Hesketh lias no intention of leaving Auckland, nor has he been so advised. Our Poverty Bay friends are, therefore, reckoning without their host. We have received a copy of the time table for the Waikato railway extension to Nganiawakia, Two through trains to New castle will rundailyjone leaving Auckland at seven in the morning, aud the second at 1.45. The 4.15 train to Mercer will be continued. From Ngaruawahia trains will leave at (>'. a.m. and 1.30. p.m. daily. The Templar Benefit Society is making successful progress. There was a good attendance at the business meeting last evening in the Temperance Hall, Mr Caradus iv the chair. The Treasurer, Mr Allen, read the annual statement of accounts, Vhich shewed : Credit in bank, £25 ; goods on hand, £10 ; cash for regalia, £1 f>s (id ; total amount of management fund, £36 5s (id. Kick and funeral fund— to credit in bank, £t>o ; cash in hand, 15s :<<l ; cash received on August 7, £S 15s 3d ; total, £103 16s. The number of members admitted during the year was 2(> ; chartered members, l(j; making a total of 42 good on the books at the date of the meeting. Paid to such members during the year, £10 10s, being an average of 5s ucr member for the year. The expenses of management were £5.) 10s 3d. The meeting closed with a vote, of thank-; to the chairman. A grand variety entertainment will lie given this evening in Mr Do.inwoH's new Hall, Darby-street, by the members of the Naval Brigade Variety Troupe, ti> conclude with a quadrille party. We learn that a number of old faces will appear on this occasion; and as teats of agility, hornpipes, comic and sentimental songs, will be forth coming at this season of dearth of amuse ments, this entertainment will surely bu patronised to a considerable extent. An exemplilica'.ion of the deathless love of woman was witnessed yesterday at the Police (Joint, and which completely set at nought Byron's assertion, " Woman, thy vows are traced in sand." The ill-usage to which the wife hail been subjected was apparent by the deep cut over her eye, and her wan features. The man who had pro mised '" to love and to cherish." was ordered to find sureties to keep the peace for six months, and immediately the poor woman was out and about, and she neither ate nor drank until she had found the necessary sureties, and liberated her oppressor. Messrs Fowler and C0.,0f Durham-street, have ,'ic.pcptcd the contract for supplying the Long Tunnel Company, at Coroinandul, with Gin. air pipes constructed of galvanized iron, at Sd per foot, 400 ft. to be ready on Friday, 150 ft. on .Monday, and 250 ft. on the following I'Yiday. A meeting has been convened by 'he Council of the Trades and Labour Union, and will be held in the Mechanics' Institute, on Thursday evening, for the purpose of considering the propriety of petitioning Parliament to stop the importation or materials by Government which can be manufactured iv the colony.

Tlio coursing meeting begun the week beforu List at .East Tamaki was concluded ; yesterday. The weather, although threat ; cning in the morning, cleared oil' in the i middle of the da}', and continued fine j throughout the afternoon. The attendance ; was not so large as on tho first day of the ; meeting, but a good number of well-filled i imps visited .the scene from Auckland. | Mr Kelly, as before, acted as judge, and .Mr C. Walnutt ollieiated as slipper. Mr . J. S. Buckland was chief of the beaters, and in this and other respects contributed j his best efforts for the success of the , sport. The following was the result of the ! coursing : —Mr Abbott's Flying Cloud beat jMr Edgar's Auckland Tom" Mr Percival's j Lord Nelson ran a bye with Mr Bucklauds Dilpussund. Mr Percival's br. d. Lord i Nelson beat Mr Abbott's b. Flying Cloud, ; and won the first prize, £10. Flying' Cloud j took second money, £4. Auckland Tom took third money, £1. The course between ! Flying Cloud and Auckland Tom was by jno means satisfactory. There was an un i decided to begin with, and then when they were started again the hare ran to cover just as i,he dogs were getting into their work. Puss was turned out again by the beaters, but the dogs were unsighted almost | immediately. Tho judge gave his decision in favour of Flying Cloud. In the bye with Dilpussand Lord Nelson ; had all the best of it, and wound up some ! very close work by a good kill. In the final go, considerable interest was mani- I fested, and public opinion was pretty equally ; divided as to the result. The hare was started in a splendid piece of country, and I both dogs were Very evenly away from slips. From the first it was manifest that , Lord Nelson had the ileeter foot, and lie j succeeded in scoring three go-by's in capi i tal style. The latter part of the course was interfered with by a strange dog forming in. The judge decided in favour of Lord Nelson, who linislied by killing his hare. .Mr Buckland provided a substantial ■ luncheon for those present. An eight | dog stake was got up on the ground, but • only one course was run ; Mr Dervin'a Joe beating Mr Foley's Smuggler. The winner , is a brindle dog, by Little Cock Robin, dam, ■■ Celebrity. He was bred by Sir Edward Lacon, Bart.. M.P., of Caistor, in Norfolk. He is two years old, and was imported in the barque Dilpussund about two months ago. A number of independent electors were nicely sold at Featnerston. They knew there was to be a free spread, but did not take tho trouble to ascertain where. The ''News Letter" relates that they found their way into one of the hotels, and seeing a long table loaded with dainties of all descriptions, they deliberately sat down and ate and drank of the best. Much to their astonishment they had to hand over 4s each before they left the room. The mistake caused a good deal of merriment when it became known.

During the 14 months ending on the 30th of April lust, upwards of £6^50 worth of rabbits, fish, and oysters were seized in the Melbourne n'sh market, and at the instance of Mr G. Donald, the inspector, destroyed as being unfit for human food. The number of rabbits was 5704 pairs.

The Medical Acts Committee of the General Medical Council of Great Britain, has had under its consideration the pro priety of placing on the register medical men practising in the Colonies and possed only of Colonial [degrees and diplomas. After much deliberation, the following re solution, proposed by Mr Simon, was adopted:— "' That medical qualifications granted under legal authority in any part of Her Majesty's dominions, and entitled to practise in such part, should be registered within the United Kingdom, on the same terms as qualifications which are granted within the United Kingdom, but in a separate, alphabetically-arranged, section of the register." The little daughter of Mr George Martin, assistant pilot, Hokiauga, has met with her death under very painful circumstances. She was playing on the beach, and crept into a hole in a high sand bank, when a quantity of sand from above fell, smother ing her. Mrs Martin, missing the child a few minutes afterwards, discovered thebody quite warm, but life was extinct.

The manager of the Long Tunnel Gold- Mining Company was inspecting the drive on Saturday with a miner named Mcßrin. When about 1400 feet in they wore almost suffocated with foul air, and Mcßrin became unconscious. Fortunately the manager was able to get out, andprocuringassistance, rescued Mcßrin in safety.

A flutter of excitement was caused this morning in Queen-street by the escape of a line cock from the yard of the Auckland hotel. The bird, it seems, was destined to die, and when Robert, the second cook, was about to execute the dread sentence with a sharp pen-knife, the cock gave a vociferous crow, fluttered, and Hew over the sanguinary cook. He ran through the hotel passage with his foe at his heels, and Hew across the street to the Mayor's store, but whether for protection or for maize is not certain. A crowd immediately pursued the intended victim, who ran into the door way of the National Bank, gave two scream-, and resigned himself to his fate. He was taken by the cook, and ere this, his tender body has gone the way of all things, while his handsome feathers have been preserved for another purpose.

The limited business of the Police Court was considerably delayed this morning, in consequence of the difficulty experienced in procuring Justices of the Peace. At last two were procured, and the business com menced at 10.30 a.m.

An inquest was held this afternoon at the Whau Lunatic Asylum, before T.)r Goldsbro' and a jury, on the body of Peter Lavery, who died yesterday. The deceased was admitted into thoJAsylum as a lunatic on the 13th March of the present year. The evidence shewed that he had been in tolerable health until the last few weeks, and that he had such necessaries as his case required. He gradually sank, and died. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned. The deceased had been a bushman, and was several time? convicted for dog stealing.

A very interesting variety of kauri gum ornaments in the window of Mr Alexander, jeweller, of Queon-street, have attracted much attention to-day, and will be exhibited for a few days to come. The articles repre sent shrines, chains, necklaces, Maori heads, hearts, anchors, etc., some of them being inwrought with native ferns. The curiosities were intended by the owner for the 1 'hiladelphia Exhibition, and arc exceed iniilv attractive.

The Lodge Remuera, K.C., will meet at Newmarket at half-past seven this even ing.

In the advertisement referring to tenders for gaol supplies, the words "hospital andj" were inserted in error. Supplies are re quired for gaol only, and are receivable by the Visiting Justices up to the 15th hist., in accordance with specifications to be seen at the gaol.

In a book on " Islam under the Arabs," by Major Oshorn, whose long residence among the Mohammedan population in India has enabled him to throw much new and striking light on the origin of the Koran and the customs of its believers, the writer, while pointing out some redeeming features in Islamism as a religious system, shews its debasing character as compared with the teachings of true Christianity. 11is con clusion is that politics and fanatical religion are so bound together that one cannot bu improved without des troying the other. " The religious history of mankind shews that while a creed has often been destroyed by attacks from with out, it can be regenerated only from within. lint where, in the bosom of Islam, can we hope for a regenerator"' (p. 70). Nothing less than the destruction of Islam can heal the diseases from which the faithful sutler, because the vices which occasion them are inseparable from the profession of Islam. The vices will not cease to lie regarded as virtues till belief iv the religion is dcs-

t roved."

CABLEGRAMS.

[I'IiESS ACiKNCV.]

THE WAR.

Prussian Account of the Plevna

Defeat.

Osman Pasha Keiaforced.

LONDON 6th. Tne Russians state that their loss al Plevna was only iive thousand.

Osman Pasha's forces have been rein forced, and are now strongly intrenched at Plevna. Russians are encamped six miles east from Plevna.

THE LATEST.

Fighting at Rasgracl

Disorderly Eotreat of tho Rus sians from Eslse-Saghra-

Hobart Pasha's Movements

LONDON, August 6.

Fighting is going on at liasgrad, on tho railway line between Varna and Paist chuk. The Prussians, after the defeat at Eske- Saghra, retreatsd in disorder. Suliemcn Bey occupies Kainbozha Pass. Hobart Pasha is cruising in :ho Black Sea. The expedition to the Caucasus has been abandoned. The relations between Greece and Turkey are critical.

AUCKLAND SHIPPING.

LONDON, August 4th. Money is firmer ; Consols 95. Austra lian securities are steady. The wheat market is weaker. Adelaide 66s to 68s. ' Arrivals : C4lenlora and Loch Urr. from Auckland.

WRECK OF THE "QUEENBEE," AN ENGLISH SHIP, AT Farewell Spit, Nelson.

(SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO "STAR.")

(From Our Own Correspondent)

NELSON, this day. The ship Queen Bee, from London to Nelson, struck Farewell Spit at mid night on Monday. The second mate left the wreck, and has arrived at Motueka, and brings intelligence that there arc ten feet of water in the hold, and requests

assistance

The steamers Lyttelton and Lady Barkley proceeded to the scene of the wreck last night to render assistance and remove the passengers. It is thought here there is little chance of saving the ship er cargo. It is anticipated that the passengers would be landed at the .Spit to await the arrival of assistance. The Queen Bee left London on the 22nd April with a large and valuable cargo for Nelson. One family on board paid £500 passage money. The steamers have not yet returned.

The Queen Bee was formerly in the Auckland trade. She is a ship of 724 tons.

The following is a list of the passengers : — Saloon : Mrs J. Gibbs, Mary Gibbs, Richard Gibbs, Louisa Gibbs, Fred Gibbs, Henry Gibbs, Ellen J. Gibbs, John H. Gibbs, Henry E. Gibbs, Lucy F. Gibbs, C. J. Beckett, Ernest Catt, AY. A. Whyte, PI. Hartlo, Dr. Maunsell, Muriel Maunsell, Eily Maunsoll, Eva C. Fosberry, Emma Fosberry, and H. H. Milliard. Steerage : Elizabeth Pierce, Mary A. Saunders, Chas. W". Cheel, Eliza Cheel, Elizabeth Cheel, Grace Cheel, Diana Cheel, William Cheel, and Ann Cheel.

The New Zealand Insurance Company have risks amounting to £2000 on the cargo; the other local oilices are interested.

(Press Agency.)

NELSON, this day. Late last night, Edwards and Co. received the following telegram from Motueka : —■ The ship Queen Bee, struck Farewell Spit last night. There was ten feet of water in the hold when we left. Send as sistance immediately. No further parti culars vet known.

The steamersjLyttelton and Lady Barklcy weie at once despatched to the assistance of the (Jueen Bee. She has thirty passen gers, and a large cargo for here.

PARLIAMENTARY.

CFXOJI OUR SPECIAL REPORTEHJ.

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]

WELLINGTON, this day

PETITIONS

In the House yesterday a petition was presented from Hoani Mohi Tawhai, suggesting an amendment iv tke Native Lands' Act. Mr O'liorke presented a petition from James Sinclair, schoolmaster, formerly of Auckland, complaining of wrongful treatment by the Inspector of Schools. NOTICES OF MOTION. Mr Wood, of Fnvercargill, gave notice of motion that information should be furnished in each county and municipality respecting the rate of wages, number of men em ployed, etc. Mr Gitjborne is to give notice of asking what amount was paid to Provincial Officers under the Abolition of Provinces Act. Mr Lusk gave notice of a Bill to provide for the lease or sale of a site set apart for a Grammar School, in the city of Auckland. Mr Tairoa promises a question,: whether the Government intend to introduce a Bill to renew the Native Schools' Act, 1867. Sir George Grey presented a petition from Mrs Jane Brown, relative to a land ''government steamers. Returns re the cost of Hinemoa and sale of Luna were laid on the table, and ordered to be printed. ALLEGED COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE CHIEF JUSTICE. It is reported that Mr G. E. Barton, barrister, has intimated to the Government his intention to apply for a Parliamentary inquiry into the conduct of Chief Justice Prendwgast. The charges are of undis guised hostility to Mr Barton as a barrister, and going out of his way to inquire and insult the iirm of Barton and Fitahcrbert. Some of the accusations are of a very .serious character.

VOLUNTEER LAND SCRIP,

In reply to Mr Swanson, the Premier said the Government had no intention of pur chasing volunteer land scrip, but in the new Land Bill it would extend the period for exercise by six months.

THE NEWMARKET TOLL-BAB

Mr O'Rorke asked whether the Govern ment proposed to abolish existing turnpikes in the Auckland district, and if so, when. He said if the tolls were to be continued some arrangement should be made whereby tolls would be distributed fairl.y amongst local bodies. His constituents paid £400 or £500 annually for going through Newmarket, but were refused a share in the tolls.

The Premier said the- question rested with the local bodies. The Government did not intend to take any steps in the matter.

The Native Lands' Bill.

Mr Whitaker moved the second reading of the Native Land Court Bill. In doin° so, he explained its leading principles, and gave at considerable length a history of the mode of dealing in the acquisition of native lands since the Treaty of Waitangi, and the various Acts passed relating °to native lands, and pointing out the deficien cies of the different measures, and which this Act was intended to remedy. He claimed for the bill that it contained nothing new in principle. It merely con solidated the existing law, and provided for the omissions of previous Acts. It was drawn by himself, though he claimed no credit for it on that account, but he hoped it placed the law in a more compact and intelligible form than it was before. The object of the bill was to denude the Government of the powers it possessed over Land Court proceedings. It was, however, provided that in emergen cies the Government had power to stop°the proceedings of the Laud Courts in case* such as to preserve the peace of the country. It was said that the Chief Judge of the Native Lands Court had given himself more power in the bill, but although the bill had been submitted to him he altered uothin" in the bill in the direction of giving himself more power, tic had no prejudices one way or the ofcheraoout the bill. Ithad been said that the bill made free trade in land, and was in the interests of speculators, but he could assure the House there was no deviation in principle from the existing law beyond some alteratjons as to details. So far from the bill being drawn in the interests of specu lators^ who could always obtain land by incurring the necessary expense, it was to enable private individuals and legitimate purchasers who could not go 'to the same _ expense as speculators, to obtain rru 1U a s™Pl°r and cheaper manner. Ihe great drawback to the North Island was because the greatest portion of the land

was subject to the native title, and the ob. ject of the bill was to enable the land to be brought under the European title. It ap peared to him that the Native Land Pur. chase Act had failed in fulfilling what had boen hoped from it, as we were as far off from having acquired any Land Fund in the Nortli Iskuid as ever. He thought it was a mistake that the pre-emptive right of the Crown had ever been parted with, but hav parted with it for the last fifteen or sixteen years it was extremely doubtful Avhether that system could be again reverted to. lie hoped the House would deal with the bill on its merits, devoid of party feeling.

GOOD SPEECH BY DR. WALLIS.

Dr Wallis followed Mr Whitaker on the Native Lands Courts' Bill. He praised the Ministry for having circulated the Bill early before the session. Ke regretted that the same course was not followed in regard to other measures. He regarded the present Bill as one of the centralizing Bills for which the Ministry is so famous. It would make the Governor the irresponsible inter preter of the law. The supreme power in the colony ought to have special powers and privileges, but these should be jealously watched. He quoted tlie 44th section. He reviewed the clauses giving power to the Ministry to take lands for roads and railways. He thought the S7 clause would give Ministers power to reward their friends or punish enemies. He considered the powers given to the Chief Judge exorbitant. Out of the whole Bill fourteen oi| fifteen clauses were devoted to this. The Chief Judge would be like Robinson Crusoe on the island of Juan Fernandez monarch of all lie surveys. He commented on the anfairness of making the Chief Jud^e decide appeals against his own decisions. Interpreters would be placed in a humili ating position. They would bo mere slaves. No man with any self-respect would accept the billet of interpreter. He condemned the power given to the Judge to order counsel from the Court. The Judge could declare land alienable which had not pre viously been so, and vice versa. If the Act had been intended to apply to Euro peans, land members would oppose it. There was not one of them -\vlio would take n ease into such a Court as proposed. Why not give natives tlie same fair treatment as they desired for themselves. The Bill would throw native lands into the hands of speculators, and bona fide settlers would be shut out. Companies in England and the Colonies would be formed to buy up native land. They would retain for them selves large estates ; and dole out small fractions at enormous prices. Two classes — one immensely wealthy, and the other poor— would grow up in a country where they ought to encourage the growth of true democracy, At the end of the pre sent century, they might have in New Zea land, as in England, a great landed aris tocracy, and starving masses. The Bill would result in the extermination of the natives. They would have the lines of the American poet repeated here :—

The Maori heart is ailing1, And the JVTaori blood is failin°r. The red men and their lands mnst sever, The y must lose themj&and for ever!

THE MAORI MINISTER SPEAKS

Karaitiana asked the House not to pass the Bill. Maoris objected to it. The Government would throw the responsibility of the Bill on Parliament. They had peti tions numerously signed against the Bill. The Ngapuhi were not in favor of the Bill. The Government ought not to pass a Native Lands' Act this session, but consult the native tribes as to what was suitable. If the Government succeeded in passing tin's Act he would resign.

MR BUNNY ATTACKS THE BILL.

The House resumed at 7.30.

Mr Bunny said the country should not make public works to improve private property acquired by speculators from the natives. Let the colony find money for surveys, and do not throw the natives into the hands of rich men. Let estates be administered by Waste Land Boards. Let natives get " the highest possible price, by the land being put up to auction. The Government would he entitled to a small per centage for administration. He would say this was the most pernicious . Bill ever introduced by any Government to deal with native lands. It would place the natives in the hands of rich men, and in a position from which they could not escape

MR. BALLANCE PROTESTS.

Mr Ballancc opposed the Bill. He would be sorry to see it regarded as a local measure. The peace and progress of the country and the prosperity of "the natives depended on it. He was sorry to hear Mr Whitaker say there was no new principle in the Bill, becaiiss'that had been always demanded in previous discussions on the same subject. He had always seen that a change in system was necessary. Ke con demned the acknowledgement in the Bill that the object was to get land out of the hands of natives. He said we ought not to proceed upon a system of immorality. He thought the Government should re-con sider the measure. The judges should not be dependant upon the Avill of the Ministry. He was glad to hear that the Chief Judge had no hand in drafting the Bill, because if he had it must have damaged his character.

Mr Gisborne said he did not believe the Bill could be amended in committee. The fraudulent principles required attention. The way to establish a permanent peace was to deal justly with the natives. He moved as an amendment that the Bill was unsatisfactory, and should be withdrawn with a vieAv to altering its provisions, so as to make it. more in conformity with the expressed wishes and ruling interests of both races; and that it is necessary, in order that the measure in which private purchase is permitted, should be of such a character as to encourage the acquisition and settle ment of native lands in limited areas by small settlers.

The Speaker put the question. Mr Travers rose immediately, and said a great many members of the House would desire to express their views before the question was decided. He opposed the Bill. He paid a high and very graceful compliment to the memory of the late Sir Donald McLean. The present measure would flood the North Island with land shark capitalists, and would produce a war. Unscrupulous agents would trade upon the weakness of natives, and reduce them to poverty. The result must be disas trous to the whole colony. He quoted from Mr Kemp's report on -the natives. He passed a eulogium on Mr Kemp's knowledge of the natives. He quoted Messrs Mair and Locke. Out of £700,000 for the purchase of lands in the North Island, £550,000 had been expended. They had only got 1,700,000 acres. One fourth of the North Island was promised to be purchased. Instead, they had acquired only one-twentieth. The whole thing was monstrous. There was evidence of a want of Parliamentary control over the acts of the Ministry. If the Bill passed, capitalists and money-lenders in London and the Colonies would snap up the Waste Lands. He referred to the province of Nelson, where three land-owners owned 350,000 acres, ana only had a few sheep on the land. Already? combinations were at work to buy up native lands—some even inside the House. There was also a tendency to create a pauper class of natives.'. The natives, defrauded of their lands, would assemble ia the King country, and be a source of danger. He had very little confidence in the Land Court. If the Bill passed they would have none ; the Judges would be at the mercy of the Government. He warned Middle Island members against the Bill. It would absorb their land fund for the prosecution of a ruinous and disastrous war. He concluded amidst loud cheers. There was a long pause, and cries of " Question" and " the Government."

Hoani Nahe condemned the Bill ; especi ally purchase from minors, and Native Assessors not having a voice. He $xlß' gested that the "Government should allow the natives to draft a Bill. He had received letters from natives statiag they would prefer that their lands

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 1877.



F" OR GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY IK "Winter draper! OF Every Description*. FLANNELS, WINCEYS, FRENCH MERINOS, WOOL PLATD3, SHIRTINGS, WATERPROOF TWEEDS, CHILDREN'S & LADIES' WATERPROOF CLOAKS, &c, &c, &c.-, GO TO THE JUNCTION DRAPSRY WAREHOUSE. BLANKETS AMD RUGS OF ALL KIXDS. An Unequalled Stock oil Blankets, and Rare aY at.uk, having been exceptionally well Iboucht, we can afford to sell at consi derably less than usual PRICE. FLRNISIIINTG GOODS. General Drapery of all kinds, and a Large and ggWHI-as sorted Stock of Boys' and Men's Clothing, Macintosh Coats, Overcoats, Shirts, Gentlemen's Mercery, &c, Always on Hand. 13. in the £ allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street, AUCKLAND.



OTOCK-TAKING "J3ARGAINS ! ! O -O VS. RATTRAY Ii Preparing for. STOCK-TAKING, so he offers a lot of CHOICE DRESS MATERIALS At Cost Price. Komnant3 of Dross Mpfcerials at and under Cost Price. The Balance of the STOCK of LA.DIES' COSTUMES. JACKETS, and FURS, At Cost Puice. W. RATTRAY, DEAPEE AND CLOTH ITSR, New Zealand House, C 3, Queen-street, Attckxan'd. JMPORTANT NOTICE \Tlavinr; introduced STEAM PO WEE into the Manufacture of FURNITURE, we are now enabled to Supply our Cus tomers at GREATLY RED UGED PRICES. T. & 11. CO ORE, (Jabiwitm&lcers, Upholsterers, ibc, <i:c. %&~ S II 0 W 11 0 0 M S ! G7, Queen-street. STEAM CABINET FACTORY: Victoria-street. i



J. OOSGIiAVB <& CO., Beg to inform the inhabitants of Auclc land tJiey are now holding a SALE of the remaining portion of their WINTER DBAPF 7?! and CLOTHING. Ladies Costumes, Mantles, Shawls, Burs, French Jlferinoes, Fancy Dress Stuffs and Silks. The Goods will be offered to the tniblic at Very Low Prices, in order to clear. TO AGKICULTUIIISTd & OTHERS. W. J. HURST ec CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all or! which have beeii proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience tenches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use ot them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify \V. J. Hurst ie Co. in strongly commending them to ' every Agriculturist:— MALDJGN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do BEL.I/S BONEb'LOUR. '~ & and .'.-inch BQNEDUST BiLIYaRD'SNo. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPBR-PHOSPHATE OP LTME. SALT. SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, ar.-i renovat ing C'over-siok Pastures, as wail as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so muck favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at tke Stores. W. J. HURST & CO. 101. QUE EN - SIT'KJE EjT. In order to induce an enlarged consumption of Maiden Island Guano (equal, if not superior to Bonedust). we are prepared to accept deferred payments from responsible parties at extremely low rates. W. J. HURST & CO.. 101, QUKKN-S TRE ET. W. J. HURST & CO have for Sale, at the lowest market rates: Clover Seeds, Red, White and Cow Rye-grass, Cocksfoot, Rat3-ta.il, Garden Seeds in great variety and best quality. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 3001) ~ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1575 crop hard feed, surpassing any ot" last season's scrowth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour, Bran. Sharps, ChaJf, Oilcake, Coal, &c. &c. Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Barles ar. is per bushel of 50lt>. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh uatmeal, at £21 per ton. Prices and other particulars on application. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN -HT X E ST, Auckland. ALBUKNIA GOLD MINING COM PANY (REGISTERED). A DIVIDEND of TEN SHILLING per Share will be Payable on TUESDAY, the lltli instant. The Share Registers will close on THURSDAY, the 9th instant, at i p.m. H. N. GARLAND, Manager. Auckland, 7th August, 1377. The Medical Profk.3S.'o:t have declared Steane's Superlative Aromatic To.vie Wixe to be a necessity to all in search of health 'md especially to thO3e suffering etcher croni [u<*'j)ionfc or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, am1 die dis orders aixsb*g therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who arc in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most boneiicially-on he system. Mr. Win. Johnson, Sovernmen Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Sttane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining aboil! I.G per cent, ot" a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel kPftPßPS. BKWARE OK COUXTKRKEtT.? Of the iiltie honoured and standard medicinal beverage, UuoM'iio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic SCHNAPPS, contained in battles which formerly held the true elixir. I" is hop-^d that an ex posure of this infamy may put the public on its guard against these disguised poisons, -which are nothing; but the vilest spirits with an ad mixture of some heap and hurtful drug.