SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

wTn-TT w\TfT? ' This Afternoon, 9.59 HIUH. vv AI lilt— - ( To . mol . row Morning, 10.26 SUN SET.—This Evening, 5.30 SUN RISK.—To-morrow Morning, 6.39 MOON'SAGE.— First Quarter, 21st, 7.16 a.m

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES,

liYIPORTS,

Per Hero, from Sydney :— 115 boie3 tobacco, 200 bags rice, 331 gimmes sugar, Owen and Graham. LOO cases fruit, 11. Arthur. 1 case clastic, 2 pkges., Ireland Bros. Per s.s. Hero: 9 trunks boots and shoes, Wil kius and Co.

THE SHIP-BUILDING YARDS.—THE NORTH SHORE.

Messrs Niccol and Son have just laid tho keel of a schooner, to the order of Captain H. 1. Anderson. She will b3 a fore and after, of about SO tons, and is to be classed in German Lloyds. No black iron bolts will bo used in her construc tion, all her fastenings will be either galvanised iron or composition. MESSRS DAItIiACH AND SONS. " .

Tins firm are still busy at their Mahuranjji yard, with. Mr G. W. Owon's vessel, which is now planked and decked, and will be ready for launching at an early date. She is 03 ft. 6in. long on the keel, 25ft. broad in the beam, and 10ft. Sin. deep in the hold. Her registered tonnage is estimated at about 180 tons. Those who have seen tho vessel as she lies on the stocks, are very enthusiastic as to her shape and quality. There is no doubt she will both carry and sail well, as she has a good rise of floor, and bold flowing lines at tho cntranco and run. Her cabin and forecastle are on deck, so that she will have all her space below deck available for cargo. This vessel is bohii? built under the inspection of the surveyor or G-erman Lloyds, and is intendod to be classed f;r tho highest term possible. Hero again com position and galvanised bolts oompnao the whole of the fastenings. Mil MALCOLM DARR ACH. This Mahurangi builder is engaged on a fine schooner for Captain 1). 11. MeKenzie. She measures about 00 tons, and will bo rißgod as a fore and aft-cr. She is already planked, and will bo launched in August.

Tho barque Bella Mary left Hobart Town on the 12th inst. for Auckland. She may bo looked f jr iii about a week or ten days time. The Lombardian, a vessel expected from Lon don in a few days time, is a Bister ship to tho Emily Chaplin, aud was launched at the same yard a few months later. In registered tonnage she measures about 10 tons less than Captain Harris's smart barque. Consignees of goods by the barque Junuy Chaplin are requested to pas 3 entries at once, and obtain delivery orders. The sight entry will be passed at 10 o'clock to-morrow. The schooner Shannon is on the berth at Melbourne loading for this port. The schooner Queen is advertised to sail lor Hokianga on Friday next. The Pretty Jane left Gisborne for Auckland via Tauranga, this morning at 9 o'clock. The brigantine Matchless left this afternoon for Kaipara, where she will load for Dunedin. The" Star of the South left Napier for Auckland direct last night at 9 o'clock. On her arrival she ■will adiust compasses, and take another load of railway material for Napier. The barque Emma is taking in ballast at the outer tee of the Queen-street wharf. It was uncertain this morning whether she would leave for Newcastle, or go to Wangaroa to load timber.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Bank of New Zealand—Buyera, £20. National Bank —68s : buyers, (57s Od. Colonial Bank—Buyers 38s Gd. Thames Gas —Buyers, South British Insurance —795. National Insurance—Buyerr, S(te. New Zealand Insurai C —3uyer.3, G3s. RrdQaeeu—4a ; buyers, Ss Go. Union Sash and Door (old)— £8 ss. Do. Do. (new)—£l. Caledonian (double)—Sellerr, 573 6a. : ~ Moanat liri—£B 7s 6d, £8 15 ,£3 10s ; buyers, £S 5s ; sellers, £8 I(K' Waitekauri—Sellers, 193.

Alburnia—2ss, 25s 6d; sellers, 2Gs Young New Zealand —Buyers, 7s Gd Union Eeach—sellers, 30s. Queen of Beauty—22s 6d; buyers 20s; sellers,

22a " Kuranui Hill—3os, 295; Buyers, 28s; sellers, 3 s.

Piako—ls3 ; sellers, 15s. Thames G.M.Co.—Sellers, 57s Gd. New Morning Star—ss. ; sellers, 5s Od. Perseverance —2s. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman,

DEATH.

FAIRS.—On Sunday, 15th instant, aged 23 years, at Basingstoke, near Reading, England, Thomas Carleton Fairs, elde3t and beloved son of Mrs. Fairs, Hepburn-street, Auckland. Deeply lamented by all who knew him.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1877.

I Tor the cause that lacks assistance, l-'or the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

The writ for City West was received by Mr Collins, Returning Officer, yesterday, and is returnable on the 12t)> of May Although the day of nomination has not yet been definitely fixed, it is certain that the duel must be fought within the next fortnight. The struggle will, from present appearances, resolve itself into one of Iboso cUffi.mit contests iv which all the candidates profess in the main the same, nojjtl^

creed, and despite tho hackneyed election ory, "Measures, not men"— a phrase, by the way, radically illogical and pretty well played out—the electors will unavoidably be guided in their choice by considerations of the personal capabilities of the candidates who seek their suffrages. Politicians who approach City West come to an electorate that has been accustomed to have the voice of its representatives heard with deference in the Councils of tho colony. Recollections of a Grey, a Gillies, and a Williamson, still linger in the memory of the constituency, and are apt to make tho electors critical. There is a likelihood, however, of a fair field, and the discrimination of the " free and independent" will be exerclseu in choos ing the candidate most likely to raise parliamentary representation above the sphere of "parish politics," and make his inlluonco felt in the Assembly.

The confirmation, by cable; of the report current some months ago that «in offensive alliance had boon formed between Russia and Persia adds an important factor to the complicated elements of the Eastern question The claim put forward by tlio Shah to Bagdad is by no means a new one, the ancient city and pashalic bearing that name having been a bone of contention since the beginning of the 16th century, when the city of Bagdad was wrested from the Turkish conquerors by Shah Iflinael. In 1638, after a long and eventful siege, Turkey recap tured it, and has held the city ever since, repulsing a Persian attack last century. The pashalic forms a wedge between Persia and Arabia, extending the Asiatic Ottoman dominions to the Persian gulf. Its ancient wealth hay dwindled away under Turkish misrule, which lias proved utterly incompetent to keep in check the roving bands of Arabs that bold undis puted sway over the whole country south of the old capital. The valley of the Tigris and Euphrates is fertile, and in better hands might be made a source of wealth to[ any nation. There is little doubt that England will view with very great displeasure any extension of Russian influence in Asia,and an infringement of the territorial integiityof Turkey-in-Asia would be more likely to precipitate a rupture of peaceful relations with England than any successes of the Russian army in the Lovaut. A force from India, transported via the Persian Gulf, might operate very speedily and with vigour, either on Persian territory or ill defence of Bagdad.

THE financial and military condition of Russia has been the topic of a very keen controversy in the English papers. The early rumours of disorganization and siok uoss in the army were effectually dispelled by the visits of Englishmen to the great camj) at Kichinev, where they found as mag nificent, well-equipped, enthusiastic, and healthy a body of troops as ever entered on a campaign. The objections raised against tho soundness of the national finances are better founded, although the debt is

small compared with the resources of the country, and we must suppose that the Cabinet of St. Petersburg, before enter ing upon the enterprise, has calculated the cost and the capacity of the treasury to sustain the inevitable drain.

The " Whitehall Iteview " states that lius sia is in precisely tho warno predicament in which Turkey was towards the close of 1875 ; she is, in fact, hopelessly bankrupt. Interest has hitherto been paid with tho poll-tax levied upon the froedinen, and has only been collected with the utmost dilii cul'ty, especially in the Northern provinces, where agriculture is at such a low ebb ; but if war ensues, if all the forces of. the Empire are mobilized, and if all the manhood of the country is driven nolens volcn.s from the plough-tail to the cannon's mouth; from the desk to the camp, and from the loom to the battle-field, where is this money to come from '! At the outbreak of the war, the St. Petersburg and Moscow Exchequers will not only have to pay the interest on their floating and foreign debts (£300,000,000), but they will have to defray the extraordinary expenses of a formidable war. They will also have to pay the 5 per cent guarantee to their own subjects.

"Vanity Fair," in an article'on the same subject, says that Russia's consolidated debt amounts to £200,000,000 sterling, and the floating debt to about £40,000,000, about £300,000,000 in all. To pay the interest on this she lias been forced to raise a new loan periodically, so that the creditors have in reality been paid the interest by money which they have lent to themselves. It is obvious that such a system must inevitably come to a termin ation at a given day. But besides this Russia lias another debt, which is still more fatal to her. When the emancipation of the serfs was carried out, it was arranged that compensation should be given to the land-owners for lands now to be allotted to the peasants, amounting to £140,000,000 sterling, at 5 per cent. ' This was to be paid by the peasants, but the Imperial Government guaranteed it. Now the peasants cannot pay it, and the lands are thrown more and more out of cultiva tion every day. The landlords must have their interest, or they are ruined. Russia's resources are becoming less and less every day. tn corn she is undersold by the United States, and this is her great staple. Her manufactures have not succeeded, :ior are her mines a source of wealth- that can be counted in tho balance-sheet of a great empire. Her railways were made merely for military purposes—a war would restrict her commerce, and increase her difficulties a hundredfold.

Intending competitors at the proposed prize meeting in connection with the Auck land Hide Association are reminded that the Treasurer will he in attendance at the Drill Shed this evening at half-past seven, for tho purpose of receiving subscriptions. Some of the best of singing canaries are those of Mr Stevenson, of Onehunga. These birds have been reared and kept in an enclosure in the garden, which is subject to the extremes of temperatuie, both of hot and cold weather. Notwithstanding the apparent;risk of the birds being starved by cold nights, they appear to thrive better than those kept in warm rooms at night. Mr Stevenson never loses any during the moulting season a fact, which he considers proves that the birds become constitution ally stronger by a constant out-door life, while their strength and variety of note is equally apparent. The evils of catapult shooting arj increas ing daily. From the occasional stray shooting which led to a horse bolting, or the breaking of a pane of glass by a random shot, there is now a systematic depreda tion going on, and wilful injuring of property, poultry, '&c., by these small engines for ■ propelling missiles. Many children have been severly cut in their faces, while pigeons and fowls are killed and maimed by hundreds, and that while in the grounds of their owners. It is not many years ago that a student of King Edward's Grammar School in England was killed by a piece of lead shot, from a catapult, which led to their use being for bidden by law. On Saturday, a little girl was struck in the mouth by a stone from one of these articles of sport, shot by a boy walking with others along the top of the barrack hill. So much danger attends this practice, and there is so little pleasure to be derived from the use of the catapult, that parents should insist upon their dis use. Most people who live near trees or hedges frequented by birds, can testify to the annoyance caused by boys who fire at tho birds, without a thought as to the possibility of their hurting children or break ing glass, though the pattoring of the .stones on house sides tell of tho proximity plan «4gi,Qs.t unMQuUiblQ dojngei;,

At tho Harbour Board Meeting yesterday the following motions were agreed to, the first, moved by Mr Daldy "That the Works Committee be instructed to com municate with his Worship the Mayor of Auckland as to the best plan of supplying water to the Queen-street and Railway Wharves." The second, moved by Mr McKenzie, " That the Engineer be in structed to prepare an estimate of the cost of removing the Eastern T, and that the opinion of the Chief Harbour-master on the subject should l»e obtained." Mr McKenzie, in speaking upon his motion, condemned the whole fabric as rotten, and the plat form as a social nuisance.

The Free Templars' monthly dance last evening in the Cook-street Hall was well attended bjr members and friends of the order. About sixty conples enjoyed them selves on the "light fantastic toe," until half-past eleven, then, in accordance with rule, the party retired. The Committee did their best for tho comfort of their guests, and Mr W. F. Donald, as M.C., was very attentive in the performance of his duties. A vote of thanks was passed to the com mittee and officers of the order for their labours of love.

"We loam," says theMelbourneSpiritual ist organ, tho " Harbinger of Light," " that Mr Thomas Walker, a, very eloquent tranco fspeaker, accompanied Dr Peobles as far as Sydney, where lie is now lecturing. He is oil hia way to England from a tour through America. After he visits Queensland and New Zealand it is quito probable that he will spend a little time in Victoria. Will he inform us of his engagoments, and his proposed route ?"

The Melbourne Spiritualists apparently repudiate the Davenport Brothers, who once lighted up the spiritual heavens. Wo rather think, however, that the Davenports first repudiated them. The " Harbinger of Light" says : "According to last accounts, tho Davenport Brothers wcro in New Zealand exhibiting their phenomena. They do not say they are Spiritualists (which for the cause of Spiritualism is well) ; neither do they affirm that the phenomena wit nessed in their cabinets are produced by spirits. And yet, for some reason or other, they are largely patronised by Spiritualists, When in our city they charged £20 for a private seance. And what, with other things, was to their discredit, they had as a travelling companion Mr Keller, a noted conjurer and illusionist. This, one of the Davenports admitted, to one of tho most influential Spiritualists of Melbourne. And this Mr Keller (now in our colony) asserts in public that he had travelled with tho Davenports more or less for eight years. It is the opinion of Spiritualists generally that tho Davenports have mediumistic gifts ; but that they havo so prostituted them to mercenary ends, and low occult influences that they are utterly unreliable. It is reported that Hindoo jugglers could excel them in ropc-tiyng. This much is certain, they did no good to Spiritualism in Calcutta or Melbourne."

The subscribers of the Auckland Perman ent Co-operative Building and Investment .Society hold a special meeting last evening in the Secretary's oilicn. About sixty mem bers were present, and Col. Maultain was in the chair. The meeting wns called chiefly for the purpose of considering certain rules. It was resolved that a number of rules be rescinded. It was agrded that the rules be re-arrnnged and numbered according to a previous resolution. Mr IJoardman called attention to rule (>(>' respecting voting by proxy, and moved, "That in tho opinion of this meeting the number of proxy votes used by any member should be limited." The motion was seconded by Mr Eiiglosim, and carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

Mr F. E. Hamlin, U.M. at Maketu, haa resigned, and will become clerk and inter preter to the Court at Napier.

The .survey of the Tc Puke block has been resumed.

A petition has been sent to the Hon. F. Whitnker from Tauranga, requesting the Government to authorise the local body to extend the wharf at that nlacc.

To the Editor : Sir, —Monday's "Herald" in reference to ratepayers asphalting the channelling in tho upper part of Hooson street, says this has been done by the way of testing asphalt water courses. Before, the water would not run free, on account of roughness and the numerous holes in the channel, when it wan proposed by Councillor Dickson to try asphalt. The water mains in this street have now to be laid down again by the contractors, in consequence of the .sinking not being deep enough, although the contractors were paid extra to have it sunk to a certain depth. Other streets that were not cut to the lerel will have to be tested by order of the City Council, and who is to bear the expense of all this ? If the ofh'ccr who was to look after the street works had either done or understood his duty, the contractors would not have had to go over their work a second time. I would recommend the Council to give Mr Harbutt an order for new brushes, so as to give the offices a good renovating, for they need it badly enough. The Council give their employees a good salary to look after their work, but the employees very sadly neglect their duty.—Yours, etc., ANOTHEK Ratepayer.

An enormous quantity of grass seed has this year gone up the line to the Waikato. A thoughtful mind might work out an interesting chapter of results from such a fact ; tracing the immense advantages attending such a satisfactory state of up country matters; shewing the labour employed in preparing and fencing ground, and the consequent benefits accruing to a district which is converted from its native uselessness into rich pasture land, keeping circulated large sums of money hitherto sent to distant lands for stock, and giving constant employment to the able and willing of the labouring classes. At the Harbour Board, yesterday after noon, a discussion took place on the subject of Mr Niccol's application for a site for a patent slip. The matter had been referred to the Endowment Committee, and that body reported as follows : —" That when the reclamation between Hobson-street and Harding-street should be completed, a site should be laid off for the purpose, and put up for public competition at auction. The Chairman saw many grave objections to a site being granted on the situation discribed in Mr Niccol's application, it would be too close to their own dock, with which it would seriously interfere, and there wei-e also several delicate ques tions involved in the reclamation works, which would become more involved if the contractors were interfered with. Mr D .H. McKenzie thought everything should be done to encourage the slapping of the: port. Mr Cosgrave agreed with the Chairman, that if the slip would interfere with the revenue of the dock it was a serious matter, a8 there was interest on £100,000 to pay. Ultimately/ an amendment proposed by Mr Kissling, was carried, " That all applica tions for sites for patent slips be placed on the sa:ne footing, and that such sites be leased by auction on such terms as may be decided by the Board.

A largely atteucled Templar entertain ment was hold last evening in Edwardes street school-room, by the members of the Sir Henry Havelock Lodge. Mr J. H. Jones occupied the chair, and introduced the speakers and vocalists of the evening. The lady singers were Miss Jack, Miss Gribble, and Mrs Bettany, and the gentle men vocalists, Messrs Tudehope, Howden, Hoylo, Power, Mackay, and Marson. Messrs A. Smith and S. Parker gave recitations, and Mr li. Young gave a capital reading. Messrs Waymouth and Hercjus spoke at length on the advantages of Tcmplary. Tho -whole closed with the Ncsion.aji Autism,,

The "Sydney Morning Herald" of th c 11th inst, gives a brief report of a farewell meeting held in the Temperance hall, Sydney, under the auspices of the City Mission, on the occasion of the departure of the Rev A. W. Webb, who had been for eight yeai's one of the hon. secretaries of the Society. " The occasion was taken by the Rev. W. W. White, L.L.D., to present an address from the Ministers' Prayer Union, expressive of the high esteem in which Mr Webb was held by the gentlemen forming the Union. The eight city missionaries also presented a beautifully illuminated and framed address, testifying their affectionate regard for one who had in many ways assisted and encouraged them in their labour*, and containing the photograph and autograph of each missionary. The com mittco presented the rev. gentleman with a handaOmo clock and purse of sov ereigns, as an expression of their high appreciation of Mr Webb's services as hon. secretary. The Rev Canon Stephen spoke of his personal regard for Mr Webb, and the general esteem he enjoyed with those ministers of the Church of England to whom he was known. The Rev A. W. Webb, in returning thanks for the rmny tokens of goodwill, stated that he felt greatly humbled by the consciousness of his being undeserving of so much favour, but hoped ho might live to reacli the exalted standard his friends at present considered he had attained."

An alarm of fire was raised last evening at nine o'clock, in the neighbourhood of Karangahapc-road, which happily turned out to bo a small matter. The alarm was raised by a person who had witnessed what seemed to bo the breaking out of a fire in tho yard of Mr Thomas Kolden, wood mcrchant, of Beresford-strcet. In a closet ou the premises, there was a small box containing wood ashes which had been left in a smouldering state, and burnt through the box. The reflection of the blaze was seen by a young man, named Garrctt, who immediately leaped over tho fence, and assisted by Mr Holden, soon extinguished the flame by means of buckets and water. A largo stack of firewood was close at hand, and had this caught, a considerable con llagration would have been the result, and a great destruction of property would have onsued.

Tho corporation of Melbourne have received applications from unemployed citizens of Richmond, Virginia, for assis tance to emigrate to Victoria.

Referring to the removal of Captain Andrews from the command of the Taranaki, tho "Wellington Argus " says : —" We are glad to learn that our old friend Captain Andrew has not been quite bo harshly treated as the telegrams led us to believe. In accordance with a rule adopted by the Company in case of such occurrences, he has been suspended from duty for three months, and placed ou chief officer's pay, but will not bo called on to act in the subordinate capacity except in canes of emergency. We understand that at the expiration of tho three months lie will resume command of Ilia iteanier. We venture to "suggest that a substantial pecuniary testimonial to tin's gallant old skipper, who has met with his first disaster in so many years' .service, through no fault of Ilis own, hut solely in his anxiety to serve the public, would be a graceful and well-timed movement. We feel sure that those who subscribed so generously to the testimonial to Captain McLean, who "was retiring only to take a better appointment, would come forward readily in a case so well worthy of their liberality as this one."

Tho members of No. 3 Company A. R. V., are directed to attend at the monthly inspection of the corps, to be held to morrow evening at halt-past seven o'clock.

The leaks in the dock have nil been successfully stopped, and .'it high-water this morning the whole interior of the colfer-dam was nearly dry. The contractors may ho congratulated upon having at length over come tills difficulty.

CABLEGRAMS.

(Phess Agency)

Torres Straits Mail Quaran tined-

BRIDGE ACCIDENT,

SYDNEY, April 18. The Torres Straits Mail arrived at Cook town yesterday. There was sickness aboard, but the vessel was quarantined for six teen days. There is great indignation, and the agents refuse to land the mails. Sir William Jervoi.se is a passenger. MELBOURNE.—THIS DAY.

Of six men injured by the accident at Echuca Bridge, two are dead. The others are in a critical condition.

Eear.s are entertained for the safety of the Anne Bow, which left Newcastle for Tirnaru on the Ist March.

LORD DERBY EXONERATES ENG LAND.

PERSIA SIDES WITH RUSSIA

LONDON, April 15,

Lord Derby has informed Turkey that he fails to sec what further steps England can take to avert war.

Abdul Ralima Pasha has started for Stamboul, as Persia claims Bagdad.

IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS.

A MEETING of this body was held at two o'clock to-day. Present :>- Mitford (Chairman), F. H. Teuton, and J. McCosh Clark.

Moved by Mr Clark, and agreed to, "That the buildings occupied by the Rail way Department, in Symonds-street, be sold as soon as vacated."

Moved by Mr Fenton, and agreed to, " That the allotments unlcased be put up for sale.

Mr Fe"nton moved "Thatthe attention of the Government bo called to the continual occupation by the police of the land set apart by the Act, as a place of recreation &c. for the people of Auckland, that this occupation prevents the commissioners from planting the land, or in any way rendering it available for the purpose contemplated by the Legislature, that the Commissioners feel it an absolute necessity on their part to request the Government to vacate this land, and bope that by the expiration of six months from this time the Government will have made arrangements for this purpose. That the Commissioners have delayed making this communication, being aware of the difficulty under which the Government laboured as to barracks for the Police force, and that the Commissioners with the view of afford ing assistance to the Government in this matter, are ready to negotiate with the Government for the transfer to them of the great stone building now occupied as a Grammar School. The Commissioners would be glad if, while some arrangement on this basis is Joeing made, the Government could also include therein the transfer of the old chapel, which is so much required for a Police Court, and other public offices.

THE CHICAGO MINSTRELS.

These entertaining minstrels gave their eighth evening at the Theatre Royal last night, with the usual suooess. Their programme was the same as on the previous evening, and drew immensely. The aentimental ballads were suns* with much feeling and taste, and the comic songs of Messrs Hawkins and Wallace were most effeotave in their laughter-producine influences. Tho varieties in musio, dance and gong wore of the merriest character. The little m

account of its absurdities, and having noth ing in it beyond these features. The entertainment will be ropeated this evening and to-morrow evening with a slight change. The engagement of the Chicago Minstrels wiU close on Saturday evening at tho theatre, and on Monday next they will appear at the Thames.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before Gustav Yon der Hoyde and G. S. Graham Esquires, Justices of the Peace).

GOING WRONG.

John Gibbons, a labouring1 man, "was charged with drunkenness, and lined 5s and costs.

BOOT COLLECTIXGj

Charlotta Moore, a middle-aged woman, ap peared in answer to three charges of boot-steal ing. (1), withst©alinjrap»irof •lastic^sido boots, value 12s, the property of Henry William Simea; (2), with stealing two pairs of children's shoes, value lls Gd, the property of Georgo MoAlpin ; (3), with stoaling a pair of boots, valuo 9?, the property of Donald McPheraon. The prisoner pleaded not guilty. Hsnry William Simes, bootinakor, of Karanga hape Road, deposed that he was shewn a pair of boots by Mrs McAlpin, which he immediately recognised as his make, and which had been taken from his shop. H» knew the prisoner as a boot closor, but had not employed her. To prisoner: I did not see you in ray shop. Jessie Simes, wife of the last witness, saw prisonor in her husband's shop about three o'clock in tho afternoon. She came in, sho said, for a rest, sho was in the habit of coming in to sit down.

To Prisonor: I did not sco you take any boots, but was not with you all tho time, as I had to return to my work. Geor&e IVlcAlpin, draper, etc., of Karangahapc Road, deposed that prisoner came into his shop, and having occasion to search prisoner's parcel, found the boot?, which she said sho had brought from the Whan.

To prisoner : T never saw you drunk. The next charge was then investigated. Beatrice McAlpin, deposed that she saw prisoner come into her-father's shop yesterday afternoon, she went for her mothor, and told her that sho had seen Mrs Mo^re with some boots under arm.

Isabella, wife of Georgo McAlpin, deposed that prisoner came to her shop and asked for work, she told her she had nothing for her to do. She will than about to leave the shop, whop her daughtor said she saw boots under prisoner's arm. She stopped prisoner, and took three pairs of boots from under her shawl, two of which were her husband's property. Mr McAlpin recognised the boots as his pro perty. The thi'-d case was then called. Constablo Mcnzios arrested the prisoner, and found another pair of boots in her kit; tho pri soner said they were her property. Ho found the owner.

Daniel McPherson, bootmaker, stated that the boots were his property, and wore taken from the window. The prisonor was in his shop yes terday and bought two pennyworth of tape Prisoner addressed the Bench, and endea voured to prove her innocence. Sub-Inspector Pardy said that prisonor was an old hand, and had been long under the surveil lence of the police. Tho Bench sentenced her to two months' im prisonment for each offence, namely, six months witli hard labour.

This was all the business

SUPREME COURT.—This Day.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.)

Re Arthur Duke.—Application For

Habeas Corpus,

This was-an application by Mr W. L. Rocs for a writ of habeas corpus for the production of Arthur Duke, now a prisoner in the gaol in default of bail. He was charged out lie 23rd March by Jane Tait with assault. The accusation .set out that upon the information and complaint (the word or being erased,and and insortedin its place) of Jane Tait, the defendant wiw called upon to appear on a charge of having assaulted her by striking her with his hands, and throw ing a bucket of water over hex", and the complainant feared that the violence was likely to be repeated, and therefore applied that defendant might be bound over to keep the peace: The case was heard on the 27th March, before Messrs. G. M. Mitford, J. May, and C. 0. Mc- Millan, and defendant was ordered to find sureties for six months. Failing to find these securities, ha was committed, before his father had been communicated with, to the common gaol at Mount Eden. The warrant of commitment was on a form used many years ago, but the words "enter into his own recognizance" were struck out. f" Mr liees argued that in the first place, the warrant did not «hew any authority for the committal of Arthur Duke for six months, or for any other tor m,' inasmuch an it did not shew that there was any informa tion or complaint upon oath laid against him, nor by whom, it wa3 laid. Nor did it show that it was proved to the. justices at the hearing of the case, if any, that the complainant had made . such threats or done such acts, as under the 87th section of- the Justice of the Peace Act, 1866, would entitle the Justices to call upon him to enter into recognizances. He also argued that the 94th section does not give any power of Imprisonment in default of recognizances, and that it does not give any power to call upon a defendant to find sureties other than his own recognizance ; that it does not appear on the warrant of commitment that he was ever ordered to enter into his own recognizance at all ; that it docs not appear that the recognizance was to be entered into with Her Majesty the Queen, and that generally on the face of the commitment there is no evidence of any jurisdiction of the Magistrates to ordet a defendant to find sureties of the peace. His Honor said the words of the Statute were, that the defendant might be bound over to keep the peace more particularly towards the defendant, or the Queen, or Her Majesty's subjects. The latter words could be regarded as surplusage, but the warrant would not be bad because of surplusage. Judgment was given as follows :—

_ His Honor: With regard to the objec tions raised to this warrant, I am quite satisfied that under the 94th section, the Justices have power, under.certain circum stances there mentioned, to require the accused person to enter into recognisance of the peace, not merely himself, hut recognisances either with or without sureties, as they might deem lit; that the statement ot it in a general way is sufficient to shew the intention of the Legis lature to give the Justices the option— not that the defendant was simply to enter into his own recognisances, otherwise it would have been so stated, but to enter into the usual recognisance of the peace, whatever that may be. Then lam further of opinion, that although there is no express power given in that 94th section to order imprisonment, upon failure of such re cognizances, that the power must be necessarily implied in the section, seeing that the power has: been given in other sections for similar purposes, and' in the succeeding, sections to the 94th, it is implied that the defendant may be impri soned. Further it provides for the person being released under certain circumstances when he is in prison for failure, thereby implying the necessary power, besides the general rule that whore the Magistrate's or any Courts have a given authority, or have authority given to make an order, they have also the power to enforce that order, and that would imply that power to enforce the order has bjea conferred upon them. The only objection that seems tome of any weight is the failure in the warrant I to order the defendant hunselt to enter iuto recognizance So far as the evidence is concerned, I do not think it is necessary that it should be set out in the warrant of commitment, that besides being gnilty of the principal offence of which he is charged that evidence was given that threats were used nor that tliese threats must in be of the nature referred to in the 87th section, but simply that there were threats of assault in addition to tho assault. But it does not appear to be necessary that it should bo set out in the commitment itself. The principal ob jeetum-m fact tho oj.lv objection JTseotn of fh™!"? 11*I^^ » aot any »rSlm" Pi the Jmim tasting fo X"

into his own recognizanc^^T? s sufficient sureties in the sum of £ir» ?** keep the Peace, but I aT n ? t f r^to say that that is a fatal defect ffi, to and the judgment is that the drft,°T er shall find two sureties, and f B S"« recite that the defendant h^SSi?* 0 enter into such recognisancr rmA , ca to such sureties. The iact A^M find sureties of the peace necessS im ' plies that there must be a princinfi T' other sureties in the matter, and it w«\r common mode of expression, and a not-17 proper ono, that the defendant be ordW to find sureties of the peace, which meS- : Mr Rees : It is not go in this pT7" ordered to give sureties of the peace M His Honor: He i» ordered hereto fi«j two sureties to keep the peace. He is I , ♦ directly ordered himself, but he ia O r<W to find two sureties. It is a popular moT of expressing it. The Justices may reain'r! a person coming before them to JZ sureties of the peace in addition to pums}i ment-not to enter into recognizances themselves, but to give sureti of tho peace, seeing that the warrant goes on to state that tho defendant had refused to enter into such recognizances implying that, there had been a judgment that he should enter into recognizances and that he should enter into his own recoo' nizanccs with two sufficient sureties. Xlic warrant of commitment states that he has refused to enter into such recognizances as aforesaid That is the only point upon which I think there is any doubt Looking to the nature [of the chargeglook", i ing to the manifest intention of that section to enable Justices to mitigate the penalty for assault by compelling the pcraon to enter into sureties, instead of punishment by actual imprisonment, I think that,on the whole, the warrant is good, and that there is no ground for habeas corpus to issue. . y; IN BANKRUPTCY. IN RE HAYWARD. Mr Tyler, on behalf of Henry Pilkington Hayward, applied for a discharge, and shewed that all the conditions and require ments of the Act had .been complied with and that the creditors had recommended his discharge. The application was granted, and the bankrupt was discharged. IN RE JOHN THOMPSON. Mr Tyler for defendant. In this case a discharge was also granted, as a full affidavit had been filed, and the conditions complied with. IN RE CHARLES WILLIAMS. Mr Tyler for applicant. The defendant having fully compli&d with the conditions of the Creditors' and Debtors' Act, his discharge was granted. ■RE TAIRUA PROSPECTORS' GOLD MINING COMPANY (LIMITED).—PETITION. Mr Tyler appeared for the petitioner, and Mr Coleman for the Company. In presenting the petition on behalf of the Bank of Now Zealand, Mr Tyler said that the Company were indebted in a sum of £1135, as set forth in the petition, and which the Company were unable to pay. He contended, therefore, that the petitioner was fully justified in asking the Court for an order for the winding up of the' Co mpany. '.. Mr Coleman drew attention to several defects in the petition, and asked that some alterations might be made, in justice to the Company, of a precautionary, nature. His Honor said the petition did not bind any person. The question of liabilities would be a question for liquidators here after. '•■

Mr Coleinan specified the defects in detail. ....

Mr Tyler urged that as the company had been formed according to the provisions of the Joint Stock Companies Act, he thought the Court might deal with the petition. His Honor was glad that Mr Coleman had pointed out the defects, and held that the Company had not'apparently been registered, so that there was really no evidence before the Court as to whether or not it was a Goldmining Company ; the petition must certainly be amended.

The order was refused,

Suicide in Parnell.

It is only a few weeks ngo since we had to record a case of suicide by poisoning in Parnell, and now we have another case, of a.„• nature even more distressing than file former. The unfortunate person who has this time terminated her existence by her' own act is Mrs Cross, the wife of a fruiterer living next door to Mr Caleb Wood, the butcher, close to the Parnell fire-bell, j. By tacking together the various reports we have received, we are enabled to get a connected narrative of the details of the ! catastrophe. It appears that there have been some unhappy domestic diffe rences between Mr and Mrs Cross.. On ; Monday night, the deceased and Mr .Cross. ' had a quarrel. On Tuesday morning early, Mrs Cross complained several times of not being well. At 11 o'clock, a woman called with the supply of butter for the shop, and Mrs Cross asked her lixis baiid to take it in, as she was too ill. About twenty minutes after this, ~ Mr Cross, not seeing her about, went tip:, to look for her, thinking she had gone to lie down. He found her not in her own bedroom, but in a back room, lying on the floor on her side, with her head on a pillow, and a chamber utensil close by, into which r she had vomited. She was groaning, and on Mr Cross asking her what was the mat ter, she only said " I'm dying, I'm dying." Her husband lifted her up, and carried her into her own bedroom; and laid her on the bed. He then ran down stairs for assistance. Finding a customer named Mrs Spencer in the shop, he asked her to run up-stairs and see what was the matter with Mrs Cross. When they came into the bedroom Mrs Cross was unconscious. Dr Goldsbro' was then sent for, but was not :i at home nor was Dr Ellis. A lad was Iben sent into town for a doctor, but he did not return till other assistance had been pro-. cured. At one o'clock Sergeant Jackson was sent for, but that officer was away investigating a case of geese steal ing. Constable Collis was found, and soon came. When he arrived, Mrs Cross was lying on the bed dead, the un fortunate woman having ceased to breathe some few minutes before. Dr Ellis ja*. again sent for, and this time was found at home. Hecame down at once, but, of course, pronounced life extinct. Before he came, Constable Collis and Mr Cross had found, in the back room a tumbler with njin" te crystals at the bottom, being obviouslytne ■ sediment of what had been the contents oi the glass. Dr Ellis examined this, and also the vomit, together with several wet stains on the dead woman's clothes. 0.0 pronounced the sediment to be oxalic a««» and detected, by the smell, the presence^ the same deadly poison in the vomit ana stains. Sergeant Jackson arrived at two o'clock, and with Dr Ellis and Constable Collis, instituted a strict search of ™c premises, for further quantities of the acw or anything that might lead to an explana tion of the dreadful occurrence. Mr' Cross at first denied that there had been any-W' pleasantness between himself and his wile over-night, but afterwards acknowledge that they had "had some words." For two hours the search was kept up, and notwn» was found. At length it occurred to oneo the party to empty some dirty*water wiicfl was" standing in the washing-basin, .nw? which the tumbler had been found. &?*> a large quantity of the acid was found m partly-dissolved state, and was taken charge of by the sergeant, a small portion ■Wm obtained by the doctor to analyse witn "|« contents of the tumbler. There 'is »*»■: doubt that the poison was taken oy IK* Cross herself, and it is equally ProS that the cause of the rash «g; was domestic unhappiuess, Some mm* mm ft charge of aggwat brought «» q

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1877.



QPECIALN O T I C E. AUTUMN & WINTER GOODS, B4.NNOOKBURN AND MOSGIEL TWEEDS. H. L. POSSENNISKIE Opening Out these New Seasonable Goods, ■would call particular attention to their quality, which is second to none imported, ■while from his large ami varied Stock Gentlemen can rely on a choice of Cloth unattainable else where in the colony. H. L. POSSENNISKIE, MERCHANT TAILOR & HABITMAKER, Opposite the City Mart, Shortlaßd-strcel i^OTTCE O~F REMOVAL. H. A TKINS BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE fISTHAS REMOVED!!"®* TO THE Premises Next Door Below his Ojod Shop. H. A T X INS Begs to heartily thank his numerous Cus tomers for their very liberal patronage from his first commencing business up t® the present time, and to assure them that although his trade has increased to that extent, that his REMOVAL to more Commodious Premises was a neces sity, the same principles of business will still be adhered to: viz., keeping a good article, buying in the cheapest market, and selling at the smallest pro fit possfble. His New Shop shall always be known as The Cheapest in Auckland. H.A. will be happy to see all his old Customers, and as many new ones as may honour him with their patronage. A SPLENDID STOCK OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING Will always be found, and the PRICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND! H. ATKINS. THE PHOENIX FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF LONDON. Established a Century, during which time it has Paid in Claims, Eleven Millions Sterling. Head Office : Lombard-street. AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. The undersigned is now prepared to effect NSURANCES at Lowe3t Current Rates. THOMAS H. MABIN, Superintendent for New Zealand. Office: Lower Queen-street, Opposite Fort-street. P P P We notice a great rush of P ople into PEARSE'S CHEAP DRAPERY and CLOTHING SHOP. On investigation WE find the EXCITEMENT is caused by his Selling CLOTHING, DRAPERY, French Merinos, Alpaccas, Blankets, Flannels, Ribbons, Ruffles, Millinery, Silk Umbrellas, &c, at frightfully I LOW PRICES, which seem to us SUCH a SACRIFICE. However, we recommend all who have the CASH to ROLL UP for Bargains Wttrthe CHEAP SALE! 18 QN,



"OLANKETS! "DLANKETS!' BLANKETS !!! BLANKETS !!! In addition to Large Parcels of NEW GOODS for the incoming Season already announced, the undersigned have pleasure in informing their customers and the public that the bulk of their NEW SEASON'S Stock of BJjANKETS are now to hand. In order to maintain the well known character of our house for goods of this description, Great Care has been exorcised in Selection and Purchase, duo regard boing had to Quality 'and Prico, and full advantage has been taken of an overstocked market aud falling prices. Inspection will prove that we commence tho season's trade with a Stock of Blankets, which for Price and Quality are second to NONE. BLANKETS (all sizes), White, Blue, and Grey. 9xl Blankets, from 10/0 per pair. in < 17/fi i bought a .i°D> iOx* .. » 17/b »• | splendid value. J2 x 4 " } e<lually cheap. FLANNELS, all makes and qualities. Now Winceys, exceptionally cheap—a good line at s|d. . „, ~ French Mcrinoei, All wool Plaids, Satin Cloths, and New Fancy Dress Materials, in great variety. _ , A nice assortment of New Black Silks, very good value. WINTER HOSIERY, of every description. Children's and Ladies' Waterproof Mantles, Waterproof Tweeds, &c, NEW LINEN GOODS—Cuffs, Collars, and Sets, new shapes and styles. Strong Grey and Drab CORSETS, at very low prices. _, New Ribbons, Flowers, Hats, Fancy Buttons, &C, &c. CLOTHING, OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS, for Boys and Men, good and cheap. aar One Shilling in the £ returned on all Cash Pin-chases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMA.N, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army- and Navy Hotel), Uprmn Qukkn-strkbt Auckland. ~TnWRNITI7&E! FVBNJTU Ji " Ladies and Gent emen about to Furnish are respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DRA WING - ROOM, DINING- - ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL MOUSE HOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacions Shovsrooms. T. & STCOOKE, 67, QUEENSTR&RT Adiaininu Rank of Nf-w Zealand GG, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. During the WINTER MONTHS this Establish ment will be CLOSED at 5.30 p.m. (Saturdays excepted), commencing on MONDAY, tho IGth April. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, AND SILK MERCER, 06, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland mo TOURISTS AND VISITORS TO JL WAIKATO AND THE LAKES. BUGGIES (DOUBLE AND SINGLE), AND SADDLE HORSES, ALWAYS READY FOR HIRE AT REASONABLE CHARGES. Parties intendingto go through to the Lakes provided with flrst-clar-s animals by B. EDWARDS (Lato of Cobb 8c Co.), LIVERY STABLEKEEPER, Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, Wattcato. CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND. Mails will Close as Undesk :— For Thames, this day, at 4.30 and 5.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 430 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Kina, this day, at 1.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 4.30 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, ihis day, at 4 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, per Janet, this day, at 5 p.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, and Te Aral, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, por Taranaki, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For money orders, rcyisteivd letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters will bo received till 11.20 a.m. For Australian Colonies, per Hero, on Friday next, at 11 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Lato letters for Sydney aud Melbourne, will be received tiU 11.20 a.m. For Australian Colonies, per Australia, imme diately, on arrival from Kandavu. N.B.—A Post-office will bo opened at Mitaitai, Kaipara River, on the ISth proximo. Mails will be dispatched from this nfli;;e every Monday at 1 p.m; roturn mails will be received every Thursday at 11 a.m. A P.ist Ofliuo letter receiver has been erected at the corner of Queen and Darby-streets, and will bo cleared daily at 8.15 a.m., and 3.30 p.m. S. li. BISS. Chief Postmaster. Charlatans are continually attempting to practice upon tho health of the unsuspecting by the sale or. adulterated, fiery potions in bottles of Udoli'ho Woiiifis'B Sciri isuaai Aromatic SCHNAPP3 which havo been omptied of their legitimate contents. The name of this celebra ted elixir is also counterfeited to aid the swindle. Buyers should inspect the labels closely. Rheumatic-and Gout Cckb, prepared by Suabland and Co., Opposite Po3t-offico, Auck land. Made from Indian Recipe. One or two doses will relievo, two bottles will effect a cure. Its healing powers rarely ever fail. People far and near obtain it. Price. 4s. Od. a bofttlo. Atkinson's Pjskfumeby and Specialities. The Medical Pbofkssion have declared Steane's Superlative Aromatic Ton re Wine to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering1 either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who are in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially on the system. Mr. Wm. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I havo examined Steano's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 16 per cent, of 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 keepers.