SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„._„ „, , rv^-o i This Afternoon. 554 HiGH WAT-.R— -j To-raorrow Morning. 6.21 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.17 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Mornincr. 5.5 MOON'S AGE.—Fall Moon. 19th, 11.59 a-m.

ARRIVALS.

Venus, ketch, King, from Wellington

DEPARTURES.

Wanaka, s.s., for Tauranga and the South

EXPORTS.

Per Waiwera, for Norfolk Island: 121 pkgs, 1 b >at 1 pk? apparel. 1 bale, Owen and Graham ; 1 washing machinr 1 p'.ousrh, 1 bundle fittings, 1 case 1,1.83,1 keg nails. 1 parcel, E. Porter and Co.—Shirilev Hill, agent. Per Wanaka for Wellington:-183 case 3 geneva.—Owen and Graham. " For Poverty Bay : 71 packges. For Nanier: 1 case brooms.—E. Porter and Co. _, , , For Wellington: 2 bales leatber.—lreiand Bros. _ For Dunenin: 1 chest Owen and Graham. The cutter Ness since she has been in harbour has been flyingthe cock at her mast-head. Thi3 is usually indicative of a challenge to ah-coiners. Regatta Day is very near, and it would be hardly advisab'e to have any sailing matcbes before that; so Aye would advise no bouncing until then. _ ... The s.- Wanaka leaves for Tauranga and the South this afternoon. . The Auckland Steamspfo Co's s.s. Go-ahead is to leave for Gisborne at 5 o'clock this evening. .'he schooner William and Julia is ready to sail for Noumea the first favorable opportunity. The barque Mary Ann Ar.nison is to load .-' -nbe." at W. .n.aroa for Lyttelton. Toe ship May Queen is rapidly progressing with her discharging. The car^o is coming out in tip-top condition. This smart vessel is laid oa to load back for London. The ketch Venus arrivea from VT-elhngton yesterday in ballast. ' The s.s. Wanaka left for Tauranga and the South this afternoon. Passengers: The U.S. Minstrels '12). Mai or Tisdall, Mrs Tisdall, "c srs r. A. Barr e=\ W 0 Fisher, de Bramviere. J. O. Johnston. Jos. Scott, Condon, O, S. Ellis, W. J. Speight, J. Stickley.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Kaipara Heads, J«n. 16.

Arrivals,

Glimpse, barque, from Shanghai Departure — (Tuesday). Sarah and Mary, brigantine, for Lyttelton Hannah Broomfield, brigantine, for Wellington Merlin, schooner, for Waitara Kahuna, schooner, for Waitara East Lothian, barque, for Dunedin Lying at the Heads. The SpeedAveil, barque, and the schooner Minnehaha.

The barque Glimpse, which arrived from Shanghai yesterday, spoke the ship Agnes Hall, from Rockhampton, bound to London, about 50 miles S.W. of Cape Maria Van Dieme.. He wished to be renorted " all welL" The ketch Wild Duck is loading at Guthrie and Larnach's Manukau mill for Waitara; the Colonist for Wanganui, and the Atalanta for Patea. . . ~ The following vessels are expected in the Manuka- to load timber at Guthrie and Larnach's mills for Dunedin :—The Fiery Cross, Annie Hill, Sea Gull, and Isabella. These are at present on their way from Dunedin. A schooner is signalled as v/e go to press. She Avill probably turn out to be either the Active from Samoa or the Gael from Levuka. The s.s. Lallah Rookh has been sold by the Auckland and Thames Steam Navigation Co. to Messrs Walker and Cunningham for about £1,000. The new owners intend the boat for the Manuka- trade. ,_,___ The brig Thomas aDd Henry ha 3 loaded at Guthrie and Larnach's mills Avtih timber for Dunedin, and i 3 waiting at the Heads for a change to get out..

DEATH.

BELL.—On the ICth January, 1878, Andrew Thomas Bell, aged 66 years. For the last 14 years employed by the City Council. Much respected by all who knew him. — Belfast papers please copy. The funeral will leave his late residence, West-street. NeAvton. on Friday next, the 18th instant, at 3.30 p.m. Friends will please accept this invitation.

BURKE,—On the 17th January, 1878, at her parents' residence, Drake-street, Auckland, N.Z.. Florence Maude, only daughter of James and Florence Christina Burke, aged 5 years.

The funeral will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday next, 19th instant.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1878.

iFirt_3 c—tee that lacks._ al italica, Foi tee wrong that seeds _es_t—:ca, Fte the future la the <___—<■, Aad tin good-Chat tob-os*.do.

The decision of the Supreme Court yesterday in the charges under the bankruptcy IaAVS will, no doubt, cause pain to many Avho have had business or social relations Avith either of the offenders. It is notorious that partly from a natural desire among creditors to realise as much as possible from insolvent estates, and partly from a supineness induced by the difficulty of obtaining any satisfaction when the IaAV is pressed—the rendering of accounts betAveen debtor and creditor has ofteh been loose and unsatisfactory. Offences such as those for Avhich the Court passed exemplary sentences yesterday, have, there is too much reason for believing, been often committed with impunity. And although it may not be that black indefinitely repro duced will ever make Avhite, yet it is unquestionably true that if an offence systematically escapes punishment because of the leniency with Avhich it is held id public estimation, the community in some degree is morally inculpated in its commission ; and some special consideration is due to those Avhose perceptions have be come deadened to the true character and heinousness of the crime. . This position receives very striking illustration in the practice of dummying shares, for Avhich a prosecution Avas unsuccessfully instituted at the last Criminal Sessions. The intention of dummyiam is clear and unmistakable. In the first instance the * shareholder en deavours to free himself, by a fraudulent act, of the local responsibilities under which he accepted the shares, and in the second place, he directly defrauds either the creditors of the Company avlio have advanced money or goods in good faith on the Avarranty of a legal co-partner ship, or he robs bis co-partners of the •

amount for which he was justly indebted. Yet we doubt not that hundreds of men who have been guilty of the practice, and have viewed it as rather a sharp but quite legitimate piece of business, Avould feel astounded when told that they -were as surely amenable to the criminal law of the country as the unfortunate rascal Avho plunges his , hand into an unpro tected till. It may be contended that the frequency of an offence is the strongest reason for special scA rerity of punishment, and the maxim holds good so long as the crime has gained no sanction or encouragement from a loose public opinion ; but it is difficult to elevate the law very high above the prevailing sentiments of the people ; and indeed only AA-hen a strict code is consistently practiced by a large majority of a community, are the people entitled to expect that the machinery of Liav shall compel obedience in the few Avho might be disposed to rebel against the restrictions. In passing sentence yesterday, his Honor— and justly so—took into consideration the fact that prosecutions have never before, in that Court, been entered upon under the Act, and the sentence, while sufficient to assert the serious character of the offence, Avas not one that would, under other cir cumstances and AA-ithout mitigating sur roundings, have been commensurate A\*ith the evil Avhich such defiances of the law inflict upon the individual sufferers more immediately damaged and upon society. His Honor's remarks with respect to the importance of maintaining a high standard of commercial honour and honesty were exceedingly Avell-timed, and merit general attention. It is specially for the advantage of business men, and of those engaged in trade, that an honourable understanding in all dealings should be preserved between the debtor aud creditor. The commercial reputation of the city abroad, as Avell as local trade stability and sound credit, depend upon the conduct of business in a fair and straightforward manner, subject to no more than legitimate trade risks. And as business men reap the most direct benefit from commercial honesty, or suffer the loss from an opposite state of things, the law has throAvn upon them the chief work of creat ing and maintaining an atmosphere of com mercial purity. They can only do so by monetary sacrifices. There can be no doubt whatever that were searching investigation made into all insolvencies the Court would be less frequently resorted to. The result of yesterday's trial is extremely painful, but Aye may hope that it Avill be the means of checking an evil Rom which Auckland has suffered very seriously .that it Avill induce greater caution in business transactions ; and, above all, that it Avill convince those who are unfortunate in business that their safest co arse is a full and honourable disclosure of all their dealings. .

Mr W. Walters will leave with his race horses for Wellington and Dunedin on or about the 25th inst. He expects to arrive in Wellington about a week before the races, which are on the 7th and Bth. It is, how ever by no means certain that he will stay for the'meeting. This entirely depends up on circumstances, and therefore those of our readers Avho have made up their minds "to follow" the Papakura stable through the trio'Avill do wisely not to back Hippocampus or any other of Mr Walters' horses for the Wellington events until the stable inten tions are better knoAvn. An open lodge meeting of the members and friends of the Pioneer Lodge of good Templars Avillbe held this evening m the Albert-Street Temperance Hall, to consist of music, song and recitation. The Great WaxAVorks Exilubitiou at tracted a goodly number of persons yester day, who looked upon the forms of heroes and eminent persons therein congregated Avith considerable interest; including the leading members of the Royal family.Pnnce Bismarck old George Peabody, Sir VV alter Scott and others famous in literatureand song. Artemus Ward Avas also discovered among the "roup, as well as the genial figure of the heroine, Florence Nightingale. The proprietor, in order to suit every taste, fol loAving the example of Madame Tussaud, of Bakerxstreet, London, has included in his exihibition a feAV murderers. A galvanic battery is also added to his other attrac tions.

Messrs Larkins and O'Brien, the con tractors for the N ewmarket end section of the Auckland and Riverhead railway, are making good progress with their Avork. Within two months from the present date it is computed that the eDgine will be running over the line. The first mile from Newmarket to Mount Eden contains the heaviest Avork of the entire contract. For about a quarter of a mile the line runs through a deep cutting until it debouches upon "the Kyber Pass Road about two hundred yards above Messrs Seccumbe's breAvery. It crosses the road nearly on the level, and consequently the traffic will have to be carried over a bridge, the approaches to Avhich will rise on a gradient of one in twenty. The cutting referred to is noAv more than three parts finished. It is being driven through m a very expeditious manner Avith the assistance of a tramAvay and trucks. The latter are pushed forward as the work progresses, and the excavated earth is shovelled down into them. They are then run back to a spot where some filling in is required in the neighbourhood of New market, and emptied there. During the erection of the Kyber Pass bridge, the road traffic will not be stopped as reported, but Avill be carried along at the side. Anothfer bridge is to be commenced at once, where the cutting passes under the road leading from the BreAvery totheHospital,sometimes called Hunter's road. The approaches to the bridge in the Manukau Road have noAv been metalled, and the direct traffic has been resumed.

The Rev Dr Somerville Avill deliver a lecture this evening at half-past seven iv the Theatre Royal. Subject "The Bible for the World." The chair Avill be occupied by J. C. Firth Esq. Mr W. F. Somerville, assisted by the choir, will conduct the service of song. Admittance will be by tickets only, which may be obtained gratis of the Committee and of booksellers, and seats will be reserved for ticket-holders until 7.20 p.m. At the close of the lecture Dr Somerville will invite a conference of young men on the subject of Christian Avork. It should be noted that no gentle men will be admitted to the dress-circle except those who accompany ladies. The programme of the sports to take place at the railway employes picnic at Pokeno ou the 26th inst. has been draAvn up and Avill be published in a feAV days. It is of a varied chai acter, and contains races, and contests for young men, old men, young ladies, and boys. A circular is being sent round to the business firms asking them to undertake to send no parcels by rail on the day of the picnic, so as to make it as complete a holiday as possible. A bout tAventy firms have already signed the circular, and there is every probability of its request being unanimously granted. A concert in aid of the funds of the One hunga Benevolent Society will be given to morroAV (Friday) eA'ening, in the Masonic Hall of the district. The programme for the occasion is very choice, including the names of those eminent local vocalists, Mrs Mitchell, Mrs Woolley, Miss Vaugha'n, Mr Gradwell, and others ; to conclude with an operetta, '"' Wanted a Parlour-maid," and a dance.

We understand that at Dr. Somerville's afternoon meeting yesterday the folloAving ladies Avere appointed a Provisional Com mittee, to meet on Monday next at 3 p.m., AA'ith a view to the formation of an Associa tion to carry out various benevolent objects and social reforms : Mesdames Gillies, Hay, Macfarlane, Jones, Larkins, Woolley, Eady, Moginie, NeAvman, Philson, Somerville, Chambers, James, Halliday, Westbrooke, Shorland, and Taylor. At the Onehunga R.M. Court, yesterday, Thomas Leahy and Hemy Huckstep were fined 10s and costs for assaulting Hone Tutere, a Maori, in the billiard-room of the Manukau Hotel. Judgment Avas given for plaintiff in the civil case, Codlin v. Jeffrey; claim, £22165.

ElseAvhere will be found an account of an interview with Levy, the cornet soloist. Mr Thatcher left this afternoon for Gisborne and TSapier by the Wanaka, to make arrangements for 'Levy to appear in those places after his Auckland season.

The "Bay of Plenty Times" reports that in reply -to a deputation composed of holders of volunteer- scrip, the Native Minister said he hoped to have the confiscated lands handed over to the Waste Lands Board to be dealt Avith iv two months, and he gave an assurance that an opportunity would be afforded of exercising scrip Avithin the Tauranga district. A writer in a Nelson paper says that go ing home late one eveuiag, he saAV tAvo con stables sitting on a doorstep, one keeping watch Avhile the other enjoyed a nap. Mr Montague BroAvn, formerly of Auck land, haA-iii^ retired from the sub-editorial chair of the " Otago Guardian," has been acting as agent for the,s Soidene Opera Troupe. Some of the roliicking rams of Christ church were in the act of removing the em blems of hypothecation from over the door of a paAvnbroker shop, and placing them over a Bank, when they Avere interrupted by the appearance of two policemen on the scene.

The rainfall last night Avas very heavy. We havenotkeard theofficialimeasurement, but from private sources avc are informed that it Avas about two inches, an enormous quanity. The U. S. Minstrels arrived from the Thames yesterday and left for Napier by the s.s. Wanaka this afternoon.

Mr J. S. Macfadane has presented 37 volumes of useful books to the Fire Brigade library.

Poverty Bay races 'commence to morroAv at Gisborne.

The toothless old Maoris of Whakatane, according to _ correspondent of the " Bay of Plenty Times," are just noAV rejoicing over the introduction of maize flour and meal, "and they nave emphatically declared that Avhen their oavii mill is going they Avill grind their maize to make bread and mush, or porridge, and Avill no more soak it in the running stream. When once they have porridge (not caring to buy sugar), they Avill milk their coavs, Avhich now run Avild and neglected, and so on progressiA. development will be encouraged amongst our noble savages. " gsln connection Aviththe Special. Service for Ladies held this afternoon, Aye are informed that yesterday several large employers of female labour in this City granted a half holiday to their employees today, in order to enable them to be present. .STlhe contract for the removal of the central portion of the Queen-street Avharf now being carried out by Mr John Taylor is rapidly approaching completion. Already the larger portion of the work is finished, and the remainder will not be in hand much longer. The partial blocking of the Avharf during this and similar contracts is productive of much unavoidable incon venience, Avhich the Customs, draymen and the public generally will be very glad to sec removed.

In our paragraph referring to the National Independent Order of Odd FelioAvs, the number of lodges was'misprinted a thousand instead of one hundred.

The Rev. Mr Byng thinks that a clergy man should be able to use his fists, and a correspondent of the Dunedin " Star" says he hopes yet to see the notice of an intended " mill" between, say, the Rev. Mr B. and the B. C. Bishop of Dunedin, " proceeds to be devoted to the Benevolent Institution."

A case of unappreciated serenading occurred lately at Opotiki. The correspon dent of the " Bay of Plenty Times" furnishes particulars to that journal. It appears that on Ncav Year's morning a party of serenaders, composed of four re spectable members of the community, Avith an impromptu life and drum band, paraded the town of Opotiki, visiting settlers' houses. On their way they called in upon Captain Northcroft, by whose prede cessor, on the previous Ncav Year's Day, they had been warmly welcomed. The h.ay tenant, however, received their festive offer ings churlishly, and ordered the serenaders out of his garden, whereupon they retired to the street in front, gave three groans for Captain Northcroft, and three cheers for Major Goring, the former occupant of the house. The cm-respondent of the " Bay of Plenty Times" goes on to say :—Then to make matters worse, Captain Northcroft lays an information against four of the ring leaders, and the case being set down for hearing on Saturday last, the public, by Avay of {expressing their disapprobation of the affair, held a public holiday ; the stores being closed, and flags hoisted all over the the town: while a gorgeous effigy of. Captain Northcroft, sword in hard, Avas erected in the centreof the toAvn, whcreitAA-as heartily abused, and pelted Avith rotteu eggs, pota toes, &c. The four delinquents, on appear ing at Court, were informed that the charge against them had been withdrawn, and they were accordingly dismissed." A pub lic subscription Avas raised to pay the costs of the case.

A correspondent of the " Samoan Times" gives an account of the fighting at Tutuila, and accuses the creAV of the Canterbury of having been most energetic in supplying one of the belligerent tribes with cannon, grape, and canister, and training the natives to use them with deadly effect. The correspondent expresses a hope that some man-o'-war may visit the Island and put a stop to the bloodshed. The mid-day prayer meeting was well attended to-day. A painful accident occurred to a carter named Alexander Lyons, in the employ of Messrs Anderson and Co., in Commerce street to-day. He and another man Avere loading a dray Avith large boulders of street metal, used for ship ballast, Avheu one of the stones Avhich they were lifting over the side of the cart, slipped, and Lyon's finger was jammed betAveen it and the AA'heel. The upper portion of the middle finger on the right hand Avas completely smashed. The assistance of Dr. Wright was obtained, and he cut half the finger off, and dressed the wound. Had Lyons not stopped the stone Avith his hand, it Avould have rolled on the other man's leg, and most propably have broken it. Lyons is a member of Court Zealandia, A.O.F.

■ The asphalt pavement in the upper part of Queen-street has become very slippery, and several accidents have happened to pedestrians during the last fewdays in con sequence thereof. A portion of it was tarred a short time ago, but the section from McMaster's establishment downwards is still very dangerous. Only yesterday a lady named Mrs H., who had been making several drapery purchases, Avas walking doAvn the footpath, Avhen her feet were sud denly seized with a strong desire to go on an exploring expedition to different points of the compass. The result was that the lady Avas unwillingly compelled to do a short skate, Avhich terminated in a rather severe fall backward on the pavement. Gathering herself up again as best she could, MrsH. found that besidessustainingseveral slight bruises, she had iost.her eye-shade. A search was instituted, and Avith the assistance of several extremely polite and very sAvellish-looking young draper's assis tants the missing article Avas soon recoA _i-ed. The lady then proceeded on her Avay, mur muring threats of reveugs against the City Council. Many other cases of a similar nature have occuried. Last Monday cA rening a boy named S- n, employed at a grocery establishment some distance further down the street, was proceeding along Avith a box of neAvly-laid hen eggs on his head, Avhen his foot slipped, and the eggs were deposited on the pavement. The boy Avas not much hurt, but he experienced less pain from the accident than trouble in recovering his eggs, Avhich were Avell dis tributed over the pavement. We have much pleasure in acknoAvledging from Shera Bros. £1 Is for WidoAy McCracken.

The acceptances for the Cup and Hurdle Race and the general entries for the Papakura meeting are to be sent in by eight o'clock to-morrow evening, to Mr Percival's, office, Durham-street.

We are glad to learn through Mr McKellar, the Collector of Customs _t Tauranga, that Captain Armstrong, of the AA-recked schooner Nellie, did not get his ribs broken as reported. The Avheel fIeAV round Avhile he was close to it, and the spokes struck the captain some nasty blows in the body—severely bruising him, but breaking no limbs.

Mr O'Connor has gone on a visit to the Kiujr Country, whither he has been invited by Rewi. The proposed neAV issue of shares aa'ill bring the capital of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company up to three millions sterling, not tAvo, as stated by us a day or two ago. A meeting of gentlemen interested in Coursing Avill be held at Mr Vernon's office to-morrow, with a view to forming a club. We hope to see Coursiugtakealeading place in sports during the coming season.

CITY COUNCIL.

A-lEET-S.G of the City Council was held yesterday afternoon, but owing to the pressure upon our space caused by the re port of the fire, Supreme Court, Sec, avc Avere compelled to hold over our report of the proceedings until to-day. The follow ing Avere present:—His Worship the Mayor (H. Brett; Esq.,) Messrs Cosgrave, Dickson, Fleming, Isaacs, Norton, Masefield, and Waddell.—Mr William Buchanan Avas iti •troduced, and took his seat as a member of the Council.

COMMON.ATIONS.— G. J. Oliver wrote acknoAvledging receipt of an order _ for 2,900 feet of three-inch Avrought iron pipes for the wharf—Geo. L. Beck Avrote with reference to a new method of numbering streets, which had been adopted by the Christ-church City Council. —A letter from Mr Giles of the Crown Lands office, in answer to a request for an endowment of 2,000 acres, informed the Council that they might make a selection of the required area from the Crown Lands.— His. Worship the Mayor and Councillors Morton and Cosgrave" Avere appointed a sub-committee to select the endowment. — A letter was read from Mr G. S. Cooper, stating that returned Indian Famine Fund subscriptions to the amount of £349 lis had been pai.. into the public account of Auck land.—His Worship the Mayor announced that on receipt of the money he would call a meeting of the subscribers, —Mr Fitzgibbou, of Melbourne, expressed his thanks by telegram "for the large contributions from Auckland. — Messrs Whitaker and Russell wrote on behalf of Mr Darby, stating that the retain ing Avail m Darby-street Avas not sufficiently strong to sustain the pressure of _ earth, and should any damage be caused to his property, in consequence of a fall of earth, the Coun cil would be held responsible. A letter Avas read from Mr Keaue offering to take Mr Darby's cottages over for the remainder of the term of lease, at the present teatal, and promising to erect a substantial stone Avail. —The application aa .is referred to the Public Works Committee. —MrM. Danaher applied to the Council to defray part of the cost of a service pipe, so that his house, which is 300 feet distant from the water mains, might be supplied Avith water. Referred to the Avater committee.

The Secretary of the Harbour Board wrote with reference to the Fre .man's Bay retaining a\-all, and it Avas agreed that it should bo included amongst the Avorks to be charged to the Board. —A communi cation was received from the ToAvn Clerk of the Onehunga Borough Council Avith reference to carriage and 'bus licenses, Avhich, it Avas stated, were loAver at Onehunga than in Aucklaud. The matter was referred to the Works Com mittee. —A letter a\ ras read from the turncock, Avho offered to reside in the valve house if some necessary alterations Avere made. Referred to the Water Committee. —A petition with reference to the drainage of Beresford-street was remitted to the Works Committee. —Mr .Woolfield Avrote Avith regard to the extension of the Avater mains at the railway station. No notice of the proposed extension having been given, and as the rates Avere not yet pail, the supply AA'as ordered to be cut otf. The City Surveyor.—A letter frcm Mr Anderson, City Surveyor, asking whether the initialing of documents and plans by the Mayor was intended as a reflection upon him.—The Mayor state d that Councillor Dickson had informed 11m he intended to move a resolution with reference to the Surveyor, and ,as the documents and plans might be removed from the office, he requested them to intial them. There was not the slightest intention on his part to cast any refledion upon the honor of Mr Anderson.— Referred to the Works Oemmittp. — Mr Dickson moved : "That acomrattee be appointed to report on the Avorks designed and executed by the City Surveyor In doing so, he said that in tlm event of a committee being appointed, he couldsheAV defects in the Surveyor's department—Mr Cosgrave seconded the motion pro .'orma, and Mr Morton objected to it. —Evea'ually, it was agreed that the Council shoud be a committee to inquire into the niattd', with the authority to incur any expense necessary.

Cost of Fires.—Mr Masefield moved : " That in view of the expense this Council has been at in procuring a water, supply, the Couucil is of opinion that the ilsurauce companies should pay for all Lbour in extinguishing fires." Referred to tie Works Committee to report upon.

Fir-. Buigade. —An application for a supply of boots and trousers fo. the men Avas referred to the Waterworks Committee. —The Council granted a donatim of £10 toAvards the expenses incurrel in the celebration of the Brigade's annversary.

Mr Vare's Contract.—A letter avixs read from Mr Zachariah r are with reference to a stoppage of £11 from his Anglesea-street contract.—Refcred to the Board of Works Committee.

Notices of Motion.—The Mayor gave notice of the folloAA ring notions : —(1) " That the consideration of at.mcc erecting free Municipal baths upon tie reserve on the reclamation Avorks, be r.erred to the Public Works Committee to report upon." (2). "That the consideration of equitably dealing Avith the leasehold/is of various city endoAvment properties, hid of the best method of offering these /properties for re-lease, with terms and conditions, be referred to the Finance/ and General Purposes Committee to report to the Council." J The meeting then termmted.

DR. SOMERVILLE'S EVENING SERVICE.

THE EXCLUSION OFffHE| " STAR" REPORTER EXPLAINED. The Rev. A. N. Somfville, D.D., held prayer meeting in the Theatre Royal at half-past seven o'clock .List evening. In spite of the heavy rail there Avas a large attendance, the dress (circle and stalls being well-filled. Afer prayer and a hymn, Dr. Somervije came forward and addressed the congregation as folloAA's : I take this opportunty of making an explanation in regard Jo a paragraph which appears in the Evejing Star of this evening, which has aways given us very kind notices of our metings. But in this evening's paper there is a little paragraph to this effect :—That/this afternooon, one of the reporters • of ithat newspaper' had come to .the theatri for the purpose of taking note of the Iroceedings, but that he was refused admittance at the door, because it was supplied that the meeting was entirely for lalies. Noav, I regret very much that thispistake has occurred. In the first place I have no meetings to which I do not w^come reporters, and if there has been aii exception, it has not been in this colon/, but when I have in the other colonieaield meetings on Satur days of the intenperate, I have thought that on those ocasions the reporters were better not present and that they should not publish notes s such meetings. ' They were the only ineciugs to which I did not welcome reportds, but reporters were welcome to coip to all other meetings. In the case ofihe meeting referred to

this afternoon it was notified as a meeting of the ladies of Auckland to hear an address o_ the subject of Christian work. The advertisement of the meeting did not state that it was for ladies only. Always in the meetings for young men I have had Jadies with me, and at the meetings for ladies I have had gentlemen Avith me ; so that our meetings are always such as may be listened to, and may be attended by all parties in the community. I am very sorry that this mistake has occurred, and it has been entirely an oversight, and unintentional. I make fchis explanation in case any misapprehension might exist in the community, and, without casting blame on any parties whatever, I hope this explanation \*niay be understood.

[With reference to the above, Aye may add that the refusal to admit our reporter appears to have been caused by the over oiiicious zeal of the door-keeper. _ Our reporter, on entering the lobby leading to the stalls, was met by two gentlemen, who informed him that it AA'as useless to seek admittance, as three other gentlemen had been refused entrance. BelieA-iiig, however, that an exception would be made in favour of the Press, our reporter went up stairs, and presented himself at the door leading from the lauding into the stalls. He was confronted by a smart young gentleman, avlio courteously informed him that the meeting was "for ladies only," and that his orders aa_u-r "not to admit gentlemena' Our representative, hoAvever, explained his mission, and expressed a hope that the instructions did not apply to tbe Press. The door-keeper replied that his instructions contained no exception. Our reporter requested the young man to go up to the platform and ask permission to admit him. The janitor aaswered that his instructions were imperative. Our represen tative inquired if Mr Buddie Avere present. The young gentleman did not know. Our enterprising reporter next sought admission by the side door giving access to the stage, but Avas here confronted Avith the inscription in large black letters, "No admission on any pretence Avhatever," Avhich, it appears, avus placed there by the lessee of the theatre, and "not by Dr. SomerA-ille's Committee. The mistake av?.s undoubtedly the fault of the door-keeper, and Aye readily exonerate the Committee. We learn that six clergy men and several ether gentleman—members of the choir —were present during the ladies' meeting. We have received the.<folloAA-ing letter from the EeA'. A. W. Webb': " TotheEditor, Sir. —Permit me to offer a Avord of explana tion in reference to the meeting of ladies held in the Theatre yesterday afternoon. Your issue of last night says that " gentle men were entirely excluded" from it. It is true that through some mistake on the part of a door-keeper, your reporter Avas refused admittance at the front door, but the re fusal AA'as unauthorised by the Committee. As a matter of fact, the " Herald" reporter Avas there, and a large number of gentlemen, consisting of ministers, stewards, and male members of the choir. lam Avai_a_ted in saying that from none of Dr Somerville's meetiDgs need reporters be excluded, and by coming to the stage entrance, they Avill find a ready Avay to the platform at all times. The fact that your contemporary has a someAvhat full report of the proceed ings, is a refutation of the notion that any secrecy aa_s attached to the meeting." [The circumstances in connection with the exclu sion of the STAR reporter are fully explained above. We may add that the Committee's door-keeper is responsible for the supposi tion that gentlemen weie entirely excluded from the meeting.—Ed. E.S.]

THE LATE FIRE.

THE embers remaining from the fire in NeAVton broke out last evening into a formidable blaze which considerably alarmed the neighbouring residents, sparks were carried right, over the houses opposite. A message was sent down to the Fire Brigade station, and immediate steps were taken to complete the extinguishment. These Avere much assisted by the heavy rain which fell later on in the night. This morning the hotel site, and Mr McAlpine's cellars Avere still smouldering, but the ashes are now quite dead. Mr Morrison means to lose no time in rebuilding the Rising Sun Hotel. Yesterday afternoon the timber was on the ground ready to be employed in raising a temporary structure, and orders have already beeu given for the preparation of plans and specifications for a handsome and commodious brick building, which Avill be erected as soon as possible. Mr T. B. Hill, chemist, has fonvarded to Mr Hughes, the superintendent of the Fireßrigade, a cheque for £5, in recognition of the services of the firemen in saving Mr Crawford's shop, which is Mr Hill's property. Mr Greetham, carpenter, is a great sufferer by the fire. All his fancy goods, the result of six ydars of industry and economy, were destroyed, and he succeeded in saving only a small quantity of wearing apparel. By this sudden misfortune he and his family are rendered comparatively destitute, and subscriptions are earnestly solicited on his behalf.

We regret to learn that Mr and Mrs StringfclloAv are heavy losers by the Newton fire. They lost the Avhole of the savings in money, their furniture, and wearing apparel, escaping with barely sufficient to cover them. They are now staying at the house of a friend. A sub scription list in their behalf has. been started, and avc shall be happy to take charge of any contributions left at this office.

A person who deserves credit for being tne first to give the alarm at the fire is Mr F. E. Phipps, Avho is in charge of Mr Hold ship's timber yard in the neighbourhood. He was roused by the dogs barking, and on getting on to the spot saAv the flames burst ing out from McAlpine's window. He at once ran and rang the fire-bell.' TOTAL LOSSES. The folloAving are the total losses by the file at Newton yesterday : — £ s. d. South British 1000 0 0 New Zealand I 350 0 0 Imperial 200 0 0 Union ... .... 200 0 0 Standard SO 0 0 Roval 7 10 0 Norwich Union 700 0 0 National 450 0 0

THE ACCIDENT TO MR GODWIN.

Mr Godwin, the member of the Salvage Corps Avho met aa _th the accident yester day, appears to be in a fair Avay of recovering. This morning at 10 o'clock Aye heard of his attempting to rise up as if to look out of the AvindoAV. His features are regaining their wonted look, and it is thought that under Dr Philson's skilful cave he Avill soon recover. GodAvin is described as a young man of strictly tem perate habits, and this Avill no doubt materially increase his chance of recovering health and strength.

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFER ENCE.

The reports shew that the increase for the past year has been tAvo ministers ; 120 mem bers ; Church property, £4,000. The-Rev. W. J. Dean Avas appointed editor of the con nectional paper and general Secretary; to reside in Wellington. The following are the stations for the next year :- NeAV Ply mouth : John Staudrin, Alfred G. Jeynes. Wellington: John Dumbell, William S. Potter. Auckland, Ist: Daniel Dutton, F.R.A.S. ; Auckland, 2nd: P. Wright Jones. Christchurch : William Tiasley. Invercargill: Charles E. Ward. Timaru : Joseph Sharp. ManaAvatu : James Cloves. Ashburton and Geraldine : B. Warton, J; Westbrooke. Thames : John Nixon. Dunedin : Josiah Ward, 2 from England. Greendale : Circuit missionary. Oamaru and Waimate : Circuit missionary. Two other ministers expected from England shortly. Next Conference at Wellington. Most of Southern delegates are returning to-day.

LEVY THE CORNET PLAYER.

This morning a STAR special called upon Levy, the great cornet player, in accordance with an agreement made Avith his manager Mr Thatcher, Avhen in- Auckland last, whicli agreement Avas duly chronicled in the columns of this paper. He found the great instrumentalist at practice, divested of hfe coat, and evidently much interested in his work. He is a man of just 40 years of ase (in act he has attained his fourth decade thi.- aionth), and a native of London. He fir.-,! achieved celebrity in 1861. Upon ref ring to the letter from his agent, and ask: :g him Avhether he Avas prepared to red -era the pledge there made, Levy said simply "yes," and putting his comet to his lips took distinctly and Avith ease, five C's and the G underneath Avithout effort or making an ugly face. Re did not stop to note our Avonderment, but proceeded to giA-e a practical proof of the A-alue of this astounding mastery over the cornet by playing " God Save the Queen " on four different parts of the instrument. This A\as a Avonderful exhibition of power, such an one as no other man is capable of, and this is said in spite of an acquaintance Avith cornet players past and present, in all parts of the Avorld, Kcenig, Arbuckle, Reynolds, and the other great masters of the instrument. Levy plays upon a Courtois, which make adopted his model years ago. He has a gold one presented to him by the Emperor of Germany, the only one ever made of that metal, but it is Avooly in tone and not suited to the AA'ork required. The mind of a special is not capable of such a feeling as stupefaction, but confession must be made of a slight disturbance of our equanimity. We had heard and read much of Levy's poAvers, his superiority to other performers, his marvellousj identification of himself with the cornet, but nothing eouid convey to a listener any more than he could convey to others, the thorough unity of instrument and performer. Up to this portion of the intervieAV Aye had not received Avhat the layman Avould consider, a musical treat. The exhibition Avas abnormal, phenomenal, and indescribable ; but it Ava« Avonderful on account of its extreme difficulty, in fact apparent possibility. But Aye were quickly as much delighted as astonished. The greatest liA-ing instrumentalist Avarmed to his work and dashed off quotations as it Avere from his first programme, Avith dazzl ing rapidity. His sweetness, his pathos, his enthralling poAver of touching the heart entranced us. He played us selections requiring double and single tongneing, he "shook" for 36 seconds without draAving breath; he gave' a distinct trill Avith the lip without the slightest aid from the tongue; he gave Avith ease \-ariations that embarrass the violin player. The effect most appealing to the senses of the musician, and Avhich proves him most iuduoitably a genius, is his "shirring." While ordinary and even ex traordinary players hesitate to slur from one octave to another, Levy plays a whole melody in octaves, gliding imperceptibly from one to the other, Avhile at the same • time giving the intermediate notes to the senses if not to the ear. This, in our opinion, is his greatest eAddence of phenome nal poAver. For the rest; in grandeur of tone, in touching simplicity, in marvellous execution, in poAver of lip, lung, and tongue, | he stands unrivalled, and there are no pieces which he plays in Avhich this superiority is not fully evidenced. If he were alone, he would be Avorthy of all the support lovers of music could bestoAV, for we shall not, see his like again, but we have evidence enough to convince us that from the first to the last note of the concert, from the overture of Signor Giorza to the-last of the National Anthem, the concert Avill be melodious and artistic. The programme aa'ill be found elseAATiere in our columns. It contains LeA'y's gems. First there is Alexis, the grandest cornet solo ever written; then he is doAvn for Auld Robin Gray, which he actually "sings," and the third is his Maud Waltz, the most entrancing air ever played. Signor Giorza is said to fully, equal Madame Goddard. For the A'ocalists, Mrs LeA ry,Ave are assured by our contemporaries, | is a treat to listen to, she has such a fresh SAveet A-oice. Miss Pitts has won fame long enough ago, and Signor Giorza is too well knoAvn here to need any eulogy from us.

SUPREME COURT.—Yesterday.

CRIMINAL SITTINGS.

(Before His Honor, Mr Justice Gillies, and a common jury. Mr Thomas Blott foreman.)

ALLEGED FRAUDULENT BANKRUPTCY.

OTHER CHARGES,

The whole of the evidence having been taken in the case of Henry Solomon Meyers, charged with fraudulent proceedings within four months of the liquidation of his estate, by concealing certain debts due to him, and , to which the defendant pleaded not guilty : the counsel 011 both sides addressed the jury.. His Honor summed up the evidence, and said the question for the jury to consider Avas —whether,.on the day of his examina tion, the defendant concealed these debts at any time Avithin four months' of hi 3 bankruptcy, and concealed them up to the time of examination: H the bills were dis posed of in the Avay that had been described in contemplation of bankruptcy, then the property in them would not pass to the persons to whom they were given by defendant, but would vest in the trustee in bankruptcy, and there would be no partial extsnstionof the debt to or from Mm so far as they were concerned. After some . further remarks His Honor said if the jury found an act of concealment, any one Avould be sufficient for the indictment, then they " Avould consider whether defendant's expla nations were sufficient to establish his, innocence. If they had any doab't, the CroAAm and not the prisoner was entitled to the benefit of the doubt. His Honor went carefully over the chief portions of the evidence in respect of ihe several bills, and left it to the jury to form their own opinion and give their verdict accordingly. The jury retired at a quarter past , eight, and at a quarter to nine found a | verdict of guilty. There were two other indictments again&t the prisoner, to'which by the advice of his ' .counsel, prisoner pleaded guilty. His Honor rested for a quarter of an hour, and on resuming his seat the prisoner Arthur Utting was brought into Court to receive sentence. Prisoner, on being asked the usual ques tion as to why the judgment of the Court should not be passed upon him, said he hoped the Court would be as lenient as possible, taking into consideration the time he had been in prison. ....." # • His Honor, in passing sentence, said : Arthur Utting, you have, been convicted, after a very careful trial, of an offence against the Fraudulent Debtor's Act, 1875. A'iz., of having dispose., otherAvise than in the way of ordinary trade, of property which you obtained on credit and had not paid for. lam AA-illing to believe that you may haA re done so in ignorance of the law, but it is a maxim of the laAv that ignorance does not excuse a breach of it. Every man is supposed to know the laAv under which he lives. It is in a commercial community , a matter of great importance that strict •' honour and good faith should be main tained between debtors" and creditors. In your case you acted in a very high-handed | manner, and set your creditors at defiance. You ought to have remembered that the property was not yours, but theirs, which they gave to you on credit, and it was your duty, as far as you were able, to conform tea t-heir wishes to'dispose of the property.for.'' their benefit, they being virtually the . owners of it. As yours is the first case that has come before the Court under this Acta* is not my intention to deal severely "With you. But it ' is well that it should be known to you and other, that the Court _ has power- to punish such, an offence _as yours Avith two years' imprisonment with or without, hai'd labour. In the " home .

EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1818



She r a Brothers ABE CLEARING-OUT THE BALANCE OF THEIR SHIPMENTS, Previous to arrival of NEW SHIPMENTS, already advised, Per ' Lorraine,' 'Chasca,' 'Seatoller,' s.s. 'Stadt Amsterdam,' s.s. 'Kent.' imXPIEATION OF T>ARTNERSHIP T E R M. DRAPERY AND CLOTHING AT 20 per Cent. REDUCTION ! OUSHBROOK AND "ORIDGMAN. The abovenamed have decided (prior to Stock-taking), in order to facilitate adjustment of accounts, necessitated by the expiration of our term of partnership, to hold a jg CLEARING-OUT SALE, g And will allow for a limited £J — period, a g 5 DISCOUNT OF TWENTY PER £ 2 CENT. UPON ALL CASH 2 5 PURCHASES. 5 P 4S. I_ THE - OFF THE USUAL PRICES. H P -< £_] Commencing on S Ph FRIDAY, 11TH JANUARY. _!1 H The Stock is Unusually Heavy, and £; Well-assorted in every ► _ pq Department. frl O '_- &%% % n 3 § R. & 8., -with satisfaction, direct <_. M attention to tho fact that since com- *_*, X mencing business they have steadily y __ avoided all Selling Off, Cheap m £ Sales, &c. ; their aim having been to 2 ft supply a GOOD ARTICLE at a __ *? REASONABLE PRICE, and "NO O &■ PUFF," and deem that the simple © H statement of the fact is sufficient to d convince their friends and the public _* i_ of the bona fide character of the pre- |_3 Xl sent announcement. Goods Entered well be Charged Usual Prices. Country Orders, accompanied by remittance, will have prompt attention. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel). mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS BSW. J. HURST Se CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been prove', to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and * pro..table returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. jjurst S_ Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BEL.L-. riONEFLOUR I and i-inch BONED UST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPRR-PHOSPHAT- OF LIME. - SALT, SULPHATfIJ OF LIME. Kin addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops,- and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. - Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101 QUBKN-STRB-T, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING Just Landed, ex Columbus— 30 casks new Clovers, cousisti-gof Red Clover White Clover Cow Gra_ Also on hand. Alsyhe, Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Rats-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, '&c., at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-S TRE ET. 600 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) SOOO „ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season _ growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some E early varieties for seed purposes Flonr, Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &-, &C. Particular attention is called to 600 sacks Prime Barley at.is per bushel o 50ih. 5 tons Anderson .Fresh oatmeal, a £21 per ton. m, J. HURST & CO., I Wt Q-EB-TrSTRBEIT, AUCKLAND.



(SPECIAL NOTICE. Ladies and Gentlemen about to furnish are invited to inspect onr extensiA'e assortment of IMPORTED and COLONIAL FURNITURE.' CARPET S.—Brussels, Tapestry. Kidder minster. Dutch. Felt, and Stair, at Prices as Low as any House in, Town. IRON BEDSTEADS.—HaIf Tester, French. Stamp and Folding, in great variety. NeAv Patterns ex 'Otaki,' 'Famenoth,' and 'Iron Queen.' LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTHS. MATTING. HEARTHRUGS, TOILET-WARE, TOILET -LASSES, and an immense stock of DRAW ING, DINING, and BEDROOM SUITES, .insrlish and American CANE and WOOD CHAIRS, Meat Safes, Door Mats, &c., Sec, Sec. at LOWEST PRICES. A Liberal Discount o Cash Buyers. T. -& H. COOEJE. Furniture Showrooms 67, QUEEN-STREET. Steam Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-STREET. "XTEW ZEALAND INSURANCE Jl*. company. reduced rates for detached DWELLING-HOUSES :—ln the City, from 12s. upwards; in the Country, from 13s. GEOPGE R. PIERCE, Manager. TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. U C . L A. IS D B R A. N C H : QUEEN-S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. I_asura_c granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trade _9 carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers. Merchandise of all icinds, Specie and X\ 00l to United Kingdom, at owes. Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. ■VT OTICE O E It E MOVA L. THE STANDARD FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY'S OFFICES, s_r R E M O V E D ,"©» To the Premises of MESSRS. COMBES & DALDY, QUEEN-STREET. NEVER Have the Public had such a Choice of BED STEADS offered them a3 at the present time Besides our already aa'ell assorted Stock of Iron Bedsteads, and those of our own manu facture in KA"Ri, Rim., C-Dar, and Mo__r,_D Kauri, we ask .them to bear in MIND that we have Just Open.d Up, ex -'Otaki,' TWO HUNDRED IRON BEDSTEADS of tho. most modern style, comprising French. Half Tester, Children's, and Bt-MPS, also Cots, at Prices to suit all classes. Having purchased for Cash from THE Best Manufacturers, Aye can SELL A GOOD BEDSTEAD at a Very Low Price. BEDDING, of everydescription.keptin Stock. HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Our system is to make a large return ; to insure this We Sell tor Ready CASH at a Small Profit, and DELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. (ST Give your Furnishing Order to __alloway, Q-arliek 53 Craa-weli, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, AND CLOTHIERS, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN & LORNE-STREETS AUCKLAND. LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING ! CHILDREN'S UNDERCLOTHING!! And BABYLINEN ! I! W. RATTRAY, Having bought the "Whole of Messrs Sargood, Son and Ewen's Large and Well-selected Stock of LADIES' AND CHILD KEN'S UNDER CLOTHING Si BABYLINEN, AT A LARGE DISCOUNT, Has marked them at proportionately Low Rates. Ladies are requested to call and inspect the Stock. -VT B W rj EAL AN D TTODB 10, 66, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland.