SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

_,„ „.,,.,„,, (This Afternoon, 11 8 HIGH WATER- To-'.uorrow Morning, 11.33 SUN SET.—Thia Evening. 6-41 STTN" RISK.—To morrow Morning, o.« MOON'S Aen:.—Last Quarter, 2ith, 2.51 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

H^e-.m. bricantine, from Lyftelton fe B£™£"E&"'f^Waitara (in the

Manukau) „ Ro-.vens s=.s.. Sollars. from Tauranga Transit schooner, Hooper, from Oamaru (in the Mamikaa)

DEPARTURES.

Rowetva - s., Sellars, for Tauranga and Mercury Bar-' , „ . Prer.tr Jane s.s.. Eccles, for Namer Hauraki p=~ Oakes. for Waitara {from the ' MaiMikau) Fanr.y Kelly, ketch, McKnmon, for Russell Agnes Donald, schooner, for Levuka

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London—Loohfleet, ship, early; Lorraine, barque, early , . For Tavanaki and the South—s.s. Taranaki. Tuesday, 23th. .

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Nile. l>nc\ fiom Newcastle; sailed loth inst. Stag, barque, from Newcastle : sailed 11th mst. KUibtts. trig, from Adelaide, early Mendoza. barque (Q.G.L.F.), irom London, FoLuen^T^^p.rQiis' (W.G.L.H.), from London; sailed 13th December. S^tef'-r l>-rr.uts (J.R.S.N.), from London; "sailed Doe 2 Ciai^V-e'Lo. barque (W.H.K.8.), from London: Aie'-^hawf barque (W.T.F.L.), from London, Arabia, barque (K.P.Q.Y.), from London loading

IMPORTS.

Pc- Helena, from Lyttelt"n: 15 cases bacon, 110 sack? flour. 100 bags ditto lOOibs, 520 bags ditto 50!b3.—J. W. Owen and Co.. agents. Per Helena, from Lytteltoa: 31 kegs buner. Sb cases 1-li -on. i cases "cheese. 200 sacks oats. 25 Sacks flcar 120 bags flour IOOIbs, 2iO bags ditto 501b3.17 cases produce. 13 cases meats, 20 boxes soat). -10 half boxes soap, 230 sacks malt. Ex Holer.: 200 bags oats. 15 tons flour, 40 bags fo--v". wheat, bacon and hams.—L. W. Eaton.

EXPORTS.

p e^ a s pretty Jane, ror rapier :*i cases uiu Tom. 1 case soap, U packages sundries.—Owen and Graham. . , Per Protty Jane for Napier: 1 case iron 3afes. —E. and H." Isaacs, , " Per Pretty Jane, for Napier : 1 bale leather.—

Per Acme? Donald, for Levuka: 2 cases draperf 1 bale do., lS,oo3feet sawn amber, &3 boxes soap. 112 sheep, and aj quantity of stores and produce.

The ketch Wild Duck arrived in the Manukau verterdav, with a cargo of cattle and sheep. ' Thp p.s. Hauraki left the Manukau last night for Waitara, with 60 head of cattle. The schooner Atlantic is taking in a cargo of timber and railway i^on for Xapier. The schooner Transit arrived in the Manakau from Oamaru, with a eaigo of grain, on Thurs day evening. , . The brig Torea arrived at Lyttelton, from Auckland, yesterday. . The s s 10-ui. Captain Farquhar, arrived, this rnornia" from Russell, with the following cassensrers : lira Scott, Mrs Wigmore, Mrs Evan; 'Miss Stephenson, Messrs Brasser, Moore, MoataVue. Lawlor, and Captain Morris. The s =. Rowena, Captain Sellars, arrivedtrom Taura-i?ra and Mercnry Bay yesterday afternoon. Fassen!re*s : Messrs Cleghorn. Douglas, Mills, Conrelly, Pond, Tunny, Seccombe, and six steerage. 'i he Viaion hauled out into the stream to-day, and vdll leave for Caroline Islands this evening. She takes as Dassenger Mr Cozens. The brtroue EmUy, Captain Sutherland, cleared a'- tbe Ca'toms tc-day for Newcastle, in ballast. She will probably leave this evening. The brigantine AgnesJ Donald,2 Captain Murray, cleared at the Customs to-day, and will sail for Levuka this evening. She -was engaged during the day shipping a number of sheep from the Railway Wharf. Passengers:—Mrs >ieilson and three children, Mr W. ISiccol. The Stella. Maris has completed 1 her loading io'-Danedin at Messrs Guthrie and Larnacha mils Olfnukau). She will leave with the first change" of wind, taking UO.COO fejt of timber. The schooners Fiery Cross and Vixen, and ketch "Wild Duck, are loading with timber for Donedin at Messrs Guthrie and Larnach's mihs, The Thomas and Henry brig, and the Seagull brigautine. are expected from Dunedin, and the Aujusta ori^ntine, fromHokiaiiga, to load with timber at ilessrs Guthrie and Larnach's nulls, fe-Thc bricantine Hlena, Captain Campbell, arrived iniharbour this morning from Lyttel ton with a full cargo. She left that port on the nio-ht of the 15th, and had fine weather until ps's-iDg the Mercury 3on Monday evening. From that time, experienced north-west gales. The s.s. Rowena, Captain Sellars.ieft for Tau ranga and Mercury Bay this afternoon, with a general cargo and the following passengers:— Mi=ses Long and McLean; Messrs Green, R. Witeht, and J. Right,

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND.

Mails wilt. Closi: as Unujcic —

For Thanirs, this day, at i.p.m., and on Monday next, at 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coremandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.ru.

For Russell and Eawakawa, per Wanaka, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa,andMongonui, per lona on Monday next, at i p.m. For Taranaki and So'thern Prevince3. per Taranaki, on Tuesday next, at 10.55 a.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana per AnneMilbank, on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m. For Noumea, per Lsetitia, on Tue3day next, at i p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangaoai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at 1 p.m. For Whitiangi. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per. Rowena, on Wednesday next, at 4 p.m. For Australian Colonies per Rotorua, on Tuesday, sth March, at 1 p.m. For Tauranga, Gifborne, Xayier. and Southern Provinces, per Wanaka, on Thursday next, at 2 p.m.

Pers.s. Zealandia, on Tuesday, sth March, as follows :—

For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 3 p.m.

For money orders, registered letters and uew3papers, at 1.30. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence in addition to the post age will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing.

S, B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

An Iniouitous Game is being played by cer tain flagitious scamps who put cheap and fiery liquor in bottles which have held the national medicated beverage. Udolpiio Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, for the purpose of deceiving the unwary into the belief that their vile concoctions are identical with the great original. Demand the genuine.

BIRTH.

TOMAS3ON.—On the 23rd February, IS7S, at her residence, North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand, Mrs. George Thomasson of a son.

DEATH.

McCONNACHIE.—On the 14th February, IS7S, at Alexandra, Waikato, Mr. J;tmes McCon nachie, compositor, aged 23 years.—Southern papers please copy.

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

SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 23,1878.

*-~: tie csi« ti»» iicScs sssKff T*.r3, P^r ths triads tSt*t oecds issistiEC^ T«r tie fotore la tka dtiiace.

The latest war despatches to-day are dis quieting. England is pushing forward preparations that are wholly inconsistent with confidence in the peaceful settlement of the Eastern question. The purchase of 20,000 horses for the army, and an increase of half-a-million in the army estimates betoken the prevailing want of confidence. For the present, however, these measures may simply be regarded as precautionary, and there is still ground for hope that the crisis will pass without any further dis urbaucc of the peace of Europe.

Manhood suffrage is the basis of the new electoral law to be introduced by the Government next session. The subject has obtained, prominence in the post sessional utterances of members, and on the whole the balance of opinion has been un favourable, some of Sir George Grey's strongest supporters—notably Mr Moss at Parnell, expressing dissent. We agree with Mr Moss that the subject is large enough to be dealt with alone, and it is not desirable to mix it up with the other great reforms which the present Ministry are pledged to carry out. The right of every intelligent citizen under oar constitu tion to a voice in the choice of the legisla ture by which he is governed may be safely conceded, but opinions of men equally intelligent and equally liberal in their views differ very widely on the issue whether the system commonly known as manhood suffrage is one calculated to promote true representative government, or whether it does not rather defeat that end by estab lishing mob rule. In order to consider the question fairly, it is necessary to examine the present franchise. Every householder, who, for six months, has occupied a tene mcht of an annual value of £10 (4.s a week) if in the city, or £5 (2s a week) if ouUide the city, is* entitled to be placed on the electoral roll of his district. Every owuerof a freehold, value £50, or a leasehold with three years to run, value £10, Is likewise qualified. These valuations arc so low as to create universal suffrage of householders, and the question of annual value is never raised by registratiou officers. Under the existing law there is absolutely no barrier to the acquisition of a vote by any householder, no matter what his station in life. Then with reference to lodgers. The law provides that every adult male who has been resi dent for twelve months in oue lodgings occupying accommodation of a value not lees than £10 annually, shall be entitled to vote for the electoral "district in which his residence is situated. Either from the uncertainty of the temper of landladies, the wandering character of lodger popu lation, or the complete indili'erence of the genus to the privileges of freunen, this qualification has been very rarely exercised. Scarcely more than lialf-a-dozen lodgers have taken the trouble to register in the city, although the qualification is available to the many young men who continue to live with their parents. Such is the pre vailing indifference in these matters that great diiliculty is experienced in securing the registration of persons who are qualified to be placed on the roll. To facilitate this, a further measure was enacted in 1575 under which every governing body of a corporation or highway district was required under penalty of £100 to supply the Registra tion Officer of the district with an alphabeti cal list of all ratepayers ; and these were to be accepted and inserted on the electoral roll as properly qualified. Through defects in the Act, which omitted to stipulate that the full Christian name and surname, with a description of the property for which rates were paid should be furnished, the lists have been almost valueless; the Regis tration Officer finding it impossible to dis tinguish among the claimants those already on the rolL A little amendment of the Act would secure, what was no doubt the inten tion of the framer, that, whether he neglected to take the precaution himself or not, every ratepayer should be a qualified voter " fur" his own district, and ih would be the duty of the governing body of his district to establish his rights. This then, beiog the present state of the franchise, for whose benefit is manhood suffrage to be provided? In the United-States, where the system has been carried out in its extreme form, prisoners in gaol, the inmates of benevolent institutions, and eveu the manageable patients from lunatic asylums, hare been polled by unscrupulous partizans. In the mail papers two mouths ago, ap peared details of a case in which a poli tical California]! sheriff had brought the whole of the prisoners under his care to the polling-place, and successfully used them to s;vell the figures recorded for his candi date. It is notorious that ruffianism has dominated American politics to such an extent that intellectual and conscientious men shrink from soiling their reputations with the impure contact. A very large share of the prevailing State corruption in the Republic may be traced to the low character of aseetion of the constituency from which political parties are. built up and the measure in which elections are swayed by demoralising influences. Manhood suf frage of this kind will not, we imagine, find favour with any political party in New Zealand. And what must be determined in dealing with the question here is, can such safeguards be placed round manhood suffrage as would secure complete repre sentation of every class, and yet exclude, the dissolute, the criminal, and others, who, without stake iv the country or the slightest care for its well being, would become the ready tools of political harpies and designing jobbers. We think this is possible. The working of the lodgers' franchise has shewn that with an unsettled population, residence and registration are fatal to the qualification of a nomadic population. It may fairly be presumed that the same precautions, com bined with periodical purging of the elec toral rolls jby complete lapse and re registration would exclude those who are utterly unfitted to exercise the franchise. For the remainder of the community, man hood suffrage supplies a qualification, the yery simplicity of which would ensure general adoption and equitable represen tation on the sound basis of citizenship. But it is of paramount importance that the pre cautionary measures against an elevation of ruffianism into dangerous prominence at elections should be of adequate character; otherwise the consequences of the measure might be such as would be deplored by the whole community. There are various other matters relating to the question of representation and registra tion which we may discuss on a future occa sion.

The funeral of the young man, Charles Alfred Schmitz, late of the Bank of New Zealand, took place yesterday afternoon, followed by the employe's of the Bank aud others. Deceased was only 23, and has been suffering from diabetes, which carried him off. He has beeu but a few months in the colony, hoping in this more genial climate to overcome a constitution already enfeebled by his complaint. A meeting of the Presbyterians of New ton, Grafton, and Kyber Pass Roads, and Eden Terrace, and surrounding districts, is called for Monday evening next, to arrange for re-opening St. David's Presbyterian Church.

To the Editor : Sir,—l wish to ask the owner of the ss Kiua why he did not advertise that the steamer was laid up this week, and would not be able to make her usual trip to Port Albert. I and some other passengers left Auckland for Helens ville on Wednesday,last to catch the Kina, which was advertised to leave Helensville for Port Albert on Thursday morning. Judge of our surprise when reaching Helensville to learn that there would be no steamer for a week. Independent of the annoyance caused, I wonder if Captain Casey would pay the extra expenses _we incurred through his neglect in advertising, —I am &c, An Intended Passenger. Notices of the Sunday services at the various places of worship appear elsewhere. The evening service for the people will be held m the Theatre Royal at the usual hour. The " Fraternal Home" sermon in the Temberancn Hall, will be preached by Rev W. J. Williams, and the collection after service will be given to the Auckland Dispensary. Dr Gervase Smith will conduct the morning service in the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church. Mr Alfred Sharpe, one of our best local artists, has produced a beautiful view of the Waiwera Islet, taken from the clill path, and which must be reckoned among the artist's happiest achievements. Mr Sharpe, with the eye of a poet, aud the dis crimination of a painter, ever selects the choicest scenes for the exercise of his pencil. The " Waiwera Islet" is on view in the window of Mr Waite, bookseller.

Tenders are called for the erection of a retail branch in Auckland for the New Zealand Clothing Factory Company. Mr Halleusten, the largest proprietor of the Company, has succeeded in purchasing one of the best retail sites in Queen-street, situate between the new block of buildings above the corner of Victoria-street and Mr Montague's fancy goods shop. The New Zealand Clothing Company's Factory em ploys upwards of GOO people, and following the example of some of the largest manu facturers at home, they are establishing branches for the sale of their manufactures direct to the public in the principal centres of population. Their branches in Duuedin, Oamaru, Timaru, Christ church, and Wel lington, are said to be a' great succefs, and we doubt not there exists an equally good field here. The Company also contemplate opening a branch in Sydney, where the Mosgiel tweeds are in great favour, and a large proportion of the stock is made up of Mosgiel tweeds ; Mr Hallu:i»ten being also one of the largest proprietors of the Mosgiel Woollen Factory Company. The service at Mount Eden School-hoase to-morrow afternoon, at 3 p.m., will be con ducted by the Right Rev. the Bishop of Auckland.

At the meeting of the Board of Educa tion yesterday afternoon, the report of the Training Classes Committee was read. This recommended, amongst other things, that there should be two classes—senior aud junior—the former to meet on Tuesdays, 'lhursdays, and Saturdays; the latter on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, for two hours on each day. It recommended new subjects for study, and suggested that the head teacher should receive a salary of £150 per annum, and the assistant teacher £50. The tender of Messrs Donovan and Co. was accex)ted for the construction of the Ilelcnsville school, aud Mr Luudon's for the Kati Kati school. A number of applications for grants of money for school purposes were disposed of. Mr R. D. Stewart and Mrs Smith were recom mended for the appointments of teache and assistant of the Wairoa South school, r

To the Editor : Sir,—The grievance of Mr Hannaford, and of others, in re school accommodation, is very natural and just, and while the new building near completion of City West is capable of con taining about 350 pupils, it would be very unwise to incur additional expense in adding to City East. WJaen no room exists for the children of the district, then, and not till then, should the building be enlarged. —Yours, etc., ECONOMY.

More nioa bones have been discovered near Timaru. They are all of gigantic size, and such as a Samson would have wielded with more effect than that miserable jawbone of a donkey, though there are many asses in the world whose jawbones might be con verted bludgeons with the utmost benefit to humanity.

The Christcliurch Sun has been bought in by the Directors for £3000, for which sum it is mortgaged.

Aii unusual treat is in store for the Wes leyaus to-morrow and others who may visit the Pitt-street church, the occasion being that die Rev Gervase Smith (D.D.) will preach in the morning at 11 o'clock. This may be the only chauce that the Auckland people will ever have of hearing this truly celebrated preacher. To say that he ranks high among the great living Wesleyan preachers in Great Britain, is only to give a small account of him, as he must be heard to form a correct opinion of the man. And then in the evening the Rev Mr Canick, recently from America, will preach at half past 6 o'clock in the same place. These services are special, and the collections are in aid of recent improvements in the church. We are certain that the trustees should see to-day that ample seat-room is provided, as the place must be crowded. On Monday evening at 6 o'clock there will be a tea-meeting in the schoolroom, and a public meeting held in the church after wards. The Monday evening meeting is a public recognition to welcome the Doctor, as the representative from the British Con ference to the colonies. The special feature of the public meeting will be that Dr Smith will address the audience, and irom hi.s known platform power this also shall be specially good. We must not forget to mention that Mr Harcourt Lee plays the orgau on Sunday, and Mr Joseph Brown on Monday.

The little sweep of £1,000 got up by Mr Cameron, of Dunedin, on the Cup has come to grief. The police have become interested in the spec, and the pot has boiled over. Mr Cameron's first drawing will probably take place in the presence of the Resident Magistrate.

''A Constant Reader" wants to know what we should do in Auckland if the Rus sians came. Give them a warm reception, of course. The Volunteers might have a chance of trying their hands with torpedo boats. Our correspondent thinks some large guns should be placed on Rangitoto. The idea is good, but where are the guns to come from ?

The Duchess of Edinburgh is most popular amongst British tars in the Mediterranean. When she visited the " Sultan" at Malta she was so moved with the touching marks* of loyalty from the sons of Neptune, that she " shouted" one glass of boifiud stout all roand. And then, in the duslc of eve those jolly tars, having imbibed a mischievous taste for Bass' ale, went ashore and toasted Her Highness in British beer to an unlimited extent, to the great scandal and grief of the royal husband, and the boatswain. It was understood that His Royal Highness had requested Marie not to undermine the discipline of his ship in future, where he desired her to understand he was master, whatever he might be in the great winter palace built by her dad, the Czar ; to which Her Highness is reported to have replied that he was a nasty, stingy, ill-natured thing, and dhe'd "shout" as much Bas3' beer as she pleased.

At the Patea race 3 Gazelle won the Hurdle Race. Lapland the Plate, Creeping Jenny the Hack Hace, and Otupai the Jockey Club Handicap.

We' have been requested to correct an error in our contemporary of this morning, by which the time of departure of the s.s. Rotomahana for the Thames for to-day was omitted. The vessel will leave at 5 p.m., as previously advertised.

HENDERSON'S MILL RACES

(PER "STAR" CARRIER PIGEON.)

Presidant: T. Henderson, Esq.

Stewards: Messrs. J. Srnj-th, R. J. Vercos.gj. Dlgnaa, T. Henderson, jun., and W. J. Suiter. Judge: Mr. A. 1/il worth. Starter: Mr. J. Archibald. Clerk of the Scalc3: Clerk of the Course: Mr. H. H. Hayr. Mr. J. Forter.

Handioapper: Mr. G. Lendrum

This popular country race meeting came off to-day at Henderson's Mill on the Great North Road. The weather being as fine as could be wished, the attendance was larger than usual. From ten o'clock, omnibuses and cabs kept leaving Queen-street laden with excursionists bent upon enjoying the drive aud the sport. The arrangements Mere as usual first-class, and much credit is reflected upon the committee of manage ment aud the other officials connected with the venture. The course was in excellent order, and the sport turned out better than the paucity of acceptances for the principal race caused people to expect. Since last meeting the course has beou much improved, and a splendid view of the racing was afforded. Thegrandstandisalso a new structure, and presents a favourable contrast when compared with the old four posted arrangement. The races began rather Lehind time, but punctuality was worked up to by the time the cup was

reached.

Maiden Fla c, of 15 soys. entrance, 1 soy.; distance, 1J miles. Weight for age.—For all horses which have never won an adver tised prize exceeding 10 soys. Quinlan'sßarney, syrs., 9st 41bs ... 1 O'Neill's Bapidßoy, aged, 9st sibs ... 2 Scott's Katiapo, 3yis, 7«t 91bs ... ... 3 Won very easily. The winner was the favourite. Six started. Cocxtv Cup, of 20 soys.; entrance, 2 soys.; distance, 1£ miles.—For horses the bona fide property of settlers resident in the County of Waitemata for three months ■ prior to day of entry. Weight for age. Maidens at starting allowed: 3-year-oTd 71b. ; 1 year.-*, 101b.: 5 years, 111b.; C years and asred, 211b. Winners of any race value 20 sovp., Tib. extra; 50 soys., lilbs.; 100 soys., 211ts. Lamb's Jessamine, Syrs, 7st 71bs ... 1 Rapidjßay, aged ... ... .. ... 2 Katiapo ... ... ... ... ••• 3 The favourite won by tlireo leugttie, hard held. Hack Race, of 10 soys.; entrance, 1 soy.; dis tance, one mile ; catch weights. Winner to be sold by auction for 20 soys. imme diately after the race, and the 'surplus (if ■ay) to ko to the funds. Post entry. Best ■ :-itish Prints, fast colours, 2s. lid Be3t -"rench Cambric, special patterns, is. 6d. * and ss. 6d. Bar. yj 1 Nett.j 2 Cock v 3 Sev. i started. Barney, who seemed none the v .rse for his other race, won easily. IlEN'Dh.;<soN's aliix Ccp(Handicap), of 50 soys. second horse to receive 10 soys. out of the Btakes. N'omiaation, 2 soys. ; acceptance, 3 soys.; distance, two miles. Edgar's Don, aged, 7st. 71bs. (Gill) ... 1 Walsh's FiretaO, aged, 7st. (Williams) 2 Thorpe's Golden Crown, aged, 7st. ... 3 This turned out a magnificent race. Bet ting was even on Firetail, and 6 to 4 each on Dun and Golden Crown. The Crown and Firetail led side by side for 1§ miles, when thu Don joined them, and shooting out, won by 4 lengths. Golden Crown lost his jockey at the turn for home. He was not injured. The reouit was received "with great enthusiasm, Mr Edgar being hoisted and carried up the course. Firetail's jockey entered a protest for a cross.

THE NEWMARKET SLAUGHTER HOUSE.

Sir, —I, along with other residents and property holders in Newmarket, have been called upon to sign a petition to keep our slaughter-house open, and the statement is made that should it be closed, the value of property here would fall. This cannot be the case, aa when the slaughter-house is removed Government intend making Newmarket the principal station, and workshops for the Auckland railway, all the land now occupied by the slaughterhouse and old sale yards will be filled up level, and will be wanted for this purpose, along with the piece across the line known as Meurant's. The number of workmen then employed will be three times the number of slaughter men, so that instead of a loss to Newmarket by shutting up the "old glory hole," there will be a positive gain. It was our own fault when ■we opposed the removal some years ago, at the time Mr Gillies, the then superinten dent, bought a property at a large cost for a slaughterhouse. Had we not done so, then all the large buildings at the railway station in Auckland would have been here, and Newmarket would have benefitted by a large weekly expenditure. It is not yettoo late, if we take warning by our late mistake. Newmarket and Remuera are now too popu lous to run the risk of haviug wild bullocks driven in at any time along the roads, I might almost say streets. —Your 3, etc., Ne\vmai:ket.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M.) A SOX OF HAM. A man of colour, Mario Bacon, was fined 5s for drunkenness.

ASLEEP AXD DREAMIXG In the moonlight, soft and still, On the slope of Barrack Hill, Mary slept.

An old toper, Mary Collins, was found by Constable Davoren last night on Barrack Hill, in a state of unconsciousness.

Mary was perfectly ignorant of all that happened, she remembered going up to Barrack Hill to see the Fire works, and lay down for a nap on the green grass. Fined 10s and costs.

STEALING CIGARS. The had been drinking with some jolly tars. And merely took a bundle of cigars. Catherine Burke, alias Townshend_. was charged with stealing a bundle of cheroots, value 12s 6d, the property of Denis R.ubie, of Queen-street. Prisoner said she had been drinking heavily and was not conscious of what she was doing ; she did not smoke herself, and could not tell what induced her to take the cigars. She was very sorry. His Worship said prisoner had been in Court far too often, drinking was no excuse for pilfering; she must take a month's imprisonment. BREACH OF RAILWAY REGULATIONS. lii a charge of breach of Railway Regulations by getting into a railway carriage while the train was in motion, on the 4th iust., at Newcastle, a fine of 20s and costs was imposed. A SAD CASE. Fanny Spaine, a young girl about IS, was charged with stealing a number of articles of wearing apparel, value £3, the property of H. A. Goddard. The prisoner, in -a low tone of voice, pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy stated the circum stances : the girl called upon Mrs Goddard, of Freeman's Bay, and told a pitiful tale, say ing that her name was Emily Howard, that sheß had lost her father? and mother, and was left alone and destitute. Mrs Goddard kindly afforded the girl shelter and food, believing her tale to be true, and procured a situation for her. Presently she missed her articles of dress, shoes, handker chiefs, and other things, which, were found in the possession of prisoner. His Worship was sorry to see a young girl giving way to bad habit 3, and as this

was her third conviction for larceny, itcould r.ot be looked over.

Four months imprisonment. MOTHERLESS.

A working man, named James Gamble, applied to the Court for an order to admit his two children into the Industrial Home, as he was unable to exercise proper care over them. He would contribute according to his means for their support. The two children. James, aged six, and Emily Ada, aged four, were then committed to the school for a term, the father agreeing to pay 10s per week. This was all the business.

The Dunedin Races.

TRAINING NOTF.S

[I3y Pegasus],

DUNEDIN, this day. Ray's team did good work this moraine. Templeton and Titauia were stripped, and scut twice round outside the hurdles a good striding gallop. Pimgawerewere went two rounds in company with Shillelagh. The mare goes very well, but looked rather en the big side. Cutts gave Bribery and Ariel a stiff three miles; the first half being done at a medium pace, but they were let out coming home. The mare, who has suspicious-looking bandages on her forelegs, appeared of the two to have the best of it. The last round was done in 2miu. Ssecs. Luna and Xantippe did light work. Longlands was next out, aud he went twice round stripped. Hippocampus was sent 2 miles very slowly, sweeping over the ground in beautiful style. Isaac Walton was sent a mile and a quarter on the beach, at a fair pace. Webb took the clothes off Foul Play and Trump Card, and sent them a mile and a half fast, Trump Card being about 100 yards behind the other ; both went exceedingly well, and the time for the last round was 2niin. Ssees. Foul Pla\ T was fairly extended during the spin, but the chestnut colt wa3 goiug well within himself. Chancellor and Cloth of Gold went a short spurt, and thon Oberon had a quiet canter alone. Unknown and Amulet went a» nice striding gallop to gether a little over twice round. The two other Champagne colts, Maligne and Atlantic, were out; the latter going a mile by himself. On being ridden into one of the scraping boxes he shied, and jammed hi 3 rider against the door-post, breaking his lelt leg near the ankle. The boy/who is kuown as " Alec," was immediately carried by Mr- Mason to a trap, and sent into town to the hospital. Swede aud the Virginia Colt were sent the Cup distance fast, the old horse having the best of his mate at the finish. In fact, the colt seemed a little footsore after pulling up. Mr Pollock's two-year-old, Captain Douglas, and a big chestnut colt, A\i_th three white legs, joined in with the pair in the last half-mile, shaping very well. Callaghau was working Starlight for an hour or more on the tan and over the hurdles, at which latter he did better than-usual, though he occasionally evinces a desire to run round them. Sam Hayes took Kildare two or three times round the tan, and gave him a jump or two. The old horse will, as usual, want a lot of beating in the Hurdle Eacc. O. C. Cotton, on Eclipse, and T. Cotton, on Little Dan, gave a capital exhibition of hurdle racing ; the pair goiug three miles together, and negotiating eveiy jump in a highly satisfactory manner. The sporting writer in the " New Zealand Advertiser" (Dunedin), after reviewing the Cup candidates, selects Hippo, Templeton, Ariel, Punga, aad Titania ; placing the first three in the order named.

CABLEGRAMS.

WAR PREPARATIONS IN ENGLAND.

RECRUITING ACTIVE.

ARMY ESTIMATES INCREASED £450,000.

[Special to Press Agency.]

{LONDON, Feb. 21. The " Argus " special correspon dent telegraphs :—

Recruiting in England is going on actively. The Government are purchas ing twenty thousand horses for the army.

The army estimates show an increase of ;£450>000-

Gamyk Pasha goes on special mission to St. Petersburg to obtain a modifica tion in the terms of peace, some of which are considered harsh.

Sevet Pasha has been dismissed from the Foreign Office.

Cardinal Pecci's election to the Papacy is generally approved of.

ARRIVAL OF THE COLUMBUS.

[SPECIAL TO PRFS3 AGENCY.]

LONDON, February 19. Arrived: The barque Columbus, from Auckland.

COLONIAL NEWS.

INTERCOLONIAL CRICKET MATCH,

[SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.]

SYDNEY, February 22.

The Intercolonial Match was played here to-day. The Victoria team in the first innings made 131. The New South Wales men iv the first innings have four out for 40 runs.

The Siam arrived at King George's Sound yesterday at noon.

PURCHASE OF SURPLUS ROLLING STOCK.

ADELAIDE, February 22.

The Engineer-in Chief starts to-merrow for New Zealand, for the purpose of arranging to purchase the surplus rolling stock offered to South Australia by the New ZeaJand Government.

CRICKET.

OTAGO V. CANTERBURY.

DUNEDIN, this day. The cricket match, Canterbury v. Otago, commenced at noon yesterday. There were only about 200 persons present. The weather was fine. The Canterbury men went xo the wickets, and up to 2 p.m. played capitally. Four wickets were then down for 70 runs. Godby made 8 ; Hart land, 11; Moore (not out), 36. The Christ-church innings ended for 214 runs, there being only two duck's-eggs. Moore made a beautifu innings of 75 ;W. Frith, 51; Austin, 23 ; Stevens, 15 ; Hartland and Fowler, 11 each; Godby, 2 ; and Neilson, 7. Only two were bowled out; the others being either caught or run out. The Otago men went in late in the afteraoou, and played wretchedly. The wickets went down rapidly, and when the game vras called six wickets had fallen for 53 runs, the only score of note being fifteen made by Paramour.

THE NEW STEAMER.

Thk engineers trial trip of the Tongarero. built by Messrs Niccol, took place this afternoon as far a« Brown's Island, having on board Messrs N ccol, Buchanan, Jobson, and a number of gentlemen. She was under the command of Captain Lindsay, but a» she is not yet out ot the contractors hands, a captain has not been ap pointed. The general opinion expressed con cerning her is, that she is well finished and travels well. As sho had not returned as we went to press, we are compelled to hold over minute particulars of the trial until Monday.

AUCKLAND FIRE BRIGADE,

ANNIVERSARY PROCEEDINGS^

The members of the Fire Brigade celebrated their anniversary last night by a torch-lX procession, displays of firewoiks, music anrl a supper. The procession was in every respect successful, and attracted thousand* of citizens, the majority following in th 7 route No pains were spared in maW the whole affair as complete as possible" Two engines, two hose-reek, and the four" horse break of the Salvage Corps were pressed irjto the service, and gaily decorated for the splendid occasion with flac'3 an j banners bearing suitable emblems and mottoes, headed by the band of the En giueers, under Bandmaster Impey. Th& route of the procession was from Victoria street to Karangahape Road, down Queen street to the wharf, and thence through Albert-street to headquarters. The fire works, mostly presented by the masters of vessels in harbour, were of a grand descrip tion, and, as they whirred into the arr bursting into stars, excited the youngsters to wonder and admiration. Several p'anses were made in the course of the procession. The first rocket that went up was in honor of the illustrious Washington, the 22nd being the anniversary ot Washington's. birth, who was born Feb. 22,1733, in the'state of Virginia. This was done at the desire of Mrs Dearborn, the wife of Captain Deer born, of the City of Sydney, who gave the rockets. The scene" at the fire bell at the Grey and Wakefield-street junction* was on an elaborate scale, when the display of the "Devil among the Tailors" created great amusement among the spectators. At the wharf another and final exhibit tion of fireworks took place, after which the procession moved gracefully towards the Star Hotel, and on towards the engine house, arriving there at a quarter to"ten o'clock.

THE FEAST.

On the evening of the preceding anni- Ternary the Brigade feasted at the engine room, which was found too small and in convenient in many respects ; hence Super intendent Hughes and his coadjutors! deemed it wiser to repair to an hotel, and the Governor Brown Hotel was fixed upon as the nearest pla.ce of accommodation. The spread was substantial and excellent in all its details, and highly creditable to the good taste and management of Messrs Dun ningham and King. The chairnmn of the evening was Mr G. S. Graham, chairman of the United Insurance Companies Associa tion, and Mr G. P. Pearce, mana ger of the New Zealand Insurance Com pany, occupied the vice-chair. Ths former was supported right and left by Super intendent Hughes, A.F.8., and Superinten dent Mahon, Newton F.B. ; and the vice chair by Captain Butler, of the Salvage Corps, and Foreman Knight, of the A.F.B. The police force was represented by Inspec tor Thomson and Sub-Inspector Pardy, the Naval Brigade byJLientenant Chapman, and the press by Messrs Blackman and Robinson. Among the visitors were Messrs J. B. Graham, T. Henderson, Seering Mat thews, W. Errington, and H. E. Williams. The chairman and other gentlemen proposed thejTisual loyal and patriotic toasts of the evening, announcing apologies which had been received from his Worship the Mayor and the Town Clerk, who were unavoidably - absent ; also froni Superintendents Price and Macdonald. The toasts were the " Queen and .Royal Family," " the Army and Navy," responded to by Lieut. Chap man. The "Governor," the "Mayor, and City Council," no representative being present. The " lusurance Companies," proposed by Foreman Knight, who gave the men a higji character for obedience of orders and alacrity of movements in the hour of danger. He complained, however, that the brigade was sadly in want of appliances %. they had plenty of water, and willing hands to use it, and he might inform gentlemen of the lusurance that should a cheque be sent in, it would be thankfully received and duly pocketed. Foreman Knight's humourous and somewhat pointed remarks induced the chairman (Mr Graham) to reply, in which reply he stated that it was the duty of the public, as well as that of Insurance companies, to support the fire-brigades for their mutual safety. The Insurance companies were ever ready to do their part towards the support of such a useful and necessary body of men. Mr Graham referred to the recent- fire at New ton, and especially to the conduct of Dr. Dawson, who had. assisted nobly on that occasion. The chairman then proposed the " Auckland Fire-brigade," and in dona? so< said he had seen the first fire in Auckland and the last, which latter the gentlemen present had doubtless seen also. The first building destroyed in Auckland was a raupo stcre, •which stood between Messrs A. Clark's and Brown and Campbell's. It was uninsured, and the fire was the act of an incendiary. As a child, he (the chair man) lit a bonfire, and thought it was great fun to see it burn. He regretted, to say, however, that other acts of a similar nature followed, but these were of a wilful character. The formation of fire brigade* aud the iutroducison of a water supply now acted as a deterrent to evil-doera in the prevention of fires The fire-brigade of those early times consisted of wild Maoris with calabashes, and their efforts were of little avail in subduing a fire. Superintendent Hughes replied in an excellent speech, and felt that the present was one of the happiest evenings of his life. He intended to have brought forth many things in relation to the Fire Brigade, but would reserve them for a future opportunity. Mir Hughes spoke highly of the men, but felt it was unnecessary to blow their own trumpet too loudly, as their actions would speak like a "still small voice" in a far more effective manner. The Naval Brigade - w-jre a lot of jolly fellows, and of great assistance to the Fire Brigade in times of emergency; the police also, under the direction of Inspector Thomson and Sub-In spector Pardy, were of great service in keep ing back the crowd at a fire. The remain ing toasts were " The Newton Fire Brigade" responded to by Superintendent Mahon, " Brother Firemen and the Salvage Corps," responded to in an able speech by Captain ■' Butler; the " Police Force and Inspector Thomson" to which Mr Thomson replied, giving some interesting facts from his own experiences in Australia and New Zealand; " Mr Errington, the Consulting Engineer;"' " Agriculture and Commerce," to which Mr * Matthews replied ; " The Press ;" " the Ladies ;" and " Messrs Dunniagham and King," concluded the list. A number of good socg3 were sung at intervals, viz., "Red, white, and blue" by Mr Heaps; " Merry Men of England," by Mr Knight; "The Auckland Fire Brigade" (original), by Mr Stanley ; "Kiss me in my Dreams, "by . Mr Duggan ; " Some Folks" by Mr Blair; and several others. The whole of the pro ceedings were orderly, gratifying, and suc cessful.

THE CITY ENGINEER.

(To the Editor or the Evrxing Stak.)_ Sir,—A report is being industriously cir culated iv the town by one or two busy bodies, ihat my purpose in bringing a charge of inefficiency against- Mr Anderson is to get him turned out of his office, and another, wi'oni they call ray friend, put in his place. It is ever so in every case of the kind, The man who points out what he thinks is an abuse ha 3 his motives im pugned. I declare emphatically that I have never so much as thought about the matter. Nor lias any engineer ever intimated to me by letter, word, or hint of any kind, his desire for the office. Supposing that Mr Anderson contradicts every word I hare said, it will not alter facts." I merely wish to have those facts examined, tested, and commented upon by competent men. And those men who have been loud in their complaints against the management of City wor&s, ought now to come forward and state what they_ know, or else hereafter forever hold their peace.—Yours, &a, R DICKSON.

EVENING STAR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23. IST 8



XT N IOH INSURANCE COMPANY U OF NEW ZEALAND. AFITAL £2,000,000. UC X L jM> B BRANCH: QUBEN-S T R E E T. Next the Colonial Bank. FIEE DEPARTMENT. ■Blnsurnnc granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores Shops, Buildings in which trade 13 carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Fllulla of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and "Wool to United Kingdom, AT ■"owest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. U S T OPENED 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S REGATTA SHIRTS Of a Superior Quality of French Cambric, and the moat Fashionable Patterns. W. RATTItAY, CLOTHIER & MEN'S MERCER, ■jvfrcw" tt odsk, C 6,' QUEEN-STREET. A^cki,axd. "y riOSGRAV E & £< O. WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING S*LB OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING TO-MORROW. All Goods Reduced to Cost Price. Inspection Invited. npWSNTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY I FAKCY DRESS MATERIALS, FURNISHING GOODS, BLACK SILKS, BLANKETS, CALICOES. HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, CARPETS AND MATTING. CLOTHING OF ALL KINDS, FOR BOYS' AND MEN'S WEAR, HATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, &c, AND EVERY DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL DKAPERY AND CLOTHING, AT $3, TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THIS POUND ' ALLOWICD UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. Goods .En-iucred will bic Charged Regulab Prices. ■pUSHBLtOOK AND ORIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C UPPER QUEEN-STIIEBT, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Nnvry Hotel).



T\ & H. C O O X E a a Have ox Sals ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS OF FURNITURE IN THE COLONY. Special Item- :— DRAWING-ROOM SUITKS WALNUT TABLES CARFE' S HEARTHRUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BKDSTKAD3 TOILETfc. LASSES CANE-SKATED CHAIRS TOILET-WARE DRAWERS MARBLE-TOP WASH3TAND3 MATTRESSES FEATHER BEDS. A Small Shipment of CREIOXXES and CASB 3IERES, New Patterns. All Goods at Lowest Rates. delivered free. Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers. Furniture Shou-rooms .... 67, QUEEN-STREET j SUam Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-STREET BONEDUST! BONEDUST BONEDUST! To Arrive, about the middle of February: 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Bell's J inch, inch, and Bcmefioui\ W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. mo AGlllC C7LT URIST3 tie OTHE RS W. J. HURST 3c CO. have ou sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to /roduce satisfactory results in this district. Experie-.iee teaches that large and pro.^table returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi mouil3 from leading Partners justify W. J. Jurs & Co. in strongly commending them to livery Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELLe xrsONKFLOUH | and finch BONKjj L?rfT BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATK OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. 11. & Jo. arc prepared to supply special Chemical Manuros for stimulating weak Com Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that for the last two sea sons has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars Will bft 3upplie"d on application at the Stores. \Y. J. HURST & CO., 101. Uuecn-strcet. SUPERIOR SAMPLES of Sydney and New Zealand Maize. Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table Potatoes. Fiour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley. Jhatf, Oilcake Coal, &c, &c, always on hand. W. J. HURST & CO., ioi. queen-strfj:t. Auckland T3OYAL INSURANCE COMPANY. It T Special Notice to Insurers. This Company, having intimated to the In surance Association their Withdrawal from Tariff Arrangements, is now prepared to grant Policies on all descriptions of Property at equitable rates. Concessions will be maac on flrst-clas3 band ings and approved risks, in Town and Suburbs, and for water supply and other protection, where made available. Special arrangements will be made with Mortgagees, Solicitors, House Agents, Con tractors, and other large insurers. The policy of the Company is promptness and liberality in the settlement of claims, and strictly honourable dealing in all its transactions. The Security of Insurers is unsurpassed by tnat of any Company doing business in the Colony. Agen Office: Shortland-street. Auckland, Bth February, 1878. The usual Book and Sheet Almanacs for ISTS can be had on application, or on information being sent to the Office. TTT ANTE D, ■ FOR DUNEDIN : 30 FIRST-CLASS JOINERS, For Light and Finest Quality Woik. To com petent men. six or twelve months engage ment J. W. WALLER, .Manager, Guthrie & Laenach (Limited), Cnehunga. Clover seeds. Olover seeds. JuSt TO HAXD, EX ' APELt.ES,' OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON'S CLOVER SEEDS, CONSISTING OF "White Clover Timothy Red Clovtr Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke &c, &c, &c. Turnip A>"D A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. ALSO, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot. Ratstail, Poas Fescue 3, &c, &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. ODDFELLOWS' HALL, COOK-STREET. A Select Quadrille Party will be held in the above Hall on Wednesday, the 27th February. Dancing to commence at 8 o'clock p.m. sharp. W. T. Donald, M.C xsr CITY HALL -®& J^ l urnishing Arcade. NEW GOODS JUST UNPACKED, AND QUITE NEW. CRETONNES, Large Lot New Colours and New Designs. (" New Brussels, from '4/9 r< a -odtpto ) New Tapestry, from 21 OAKfJiis. \ New Kidderminster, from 3/2 \ New Hearthrugs, from 6/6 fNew Shape Walnut Suites New Reps for do. Fob the j Green and Crimson Silk Rep ) >>§ DRAWING~< Black and Gold do. /-©o ROOM. Fawn and Gold do. j>~ New Pattern Walnut Tables VNew Inlaid Flower Stands /12 feet wide, 3/ per yard FLOOR- I 3 2/ „ CLOTHS. IOU Canvas, /9 I Linoleum, all widths Handsome White Twist and Bullion Fringes, for Bed Hangings Handsome White & Fancy Belgian Damask, for do. Turkish Towels, very large size, 1/3 and 1/9 Superior Fancy Oil Baizes, for tables Immense Variety in Ladies' Dress Buttons. Hollo-way, G-arlick & Craawell, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. CABINET FACTORY .. Lorne-STBEET