SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

of, t, «„ . ~.,r i3 (This Afternoon, 920 HI^K iiAxilE-1 xo-morrow Morning, 9.38 SUN BET.—This Evening, 6.21 SUX EKE.—Tomorrow Morning:. 5.57 MOON'S AGJC:—Fii'3t Quarter, 12th, 3.39 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Argyie, s.s., from Wangarei and Mangapai

IMPORTS.

Per Argyle, from Wangarei and Mangapai :— 10 bacs grass seed, 30 bags gum, 50 cases fruit, 20 boxes e'gk'S and butter, 10 kegs butter, 10 cases fowls and turkeys'. 23 cascc fruit.—R. Arthur. A bugs yum. 1 box butter.—G. W. Oweß.

EXPORTS.

gjPer Go-ahead : 1 case fancy spirit barrels,

* The departure of the Go-ahead was postponed from yesterday until five o'clock this evening. The s.s. Ai-gyle passed the Hero outside me Hen and Chickens last night. The shipbuilding industry in Auckland is increasing. At the present time thare are r l*ss than' three new vessels on the Freeir^^g Bay reclaimed allotment. .. The ship Crownthorpe left Napier tr^ London yesterday, with a cargo of wooJ, callow &c rained at £61,28". , , The s.s. Wakatinu arrive^ t WeUing ton yesterday from Sydney. " Tlio schooner Queen i^ c 0 leave for Hokianga on Monday next, bjQig at presen t taking in cavj.o alongside Gore-street Jetty. The schoone1" jf^^ w iu leave during-this week for tho^ Is i ands . The cv -oter Mess, which went ashore on a sandbank a t Bi^ River, Poverty Bay, has been successfully floated off. Fortunately, the vessel lias not sustained any material damage. The s.s. Argyle, Oapt. Stephenson, arrived early this morning from Wangarei and Manga pa\ with a general car?o, and the following passengers : Mr, Mrs and Miss Carter, Mr and Mrs Cunningham, Miss Morrinon and hoy, Mr and Mrs Hay, Mrs Brown, Misses Matthews, McLennan, Sheddan, McKenzie, Messrs Sealey, Erooker, Blackmore, Vickeer, Alderton, F. Sissons Little. Morrow, Cox. W. Cox, J. Cox. Booth, Claxke, Bradley, J. Wilson, H. Fausett, andSissons. The cutter Thistle entered inwards to-day from Mercury Bay with 21.000 f- timhet. The s.s. Southern Cross left the Spit early this morning, and may therefore be expected to arrive in harbour to-morrow evening, or on Suuday morni-.ig. The barque Seatoller commenced to discriarge her cargo this morniDg. The schooner Ocean cleared outwards to-day for Whitianga with a general cargo, and will probably sail thi3 evening. . The si'hooner Mercury will leave for Tairua this evening, with a cargo of 5,000 bricks. The cutter Janet will leave this evening for Wangapai in ballast. The schooner Edith cleared at the Customs to day for Rarotonga, with a large general cargo consisting of groceries, etc.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellington, this day. The Arawata left at 12 o'clock last night for Nelson with the Suez maiL Napier, this day. The Southern Cross left the Spit at 8 rfclpck this morning for Auckland.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's Quotations— Bank of New Zealand—£23 15s; buyers, £23 15s. National Bank—Buyers, 72a 6d. South British Insurance—Sellers, 793. Thames Gaa—2B3 6d, 29s 6d (ex div); buyers, 28s 6d ; sellers, 29s 6d. Auckland Gas—£lo.|

LisUnion Insurance —15s 3d. New Z-aland Do.—Sellers, 955. N.Z. Loan (new issue)—los, t Union Sash & Door Co.—£lo 78 6d. Uuion Beach—Sellers, 213. Q:;een of Beauty—Sellers, ss. Guthrie & Larnach Co.^7s 6d; buyers, 4os Moaaatairi—Buyers, 60s ; sellers, 645. Alburnia—Buyera, 555. EKura.'.ui Hill—Sellers, 12s. t Bismarck—Sellers, 8s 6d.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

EMR ALFRED BUCKLAND'S WEEKLY REPORT. At Remuera, on Thursday, dairy cattle at calving were in less number than usual. They were in free inquiry. Good cows at £10; heifers, £5 5s to £9. Store cattle in larger than usual number; late prices sustained. Yearlings, £2 175 6d to £3 10s; 18-months'-olds, £3 153; two year-olds, £4 103 ; dry cows. £3 15s to £123 6d; thres-year-old steers, £5 103 to £6 10s. Fat cattle in full supply. 141 head sold to thefltrade. Prices higher than last week, and ranged be tween 26 and 28s the lOOlbs. Store sheep numer ous, with a better inquiry. Fat sheep and lambs in short supply, but at late values—2Jd to 2id the Ib. Lambs, "7s so 13s 6d each.JPigsin moderate nnmbere, and free inquiry. On Friday, March 1, fodder offered in larger quantity than for several weeks, prices slightly hiizher. and ranged from 3s to 43 9d the cwt.; small loads from 17a to 35s each. New oats, 4s 3d the bushel.- The unbroken horse stock advertised occasioned a numerous attendance, and satisfactory prices were obtained; they were not of the heaviest class, but all were compact, with good action. Medium draught brought from £22 to £33; riding horses, £3 to £15; broken horses, suitable for the farm, £18 to £30; first-class heavy draught, £50 each. Hides were in moderate number, but maintained their value, 3d to 3Jd per 1b: pelts, 4to lid; sheepskins, Is to 2a 6d ; lambskins. Is 5d each. Lambswool, in larger quantity than average, brought from 8d to 9d; fleece wool, small parcels, ojd to 9d the lb.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Undek — For Thames, this day, at i p.m. and 5,30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 4 p.m. and 5 30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Gisborne, per Go-ahead, this day, at 4 p.m. For WMtiangi, per Ocean, this day, at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahuranga, Matakana, Manga wai, *Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, pep Taupo, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Ro.we.aa, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki (and Southern Provinces, 'per Taranaki, immediately after arrival of Aus tralia from Honolulu. For Australian Colonies, Batavia, Singapore, China, and Japan, via Torres Straits, per s.s. Australia, immediately after her arrival from Honolulu. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster. Beware of Counterfeits of the time honoured and standard medicinal beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Sohiedam Aromatic Schnapps, contained in bottles which formerly held the true elixir. It is hoped that an ex posure of this infamy may put the public on its guard against these disguised poisons, which are nothing but the vilest spirits with an ad mixture of some heap and hurtful drug.*' BIItTH. LOVEGROVR—On the sth March, at Hamilton, the wife of Mr. G. Love^rove of a son.

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

FRIDAY. MARCH 8, 1878.

ty the cause tbat Uct;« iwfatinry, Par the wrong thkt needs teilrtscct. Via tfce fcture In the dlsMBCt, Awl Ihc e « o* «ttt w*«au <S*

The election of the Board of Education has resulted exactly as we predicted—the old Board has gone in again en masse. The addition of Mr J. M. Dargaville, to make up the required number, introduces a little

new Dlood A but in all other respects the Board retains as before the farce of election *,vas; got»;e through. It must not be supposed that" this is because a change was not deemed desirable by the committees, but as we before pointed out, it might be reckoned with mathematical certainty thatwherethere were 46 candidates, among whom the voting power would ba distributed, with no pos sibility of union between the committees, except that represented by the old Board, the result must be that which the figures to-day reveal. The marked difference be tween the numbers polled for those elected and the highest of the minority, establish the soundness of the premises on which the issue of the election was forecast; and if the Board is really to be an elective one, the character of the constituency, or the mode of nomination and elec tion, must be materially altered. To arrive at anything like a fair repre sentation of the vote of the constituency on the present occasion, all candidates who have polled over twenty votes should be again submitted for final choice of the nine. Setting aside the value of an infusion of new blood into public bodies, and the importance of making all our institutions really representative, someteing may be said in favour of the new Board, on the ground of past service and experience, but it is not desirable that a form of contest should be continued which creates a charmed chcle that cannot be penetrated, and while declaring the principle of representative responsibility to be sound, steals away the substance. If we mistake not, the system of election established under the Education Act was tried a great many years ago in Otago and found unworkable.

Father Hennebkkry's so-called awful facts relating to the consequences of secular education in America have been very severely handled by the Puncdin press. These statements have gained some little notoriety throughout the colony, iiartly owing to the extremely elegant and temperate language employed by their author, and partly because of their emphatic endorsement bytliedistiaguishedprelatenow in our midst, who on Sunday last assured a large and attentive congregation that " Father Heuneberry and himself onlyspoke the simple facts without exaggeration." The simplicity of these " facts" removes at once any[diflu;ultyiu dealing with them; and their lack of exaggeration is further vouched for by thcDunediu " Tablet," the recognised organ of the Catholic Church, which assures its readers that "We do uot doubt that Father Henneberry's figures are sub stantially correct." In order to place the matter fairly before our readers, we may select one of these " simple facts,'' with the object of proving the rev. father's habitual freedom from exaggeration. In doiug so we shall take the liberty of using pretty freely the figures quoted from official sources by our coil temporary the " Otago Daily Times.' Father Henueberry has been many years m America ; Bishop Moran assures us tbat he had preached these "simple facts" from San Francisco to Boston, and no one had ever challenged them." We arc entitled, therefore, to treat them with res pect as coming from one who has not lacked the opportunity to make himself thoroughly well-grounded in his subject. Indeed, when we find a gentleman so well qualified to speak, asserting as a simple fact known from Sail Francisco to Boston that live million cases of infanticide, before or after birth, occur in the United States annually —that nearly every woman thero is guilty of the foul crime—we are naturally shocked. Upon turning to the statistics of the United States to find what proportion this whole sale slaughter bears to the general mortality, and finding there that the total number of deaths per year of all ages aud from all causes, is only 520,000, we confess to just a shade of doubt. It is fair, however, to suppose that these five million little sufferers run their short span in pro found secrecy, which, although unveiled to the eye of Father Hennebery, is hidden from that of the Registrar-General. We must look, therefore, for another test. In England and Wales, with a population of 22,926',71G, the total number of births per year is only 704,309 ; we are safe, therefore, in concluding that if the rate of productive ness were as high in America, which has a population of forty millions, the total num ber of births yearly would still be consider ably under a'million aud a half. From whence, then, do the five million little victims of secularism come? But we may go a step farther, and take the actual birth returns in America for comparison witli countries where this terrible monster—secular education does not exist. In the United States the births actually registered bear the proportion of one to every thirty of the population ; in Catholic France only one in 37; and in Belgium one in 34. Now, it may be said, we have got fixed data by which the slaughter of the innocents will stand revealed unto all men. If this terrible human sacrifice is going on in America the death rate must be much higher than in the countries where the birth rate is so low. But on turning to statistics again we are foiled ; for while the death rate in America is only one in 45, the death rate in France is one in 44, and in Belgium one in 42. In France the increase of the population by the excess of births over deaths was the lowest recorded, only five per cent in ten years; in America it was one of the highest, being 28 per cent for the same period. We leave Father Henneberry aud those who accept his statements as "simple facts" to reconcile these figures, or supply data that will shew their fallacy. The deductions from them as they stand are irresistible—first, that the total possible birth rate of the United States, on the most liberal estimate, amounts to little more than one-fourth the number which it is alleged are slaughtered annually ; and second, that if infanticide prevails at all in America, it prevails to a much greater extent in France and Belgium, where secular education is nnknown, and in all the other countries which reap a much smaller increase of population from the excess of births over deaths than, as it has been shewn, falls to the lot of the United States.

It may be said, however, that if any great disparity between the birth statistics of the United States and other countries had been discovered, proof would still have been required to identify the cause with secular education ; and in like manner, the absence of that disparity does not disprove Father Heuneberry's position that State inter ference in the work of education!^ uncalled for,jand evil in its consequences. We do not know that the public have any reason to quarrel with the preference given by the Catholic Church for its own schools. It is moat creditable to that Church that they have established very good schools in many parts of New Zealand ; and it is in every sense consistent with liberty and toleration that their views upon education should be respected. A large number of Protestants who have no con scientious scruples prefer private to public schools, as witness the number of private schools still supported in the colony. But that this desire has not been so universal as to relieve the State of its duty, is now placed beyond the region of controversy by the common consent of all thinking men. We need not point out the total failure of the denominational system in England, and the widespread ignorance of elementary knowledge among the masses. It is sufficient to say that the gauntry is now fairly aroused to its defects, and since the Government entered vigorously on the task of educating the people, it has been found necessary to increase the available school accommodation in exis tence up to 1869 by 62.52 percent, the added room alone being sufficient for 1,660,374 children. During five years (1871 to the middle of 1876) the population of England and Wales between the ages of three and fifteen has increased only 414,010 or 6J per oent; but during the same period, under the new Government system of education, additional accommodation was provided in efficient public elementary schools for 1,413,639 scholars, or an increase of 70 per cent. The average attendance at these elementary

schools-has nearly doubled in, hve years, being only 1,225,764 in 1870, and 2,034,431 in 187$) B^fc we may turn from England, where the jealousies and opposition of sects still stand in the way of a perfect national system of education, to those countries where a uniform religion gives scope for the thorough development of that system which Bishop Moran aud Father Hennebery advocate. We quote from the "Statesman's Year Book" for 1876—the highest statistical authority in England : —ln Spain, in 1777, in the height of the Church's prosperity when there were 188,625 ecclesiastics of all kinds, there were only 398,126 children attending the piimary schools : " It was rare to find a peasant or an ordinary workman who was able to read ; which accomplishment, among women, was even held to bd iiaiiioral." Iv 1860, out of the 16,301,851 population, only 2,414,015 men and 715,906 women were able to read and write; 316,557 men and 359,211 women able to read but not write ; and all the rest, upwards of 5,000,000 men aud 6,800,000 women, could neither read nor write. Yet in 1862 there were in Spain 2,806 prelates aud priests of cathedrals aud colleges, 33,881 incumbents, and 3,198 assistant priests. The Govern ment have latterly been more active in promoting the education of the people, and iv 1868 there were 1,251,653 children iv Spain attending public and private schools. In Italy, a country directly under the eye of the Holy See, where iv 1871, according to census, 99| per cent, were Catholics, and there were seven ~ clergy to every thousand men, women, and children, things are no better. Out of every hundred of the adult population, sixty two can neither read nor write. In 1564, out of a population of 21,703,710 no fewer than 16,999,701 could neither readjnor write. One half of the men fit for military service in 1868 could neither read nor write. Such figures are irresistible. If, then, all Churches have failed in the performance of this duty, and the interference of the State be imperative to rescue the people from gross ignorance and its attendant vices, in what way should the Government interfere ? Shall we imperil the great cause of national education by throwing it down for the multitude of sects to squabble over? Shall we now, after guarding, with every conceivable safeguard, against State interference with religion, plunge the Government into the midst of religious feuds, and make the colonial Parliament the scene of faction fights ? Is every election contest to become a religious struggle ? This is what State interference with religious questions means, and what will inevitably follow if the advice that every Catholic shall vote against those who favour secular education be carried out in its integrity. Let the State attend to its secular affairs, and leave religion to the Churches. To say that because the State refuses to teacli religion, and confines itself to imparting the mere rudiments of secular knowledge, religion will wither aud die, is too cruel a thrust at those elaborate and expensive organisations which the people k<jep upf(H\the maintenance of their fait hJ A secular system of State education does not involve any embargo upon the religious teaching of any other body; it simply stipulates that the Government shall preserve liberty of conscience by refraining altogether from interference with religion. Strong religionists may prefer not to use the State schools, because they believe they possess educational institutions more to cbeir liking. Well and good; they are perfectly entitled to make their own choice, but the State has fulfilled its duty when it brings the rudiments of secular knowledge within the reach of all. We have yet to learn that a knowledge of reading, writing, and figures is a very immoral . thing, conducive to disrespect for religion, or worse crimes. Ascertained facts prove to the contrary, aud shew a very intimate association between ignorance and vice. Around this standard, lovers of civil and religious liberty, of every shade of opinion, will find a common rallying point, despite Bishop Morau's declaration that the system has " come from below to dishonour God and destroy his people," and Father Hermebsrry's comfort ing assurance that "God Almighty will sink those infidels (advocates of secular edu cation) into hell for leading a whole genera tion away from religion." A thousand in fluences—none more strong than the daily amenities of social life—have swept away the ramparts of religious isolation, and have taught the people that strong faith in the doctrines of their Church ia not incompatible with enlightenment and unanimity in their civil relations. As well oppose the daily encroachment of the tide as resist the in fluences of the age, which arc daily Weld ing more firmly the supports of civil and religious liberty, of national life, on the basis of the non-interference of the State with the concerns of religion.

The Thames County Council has rosolved not to expend more money in driving from the low level of the Big Pump shaft, but the pumping will be continued.

Iv reply to a deputation 'yesterday at In vercargil, the Premier said the cost of a survey of New Zealand harbours, by Sir John Cooda, would be made a colonial matter, but if the Assembly refused to pass the amount it would be divided pro rata amongst the various Harbour Boards.

The Right Rev. Dr Moran, Roman Catholic Bishop of Dunedin, administered tho Sacrament of Confirmation yesterday at the Parnell Roman Catholic Church to about forty candidates. There were present at the imposing ceremony Dr Redwood, Bishop, of Wellington ; the Very Rev. Father Fynes, Vicar-General ; and the Rev. Fathers Walter Macdonald, O'Hara, P. O'Riley, Chastagnon, J. Golden, J. O'Dwyer, and _P. Riordan. At the close of the services, and after dinner, the clergy paid a visit to the Convent schools, where a juvenile entertainment was held ; music and recitations were given ; also addresses by the Bishop to the children.

A rifle match amongst the members of the Artillery Company is to take place? at the rifle range to-morrow afternoon.

The London correspondent of .the Toronto " Globe " gives some interesting particulars of the effect of the war on the London dailies. He says that the editors thought it would be a short and sharp campaign, and so sent out armies of correspondents, with orders to spare no expense in getting early and complete reports; but the war never took any hold upon the reading public, and the proprietors of newspapers got alarmed at the prospect of an endless succession of telegraph bills, lorwhichtherewas no appar ent return ; consequently reports were cut down, and correspondents ordered home. The " Daily News," he says, felt the strain so severely that it fellbehind inits finances; and it was even rumoured in newspaper circles that Mr Archibald Forbes' sudden return from the seat of war was mainly due to the necessity of curtailing an expen diture too heavy for the resources of the paper. The correspondent says further: — The New York " Herald" has recalled all its war correspondents, as not being worth their cost. The "Telegraph" and "Standard" are drawing in their special intelligence, and I expect during the pre sent winter the "Times" will be the only paper which will go on with its present system of wholesale telegraphing. The Licensed Victuallers sent a deputa tion of representatives, consisting of the Mayor of Pamell, Mr" H. N. Abbot, of the City Club; and Mr Hill, of the Victoria Hotel; to wait upon the Minister of Justice yesterday, and to inform him of the in equality of the charges for the license fee in the colony—the fee in Auckland being higher than that charged in the South. Hon. Mr Sheehan informed the deputation that the Government were preparing a Licensing Bill, with the view of making the fee equal" throughout the colony; and possibly the lowest amount now charged would be the settled .and uniform fee. He would send early copies of the Bill to the Licensed Victuallers' Association.

To the, Editor : Sir,— Will you kindly, through your valuable paper, inform me, firstly : Which was the first flag hoisted at Akaroa, in Can tei bury ? Secondly : Which was the first ship or vessel that entered the same place, and its name ? And oblige WALTEE Langdon, Whata Whata.—[A Southern journal,' in noticing the recent death of the Hon. W.-B. Rhodes, M.L.C., gives the following account of the first settlement at Akaroa :—lf we arc not greatly mistaken —and we "are speaking entirely from memory—to Mr Rhodes is duo the ci edit of the Middle Island of this colony being a British dependency. When the report of the magnificent nature of the colony reached the Old World, the French decided upon founding a French colony here, and with this object a vessel with a number of immigrants, destined to form the pioneers of the colony, was despatched to these shores. That vessel had, we believe, reached the coast, and would, in a short time have taken pos session of the island but for the x>rompt action of Mr Rhodes. He at once sent a boat ashore from his whaling craft, hoisted the British flag, and took possession of the island on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen of England. The township of Akaroa was granted to the disappointed colony-seekers, and became a French settlement.]

There was a duet sung by two lady amateurs, one of whom had lately arrived from the " Lan o' cakes," at an up-country village in Otago, and this is how the chorus was rendered :

Enolish Lady : " At whose bright presence darkness flies away." Scotch Lady : "At whose bright presence dai-kness/Jcca awa.'' English Lady : •' Flies away, flies away, flie3 away, flies away." Scotch Lady: -'Flees awa, jlces awa, Jlees awa, Jiees awa."

Another instance of the danger of leaving a young wife at home while the husband wanders in guest of other objects has been exemplified in this city within the last few days. A son of St. -Crispin left his home some time since for Sydney, with the view of bettering his circumstances. He left his wife and child in charge of his mother, who was desired by the thoughtful husband to watch over the twain with a mother's care, to see that his wife did not keep late hours, especially as she was fond of dancing, and to use all her persuasive eloquence to keep her away from those dangerous quadrille parties, although invariably respectable. The young couple parted on the wharf, both promising to bo true to each other, feeling acutely that "absence makes the heart grow fonder." The sad parting was consecrated by a few hopeful tears, and the knight of the awl stepped on board the Hero, resolving himself to be a heroic husband; and the young wife, with baby and bottle, returned to the house of her mother-in-law. Alas, for the frailty of some women. There was a young man lodger in the house, and here was the temptation. He paid particular attention to the young and lonely wife, and even went so far as to nurse the baby at even tide, and to call it

A sweet iittlo cherub, dropped down from the skies, With baby-like dimples and laughing blue eyes. He sang o'er its cradlo. this sweot infant lay— " Sleep, sleep, pretty babe, though your dad is away."

The lodger was kind both to the mother and baby, but the mother-in-law suspected nothing further. A few days ago the lodger, the young wife, and baby were missing, and were clean gone, as it was subsequently ascertained, to Wellington or elsewhere. The husband returned to learn the sad story of his wife's infidelity, and witli much feeling exclaimed, " Mother, I'll be waxed if Til get thread-havo over my loss ; my aivl is gone, but I will not be disconsolate, and, by the spirit of good St. Crispin, I'll not weep for my last; but the baby, poor thiug,"—and here the honest shoemaker Bhed tears.

The following is the police biography of a clever scoundrel who was lately respondent in a divorce suit in London : — Heal name, Constable. Committed forgery in 1536-7. Escaped by entering as private in Bengal Artillery ; deserted in 1843. In London 1844-5, passed as Captain Constable, son of Sir Clifford Constable. Swindled a score of West-end tradesmen, among others Howell and Janes. Was in Lancaster gaol for debt, has passed under twenty aliases ; lias been in prison three times on the Continent for card-sharping ; obtained com mission in Northern army of United States in 1863, on pretence of being a British officer ; embezzled regimental funds, made his escape while heavily ironed, and injured one ankle ; passed in New York as Franklin ; is " wanted " by police of Chicago, New York, and Buffalo, tor felony, &c." The necessary facta for the petitioner having been proved, tho court pronounced a decree nisi with costs.

ffrThe New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency has made a call of 10s per share on the second issue, and the capital will shortly be increased to £3,000,000.

His Excellency the Governor visited the Italian war-ship Cristofero Colombo to day, and was received Avith the usual salute.

As will be seen by an advertisement in anothor column, the Italian man-o'-war will not be thrown open to the public until to-morrow afternoon, whon the North Shore Ferry Company's boats will convey passengers on board. The reason given for the change is that the ship has just completed coaling. No doubt many persons will take the opportunity afforded them of inspecting the vessel to-morrow.

All the documents in connection with Mr James Mackay's land purchases in the Thames district have been handed to the Government.

Residents in City West and Ponsonby will regrot to hear that Constable Burke has been transferred to the station at Dargaville, Northern Wairoa. Constable Burke has been officiating in City West for the last twelve months, and during that time he has been very energetic in the discharge of the onerous duties devolving upon him. N otwithstanding the nature of his profession,he has made many friends in the district by his genial and hearty disposi tion, who will be sorry to lose him from the district, but at the same time will be glad to hear of his promotion. We wish Con stable Burke every success in his new sphere of labour.

The Piako races will be held in Messrs Morrin's on the 18th inst. Great prepara tion for the same are in progress, including, besides horse-racing, a programme of general sport.

Colonel Whitmore, it is expected, will take an early opportunity^ inspecting the Volunteer Companies of the Waikato districts, after his return from an inspection of the East Coast' post.

The editor of the " Otago Daily Times," having tested a sample of preserved peaches from Auckland, pronounces them superior to the American production, but the label on the tin of the latter is more gorgeous than anything ever seen in New Zealand.

A newly-fledged Borough Councillor at Hamilton, having attacked the editor of the "Waikato Times," who Avas present to repoit the proceedings, and having called upon that gentleman to defend himself, the editor good humouredly suggested that he must first be arrested by the Sergeant-at- Arms and brought before the bar of the Council. The laughter which followed this retort completely "flabbergasted" the censorial alderman, who thereafter held his peace.

The Rev. Walter McDonald acknowledges with many thanks ieceipt of £14 from Father Walsh, Westport, and £6 5s 6d from Mrs Flood, Russell, towards the enlargement of St. Mary's Orphanage Ponsonby.

The re-appointment of Capt. Goldsmith to the office of Mining Inspector is contra, dieted by the Thames "Star."

Captain Fraser has made satisfactory terms with the natives at Te Aroha for the land to be taken for the proposed new road to connect that district with the Piako and Waikato. |

So the Czar and the Sultan exchanged compliments after the signing of the pre liminary terms of peace. The conduct of the Sultan in this case reminds usj of a beaten, pugilist, who, after throwing up the sponge, reaches out his hand to grasp the— '• mawley" we believe is the correct phrase—of his antagonist, all swollen with the business of knocking the defeated ones manly countenance out of shape. It must be an interesting sight to see these two despots metaphorically embracing each other in affectionately couched ukases and firmans, just after a lively interchange of other compliments wrapped in swift and death-dealing missives couched in leaden terms. We wonder what sort of compli ments will bo exchanged between the widowed and the orphaned victims of tins war. ... , •. ,-r The Premier, Mr Macaudrew, and -vli Stout will be" present at a banquet to Mr «i. C. Brown, at .Lawrence. The journeymen bakers ot Auckland, who have moulded /themselves into a crummy society—for rarely is a member crusty on a Saturday night—will hold then half-yearly meeting to-morrow evening at the British Hotel at the usual hour. The half-yearly report and financial statement will be presented, and other business mat ters amicably discussed. The bakers' asso ciation may be congratulated for its long life aud success, which are due in a great measure to thatharmony of feeling and one ness of view which invariably characterise the meetings of these useful members of society, which Sir Robert Grosvenor termed "bricks." The following from " Punch" is worthy of careful persual :—" Here is a saw for all Turf-stagers: Fowls lay eggs, but fools lay wagers." A son of Mr John Grey, sodawater manufacturer, was severely injured yester day while playing at cricket in the Barrack reserve. A ball struck him on the mouth, which knocked him over, and deprived him of several teeth.

Colouel Haiiltaiu has kindly consented to take the chair tliis evening at Mr Robertson's lecture at the Young Men's Christian Association, and the proceeds will be given to the funds of the institution. A select choir will be present, and vary the enter tainment with choice selections of music. The lecture, bearing upon current events, cannot fail in being instructive to all those who would know more of the Turks, and the aggressive character of Russia. Mr Robertson has had personal experience of some of the scenes he will describe.

The Rev. J.H. Fletcher, who is sojourn ingin Auckland for the benefit of his health, will occupy the pulpit of Pitt-Street Wesleyan Church on Sunday morning next, and will preach at the New Wesleyan Church, Devonport, in the evening.

St. David's Presbyterian Church, Symonds-street, at the top of Kyber Pass Road, will be opened on Sunday morning next, under gthe auspices of the Auckland Presbytery. The morning service will be conducted by the Rev. David Bruce, and the evening service by the Rev. R. Soinerville. Collections will be made in aid of the build iug fund. The Harbour Board having rejected the teuder for the Drake-street work, which the City Council accepted conditionally, the Council yesterday resolved to call for fresh tenders, to be made out separately, in order to remove the prevailing differences between the contributing bodies. The tenders are already advertised for, receivable until Wednesday next, at half-past two o'clock. We understand that the Marchioness of Normanby will shortly pay a visit to the Waiwera Sanitarium.

A course of Lenten sermons will be delivered on Friday evenings in St. Matthew's Church on " Our Lord's seven sayings on the Cross. The first of these will be preached this evening, by the Right Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland. About twenty objectors appeared at the Assessment Court, at Onehunga, yesterday, before Mx Barstow. Reductions were made in the cases of Messrs. George, Givinin, Hastie, Hartnall, Keehan, and Roe. Mr Ternahan, hotel-keeper, was reduced from £120 to £100. Mr Jackson objected to reduction in four instances.

The officers and members of the Victoria Lodge 1.0. G.T. Newmarket paid a friendly visit to the Star of Newton Lodge at the Newton Hall last night. This was one of the largest meetings of Good Templars that has been held for some time ; the Hall "was crowded, and a very pleasant and profitable evening was spent. The visitors left in a 'bus and other conveyances, saluted by a round of British cheers, given by the members of the Star of Newton Lodge.

A cricket match between the North Shore and Victoria Cricket Clubs]will take place at North' Shore to-morrow afternoon.

The appearance of things on board the Italian man-o'-war reflects the highest credit upon the captain, officers, and crew This morning, during the ordinary routine of duty, our reporter was on board, and observed that the greatest order and dis cipline prevailed ; and although the officers do not deem their vessel quite ready for visitors, it is due to them to state that an unexpected visitor could not do other than be pleased with the excellent conduct of the. men, and the precision with which ordinary matters of duty are being carried out. The crew are appaiently an active, cheerful body of men. They have many pets on board, among which are monkeys, various birds, and a pigeon cot forward, while the snatches of song to be heard in every diroction, sung in good musical tones, reminds one of the Italian performers who have of late so pleased Auckland audiences. This morning the newly-formed Italian Concert Company paid a visit to the war ship, being taken over in the steam launch.

Board of Education.

RESULT OF THE ELECTION,

The following are the figures ahewing the numbers polled for each of the forty-six candidates. The first nine names, are those of the new Board :— D. M. Luckie .. ..- .. .. 109 J. L. Campbell 96 Joseph May 92 T. M.Haultain 87 W. P. Moat 77 H. H. Lusk 66 G. M. O'Rorka 66 J. M. Dargaville .. .. 54 F. L. Prime .. 41 D. Goldie .. ..32 W. Coleman .. 10 W. Thorne .. ..SI Major Stoney .. 10 Rev. D. Bruoe .. 30 H. Dacre .. .. 7 W. Davis .. .. 26 R. F. Luks . 8 J. Wrigler .. .. 26 Rev. W. Taylor .. 7 A.K.Taylor .. 25 G. M. Mitford .. 6 T. B. Hill .. ..23 Rev. A. Tomlinson 6 J. M. Lennox .. 23 H. Vernon .. 6 T.Buddie .. ..22 J. McElwain 5 F.Luke .. ..22 Rev. B. N. Bree 4 T. Macfarlane .. 21 J. Warren .. & Rev. A. G. Purchaa 17 K. Weymouth 4 B. G.McMinn .. 16 T. Forgham " 3 Rev. S. Edger .. 14 Rev. C. M. Nelson 2 F. Larking .. .. 14 J. J. Buckton 1 T. Peacock .. „ 14 J. C. Irvine " 1 T. Seaman .. .. 12 Alfred Lone i Rev. A. W.Webb 11 Chas. Brook '* o Chas. Parker .. 0

CABLEGRAMS.

THE PEACE CONDITIONS,

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS PER PRESS AGENCY],

LONDON, March 6. _ Only the preliminaries of peace have been signed. A definite treaty will be drafted at St. Petersburg. Erzeroum is to be restored to Turkey. The question of the passage of the Dardanelles is reserved.

PEACE CONGRATULATIONS.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.]

LONDON, March 6. The Sultan and the Czar have exchanged compliments on the conclusion of peace^ The Arabs at Aleppo have revolted. The Russians are removing the obstacles to the navigation of the Danube COLLIERY ACCIDENT.

,'!■ ■< XONDON, ; March 6. A fearful colliery accident has occurred at Blantyre. Sir Thomas Chambers has been appointed Recorder of jLondon.

AUCKLAND AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB.

The second meeting of the Amateur Athletic Club will take place at EllersU^ to-morrow. This meeting promises in all respects to be as successful as the first which took place in November last. The arrangements, from what we hear are very complete; and the comfort of visitors especially the ladies, will be carefully' : looked after. The Sports will commence at one o'clock. The following are out selections for the principal races: 120 Yards Handicap, Anderson ; Quarter-mile^" Duder or Nolan; Half-mile, o 'Sullivan or Spry; One Mile, Davy or Dacre j Hurdle Race, Warnock. Special trains will ran from Auckland at 11.55 and 1.15, and ' from Ellerslie at the con elusion of the

The Pseudo-Count in "Wellington

SERIES OF AUDACIOUS SWINDLES.

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

(From our own Correspondent.) ■

WELLINGTON, this day. .., 1 A few weeks ago a young man "of aristocratic appearance, said to be con* nected with a family in a high social posi tion in England, landed in Wellington. He gave his name as " Jacobsen, Empire' Hotel," where he lived on the fat of the land. When asked to pay he made some excuse, and borrowed money : from several paople in town. Sud denly he disappeared. It was sup posed he had returned to England 1 stowed away in the St. Leonard, with the captain, of which vessel he was well ac quainted. But this supposition has since, proved incorrect. He went to Pahantanui Avhere he put up at Hillen's Hotel, LIVING ON THE BEST OF EVERY THING% as " Count Mouraveiff." He said he wasy connected with one of the Russian Am- !

bassadors, and had come out to New Zealand to write a book on the country. His bill was so heavy that Mrs Hillen

requested payment at the end of the first week. He said he had sufficient in his pocket, but would draw on the Union Bank-,, if anyone would take a draft to town. HE RAISES THE WIND. He accordingly drew for £10. Mr London, carrier, brought the draft to the Bank, and cashed it. At the time no one looked at the signature, but it has since been found - " to be " H. Jacobsen." The ready manner in which it was , honoured removed any doubts which Mrs r Hillen might have; she let him remain for " another fortnight without presenting her >..£. bill, at the end of this time he said he 1 would proceed up country to see the interior. He wanted a couple of horses and a groom. This was on Tuesday last. DISPENSING HIS WEALTH. Mrs Hillen sold him a horse for £20, for which he gave a cheque; and for his reckon- - ing which came to about £10, he gare . another cheque of £20 to Mrs Hillen, who handed him the balance in notes. /I Another horse was obtained from Mr A very, of Taita, and a cheque for £16 given in payment. The " Count " in the 'meantime had managed.-, to insinuate himself into thgftgood graces of _: several settlers in the neighbourhood, and from them| he borrowed various sums.. Mr Robertson, who was staying-at the hotel, lent|him £31. The Count gave him a cheque for the amount. A servant having been obtained, this

A servant having been obtained, this pleasant-spoken, liberal gentleman set out * on the road for Foxton yesterday morning, with many good wishes that he might have -" a pleasant journey. Later in the day the cheques were presented to the Union Bank I for payment, when it was found there was

"N<o ACCOUNT" to the credit of "A. H. MouravieffJ' They', were consequently returned dishonoured, ..'/_ The police were at wnce communicated with, and telegrams were sent to the con-' stables stationed on the road. Constable ' Coates, of Otaki, succeeded in tracing the *.* Count," whom he arrested.

WORKING MEN'S CLUB.

Mr 6. W. Heslop, Vice-Presitienfc of the Working Men's Club, has received the fol lowing communication iv reply to a letter inviting the support of His Excellency the Governor to the movement: —" Govern ment House, 7th March, 1878. Sir,—l am desired by His Excellency to acknowledge the ' receipt of your letter of the 19th February^ ;■ and to express his satisfaction at the: account -which you are able to give ; of the Auckland Working Men's Club. I His Excellency is fully alive to the advan- 9 tages to be derived from institutions of that kind, and he trusts that the one /now; established here may fully , realise the anticipations of its founders, &ftd; prove a source of comfort and advantage to the working men of Auckland. I> enclose a% | cheque for £5, which His »Excellency ; desires to contribute towards the funds of the institution. . I am, sir, yours faithfully/ | J. C. Maling, Capt. 23rd' Regiment,,^ Private Secretary. ♦

A meeting of the Committee of Managed J ment of the newly-formed Working Men's . Club was held last evening, when it wa* - resolved to accept the tender-of Mr Dawson,".^ for alterations and fitting up the rooms of ■ the Club. The tender of Messrs ~ Champtaloup and Cooper, for the supply of f magazines and papers, was accepted.' The 1 Committee then inspected the buildinggene- -' rally, and considered the purposes for which ;t the rooms should be used. It was stated that Mr F. H. Lewissonhad kindly offered H a liberal gift of English sportiug magazines '" to the library. . ~\ t ;jJ

POLICE COURT.

.—This Day.. .

(Before Messrs Macffarlane and May,

Justices of the Peace.) UNDER THE VAGBANT ACT. . Emily Diver was charged with being a j rogue and vagabond, without any visible lawful means of a'livelihood. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the prisoner , had only just come out of prison, and ; j immediately took to drinking again, and' j left her unfortunate infant on the pavement. The child was picked up by the police, and the woman was found in a house of ffi* fame. Prisoner denied that she was as bad as - § represented. Sergeant Mulville deposed thdt prisoner . had been f o#nd three times very drunk * " within these tea days. .;i. Prisoner implored the Bench to give her. another trial, and she would reform; sh,6;'1,, would indeed be good and virtuous. The Bench considered her convictions, and, not liking to send her back to gaol,, gave her a few kindly words of advice, ana allowed the case to be dismissed." A DABK CROWE. William Francis Crowe, a man. who has spent soveral years i» | Mount Eden, was again brought up I under the Vagrant Act,. charged with , | using indecent language in the presence ot £ females. ■ ■ " ; i Prisoner said he did not use the lan- ? guage. Sub-Inspector Pardy statedthatthewoman.! Diver was lying beastly drunkin Grey-street, and when Constable Gleeson-attempted to>' move her, the prisoner, a" notorious charac* | ter, addressed the Constable in filtny and |> | most aboinihable language, in the presence- : of a number of children.. . "*." - . * Fined 20s and costs, or 14 days' imprison? - BAD BOYS. I Benjamin AgnewJ and Edwards werev»; ? g charged .with absconding - from the. Naw | | Training School, on the 7th inst. i The boys could give no plausible reason ~ | for running away from the school, &>*..'> i consequently they were ordered to be Wnt

EVENING STAR FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1878.



Xjl I N A L NOTICE. OUR TWENTY PER CENT. SALE Will Positively be Discontinued ON SATURDAY, MAR C H 16. REMNANTS, &c, AT A VERY GREAT REDUCTION, IN ORDER TO CLEAR OUT PRIOR TO STOCK-TAKING. A LAKGE STOCK OF FIRST-CLASS CLOTHING. FURNISHING GOODS. MANCHESTER GOODS. HOSIERY AND GENERAL DRAPERY Still on Hands AT KS, TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. X>USHBROOK AND "ORIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel). T>AND OF HOPE TEA MEETING. The First Annual Meeting of the United Methodist Free Church Sunday-school Band of Hope will be held at the School-room, on MON DAY, March 11. Tea at 6.30, Meeting at 7.30. Addresses by Rev. R. Dutton. F.R.A.S., and Mr. S. Hemus. Songs by Mrs Bellingham. Miss Hirst, Mr. Tudehope; Cornopean Solo, Recita tions, &c, &c. Tea and Meeting, adults Is; children, 9d; admission after tea, 6d. % (Snowstorms and volcanoes O at Albert Hall To-night. FRENCH Tragic Historical Scenes at Albert Hall To-night. iTIO to Albert Hall to-night, and see the \3T Grandeur of the World in two hours and a-half. SEVERAL Sights Moses did not see, at Albert Hall To-night. Mothers : You need not sew from morn ing till night to keep your children tidy, an hour or two a day with one of the genuine Slngbr's , World Renowned Sewing Machines will accomplish all the sewing for a large family. They are the Very Best Machines for'fsauily use, and will run for years without getting out of order, at the same time exceeding in Speed as well as in Action any other machine. MESSRS. Hollow ay, Gax<lick and Cranwell are now the Agents for these Machines, and are selling them at Reduced prices for Cash. They also keep the Largest Stock of Carpets, Floor Cloths, and Household Furniture in the Province, besides Drapery, Millinery, and Men's and Boys' Clothing. A lot of New Carpets, Oil Canvas, and Floor Cloth j list opened. Bedding of eveiy description in Stock. Goods delivered free to all parts of the town by Holloway Garlick and Cranwell, City Hall Arcade, Queen-street, Auckland. —[AvtJ



OOTJMTRY BDXTXONS j1 i j PUBLISHED at 12.30 p.m. (For WAIKATO) | - AND AT 3.30 p.m. mHE TOWN EDITION of the AR is Published at the Office at 5 cf c } oo ]j;, mo AGlllCULTUKlSli^^oTHElls"- W. J. HURST & CO. have - jn galethe under mentioned Fertilizers, all r' £ Vl ,i v i c ' a havo been proved to jroduce satis r ftotory results iv this district. Experience teao - ne9 that large and pro Stable returns car . re liodonby a iudicious and liberal use of * £ The fluttering Testi monils from le- v££ ji'armerß justify W. J. &Jfrv aS?c- 1P- stSly coinmeoding them to GUANO P jCRUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do- BKL.L-& uONKBIiOUB ~ Jandi-inoh BONEOUST BILL YARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemicai Manures for stimulating weak Corn 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 bo supplied on application at the Stores. YV. J. HURST & CO., 101, y.ueeti-street. EXTENSIVE SHIPMENTS OF MANCHESTER GOODS. JUST OPE NE D, Several Cases of CALICOES. SHEETINGS, TOWELLING, GLASSCLOTH, TABLE DAMASK, DAMASK TABLE CLOTHS, FRONTINGS, DIAPERS, &C, &C. VERY GOOD VALUE. W. RATTRAY, LINEN DRAPER & SILK MERCEK, T>T BVV 7EALAND JJ OUb K. 66, QUEEN-STREET. Auckland. Tp^E-'-R' S 0 N A L. To Auckland Advertisers. In order to be in a, position to do full iustice to Auckland Advertisers, AN OFFICE OF THE "NORTHERN ADVOCATE Has been permanently established in stichbury's buildings, Qtjeen-stkbet, « * AUCKLAND (Next Mr. Buckland's Offices), Where Communications may bo addressed. LARGEST COUNTRY CIRCULATION. Lowest Advertising Rates. TQI L O U R ! "pi L O U 11 I Anderson and Co., R. Anderson McGill, Hassell, J. T. Evans and Co In sacks, 50s and 1003. B. TONES & CO. Southbridge Bacon Curing Company, new cure Hams and Bacon. £&" The best brand in the market. Wholesale Agents—B. TOITKS & CO. Knight's K.B. Jams. New Shipment. Wholesale -Agents-B. TONKS & CO. Berny's Bonedust and Glutinised Bone Manure. Wholesale Agents—B. TONKS & CO fiHURCH OF ST. SAVIOUR. VA ; . THE Big Russian Guv. The Big Russian Bell. CONSTANTINOPL E.—Environs, Mosque, Sec. *\ WHAT Moses saw in Egypt to be seen at Albert Hall. "13OYAL INSURANCE COMPANY. 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 or Property at equitable rates. , Concessions will be made on first-class build ings and approved risks, in Town and Suburbs, and for water supply and other protection, where made available. Special arrangements will bo made with Mortgagees, Solicitors, Houso Agents, Con tractors, and other large insurers. The policy of the Company i 3 promptness and liberality in the settlement of claims, and strictly honourable dealing in all its transactions. The Security of Insurers is unsurpassed by that of any Company doing business in the Colony. GBO. W. JONES, Agen Office: Shortland-street, Auckland, Bth February, 1878. The usual Book and Sheet Almanacs for 1878 can be had on application, or on information being sent to.the Office. TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY vJ OF NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,009. U C X L A IS D BRANCH: QUEEN-S T R E X T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insuranc granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls Of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at "OWKST CURBENT RATES. R. H. STEVENSON Manager.