SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

err. rr watbm. < This Afternoon, 4.56 HIGH WATER— -) To . moITOW Mornii.g, 5.11 SUN SET.—Thin Evening, 5.54 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morninsr, 6.17 MOON'S AGE.-l.ew moon, 3rd, 8.53 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Hero, s.s., Logan, from Syndney and Melbourne Taupo, s.s,, from Napier and Southern ports. Augusta, brigantine, from Hokianga (in the Manukau). Taiaroa, s.s., from Taranaki aud the South (in the Manukau).

DEPARTURES.

Ellerton, schooner, for Timaru, via Whanga

poua 'Sovereign of the Seas, ketch, for Mercury Bay Pretty Jane, s.s., Carey, for Napier Go-ahead, s.s., Helander, for Gisborne

IMPORTS.

Per Hero from Sydney andS Melbourne : 17 ases sewing machines, 2 pgs do, 1 case thread, b cases pain paint, 1 case books.l case hardware, 2 casks seed, 5 eases coats, £0 do schnapps, 33 bags sugar, 1 case cassia. 30:» bags rice, 68 cases castor oil, 102 boxes caudles.lo cases axe handles 25 chests tea, 20 half-chests do, 20 J-casks wine, 11 cases wines aud spirits, 17 bags valouia, 4 cases drapery, 4 rolls sheet lead, 6 kegs sausage skins, 12 bale's railings, 2 cases curacoa,lo J-casks brandy. 5 cases books, &c, 1 case bulbs, 1 case plate glass. 1 p.e books, 35 pgs tea, 1102 pg3 sugar, 3 cases iron, 230 bundles wire, 80 cases castor oil, 129 bars iron, 2 pipes, 7 ogs varnish, S3 bales hemp, 150 bags guano, 1170 gunnies Mlgar, 351 bags bonedust, 29 cases sarsa parilla, &c, " 115 tram rails, 100 cases kerosene, 25 barrels apples, 50 sacks grass seed. 700 felloes, 13 casks treacle, 85 cases fruit, 6S bars iron, 4 pkgs printing material, 210 pkg3 sundries, 14 cases, 87 pkgs.—Cruickshank and Co., agents. Per Kenilworth : 5 Quarts rum, 21 cases wine, 30 boxes raisins.—G. W. Binney. Per Augusta: 190 totara Diles.—G. W. Binney. Per S.s. Taupo from tlie South. : 25 cases cheese.—T. H. Hall and Co. Per Kenilworth : 20 cases bacon, i case cheese. 191 sacks Wheat.—T. H. Hall and Co. Per Hero, from Sydney and Melbourne: 1 ca3e. —Ireland Bros. 2 casks seed,scase3 coats, 100 do. schnapps, 400 gunnies svga _—Owen and Grahum. 3 bales paper.—Evening Star. 6 kegs sausage skins, 5 casks, 25 barrels apples. —E. and If. Isaacs. . 30 bundles wire, 115 train rails, 56 kegs nails.— E. Porter and Co

ARRIVAL OF THE HERO.

JSThe s.s. Hero, Captain Logan, arrived in nar bour at noon to-day from Sydney and Melbourne, with a number of passengers and a large general cargo. She left. Sydney and cleared the Heads »t 9 p.m. on the 2Gth March. Passed the North Cape at 5 p.m. on the 31st. Arrived in harbour at 11.40 this (Monday) morning. On the passage the Hero had strong northerly and north-east winds until midnight on Thursday. 28th ; then fresh bead win Is during the remainder of the passage. The following is the list of passengers : —Miss Burke, Miss Bradford, Messrs Blake, E. Hdgkinson, H. Keane, G. Whitelaw, Eas down, Mrs Hunter, and Misses Hunter (3). Miss Stephenson, and 27 in the steerage. The Hero is advertised to leavo again for Sydney and Melbourne on Thursday next. The s.s. Pretty Jane left on Saturday after noon for Napier, with a general cargo. The departure of the s.s. Go-ahead for Gisborne was -unavoidably postponed from Saturday until this afternoon. The s.s. Rotorua is due in {harbour from Napier and the South this evening. She is advertised to leave for Sydney to-morrow. The schooner Kenilworth is discharging her cargo of grain alongside the Railway Wharf. The s.s. Taupo arrived in harbourlast evening from Napier *.nd Southern ports -with the following passengers: Mr and Mrs Mowatt. Mr and Mrs Holdsworth, Mr and Mrs Scott; Mesdames Heslop and 3 children Marshall, Davidson, Brennan, Forsayth, and Salter and 3 children; Misses Langsford, Savage (3), Spencer, and Reeves I Messrs Whitaker, Agriti, Gavlord, Percival, Walters, England, Smith (2), Tickers, Thompson, Sheffield, Crane, McGee and son. Ferguson, Robertson. Rame, Fox, Perkins, Simms, Irvine, Dundass, Fahce, Noble, Kinnon, and Lee ; and 8 steerago. The schooner Flora is loading at Lyttelton for Kaipara. . , o|The schooner Mazeppa ha 3 arrived at Levnka from Auckland. s,s. TauDO leaves this afternoon for Russell, Bay of Islands, with a quuntity of sundries and two passengers, Dr Irvine and Mr Emanuel. _ The s.s. Taiaroa arrived in the Manukau from Taranaki and Southern ports this afternoon. The report and passenger list had not come to hand when we went to press.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 11.30 a.m., and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, to-morrow, at 11.30 a.m. „___,, Per s.s. Taiaroa, on Tuesday, 2nd April, as follows:— _ , . For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 5 a.m: For Norfolk Island, per Southern Cross, on Tuesday next, at 9 a.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana. per Annie Milbank, on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m. _ For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on Tues day. 2nd April, at 1 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarai, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at & p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Wednesday next, at 4 p.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Wednesday, 3rd inst, as follows:— , For Sandwich Islands, United States or America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 10.30 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe 9 at 10.30 a.m. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 9,30 a.m. 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. For Australial Colonies, per Hero, on Thursday, next, at 11.30 a.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne. Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Taupo, on Thursday next, at 315 p.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

HITCHENS.—On the 30th March, at her resi dence, Brighton House, Wakefield-street, Mrs. H. A. H. Hitchens of a daughter. FRASER.—Ou 30th March, at Gum Tree Villa, Parnell, tho wifo of the Rev. J. M. Fraser of a son. BACH.—On the 30th March, at our residence, Somerset Place, Grafton Road. Unto us a son is given, and his name shall be Cyrus.—Alfred and Sarah Ann Bach.

MARRIAGE.

DIBBLE—MCMILLAN.—On the 27th March, 1878, at the residence of Mr. E. N. It. Forder, Freeman's Bay, Auckland, by tho Rev. Dr. Macdonald, Frederick Charles Huett, eldest son of Mr. George Dibble, of Wellsford, to Kate, eldest daughter of Mr. N. McMillan, of this city.

DEATH.

JERVIS.—At Edinburgh-street, Nowton, on the 30th March. 1878, at the residence of his brother-in-law (Geo. Sheppard), Abijah, eldest son of Abiiah Jcrvis, of Otahuhu, formerly of Coventry, England, agod 25 years. The funeral will leave Edinburgh-street, to morrow (Tuesday), at 2.30 p.m. ALLAN.—At Selwyn-street, Onehunga, on the 31st March, Ellen Catherine, infant daughter of R. Sinclair Allan, aged 4 months. PURCHAS.—On Ist April, at her father's resi dence, Karangahapc Road, Agnes Olivia, the eldest daughter of Rev A. G. Purchas. FARRELL—On Ist April, at her residence, West-street, Newton. Margaret Jane, the beloved wifo of William Farrell, aged 36 years. The funeral will leave her lato residence at 3.30 p.m. on Wednesday. Friends will please accept this invitation.

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

MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1878.

Iter tire wrote th»t needs iesUtMCfc for the fetve la the distance. AMiikMtmo* Ha********.

The resolution of the British Government to call out the army reserve has Recited some inquiry as to the actual constitution and strength of this force. In another column we extract from " Chambers' Encyclopaedia" an article on the constitu tion of the Army Reserve, but we may introduce here the very latest statistics shewing the strength of the British army and reserves, from which it will be seen that England can muster immediately a very considerable force of trained men —more available, however, for defensive than offensive operations. Probably not more than 100,000 Briti-h troops could be got together as an army of operation for a foreign expedition, immediately after the declaration of war, but there is practically no limit to the extent to which this number might be increased during the progress of a protracted war. The following figures are taken from " Whitaker's Almanac" for 1878 :— Regular Army— The total men, including staff and militia forces on the home and colonial establishment, exclusive of those in India, is 133,720 Militia— Total men and officers, 134,500, from which 19,500 ifidoductodon account of possible absentees, leaving .. 115,000 Yeomanry— Officers 282, rank and file 14,518. mak- • ing a total of 14,830; from which 3,230 is deducted on account of pro bable absence, leaving a nett total of 11,600 Volunteers— Artillery volunteers 32,393, light horse, engineers, mounted rifles, and rifle volunteers 140,376, makine: the total number of efficient volun teers 174,241 Army Reserve total 16,000 Indian army—Europeans 64,985 —Native 125,123 ~ —Native foice for frontier service and police duty 190,000 Total 830,669 All the Indian army is officered by Europeans. To-day's dispatches shew that the end is rapidly approaching. Russia has demanded that the Porte shaH'order the British fleet from the Sea of Marmora. England refuses to go unless the Russian troops remove from the environ. of Constantinople. The next question is, will the Turks attempt to force the withdrawal of the fleet, and if so what will be the consequence ? From our Suez telegrams it will Be seen that the British Government notified the Porte that the fleet would go to Constantinople in spite of Turkey, and Admiral Hornby was prepared to force the passage of the Dar danelles. England is just as little likely to retire under the direction of the Porte, and some little difficulty will be experienced ill putting her out. The matter has gone so far that England cannot draw back with honour, and no party however opposed to the past Conservative policy would wish his country to abate one jot of her traditional honour. Russia must knuckle down and withdraw some of her extravagant demands, or England will fight. England will always be found united whenever her own honour and interests are at stake, and wo believe the country will unanimously prefer war to a pusillanimous exhibition after a long dis play of bravado. Flushed with victory aud having a well-seasoned army already in the field, Russia shews no disposition to withdraw, and runs a fair risk of losing what she has gained in her late successful campaign.

The collection of the general rate has been pushed on with such vigour in anticipation of the closing of the financial term on March 31st, that the Borough Fund will receive £1,153 more from General Govern ment subsidy this year than fell to its lot last year. The amount collected on account of the general rate during the last twelve months was £7,846 14s 6d. A portion of this, however, was arrears; the total amount of the rate being only £7,339 7s 7d, and upon that sum the Council will draav the full subsidy. By vigorous manage ment, therefore, the city has gained a clear £1,153 as compared with last year. It is hoped that the returns of the highway districts will shew an equally favour able result. The Government are

paying the subsidies with much greater promptitude than was ever before experi enced. We learn that the City Council received to-day £1,828 13s 6d ; which to gether with £1,264 13s, tho amount of the Borough contribution to the mainten ance-of hospitals and charitable institutions of the'district, makes a toial of £3,093 6s 6d. Thi. is the second instalment of the pound for pound grant, being a subsidy of 10s on the amount of rates collected for the half-year ending June 30th, 1878. The Borough of Auckland contribution to hos pitals , &c, seems a very large one for the small city area. J

Pressure on our space occasioned by the opening of the Supreme Court, the arrival of the Hero, &c., has excluded a letter from "Student" and other matter intended for to-day's issue. Our Police Court report, a letter on the Working Men's Club, and weather report appear on our fourth page.

We find that an error occurred in the paragraph Htoxridly appended to .our article on the election of Grammar School Gov ernors. The six candidates posted at the Education office were all nominated by members of the General Assembly, and only three will be elected out of the number. The Board of Education have got to nomin ate the other three. We still hope to see ■{Hi infusion of new blood into the Board of Governors, although from present prospects it does not appear likely this most desir able result will be attained under the singular form of representation provided in the Act.

The Rev Mr Habcns, who has been ap pointed Inspector of Education for the Colony, wasfoimerly Minister of the Con gregational Church, Christchurch. When he vacated that office to accept the secretary ship and examinership of the Canterbury College, the Church was offered to the Rev. Warlow Davies, and the congregation have since communicated the oiler again to Eng land, but Mr Davies has declined it. To the Editor : Sir, —As there have been seveial disputes touching the following figures, which appeared in one of your late issues :—(viz. 1,410,000,000 roubles), I should be glad if you would publish the proper rendering of it, and you will oblige. —Yours, &c., J. C. [The silver rouble is 3s 2d., and the sum stated, therefore, makes £223,500,000. There is a "rouble of account" equal to lOd, but we think it may be accepted as most probable that the silver rouble is the coin in which the amount of indemnity would be reckoned. If our correspondent wishes to know how 1,410,000,000 should be expressed in words, the answer is—one thousand four hundred and ten millions. The system commonly adopted on the continent begins billions at the tenth figure, but in England the billion only commences at the thirteenth figure.—Ed. E.S.]

The Free Templars will hold a special general meeting on the 4th inst., in the Cook-street Hall, for the purpose of instituting a new lodge in connection with this advancing oider.

A crowd of people gathered yesterday morning, in Shortland-street, and bursts of laughter were frequently heard. On going to ascertain the cause of so much amuse ment, our reporter observed a man flat on his stomach, struggling to get into his house under the door, and who succeeded after many struggles. It appeared that he had been "on the loose," and the lady of the house had locked up, put the key in her pocket, and left the studio for the church.

The Hon. John Sheehan returned from the Thames by the steamer Rotomahana on Saturday evening.

The passenger train from Waikato on Saturday night was nearly an hour and a half behind time, much to the annoyance, if not loss, of many of the passengers, who arrived iv Auckland at a quarter to nine o'clock instead of at 7.18. Several leading settlers jocularly remarked they would negotiate with the Minister of Public Works for a supply of Pulman's sleeping cars to be attached to the Waikato trains. For some time past the Saturday night passenger train has been a heavy one, and the last, so far from being an exception, had an extra car. To this was added a load of 500 sheep taken on at Hamilton. Travellers are, by the time-table, led to expect they will reach their destination at a given time, and it is a manifest injustice when a passenger train is detained iv order to do goods' train work. Not only were " through" passengers sufferers through the train drawing its slow length along, but at various stations there were many who had hurried up to timo, and found themselves right with the time-table, but an hour or so before the train. As an instance, it may be stated that at the Otahuhu station from 6.30 until 7.50, there were waiting for this overdue train 11 cricketers (Mr Buckland's Remuera team), 26 ordinary passengers, and 2 nuns. If there is a scarcity of engines, as repre sented, moro should be obtained without delay.

A serious accident occurred at Helens ville on Saturday last. Mr E. B. Turner, who manages his mother's eistate in that district, accompanied a few friends through tho paddock near the house, and seeing several hawks, a double-barrelled gun was procured from the house, and one of the company fired. Mr Turner took up the gun to discharge the remaining loaded barrel, when the tube burst beneath his right hand, and completely shattered it. The unfortunate man was immediately taken to the house, and the wound dressed to the best of their ability. The wounds, however, were worse than at first imagined, and Mr Turner was conveyed to Auckland and received into the Hospital last evening at half-past nine o'clock.

A rifle match was arranged on Saturday between ten men of the Engineer and ten of tho Volunteer Companies. The match is fixed for Saturday next.

The Good Templars of Auckland and tho suburbs have convened a meeting for this evening for the purpose of considering the form of welcome to be given to the Templar seamen of the Nymphe and other vessels now in port. We understand that the Ngapuhi tribes are very desirous that Hi» Excellency the Governor should pay them a visit, and have sent him an invitation to come up in the Hinemoa. No date has yet been fixedupon for a meeting, but if the Hinemoa can be spared it will doubtless be placed at the Governor's disposal.

We understand that the first shipment of sulphur from New Zealand to Melbourne will be taken away by the Hero this trip. We wish the enterprising owners of White Island, Messrs Wilson and Troup, a long run of good luck.

Captain Maling, A.D.C., returns to Eng land next month with his family, as he has been ordered to rejoin his regiment.

The total loss sustained by the Go .em inent through fires during the last ten years amounts to £44,360. The monthly communication of Lodge "Ara" 348 I.C. will be held at the lo_ge room, Masonic Hotel, this evening at 7.30.

In our notice of the Nyrnphe dinner on Thursday we omitted to mention that the dinner was provided gratuitously by Mr Endeane, host of the Railway Terminus Hotel. Instead of 70 guests, 102 were entertained ; and in our report the remarks made by Mr Collon's were mistaken for those made by Mr .Laffin.

The annual service of the children attend ing St. James' Sabbath-school was held in the church yesterday morning, the scholars occupying the centre pews. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. R. F. Macnicol. A collection was taken up on behalf of the funds of the school.

At a meeting of the Tokatea directors on Saturday, a letter was read from Mr Kelly manager of the mine, stating that in con sequence of the reduction of his salary, he should hold himself at liberty to leave at any time. A resolution was therefore passed by the directors requesting Mr Kelly to resign at once.

The monthly communication of Lodge Ara will be held this evening at the lodge-room, Masonic Hotel. In our issue of Friday, 29th March, re the Princes-street fire, we find that our reporter over-drew on his imagination in the description of a lady's dress, hair, etc., thereby causing unpleasant feelings.. We feel assured, however, that it was done unintentionally, and without any desire to offend. It is customary in England, ,on the best papers, to describe every witness in cases of importance, but in a small com munity the practice is no doubt a very un desirable one and iv questionable taste ; more especially when spiced with that strong colouring which is often introduced into such descriptions for the purpose of effect. The fishing excursion to the reef on Satur day passed off very satisfactorily. About 700 excellent fish were caught; the largest number by a single line being 40.

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

Russia Demands "Withdrawal of British Fleet.

England Refuses to Withdraw while Russian Troops Remain Hear Stamhoul.

Colonial Securities Depressed.

LONDON, March 30,

The " Standard" says Russia has addressed a note to the Forte demand ing the withdrawal of the British fleet from the Sea of Marmora.

England has refused while the Russians are within the environs of Stamboul.

Orders' have been received at Portsmouth to have the troop-ships ready to embark an army corps in case of emergency.

In the late semi-panic the following stocks suffered most severely: Russian, Bulgarian, Italian, Turkish, and French, There is a semi-panic on the Foreign Bourses.

The Colonial Government debentures are heavily depressed. New Zealand 5 per cent., 104.

All Troop Ships to be Ready for Sea.

Message on Reserves to be Presented to Parliament. The Government will Consult Parliament Re War. f Russian Press Defiant. LONDON,, March 31. All the troop-ships are being prepared for sea. The First Lord of the Admiralty, in reply to a question, said the Queen's message relative to calling out the Reserves will be presented on the Ist of April, to come on for discussion on the 4th. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said till the time arrived to take decided steps, the British Government would consult Parliament as to the course to be taken under the present aspect of affairs. Sir Stafford Nbrthcote denid that the British Government had hindered the arrangements for the meeting of the Congreas, It desired only the treaty of peace to form the basis of discussion. The Marquis of Salisbury is ap pointed Secretary of State for the Foreign Department vice Derby. The "Journal dcs Petersburgh" states that the balance of power in the Mediterranean is only threatened by the presence of the British Ironclad Squadron in the Sea of Marmora. It looks upon the calling out of the reserves as a fresh provocation of Russia, who will be prepared to for cibly defend the fruits of the war.

LORD DERBY'S RESIGNATION.

[REUTERS special telegrams.]

Lord Derby, Minister for Foreign Affairs, has resigned. At a special cabinet meeting held to-day, to consider the Russian reply to British demands, Sir Stafford Northcote stated in the House ot Commons that the Russian reply has been received yesterday. It adhered substantially to previous declarations, to the effect that the Signatory Powers may raise such objections as they think fit, but Russia reserved full liberty either to accept or decline discussion. He also added that this virtually closed all further diplomatic correspondence on the subject. ENGLAND'S WARLIKE ATTITUDE. March 28, later. Lord Beaconsfield explained in the House of Lords that Earl Derby's resignation was in consequence of the warlike attitude which it would become necessary to assume. He also expressed a hope that now all Erobabilities of the assembling Congress ad ceased, and that they would be able to maintain the balance of power in the Mediterranean; and that the advice tendered by the Government to the Queen to call out all available reserves he thoroughly ap proved of. LORD SALISBURY SUCCEEDS LORD DERBY. March 29. Lord Salisbury succeeds Lord Derby. The Government policy is not aggressive, but to prepare for war, in the hope for peace. The Opposition was expected to resist the calling out of the reserves. The ascend ency of the Premier in the Cabinet has caused a check. General Ignatieff is at Vienna.. Count Audrassay is attempting to reconcile Eng land and Russia. The Bank of England has raised the offi cial minimum to 3 per cent. There is a panic on stock exchange owing to the political outlook. Consuls are ex tremely depressed, 95£. (REUTERS SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.) LONDON, March 28, 10 p.m. Earl Derby has resigned. He approved the policy of the Cabinet regarding the Con gress, but not of calling out the reserves. Earl Beaconsfield defended this on the ground that the intended measures were necessary for the peace and security of the Empire. A Papal allocution approves the past Papal policy. LONDON, 30th. LONDON WOOL MARKET. The wool market resumed a calmer ap pearance. Prices received a temporary relapse. The series closes bout the sth of April. Wheat has advanced two shillings, owing to political agitation.

ENGLISH SPORTING NEWS.

The Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase, of 1,000 soy .; with a sweepstake of 25 soys. each; four miles and-a-half; 63 subscribers. MrR. I Anson's Shifnal, agod, 10stl21bs, won by two lengths. LATEST BETTING. The betting on January 31st was as fol lWos :—IOO to 9 agst Liberator ; 15 to 1 agst Austerlitz; 20 to 1 agst The Bear, Regal, Woodcock, and Shifnal; 25 to 1 and 33 to 1 agst the others. WINNERS OF THE GRAND NATIONAL FROM 1871. 1872—Mr Brayley's Casse Tete. 1873—Capt. Machell's Disturbance. 1774 —Capt. Machell's Rugny. 1875—Mr Bord's Pathfinder. 1876—Capt. Machell's Regal. 1877 —Mr Hobson's Austerlitz. 1878 —Mr I Anson's Shifnal.

MURDER BY NEW GUINEA NATIVES.

TOWNSVILLE, March 22.

By the mail steamer Somerset, news has been received that New Guinea natives, from Katow River, have murdered some native missionary teachers, and that all the rest of the teachers had retreated to Marfiack. The Police Magistrate at Thursday Island advises the interference of the Government, by sending a man-of war to the scene of the murder.

BRITISH ARMY RESERVES.

The following information respecting the Reserves of the British Army is compiled from Chambers' Encyclopaedia, 187(' edition :— "Reserve, in army affairs, has several meanings. * * * The reserve in a nation is that portion upon which the national defence is thrown, when its regular armies have failed in securing its safety (or in England when the regular army is sent on foreign service). This reserve may be a lev^e en masse of the whole adult male population, or it may consist of a smaller section of the people duly trained to arms. The latter is, of course, the preferable system, when the arms of scientific modern warfare are to be brought into action. In different countries the reserves are organised on very different principles. In Great Britain they comprise the army of reserve, the enrolled pensioners, both of which con sist of old soldiers, the militia, volunteers, and trained constabulary. The number of Reserve Forces provided for in the Army Estimates of 1873-1874 were as follows :— Militia ... 139,018 Yeomanry Cavalry 15,086 Volunteers ..." 160,750 Army Reserve Force, including— Enrolled pensioners Ist class 10,000 „ 2nd „ ... 25,000 Total 349,854 Of the volunteers 30,750 are artillery, while the remaining 130,000 are light horse engineers, and rifle volunteers. The scheme of army re-organization which has been-carried out during the past few years has had a very important bearing on the reserve forces. In 1870 it was attempted, by modifying somewhat the conditions of enlistment into the regular army, to make the provisions for securing and maintaining a numerically strong army reserve more efficient than they had hitherto been. Enlistment continued to be as before, for 12 years ; but service in regiments going abroad was to be for six years, while the remaining six years' service was to be in the reserve, the men being liable to be called out like the naval reserve, and receiving a pay of 4d a day. In 1873 there were about 19,000 men who had enlisted under these condi tions, but of course the measure of 1870 does not yet (1874) directly affect the reserve force. The numbers of the militia have been considerably in creased since 1868. One of the objects chiefly kept in view in the com prehensive scheme of 1872 for the re-organisation of the army, was the bringing of the auxiliary forces into closer and more mutually helpful relations with the regular army. The main feature of that scheme is" the localisation of- the combined miiitary forces in certain terri torial districts, so that there shall be in each such district a certain number of line battalions, of militia battalions, and of Volunteers, formed into an administrative brigade ; the whole to rest on the brigade depdt as centre. Arrangements were made to secure that a larger number of officers of the line regiments should pass into the militia and yeomaniy, and that the efficiency of the Reserve should increase. The aim of the measure was "to unite the spontaneity and all the other advantages of the auxiliary forces with the highest amount of training that the regular army could furnish to any other body of men." We take also the following from vol. x of Chambers' Encyclopcedia : By two Acts of 1867 —one for an " Army Reserve " of 50,000 men, and the other for a "Militia Reserve," not exceeding one-fourth the number of militia—power has been given to organise a more efficient body of trained men of previous good service in the army or militia, who shall be immediately avail able in case of invasion or imminent danger, for being drafted for the period of danger into the regular army. It was for a time to allow soldiers to commute their last five years of army service into a double period in the Army Reserve, which would leave them at liberty, under restrictions, for civil employment, without depriving the country in any exigency of their services as soldiers. With a view to harmonise the several con stituents of the Reserve, and to give them that corporate organisation which is still wanting, a high officer, the Inspector- General of the Reserve Forces, was appointed at the War Office. There is a growing tendency throughout the country, as was explained in 1867 by Lord Elcho in the House of Commons, that every citizen should be ready to bear arms in defensive war; and with this view : every young man should serve for two years or some other short period with the army on home service. That such a measure would raise the character of the army, while it diminished the cost of recruiting, it is impossible to doubt." NAVAL RESERVE. The Naval Reserve is a sort of militia, auxiliary to the Royal Nary. It is a force held iv high esteem by naval men; and is considered an extremely valuable reserve of trained men, ready to man the fleet in case of emergency. The force was instituted in 1859, under the] Act 22 and 23, Vie. c, 40. That Act authorises the engagement of 30,000 men, each for a period of five years, and provides that each shall be trained for 28 days in every year to the use of arms and naval tactics, either in Her Majesty's ships or on shore. In case of national emergency these men can, by royal proclamation, be called out for service in the navy in any part of the world, for periods not exceeding five years. * * During the continuance of his engagement he must not embark on voyages which shall entail a longer absence from the United Kingdom than six months, unless with special permission of the Admiralty. * * In 1874 about 15,000 men belonged to the N aval Reserve, and were in a state of great efficiency. In 1861,. the system of the Reserve was extended by the Act 24 and 24 Vie. c. 129 to officeis of the merchant service, certificated masters and mates being respectively granted com missions in the Naval Reserve as lieut enants and sub-lieutenants. . ;

The Auckland Sunday-school Union anuual meeting will be held this eveniug in the large room of tbe Young Men's Christian Association. Chair, will be taken by Rev. R. F. Macnicol, of St. James. The principal speakers will be Revs. A. W. Webb, D. Dutton, A. Carrick, and Mi- Thomas Macffarlane. A select choir will be present.

LORD DERBY.

THE following, with refer™ I rumoured intention of Lord T)*\ to P- 1 in January last, is from "A_y!°«l << World" ot January l as ?._,A* f ft | last week, Lord Carnarvon hl^& I and Lord Derby has S Jj**® J test of character, and Lord Deri!L i* '«__ I as might have been exn_tf _has© it. Lord Carna'vfur^S from the Cabinet is an important-*** Lord Derby's would have been n, hsi lh taut still. < WhatL a nca S hirethMrei% as the Indian Secretary said a W st<4 'England thinks to morrow ■' W shire Conservatism, which • ***_" nucleus of English ConservatfeJ 8 have distrusted and rebell*.. ' *•> _! a Cabinet that did not -£.* .Hfti I head of the house of Stanley *?*'■_« the intimate and life-long alli__» ,"«_ 1 the late Lord Derby and L*rd£^ _ I —an alliance which has _!„_• T"1!! Disraeli throughout hS ZS't *5| ballast of which he can scarcely w*Wi self—may well have induced tOT^'I Lord Derby to reconsider a ste_ «? _*^U_ have meant the disruption of the r>| and the Premier to consent r^P concession on which his _? Ifi Minister could nerve himself to Sf If Lord Deroy had persisted in £ >l to withdraw his resignation 'Lord_'r* would have gone to the Foreign (W^ soon as his successor at the lndiaift* had been appointed; and LordßeaSS himself acting as ad interim Sw___** State for Foreign Affairs-thus3?< very ancient ambition of his—wm3l had the opportunity of pointing in 1, > rechon he wished, the gun which it T have been left for Lord Salisbury to &? was not until immediately beforethe(__J Council on Saturday last that LoSft withdrew his resignation. LadvDetP very keen that he should stand to hS? but the Premier's influence carriedt__? and the latter was able to annooiw*? foreign diplomat who dined with tea evening, that' Lord Derby does notB». M mistry.' However, in spite of tK. diction, we were able toannonnceini_L2 urgent cable mesasge from X^ Saturday evening that Earl Derby W signed, in consequence of the nn! being called out ; and further tele_|S the same subject appear to-day. "

The Suez Mail.

[PRESS agency.] NEWS TO FEBRUARY 15. THE BRITISH FLEET L_ m DARDENELLES. BLUFF, this k MELBOURNE, Marcl!;,-:' With reference to the British fleet Jh ceeding to the Dardanelles, a telegraaUHf been received from the Russian Goran^S that Gallipoli will not be occupied ml^a Tuikish army was concentrated thoujE it was thought not improbable ||h| landing of Sulieman Pasha's troqjlg Gallipoli would be made by the BwsiHf pretext for seizing the place by a mujiff main. The second order for the A__ffl| to proceed to Constantinople wasgimM the Sth instant, when he was diretM«| take the Alexandra, Tamarire, Sifeg Achilles, Ruby, and Salamis, theresMili vessels to remain at Besika Bay. f RUSSIANS CUT TELEGRAPH wM The Russiaus cut the land MmJfi lines on the northern shores of theSa'Hj Marmora on the 31st January, ami all then most- direct communicationMßf London and Constantinople has ka||| way of Alexandra and Bombay. ENGLAND DISREGARDS POM PROTEST. On its being announced that tkiß had again been directed to pass tblJm danelles, Prince Gortschakoff in&aifi that the Russian troops would occi^tm city from the land aide. The Portemtt sequence protested against our going S| but the Government telegraphed tin the fleet would enter whether p_i9| or not. Accordingly Admii_l : '_i_H passed the Straits on Wednesday thelJlS and took four of his vessels up to MB Island, about ten miles from Stama| on the Asia Minor Coast, oft the aw Mai mora, two other vessels _erel_g| Gallipoli. The Italian and French (w ernments had appUed for firman for ag of their w Tar ships to go up in consetpaß of their ambassadors notifying tint fll tui-bances were not unlikely, birtthe^B cation was withdrawn. M} Austria has applied, however, dm sending five ironclads. MeantimeDeri™ informed Gortschakoff that Ihe. .Bj Government does not consider the de*| of the fleet any justification forth. sR ing of Russian troops. 1 TYPHUS FEVER—TFBRi™ RAVAGES. m l Typhus fever has been making;■«■ ravages. On 20th January there. ««| Turkish and Russian soldiers ill : otfl| at Kars, 5,000, at KavankatT, TMi*m Erzeroum, 12,000. £ During the war the Russians j «fK 120,000 Turks, and over one hundred m nOnS- ,_fc_T_T I OSMAN PASHA'S/ W\J| The news is confirmed that osn*aiW will be tried by Court Martial W*M sians. The Tuiks are alle« ■ • buried their prisoners alive at iw. J| 300,000 fugitives are stated WjjH stantinople, and every effort is madß_B them. j. dm Her Majesty subscribed £100 to M«« ish Compassionate Fund. MNt\m The Earl of Pembroke gave »| many other large amounts. /JK The office of Grand Vizier was «*m and a new Ministry t^.fijM Ahmed Kessik being appomM|*m of the Council and Minister ««KZB On the following c m_*_i_M attacked the Ministry ; for W%M change without submittmg^tne^w to them. Yesterday it wa. «Wjfl| Very conflicting roinonßjM circulated respecting the »» Austria, but it is genei^ww&M though she acquie«:ed m "kj« objection to the Conference jg-T| Vienna, she is resolved tof»g« interests by the strongest _<^ W°"-W and will-not allow Germany » THE FRENCH PRESS ONESS^ ATTITUDE. :.■,<*■ The French Republij^ *g» tional papers have warmly V»JM lute attitude of the Engli^JJ^B severely condemn action ny « particularly of Mr Gladstone l^fl well as the English P«^ JgJSB the Government has led eitjer « drawal of some claim put«s» or their making knwafiS'W was concealing by arrangement - keOntbe3rdin S t.theC Z arSJ the victorious *qS^_*__3WM officers upon the' sataMjJ^« the armistice, but said ,^om from the end, «»d■.»»**>■ ourselves prepared untu j : . J| able peace worthy of. f^f»« ATTEMPTED AbSAW^B An attempt to assassinate jm off, prefect at St. Petewb^JM the sth by a woman, with two shots fro^StosfS senting a petition. a_lfr^^___ by the Czar and General GoW^ reason for the action. On the same day other revolvers, were arrested: W^pm of the interior, and anotner j| General,*, at Moscow. The Russian press Wgt'dgß with disfavour, beheving^ M he made to reduce l«w ■ minimum, -j _ tvIAKCS 011 RUSSIANS |^MAN%J; A large Russian f«<je» jfc : arrive in Roumama, bn«

, MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1878.

EVENING STAR



A_« LINABURY & Co., DRESSMAKERS AND MILLINERS. NEW DRESS MATERIALS. A Large Assortment of New Dress Goods for the present Season, in every fashionable shade, Just Opened up at A. LINABURY & CO.'S. NEW WINTER COSTUMES, NEW MANTLES, NEW ULSTERS, NEW MILLINERY, NEW HATS A Large Assortment of Paris Trimmed Hats and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also, Hosiery, Silk Ties, Umbrellas, Collars and Cuffs, Gloves, Children's Mantles and Jackets. Also, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. t& Look iv at "®» A. LINABURY & CO.'S, 201 & 206, QUEKN-STREET, Auckland. |^ RAND /~) FF E R BY THE AMERICAN NOVELTY COMPANY. The following articles will be sent by Mail to any part of New Zealand on receipt of &\ :— 1 Brook's Glass Catter, Tin Opener, Knife and Scissors Sharpe_er 1/ 1 Banaza Fruit and vegetable, Pairing, Slicing, and Coring Knife 1/6 1 Champion Nutmeg Grater. Save your fingers _ 1/6 1 Dish-washing and Toasting Tong .. ..2/ 1 Smoker's Pet. Meerschaum pipe eclipsed 1/ 1 Folding Lamp Shade (Patent) 1/6 1 Indelible Tablet for Marking Linen .. 2/ 1 Little Giant Tack Hammer, drives, draws, and sets J/6 1 Little Harry's Night Lamp .. .. .. 1/6 1 Magic Cork Puller, Chimney Cleaner, &c. 1/ 1 Oriental Silver Polish. Great success .. 1/ 1 Pattern Copying and Tracing Wheel .. 1/6 1 Pearl Cement. Mends everything. Save the pieces .. .. .. •• •• 2/ 1 Puzzle Key Ring ... .. 1/ 1 Shine-Shine Starch Polish and Chinese "Washing Blue 1/ 1 Slate Pencil Sharpener and Cleaner .. /6 1 Good Templar Pen, with i-pint of ink .. /6 Total .. .. '.. ".. ..25/ Discount off ..5/ mon .. ■ ■ _61 BiT hosceptic often stands in the way of advance ment, but he may not al w ays have his own way— the irresistible force of truth overwhelms him, and he often becomes the convert. Let all who are doubting the efficacy of "Ghollahs Great Indian Curesi" but notice the extraordinary effect they have in restoring the sick to health, and they will join the general high opinion formed of their merits. Testimonials received from all parts of the Colony, incontrovertibly prove these Indian Medicines to be the finest In the world. They are sold by all Chemists.



T J.OSGRAVE & fi O. WILL HOLD A GRICAT CLEARING S \LE OP MEN'S AN J BOYS' CLOTHING TO-MORROW. All .Goods;. Reduced to Cost Price, Inspection Invited; .ON ED U ST! BONEDUST! BONEDUST! Ex Borough Belle, @ Sydney, now due : A SHIPMENT OF THE ABOVE ON SALE^ By tho Undeisigned. As the season is advancing, Customers would do well to book their orders at once, so as to have them executed from the ship's side, and save cartage. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. SEEDS, RYE GRASS, &C. On Sale, ex Late Arrivals : CLOVER SEEDS, CONSISTING OF White Clover Timothy Red Clover Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke _sc, &c, &c. Turnip ALSO, 200 bushels ENGLISH PERENNIAL RYE GRASS 50 bushels ENGLISH POA PRATENSIS 500 lba. INDIAN DOOB GRASS 1,000 lbs. ALFALPA 2,090 lbs. AMERICAN TIMOTHY. AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. The above have arrived in first-class condition. Samples will be forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c. &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. mO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. ~ W. J. HURST & CO. have on salo tho under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produco satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaohes that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and IJ .p.aluse of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXWAN do. BELLS BONE FLOUR I and 4-inch BONED OST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIMIC. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In'addition to tho above, W. J. H. & Co. are jrepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that for tho last two sea sous has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars Will bo supplied ou application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101. Queen- treet. O USHBItOOK AND |>RIDGMAN, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE {Opposite.the Army nd Navy Hotel),



UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. five per cent. discount IS. IN THE £) ALLOWED ON ALL CASH PURCHASES OF 20s. AND UPWARDS. JpvRAPERY! 'nRAPERY! ta- NEW SEASON GOODS 1! SOMERFIELD AND LECK In taking this opportunity to address their numerous friends and the general public, desire to express thanks for liberal patronage,, and beg to introduce to their notice a very Superior Selection of Goods ex Chasca, Fontenaye, and Chili, NOW OPENING, comprising Blankets, Flannels, Calicos, Shirtings, Sheetings, Tick ings, Winceys, Satin Cloths, All Wool Serges, Hosiery, &c , All Wool Shawls, &c. Men's and Boys' Clothing. Moleskins, Corduroys, Tweeds, fee. This Large and Well-assorted Stock, having been Purchased for Cash in the over-stocked English Markets, is Now Offered for Sale at Prices Lower than Ever Heard of in Auckland. Inspection Invited. m- VERY SPECIAL LINE. HEAVY Hi FAMILY BLANKETS, AT 17s 6d. Country Orders will have special attention. Hawkers Supplied at Wholesale Prices. SOMERFIELD & LECK, QU KEN-STREET, Auckland. AGRICULTURAL RISKS. THE NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY Is prepared to INSURE against FIRE— Agricultural Risks, Grain In Stook or Stack, and Steam Threshing Machines travelling from dlace to place. LOWEST CURRENT RATES. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, Industry of All j\ ations AT THE CITY HALL ARCADE. Light and graceful Bent Wood Furniture, Settees, Rocking, Arm and Side Chairs, Children's Chairs, from AUSTRIA. Beautifully Carved WALNUT DRAWING ROOM SUITES, direct from the Manufacturers in ITALY. Exquisitely Painted FLOWER VASES, various sizes, from BELGIUM. Superior TOILETWARE, TOILET TABLE SffiTS, of mediaeval and modern designs, from ENGLAND. TEXTILE FABRICS in Silk and Wool, soft, rich, and beautiful for Furniture and Curtains. SATINE CRETONNES, superior to anything imported, having Satin Finish, suitable for Drawing-rooms, from . FRANCE. The Latest Designs, New Colours, and Very Handsome BRUSSELS CARPETS, and a largo lot of Cheap and Good TAPESTRY Just Opened. Articles of Use and Beauty, to any design and price, from our own FURNITURE MANUFACTORY in AUCKLAND. Ladies and Gentlemen Furnishing, are invited . to inspect the STOCK of Hollow-ay, tolicls & Cran■well, Qity Hall Arcade, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. 1



XUST OPENE A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF l GENTS' FANCY STARVES, New Shapes and Colours. Also, All Sizes in GENTS' WHITE SHIRTS, Military Fronts, button behind. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, vr X w yKAL AN D TT ova It, 60, QUEEN-STREET, AvpKLANfD. STTNION INSURANCE COMPANY IJ OF NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. O C X L AND B R A N C II Q U Jfi E N - S T R E E T. Next the Colonial Bank. __Rl3 DEPARTMENT. Insuranc granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINIS DEPARTMENT. Hulls o£ Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, AT owkst Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. Scamps are selling counterfeits of that most wholesale of medicinal stimulants, UDOLPHO WOLFE'S Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, famous alike for its health-giving properties and agreeable flavour. The knaves who aro carry ing on this wicked traffic put their fiery decoct ions into empty bottles ot the real article, and in most instances imitate the genuine labels. Insist upon having the real Schnapps.