SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

,„ ntT „, ..prfr. (This Afternoon, 7.48 HIGH WAII.R- Vro . mor ,. ow Morning, 8.12 PUN SET.—This Evening. 6.50 STTN RISE.—To morrow Morning, 5.33 MOON'S AG I-.—Full Moon, 17th Feb., 10.oop.rn. ___

ARRIVALS.

Taiaroa. .28 tons, Andrew, from Soutnern ports (in the ManukaU) . Tani.o, s.a.. Carey, from 'lauranga ana the South „ Rowena. S.s.. Sellara, from Tauranga Lf-titia. schooner, from Blenheim Taiaroa. s.s.. from the South (in the Manukau) Atlantic, schooner, from Dunedin

DEPARTURES.

Lalla Roekh, s.s., for Raglan G-S-tS. .5

IMPORTS.

Per Atlantic 'from Dunedin-: 750 sacks flour, -?0 sacks oatmeal. 100 sacks bran, 90 sacks barley.—T. 11. Hall and Co.

EXPORTS.

Per City of Sydney : 17 casesjapanese goods. —M. Levy and Co. Per Go-ahead for Gisborne: 11-cask brandy, 5 cases pint claret. 5 cases quart do, 5 cases •' Encore" whiskey, 2 cases Siask brandy, 1 .-cask Bherrv,__s cases Exshav.'_ brandy, lease bitters, 4 casks stout.6 cases port.lo eases sherry, 6 cases whiskey, -1 rase china spirit barrels.—Ji. and H. Isaacs.

FORTUNATE WHALESIHPS.

A letter dated Chatham Islands January 2a, 187S r.ceivedby Mr F. Stephenson from Capt. Cha.rles W.-Fisher. of the U.S. whaling barque Alaska, reports '.having captured &10 lbs. sperm, and 701bs whale oil since leaving Russell. Bay of Islands, in June last, making all told 1250 lbs. sperm. 23. lbs. whale oil, aadh 00 lbs. whalehone If) months out. Also spoke Danedin whaling ship Splendid, with 20Jlbs. sperm oil, since leaving Port Chalmers; al well.

VESSEL ON THE COAST.

.sThe follo-.ing telegram was posted at the Harbour Board-offices to-day::— "Russell, 10a.m. (> " Barque passing south. Wind S- W„ fresh." The vessel will probably turn out to be the barbue Chasca. which left- London for Auck land on November 4. She may be expected to arrive in harbour during the course of to morrow. Captain Carey, rthe popular sldpper of the s.s. Taiipo, has been presented by the Regatta Committee .vi-h a handsome signet ring, in recognition of the kindness displayed by him to visitors on the itag-ship on Regatta Day. The schooner Atlantic arrived from Dunedin yesterday afternoon, with a cargo of flour, oat meal, bran, and pearl b .rley, for T. H, Halland Co She lefton___e_.t_i tost. The s.s. Taiaroa arrived from the South at Onehunga this morning at 9 o'clock. We have received the following report: Left Port Chalmers at 4 p.m. on the 13th: arrived at Lyttelton at 11.86 a._a. on the 14th; sailed again at 5 p.m.. and arrived at Wellington at 3.30 p.m. on the 15th; sailed again at 8 p m., and arrived at Nelson at 7 a.m. on the 16th; left at 6 p.m., and arrived at Taraaaki at 10 a.m. • >n the 17th ; left at 6 p.m., arriving alongside the Onehunga wharf at 10 a_ra. «n the 18th. Passengers— Saloon: viesdames Brownlie, Foster, Marten, Dingle, Best, Dawson: Misses Best, Oliver, Marsch, Dawson. Andrew, Govctt; Messrs Wood, Sheat (2), Montague, Bartlett, Stuart, Smith, Dawson, Salter. Gibbs, Chapman, Crompton, Perry, Parker; Harding, Errington, O'Connell. Bligh, Wendel. Street. Fell, Neal, Gorman, Butler, Jeffrey, and 9J steerage. The s.s. Rowena which arrived from Tau ranga on Saturday evening, brought up several passengers and the following cargo: 3 bales wool, 220 sacks maize, 59 sacks wheat, 12 sacks gum. fciSThe ship May Queen finished h"r,|loading on Saturday, and her water and stores having been received on board, everything was made snug this morning in readiness for sailing for London. Captain Tatchell may congratulate himself on having received very quick dispatch. If on his voyage home he is as fortunate as on his run out, he will have made a good round trip. The ship is rather deep, but in other respects will go away in excellent trim for making a quick passage. The brigantine Ethel has left Dunedin for The s.s. Go-Ahead is to leave for Gisborne at half-past five this evening. The schooner Fairlie is loading at Lyttelton for this port. . The schooner Norval has finishedjloading for Samoa, and will sail at once. The New Zealand Shipping Company invite tenders for the supply of 600 tons of ballast for the ship Apelles. The schooner Advance which has had a new mast stepped since she has been in port, is now ready to sail for Gisborne. The Government steamer Stella is now at Cape Maria "Van Diemen, landing stores and material for the new lighthouse. The s.s. Rotorua is due from Sydney this evening. The schooner I setitia arrived in harbour on Saturday evening from Blenheim in ballast, after a tedious passage. The s.s. Taupo arrived from Tauranga and the South last night. She left Port Chalmers on-the llt n; Akaroa on the 12th; Lyttelton the 12th; Wellington, 14th ; Napier, 15th; Gisborne, 16th-; and Tauranga 17th. Passengers: Mes . dames Hallenstein, George, Buddie, Home, S.nders, Ramsay, Wilson, Gardiner, Rose, G Brien, Humphries, Jones, Piercy. and Brown; Misses Home, O'Brien, Melland, Sandys, Young. O'Donnell. Parker, Granville, Phillips, and A. Booth; Revs. Buddie, Bice, Gittos ; Colonel Ramsay, Major Jackson ; Messrs. Hallenstein, Home, Sanders, Melland, Wilson, Thompson, Hevwood, McLelland, Lynche, Scarfe.Ohalmers.Harkis, May, Bedois, Knowles, Joel, 'Holmsden ; 17 steerage. The s-s. Lallah Rookh. which cleared the Manukau Bar at 4 p.m. Friday on her maiden trip to naglan, returned to Onehunga yesterday with a cars© of produce. She has made a most successful'trip. Now Aye have a steamer making regular trips, we may soon hear of the Raglan farmersooming to the front again. In a letter .condemning the application for five hundred-thousand dollars, extra amount of sub<_dy ■from Congress, recently made by the Pacific Mail Company, a correspondent of the New York - "-Tribune" thus refers to Captain Waddell, late of the City of San Francisce :— " Senator Hamlin, Chairman of the Senate Postal • Committee, favours the subsidy. So does Waddell-of North Carolina, Chairman of the House Postal Committee. Waddell is a brother of Capt.-.Waddell, of the ex-Confederate navy, notorious for his plundering and burniug warfare against .us-vrmed whaling-ships when in command of- -the rebel cruiser Shenandoah. He lost _he Pacific Mail steamer City of San Francisco near 'Ao&pulco last spring, running her ashore in the-broad light of a fine morning. For this act he was tried here, and found guilty of negligence, and,hiacertificate.of competency suspended:fioc,one year. Through the political influence of his brother, the verdict, which was approved (by all-sea-faring men, was set aside by a secon & i tribunal overruling the decision of the first. He.w.as continued in the Pacific Mail service under, pay through itall, and is now en gaged in lobbying, for jtiie Company at Wash ington."

TELEGRAPHIC -SHIPPING.

T-apier, tms aay. The s.s. Pretty Janei left.for Auckland-at 6 p.m. Saturday. The s.s. Hawea ileft ioe Wellington at 10.30 a.m. on Sunday., __-_-_--------_---_-----_M---a_uj-__.j_^^-r-W--"^^™M"^^^WM*'"^,'M"^M

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

Mails wild Close as under-.— For Thames, t_r«<___3Vfi_t..s.i3o P.JE., and to-mor row, at 1.30 and-2jg.ni. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyie, on Friday next, atS.-Jftp.m. For Taranaki and -Southern Provinces, per Taiaroa, to-mornxwr, afrs a.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per AnneMilban__:,<ontSjuesday next, at 10 a.m. For Napier, Wellington, and Sosuthern Pro vinces.per Rotorua, Tuesday.next,at3p.m. per s.s. Zealandia, on BCgesday, ,sth March, as follows :— For Sandwich Wanda, .United -States of America, Canada, British i Columbia, .Central -and South America, and Sritish ana; Foreign 'West Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom .and Continent of •Europe, at 3 p.m. For money orders, _>a_f_B_ered letters and newspapers, at 1.30. Late letters -beaming an extra fee of sixpence in addition to the post age ,will be received by the jMail Agent <on board the steamer up to the fUgie of.sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief postmaster. J, I I. Ml. ■—««W__-__P-__-^^F^^~^M_P*

DEATH.

DUFF1 ICY.—On tbe 17th February, 1878, at her late residence, Vernon-street, Freeman's Bay, Fanny, tlie beloved wife of John William DtifQcy, aged 25 years. Tho funeral will take place at 2.30 p.m. to morrow (Tuesday). Friends please accept this invitation. HOLDKN.—On February 18, 1878, Mr. Walter Holden, aged 20 years. The funeral will leave his late residence, Hobson Park, Parnell, at 2 p.m. to-morrow (Tuesday). Friends please accept this invita tion.

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

MONDAY. FEBRUARY 18. 1878.

f or o__ cAU-e that S_cki ____-__-_-_, Po_ the wrong that needs ie___t_-_C-> P__ the --lure _» the ___-__t_e, _____ t_B KM- _-*. _c CM _•-

The political contest impending in Welling ton, consequent on the resignation of Mr Travers, is of more than local interest. It involves one of those singular contre-temps which often arise in connection with elections, and frustrate a fair representation of the will of a majority of the constituency. If one thing more than another be at all certain with respect to political feeling in Welling ton, it is that Sir George Grey's Ministry possesses the confidence of. the people. Nevertheless, there appears every proba ityj that an opponent of the Government will be returnecl. Two causes contribute to this anomaly : the first—personal influence which a certain class of elec tors prefer before the public good ; and next—the division of the Ministerial supporters into two camps. Mr Pearc_, the candidate who comes out openly in the Atkinson interest, is a citizen of long stand ing aud deserved popularity there, having prominently identified himself with the welfare of the place for many years. On the other side, Mr Hutchinson is a man chiefly noteworthy for having undergone a marvellous political conversion since he contested the seat as a strong Atkinsonite against Mr Travers. Tlie second Grey candi date, Mr Barton, barrister, is now suffer ing a month's imprisonment under order of the Supreme Court judges for contempt. Of the two, Mr Barton will carry the largest share of popular sympathy, a very general impression prevailing that he has been harshly * used by the exer.-ise of those arbitrary powers which are vested^in admin istrators of the law. That, labouring under firm conviction of unfair treatment from the Wellington Judges, Mr Barton has assumed an altitude extremely irritating and derogatory to the Beuch, is true ; but there are many who think—and rightly think—that a summary sentence of a month's imprisonment on a barrister of high standing savoured more of judicial anger, than just and impartial judgment. Mr Barton may have transgressed, but the judges, while smarting under his assaults, were not the right men to bring down upon his head the pains of the law. The sentence was inflicted without the offended judges retiring even for a moment's con sideration. Exercises of power like these invariably defeat their own purpose, and awaken a sympathy for the victim that may not be merited by his conduct. This is precisely what has occurred in Mr Barton's case ; and wc shall not be surprised to find him standing high on the poll. But it is doubtful whether this sympathy will carry him to victory in the interests of a party divided against itself, and in opposition to a man possessing the personalinfluenceof Mr Pearce. No remedy seems to have been suggested for the unfortu nate difficulty, except the retirement of Mi- Barton, which that gentleman ou solicit ation has positively declined to accede to, and there is tl'us the prospect, amounting to almost certainty, that Wellington is, by anticipation, doomed to act in violation of its own instincts and the best interests of the colony.

The ordinary weekly mid-day prayer meeting was held to-day, in the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms. Rev. J. Robertson, of Beresford-street Church, pre sided, and there was albetter attendance than usual.

An interesting cricket match was played in the Domain on Saturday, between the Union and Excelsior Cricket Clubs, result ing in an easy victory for the latter, with one innings and 16 runs to spare. The scores were :—Union, first innings, 77; second innings, 26 ; Excelsior, first innings, 119.

A telegram from the Press Agency reports that the Port Darwin line is down north of I ennaut's Creek, and about 1,400 miles from A delaide.

In the Catholic churches in Auckland, yes terday, masses and prayers were offered for the repose of the toul of Pope Pius IX. The special correspondent of ' N.Z. Herald' generally gets hold of wonderful news. In tL.s morning's paper it is stated that " Major Green has been instructed to hand over the different books and papers to Mr Hill, with a view of his at once entering upon his new duties." I believe this correspondent resides in Auckland, and I could have told him that the above change is not to take place till 31st March next.—Yours, AUCKLAND. .

Bishop Moran, of Dunedin, was expected to leave that city on a visit to Auckland to-day, and he may therefore be expected to arrive here about Saturday next. Should he arrive before Sunday, it is believed that he will cele brate Pontifical High Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on that day.

{ggFather Walter McDonald, ou behalf of the Sisters of Mercy, acknowledges with thanks the receipt of £40 towards St. Mary's Orphanage from His Worship the Mayor, out of the balance of the Indian Famine Relief Fund.

It is expected that a branch of the Union Bank will shortly be opened at Cam bridge. Bishop Moran will visit Waikato, and will probably open the uevv church at Cam bridge. Mr Thomas Hill, Collector of Customs, has been appointed receiver of land revenuo in the Provincial District of Auckland.

Governor Bowen opened the Ballarat Juvenile Exhibition ou the 15th.

The petition of the people of Melbourne to Her Majesty the Queen-protesting against alleged illegal acts of the Ministry, is being numerously signed, aud will be forwarded home on Thursday.

Mr Stephen Massett had a very success ful season in Nelson. During his stay there he delivered on Sunday evening, under the auspices of the Southern Star Lodge_ of Freemasons, a brief but beautiful oration, written by Brother Atwood, of Salem, United States, from the text, " Nothing but leaves."

The Academy of Sciences of Paris, in its sitting of the 26th November, occupied itself with the telephone. A conversation has been carried on by its means across the British Channel, aud the instrument i_ said to have been brought to such per fection that one can distinguish the voice of a friend at even a much greater distance than that between France and England. Mr T. B. Hannaford writes:— "I have resided in City East three years, and there fore consider I am entitled to the benefit of that school for my three step children. Mr Worthington has refused them admission, whilst other children out cf the district are freely taken in. ' I am thoroughly con vinced that gross favouritism is shewn, and I consider it demands a rigid enquiry at the hands of the Board of Education."

The Waikato Turf Club Race Ball at the Commercial Hotel, Hamilton West, was a great success. Mr W. H. Peaice, the pro prietor, made every necessary preparation for the event; decorating the ball-room in a tasteful manner, and providing for the phy sical wants and appetites of the guests most creditably. The efforts ot the officers of the Club, aud especially Mr Kennedy Hill, the secretary, were most praiseworthy. The dance music was excellent.

The anniversary services at the Beresford street Congregational, and Grafton Road Wesleyan Churches, were well attended yesterday,and good collections made.

The report of the Auckland Provincial Lunatic Asylum and Old Hospital for "the week ending February 16th, shews, in addition to the 179 of the previous week . admitted since, 2 ; died since, 1 ; remaining at present—males, 124 ; females, 56 ; total, 180.

The teachers and congregation of the Presbyterian Church, Tamaki West, have established a Sunday School library for the use of the scholars, consisting of about 150 volumes, purchased with the proceeds chiefly of their entertainment at Panmurc The volumes are of a religious and moral character, many being instructive stories. Mr Donald McPherson, who takes much interest in the school, is the appointed librarain.

There was a partial eclipse of the moon last night visible iv Auckland. The first contact with the penumbra occurred at Shrs. llmin. Gsec. p.m., and the contact with the shadow at 9.13. During the earlier part of the evening the sky was much clouded, but at this time Luna emerged into an almost cloudless sky and presented a very beautiful appearance when viewed through the glass. At the middle of the eclipse at lOhrs. 4Gmin. Bsec, the contrast between the shadow and the uneclipsed portion of the orb rendered the latter unusually bright, and the natural features more prominent, At this time a star of small magnitude was seen close to the moon, which gradually in creased its distance from it. The last con tact with the shadow took place at 12hrs Bmin 6sec, and the final contact with the penumbra at Ihr lOmin after midnight. The magnitude of the eclipse was 10.832.

Messrs Jones and Co. will sell by auction at the Central Sale Rooms on Tuesday, at noon, _\_\ie right of selling refreshments on the Henderson's Mill Racecourse on the 23rd inst.

It is reported that a resident officer of the Audit Department will be appointed in Auckland.

The Arawas are greatly incensed at tho delay in holding a Native Lands Court at Maketu.

Colonel Gorton, the champion brander of the world, has received a testimonial from his fellow-officers on his retirement from the Civil Service.

We would again draw the attention of our readers to tho fact that the Waiuku Agricultural Show will be held on Wednes day, 20th inst. The s.s. Lalla Rookh will leave the Onehunga wharf on the arrival of first train from Auckland, arriving at Waiuku about 11 o'clock, and returning after the show, return tickets five shillings. This will give intending visitors a chance of having a day's real enjoyment, and we hope to hear that our Waiuku friends have been well patronised, not only by the Agricultural interest, but also by the commercial.

At a meeting of 900 natives at Waira rapa, Mr Sheehan succeeded in amicably arranging the long-standing question of tho fishing rights aud drainage of Wairarapa.

A fire at Lower Hutt on Saturday night destroyed the - dwelling house of Mr Murtagh, which was insured for £300 in the London and Lancashire, the furniture being insured in the New Zealand Com pany for £100. Mr Bunny, who has received tho appoint ment of Commissioner of Railways in the North Island, will visit this city shortly, and will, it is believed, appoint a sub manager to deal with minor questions on the spot, without the delay of referring to Wellington. Mr Bunny is an advocate for good salaries and efficient work. When he was Provincial Secretary in Wellington it was customary to employ a number ot extra clerks in the Treasury and other Depart ments. Some of these were so lamentably inefficient that an increase of work was actually thrown upon the chief officers, who applied for more salary. Mr Bunny, after a careful examination into the depart mental working, reorganised the offices, dispensing with the services of the in efficient, and increasing the salaries of those who remained. He is said to be well acquainted with departTnental routine, and ia a stickler tor prompt and careful work. Mr Bunny worked hard for the present Ministry during the last session. He was almost übiquitous ; and as a whip, rendered invaluable aid.

Mr Barton's son ia working very hard to secure the election of his father to the General Assembly. The candidate has been waited on in prison by Messrs J. C. Btowd, M.H.R., and Seymour George, who re quested him to resign in favour of Mr Hutchinson, as it is feared that these two candidates will split the votes of the Greyites, aud put in Mr Pearce. Mr Barton declined.

An interesting archaeological discovery has just been made in Italy. That of a buried town, a new Pompeii unexpectedly found near Manfredonia, at the foot of Mount Gargons. A temple of Diana was first brought to light, and then a portico about twenty metres in length, with columus without capitals, and finally a necropolis covering 15,000 square metres (about 3f acres. A large number of inscrip tions have been collected, and some of them have been sent to the Museum at Naples. The town discovered is the ancient Lipanturo, of which Strabo, Polybeus, and Livy, speak, and which was buried by an earthquake. The houses are 20 feet below the surface of the soil. The Italian Government has taken measures to continue the excavations on a large scale. Every day some fresh object of interest turns up. The latest is a monument erected in honor of Pompey after his victory over the pirates, and a large quantity of coins in gold aud coppeiv Miss Lea! and the Reeds gave successful perform anc .a at Gisborne.

At the Masterton races Mufti won the Maiden Plate, with Roderick second ; Danebury won the: Wairarapa Stakes, beat ing Lara and Otupai ; Doncaster beat Satin for the Produce Stakes.

A match took place on Saturday at Papakura between the Remuera and Bombay Cricket Clubs. Bombay made 63 in the first innings, and 50 in the second. Remuera 42 in first innings and 4 Avickets down for 2£.in the second, and therefore winning with 6 wickets to spare. The batting of T. Whewell for Remuera with 12 in first and 30 not out in the second innings, and McLennon for Bombay with 26 in first and 14 in the second innings was an exhibition of really good cricket. The bowling of W. F. Buckland, for Remuera was very dis astrous to the Bombay wickets, although the wicket being very lively was against him.

Messrs Partridge and Woollams are the promoters of a bona fide grand Art Union, in which there are seven prizes consisting of genuine works of art from the studios and potteries of Florence Berlin, and London. The articles are of a kind rarely seen in the colonies, and are, we believe, sent out as samples. The first prize, a set of exquisite Florentine Mosaics, displays the extreme delicacy and elegance of Italian workman ship. There is also a set of beautiful orna mental tiles, from the potteries of Minton and Co. These are tho most unique speci mens of the kind ever seen in Auckland. The jars of Berlin china from the Imperial potteries, are also articles of great value and rarity. The other prizes consist of magnifi cently bound volumes,-illustrated hy lead ing artists. The ..hole of the prizes are extremely valuable, rare, and chaste, and the list of subscribers, no deubt, will be rauidly filled up. Mr Hughes, Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, and his energetic staff, accom panied by Messrs Dickson, Waddel, Fleming, and Goldie, members of the City Council, proceeded to the Karangahape Road on Saturday afternoon, for the pur pose of testing the water pressure. A great many experiments were tried, and at length, ou'the suggestion of Mr Hughes, the Ponsonby reservoir valves were adjusted, and those at the head of Queen-street re opened, the water from the Kyber Pass turned into the city main, from the 12-inch into the 20.inch pipes, when the result was an instant reduction of the pressure to 151bs, but it rapidly increased to 42lbs. The fall and rise were caused by the whole of the city mains, having to receive the extra pressure from the Kyber Pass before the guage re-assumed its first indication. The result of the experiments was so far satis factory, as they indicated that at the time the water from Kyber Pass was required at the Newton fire, it was wasting away by flowing into the Ponsonby reservoir, possibly, as was conjectured, through a mistake in the adjustment of the valvas of the latter reservoir.

David Hamiltou, late of Queen-street, baker, was brought up this morning by Detective Jeffrey, from Wangauui, and charged with removing goods with the view defrauding his creditors. The detective has been away nine days in search of the ]v isoner, and has experienced a good deal > r trouble in his quest. There are a number of charges against Hamilton, who is re manded until Friday next. '; he members of the Hobson Band will tn'.c their moonlight excursjpnthis evening on the waters of the Waitemata, starting from the wharf by tbe Takapuna exactly at half-past seven o'clock. The members have been practising some new pieces for this evening, and if the weather should be favor able and Luna smile beneficently, the trip will be a pleasant one. Volunteers desirous of attendiug the excursion are requested to muster in uniform at 7.15 with the Hobson and City Band, junction of Queen and Grey-street. As it is expected that there will be more passengers than one boat will hold, a second^boat has been engaged.

A grand organ recital will be given this oveiling, by Harcourt Lee, Esq., in the Pitt .-.treet Wesleyau Church,, commencing at eight o'clock. The musical selections will be taken from the works of Handel, Costa, Haydn, Weber, Dunster, Mendelssohn, aud other eminent composers. Mr Lee is a distinguished musician, and it is through the courtesy of the Italian Opera Company, now performing at the Theatre Royal, that his services have been specially secured for the organ recital. Mrs Mitchell and other members of the Choral Society will assist with their voices.

The " Poverty Bay Standard" pays us the following compliment :•—" For enter prise in obtaining information of interest, whether by special reporter), or costly messages through the wires, .be Auckland Evening Star excels all other newspapers. The element of expense appears never to be taken into account. When Sir George Grey and tho Hon. Mr Sheehan visited Tawhiao at the Waikato, the Star, at its own expense, sent up a smart man as "special." The reporter upon arrival sought an interview with the scoundrel Te Kooti." The "Standard" then reprints our reporter's account of the interview.

There were goodshowsof fruit, vegetables, flowers, and poultry in the market on Saturday, and some fine specimens of Auck land grown apples and plums, which seemed like promises of future excellence, lead ing the spectator to believe that the northern districts of New Zealand will soon be in a position to equal if not to surpass the fruits sent from the sister colonies. We noticed a fine sample of the " Nonsuch" apple, from Mr Green's Lilydale nursery, One Tree Hill. This kind of apple is, we understand, new to the colony, and the same as was formerly culti vated at Nonsuch Park, near the racing vill age of Epsom, and which was a Royal re sort in the time of Queen Anne, but is now turned into a farm. We noticed also sam ples of the " Magnum Bonum" plum, of ex traordinary size; also a quantity of fragrant lavender, suggestive of the odoriferous fields of Mitcham, where several thousand acres are devoted to the growth of lavender for the English markets. Among the num bers of peaches exhibited at the various stalls, our attention was drawn to the rosy " Chevaliers," beautiful in hue, and deli cious in flavour, fresh from Mrs Motion's orchard near the Western Springs.

To the Editor : Sir, —Now city engineer ing (aud all its faults) is engaging our worthy Councillors, will you allow me through your valuable paper to ask them what is the meaning of that extraordinary excavation of the footpath in front of Councillor Dickson's property, Ponsonby ? 1 should advise the committee in their in vestigations to see who it was recommended and carried out that disgraceful piece of jobbery.—l am, Ratepayer.

A little girl walking in the Church of England cemetery yesterday had a book snatched out of her hand by a young scamp. Mr Dickey gives the lad time for repentance and restitution, but notifies by advertise ment that unless the book aud an apology are forthcoming at once, £5 reward will be paid for the detection and punishment of the lad.

The "OamaruMail," of which George Jones is proprietor, has a leader, terrible in length and strength, contradicting the rumour that the trial of George Jones tor libel would not take place. The article, after referring to the Empire City as " the . seat of literary, political, and social corruption," concludes with the words:—"We have much pleasure in informing numerous iuquirers that the case will, for a certainty, be heard in Dunedin in the second week of March next."

Professor Blackie has written a letter lately to protest against the course of cor ruption of the English language, by minute and curious imitation of Greek, lately com menced by Mr Browning, Mr Gladstone, and a host of minor men. He points out that English is English, Latin Latin, and Greek Greek ; and that we have as little right to say Keltic for Celtic, Kikero for Cicero, or Platou for Plato, as Aye should have to call Munich Munschen, or Florence Firenze. The Professor stigmatises the in novation asilly affectation.

A painter named Dymock, of Albert street, who has been ill for sometime past died suddenly yesterday, and his remains buried to-day. Dymock arrived in Auck land' about nine months ago, and always bore the character of an industrious and sober workman. He had not been able to obtain regular employment, and during his illness his little stock of savings was com pletely exhausted. Two gentlemen who visited Mrs Dymock this morning found her and two helpless little children in a state of utter destitution. Theytemporarily relieved the necessities of the family and now appeal to our columns to the sym pathies of the charitable. W re shall be glad to take charge of any subscriptions left at this office. . The inspection parades of the Victoria, Hobson, and Scottish Volunteers will take place to-morrow (Tuesday) evening, at the usual hour, in the Drill Shed, Wellesley street East, under command of then respective officers.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M.) night birds. ' William McCleary, Robert Leary, Maggie Bainsbmy, and Catherine Taylor were severally fined for drunkenness. YIELDING TO TEMPTATION. Duncan Bell, a tall young man, was brought up on a charge of drunkenness and stealing the .sum*of £1 14s, on the 17th instant, the property of Frank De Bries-e, of the schooner Agnes Donald. Prisoner said he was drunk, but did not steal the money. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the man was arrested, but no money was found upon him, and there was no proof that he stole the money ; he would ask for his discharge. A voice from the crowd : "He is as inno : cent as a baby, your Worship; he did not steal the money. The prisoner was discharged on the first charge, and was fined 10s for drunkenness. WATCH AND BOOTS. Robert Leary, an elderly man, was brought up on two charges : First, with stealing a pair of boots, value 19s, the property of John Milburn; and second, with stealing a silver watch, value £5, and a £1 note, the property of Thomas Barnett. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. John Milburn deposed that he was a sea man, and was engaged tc go on a voyage to Gisborne. The prisoner was engaged for the same trip. He purchased a pair ot boots, and on getting up on Saturday morn ing he missed them. They were subse quently found in prisoner's possession. Detective Grace deposed to taking prisoner into custody. He found him drunk on the wharf. » Milburn, ou being re-called, said prisoner took the boots back, and in his haste put on one of the steward's boots and one of prisoner's own. His Worship said there was not sufficient evidence to convict. Sub-Inspector Pardy said he would with draw the second charge, as the evidence was not sufficient to esiablish the charge of stealing the watch against the pris oner. The case being withdrawn, prisoner was charged with drunkenness, andfined 10s and costs. CHARGE OF STEALING A TENT. Daniel Donoghue, an elderly man, for merly an hotel-keeper, was charged with stealing a tent, value £2 10s., the property of Mr D. E. Macdonald, on the 9th inst. Prisoner pleaded not gulty. Sub-luspector Party stated that the tent was the property of Mr Macdonald, and had been used in the Domain on the days of the grand cricket match. It had been left behind at the close of the match, and when it was scut for it was not to be found. It was suspected that the thief had secreted the tent, and accordingly a watch was set. On Saturday morning the old man was noticed among the trees going about in a stealthy manner, and after takiug a careful view around he wus seen to remove the tent from its hiding place. Detective Grace subseDuently arrested prisoner, and brought him to the station. Prisoner, addressing the Court, said he was perfectly innocent of the charge, as he should be able to prove by a witness. He was in the employ of a gentleman at Moant Albert. The case was remanded until the 22nd instant, for the purpose of giving prisoner an opportunity of clearing himself. MR TATTERSALL'S DOG. William Tattersall, a respectable man, was charged with allowing his dog "Watch" to be at liberty without a collar, also with allowing the said dog to attack Mr George Poole on the 11th instant. Mr Tattersall pleaded guilty, but the dog was not his, and he had sent it home to its master in the Kaipara. Mr Poole was passing, when the dog flew at him, and gave him a sharp nip on the calf of his leg. He was not desirous of pressing the charge. Fined 2s 6d, costs 18s. YOUNG SCAMPS, Benjamin Agnew and Thomas Quinn, on remand, were again brought up charged with absconding from the Naval Training School, and stealing two horses, the pro perty ola native of Orakai, on the 15th instant. The charge of stealing the horses was withmawn, and for absconding the boys were ordered to be imprisoned for 14 days, Agncw to receive 12 lashes, and Quinn 20, both being boys of very bad, character, especially Quinn. BREACH OF RAILWAY REGULATIONS. £g John Lundon, of Onehunga, appeared in answer to a summons charging him with having committed a breach of the by-laws and regulations under the Public Works Act of 1876, by getting into a carriage on the Auckland and Onehunga Railway, while the train was in motion, on the 13th inst. Mr Tole appeared for defendant, and con tended that his client was not definitely charged with any offence in the information, and that lie was at a loss under such circumstances^ to know really what to answer. Ceorge Watkins deposed that he was a guard on the railway on the day in questian, and saw Mr Lundon on the railway plat form, but did not see him get into the train. He also saw him in the train. He did not report upon the matter, because he did not see Mr Lundon jump in. Mr Macdonald, general manager, deposed to seeing defendant get into the carriage while the train was in motion. .<To Mr Tole : He did not take proceed ings, but gavo information to the police. A good deal of discussion followed as to the exact meaning of the by-law, when His Worship ruled that he must dismiss the charge, owing to the vagueness of the infor mation. ALLEGED FRAUDULENT BANKRUPTCY. David Hamilton was brought up on a charge of removing certain goods, to the value £7, with intent to defraud his credi tors, he being at the time of the removal a bankrupt. Mr Brookfield, for the prosecution, asked for a remaud, as prisoner had only just been brought up from Wanganui by' Detective Jeffrey, and as there were other charges against him. Remanded until Friday. This was all the business.

A French Duel.

A WIFE'S HONOUR VINDICATED,

(From Our Own Correspondent)

PARIS, December 16. Not only that our political crisis has turned the political crisis upside down ; it has also given occasion to several duels between parties of different opinions, and the denouement of some was most dis astrous. Amongst others were two young gentlemen of Marseilles, who fought a duel with swords. One of them was mortally wounded. M. Clovis Hugues, editor of tha "Jeune Republique," was married some little time ago, and the celebration of the

marriage was merely civil; j£. ts, F...... | chief editor of a Bonapai-fist ioii'ni.i ,^» 1 the " Aigle," criticised i» hL wf 3 >.* ' I very offensive terms the manias .-ft- 1? * was not consecrated by the Churoh t_- ; went so far as to say that w married without the concourse of*.. 11 ' I churches had no right to wear oruno-f f]L & 1 a symbol of the maidenly chastS l*> ardent polemic between the "Ai-V' 5 $ the '[ Jeune Republic" was the cons™ *!<* 1 of it, and it came so far that a duel waa ■ avoidable. It took place in a, smaller | in the environs of Marseilles on the Mr? terranean shores. The two adversaria fenced at the commencement for a Pih while, Daynies snddenly uttered a piercin ' - ■ cry, raised his arms to the air- an A ';- swooncd in the arms of his witnejw ■ '■ The sword of Ungues attained him abov 1 the right breast, and a flood of black b10r.,. 1 was running from the gaping wound TU wounded man was transported iv a carria" 1 wliich conducted him to his residence hit I he died during the transit. In presen. of such a sad denouement, the courage fail me to give my opinion on the conduct of the unfortunate, gentleman, who Biud r with his life the insult which he had given what ought to be kept most sacred to a_ I man of honor, the virtue of a woman. TjS 1 result of that unfortunate duel was thtt M Clovis Hugues and his witnesses hay. I hastened themselves to quit France. Pm ceedings have . been taken a<rainat. them, and they declared °thafc ! they would present themselves before the 1 ' assigned tribunal, but they would avoid preventive imprisonment. According to the French law, these gentlemen willsurely I be acquitted, which would not have beea he case if the adversaiy were wounded for in the first case no jury would give a verdict of guilty, just as if they were common criminals, as the combat "was a loyal one, while in the second case iSi would have ended with imprisonment. ' and a fine. Duelling is ,not re cognised by the French Legislatures if and the combatants and witnesses are prose cuted as the authors and accessories of 'm murder or of doing bodily harm. Of course: « this is not as it ought to be, and it is timer .« that our legislatures introduced in our code; I a law which provides for such cases, as it is. fI impossible to abolish the duel. , F. .11l

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

'1 BRITISH FLEET ARRIVED AT CON- ! STANTINOPLE. . J RUSSIA WARNED AGAINST OCCU- f-'* PATION OF^CONSTANTINOPLE. — i [special to press agency]. LONDON, February 14. The " Daily Telegraph " announces that • j the British fleet passed the Dardanelles on :1| - the afternoon of the 13th instant. Its- 1 destination is Prince's Island. The Porte "Am protested against the entrance. In the House of Lords, the Earl of Derbjy|B, confirmed the statement of the arrival of J j the fleet at Constantinople; and he also I | stated that he had notified to Prince Gort- I I schakoff that the Russian occupation of \ Constantinople wouid not be justifiable. i BRITISH SQUADRON AT GALLI- 1 POLL I LONDON, February 35. ] A portion of the fleet is at GallipolL "'I The Turkish Parliament has been diflF M [ solved. | *

PORTE REFUSES TO ALLOW BRITISH TROOPS TO LAND.

RUSSIA PROFESSES PACIFIC IN- I TENTIONS. [REUTERS SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.] LONDON, February 15. \ Lord Derby, in reply to Prince Goits- \ . chakoff, protested against the occupation of f Constantinople by Russian troops. The Biitish fleet have entered the Sea of '. _ Marmora. ' In reply to a question in Parliament, the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that | the Porte had refused to allow British -_{ troops to be landed at Constantinople, but 1 f the British fleet was nevertheless proceed- ?. - • ing and .vas unopposed. It is believed ■•* that now tlie British fleet is at Constan- | In reply to England's objection t__t--£l Russian occupation of Constantinople could F| not be justified, Prince Gortschakoff states % that the Russian occupation is of a pacific .-. The relations between Austria and Russia "J j are extremely critical. The Hon. James Lowther has been ap- * a pointed Secretary for Ireland. '■' The Prince of Wales has started for • | Berlin, in order to be present at the Royal' jg \ marriage. ] . ' "$

OUTRAGE .IN SYMONDS-STREET.

A YOUTH ASSAULTS A WIDOW \AA \ LADY ON HER OWN PROPERTY. An outrage of a cowardly nature was per- F petrated lastevening onMrs Lyell, a widow . lady who resides in Symonds-street, oppo- W site Government House. It appears, rro_a- v _ . what we can gather of the particulars, that Mrs Lyell was preparing to attend the even ing chinch service, when, looking through her window, she observed two boys in her , back garden, which is planted with peach I trees. Both the boys were respectably . dressed, the eldest being about 15 years of age, and the other 13. The former was on. | the upper branches of a peach tree, and his \, j hat, which lay on the ground, was filled Km with peaches. Mrs Lyell immediately ran. j j down the garden, and taking' up the hat, , emptied the peaches on the grass. The youth came down from the tree and de manded his hat, which Mrs Lyell refused _g to give. He quickly snatched it from her ;. hand, at the same time striking her several . severe blows on the face. The young y scoundrel, accompanied by his companion, '.. then decamped as quickly as possible, leav- $ ing Mrs Lyell in the garden with her face ? bleediug from the effects of the blows. A■•-; severe cut had been caused on the bridge of ; her nose, besides several contusions oft i other parts of her face, which was much"H swollen. Mrs Lyell watched them until they disappeared in. the direction- -, of St. George's Bay, and then proceeded in ■ search of assistance. This she obtained m the persons of a constable and a gentleman^ whose sympathies were enlisted on behalf. of the lady. They endeavoured to find s some traces of the boys until 9 o'clock, bu*'. without success. This morning, the police authorities were communicated with, and ; immediate steps taken to discover the whereabouts of the young rascals. Consta- __ ■?_ ble Madden arrested a boy on suspicion, . but on his being taken before Mrs Ly .*. . she failed to recognise him. The'pohce--. have taken, the matter up with the full determination to probe it to| the Jbottom, . • \ and no stone will be left unturned by thow ~.; , until the mystery is solved. It is tobe | hoped, in the interest-; of the public at large, | that they will be successful in their search- . ; We may mention that Mrs Lyell, who 13 a widow, residing by herself in Symonds-"; street, with only one female attendant,#J||ra| r been frequently annoyed by youths J^J||| take advantage of her unprotected state.. .> and make free with the fruit on the trees.... Fruit stealing is becoming rather*??' 5 prevalent in the city, and is quite time that, -j some steps should be taken to put a stop w^ it. Should the offender in the present case -| be arrested,-we have no doubt but that a will be treated according to his deserts.

A correction of the Agnes Donald s dat* of sailing for Levuka arrived too late to . insertion to-day. She will positively lea** ; on Saturday next. a- a y ■:....;. ~-<;(-;;.■; i:"F;| : ; J

EVENING STAR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18. 18»8



CyLOV'ER SEEDS. (^LOVE'SSEEDS. Just jro Hand, ex ' Apb&___]3.* OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEA-SQN'S EOL-O^EI- SEEDS, ,_ONSIBTING OF White Clover Timothy Red Glover RaP. e.. Cow Grass Trefoil A-sj-ke tec, Sec, Sec. Turnip A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. Alr-O, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c, &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. V HUEgT & COj 101, JJueen-street. —fI!~NATIONAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND (LIMITED). Incorporated under the Companies Acts 1862 and 1867, and the New Zealand Act 1., 1873. Notice is hereby given that an Interim DIVIDEND for the Half-Year aending 30th September, 1877, at the rate of SIX (6[ PER CENT per Annum has been declared by the Directors, and will be paid to the' Shareholders (whose names appear at this date on the Register kept in the colony) on and after the 19th instant. ... The Transfer Books will be CLOSED from this date uDtil the 19th instant. THOS. BUCHANAN, Inspector. - WeWflj-tOB, SB. F. bjwy, W& .



rTjNION INSURANCE COMPANY) ■_) -Off NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. UCKLAND BRANCH: QUEEN-S T R E TC T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insurano 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 ~owest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager._ OVA.L INSURANCE COMPANY. Special Notice to Insurers. STThis Company, having intimated to tho In surance Association their Withdrawal from Tariff Arrangements, is now prepared to grant Policies on all descriptions of Property at equitable rates. Concessions will be made on first-class build ings and approved risks, in Town and Suburbs, aud for water supply and other protection, where made available. Special arrangements -will be made with Mortgagees, Solicitors, House Agents, Con tractors, and other large insurers. The policy of the Company is promptness and liberality in the settlement of claims, and strictly honourable dealing in all its transactions. The Security of Insurers is unsurpassed by that of any Company doing business in the Colony. GEO. W. JONES, Agent. Office: ShortJand-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.



mWSNTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT. FOR_A SHORT TIME ONLY ! FANCY DRESS MATERIALS, FURNISHING GOODS, BLACK SILKS, BLANKETS, CALICOES. HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, CARPETS AND MATTING. CLOTHING OF ALL KINDS, FOR BOYS' AND MEN'S WEAR, HATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, &c, AND EVERY DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, AT. tea. TWENTY PER CENT. REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND • ALLOWED UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. Goods Entered will be Charged Regular Prices. OUSHBROOK AND ORLDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C„ UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (Opposite tho Army and Navy Hotel). T UF~S T OPE NED 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S REGATTA SHIRTS Of a Superior Quality of French Cambric, and the most Fashionable Patterns. .V. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER & MEN'S MERCER, ■vr c w nr-R aland ttousk, 66, QUEEN-STREET. Auckland. ONEDUST! BONEDUST BONEDUST! To Arrive, about the middle of February: ~_-_ir 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Bell's _- inch, inch, and Boneflour. \V. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. X pOSGBAVE & /^ O. will hold a GREAT CLEARING S*LE OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING TO-MORROW. All Goods Reduced to Cost Price. Inspection Invited. "VTEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MER CANTILE AGENCY COMPANY (LIMITED). It is hereby notified to Shareholders in New Zealand that a DIVIDEND, at the rate of Ten per cent, per annum, for six months ending 31st December last, and a BONUS of Five per cent. are now Payable at the Bank of New Zealand. D. L. MURDOCH, Managing Director. Auckland, February 11,1878. TNDUSTRIAL HOi E. The Ladies' Committee of the Homo invite the Friends and Subscribers to be present at the Distribution of Gifts to the Children, from a Christmas Tree, On WEDNESDAY, the 28th February instant, at 5 p.m. O. G. T. EXCELSIOR LODGE. No. 19, Franklyn Road School-room. An OPEN MEETING will be held on WED NESDAY, the 20th instant, at 7.30 p.m. An appropriate Programme has been selected for the occasion. Admission. Free. GEO. WHITCOMBE, W.S. THORNTON, SMITH. AND FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale) •Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. 50"s Crown Brand Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s.-rl. perton 16 0 0 16 10 0 17 0 0 . T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 15 0 0 15 10 0 16 0 0 Meal for Pig-feed .. 710 0 Sharps 7 10 0 Bran 6 0 0 Fowl Wheat .. .. _s. to _s. 6d, per bushel. The.above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. Feb-siary 11, 1877. T& H. COOKE • Have on Sale I £.ONE 0:F THE LARGEST STOCKS OF FURNITURE IN THE COLONY. Special Items:— DRAWING-ROOM SUITES WALNUT TABLES CARPETS HEARTHRUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BEDSTEADS TOILET _< LASSES CANE-SEATED CHAIRS TOILET-WARE DRAWERS MARBLE-TOP WASHSTANDS MATTRESSES FEATHER BEDS. A Small Shlnment of CRETONNES and CASH MMIEB, New Patterns. All Goods at Lowest Rates. . DELIVERED FREE. Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers. Furniture Showrooms .... 67, QUEEN-STREET Stmm d»t>inet Factory ..._. ..VICTORIA-STREET j



SUPERIOR SAMPLES of Sydney and New Zealand Maize. Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table Potatoes, Flour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley, Jhaff, Oilcake Coal, &c., &c, always on hand. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND __r CITY HALL "S* Jj^rnishing Arcade. NEW GOODS JUST UNPACKED, . AND QUITE NEW. CRETONNES, 'T * Large Lot New Colours and New Designs. /New Brussels, from 4/9 n a i.-dtttq J New Tapestry, from 2/1 -AKfJilb. « Nevv . Kidderminster, from 3/2 (, New Hearthrugs, from 6/6 /New Shape Walnut Suites New Reps for do. For the ' Green and Crimson Silk Rep ) >_> § DRAWING-< Black and Gold do. _-oS ROOM. Fawn and Gold do. J !>g I New Pattern Walnut Tables VNew Inlaid Flower Stands /12 feet wide, 3/ per yard ELOOR- 3 ~2/ CLOTHS. " Oil Canvas, /9 I Linoleum, all widths Handsome White Twist and Bullion Fringes, for Bed Hangings Handsome White & Fancy Belgian Damask, for do. Turkish Towels, very large size, 1/3 and 1/9 Superior Fancy Oil Baizes, for tables Immense Variety in Ladies' Dress Buttons. Holloway, Garlick 8s Oraa-well, City H all A_ roads, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. CABINET FACTORY .. Lome-street



There is no comparison in point of flavour and remedial properties between that incomparable medicinal beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Sciinapps, and the imitations of it put up in empty bottles of the real article. The true Schnapps is positively delicious, and an unfailing remedy for the diseases to which it is adapted. Tho counterfeits have a detestable flavour, and are deleterious in the last degree.