SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER-S'^^rMorniig. 10.8 SUN SET.—This Evening, 7.3 ■ ■ SUN RISE.—To morrow Morning, 5.27 MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, Feb. 11,0.56 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Stella Maris, brigantine, Klaver, from Dnnedin (in the Manukau)

DEPARTURE.

Hinemoa Government. im^™ hM- for Taranaki. Wanganui, Wellington Mate™ schooner, Schulze, for Samoa hn Ah pad ss for Pisborne Abb^Hoimt'barque, for Valparaiso He-ward, schooner, for Gisbome

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London—Lochfleet, ship, May Queen, ship,

For Tonga—Energy, schooner, Monday. Lifuka, schooner, for Haabai, this evening For Sydney, Hero, to-morrow noon

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Fontenaye. barque, from London; sailed 13th December. _ , . Mazeppa, schooner, from Levuka early. Charybdis. schooner, from the Islands, early Omaha, brigantine, from Chatham- Islands,

Minnehaha, schooner, from the South, early Leucadia' ship, from London, early Lapwing, brigantine. from New York Linda Weber! schooner, from Timara early Oceoia. brigantine, from^ Adela o 1(ie. early v Chile, barque, from London; sa led 3th Nov. Chasca, barque, from London; sailed 4th Nov.

SsTho s.s. Southern Cross is now in full swing Srith hpr Pltprations The saloon is being ex tenidtoa^ accommodation, when the improvements are completed, will be equal to that_of the best steamers on the coast, Inst? ad f . of the old open berths there will be several staterooms built, which .^-ill be handsomely fitted up. The machinery is also being thoroughly overhauled Tjr Messrs Fraser and Tinne, who have taken a large portion of it out, and are repairing it at their factory. Messrs Sims ajid Brown are the contractors for the woodwork- . # The Government steamer Hmemoa lerx Onehunga at eleven o'clock this morning, .roth the Prime Minister and suite, for Taranaki and Wanganui. Detective Jeffrey was also a passenger. _ . , The new schooner Matafeleleft for Samoa last night. Her sister fhip the Lifuka will sail for Haabai this evening, in charge of Captain Lombard.

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

The following are the dates of Gold Mining calls, and when dividends are due:— Calls— New Golden Pah .. ..009 Feb. 13 New Morning Star.. ..010 Feb. 13 Tookey „ 0 1 0 Feb. 20 Dividends— Alburnia 015 0 Feb. 8 Union Bank of Australia 2 0 0 Now due Bay of Islands Coal Com pany 0 10 0 Now due Auckland & North Shore Ferry Company ..050 Now due Meetings— Crown Princess G.M. Co Feb. 15

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under -.— Per s.s. Hero, on Friday, Bth inst., as follows :— For Thames, this day, at 4.80 p.m.; and to morrow, at 4.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.l For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. Per s.s. Hero, to-morrow (Friday), as follows: — For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 10 a.m. For Australian Colonies, and United King dom, via Suez and Southampton, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters for Sydney and Melbourne, at 11.15 a.m. * . For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Samoa and Tonga, per Active, on Saturday next, at noon. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, Mangapai, per Anne PSMilbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Hawea, on Monday next, at 3 p.m." For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, immediately on arrival of City of Sydney from Honolulu. S. B. BIS 3. Chief Postmaster.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

CMWtfee cause that lacks assbtanca, F«u the wroag that needs tesistJUK*, Vvi the future la the dlstacce, And tto rood <kAt -ma «m d*

OUR contemporary this morning indulges in a loud Jeremiad over its bete noir Russian aggressiveness. Had a Russian cruiser suddenly run into harbour and levied black mail on our contemporary's types and piinting-presses,' his grief could not have been more poignant, nor his virtuous indig nationjjmore vigorous th'angin his wail of this morning. The Russian character is painted in dyes of the deepest black, she is accused of despotism, tyranny to her own subjects, persecution of Roman Catholics, fraud and force, con tempt of treaties, setting the Euro pean Powers by the ears, and a host of Other crimes and misdemeanours which would fill a bulky catalogue. We wonder what Russia would have to say in reply to all this. When we charge her with at first " protecting" and afterwards annexing states, she might point to the British dominion in India under Warren Hastings

and Marquis Wellesley, in which the avowed policy was to . foster enmity amongst the native rulers, and to espouse one side against the other with the view of ultimately crushing both. We question whether "in all history there can be seen any more glaring instances of grasping oppression thau is to be found in the annals of British rule in India, from its first conquest to the suppression of the mutiny by wholesale slaughter and the blowing of Musselmen from the cannon mouth to violate their religious sentiments to the uttermost. Gibraltar, Malta, and a hundred monument-! which we cherish with pride, as tokens of national bravery and glorious achievements yetwarn us of the danger of crying " Down with aggressors." •The Herald article is chiefly conspicuous for a childish, horror of Russia and a total ignorance of the institutions of that country. Under a purely autocratic rule, the Russian peasant enjoys in his commune and under the unique land laws of the country, an amount of freedom and privileges which obtain in few other European countries. His reverence for and obedience to the Czar are an outgrowth of his religion, and are deeply rooted in his affections. Russia is a country only just emerging from the feudal _ state, possessing a large and densely ignorant rural population, but it has made noble strides in the direction of civilization and enlightenment during the last century. But for our intense national prejudice and traditional hatred we should see much to admire in the extraordinary efforts for self-improvement which the Muscovite has of late years given evidence. Whilst inveighing in 'strong terms against Russian rule, and referring in terms of con tempt to Mr. Gladstone and other eminent statesmen who see reasons for palliating her present action, our contemporary appears to have entirely overlooked the long and brutal oppression by the Ottomans of their Christian subjects in Turkey, the violations and massacres of innocent women and children, the robbery of peasautry by thievish and brutal Pashas, and the attempt to crush out by fire and sword the last aspirations of patriotism. Parodying the words of our contemporary, we might exclaim, " All this treachery, and all this premeditated butchery, in the name of Aliab, and the Holy Prophet!" It was the fanatic obstinacy and pride of the Turk, and his contempt of civilised control that precipitated the war. Russia entered upon it, as the earlier history of the war shewed, totally unprepared, with an impoverished exchequer, and an army in process of reorganization. It is rank nonsense to assert that ltussia has broken up the old alliances of Europe, some of which were probably more honoured in the "breach than in the observance. Such exaggerated Russian aggressh eness as fills the perturbed mind of our contemporary could only have the effect of binding more stiongly together for purposes of repression the powerful States of Europe. Russian statesmen are astute enough to perceive this, and they are not likely to push farther in the direction of Constantinople, in defiance of the present temper of the British Parliament and people, and the mandate of Europe, " Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther."

DURING the visit of the Premier to Alex andra a deputation of settlers waited upon him with reference to the defences of the township. Capt. Tisdall, who headed the deputation, pointed out that there were some thousands of cartridges in the redoubt at Alexandra which were left to the protec tion of a sergeant and three men. The Premier here remarked that he hoped they were all very brave men. Capt. Tisdall rejoined that Mr Todd, surveyor, was shot within view of the windows of the Alex andra Hotel, and that there was nothing more sensitive than capital which was re pelled by the unprotected condition of the settlement. The Premier, in reply, re marked that one of the principal objects of his visit was to examine into the state of the defences on the frontier, and when the whole question was considered Alexandra would receive its fair share of attention. We think that the request for an increase in the constabulary at Alex andra at this juncture was exceed ingly ill-timed and injudicious, and had it come to the ears of the Kingites at the meeting might have seriously im peded the good understanding which was subsequently arrived at. The best guarantee for the safety of the frontier settlements from any sudden surprise is to be found in the self-reliance of the settlers themselves, and in an efficiently-trained moveable force, with light held-guns stationed at some immedtate central place so as to be in constant readiness to act with alacrity upon any point threatened. We think, however, that the results of the recent meeting will remove all danger of a collision between the two races on the frontier for a long period, and meantime Sir George Grey may succeed at the March meeting in satisfying the grievances of the natives, and in restoring the cordial rela tions which existed prior to the wars of 1860 and 1863.

Some years ago ample reserves were set apart for public purposes in the neighbour hood of Hamilton, but under the system of giving special " sops " in return for political support which was inaugurated under the Vogelian administration, choice parts of these endowments were allowed to fall into the hands of private persons, to the detri ment of the interests of the community as a whole. This malversation of public trust was prominently brought under the attention of the Premier by a deputation during his visit to Hamil ton on Monday evening. The County Council desive power to lease a portion of the reserves in order to supplement the grant of £3,000 voted by the General Assembly for the erection of a bridge, but Sir George Grey pointed out that the whole of the land round the Lake, part of which has been sold to private persons, was set apart as a public reserve, and the land still unsold might yet be required as a public park; but he thought ' that power might be obtained by act of the assembly to lease the Town Belt portions for a period ot 21 yeais. It is a curious fact that two or three years ago the local Road Board was in absolute ignorance of the exact boundaries of this Town Belt, though portions of it were rapidly drifting into the hands of land-sharks by means of pleasantly managed negotiations conducted in Ministerial rooms. We now hear of another scheme which is said to be contem flated in the interest of a local ring, t is said that a party of speculators, who possess a considerable area of laud in a cer tain part of the river, desire to divert the site of th c proposed bridge from the present punt so as to enable them to cut up their property into allotments, and sell them at an enormously enhanced price, and it is currently believed that it was political intrigue and not engineering expediency that caused Fthe railway terminus to stop a mile and a half short of the township, and enable certain land owners to sell allotments uear the railway station at high figures. If such a scheme •is really contem plated, it behoves the people of Hamilton to look sharply after their interests. The diversion of the bridge site would be a gross injustice to those wha have bought and improved properties con tiguous to the main road leading to the punt. The inconvenience and extra expense entailed by the present site of the railway terminus ought to act as an incen tive to the inhabitants of Hamilton to be stir themselves in the matter of the reserves, the bridge site, and similar interests affect ing the welfare of the whole community.

Manga, or Rewi, the leading chief of Ngatimaniapoto, lias written several letters to the hon. the Native Minister with reference to lands beyond the confiscated boundaries, and other similar matters dis cussed at the recent meeting. The Native Minister replied that all the matters had already received attention.

We are always glad to see reruse material utilised. Kauri gum dust at one time vras worthless. Some seven years since Mr Williams had an idea that he could make a useful article in the shape of fire-kindlers. He carried his idea out, and Williams' fire kindlers have become a household neces sity. Now his t attention has been turned to the utilisation of the refuse gas-water from the gas-works, from which, by distillation, he extracts liquid ammonia, which, together with other alkalies, he makes up into a washing liquid. From testimonials we have seen, it seems to answer the pur poses it is represented to do very well. It is well known that ammonia is a very useful agent in removing grease, &c. It has not the destructive properties of potash and lime. The low price it is sold at ought to make it a success.

The entries for the Wanganui I. C. Handi cap are : Tamatea, Una, Chokebore, Ouida, Kingfisher, Lara, Doncaster, Lady of the Lake, Songster, Expectation, Haphazard, Lapland, Gang forward, Resolution, Dane bury, Bide-a-wee, Glenary, Legacy, Foam, May Moon, Folly, Tamouri, Flora Mac donald, Bully-for-you, Opawa. Flying Stakes Handicap : Emblem, Skyblue, Bully for-You, Flora Macdonald, May Moon, Luna, Legacy, Glenary, Bide-a-wee, Dane bury, Resolution, Lapland, Haphazard, Expectation, Stanley, Lady of the Lake, Doncaster, Lara, Kingfisher, Ouida, Choke bore ; Uria, Tameka. Residents in the Remuera Road district are cautioned by advertisement against cast ing rubbish upon the public roads or in tho ditches, under a penalty of ten pounds, recoverable under the Public Works Act.

The following address to Sir George Grey is being numerously signed in Wellington : " Sir, —We, the undersigned electors and others, inhabitants of the city of Welling ton, remembering the many services you have in times past rendered to New Zealand, and feeling grateful for your efforts last session in furtherance of liberal and useful legislation, more especially with regard to the colonialisation of the land fund, also the numerous benefits- likely to flow from your late negotiations with the natives and. the Maori King, desire respectfully to express our appreciation of your exertions, and to tender you our warmest thanks. We no tice, with the greatest satisfaction, that the Government of which you are chief have resolved upon proposing to Parliament in the ensuing session such a change in the incidence of taxation as will make all classes bear their fair share of the burden ; aiso, a re-distribution in the representation for the House of Representatives, and an extension of the franchfse. We are desirous ot hearing you express your views, as Premier of the colony, on these and other imper tant matters affecting the welfare and pro gress of the people of New Zealand, and trust that you will consent to address a public meetings to be held in Wellington, as soon as your convenience will allow."

The Thames settlers propose to hold a meeting to-morrow evening, with the excel lent view of forming a Horticultural Society in their midst for the purpose of encouratjing the useful and health-giving pursuit of gardening, and there is no place in this island, where gardening has been more neglected than at the Thames, except at Parawai. We have known instances of travelling from Shortland -to Tararu in search of a cabbage, without finding one; in fact, the thirat for gold has carried men's thoughts far beyond the vegetable world and the lillies of the valley. The Horticultural Association, once so promising in Auckland, gradually died out; not so much through apathy, as through a lack of that harmony of effort which nature is ever teaching through her thousand forms of beauty and utility. Auckland cannot, or will not, support an association calculated to promote neatness, industry, and taste among the working classes. It is to be hoped however, that the Thames people will not permit petty jealousies to interfere with the progress of their Society, and prevent the outcome of beneficent results.

A meeting of tho subscribers to the Indian Famine Relief Fund will be held to morrow in the Insurance Buildings for the purpose of considering the disposal of £349, the unapplied balance of the Auckland sub scriptions.

The meeting of the committee of the Tradesmen's Athletic Club will take place this evening at the club room, when the prizes won at Ellerslio onthe 29thult., will be distributed to the successful com petitors.

Mr Cunningham yesterday waited on the Hon. tho Native Minister, requesting a subsidy for the Lalla Rookh in connection with the mail service between Manukau and Raglan. The Government consented to give a moderate subsidy, with the stipula tion that the steamer should be available to call at Kawhia if required to do bo by the Government.

The manager of Auckland railways an nounces that single tickets will be issued on February 12th and 14th, for any station to Hamilton, Rukuhia, and Ohaupo (the latter in tho event of thejline bcingjopen) and will be available for return on any day from the 13th to 16th inclusive.

Mr F. A. Amphlett, who was paymaster of H.M.£>. Orpheus, wrecked on Manukau bar in 1863, and who is a son-in-law of Mr Albyn Martin, has returned from England to settle in Auckland.

" Too Late " writes, urging additional facilities at tho Post-office on mail days. HeJ says : " The numbers besieging the office-window, waiting their turn, proclaim the fact that extra accommodation and assistance are required. Things are better managed in Melbourne or Sydney, where additional separate small boxes for sale of stamps and the weighing and registering of letters are provided on mail days. Nor can I find any excuse for that unique antiquity, in the shape of a weighing machine, which is always out of order, and requires manipulation with the fingers before it condescends to move itself. Such a thing would disgrace a butcher's shop, or if discovered upon the premises of a baker would be captured 'by the police. The affable and painstaking proprietor of the article must be sadly affected by the constantly recurring question, "Is it a shilling or sixpence, sir ?" He must have lost all conceit of his propjpty long ago, and I would advise him to' relegate it to the first old iron merchant he meets ; and with the proceeds purchase a new one.— Yours, &c, Too Late."

A despatch from Earl Carnarvon, Secretary of State for the Colonies, to Sir George Bowen, conveying the assent of the Crown tq the Land Tax Bill, says :— " The Home Government approves of the attitude of strict impartiality you properly observed during the discussion."

Detective Jeffrey left by the Hinemoa this morning, en route for Wanganui, for the purpose of bringing up the absconding bankrupt confectioner, D. Hamilton, who has been arrested at that port.

To the Editor: Sir,—To decide a bet, will you kindly give your answer to the following : You and I together enter a room in which the portrait of a man is hanging ; you ask me whose portrait it is, and I, pointing at it, reply, "Sisters and brothers nave I none; btit that man's father is my father's son." Who would you say was represented by the portrait?— Yours, etc., Inquirer.—[Your son.—Ed. E.S.]

We are much pleased to learn that our paragraph calling on fruitgrowers to for ward surplus fruit to the hospital patients has brought forth " so much fruit." A con siderable quantity has already been for warded by gentlemen who would feel hand somely rewarded did they but know the excessive pleasure those seasonable gifts bestowed upon patients. There is, how ever, demand for far more than has been sent, and we hope that every owner of fruit trees will do his share towards alleviating suffering invalids, and send to the hospital as much as can be spared. For the fever ward there is a special requirement for grapes. (

To the Editor : Sir,— Knowing your love of "Fair-play," I wish, through your columns to make a complaint against the absurd extensiveness of Good Templars. 1 attended the meeting last evening as a Free Templar, having the cause at heart, and being a worker for the sobriety and advance ment of the people. Guess my surprise, there fore, when on arising to offer a word of advice, in all sincerity, I was dogmatically ordered to leave the room. I stated my astonish ment at hearing such an order from the chair, when I was told that if I were a Free or Good Templar, I was not a Good Templar in pocket, and conse quently must " hook it." In order to save the humiliation of being " bundled out, I immediately left. To say the least of it, this mode of doing business smacks of selfishness' and despotism—Yours, &c, J. C, A Free Templak.

A singular story was told by one of the chiefs at the recent native meeting.^ The story is connected with a former visit of Governor Browne to Waiuku. He was addressing a large assembly of natives, and adducing arguments against the setting up of a Maori King. One of his arguments, say the natives, was to this effect. —" How can you exist without cultivations ? In 17 years, if you persist in this foolish work, you will die off." Potatau then rose, and replied, " No, we have the fern-root, and other Maori food." Governor Browne : " What will you do for food if the fern-root is all burned off." Potatau (quickly): "We shall have you Europeans for our food." This is the version given by the natives,! but for the correctness of it we cannot vouch.

At the meeting of the Onehunga Council, a voucher was read from the Treasurer at Wellington, informing the Council of the payment of 10s in the pound of subsidy, enforced contributions for hospital and charitable purposes. It was also agreed to ask permission of the Railway authorities to open a gate across Victoria-street. In respect of the wharf tariff, the Councillors who interviewed Sir George Grey upon the subject, were further instructed Avith refer ence to abolishing the Ne.wmarket toll-gates and to make application ' respecting the formation of a local cemetery.

We are informed that there will be a meeting of all commissioned officers of Volunteer Corps this evening, for the pur pose of inquiring into the feasibility of diffusing the first principles of musketry instruction amongst all the members of corps generally, thus endeavouring to make those who at present do not use the rifle at all, something more than nominal soldiers. This is as it should be. The colony ought to be able to shew something more in return for its Volunteer expenditure than period ical marches out, and the performances of a few crack shots. What is required is a general standard of efficiency, which can only be attained by a more numerous atten dance at the drills. If it could be arranged, an annual camp out, and regular skirmish ing exercises in rougher country than a grass paddock would do much to render the volunteer force really effective.

The report of the proceedings at the Good Templar consultation meeting last evening is published in another column of this issue, and from this it -will be seen that the members of the Sir Henry Havelock and other lodges object to paying the small amount of 4d per head capitation tax for the support of the Grand Lodge. At the same time, they expect the Grand Lodge to remain in existence, its principal officers to give their whole time to the work without any remuneration, and the Lodge itself to be sustained without funds. It appears that £120 is pafd as salary to the Grand Secretary, whose whole tinio is occupied with the work which he has in hand. If the Order of Good Templary is to prosper in Auckland, it be hoves the members! to rouse themselves, and not stick at 4d per member for capita tion tax.

To-day being a holiday there were but few cases on the list of the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning and they were adjourned until next week.

The serenity which almost invariably per vades the breezy locality of Parnell was dis turbed yesterday afternoon by a sudden shock as of an earthquake, but which turned out to be the fall of a house near the resi dence of Mr Raines, butcher. It appears that Robert Kaye was in the act of shifting a wooden tenement, when it went with a rush, and one side of the tenement burst forth, to tho amusement of certain members of the rising generation. A lady who lived in the immediate neighborhood, being of a nervous temperament, suddenly started and overturned the tea-table, smash ing her best china tea-pot. Serjeant Jackson was immediately on the spot, bnt his services were not required. The damage to the house is estimated at £10. '

Under the head of ," a. money-making performance," a San Francisco paper favour ably notices the performances of Miss Cary, •who raised enthusiasm in the song "Suwanee River," She was performing at the Tabernacle, which is capable of seating 7000 persons.

The Sanitary Inspector, Mr G. Goldie, reports that during the month ending January, 1878, there were 15 deaths registered within the city of Auckland. The number during the corresponding month of 1877 was 24 deaths. There were 11 deaths in the Hospital during the mouth of January, 1878.

The cricketers of Dunedin talk of sending a team to play Dunedin, independently of the Selection Committee.

The "Rockhamptonßulletin" isresponsi ble for the following :— " Onthe morning of the 12th, the sub-editor of this journal re ceived from Bishop Bugnion a business let ter, written on tue 11th, appended to which was a postscript stating that ontheprevious day, the 10th, the writer saw the Turks march ing out of Plevna, and that it had been cap tured. The bearer of the letter stated that the Bishop had informed him that the time of the capitulation was between 12 noon and 2 p.m. Just seven days afterwards our cablegrams announced that Plevna was cap tured about noon on the 10th. In reply to inquiries made from the Bishop afterwards on the subject, he stated that ' the angel showed him Osman Pasha surrendering, and the Turkish troops marching out as pri soners.' He also adds that this is out one of many cases in -which he has been caught up and informed upon the mysteries of the future. The Bishop is firmly con vinced that revelations are made to him periodically for wise purposes, and quotes numerous instances from his own experience in which his 'prophecies'—if we may use the word—have been fulfilled to the letter. We can vouch for the bona fides of the Plevna prediction, at any rate."

A gentlemau in Auckland who is inti mately acquainted with Maori matters gives the following explanation of the throwing overboard by Te Kooti of one of the natives who escaped with him from the Chathams in the Rifleman:—Te Kooti had been a sailor on board a coasting vessel, and had acquired some knowledge of those signs of the weather which are familiar to all old sailors. When the head wind which obstructed the progress of the Rifleman had continued for several days, Te Kooti perceived that a change was impending. He was anxious to in crease his ascendancy over the supersti tious minds of the natives, and adopted the device of casting lots and throwing the old man overboard in order as he represented to appease the Maori atua, and to acquire the reputation of a piophet. The result proved that he had calculated well. Soon after the old Maoii was drowned the weather moderated, and, of course, the change was attributed to Te Kooti's conciliation of the atua, and he acquired unquestioned authority and paramount ascendancy over the minds of the crew. Te Kooti, for obvious reasons, concealed this fact from the special reporter of the Star.

The Borough of New Plymouth has decided by a poll of the ratepayers to raise a loan of £25,000.

A man named William Swarm was^ arrested by the Police to-day, on a charge of stealing a spoke, value Is, the property of, Captain Log&n, of the s.s. Hero. Annie Brown, a little girl, was brought to the, station by Detective Grace, charged with being a neglected child within the mean ing of the Act. A clean sheet was presented at the Police Court this morning.

Some amusement was cansed in Queen street to-day by tho conduct of an old man named L'Estrange, well-known to the police. He had evidently been imbibing freely, and meeting a person with whom he believed he was acquainted, commenced a friendly chat with him. Unfortnnately,how ever, his feelings ran rather high, and in a few minutes he began to use -words which did not sound very friendly to the by standers. The language which he marie use of was very bad", and Constable Parker was compelled to lead him off to the High street Home, where he is at present residing. He will be brought up at the Police Court to-morrow, on a charge of using language calculated to provoke a breach of the peace.

THE SOUTHEN GUIDE TO THE HOT If LAKES.

By J. Chantkky Harris. Auckland: Edward Wayto, Queen-street. This seasonable and serviceable guide to the Hot Lake district is issued in a neat and portable form, under the auspices of the Union Steam Shipping Company, for the jnfomation or tourists to one of the most interesting places in the world. Among the contents of this brochure we find accounts of steamers running under the Company's flaKfrom the various ports of New Zealand to these remarkable manifest ations of nature, including routes and charges, with picturesque descriptions of the settlements and scenery by the way 7 The writer's first view of Lake Taupo Moano is thus described.:— it was a lovely spring day when.we travelled the road, and a most entrancing panorama was presented to our gaze. Blue and unruffled the waters of tho lake stretched away until they mingled with shadows cast by the dark range Kaimanawa and the Mount Xau kana. Behind these rose a huge range from which Tongariro, a perfect cone, seemed to spring, whilst Ruapehu, a little to the left, reposed in silent, solitary grandeur; on both sides low ranges fringed the lake, whilst its surface was broken by an island, Motutaiko, thrown out in black relief against the watery backgrounds, and also what ap peared to be another inland, but which, m re ality, is a peninsula joined to the main land by a narrow.'low neck. As thejafternoon advanced, the atmosphere, which had been delightfully clear, shimmered in a delicious maze, that spread like the finest of gauze curtains over the faces of Ruapehu and Tongariro, whil?t the lower ranges still stood out clearly, and ap peared to approach nearer to us, even as the monarchs above them seemed to recede, ihe purple hazo draping the mountains mingled imperceptibly in creamy tints with the sky above—a sky of dreamy languor and varied hues, fading into each other until the azure of the zenith was reached. Far to the right of the lake, as we stood facing it, appeared a fleecy patch on the face of the landscape, and to the right of it another; and as their outlines became defined, they resolved into columns of steam, and we acknowledged our introduction to the Hot Lake and Spring District of the North Island of New Zealand. The writer proceeds to sketch every spot of interest in like manner, occasionally pausing to talk with a friend, or tell a Maori legena; noticing the witch's cauldron, the smaller Hot Springs, the crow's nest. Big Ben, a fiery range, an old Mission Station, Jerusalem by Rangatira Bay, the alum cave, the boiling river, Ta: ipo, Rotorua, Ohinemntu, Rotomahana, bathing places, strange sights, incidents by the way, geysers, sulphur points, cream cups, and every other noticeable feature of these wonderfully beautiful districts. Havingbriefly but sufficiently described the natural points of interest, Mr Harris proceeds to the more practical part of his mission, and tells the tourist of the difficul ties and expenses of the routes which he has described ; hence a section is apportioned to the tax by natives on artists and photographers.and how to deal successfully with them; and also as to the choice of sruides, with a complete schedule of expenses in every direction. .An analysis of a few of the principal hot springs and baths ia given, with coasting and topo graphical maps of the North Island. "The Southern Guide to the Hot Lake District is a creditable and very commendable production, and the intending visitor to those charming districts should not negleot to place a copy of the " Guide" in hia knapsack.

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

.(retjteb's press telegram.)

Sigaatory Powers agree to a

Conference.

Russia Claims BoumaiLia and

Btssarfcbia-

Roumania Desires ladcpsadsaes.

2Tbw Turkish, Ministry.

LONDON, Feb. 6.

The majority of the signatory Powers of Europe to the treaty of Paris, who vrer c invited by Austria to a European conference to be held at Vienna have accepted the proposal.

The Russian terms of peace include the cession by Turkey of Roumania and Bes sarabiaf?). Roumania declines

The question of the war indemnity of £50,000,000, to be paid by Turkey to Rus sia, ia not yet arranged.

A new Turkish Ministry has been formed.

THE PORTE ACCEPTS RUSSIA'S PEACE CONDITIONS.

LONDON, January 31. A dispatch from Mr Layard, British Am bassador at Constantinople, dated January 29th, states that the Porte instructed the Turkish Commissioner to accept the peace conditions offered by Russia, No reply has, yet been received from the Commissioner. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—DEBATE ON WAR VOTE. LONDON, February Ist. The Hon. Mr Forster moved in the House of Commons the rejection of the proposed military vote of £6,000,000. The Hon. Mr Cross stated that the object of the British Government Avas to secure a lasting peace. If Russia continues to advance towards Stamboul, and persevere in her demands upon Turkey, England's demands must be held as the final settle ment of the question. The House of Commons agreed to the adjournment of the debate until the follow ing day.

DEPARTURE OF MINISTERS.

The Ministerial party left for Taranaki by the Government steamer Hinemoa this morning at half-prst ten. They travelled to Onehunga by the ordinary 9.15 a.m. train. The names of the gentlemen com prising the party are as follow :—Sir George Grey, X.C.8., (Premier), Hon. J. T. Fisher, Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs, Hon J. Sheehan, Native Minister, Hon Hoani Nahe, Messrs J. C. Brown, M.H.R., Seymour George, Grace, Wood,Geach, Rewiti, and Tarewhiti. From Taranaki the steamer will proceed to "Wan ganui, where Fit is expected some impor tant native business will be transacted in raference to the claims of Titokowaru. The Hon J. Sheehan will probably return to Aucld and in about a fortnight's time.

Messrs E. and H. Isaacs will sell to morrow alongside the ship Apelles, ship's boats, fittings, &c, at 11 o'clock. A little prudence in purchasing will enablejthe buyer to defeat the alms of the rascals who sell spurious counterfeits of Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps in bottles which formerly held the real article. See that the label bears the name and signature of the proprietor, observe its execution, and do not be imposed upon by plausible explanations of any deficiency.

GOOD TEMPLARY IN AUCKLAND

THE SPLIT IN THEO] ;T)£n / I In accordance with an advertise i these columns, signed by Brother fiit? l ii I G.W.C.T., and Brother S &VI D.D.R.W.G.T., a meeting of G&SI plars, for consultation on the Ha I respecting the division in the OH W held in the Temperance Hall, Albert ' W last evening. There were about aw'ty sons present, representing all the W &• the city, and others at the Thaim*l?ft Shore, Newmarket, &c. -. -•' >%$ Bros. Coleman and Edwin Carr* posed for the position of Chairman 61*^ shew of hands resulted in the latter' J^H man being appointed. ®n% I In assuming the chair, Bro. CW the advertisement convening tfcVwiM and then stated that the meeting 2^l formal, and no real business could be^h!^ acted. He introduced Bio. Edger tn^* audience. Before the business of the ing commenced, it was announced fliT* meeting was for Good Templ ats persons without the last quarter's pa^ including several Free Tcraplars andvMf^l were compelled to retire. ! Bros. Lovell and Piper, sen., We ._ x pointed Marshalls, and Bro. bJI^ Guard. The meeting was then fcaSfS the usual form. H Brother Edger, Grand Worthy m- Templar of New Zealand North, in moncing said that since Brother Btoo^! had received his dispensation as-ivS Grand Worthy Chief Templar.:^ America, he had always acted in a strain > forward and gentlemanly manner toS" the Executive and himself. He*y I refrained from taking any action by S? of his position until the Grand llt session had been held. At this seg^f Brother Cameron, Grand Secretary #7?" Middle Island, was present, and toofc w in the business. At the close, he mettr Executive of the Northern Grand ijjSs by invitation, and at their meeting seS suggestions were made, and embodied^ writing for the future government of ft? Order in New Zealand. He read;!!; suggestions, which were to the effect tSfr the jurisdiction of both North and'SoS^ Grand Lodges should extend over the Si of New Zealand, and provided thatwl majority of all the votes of a subordiS lodge it could transfer its aUegian&S one supreme body to another. members of subordinate lodges woife under the constitution of one Ci 3 Lodge would be allowed admittance ij(» the meetings of those under the ott4l simply on the production of a stmM receipt from the secretary of the Lodgeij which the applicant belonged. This wonJi' obviate the necessity for a passport, Brother Edger expressed himself in fayog of these changes, which he thought Troc he equivalent to having a Grand Lodger- New Zealand. In explanation thefepeSfaj said that the present meeting haif &e| called at the request of Bro. BrookiDg, desired that the- existing state of afiaji should be placed before the Good Tempjan of Auckland. Bro. Brooking, D.D.R.W.G.T., spokef favour of the suggestions. When, he, & received his dispensation, about 'rtniuK months ago, requests were forwardel*§ him from Lodges in all parts of AucHaS and various parts of the North Island including Napier and New Plymouthp charters to open Lodges, and he declines!! supply these uutil the meeting of the Giaii Lodge had been held. The session of itS Grand Lodge of New Zealand Northlaj terminated, and they were still in the~s^ position. Some discussion took place as to •whefla or not this was a proper representati^tti the Good Templars of Auckland, whimi certainly was not. Several motions, ■with .amendment were proposed, and it was finally agras "That this meeting should express! opinion on the subject." It was then moved, " That the Chauna do now leave the chair." An amendment on this resolution in {)roposed: "That the Chairman doi'if cave the chair until certain matters wfl they had been called together toconl2 upon were considered." The amendment was agreed to by~iili| majority. Bro. Goldie then gave the reasonw the Sir Henry Havelock Lodge had refdt to take the present qnarter's pass-w|! The members were disgusted with J existing state of affairs, and dean an alteration. They objected 'to*|j capitation tax of 4d per member, a| the quarterly fee of 2s 6d for males andf 6d for females, which had been fixed byp Grand Lodge. He considered that m members were right. During the past M years, he said, the Grand Lodge had I ceived the sum of £li 3 from thesubordual lodges for advancement of the prindplefj the Order, and he considered thatjtirf money, of which the Sir Henry HavfloS Lodge contributed £41, had been fooMj expended. He referred to various itei|| the Grand. Lodge accounts, which heiu wei'e exorbitant; and also to the £120 p< year paid to the Grand Secretary, wlro was too high. He would undertake t^| the work done for £25, (Cries of/'shgi&ft and " Cheap Jack.") This statement* received with other evident marks of djfflj proval, and several gentlemen stated w the salary paid to the Secretary was.;Tß low, considering the amount of workheijj called upon to perform.) Bro. Speight said Bro. Goldie had i right to impeach the Grand Lodge Ex«a tive at this meeting for the manners] which they had expended the money. one of the Executive, he considered t| Bro. Goldie was acting in an underhffl manner, in making such accusations a| meeting where the Executive had nopo^jj to reply to him. The money had 1$ spent'properly, and if Bro. Goldie didti think so he should meet the ExecutiyefaitJ and say so. Bro Goldie: "I will." Bro. Speight: "Verywell." . $M Bro. Goldie spoke at some length on,w advantages accruing from working-Hp the American Constitution. At pre&| they paid 4d per member capitation tt| Gland Lodge without any return, ffi Brooking was willing to allow theiß;} appoint their own JSxecutive officers,'B? spend the money in their own lodgesfortl advancement of Temperance.. princigli They would then be in a better positio^ do good than if they paid the money tof! Grand Lodge. The quarterly fee of 2a| for males, and Is 6d for females, agreeaf at the last meeting of the Grand Lodge* too high. Bros. Waymouth and Dorrington object* to this, and considered that if they- ?&>* the Grand Lodge to perform its duties X perly they must provide the funds.': **SJ Brother Edger said the Lodge would h! the increased rate of subscription to w*j much better than the small sum paid atR sent. In several lodges as much as 5s P Suarter was paid, and the result was^tn? lie lodges found themselves in better fins cial positions and more prosperous t» they would otherwise have been. . I Mr W. Cole stated that they were justj the same position as they had been prior;? the question of admitting the negro o& introduced into the Grand Lodge. * thought that they should :keep aloof .at? from the Eight "Worthy Grand Lodge^ America, or the Right Worthy GrandXog of the World, "and have a Grand Lodge » New Zealand, North and S»>utJ The expense incurred for officers' sa( ries would be decreased by the-W present Grand Lodges (North and ,s<?» being merged iutoone, and the gubordins lodges would then have to pay a s^, amount for capitation tax, and - "*ou^| able to, increase their expenditure. Cole then moved a resolution ."■ the following effect. "That•; asi.tue is at present no prospect of f&S-iffif between the Grand Lodges of Eng^ and America being amicably settled, D.D.R.W.G. Templars of New Zealffl North and South be requested to merg6.| two New Zealand Grand Lodges n?*o^ united Grand Lodge for the colony^"? shall give allegiance to neither the £&??■

EVENING STAR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, IOTB.



Gtrand Show OF SUMMER COSTUMES. A. LINABURY & CO. HAVE JUST OPE NE D U P AQ(i /"10STUME?, Comprising— BLACK SILK COSTUMES COLOURED stLK COSTUMES JAPANESE STLK COSTUMES HOLLAND COSTUMES FRENCH BATISTE COSTUMES BRAIDED PIQUE COSTUMES FRENCH PRINT COSTUMES CAMBRIC COSTUMES BLACK SILK SKIRTS, with Body Pieces COLOURED SILK SKIRT 3, with Bod Pieces HAND3OME BRAIDED LINKN COS TUMES and SKIRTS, with Body Pieces to match. The above GOODS were purchased at a Heavy Discount ovv English Invoice, and will be offered to the Public at ENGLISH COST. Inspection Invited. A KIN ABURY & QO., 204 & 206, quetcn-street, Auckland. _ tines IN DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. H. ATKINS Will Shew the Following Cheap Lines During the Christmas Holidays :— A Large Lot of Rich, Bright. Black Silks at 3/11, as bright as sold at 5/6 Cheap Coloured Silks, beautiful shades Cheap Japanese Silks Cheap Dress Materials Cheap French Mu9lins A Job Line of Extra Quality Black Silk Jackets at one-third the original prices. Silk Umbrella 3, splendid value, at 8/11 £ Lined Parachutes (Bought a Job) at 2/11, worth double Cashmere and Lace Fischus, Capes. &c, at Reduced Prices Cheap Lace Curtains,- Table Linen, Quilts, Sheetings, and Manchester Goods, for the Christmas Holidays. Inlthe CLOTHING DEPARTMENT Cheap-Silk Dust Coats, Black Alpacca Coats, Trousers and Vesta, Tweed Suits, Paget, Galatea, and Sack Coats, Boys' and Youths' Suits, &c. &c &c. All Marked at Low Prices for the Christmas Holiday. THE NEW PITH HELMET. Job*Linelof Men's Straw Hats at 1/11, half-price. Job Line of [ Boy 3', Straw Hats at 1/6, half-price. AT Large Stock of MOSGIEL and other * TWEEDS. Cheap Tweeds for Boys' Wear. TT» Atkins. , Clover seeds. Clover seeds. Justp to Hand, ex ' Apelles. OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASONS CLOVER SEEDS, CONSISTING OB1 White Clover Timothy Red Clover Rape Cow Grass . Trefoil Alsyke &c, &c, &c. Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. also, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of-the above Seeds will be forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot. Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c, &c., from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar- Titrates. y & 101, Queen-street. ONEDUST! B O nIEITu"S"T ! BONEDUST! To Arrive, about the middle of February: 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Bell's £ inch, i inch,andßon e flour^ HußsT&coj 101, Queen-street. mO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. »W J HURST & CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and nrofltable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monils from leading Farmers justify W. J. jjurs & Co. in strongly commending them to nd PERUVIAN GUANO - MEXICAN do- . •« . ■ BEL.L-K, x*ONE FLOUR ~ J and 4-inch BONEDUST JS v BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. " NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH - :-• SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. . p > SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME, f'ln addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that for the last two sea sons has aWacted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be HUDulicd on application at the Stores. PP ~ \Y. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. UPERIOR 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-STRBBT. AUCKLAND



T ./N OS GRAVE & WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING SALE OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING, TO-MORROW. All Goods Reduced to Cost Price. Inspection Invited. FTYVVSNTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY! FANCY DEESS 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 i SS. TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND ALiLOWJTCD UPON AIJLi CASH PURCHASES. Goods Entered WTtx be Charged Regular Prices. T>USHBROOK AND TVRIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &ic., UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel). "T U £5 T O P E N E 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S REGATTA SHIRTS, Of a Superior Quality of Frexch Cambric, and the most Fashionable Patterns. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER & MEN'S MERCER, "VTBW 7EALAND TTOUSE, 66, QUEEN-STREET. Attcklakd. A UCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED). The price of Coke is now 20s per ton. at' the Workß, for Cash; or, if so agreed, Monthly Accounts at 253, with 5a per ton discount. Cartage, within reasonable distances, at 2s 6d perton. A ton of Coke ifl equal to &) bushels, or about double the bulk of CoaL SPECIAL NOTICE Ladies and Gentlemen about to furnish are invited to inspect our extensive assoitment of IMPORTED and COLONIAL FURNITURE. CARPET S.—Brussels, Tapestry. Kidder minster, Dutch. Felt, and Stair, at Prices at Low as any House in Town. BPIRON BEDSTEADS.—HaIf Tester, French, Stamp and Folding, in great variety. New Patterns ex 'Otaki,' ' Famenoth,' and 'Iron Queen.' LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTHS,' MATTING, HEARTHRUGS, TOILET-WARE, TOILET brLASSES, and an immense stock of DRAW ING, DINING, and BEDROOM SUITES, .tfnglish and American CANE and WOOD CHAIRS, Meat Safes, Door Mats, &c, &c, &c, at LOWEST PRICES. A Liberal JHtcount Jo Cash Buyers. T. & H. COOKE. Furniture Showrooms 67, QUEEN-STREET. Steam-Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-STREET