SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER-{rp^ m<^r oe w n Morning, 10.44 SUN SET.—This Evening. 6.46 SUN RISE.—To morrow Mcrnine, b.¥i MOON VS AGlt-Last Quarter/ 24th. 2.51 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

ATgyle, s.s., Stephonson.ifrom Wan<<arei Thistle, cutter, from Russell

DEPARTURES

Taupo, s.s., Carey, for Tauranga and Southern

Ports Linda Weber, bripra itine, McKenzie, for Lyttel-

ton via Wanarapoa Onward, schooner, P.inkow, for Russell

The schooner Norval, Captain McKenzie, hauled away from the wharf this morning, and took her departure for Tonga, with a general cargo. Passengers:-- Messrs L. Harpfner, J. 11. Young, C. H. Rawson, and Mrs O. Brommell. Waivreva,. schooner, Bushell, for Napier Norval, schooner. McKenzie, for Ru-sell. ■ The schooner Waiwera, Captain Busneli, sailed fc- Napier to-nay. with 61 tons of railway iron, and 6,000 feet cf sawn timber. The brig Vision hr.u'ed alongside the Railway Wharf this morning, to take in a supply ot water, is now ready for sea, aud will leave for the Caroline Islands to-morrow. , Th« cutter Thistle. Captain Williams, arrived from Russell last evening, with 45 tons coal.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

TAuftAXGA. this day. The s.s. Taupo arrived from Auckland at 11 o'clock this morning.

EXPORTS.

Per 8 s Taupo, for Tauranga: i qr.-casK rum. For Po vert- Bay: 2 boxes, 9 packages, 7 cases, 4 boil«rs 1 pair axles. 2 casks, 2 bales. Kor Napier: 23 packages, i bales, 1 keg, 1 coil. 1 iron safe ° boxes. For Wellington: 13 packages, 18^ cases, 1 box. For Lyttelton: 20 packages, 11 case3,l box. For Dunedin :10 casks, 4 cases ale. 15 cases sauce, 1 package, 3 cases, and 24 fcPer Taupo, for the South : 2 boxe?, 1 pkg.— Henderson and Maofarlane. Per Taupo. for the South: 1 pair axles.—E. Porter avid Co.

The following passengers, in addition to those which appeared in our last issue, left per Taupo for the South last evening :—Messrs Smale, Allison, W. Reddie, Peterson, Spencer, Whit fieid Percival. Vince. Mrs Plunkett and family, Mr and Mrs Sheppard. Misses Birdie and baby. Saepuard, Hunter, Dobbin.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agent?. . The weather in Sydney on the Bth jn3t. was ve-y stormy, as appears from the following Ttarflgraph, which is taken from the " Sydney Mo'-ning Herald' of the 9th: "During the vio^nt thunderstorm -which broke over the city yesterday at noon, the barque Bhenng, lvino-'at the Market Wharf, was struck by the electric fluid ; her main-royal and top-gallant mast was split to pieces, and the current of electric matter, passing down the mainmast, entered the cabin, and a lady who was seated there was knocked down, but beyond the natural fright? sustained no serious imury. It then apparently made its escape through one of the side ports, and passing across the wharf struck the barque Nautilus. The chief officer, who was on deck, was knocked down, but beyond receiving a violent fall, escaped any serious injury." _„ * The ketch Zililah arrived from the Thames yesterday with a load of timber. The ship Loch Fleet is now filling up rapidly, and will be finished loading in about a weeks The s.s. Argyle. Captain Stephenson, arrived from Wangaiei this morning, with a general car-'o. and the following passengers: Mrs Babe. Mrs H. Meredith, Master Losrfe, Misses Bruce, McDonald, Cam-übell, and Richardson, Messrs. J. S. Graham, Proctor, McAulay, R. McLeod, Cameron, B. E'lis, L,ogie, Frankham, Alderton, Goring, McKay, sen., and Rev Mr Gould. The brigantine Linda Weber, Captain McKen zie sailed for Wangapoua last evening. She is to oad 80,000 feet of timber for Lyttelton. Seven of the seamen of the ship Weymouth, now lying at Adelaide, were sent to gaol for twelve weeks, and fined £3 5s in addition, for broaching cargo on the voyage from London. During: their search among the cargo for liquor they had opened some casks of fuses, and had, with the proverbial recklessness of their kind, left them to scatter about in the hold, to the manifest danger of all on board.—" Australasian Shipping News," February 2nd. The cutter Mana arrived from lairua last evening., with a cargo of 25,000 feet of timber, and will return again this evening. The schooner Onward, Captain Pankow, leit for Russell this morning.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellington, this day. Sailed: Amargnth for the Manukau.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING

ASSOCIATION. To-day's quotations:— . National Bank—Buyers, 71s (ex. div.) Colonial Bank—Buyers, 495. (ex. div.); sellers, 503 63. _ „ „„ South Britisr Insurance—Sellers, 793. Auckland Gas—Buyers, £10 Union Insurance—Buyers, 13s 6d. Union Sash aud Door—Sellers, £10 15s. Caledonian (dble)—Sellers, 61s 6d. Red Queen—Sellers, Is 6d. Moanatairi—74s, 725; sellers, 745. Tookey (tribute)—ss; buyers. 4s 6d; sellers, ss. Alburnia—7o3, 72s 6d; sellers, 72s 6d. Prince Imperial—Buyers, 15s; sellers, 178 6d, Young New Zealand—Sellers, Is 9d. Kuranui Hill—l3s: buyer?. 12a 6d. Cure—Buyers, 4s Bd. Bisniarnk—Sellers, 8s 6d. Nonpariel—Sellers, Is lid. . JOSEPH NKWMAN, Chairman.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

AIR ALFRED BUCKLAND'S WEEKLY REPORT. On Friday, February 15th, fodder brought from 33 6d to 4s 6d the cwt., and was in short supply. Horse stock were in usual numbers, and of a. better class the,n la3t week. Strong riding and light harness brought from £15 to £20; medium draught, £24 to £30 each. Wool was pitched in 'greater quantity than usual. Half-bred m fleece brought 9£d; lambs,BJd to 9M; sheepskins, Is lid to 3s 9d; pelts, 8d to Is 4d; lambskins, Is 7d each; hides, from 2|d to 39-16ths the lb. At Drury, on Wednesday, the attendance was larger than usual, and there was an unsatisfied demand for young cattle, which sold high throughout the gale. Daiiy cows were also m better inquiry. '■ ... At Remuera, on Thursday, few store cattle were yarded. Dairy cows were also in less numbers than average. Fat cattle in full num bers, 129 head catalogued, generally of good quality. Pigs were steady throught the sale, at lower than last week, at 2s to 3s per lOOlbs., and ranged from 25s to 27s the lOOlbs. Store sheep plentiful, but of indifferent quality, and at nominal valne. Pat sheep in usual supply, but with a downward tendency, rat tombs in less number than of late- and maintained their price. Prices given were, for store lambs, Is 6d to ss; fat lambs, 8s to 11s; fat wethers, 2id and 2|d; ewes, 2d and 2£d the lb. Averages obtained were : 38 steers from Awitu, £9 12s 6d; 16 steers, W. Woodward, £9; 18 head mixed sexes, Westney Brothers, £7 18s; 31 head, G. Kirk wood, £7155; 15 head, A. J. Scott, £6 12s; 109 wethers, R. H. D. Ferguson, 14s 9d; 135 sheep, mixed sexes, H. Knox, 14s: 65 sheep, James Gane, 12s; 77 wethers, J. Kirkwood, 11s 6d; 150 ewes, James Bell, lls each.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND.

Mails wilt, Closk ah IJndkr — For Thames, th's day, at 4.50 p.m., and 5.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at i p.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Waibeko and Coremandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Tairua, per Mana, this day, at 4 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at 4 p.m. For Levuka, per Agnes Donald, to morrow, at 9 a.m. For New Caledonia, per Lsctitia, to-morrow, at 9 a,, in. For Walwera, Mahurongi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu. Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Annie Milbank, to.morrow, at 10 a.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Wanaka, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa,andMongonui, per lona on Monday next, at i p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Tuesday next, at 10.55 a.m. For Australian Colonies per Rotorus, on Tuesday, sth March, at 1 p.m. Per s.s. Zealandia, on Tuesday, sth March, as follows:— • For Sandwich Inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 1.30. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence in addition to the post age will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

At their Old Tricks Again'.—lrresponsible speculators are again attempting to foist spur ious rubbish Of a hurtful kind upon the public as identical with the celebrated UDOLPHO AVolfe's Shiedam Aromatic Schxapps. They put their poisonous imitations in the genuine Schnapps bottles and either counterfeit the label or pretend that the false is as good as the genuine. Take none but the true health beverage.

The orders issued by the British Govern ment to the Channel ileet to continue the voyage te Gallipoli shews that there is no disposition to relinquish the hold already gained on the Dardanelles, or to risk a sur prise while lulled into fancied security by the more pacific phase of the Eastern question. The movement is a commentary upon the assurances given by Prince Bismarck that all is peace. Russia required substantial guarantees from Turkey before signing the armistice, and in like manner England insists upon having a tan gible means of enforcing her demands before approaching the Conference. The establishment of something like an equality between the negotiators is possibly the surest means of arriving at a satisfactory understanding, but it must be confessed that the preliminaries to the Conference, have more the appearance of preparations for war than for an amicable diplomatic negotiation.

Considerable attention and no little anxious discussion has been excited in England lately by the trade depression and a co-incident increase in the excess of imports over exports. The imports of the United Kingdom have uniformly exceeded the exports Dy a large amount for many years, the balance of trade being, however, sustained by wealth derived from com merce, from the interest on accumulated capital, and other sources. But since 1872, the margin between receipts by the nation from manufactures 'sentj abroad, and its expenditure upon foreign products, has con siderably increased, and has been attended by a growing dulnes3 of trade. In 1873, the difference was 29,000,000, excess of imports over exports (with freight added.) In 1874 it had risen to 49,000,000; in 1875 to 64,000,000 ; in 1876, to 94,000,000 ; and in 1877 to about 120,000,000. It is generally admitted that the condition reflected in these figures is unhealthy, and those jour nals which have endeavoured to place the matter in the most favourable aspect have contented themselves with attributing the alarming deficiency to temporary causes —chiefly lower prices and glutted markets. This view is borne out in some measure by the fact that the discrepancy is due to a decline in the value of the exports, while ihe quantity remains much the same, and the imports have not materially in creased. But an important allowance must be made for the increased competition in markets which have hitherto beera monopolised by England. America and Germany have" put forth unprecedented efforts during the last few years, under cover of protective tariffs, and Italy has made some strides in the same direction. The decline in the exports from Great B itain to the first-mentioned countries, which were England's best foreign customers, is very marked. In 1874, England exported to the United States, £32,238,321; in 1875, only £25,062,226; and in 1876, £20,226,627. The exports to Ger many for 1875 were £34,121,624; for 1876, only £20,082,000. Much of the decrease miy be fairly attributed to the com mercial depression which has been very keenly felt in both countries. "We are at any rate more inclined to take this view than to attribute the falling-off to a serious decline in British commerce. The sub ject possesses an important local bearing, inasmuch as the preponderance of imports over exports in New Zealand has been very large since 1872. The totals last year were : imports, £6,894,380; exports, £5,476,749. It is impossible to assess with exactness the relative proportions which imports and ex ports should bear to preserve trade in a healthy state. A large proportion of the imports to colonies are not of a perishable character, but add to the permanent repro" ductive wealth of the country. It is, how ever, safe to assert that permanent pro! sperity and comfort is associated with a large surplus for exportation. The details of New Zealand statistics fully bear this out—those parts of the colony which export largely being conspicuously the most prosperous. In Canterbury, the only province of the colony in which the exports exceed the imports, the general diffusion of wealth among the population is easily recognisable. The imports of Canter bury for the financial year ending 30th June, 1877, were—£l,3l6,Bsl ; the exports, £1,679,408 ; the imports of Auckland for the same period, £1,229,331 ; the exports, £704,333. It has been observed by those who have considered the subject in England that the widened gap between what England needs and- what she supplies is due to the reluctance of the population to curtail the luxuries which they have become accustomed to in a more prosperous era ; and the prevalence of national extravagance is severely deprecated. The circumstances of the colonies are not dissimilar. The discomforts associated with a colonial residence are now mere memories of the past, and "roughing it"^ a phrase without meaning. The colonist insists upon luxuries which he would never dream of if occupying the same station of life in England, and the consequence has been an unnaturally stimulated consumption of imported goods without cor responding growth of home production. It is easy to point'out and condemn the preva lent tendency to extravagance, but more difficult- to apply th.c remedy. The inexorable laws of trade will no douht in due time supply an antidote ; and we can only trust

that it will be less severe and prostrating than the statistics of the last few years, on the import and export basis, would lead us to anticipate.

Our morning contemporary is in error in supposing that any communication has been made by Mr Harris, of Whangapoua, to the Government, complaining of the action o? the Chairman of the Coromandel County Council. The late Government, under the guidance of one of the members for the Thames and the Honorable Daniel Pollen, passed an order in Council a few days before they left office, including Whanga poua and part of Kennedy's Bay (but ex clusive of the mill at Kennedy's Bay) in the town of Coromandel Highway Board. To anyone who has been at Coromandel the wrong perpetrated would be apparent. It was understood to have been done by the Honorable Daniel and Mr Rowe, and in tended by them as a return for the support given to Sir George Grey at Coromandel by Mr Harris during the last election. All mills and bushes are within a county, but to incorporate bush mills, booms, and bushes iv a town Highway Board cannot be desirable, especially at Coromandel, which place, we hear, is likely to have Mayor, Councillors, &c, very shortly. Our con temporary's Coromandel special correspon dent's information regarding Counties may be correct; but Counties and Highway Boards are different, and we certainly should regret to learn that the Premier stood in the way of righting a wrong. The "Tuapeka Times" is anxious to know whether or not there is any founda tion for a rumour that Mr J. C. Brown, ; M.H.R., has been collecting curiosities for the Tuapeka Museum. We are in a position to bring peace of mind to the scientists of Tuapeka. Mr Brown was last seen in the King country flourishing Te Ivoqti's riding whip, and staggering beneath the burden of several Maori gourds.

Popular aphorisms are not always appre ciated. Mr Cohen, Treasurer of New South Wales, in his last Budget Speech said. " We possess a soil, which if you tickle it with a hoe, will laugh a harvest." The " Sydney Morning Herald " sarcastically re marks that there has been too much of this " tickling" the soil in New South Wales, and that the farmers ought to go. in for something more like work. At Hamilton the other day, two little children named James and Ann Thompson came up before the Court as neglected children, and were ordered to be sent to the Industrial Home. The children had run away from their father, who is a bushman employed in the Piako. They were in a miserably dirty state, with scanty clothing and no boots, and had travelled 37 miles. The boy had been badly beaten and was much bruised. Both the children piteously appealed to the Bench to be protected from their father.

As Mr Robertson, the ingenious Scottish blacksmith, has been detained longer than he anticipated in this city,he has consented, bypublie desire, to exhibit the " Blacksmith's Dream," this evening and to-morrow afternoon and evening, in the popular tent, before taking his final departure for the South.

The anniversary services of the Newmar ket Primitive ' Methodist Sunday-school will be held on Sunday next, in the district chapel. Three sermons will be preached on the occasion ; that in the morning by Rev. D. Dutton, of Alexandra-street; afternoon, by Rev. R. Taylor, of Pitt-street United Methodist Church ; evening, by Rev. W. Kirk, Wesleyan minister of Pitt-street. Special hymns have been judiciously selected, and printed for the services. On the following Tuesday, the anniversary tea-meeting will be held in the chapel. Mr D. Goldie will preside at the after-entertain ment, and Rev. B. J. Westbrooke will present the school prizes to the children. We learn that the Sunday-school is making perceptible progress under a number of regular teachers.

We understand that Mr Hallenstein, of the New Zealand Clothing Factory, has purchased the vacant space of land next to Mr Montague's store, so that shortly we may expect several splendid additions to city improvements.

The members of the Auckland Fire Brigade will celebrate their anniversary this evening, by a torch-light procession through the city, and splendid displays of fireworks, winding up with a sumptuous spread at the Governor Browne Hotel. The route of the procession will be up Victoria-street, through Hobson-street, Pitt-street, Karangahape-road, and down Queen-street. Several halts will be made for the display of fireworks. An extraordinary meeting of the new Golden Pah Goldmining Company was convened for 3 o'clock yesterday in Mr Randerson's offices, Insurance Buildings, but fell through for want of the necessary quorum. The business of the meeting was the alteration of rule 8, for the purpose of preventing unfair representations, to the exclusion of dummyism. About twenty shareholders were present, and much lively conversation was sustained for the space of an hour, the chief speakers being Mr McLeod, of Coromandel, who spoke hope fully of the mine ; and Captain Jackson, a large shareholder, who deprecated the con duct of the directors in calling a meeting, and then not appearing in the interest of the shareholders. A general wish was ex pressed for another meeting, which will pro bably be called. The Sub-Committee appointed to arrange on what ground the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club sports on the 9th March shall take place have selected Elleislie Gardens as the arena. We hear thata large number of the young gentlemen of the city and suburbs are busy preparing themselves for the contest. The school race is causing a good deal of excitement in the various educational establishments of the place. We understand that it is not unlikely some limitation will be fixed as to the age of the candidates. This restriction is rendered ad visable by the fact that at some schools in Auckland there are grown-up youths of 18 or 19 in statu pupillari. Jwho could not well be considered boys. If the race were con fined to boys under 17 it would obviate the difficulty.

All persons interested in the progress of the temperance movement are invited to attend a meeting in the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, at half-past seven o'clock this evening, to consider the question of continuing the Pioneer Juvenile Temple, and other matters connected with the promotion of temperance amongst the young.

H§The following are the rival bank teams which will contest the honours of the willow in the forthcoming cricket match :—Bank of New Zealand : Mr Kissling (captain), Watt, Eller, Blaydes, Whitaker, Tonks, Butler, Hanna, Jas. Anderson, Brookfield, Dignan, E. M. Anderson, Harcourt. . Mr Burton (Colonial Bank), captain, Coates (National Bank), Macquarie (U. Bank), Paul (B.N.S. Wales), Cavenagh, Brown, Gilfillan, Maxwell, Smyth, Cheeseman, White, and Taylor.

The " Waikato Times" in a leading article, strongly condemns the proposal made by our contemporary to locate Kingite natives along the banks of the Waipa, with in the confiscated boundary.

The Wangarei County Council has re solved to allow members of that body Is 3d per mile, one way only, for travelling expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Council.

The " Northern Advocate" states "that Mr Buchanan, of Auckland, has ordered a supply of Kamo stone for tombstones. The stone is said to be capable of a very high polish. Mr Alexander Thomson, on his way to^ Kaurihohori to conduct divine service, was* thrown from his horse, and sustained a fracture of his collar-bone and a rib.

The Wairoa and Wangarei cricketers pur pose forming a team to play a match agamst Auckland next March

At Kamo, Maurice, son of Captain Going, fell down a 80ft well, but was rescued, having only sustained a rather nasty cut in the head', which is not dangerous.

A correspondent suggests that the vacant allotments in Hepburn-street, which back on to the City Park, would make a capital site for the projected new building of the Auckland College and Grammar School. He instances as one of the recommendations that it is nearly the highest ground in the city, and the building would, therefore, be shown off to the same advantage as the Hospital or Pitt-street Church. We agree with our correspondent that the site pos sesses many advantages, and the only drawback which occurs to us is that it is rather a long way from the centre of the city. , . A railway employe" named William Wilson, while working at Helensville, met with a severe accident through several tons of earth falling upon him, and causing concussion of the brain.

The season of big apples is now in, and the samples exhibited in the shops_ of the fruiterers in town shew the capabilities of the soil and climate for the production of this useful fruit, We have received a box of very fine cooking apples, of great size, some of them weighing over a pound avoirdupois, and all of excellent quality. They were grown by MrlWilliam Davis, of Hamilton, Waikato, who was kind enough to send a box of them by the railway. They are a proof of the fertility of Waikato, which is justly celebrated for the produc tion of apples, pears, peaches, and other fruits of the best quality. We have heard of some leviathan pears at Hamiltorj, grown by Mr John Knox, of that place, but cannot speak with absolute certainty as to their quality, as a sample has not yet been submitted to editorial inspec tion.

During the unusually high tide at the Thames on Wednesday, the Pacific Hotel waa almost surrounded, and the bar floor was covered to the depth of about half-an inch.

We learn that we were in error in stating that his Lordship Bishop Cowie had been asked to become head of the Working Men's Club. Sir George Grey already occupies ihat position. An editor in Blenheim is in trouble. It seems he invented a new bonnet, which he described as follows : "It possesses in its editorial sanctum a Paris bonnet, specially coustructod to facilitate kissing in '.Good Templar lodge's, and obligingly avows his willingness to illustrate the merits of the article in question to any young lady desirous of qualifying for the post of chaste saluter at the gate ot a teetotal wigwam." Several stalwart sons of Rechab are habi tually prowling around the editorialsanctum, but the editor is never at home.

The half-yearly meeting of Court Zealan dia, No. 4741, of the Ancient Order of Foresters, was held on Wednesday evening, in the Court-room, V.M.C.A. After the usual preliminary business had been trans acted, the election of officers for the ensuing term was proceeded with, and resulted as follows :—C.R., Bro. J. S. Webley ; S.C.R ; , Bro. < eo. Christmas; Treasurer, Bro. W. J. Wright; Secretary, Bro. F. Christmas (re-elected) ; Surgeon, Bro. J. H. Hooper (re-elected) ; S.W., Bro. Geo. Beaumont; J.W., Bro. McCartney; 5.8., Bro. Jas. Phillips; J. 8., Bro. J. D. Cosson. The new officers were afterwards installed in their respective places by Bro. Jno. Sime, D.C R., assisted by P.D.C.R. Bro. E. Aug<--.-. This Court, which has just entered upoi; the fifth year of its existence, is now firmly established, and was shewn to be in a prosperous financial condition, thereby taking its rank among the foremost branches of this most widely-circulated Order.

At the Patea races, the Flying Handicap was won by Luna, and there was a dead heat between Opawa and Resolution for the Carlyle Stakes. The owner of Resolution lodged a protest.

We have to acknowledge the sum of 5s from " A Shipmate " for the poor widow, Mrs Dymock.

The customs authorities are endeavouring to obtain a site for a lighthouse at Cape Egmont. A "Gazette" issued in Wellington lust evening publishes the names of the following who have passed the Civil Service examination, in the order of merit in which their names appear :—Junior Examination (Auckland candidates)—R. W. R. Bloomfield, D. G. Berry, J. J. Phillips, P. P. E. Dufaur, F. O. Fisher, F. M. Burtt, S. B. Ludbrook, C. F. Griffiths, F. G. Moss, E. J. Fairburn, H. H. Gould, Otahuhu. Senior Examina tion—P. P. E. Dufaur, J. P. Ridings.

It would appear that the prosecution for libel against George Jones, jun., for the article which appeared in the " Oamaru Mail" reflecting on Mr F. Whitaker, is after all to be proceeded with. A Press Agency telegram states that four Govern ment clerks have been told oft' to work up the evidence in the case. All papers in connection with land transactions in the Waikato since IS7O are being raked up, and all original letters in connection with the transaction will be produced in the Supreme Court by Mr Clarke, Under secretary of "the Native Department. It is said the case will be opened in the first week in March.

Mr K. J. O'Sullivan has declined the ap pointmentof Chief Inspector under the Edu cation Act.

The Working Men's Club will be opened about the middle of March, and on Monday evening next the Committee will meet to settle the form of the inaugural proceed ings.

We would again remind North Shore and Auckland residents thatfithe soiree and concert in aid of the Takapuna district library will take place this evening. The steamer will leave the Avharf at a quarter past five o'clock sharp.

A meeting of gentlemen favourable to the formation of a Fire Brigade for Newton,, which will also co-operate with the city brigade, was held last evening, Mr E. W. Morrison in the chair. A brigade limited to twenty members was formed, under the name of "The Newton Fire Brigade," the following officeVs being appointed :—Super intendent, Mr Owen Mahon ; captain, Mr Piper, junr. ; foreman, Mr H. Tucker; branchman, Mr T. Miller. Mr Mahon was chosen secretary ; and Mr E. W. Morrison treasurer. These officers and Mr Piper senr. were appointed a Committee to frame rules, and the first meeting was fixed for next Thursday evening at half-past seven o'clock. Votes of thauks were passed to Mr J. Warren, for Purchas, Mr Morrison, and Mr Mahon, for assistance given in the formation of the Brigade.

The sea-serpent will henceforth have* to hide its diminished head. The monster which rejoices in the name of the " ptero fiactyle-plesiosaurus" has completely taken the shine out of him. A story, which must be taken cum grano sails, comes to us from Missouri. A young man who was sent to bring in cows saw a korrible object emerging from the woods. It had the head of a wolf, a neck 20 feet long, immense fangs, a great crest of coarse red hair, and it trailed a tail 20 feet long. The ptero fiactyle-plesiosaurus " went for" a bull, which was thrown into a state of terror ; probably the long name was enough for the bovine. . There .was a great battle. The monster curled his tail round an oak tree, bellowed frightfully, and after receiving severe punishment from the bull, spread a Sa.ir of huge wings and disappeared in the irection of the Mississippi. We are authorised to state that Mr Doran is about to fit out an expedition in search of the ptero, &c.

jßoadmaking in Italy is performed by a system analagous to the compulsory mili tary service of Germany. By the laws of Italy all persons between the ages of eighteen and sixty years, who are fit for labour are liable to be called on to give four days' labour each year, or the equivalent in money, for the purpose of making new roads in districts where such roads are required. The plan is one which might be copied with advantage in some of the out districts of New Zealand, where settlers expects all local improvements to foe carried out by the Government.

A bush fire at Mauua destroyed the resi dence of Mr' Greaves, ;

BIRTH.

BIGGS.—On the 21st February, 1878, at her re s'dence. Coburg-street, the wife of Mr. T. H. Biggs of a son; both doing well.

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

Fw ti-j-. cnuK that lacks »il«»nc». Per Use irou :; that neids :eslst£sc«. F*» the feature In the dlsiauce, A—i: <br. treed £--i« qO«*»<«

FRIDAY. FEBRUARY 22. 1878.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Board of Education -was held this afternoon. Present: Messrs. H. H. Lusk (in the chair), F. L. Prime, J. Dignan, J. May, and Dr, Campbell. teachers' examination. The report of the Teachers' Examination Committee was read, and shewed that 168 Auckland, 7 Hamilton, and 27 Grahams town teachers competed ; twenty certificates had been awarded ; and the remainder were merely licenses. The report was adopted. : It was agreed that the services of eleven probationers, mentioned in the report of tie Inspector, should be dispensed with. ALBERTLAND NORTH. An application for £10 for repairs from Albertland North was acceded to. AUCKLAND EAST. In the case of the contractor for this school who had not completed his contract at the specified time, Mr Campbell moved, that as no inconvenience had arisen, the penalty of £100 be remitted. Agreed to. GISBORNE. An application for extension of time, from the contractor for extending this school was granted. It was resolved that the Secretary be instructed to furnish a return of the Board's reveunea id exp-n liture. It was agreed to pay Mr Worthingtan a salary of £150 a year, and Mr Nieholls £62. The Board also resolved to dispense with the services of 11 teachers on the Inspector's roll.

(Left sitting.)

THE GORY HOLE V. DAYLIGHT.

(To the Editor).

Sir, —A petition to the Government is being handed about to the butchers for signature, asking that the slaughterhouse at Newmarket may be continued. I think, however, the " vested interests " may save themselvas the trouble. After the many petitions to have the same closed, the Government will hardly be inclined to continue on such a wretched place, now there is ample provision for the city butchers at the new abbatoirs, Western Springs; doubtless it has some disadvantages ; so have all sites. This is at atjleast open, has plenty of water, free pasturage and stabling, slaughtermens' cottages, and plenty of elbow room, wiMi a good road and no tolls. The butchers should make up their minds to give it a trial, more particularly the remainder of the 27 who signed a paper sent to the City Council that if they would build the abattoirs they would promise to use them only.—Yours', &c, Light.

NEW PLYMOUTH.

MAJOR ATKINSON ADDRESSES HIS

CONSTITUENTS,

MAJOR Atkinson, late Premier, addressed his constituents at the Odd Fellows' Halllast evening. He reviewed the events of the last session.. He attributed the delay in legislation to the interminable discussions of the Opposition. After his defeat his party possessed a majority of from 4 to 6. The present Ministry had adopted the policy of their predecessors, but Sir George Grey had failed to make the reduction of £100,000 in the expenditure, which be had promised to do. If a property tax: were imposed the amount would not be large. He condemned the action of Sir George Grey in respect to the Land Bill as uncon stitutional. He considered the duties of the Waste Lands Board could be efficiently performed by a commissioner. Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan were merely following out the policy initiated by the late Sir Donald McLean. He blamed Mr Sheehan for stopping sur veys. Sir George Grey would have a defi ciency next year of £138,000, in addition to £110,000 Supplementary Estimates, so that the total deficiency would amount to almost a quarter of a million, and further taxation would be required. Heregardeda property tax as a reasonable one, and it was desirable to have it; but he did not believe that it would bring in a very large amount, or, re lieve the Customs to any great extent. He considered the presentf rauchise sufficiently liberal, but if a chsfnge were made it should be in the direction of registration, twelve months residence being ample qualification to vote. After ,the speaker had touched on one or two local matters, avote of confidence was carried.

CABLEGRAMS.

The Papal Election

FXOM OUR SPECIAL CORREB-

PQNDENTj

LONDON,

February. 20. Joachim Pecci has been elected Pope, under the title of Leo the Thirteenth. He was born in 1810, and created Cardinal in 1853 ; was Archbishop of Perugia many years, and latterly Camerlengo. B. Snaita present D.D. of Propoganda.—[This we give as received, not venturing upon an interpretation.—Ed. E.S.]

(REUTERS SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.)

THE TEEJVIS OF PEACE.

LONDON, February 14. Papers have been'presented to-the British Parliament^ which, shew that Count Schouvaloff has informed. Lord. Derby in June of the terms of peace,, and that these were identical with the terms- wbicb, Russia now demands.

BISMARCK DOES NOT 'EXPECT WAR.

LONDON, February 19. In the German Parliament, Prince Bismarck said that he did not believe there would be a European, war. He said Germany would not interfere between Russia and Turkey, bat was willing to mediate.

The United States Congress- assembles in the first fortnight in March.

AUSTRALIA'S. POLICY.

£ LONDON, February 19. Count Andrassy, the President of the Austrian Council of Ministers, has stated that Austria reserves the interests of the Monarchy. She objects to the shifting the balance of power.

TURKISH DEFEAT IN THESSALY.

LONDON, February 19. The insuigents in Thessaly have beaten the Turks at Volo. 600 Turks" were killed.

CHANNEL FLEET SENT TO GALLIPOLI.

LONDON, February 19. The Channel Fleet has been ordered to Gallipoli.

A new Channel Fleet is being formed. EUROPEAN CONFERENCE TO MEET

IN MARCH,

[SPECIAL TO THE MELBOURNE "ARGUS."]

LONDON, February 19. The European Congress, for the settle ment! of the Eastern Question, assembles in he first fortnight in March. CARDINAL PECCI ELECTED POPE

Cardinal Pecci has been appointed Pope by the Conclave of Cardinals. He has assumed the title of Leo XIII.

THE WOOL SALES. 209,000." bales of wool have arrived in time for the sales of the 20th. '

AUSTRALIAN CABLEGRAMS.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.]

PETITION TO THE QUEEN. _.:._ MELBOURNE, 'February Sl % The people's petition to. the Queen, has 1,852 signatures. U was transmitted by the Governor to-day, • .

BERESFORD STREET CHURCH SOIREE.

Ihe annual soiree, in e&nnectW Congregational Church, £* *itU was held last evening. At tlOti«ti of the tea, provided by tkL^%' congregation, a public meeting' 8 *8 I the chair being occupied bylUvi^l son. The annual report »J']%£ Matthews, hon. sec, shewed ?w b?lt beginning of the year the c werSsJ* h on the church roll. Since then a 2?^ removed and 16 added, givba d^ii present of 190 members. Six*/ to^ at occurred amongst the congreoatiSTiM the year The attendance"^ °t%S school had increased, and th aH present existing on the church * « Interesting addresses were th Pn i^N, byKevs W. Taylor, W. J. W-J^ Carrick, and Messrs J. C fel Roth, after which the meeting 3, $ by singing,-and prayer offewdT,^!!**l W. Webb. 3 % A,

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

The repetition of Ferrari's comic otw>i* ■■„ (by request),had the gratifying eflKJfo* a large gathering of citizens to the TW.*SB» last evening, and the various nlavfni *<W lively succession, gave unmin K i e d aat&fc The role of characters was the m£®s Monday evening, namely, Pipei e thflnl-^A character, by Signer Tessada- dahri*»% Gambetti; Carlo, Signor Paladini- ife B** Signor Cesari; Magdal«na Tad fifflt Signora Vita. This opera ia ot M class than many of those whinh^ engaged the talents of this excellent «L°** and many of its incidents and foffift passages of a laughable character Th"*J throughout was choice and richly h,(u^t with the vocal performances. Pipeie Iw^?! Tessada, was a perfect representatfoßoftSS? and i q com pany with his wife in severaliS^ positions created a fund of amnseiaent sS" Venosta, as the loving wife, was faSaS?I'll executed her faithful part withcom2? adroitness and skill. This lady, desnitoi? Mrs Grundy might say, comes fortVaT«L protectress and close companion of the taS,? and not always discreet Pipeie. The be»S character of Kigoletta was delightfully rnnZ1 by Signora Cat anti Vita; whilst the 2 of Signor Paladini. as Carlo, was greetpTSl iust and richly-merited applause •aa SS fine vocal illustrations of Bignor (kns2 Without repeating the story of - Pipeie "^S is of simple construction, and lies upoii'i}»«» face, we accord willingly our admiratioiSs style and characteristics of this pleasmuSh which eminently answers the composer's m object, in giving pleasure in the qnietfi which intervene between labour andresfc"^ We call attention specially to the opera of in evening, which will be tendered on the oca*! of a complimentary benefit to Signor ftE when Verdi's fine Egyptian opera of<*3{S will be repeated, by special request* foriS time. The cast will be the same as fee previous occasion—Signora Guadagnini fab the part of the dark-skinned heroine^ Signora Venosta the fair character of AniK The grand opera of "Semiramide" is annomj for to-morrow evening. l

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before K. C. Barstow, Esq:, B.M,)i I QUEERINESS. ~ F; Jonathan Michor forfeited his baiL . ASSAULTING A CONSTABLE. Benjairin Jones "was charged with assail ing Constable Abrams, and ynftA damaging his uniform ; damage, £4. ' Mr Tyler pleaded not guilty on beUrf prisoner, and asked for remand; mi Wednesday next, in order'to find tvitiasa Sub-Inspector Pardy said it was a sw case. The prisoner attacked the comW4 in a merciless manner, andnearly'torei! the clothes off his back. The witness ■who saw the assault are in attendance. The case was adjourned until thelli March, prisoner being admitted to baip» self in £20, and two sureties in flOeaii ALLEGED LARCENY. Henry O'Brien a youngJ manjg« appeared on a charge of stealing anna value 5s the property of Mr Newbold,* the 20th. inst. . : ■ * Sub-Inspector Pardy said otherpropeih had been stolen from the same place, d not yet recovered ; he would ask for si* mand in order to the discovery of M property. Remanded until Monday^ CHARGE OF STEALING;! TENT. Daniel Donoghue, a man in years, m charged with stealing a tent from tk cricket ground in the Domain, the property of D. E. McDonald, on the 9th inst. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Mr McDonald, Engineer to theHarbm Board, deposed that he placed thejatfoi the cricket ground for the use .oMM cricketers on the 7th, Bth, and 9th of «j He left the tent in charge of a man MB* Tucker. He knew nothing of m prisoner. ; ' . j Richard Tucker, gardener, deport »> receiving instructions from-Mr MaW»j to take care of the tent; heputito another tent on the Saturday, evening,^* on Monday it was gone. _ * j| Prisoner: I'm very deal Canl W« Hope vou'H all speak out. John Hamilton, employed at the * works, saw the prisoner walkm* *» ■ from the Domain with the tent on • shoulder. On inquiry he found -M* tent was missing. - He immediate^" after prisoner and demanded tne t® Prisoner said he had bought it of a nans half-a-crown. ... Prisoner : And will you swear tha.H» the man? Witness: I will. - ' Prisoner : What do you swear by, 3 hat, or trousers, or what ? Witness : By your face. Prisoner: And are you sure that 9* Dau Dono^hue's face yon saw ? "Witness": I'm sure of it Prisoner : You'll swear to anythingv Detective Grace arrested the pn»D»» the charge. «&» Prisoner: Your Worship, lam » m man, and was in the employ-ot^gg man at Mount Albert. I PF°f&S5 against the improper conduct, otfeiw Grace. That persevering officer, y Worship, whenever he meets .mm " Well Dan, and what have y°ttg°S and he feels about my body, «£»JWS with my pockets, pulls out anything,,*!* money, handkerchief, or whatnot,^ he holds the article before my W* * his scrutinizing "where di^ you^ Dan?" and if I tell him, U» "J-S fello w, he luggs me off to the station,, B*. " Come along Dan ?" (Laughter.) -^ His Worship said he was not s^K at Detective Grace's conduct* JWgj (prisoner) had been convictea times for larceny, and had P^S.) years of his life in Mount Eden gwr must rind him guilty, andJ^lS* prison for six months with hard lBfl" CITY RATE CASES. :J ( About 20 city rate cases were se««* j of Court, excepting one; w™3l'^ application of Mr Devore, ■ imwpr until the Ist Mai-ch.^

ALLEGED FRAUDULENT &* j RUPTCY. CHARGES AGAINST DAVID David Hamilton, recently otqueeu am baker and confectioner, \nßW«r3t.| answer for several charges of atte^KM defraud his creditors, by removing' f -: goods on or about the 18th Ja«| not disclosing the same to Mr A' *JS A Mr Brookfield appeared for JJlj secntors and Mr Hesketh wa~Ljj(iSß case for prisoner, and on \vhose apj^g|| prisoner was permitted to statin d ' UK counsel.- piiisOTK George King, clerk in the ■ KS.J| office, Supreme Court, dePf e<Lunts 4g Eapers and documents el to^ Sfli led in the Register's office. J^lom Mr Hamilton's declaration of "JJljB dated Januasy Sth; ateo miuutes oi "^ & appointing Mr Dewar creditors w^|« Alexander Dewar knew Mr. ajsm and was appointed on the l»J n trustee for the creditors. M . tr aD «| accordance- with his duty to Mr jjox^j^B place of business, and spoke to Jt his assets, and if the goods- repr^ M a list which Mr Macffarlane JjyAfl witness were all that be $M Hamilton said that .^if3^ <*S account of his assets witu ;^|raß tidn of some littinga aBtL,. i$ which he pointed- out. u ®£yiH attention to his lolUe .m, acßhß^ .tools of his trade, wbieft *

EVENING STAR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22. l$ rlB



T riOSGKAVE &/^O. WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING S -VLB OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING TOMORROW. All Goods Reduced to Cost Price. Inspection Invited. fTIWSNTY PER CENT. .DISCOUNT FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY! FANCY DRESS MATERIALS, FURNISHING GOODS, ELACK SILKS, BLANKETS, CALICOES. HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, CARPETS AND MATTING. CLOTHING O~F~ALL KINDS, FOR BOYS' AND MEN'S WEAR, HATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, &a, AND EVERY DESCRIPTION of GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, AT JT3, TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. . PURCHASES. ■Goods Entered will 6b Charged Regular' vuu Prices. j TJUSHBROOK AND "gRIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, UPP # R QtfE EN - S T It E E T, AUCKLAND, f{Opposlte the Army and Navy; Hotel). v .



JUST OPENED 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S REGATTA SHIRTS Of a Superior Quality of French Cambric, and the most Fashionable Patterns. W. RATTItAY, CLOTHIER & MEN'S MERCEK, \TItW yIS A LAND TTOUSB, 66,' QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND. milE NATIONAL BANK OF NEW .JL ZEALAND (LIMITED). Incorporated under the Co mpanies' Acts 1862 aud 1807, and the New Zealand Act 1., 1873. Notice is hereby given that an Interim DIVIDEND for the Half-Year ending 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. Wellington, sthJFebruary,J.B7S. "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 14,1878. £ZZ E223 fTNION INSURANCE COMPANY \J OF LNKW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. UCKLAND BRANCH: QUEEN-S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. gins'uranc 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 kinda, Specie and "Wool to United Kingdom, at ~owk3t Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. & h! c o (5 k 1 c Have on Sale SONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS OF FURNITURE IN THE COLONY. Special Items:— DRAWING-ROOM SUITES WALNUT TABLES CARPE IS HEARTHRUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BEDSTEADS TOILETS LASSES . '. CANE-SEATED CHAIRS TOILET-WARE DRAWERS MARBLE-TOP WASHSTANDS MATTRESSES FEATHER BEDS. A Small Shipment of CRETONNES and CASH MERES, New Patterns. All Goods at Lowest Rates. delivered free. Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers. Furniture Showrooms .... 67, QUEEN-STREET Steam Cabinet Factor}/ VICTORIA-STREET BONED UST! BONEDUST BONEDUST 1 To Arrive, about the middle of February: "tr.zr:soo tons bonedust, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Bell's \ inch, inch, and Boneflour. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. SUPERIOR SAMPLES of Sydney and New Zealand Maize, Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table Potatoes, Flour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley, Jhatf, Oilcake Coal, &c, &c, always on hand. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND T>OYAL INSURANCE COMPANY. Special Notice to Insurers. This Company, having intimated to the In surance Association their Withdrawal from Tariff Arrangements, is now prepared to grant Policies on all descriptions of Property at equitable rates. Concessions will be made on first-class build ings and approved risks, in Town and Suburbs, and for water supply and other protection, where made available. Special arrangements will 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, Agen Office: Shortland-street, Auckland, Bth February, 1878. The usual Book and Sheet Almanacs for 1878 can be had on application, or on information being sent to the Office. \\T ANTED, FOR DUNEDIN ■ 30 FIRST-CLASS JOINERS, For Light and Finest Quality Work. To com petent men, six or twelve months engage ment. J. W. WALLER, Manager, GUTHRIE & LARNACH (LIMITED), Onehunga. mo CARPENTERS AND JOINERS. In reference to the advertisement for Joiners to proceed to Dunedin, you are informed that there is a dispute at present existing, and that the men are out on-strike. In the interests of the trade, you are requested not to accept the proffered employment. Clover seeds. Olover seeds. Just to Hand, ex ' Apei/les,' OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON'S OLOVER SEEDS, CONSISTING OF 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 ketrate, w< j. HURST . &OOOf. f 101, Queen-street.



US' CITY HALL "f* XTurnishing Arcade. NEW GOODS JUST UNPACKED, AND QUITE NEW. CRETONNES, Large Lot New Colours and New Designs. (.New Brussels, from 4/9 n a Tj-DTPTa J New Tapestry, from 2/1 GAKPJi lte. « New Kidderminster, from 3/2 {. New Hearthrugs, from 6/6 (New Shape Walnut Suites New Reps for do. For the j Green and Crimson Silk Rep) £>8 DRAWING--^ Black and Gold do. VS'S ROOM. Fawn and Gold do. j^g New Pattern "Walnut Tables . VNew Inlaid Flower Stands (12 feet wide, 3/ per yard FLOOR- J 3 • „ 2/ CLOTHS. 1 Oil Canvas, /9 V Linoleum, all widths Handsome White Twistand 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. Hollew"ay, G-arlick & Craarwsll, City Hall Abcade, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. CABINET FACTORY .. Lome-STREET