SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ilteH W^JHt^RSiASw'lE^ 3.21 SUN SET;—ThH ifiveahig, 6.16 iUN RTSHJ. To -Morrow Morning. 6 3 WOON'H AH K. -Full Moon, 19th. 8.46 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cros?, s.a., Holmes, from Napier and Lytteiton

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Sin Francisco—Australia, R.M.s., ea^ly For London—Lorraine, barque, early; Chili,

ship, early For Hoklanga—Queen, schooner, at once For Sydney—Hero, s.s., April 5. Fjr Tauranga and the South—Taupo, 11th Wanaka, 2ist; Hawea. 28th Fov Napier and South—Rotorua, s.s., Tuesday,

19 th inst. For Sydney—Rotorua, s.s., April 2

EXPORTS.

Per Taupo, for thft South:— 7 packages, 2 cases.—Henderson & Macfariane, 1 case leather, 2 bales, 1 case.—lreland Bros.

1 trunk.—Owen & Graham. Per Southern Cross, for Napier and Lyttelton : 1 qr.-cask whisky, 1 case tools.—Owen and Graham.

The cutter Rangatira entered inwards at |the Customs to-day from Oinata with a cargo, con sisting of 500 rails, 150 posts, 8,000 feet planking, 800 stares, 1.000 palings. The cutter Morning Light cleared outwards tor Cabbage Bay this afternoon. The cutter Lizzie, which had her mast broken oi the recent voyage from Whangapoa, has hauled alongside the Gore-street jetty, and workmen are" now engaged supplying her with a mew mast and set of spars, of a superior Vhe p'.s. Rotorua left and the Hero arrived at Sydney yesterday from Auckland. "The s.s. Southern Cross left Past evening for Napier and Lyttelton with a general cargo. The s.s. Taranaki, which left the Manukau for the South Yesterday, took the following pas senders:—Mr and Mrs Burns, Mr Reid and family (3). airs Kenny and 3 children, Mr and Mrs ""McDonald, Mrs Ward, Mrs Evans, Mrs Harris Mrs MeKenzif, Messrs Clarke, Hughes, Crompton, Maguire, Tabateau, Butter, Burgess, Connelly, Rolleston, Adams, Bruce, Duder, Bain, Reichalt, and 11 steerage. The North Shore Ferry Company's new iron steamei1 Tongariro occupied 6 hours 20 minutes on her return voyage from the Thames yester- The Harbour Board workmen are at present enraged constructing a gridiron at the eastern corner of the wharf and Custom House-street, in order that watermen may enioy the privilege of cleaning their boats when necessary. The work is a very laudable one. and should have been undertaken before now. The schooner Elizabeth Conway, Captain Ware arrived this morning from Napier in ballast. She left on the 3rd instant, and experi enced easterly winds and south westerly gales during the pa-sage. . The cutter Dream entered inwards to-day from Whangapoa with 23,806 feet timber. The barque Lorraine, for London, is filling up slowly. She is not likely to leave before the middle of April.' F-Tiie p. 3. Hauraki, which arrived at Onehunga from Waitara yesterday, brought 20 head cattle and 390 sheep. The cutter Spitfire entered inwards at the Customs to-day from Russsll, with 45 tons coal. The s.s. Taupo is to leuv-e tthls evening at 8 o'clock, for Tauranga, Napier, and Southern ports with a general cargo and a number of pas sengers. A steamer was signalled when we went to nress. It will probably be the Go-ahead or Pretty Jane from Gisborne, now overdue. A topsail schooner was coming up the harbour when we went to press. The amount of revenue collected at the Customs to-day was £1,43614s 9d. The cutter Fawn cleared outwards at the Customs to-day for Russell, and will sail this pveniug. She takes a cargo of potatoes, flour, &c.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Tauranga, this day. The s.s. Rowenaieftlasteveningfor Auckland ■with, passengers and cargo. Taeasaki, this day. The s.s. Taranaki arrived this morning from Oneaunga with, the San Francisco mail. Whangarei. this day. Tne s.s. Argyle left this afternoon for Auck land.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

MArr,s wiu. Closic a* Unhkk - For Thames, this day, at 5,30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 9.30 a.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argylc, to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. „,._., _, For Tauranga, Giaborne, Napier, Sou thorn Pro vinces, and Australian Colonies, per Taupo this day, at C p.m. For Taranakl and Wanganui, vja Wiulara, per Hauraki, to-morrow, at 8 a.m. For Port Fitzroy, per Wator Lily, tomorrow, at For Newcastle, N.S.W., per Bta'/, to-morrow, Kor Wh'itianga, Tauranga, and Opotikl, per Rowena, to-morrow, afc i p in. For Waiwera, MahuranKa, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarel, and Mangap ii, per Annie Milbank. on Saturday next, at 1.0 a-in. For Tairua, per Griffin, on Saturday next, at For Tar'anaki, Southern Provincoa, and Aua tralian Colonies, per Talaroa, on Tuesday next, at 5 a.m. S. B. ma's. ni.i«r Postmaster.

BIRTH.

HOWARD.—On 13th March, at her residence, Wynyard-street, the wife of Mr. Joseph Howard of a son. WILCOCK.—On the 14th March, at Auckland, the wife of T. L. Wilcock of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

DOBSON—ROBINSON.—At All Saints' Church, Howick, on the 13th instant, by the Rev. R. A. Hall, J. A. Dobson. of Coromandel, to Mary, daughter of Mr. Thomas Robinson, of Howick.

DEATH.

BUCKINTGHAM.-On 6th January, at Dublin, the result of an accident, Albert Silk Bucking ham, late of Auckland, eldest son of the late James Silk Buckingham, Esq., H.M. Customs, Jamaica, aged 37. . , FALKNRR.—On 17th January, at 15, Garville Road, Dublin, Catherine Falkncr. relict of the late Thomas William Falkner, of Dublin, Wine Merchant.

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

THURSDAY. MARCH 11. 1878.

The statement made by the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs in asking for a special vote of £(5,000,000, reported in our cable despatches to-day, defines the attitude of Austria as exactly similar to that taken up by England. The Austrian delegate will be instructed to demand from the Peace Conference a limitation of the results of the war ensuring tliL, preservation of European and Austro -Hungarian interests. Any power which attempts a solution not based on these principles, the Minister declares, must be prepared to meet a European coalition. In all proba bility a good understanding exists between England and Austria with reference to the points which will be con sidered essential to their interests; and while England will probably support Austria in that part of the conditions affecting her Slav subjects, Austria may be expected to unite with England in resisting any proposal conducive to a pre ponderance of Russian power in the Medi terranean aud the East. Italy, which now aspires to the position of the second maratime power, is almost certain to pursue a similar course.

It is very satisfactory to observe the high place held by Auckland securities in the London money-market, According to the N.Z.L.M. Circular of the 31st January, business was done in Auckland six per cent debentures (water supply) at 106}, and the closing quotations are 105 to 107. Sales of City of Wellington six per cent were made at 104 and 104£ ; City of Dunedin quoted, without sales, at 104 to 10G ; Christ church, 103 to 10S ; and Auckland Harbour Board, 102 to 104. This shews that the valuable character of Auckland city securities is fully understood and appre ciated iv England, and there should be no difficulty in floating the small amounts which are now required on the Endowment Loan, and for completion of water supply at par, if not at a premium.

The reply given yesterday by the Native Minister to the deputation representing the Ponsonby Board, concerning the proposal to borrow £5,000, was exactly that which we declared some time ago it must be in the present state of the law. Under the Highways Act, 1874, from which the borrowing powers were presumably derived, it was clear that the Superintendent had no power to authorise a loan, without a special Act of the Provincial Council. How it could for one moment be seriously .supposed that the legislative functions of the Pro vincial Council were delegated to the Governor through some vague general paragraph of the Act abolishing the pro vinces is inexplicable. The mere delegation of the Superintendent's powers most certainly would not meet the object, for the Superintendent had no authority iv the matter beyond that of submitting the bill. As Mr Sheehau pointed out yesterday, the clause was purposely framed by the opponents of highway'borrowing to render a special Act absolutely indispensable for every loan, and to deprive the Superintendent of that power, which in the bill as originally drafted it was intended he should exercise. While it is certain, therefore, that the Government cannot entertain the proposition that they should authorise the loan under the interpretation given to Act by the deputation, and equally certain that if they did so their action would be ultra-vires and the loau illegal, we do not altogether hold with the objections which Mi Sheehan urged against the introduction of the required bill by the Governmeut. The obstacles which appeared to Mr Sheehan to stand in the way were two-fold. First, that if the Government ac cepted the office on this occasion they would be flooded with similar applications from all •parts of the colony ; and second, that the Assembly, having passed so many bills for the purposes of local government with bor rowing powers, would probably reject this special Act on the ground that they must draw the line somewhere. This might be true enough were it not for the continued existence and provisions of the Act under which the Auckland highway districts are still worked. To validate the borro wins the Act requires that the District Board shall, first, prepare a plan of proposed works approved by the engineer of the Board or one appointed by the Superintendent ; second, obtain the consent of two-thirds of the ratepayers to the borrowing proposal, and then forward the resolution and scheme of works to the Superintendent. The Act then goes on to specify the Superintendent's duties, on receipt:—He may object to any of the proposed works, and require that they shall be left out. Upon compliance with his requests he may submit to the Provincial Council a bill giving effect to the wishes of the ratepayers. But more, the Superintendent then becomes custodian of the lender's security, and upon default may levy a sufficient rate to enforce payment. The Act therefore makes the Superintendent an intrinsic and indispensable part of the borrowing. It indicates him as the proper person to submit the bill, and without his co-operation the ratepayers are deprived of the rights conferred under the Act. By the Abolition Act these duties and res ponsibilities have beeu transferred rrom the Superintendent to the Governor, and the Highway Districts have a right to expect that lie will not shirk them so long as the law is in force and that is the mode of procedure which it prescribes. The trustees have no option but to follow it, and the Assembly must not shrink now from the performance of the share of pariah work which it has thrown upon itaelf and the General Government. That the introduction of the bill by the Government would be the signal for a flood of similar requests is not exactly tho caao, for the operation of'the Highways Act is rt'Btriqtud to the ProvincialDifitrictof Auck land. If the Act is to bo operative at all—

and the General Assembly has rati fied it—we cannot see how the Government can avoid the request put forward by the Ponsonby trustees that they shall—as holders of the Superintendent's powers examine the plan of works, approve or modify them, and then submit the bill giv ing effect to the wishes of the ratepayers. The suggestion made by Mr Sheehau that the district shall abandon its present plan of procedure, aud attain its ends by the creation of a municipality, is doubtless worthy of consideration. Rate payers, however, are so well satisfied with the working of the highway system that they are reluctant to change unless for some very good reason. It may be that the action of the Eden County Council will compel them to do so, for it cannot be supposed that suburban ratepayers will accept liability to double taxation for the maintenance of the Great South and Great North roads, even if they were disposed to make their local governing bodies subordi nate to a nondescript Council gathered to gether from the four winds. Until the other alternative is absolutely forced upon them, they will—and we believe they are right—cling to the, cheap and efficient form of government which, they already possess.

For intelligent criticism commend to us the leading article in the "Herald" this morning. A column space is devoted to the abuse of the City Council and city officials for taking a technical objection in the Assessment Court, by which Judge Fenton's appeal was defeated. Yet the fact has been stated a dozen times at l eas t—more than once iv the "Herald" itself—that the property referred to was situated in Parnell, and the objection taken by the Parnell Borough Council. The case was heard at the sitting of the Court on Friday last, expressly appointed for Parnell appeals. Tho city cases were not heard till Tuesday, when technical objections were in all instances avoided, and -the cases settled wholly on their merits.

On our fourth page to-day appears a report of to-day's proceedings in the Resident Magistrate's Court, a report of Mr Blackmail's lecture on Home Tooke, and an appeal to working men on the question of representation. The proprietor of the Criterion Hotel, corner of Hobson and Cook-streets, has been at great expense in making large additions and improvements to his house. A number of new rooms have beeu fitted up with new furniture, and the bed and sitting-rooms pleasantly situated. By taking in the next house, Mr Evans has been enabled to form a billiard-room of large dimensions. When the entire plans are completed, the Crite riou will reali.se the proprietor's ideal of a quiet family hotel. We have before mentioned that a ship ment of salmon ova was being made to New Zealand by way of Melbourne by the fast steamer Chimborazo. Many thousands of pounds have probably been 'hitherto expended in the various shipments of salmon ova to Tasmania, Australia, and New Zealand. The present shipment will pro bably cost little in excess of £200, if indeed it will cost sc much. It.« history may be shortly told. On the 28th November, 1577, Sir Julius Vogel, Agent-General for New Zealand, received by telegraph instructions from the Premier of the colony, Sir George Grey, to send out by steamer, via Melbourne, a shipment of ova, at a cost not to exceed £400. Sir Julius at once placed himself in communication "with Mr Youl and Mr Frank Buckland, and, in accordance with the recommendation of these gentlemen, made arrangements for the use of six inches in depth of the bottom of the steamer's ice house, instead of constructing a separate ice-house, as has hitherto been done Mr Youl procured, with the aid of Mr Rams bottom, 25,0000va, and packed them himself. Mr Buckland procured and packed 22,000 ova, and also, through Mr C. Capel, of Foots Cray, j)rocured j^oo river trout ova. Mr Youl, with tho aid of Capt. Smith, an officer of the Agent-General's Department, superintended the shipping arrangements. The {in round JJnumberß) 50,000 are safely packed in good condition in the ice - house of the Chimborazo, well covered with ice more than sufficient for use on the passage, and there is every reason to beliovc that they will be deposited in the hatching boxes in New Zealand within sixty days of their being taken from the English rivers. The whole cost is so low that in future it may be expected that shipments will be constantly made.—" Times." At the inquest on the fire, held at One hunga yesterday, the jury returned a verdict as follows: —"That no evidence had been given as to how the fire was caused, but according to statements made, it had originated in a skill ion at the back of Mr VVills's house."

The Forest Rifles of Mauku fired for the district prizes on Monday last, Lieutenant Mellsop and Private \V. King scoring 74 and 59 respectively at tho 500 and 600 yds. ranges. In the second set, Adolph scored 68 at 400 and 500 yds. Major Lusk super intended the firing. Mr Joseph Newman, ou behalf of the Broomhall Association, accompanied the Hon. J. Sheehan to the Thames yesterday for the purpose of laying off the reserves at Te Arona, and securing a settlement of the difficulties which have so long kept the land closed. Although the Loan Company, which it was proposed to connect with the scheme, has falloa through, the original arrangement with reference to tha special settlement remains unaltered, aud Mr Broomhall and his friends are prepared to fulfil their part of the compact whenever the Government is in a position to hand over the land.

The members of the St. Patrick's Drum and Fife Band, under Bandmaster James Dixon, took a musical march out last evening, playing in a lively manner " Fare well to Whisky," "St. Patrick's Day," and the " Sprig of Shillelagh." The band numbers about 20, who are preparing for St.«fPatrick's Day. The Salisbury Troubadours, which are expected in Auckland towards the closo of the present month, are very highly spoken of by the Southern press. The " Lytteltou Times," speaking of their appearance in Christchurch, says : —" In one word, nothing of the kind has ever been witnessed like it in Christchurch before, and it was from begiu ning to end a great success. The opening piece was what might be called a comedy farce-extravaganza, entitled "Two Can Play at That Game." In this Mis 3 M'Henry proved herself to be a comedienne of no mean ability, which, combined with a pretty and intelligent face and good figure, did not fail to at onco secure to her the goodopinion of the audience. Mr Salisbury and Mr Webster appeared in the respective characters of " juvenile lead" and a " light comedian." But the fun of the evening was reserved for the succeeding piece. This was entitled "Patchwork," and most variegated and enjoyable patchwork it proved to be. From beginning to end it was redolent of uproari ous fun and merriment, replete with capital vocal selections, and shewed a profusion of characters, plays, and scenes in such extra ordinary juxtaposition that the audience was kept in a constant ferment of laughter. It is a mine of fun, and is sure to draw crowded houses as soon as it is fully appreciated. Miss M'Henry acted, sang, and danced with the abandon of a first-class opera bouffe actress, and at once established herself as an immense favourite ; her song "As Pretty as a Picture," being perhaps her beat performance. Miss Blanche Corelli possesses an excellent soprano voice and is a capital actress ; while Mr Salsbury, as the heavy man who plays the Othellos, Macbeths, Hamlets, and other parts of that kind; MrGourley, as the low comedy man ; and Mr Webster, as the Troubadour, who is always trying to sing, but never gets the opportunity until just before the fall of the curtain, were each and all fully up to their work. The entire entertainment possesses an amount of fun and daring originality that is bound to make it succeed. Nor must we omit to give a word of commendation to the excellent orchestia.

A very interesting addiessjwas delivered last evening in Pitt-street Church by the Rev. J. H. Fletcher, of Sydney, and a sum of £200 collected towards the liquidation of the building improvement debt of £350. From what we hear, the famous Dickson- Anderson case is likely to assume a new phase at a forthcoming meeting of the City Council, when Councillor Dickson will sub mit new proposals in order to bring matters to an issue.

The annual meeting of the Ladies' Benevolent Society will be held in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association, to-morrow evening. His Honor Mr Justice Gillies will occupy the chair. Selections of music will be given at inter vals during the evening. The excellent programme of the regatta to be held at Tauranga, on Monday next, will be found on our third page. There are ten events, ottering good inducements to competitors. The list of stewards con tains the names of many gentlemen whose experience in matters of this kind, and the success of former regattas, are a guarantee of the promising character of this.

A social entertainment will be held this evening in connection with St. Mark's Church, Remuera, for the benefit of the Sunday-school, to be held in the New market Hall. Mrs Mitchell, Mr Gradwell, and other Auckland vocalists will take part in the entertainment.

The Rev B. J. Westbrooke, Primitive Methodist minister, will preach his fare well sermons on Sunday next, and will leave Auckland for his new sphere of duty in the course of next week. The watercolours by Mr Kenneth Watkins are now on view at the shop of Mr Phillipps. The first is a sketch taken at the Kawau, the second Hauraki Gulf from the North Shore, and the third a Pohatukawa tree in bloom. The last-named it? our favourite.

A complimentary concert, including vocal and instrumental music, will be ten dered as a benefit to Mr Charles T. Harding by the President and members of the Choral Society on Thursday next at the Choral Hall." Mr Harding has for many years not only identified himself with the musical portion of our community, but lias ever been ready to give his services on behalf of charitable purposes, and on the occasion of this benelit to himself it is but reasonable to expect that he will have a bumper house. A social gathering will be held this Thursday) evening in the public hall, New market, in aid of the funds of the Sunday sdhool of St. Marks, Remuera. The ladies of the congregation have been actively stir ring themselves to make the meeting a suc cess, and after tea has been partaken of they will join in singing several choice pieca of music. Wo see from the programme that one of our leading lady amateurs is to take a prominent part in the singing, and from an inspection of the programme, we have no doubt the meeting will be of a satis factory nature in every respect. We also notice that the programme contains pieces of music which are to be rendered by the children of the school. His Lord ship the Bishop, and many of the clergy, will be present t;> address the meeting. Tickets can be had at any of the places of business at Newmarket. We trust the meeting will be atte'uded to such an extent as so laudable an object de mands.

Mdlle. Do Murska and Mr Hill are at Colorado. They were connected -with, the Dc Murska-Richiugs-Bemard-Opera-troupe which got deeply into debt, aud whose luggage was seized for a claim incurred at" Salt Lake. Mdlle. De Murska however, sang at a per centage, and was not involved in the debts. She got 40 per cent of the proceeds. She has, however, dissolved her connection with the impecu nious party.

■ Siguor and Signora Majeroui are per forming at the California Theatre, San Francisco, in "Jealousy, or Mistaken Education," a society drama written expressly for them. During a recent visit to Mokau, Rewi expressed pleasure at seeing European settlers residing there. A San Francisco paper says quack doctors are so numerous in that city that nothing but a course of epidemics would supply enough patients to keep them all going.

A deputation, consisting of trustees of the Ponsonby district, waited on the Native Minister yesterday, and presented a schedule of'proposed public works, and con sulting the Government as to the powers of Highway Boards to borrow under the authority of the Governor in Council, to whom, as they contended, were transferred by tho Abolition of Provinces Act, 1575, special powers given to Superintendents under tho Provincial Highways Act of 1874 (part 3), under which Highway Districts are constituted. In reply to Mr Thorno, the Native Minister said he had no know ledge of any petition from the Ponsonby ratepayers with reference to the exercise of the special powers vested in his Excellency the Governor authorising a loau of £5,000 for the proposed works. Mr Sheehau added further that a special Bill would have to be passed by tho Legislature authorising such borrowing; but in one Bill were intro duced the Government would have to encounter a flood of similar Bills. He thought that an important district like Pousonby should be constituted a Munci pality, by which it would become entitled to an endownmeut of 2,000 acres. It would be desirable, however, to submit the whole matter to the Premier, who would arrive in Auckland about a fortnight hence.

Among the many § specifics brought before the public for the cure of rheu matism, gout, and other diseases that flesh is heir to, judging by the reliable and undoubtedly respectable testimonials shewn by the proprietor from well-known old Colonists, there can be no question that " Ghollah's great Indian cures are woithy of the public attention, and certainly should be tried by the invalid. Messrs Brown, Barrett, and Co. are the whole sale agents.

Sir George Grey addressed a public meeting at Oamaru last evening, and received a vote of confidence.

The Blueskin Mystery.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

(From our Own Correspondent.)

DUNEDIN, this day. The Blueskin mystery engages considerable attention, by reason of the social standing of the person alleged to be implicated. Mrs De Corsta, alias Canter, was in attendance at the inquest to-day; Mr Denniston appearing for her. The coroner asked Mrs Bohanna, the nurse, if the lady present was the one confined at her house on February 15th. Witness replied in the affirmative.

Catherine Wishart, boarding-house keeper in Rattray-street, deposed : I know the lady now "present. She boarded with me for a week, from the 24th ult. to the 2nd inst. She brought a boy and girl with her. She stayed in the house all that day (Sunday), but was out all one night in the week. I could not swear whether it was on Tuesday or Wednesday night. She said she was going to Blueskin, but not what she was going for. She said she might be back that night or might not, but should be back next day. She went some time after one o'clock, taking the little boywithher, and came back the morn ing following. She Drought a small parcel in with her on the 2ud. She left, saying that she was going to Tiraaru by boat, and would go down to Port Chalmers. Over night she never mentioned having a new born baby, and I never saw anything to lead me to suspect she had one. She one day asked me for a box to send some fruit to Timaru in, and I gave her a box. I fancied it was a larger box than the one produced, before the police shewed it to me the other day. The _box I gave^her was

smaller than this, and she told me she sent it away with fruit to her children at Timaru. I made her bed every day, and never noticed anything particular in the room. Christopher Daniel, 11 years of age, son of Mrs Wishart, by her first husband, gave similar evidence as to the arrival and departure of Mrs De Corsta. .He did noo know the box produced. He got a cab tor her on the first day of the races (Feb. 28), at about two o'clock. She and her two children got into the cab, taking with her a parcel wrapped up in a green glazed cloth. It was a round parcel, nearly as broad as it was long, about 15 inches each way aud 12 inches high. He held the parcel, which felt soft, as if shawls were inside. It was quite light, weighing about 21bs. On Saturday, when Mrs De C.nrsta left she had the same parcel with her. Thomas Mathieson, railway guard on the Blueskin line, recognised Mis De Corsta on February 28th. She travelled by the 2 o'clock train from Dunedm to Blue skin. She had a boy and a girl with her. Witness did not notice her having any parcel with her. He saw her out ot the train at Blueskiu, but did not see in what direction she went. She returned by the 8 o'clock train. Dr De Latouch, who made a post-mortem examination, said the child's death could not be assigned to one definite cause, lhe appearances were quite compatible with natural causes, such as convulsions, which would cause obstruction to breathing; or to exposure to cold, or catching cold. Any thing, however, that would cause obstruc tion to respiration would cause these appearances—such as a temporary ligature round the neck or smothering; bnt witness did not think the appearances in this case were attributable to either of the latter. There was no evidence of death having been caused by drowning. The child was dead from some cause obstructing the respira tion.

MRS DE COSTA'S STATEMENT. Mrs De Costa declares the child died, and that she gave it to a man, who promised to bury it for £5. She did not know who the man was, and she gave it to him to save disgrace, as her family did not know of her condition. The night before the day on which she alleges the child died, she ad mitted giving it laudanum. The inquiry was adjourned till Monday to discover the truth or otherwise of her statement.

Mail News.

EUROPEAN.

The likelihood of the Prince of Wales visiting Australia in 1879 is revived. Colonel Evelyn Wood, and Colonels Rowland, Pitt, and Jar vis, have gone with reinforcements to the Cape. A number of Gatling guns, firing a thousand shots a mir.ute, were sent. The Chimborazo toolc fifty thousand salmon eggs for New Zealand. Lord Beaconsfield expressed his surprise that Earl Carnarvon should not have returned to the Cabinet when the orders for the fleet to enter the Dardanelles Avere withdrawn, that being the ground of his resignation. Sir James Ferguson was defeated by a considerable majority at Greenock, owing to the circulation of placards at the last moment, announcing the Conservative intention to ask for a war vote. The Conservatives were also beaten at Perth and Leeds. Lord Charles Beresford was swindled out of £1,400 pounds by a Chinese servant,who forged hia name. The order sent to Chatham for all dock yard bauds to work overtime has caused some excitement. Such an order has not been known since the Crimean war. The vessels preparing for sea at Chatham are the ironclads Monarch, 8,322 tons ; Nor thamton, 7,323 tons ; and the Penelope, 4,394 tons ; besides several large unarmed vessels.

More hands were engaged yesterday for all departments of Woolwich Arsenal and Portsmouth aud Davenport Dockyards. The Porte simply protested against the second entry of the fleet to the Dardanelles. A regiment, which was under orders to leave Plymouth for Aldershot, has been directed to remain at Plymouth and hold itself in readiness for other movements.

Sulieman Pasha, after his defeat by Gourka, escaped towards Gallipoli with forty thousand men to defend the penin sula.

Fifty thousand refugees are in Constanti nople,many are armed, and disturbances are feared. There is great distress in the capital and throughout Koumelia. Small-pox and fever are increasing among the refugees at Constantinople. The dis tress is very great. The Emperor William of Germany has subscribed 82,000 -to the International Refugee Fund. Austrian subjects residing in Roumania have been summoned to report to the Austrian Consulate, in view of possible Austrian mobilization.

Many petitions against the retrocession of Bessarabia to Russia are reaching the Rou manian Government.

Considerable Russian reinforcements are arriving at Jassy. At Athens, it is feared, that in conse quence of the reports of atrocities in Theasaly it may become impossible to restrain the troops from recrossing the frontier. A St. Petersburg letter, from a semi-ofti cial source, states that the retrocession of Bessarabia is a personal qixestion to the Czar, and it is, therefore, impossible for Russia to draw back. A settlement of the question by the Powers, ignoring Russia's wishes, would raise threatening storm clouds.

St. Petersburg.—A correspondent tele graphs: Notwithstanding Lord Derby's ex planation, the sending of a fleet to Con stantinople and the Parliamentary vote of credit,produced a]profound impression here. He thinks these acts constitute a breach of neutrality justifying immediate war. Fortunately the Government has not adopted this view, but is sincerely desirous of avoiding further complications. It would be dangerous, however, to impose on this conciliatory spirit. With the general public a war with England would be very popular, and in the small circle of those who influence foreign policy of Russia, several nrge strong measures. The moment is critical, and even a simple want of tact on the part of the British Cabinet might hane momentous consequences. A Vienna correspondent confirms the report that British action has produced a serious impression in both Berlin and St. Petersburg. It is a question whether the Poite, by admitting foreign men-of-war, does not give Russia a right to march on Constantinople. In the House of Commons Mr Gladstone suggested an address to the Crown from both Houses of Parliament, assuring the Queen of support in the Con ference instead of a vote of credit, and Gladstone said the armistice removed all apprehension of Turkey's being encouraged by the hope of English aid. It also re moved the reason for persevering in a vote, now that there was no apprehension of Rus sian occupation of Constantinople. The Government, by the menacing attitude they proposed to assume, were taking a step in the direction of barbaiism and violence. Perseverance with the vote could only de monstrate that the nation was divided. While urging that the vote of credit be withdrawn in favour of an address to the Crown, which he had proposed, ho said he conceded the necessity of supporting the Government hy some • declaration before they entered the Conference. He would support the Government in using their influence to induce Russia to relinquish her claim for the retrocession of Bessarabia; also for the free navigation of the Danube, and- in obtaining liberal terms for Turkey, so far as consistent with the interests of Turkey's subjects. Mr Gathorne Hardy, Secretary of War, pointed out that the Government were ignorant of the conditions of the armistice, and the Russian armies had reached si point which, if negotiations failed, might be

dangerous for Europe, It was important * be prepared, because wars of iat**° sudden and unforeseen. The R ?re bases of peace were exceeST vague, and although the Government $[ been told the condition relative to +ii Straits was withdrawn, it still remain a The Governments object was to secuT permanent and solid peace fij. a £6,000,000 now might involve a fuWß^ penditure ot £600,000,000. The Gov " menthad been misrepresented throuelS the country, and were new going to St an empty vote of confidence. If the vn? of credit should be denied, it was time fr? I them to resign. They did not desire f« : lead a crippled existence. The Powers vJ™ armed to the teeth, and a single spark nnW light a fire threatening the best interest" of the country. They asked the House v give them that they might perform their' part m the European concert for the benefit of subjects, races, and mankind. " l

AMERICAN.

WRECK OF THE METROPOLIS.

200 LIVES LOST.

The steamer Metropolis was wrecked in; Omituck lulet on January 30. She had ou board, two hundred labourers and a large quantity of railway material for Peru, Brazil. The roaring of the surf caused great confusion. The - vessel swung broadside on to the beach ■ and many people were washed overboard' About fifty persons swam ashore, but all the remainder perished. DESPERATE DUEL. At Brodie, Mono County, two partners quarrelled about business. One named Jack Braslau ofjfefed to fight Blair with pistols, at any distance from 40 feet to the " length of a handkerchief. They went out stood at two paces, and each fired all the six chambers of their revolvers. Neither fell, and both appeared dissatisfied. Braslan returned to the bar-room. Blair got another revolver from a friend, went after Bra.slan, and shot him in the abdomen. Braslau fell, riddled with bullets, aud died in 15 minutes. Blair was wounded in four A TERRIBLE TALE OF THE SEA. o The schooner Speedwell arrived, at New ''iB York from Cadiz on Feb. 11 with the : survivors of the Sallie M. Steelman, abandoned at sea. The captain of the latter made a statement to the effect that ? 20 miles S.E. of Hatteras he encountered a terrific gale, which swept the decks. The ' ship sprung a leak. After several days three of the crew died, leaving only four to manage the vessel and the pumps. One ■ coloured seaman attempted to kill another, but was overpowered and killed. His body was then cut up for food. The upper portion was cast overboard, but steaks wera : cut from the thighs almost before the body was cold, and were broiled and eaten. NICE RELIGIOUS SCRUPLES. The Legislative Committee of Utah, to whom was referred the recommendations against polygamy,report,claiming that poly gamy Is sustained by the Bible and Divine S : ordinances, and that, therefore, they can not legislate against religious beliefs and i

CABLEGRAMS.

To-day's Despatches.

(SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE ARGUS.)

Powers Accept the Congress.

Anti-Russian Meetings in Hyde Park

Retirement of Gladstone.

Fearful Catastrophe at Sea. 500 Perish.

LONDON, March ii. All the European Powers have ac cepted the proposed Congress.

England demands a commission re specting the affairs of Greece. Anti-Russian meetings have been held in Hyde Park. Mr Gladstone retires from the repre sentation of Greenwich at the next

elections. There has been a change of Ministry at Quebec, and Mr Jolly is Premier. -■■ A steamer has been burnt at Cape Elia, in which 500 Circassians perished. The mail via Brindisi has arrived.. ■■?

Frequent Cabinet Councils.

[reuter's special telegram].

Austrian Minister on the Situa tion.

LONDON, March li, Frequent Cabinet Councils are -i being held.

Mr Gladstone will not be a candi date at the next general election. England and France have accepted - the proposed Peace Congress at Berlin. ; , Tne Ausirian Minister of Foreign Affairs, in asking for for a, grant of - 60,000,000 florins, said Austria must ; demand of the Peace Congress that the limitations on the results of the , war be denned, whereby European and p| Austro-Hungarian interests shall re- :. main uninjured, and that any v■<; Single Power attempting a solution of the difficulty must be prepared to meet a Euro Dean colition.

Australian.

(From our Special Correspondent.)

Britain Refuses Samoan Pro-

tectorate.

Alleged Conspiracy to Lose a Ship-

SYDNEY.

This day.

Mr Liardet, Samoan Consul, is dead. Her Majesty the Queen has refused to assume the protectorate of Samoa, witn : the direction of affairs.

The evidence in the Ashley Insurance case is astounding. The captain swears that Manning offered £500 to lose the sJup. The Insurance Companies have com bined.

Exciting Incident at Samoa.

England Seizes the Island

Man-o'-war.

SYDNEY, this day... Sir Arthur Gordon, Governor of Fiji, is paying his official visit to Samoa. The American Consul threw difficul ties in Sir Arthur's way, and the native chiefs played with him, whereupon WO armed boats from the H.M. Sapphire seized the Samoan man-of-war, hauled down the flag and hoisted the Engusn flag. The isiands are stiU held as security for the payment of an indemnity.

: [SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY]. 3 SYDNEY, this day. The Melbourne Government de£ ineJ]i entertain the proposition of the U>«™£ until the Fayment of Members itiu,»■ passed. Arrived : Hero. Sailed : Botorua. ;

EVENING STAR THURSDAY MARCH 14, 1878.



mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS- I W. J. HURS'L' 5S CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which havr been pi-ovc-d to produce satisfactory results i n this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi tnonils from leading Farmers justify W. J. tfura & Co. in strongly commending them to every Auric nit urist: — TvIALDKN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MrcXl<~!\N do BKL.L& riONICFLOUR Jandi-inch BONEuU.ST BTLLYARIVS No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIMIt. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. lv addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. aro 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 eons hus attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bo supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. Clover seeds. Clover seeds, our 4IV% H™n||l«ason-s CONSISTING OF White Clover Timothy Red Clover Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke &c, &c, &c. Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Sekds. 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 ketrate3> W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. JE C O O X E * Have on Salk EgONB OF THE LARGEST STOCKS OF SFURNITURB IN THE COLONY. Special Items:— DRAWING-ROOM SUITES WALNUT TABLES CARPETS HEARTHRUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BEDSTEADS TOILETu LASSES CANE-SEATED CHAIRS TOILET-WARE M ARBL&TOP. WASHSTANDS MATTRESSES FEATHER BEDS. A'Small Shipment of CRETONNES and CASE: . .MERES, New Patterns. All Goods at Lowest Rates. DELIVERED FREE. Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers. Furniture Show-rooms .... 67. QUEEN-STREKT Steam Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-STREET TfiINAL NOTICE. OUR TWENTY PER CENT. SALE Will Positively be Discontinued ON SATURDAY, MARCH 16. REMNANTS, &C, AT A VERY GREAT REDUCTION, IN ORDER TO CLEAR OUT PRIOR TO STOCK-TAKING. A LARGE STOCK OP FIRST-CLASS CLOTHING. FURNISHING GOODS.. MANCHESTER GOODS. HO3IWRY AND GENERAL DRAPERY Still on Hand AT VU-TWENTY PKR CKNT, REDUCTION. S>USH!JUOOK AND B>KIDGMAN, DItAIMCUS, CLOTinKRS, &0., .11 VVK II Q U RK N - S T It E E T, A U OICI-AN l>, • i !i'),i'f rlifl Army ami V"vv Kotol).



Thrilling Scenes,



H^OTICE OF REMOVAL. G. W. BINNBY wishes to inform the public that he has REMOVED to those CENTRAL SALE ROOMS lately occupied by Messrs M. Jones & Co. G . w . BINN BY, Auctioneer an.l Commission Agent. Central Sale Rooms, Queen-street. — T>OYAL INSURANCE COMPANY. Special Notice to Insurers. This Company, having intimated to tho In surance Association their Withdrawal from Tariff Arrangements, is now prepared to grant Policies on all descriptions of Property at eauitable rates. „ , , , .., Concessions will be made on first-class build ings and approved risks, in Town and suburbs, and for water supply and othor 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 tnat of any Company doing business in the Colony. \jr}ii\J» VV • J L/JN -tuO» Agen Office: Shortland-street, Auckland, Bth February, 1878. The usual Book and Sheet Almanacs tor lava can be had on application, or on nformation being sent to the Office. A GRICULTURAL RISKS. THE NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY Is prepared to INSURE against FIRE— Agricultural Risks, Grain in Stook or Stack, and Steam Threshing Machines travelling from place to place. LOWEST CURRENT RATES. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, Manager, Auckland Branch. SUN FIRE OFFICE, LONDON. [Established 1710.] Insurance effected upon almost, every descrip tion of Property, at the current Rates of I re mium. Total sum insured in 1870, _3213,950,35G7. Claims arranged by the Local Agent, and paid with promptitude and liberality. The iurisdiction of Local Tribunal recoermsea. G. W. BINNEY, Agent. UMarch 13th, 1878. ITTNION INSURANCE COMPANY U OF NBW ZEALAND. A.PITAL £2,000.000. U C X L A jS 1) B It A N C II : QUEKN-S T R E X T, Next the Colonial Bank. "IRE DEPARTMENT. Insurant! granted on Dwelling -lioasos, Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, aud Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls oE Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owhst Current Hates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. r /IOSGKAVE & £« O. "WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING SALE OF MEN'S AN D BOYS' CLOT H ING STO-MORROW. All .Goods Reduced to Cost Price. Inspection Invited. m CITY HALL "*» J^urnishing Arcade. NEW GOODS JUST UNPACKED, AND QUITE NEW. CRETONNES, Large Lot New Colours and New Designs. (New Brussels, from-i/9 r> a RpiTTq J New Tapestry, from 2/1 tAKffiia. ■( New Kidderminster, from 3/2 (.New Hearthrugs, from 6/C /New Shape Walnut Suites New Reps for do. For the ! Green and Critnson Silk Rep |£ § DRAWING--* Black and Gold do. foS ROOM. Fawn and Gold do. j P*g New Pattern Walnut Tables VNew Inlaid Flower Standa 12 feet wide, 3/ per yard 3 „ 2/ Oil Canvas, /9 „ Linoleum, all widths Handsome White Twist and Bullion Fringes, for Bed Hangings Handsome White & Fancy Belgian Damask, for do. Turkish Towels, very large size, 1/3 and 1/9 Superior Fancy Oil Baizes, for tables Immense Variety in Ladies' Dress Buttons. Holloway, Garlick 8s Oranwoll, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. CABINET FACTORY .. Lornk-strekt W. R A T TfR A V Begs to inform his Customers, and tho General Public, that he has placed his DRESS-MAKING AND MANTLE-MAKING DEPARTMENTS Under the care of MADAM X LE GRIFFON, who was for nine years in business close to the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, Lon don ; and for the last four years in Upper Queen-street, Auckland W. II ATT 11 AY, LINEN DRAPER & SILK MERCEk, VT X W 7ItAI, AN D TTOUS Hi, 66, QUEEN-STRKET, Auckland. X> A N X XT O L I D A Y. The Banks wil be CLOSED on MONDAY, 18th instant (St. Patrick's Day).



London Views,



Foremost in the ranks of fame stand those ex traordinary and successful medicines known as " Ghollah's Great Indian Cures." The numbers of sick people that have been restored to nealth by their use since their introduction into JSew Zealand, are incredible. Some of the severe cases treated successfully by these Indian Medi cines seemed to have baffled all the available and ordinary remedies previous to their intro duction. Severe cas-is of 16 and 20 years dura tion have beeu cured by their use. "Ghouahs Great Indian Cares" are sold by all Chemists, where see testimonials. A little prudence in purchasing will enableithe buyer to defeat the aims of the rascals who sell spurious counterfeits of Udolpho Wolfe s Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps in bottles which formerly held the real article. Sec 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.



Zoological '



Gardens,



Crystal Palace,



Albert Hall,



To-night.