SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

_„ <_-,'n__it. (This Afternoon, 11.3 Uit-H WAIEI-—> To-morrow Morning, 11.12 BUN SET.—This Evening, 5.39 Sl.v iU-i..—To-morrow Morning, 8.25 MOON'S AG I-.—First Quarter, lith, 2 31 p.m

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES. Wanaka, s.s., Mct-fl-ivray, for Russell T_.ni Faiauhar. for Russell Rowena ss?for Tauranga and Mercury Bay Amamnth, brigantine, for Hokianga (from the Manukau)

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

C.tvof New York, R.M.5.3,, for Sydney, Wed-

SHIP ON THE COAST.

The following telegram, from the harbour r. .4^'-' at Russell, was posted outsido the Hirixmr Board Offices to-day :— Russell, Monday, 1.00 P-m. Large full-rigged ship passing South. Wind, Th?s IJw*il probably turn out to be the ship Goi.-n Sc-a. from Melbourne, which has been c-, •■i.'-ered to convey Cooper & Bailey's Circus to C .I---0 from this port. She may be expected to make the harbour to-morrow.

FNTERRn Inwards.—Coralie, cutter, from T?rn- with 23,000 feet timber; Zillah, ketun, from Thames, ii ballast; Thistle, cutter, from P-v-rtv Bay, in ballast; Mary Ann, cutter, -:,-•.r,. c'p'ooAe Bay, w'th 15 tons firewood. CLKAR-^°C)UTWARD3.-Corrlie, cutter, for '■AZ n A ia ballast: Mary Anne,, cutter, for C-m_V.._-Y-.£, ia ballast; Opotiki cutter for oAZ-A-T v .;h'i a cargo of merchandise; Mana, §fit»^ 'for TairS, wRh provisions ; Magic A-.A: A. -\iercury Bay, with provisions, &c., T-vfor/cuttcr, for Thames, with 94 sacks floor, ov --..,..<-=: Vio 521 _ sacks do. __ , 3'Themail steamer. City of New York,. from SanFrancfeeoand Honolulu, had not put in an rC e unto the time we went to pres3. .it •" quit-probable, however, that she may arrive London f*-thisloortou February Ist, anditAvas expected AYA. she would leave about the 20th ot the same AA'-.+-t-.

m°ho s 3 Wanaka sailed last evening for -p,t™ii Passengers :—Mrs Williams, Major YZAY:c Caotain Fergusson, Messrs Snathe, Msrhier, Adams. Masters, and two natives. AA wiil return to-raorrow morning, and is ""verged to leave for Tauranga, Napier, and So>-.. hern no-is on Thursday afternoon. The s.s! Go-ahead is advertised to sail tor Gi-bo-no te-morrow afternoon. She has been f.o.w oh Messrs Sims and BroAvn's slip. North Siior^. for the purpose of having her bottom (•v.,-ed and painted. „, ~ - >-„.„ !> departure of the s.s. Taranaki, for _sew Pi-month and Southern Ports has been postponed unt to-morrow morning, when it is expected sh "will be able to take the Southern portion ot the English and American mails. Thetrigantine Circe left Lyttelton .for the Manukau yesterday Avith a cargo of gram. The schooner Rcsannah Rose arrived at Dune din from Hokianga with totara on the 30th ult. The ship Golden Lea, from Melbourne, is now flThe brigantine Ethel left Timaru for this port on Sunday last, with a cargo of gram. The schooner Quean sails for Hokianga to m'^Te«ra Niccol ar.d Son, shipbuilders, North Shore°have almost completed a fine substantial fo--- and aft schooner to the order of Captain n>..Vo f--*_nerJy of the island trading schooner Edith." It measures 71 feet keel, 20 feet beam, and S feet depth of hold. It is expected that she will prove a fast sailer, and we believe her :;.:^S-' ri f C . n( istorunher to the Island shortly. S---ciai attention has been devoted to her carry ing capacity, and besides passenger accommo d-".,.-.n*-i. ;-<expected that she will bd able to YAY 3 large cargo. She will be launcncd ma few'dPvs,andnb doubt we shall then oe. able ~-. s " fuller pa> ticulars of the vessel. The «s. Rotorua ia telegraphed as having arrived at Sydney yesterday. -ir__,i_____r, Thf b"i •■' Speedy, which s ailed for Maiden Island yesterday, is to load Avith guano at tnat nir-ce forar_ Australian port. " The brig Thomas and Henry cleared at the Customs to-day for Dunedin with a cargo, of timber, and will sail from the Manukau lm- m Th->ats'si Rowena sailed last evening for Tauranga and Mercury Bay. with a general '•art-o. Passengers: Messrs Nobile, Graham, R M. Tavlor, Back, Grant, McKenzie, Bunbury, and several in the steerage. . JPTiie 3 3. Argyie leaves for Wangarei and Mangapai, Avith passengers and cargo, tins a The lona left last eA-ening for Russell aud the North, Avith a full cargo of merchandise, and the following passengers: Messrs. Cookler, Andrews, Welland, Salmon, Irving. Binney, Cooklin, J. Kemp, Gribble, Hotham,. Ashwer, andlOin the 3teefage. , _ _ ■gThe schooner Blanche is to load for Rarotonga after campletingher repairs, and not for Levuka, B3 stated in our last issue. . „ „,. *„,.-,. The cutter Thistle arrived in ballast from Poverty Bay to-day, and Avill commence load ing for Lavuka immediately. , The brigantine Magellan Cloud, Captain R. Wells, cleared at the Customs to : day for Levuka, audwlli sad to-morrow morning. She takes three passengers, and a full cargo of merchan- S sheep, timber. &c. Passengers.-.-Messrs E S Joel, Henry Wil3on, and W. Onions. Per Magellan Cloud, for Levuka: lo kegs b.ef, 6'D sacks ootatces, 7 crates onions, 1 cases cheese and bacon, 60 boxes soap, 12 spars, 2000 feet sawn timber, 230 sheep, 2719 pieces sawn timber, 12 doors (loose), 3 pkgs. sashes, 2 bundles mouldings, 1465 pieces sawn timber. The brigantine Amarantn sailed, from Manukau Heads for Hokianga to-day, with 600 sheep and a quantity of sundries.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Rns3ELL, this day. The s.s. Wanaka arrived from Auckland at 5.10 a.m. &The lona arrived at 9.30 a.m. "^ Waitara, this day. The p.s. Hauraki, Captain Oakes, left for the Manukau at 0.15 p.m. to-day. ' TAUP.--NGA, this day. H M S. Wolverine, with his Excellency the GoA-ernor and suite, arrived here from Auckland at 10.30 o'clock this morning.

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

CREDITORS' MEETINGS.

In the estate of Daniel Sellers .. April 10 Wm. 11. Nicol APnl 12

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

SUBSCRIBER. —There Avas a small menagerie consisting of about live or six animals in Official Bay some score of years ago, and from time to time since then .stray animals have been on view, but there has never been anything at all comparable to Cooper and Bailey's show here.

BIRTH.

ABRAMS.—On the Bth April, 1373, at her resi sidence, Karangahape Road, the wife of Constable Jonas Abrams, of twins—boys; all Avell.—Home papers please copy. BOAKES.—On the IGth March.at her residence. Panmure, tho Avife of Thos. Boakes of a daughter; both doing avcU. — Canterbury papers pleaae copy.

DEATH.

KING.—On the 9th instant, of consumption, Henry William King, a«ed 45 years, second son of the late "William and Sarah King, of Fulham, Middlesex, England. GOSSET.—On the Bth February, 1878, at St. Helier, Jersey, Margaret, widow of the late Isaac Gosset, in her 91st year.

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1878.

ftr&c c«_se th** -_c_x__»-t_*n_sv Fisr else w--ag thai ucsds rs-d-tt-XSv Ka t_* _-t=-e ia t__ dlstaas..,

At an inspection of the Artillery Volun teers by Colonel Whitmore, last night, the Colonial Secretary stated that the Govern ment have resolved to apply to the Imperial authorities for some 64-pounder rilled con vertedguns. He said that Sir George Grey had a scheme for harbour defence, of which he (Colonel Whitmore) entirely approved. From what Colonel Whitmore stated last night, it may be gathered that the plan Avhich the Government have deter mined upon is the erection of bat teries iv strong positions commanding each harbour ; combined, no doubt, Avith a torpedo service. A favourable oppor tunity, is noAV offeror! for the acquirement of 64-pounder converted guvs.as this weapon is being superseded iv England by a neAV description of cannon. The 64-pounder rifled cannon, Avhich, as Colonel Whitmore explained, is the heaviest ordnance on board the Wolverine aud Nymphe, is a most destructive gun, effective at a range of about three miles. Sir William Jervois, in his report on the defence of Hobart Toavo, recommended the employment of this Aveapon, and estimated the erection of batteries, armed Avith four 64-pounder guns, and supplied with the necessary ammunition, at £15,000. We believe the Home Government, Avhich made Vic toria a present of the Cerebus, will be only too glad to encourage a spirit of self-defence in the colonies against the enemies of the Empire by supplying Avar material to repel foreign invasion. It is perhaps not very patriotic to look for any great expenditure on behalf of the colonies at a time when England is straining, every nerve by land and sea to maintain the prestige of the Empire ; and we think the colony might, if necessary, take on its ovra shoulders the £100,000 or so required to defend its leading ports from the stray black-mailing cruisers Avhich avc have alone to fear in these seas. In courage and self-reliance, colonists are surely not behind those South American Republics Avhich a feAV years ago, by means of Avell-served land-batteries, beat off a Spanish fleet. Yet in our present defenceless condition Aye are entirely at the mercy of any insignificant gunboat that may succeed in eluding the vigilance of Her Majesty's ships on the Australian station. We cannot help thinking that unless the Government press on their plans for placing iv the hands of colonists the means of self-defence they Avill be chargeable Avith culpable neglect, A cry is arising in all parts of the colony against a policy Avhich has hitherto left our volunteers with guns that are little better than toys, Avhen they may be called upon at any moment to defend their hearths aud homes. New Zealand is the ■ only colony in Avhich the Avork 'of harbour defence is not being actively prosecuted. The number of harbours Aye have to defend .and the multiplicity of our other undertakings, offers, perhaps, some excuse for this backwardness ; but a colony Avhich yesterday accepted a tender amounting to £52,000 for the continuation of an up-country railway, and Avhich has spent over twelve millions sterling during

the last few years, should not stand aghast at au expenditure of one or even two hun dred thousand pounds to defend its posses sions. A Avriterin the Canterbury " Press, alluding to the defence of.that port, suggests the erection of two batteries on Naval Point Reserve, mounting each one 7-tou muzzle loading gun, the price of which, according to the "Engineer, would only be £?,'..00 for the two, aud their range 6,700 yards; two 64 ---ponnder converted rifle guns, aud ten mooth bore 8-inch Dieces in each battery. The tocal cost of these tAvo batteries Avith ammu nition, he estimates ou the basis of Sir William Jervois' figures at £23,000. It may assist our readers in forming au idea of the capabilities of the 64-pounder converted rifled gun, Avhich the Government propose to employ for coastal defence, to apply its range" to the circumstances of Auckland harbour. From the North Head to tbe near end of Rangitoto, the distance is about 4,000 yards, Avhich is just covered by the 40-pounder Armstrong gun now on the North Head. The distance from the Head to the reef is about 4,750 yards; from BroAvn's Island to the North Head, about 5,500 yards; and from tho North Head to the point off the Lake, about au equal distance. The 64-pounder rifled cannon would, therefore, effectually sweep Rangitoto Channel betAveen these limits. We believe there is au ample store of genuine British pluck in New Zealand to make a good fight if the arms and material Avere at hand ; and the definite assurance given by Col. W hit more last night should operate as a special incentive to those arms of the service upon Avhich Aye must mainly depend for duty in the batteries. If proper encouragement Avere held out by the Government, v> c see no reason why the Artillery and Naval Bri gades may not be increased to between 200 and 800 good men, partly drafted from some of the other branches of the volun teer service. The creation of a feeling that they are something more than an empty sham ; that their patriotic services are relied upon for the defence of the country ; combined with tho appoint ment of thoroughly experienced officers, would infuse iicav and real life into our volunteer force, aud create that esprit de corps which* unfortunately, is sadly wanting under the existing system. It has become too much the practice to treat volunteering as a farce, and, unfortunately, the policy of the Defence Office has done much to make it so in reality. In the presence of danger, and Avith" an experienced military officer in the Cabinet, avo may hope that the Government Avill inaugurate a system under which our citizen soldiery will take their true rank as a reliable and effective defensive force. The material in men is there, but no permanent change can ever be accomplished Avithout searching reforms in the staff, improved armament, and greater inducements to those Avho devote time to the dry details of tho service. The morale of the foice would be materially improved if the Govern ment determined to enforce such stringent regulations as will secure efficiency, even at the risk of reducing the numerical strength by the withdrawal of those members avlio systematically neglect drill, and promote disorganisation and discord. In short, let the service become a reality—none the less so because men cuter and leave it at their oavii option.

• Oil our fourth page to-day appear articles on " What to do Avith our Boys, " " What Might Be," and "Religious Teaching in Public Schools." We understand that Messrs. B. Tonks and Co. will sell Ellerslie house and grounds to-morrow by auction. The property is a very beautiful one, and as the terms are lo be exceedingly liberal, the sale offers a freat opportunity to the capitalist. ° We have much pleasure in acknowledg ing the folloAving :—Sir,—Please receive on behalf of Mrs McConkey and children Hie enclosed sum (2s). Work with me is only casual; if it Avere otherwise I should have great pleasure in giving more.—Your.-, o_c, R.R.—We have also received for Mrs Mc- Conkie, 10s from E. L.; for Mrs Lampra avc have to acknowledge 30s from E. L, and 10s from A. Q. Both are mr-tt deserv ing cases, and we would again emist public sympathy on their behalf.

The Hon. J. Fisher proceeded to Tauranga by the RoAvena last evening, to join His Excellency the Governor, as Cabinet Minister iv attendance.

Mr B. L. Farjeou lias been Avinning golden opinions at Brooklyn. The "Daily Eagle," in noticing one of his lectures, says:—"Of about 1,400 peoplo not one relaxed attention for the whole 90 minutes. As a reading, as a narrative, as a revelation of a line-hearted, fine-fibred apostle, of the oneness of the race, and of the necessity of civilisation to have a soul in it—the Avhole occasion was a memorable and enobling one?" At Paris, iv Jan. last, the Concierge, named Ottolet, aged 28, Avas tried on a charge of SAveating g./ld coin. He had the care of a house, and in July last Avas paid by tho tenants rents amounting over 5,000fr5., among Avhich Avas a sum of l,B2ofrs. in gold. The steward of the pro prietor in subsequently receiving the money, remarked lithe singular appearance of the coin, and, in Aveighing it, found a deficit of tAvo gold pieces in twenty iive. He ncatlyJpiled up the same number of twenty franc pieces and found that, com pared Avi'th twenty-five other gold coin of the same value, there Avas also a difference of lavo pieces in Aveight. A perquisition by the police in tho lodge of the Concierge brought to light that the accused studied chemistry, and had in his possession treatises on? the science, and electric apparatus. He avus proved to have reduced the Aveight of the coin to the amount of nine per cent. Avith a dis solving acid called eau regale, and to have then endeavoured to restore their for mer appearance by rubbing them with pumice stone. The Court condemned him to five years' imprisonment, aud a 100 franc line. 1 Two of the Russian fleet, the Bazan and Hazbamak, have ayived at Namasska. The Basanuik Sho Avas the only one expected. They only stay a Areek or two, and then sail for Australian Avaters, via Shanghai. The Japanese GoA-ernment, viewing Avith alarm the iicav Russian developments in the Pacific, arc building four steamers-of-war at Osawaka.

The " Poverty Bay Standard " says :— It is reported that the Hon. Mr Fox is determined to pursue an undeviating course, Avhen in Parliament, in destroying the alcholic liquor traffic of the colony. He proposos to bring in a Bill something similar and quite as stringent as that pro posed by the enthusiast Neal Doav. The Bill of Mr--sometimes called General— Doav, contains 24 sections, and makes the penalty for the first offence, single sale. lOOdols. and six months in the countl jail ; second offence, lOOdols. and one year in tho State Prison ; prohibits the transporta tion of liquor within the State, even for private partie*, making parties responsible on Avhose tcaritory it is found • apparatus for selling to be deemed evidence of sale ; takes aAvay all poAver from county attor neys to enter a nolle pros., this to be done only by the Courts ; in default of parties paying a fine, au additional year in the State prison or jail ; ollicers having seized liquors not to giA-e them up, except by order of the court, the burden of proof to be on the parties claiming the same • the horse and carriage conveying or draAving liquor to bo seized ; persons arrested as common drunkards to be sent summarily to the county jail for one year, to Jbe let out Avhen the perion selling them liquor shall be convicted; no surety received from a person avlio has been cenvicted of liquor selling ; liquor runners fined lOOdols. and one year in the State Prison ; a reAvard of 20dols. offered for the arrest and convic tion of parties; no stay of proceedings or compromise made at any stage of proceed ings ; 500do!s. fine and six months in the county gaol for displaying a sign offer iiif liquors for sale or advertising their manufacture ; all other liquor htAVS to be repealed.

In consequence of a statement made in ' the Resident Magistrate's Court, Welling ton, by Mrs Brewer, Avhose husband died c a few days ago, charging the medical men who attended.! im Avith negligence, the body Avill probably be exhumed. Tho arbitration inquiry in the case ot Smith and Co. v. the Government avill be resumed at Mr Tyler's office at 10 o'clock to-morroAV morning. The arbitrators have visited the works and made a careful examination, so as to be enabled to judge more delinitely of the value of the evidence adduced in the case. The Primitive Methodist Church at Wel lington Avas broken into on Saturday or Sunday night, and the Mission box robbed of its contents. This is in addition to tAvo other robberies reported in our Wellington telegrams published iv last evening's issue. . ' . The thirteenth annual examination olthe Auckland Hebrew School Avas held on the morning of the 7th inst, (Sunday) iv the Mechanics' Hall, High-street, in the pre sence of Messrs L. D. Nathan, and Alfred Isaacs. Tho Rev. M. Elkiu opened the proceedings, aud congratulated those pre sent on the good behaviour, regularity, and general progress of the pupils. The pupils were duly examined in spelling and read ing Hebrew, translating blessings, prayers, Pentateuch, psalms, hymns, creeds, etc., Hebrew grammar, Bible, and general know ledge of religion, and the examination in these departments of knowledge was satisfac tory. The mode of examination by Rev. M. Elkiu, and the honorary teachers, 'Miss Annie Levy, and Miss Kate Isaacs, elicited the Avarm approval of the wardens. Mr Nathan, in addressing the pupils, promised them a treat to the grand circus which will shoitly be opened in Auckland. Mr Isaacs also promised to save prizes to the most successful ol the pupils. The school was then closed until the end of the Passover term of holidays. . At the Good Samaritan Lodge, 1.0.L.. i. last evening, the members of the Sea Nymphe Lodge were presented aa-Rli a gavel composed of inlaid New Zealand wood, and mounted Avith silver. After the presentation the W.C.T. of the Sea Nymphe, on behalf of the members, returned thanks for the gift.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Auckland Shipwright's Protection Society Avas held in the Temperance Hall last evening. The business Avas of the ordinary

nature. Mr. T. Mack, manager' Old Men s Re fuse, begs to thank Thos. Macffarlane, Esq., for a largo parcel of " Weekly NeA\*s" for the yearlS77.

We must again remind our readers that a subscription is being raised on behalf of the AvidoAv and family of the unfortunate mau Henry Lampra, Avho, we now understand, Avas au immigrant per Apelles. Contribu tions will be received either at our office, or at Mr Crowtlier's residence. There were great festivities at Te Hakaru on the 25th ult., Avhen the Misses Tutin, as usual, gave their annual entertainment to the Church of England Sunday-school scholars. The Rca*. Wm. Gittos presided, and was cordially assisted in his labours to promote general hilarity by Messrs T. Hull, J.P., C. N. McMurdo, Tho. Hull, J. Ryan, and Dr. Jackson. A "fire in a dwelling-house on the Terrac., Wellington, yesterday caused damage to the amount of £100. The house was in sured in the Standard for £600, and the furniture, Avhich was saved. AA*as insured iv the South British for £350. The sawmill which was destroyed by fire at Carterton Avas insured in the National for £200, aud the machinery for £400 ; but of the latter £200 was re-insured iv the South British, and £150 iv the Phoeinx.

At a meeting of the creditors of Messrs Neil aud Woods, contractors, at the Pukekuhe Hotel, the statement of accounts sheAved : total assets, £400; liabilities, about £700, of Avhich £170 is secured. The estate is expected to realise lis 2d in the £. Messrs Roulston, Rogers, Mcllroy, and Manning Avere elected a committee to investigate the affairs of the firm.

We have perused the second number of the " Temperance Herald," the only exist ing journal in New Zealand deA'oted to the spread of Good Templary. The present number contains articles and portions of stories of more or less interest, a poem of some merit, and the general neAVS of tho Order. In the article entitled " Compensa tion " an attack is made upon' Mr Rees, member for City East, for his remarks on the Local Option Bill, in Avhich Mr Rees is characterised as "a gentleman of an im petuous temper, very voluble of speech, not particular as to facts, and totally regardless of logic." Among the comer item.-', we find an announcement that the orator John B. Gough will revisit Great Britain during the present year. We think this must he supposition, as the orator, John, on netting something like £8,000 by liis lectures in England, returned to the United States, and settled doAvn on "' Temperance Farm." The " Temperance Herald" is published in Dunedin, and the agent for Auckland is Mr Brooking. A Paris correspondent Avrites : —The public debt of France amounts to 23,403,000,000fr. ; after it iv order of importance is that of Great Britain, which is 19,600,000,000fr. ; of Spain, 10,243,000,000fr. ; Italy, 9,853,000,000fr. ; Russia, 9,445,000,000fr. ; Austria, G,SIO,OOO,OOOfr. ; Turkey, 4,925,000,000fr. ; Belgium, 942,000,000fr. ; and SAvitzerland, which only oaves 31,000,000fr.

We learn that Mr Henry Bell, of Ponsonby, has made an important discovery for the effectual destruction, of slug., and which will be of importance to citizens who possess gardens.

At the inspection last night, Major Lusk announced that Mr Clark's belt would be fired for on Easter Monday. The Penelope Avhich has been ordered to reinforce the Mediterranean squadron, carries 11 guns,* and her engines are ol 600 horse poAver. The anniversary of Court Zealandia, A.0.F., is to be celebrated by a concert and select ball in the Lome-street Hall, on the evening of May 15.

The folloAving letter has been addresed to Mr. C. T. Harding by several well-knoAvn amateur actors : —Air. C. T. Harding. Dear Sir,— Hearing that your benefit at the Choral Hall was poorly attended, Aye, the undersigned amateurs, beg to tender you a benefit at the Theatre any evening next Aveek, as a slight appreciation of the many times you have rendered us valuable assis tance at charitable performances. Trusting you will have a bumper house, Aye remain yours sincerely, A. Smith, E. O'Hare, W. Doran, H. ' Davey, G. . Forbes, R. Teague, A. Hunter, W. Martin, P. Doran, and others. Mr. Harding has accepted the compliment, and the perform ance Avill probably come off on Wednesday or Thursday Aveek.

The announcement that Mrs Emma Har dinge Britten, a spiritist, Avould lecture at the Opera House, Melbourne, on Sunday night, attracted a crowded attendance. Mr Alfred Deakin presided, and in introducing the lady to the audience, said she Avas " a brilliant historian, a versatile authoress, and an eloquent apostle of spiritualism." The audience, led by a small choir on the stage, sang "Angel footsteps," (LongfelloAv), after Avhich Mrs Britten Avalked to the footlights and delivered a short prayer. Immediately at the close of the prayer she commenced a lecture on the " Footprints of Angels," and spoke for an hour and tAventy minutes.' The discourse Avas directed to support the views held by spiritualists, and the earnest manner of the speaker secured the undivided atten tion of the large audience, Mrs Britten, says the " Telegraph," is a matronly looking lady, Avith a plesant face. kShe discourses fluently, her language is Avell chosen, and she has considerable oratorical power. Her voice is somewhat masculine, and she in dulges in a great amount of dramatic dis play. On' the Avhole, the effect produced Avas agreeable, A'ieAvedas an oratorical effort. Mrs Britten, unlike her predecessor on the same platform, Mr Thomas Walker, did not lecture with .her eyes closed.

The folloAving are the names of the Dun edin Chess Club who are to compete in the forthcoming match with Canterbury :— Messrs Mouat, Hay, Wild, Dr. I Thomas Grinsted, Dr. Stenhouse, Throp, Jones, and Mander. Emergency men—Messrs _PMe and Angus. The members of Pitt-street Wesleyan Young Men's Literary Society met last evening to do battle o'er the stupendous question, " Was it the duty of England to interfere in the late Avar betAveen Russia and Turkey ?" What did it matter though the greatest statesmen aud diplomatists of Europe had pondered over and staggered under this question, why should not these young men have their say in ventilating the vexed question? And Aye say •why not ? Granted their debating and deciding Avill not affect the question one jot, still it would be better if hundreds of our city young men were similarly employed, rather than they should follow the frothy, flippant pleasures too often indulged in. Already Auckland has been indebted to kindred societies for some of her most prominent publfc speakers, and the forensic experience gained by our young men, even iv deciding questions that remain unaffected after they have settled them, may in the future pro duce men Avho will be needed in the battles yet to be fought in this colony. The debate of last night was Avell calculated to dra-v, and the attendance of members and visitors j was large. The pros and cons of the debate Avere sustained by leading members, and in the course of the evening there were flashes j of eloquent vrit and satire, as thougnts iicav and old were uttered Avith the burning zeal of each speaker to carry conviction that he avus right and all the rest Avere in a fog. At any rate it Avas a red-letter night Avith the society, and the debate could scarcely be brought to a close, so great was the inj terest taken in it.—[Communicated.] At the settling for the Taranaki races a total of £564 AA*as paid over, distributed a3 folloA'-s :—Mr Stockman received £140, Mr George £140, Mr PowdreU £104, Messrs i ChadAvick and Belcher £83, Lyons £50, Quinlivan £40, Russell £12 15s, Old Teno The Bank of NeAV Zealand has under taken the agency in connection Avith raising the proposed Ne-v Plymouth Harbour Loan. The Mauku district has suffered severely from the prevailing drought. At the last vestry meeting oi St. Paul s Cathedral Church a proposition Avas brought forward for making certain impro\*ements in the church, Avhich, it is generally ex pected, will be carried out. The proposi tions AA-ere : that the organ should be brought doAvn from the gallery and fixed near the vestry door, and the choir occupy the seats on 'the east side of the pulpit, which at present are but sparsely attended by persons generally, avlio pay no seat rent. These alterations aro not decided upon, and Aye believe an opportunity will shortly be given for an expression of opinion from the congregation. Though the alterations will limit the accommoda tion iv the lower part of the church, the opinion is that there Avill yet be room, as that part of the church is seldom filled. _ It is conjectured that the proposed alteration will cost about £200. A cable message of April Ist stated that. the Russians Avere fortifying the lines of Tehataldja. This is a small town about 31 miles from Constantinople, on the line of railAA*ay to Adrianople. On some maps it is spelt Chatadje. Under existing regulations, officers are comptilsorily retired from the French army at ages varying with the rank to Avhich they have attained. Thus a captain is removed from the active to the retired list Avhen he completes his fifty-third year ; a command ant is similarly obliged to retire Avhen he becomes fifty-six yeara old ; a lieutenant colonel at the age of fifty-eight, a colonel at the age of sixty, a brigadier-general at the age of sixty-two, and a general ol division when he completes his sixty-fifth year. The " Journal dcs Sciences Mili taires," in an interesting paper, published in its last number, on the promotion of officers, criticises these regulations very severely. The object in view in framing them Avas to ensure that even the lightest posts and commands in the army shall be held by comparatively young men. While admitting, hoAverer, that many men, as they groAV old, become indolent and lose their activity, both of mind and body, and so become unfit for active service, the " Jour nal dcs S.M." nevertheless contends that this is by no means invariably, or even for the most part, the case• and that, there fore, by tho establishment of a hard and fast rule that officers of a certain rank shall be retired at a certain age, the State loses the serA-ices of many men of great expe rienceand ability, ineA*ery way qualified and fitted to commaud troops in the field. In sup port of its argument the " Journal dcs S.M." adduces the folloAving instances of generals avlio have conducted brilliant and success ful operations at an advanced age : -Marshal Bugeand, born in 1754, Avas sixty years old when he Avas victorious at Isly ; and sixty veai'S of age Avhenhe completed his campaign in Kabylia. Suvaroff, born in 1729, Avas sixty-five years of age when he suppressed the insurrection in Poland ; and seventy years old when he defeated Macdonald and Zoubert in Italy. Radetzky, born in 1766, avus sixty-three years old when he won the battle of Navara, and re-conquered Lom bardy. Pelissier, born in 1794, Avas sixty one years of age Avhen he commanded the French army at the capture of Sebastapool. And, finally, Yon Moltke Avas seventy-one years of age Avhen he directed the march of the German armies from Berlin to Paris.

Our OAvn correspondent at Paris Avrites :— "A Prince who does not wait to lose his rights is the son of Napoleon 111. |The drawing for military services for the class of 1877 took place in Paris last Aveek. The young Prince had to draw, and he hoped to excite the popular enthusiam by going to serve the Republic as a common soldier, but he could not make any dupes by that comedy. Firstly, he is exempted by the laAv of military service as being the only son of a Avidow • and, secondly, it was more than probably that the Minister of War would never haA-e allowed him to serve in the ranks, for his presence Avould have given rise to disorder and trouble. In conse quence, Prince Murat acted for the Prince Imperial, and drew the number 307 out of 416". Therefore the Prince is certain to be exempted Avithout aA-ailing himself of the circumstance of his being the only son of a widoAV.

The attention of members of No. 3 Com pany, A.R.V., is called to an advertisement in another column regarding prize firing Lytton Sothern played to very poor houses in Wellington. T. L. Hall and his Avife have commenced a neAV season at the Queen's Theatre, Dune din, AA'ith that old, old piece "Tho Octoroon." The Italian Opera Concert Company met Avitli only moderate success at. Taranaki. The total number of persons in the Auck land goal at Mount Eden, on Saturday last, was 117 males and 34 females. During the autumn and winter the London streets have been ringing Avith McDermott's " War Song," a composition Avhich just suits the spirit of the times. This is the chorus—

Wo don't want to fight; but, By Jingo, if we do, We've got the ships, tho pluck the men; And we've scot the money too, We've thrashed the Bear before, boys; And, whilst we're Britons true, The Russians shall not have Con stan ti no pie !

We call the attention of the Onehunga Volunteers to the advertisement announc ing their monthly inspection to-morroAV evening. A grand circus, capable of holding 3,800 persons, and stabling for 125 horses, has been completed at Brussels, under the special patronage and sauction of the King. The celebrated M. Reuz gave an admirable programme for the opening day, and both the King and Queen of the Belgians Avere present. The entertainment concluded with a pantomime spectacle called " The Journey of the Prince of Wales to Inclia."

Shifnal, who won the Grand National Steeplechase this year is by Saccarometeront of Countess Amy.

The important work of cutting do w Drake-street, forming a beach road *M lowering Hardinge and Graham-streefa *-^ the Drake-street level, was begun by M Jones, the contractor, yesterday Ihtl a dozen men are engaged cutting AAA the cliff in Freeman's Bay, on W-Sch^U block-house formerly stood. The wW ■''■'■ cost of the work will be £7,145, of wfi the City Council pays £6,075 ; the Harbm!- Beard, £600; and the Poasonbv S% £470. The city portion of the A^_ includes the continuation of Drake-st-e * along the beach in almost a direct line Wm Dock-street towards College Road Th city carries the road as far as the bottom a. Franklin-street, the boundary. Prp ro °* thence the Ponsonby district continues it to College Road. The filling-in commence* about Dock-street. BetAveen three anS four feet wiU be cut off the highest point of Drake-street, and the deepest cutting _ Hardinge-street Avill be about °giy feet in the centre of the road Union - street and Franklin •sw junctions Avili be made on an easy gradient • the culvert of the latter is to be much larger than, the present one, and of greater length The load will also be a little higher here than it is noAv. The present high roadway in the bay will be maintained, the embank- - ment seaward being sloped down to the loAver level. BetAveen this embankment and the neAV road a space intervenes avail able for leasing in allotments, Avhich become the property of the city. The contract includes kerbing and channelling Drake street, and finishing the adjoining thorough fares. A substantial stone wall is to be carried right across the bay at a cost of £600, under a contract entered into by the Harbour Board with Mr Dempsey, who also obtained the contract for the Ponsonby por tion of the earthworks. The Avhole work when completed Avill make an entire change in the appearance of that side of the city. It is understood that Sir George Grey has declined the banquet offered by theH settlers of Hamilton, and that he will §j return to Auckland before proceeding to the King country. The monthly quadrille assembly, under * I the direction of Mr W. T. Donald, will be re-opened to-morrow (Wednesday) evening, 1 at eight o'clock, in the OddfeUows' Hall) Cook-street. These assemblies, OAvin» to the care of the committee and the°ex- 1 cellence of the music, may now be reckoned among the institutions of the city. The adjourned meeting of the ratepayers 1 of the Karangahape Road will be held to morroAv (Wednesday) evening, in the' 1 NeAvton East school, for the purpose of con-11 sidering propositions in connection with the neAvly-formed Newton Fire Brigade.. Mr Joseph Warren will take the chair at half-past seven o'clock. A clergyman and his wife arrived late one nighi at an up-country public house in Vic toria. The rev. gentleman thus interviewed the proprietor: —" I should bo obliged .if you Avould accommodate us for the night. I requite a sittiug-room, a sleep ing apartment for self and wife, and stabling for the horses." Boniface (who is also a free selector), pauses for a moment, and replies,—" Yes, Aye can manage. Your . missus can turn in with my missus, we can turn in together on the stretcher, and the - . horses Aye can turn into the paddock" But, •; though the night AA*as Avet and cheerless, the parsonjeontmued his journey. St. Paul's neAV Sunday-school library AA'iR be opened on Friday evening by Mr m Birnie, the appointed librarian, Avho will deliver the inaugural address. A liaie-lightf entertainment in aid of the • library fund of St. MattheAv's Sunday-schaol Avill be held this evening in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association. The Sunday choir, under the direction of Mr Webb, Avill render a series of sacred and ; secular pieces. The ordinary branch meeting of the- Amalgamated "Society of Carpenters and Joiners Avill be held this evening, in the Trades' Meeting-room of the Working Men's Club, at 8 o'clock. The prizes Avon at the Steeplechase of the Tradesmen's Athletic Club Avill be given to the prize-Avinners this evening, in the Club room of the Charlemont Hotel,

The St. Jamas' Young Men's Improve ment Class Avas largely attended last even ing ; Rev. R. F. Macnicol in the chair. The proceedings opened in the usual way, and after the close of the preliminary; business, Mr Alexander Reid read a very, good paper on "Auckland: Past; Present, and Future." This was the first, appearance of Mr Reid as an essayist, and it was generally acknowledged by the members that the young man acquitted himself very creditably. The remarks of the members, especially of Messrs McNab, Gorrie, Macky, and Cooper, gaA*e much interest to the occasion; and an inteßectuai evening Avas the result. Mr Mason's essay on "How to spend a pleasant evening" was postponed. ■ At a late meeting of the Harbour Board of Gisborne, the motion ol Councillor Town ley to cancel the powers for negotiating a £50,000 loan for Harbour improvements, in order that a smaller loan might be raised for street formations, AA*as Avithdrawn, after discussion. As Sir G. Coode is about to visit and report upon the Harbour in two or three Aveeks, it Avas thought adA*isable to suspend any action until it Avas known Avhat Sir G. Coode would recommend, and Avhat assistance the Government was likely to give.

CABLEGRAMS.

NEW RUSSIAN LOAN,

RUSSIA'S RESISTANCE OF ENGLAND'S DEMANDS.

[REUTERS SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS],

SINGAPORE, April 8. The Turkish troops are re-occupying Bujakdere. Russia is negotiating a loan. The Russian press says that Russia's dignity forbids compliance with England's demands.

LONDON, April 7, evening. Telegrams from the Continent indicate no signs of Russia yielding. There is increasing irritation in Rouma nia against Russia. THE KAFFIR WAR.

Fighting at the Cape has been renewed. The neAvs is described as serious. Details are Avanting.

(reuter's special cablegram.)

AUSTRALIAN.

WRECKS.—LOSS OF 21 LIVES.

PORT DARWIN, April S. The ship Matterhorn and the barque Carleton have been lost at Browse Island. The captain and fifteen men of the Matter horn were droAvned, also four men of the barque Flora Avho, went to their assistance. SYDNEY, April 8. Arrived: The Rotorua. MELBOURNE, April S| Mr FelloAvs died this evening at six o'clock.

At a Cabinet Executive Council meeting to-day, the speech of His Excellency on the prorogation of Parliament to-morrow was considered and adopted.

NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MER CANTILE AGENCY COS. PRODUCE TELEGRAM.

Wool: The sales closed at an average decline of £d |to Id. The sales compiise about 225,000 bales; 37,000 bales have been held over for future disposal; 125,000 bales have been tsiken for export. The principal decline has been in medium and inferior greasy. Medium and inferior greasy has dealined Id per lb. since the close of last sale. Lamb market firmer. Cross bred market easier. _•_-*<_ Trade in the manufacturing districts is unchanged. . ._ The home trade are purchasing sparingly, g There is moderate competition on _reutn account.

EVENING STAR, TUESDAY. APRIL 9, 1878.



■ vlls— £ b. d. Date. Waitekauri 0 0 6- April 10 Oueen 0 0 3 — April 10 Young New Zealand.. 0 0 G - April 10 New North Devon ..006- April10 Piako 0 0 3 — April 10 Coronianciel 0 0 0 - April 21

)l\'IDENDS — „ „ . ., n Bank of Australasia .. 0 10 0 April 9



|- HOSGRAVE & C° '"' WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING SALE OF MEN'S AN J BOYS' CLOTHING TO-MORROW. All Goods .Reduced to Cost Price Inspection Invited. " T 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 Glace to place. LOWEST CURRENT RATES. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, . Industry of All Nations AT THE CITY HALL ARCADE. Light and graceful Bent Wood Furniture, Settees, Rocking, Arm and Side Chairs, Children's Chairs, from AUSTRIA. Beautifully Carved WALNUT DRAWING ROOM SUITES, direct from the Manufacturers in ITALY. Exquisitely Painted FLOWER VASES, various sizes, from BELGIUM. •auoerior TOILETWARE, TOILET TABLE " SETS, of mediaival and modern designs, from ENGLAND. TEXTILE FABRICS in Silk and Wool, soft rich, and beautiful for Furniture and Curtains. SATINE CRETONNES, superior to anything imported, having Satin Finish, suitable for Drawing-rooms, from FRANCE. The Latest Designs, New Colours, and Very Handsome BRUSSELS CARPETS, and a large lot of Cheap and Good TAPESTRY Just Opened. Articles of Use and Beauty, to any design and nrice, from our own FURNITURE MANUFACTORY in AUCKLAND. Ladie3 and Gentlemen Furnishing, are invited to inspect the STOCK of Holloway, Gariiek & Craawall, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. '"Took for the signature and address of the pro prietor upon labels of bottles purporting to con tain Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, and observe whether the same are deficiently executed or not. If anything be lacking, you may know them for shams and reject them. Swindlers are putting .up bad liquors in bottles which previously held the most, salutary medicinal beverage in existence. Baffle the rogues.



mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS- { "W J HURST 3t CO. have on sale the under- j mcutioned Fertilizers, all of which have been nrovfcd to produce satisfactory results m this Ji strict. Experience teaches that large and Drodtablc returns can be relied on by a judicious and if use. of them. Tho flattering Testi monials from leading, I'armers Jus itify'.W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MA.LDEN ISLAND GUANO P ERU VIAN G U AN O MEXICAN do. BEI-LS BONE FLOUR i and --inch BONIU-Ufei BIL'IYARO'S'No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPi'IATE Off AMMON. A MITRIA'!'I_ OF POTASH . SUPER-PHOSPI I ATE OF LIME. 1 ALT SULPHATE OF LIME. Tn addition to he above, W. J. H. & Co. arc .re^ared to si p-,lv , peoial Chemical Manures ffinWiiA -eak Corn Crops, and renovafc fr^CUovei-'ok Pastures, as well as the PotalO and Mangold mixture that for the last two sea- tracte«l such favourable notice. STnal£t S . price ~ and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J- AiUl-bl OB Li.--, .101, Queen- treet. pLOVER SEEDS, RYE GRASS, &C. Oi* Sale, ex Late Arrivals : CLOVER SEEDS, CONSISTING OE* White Clover Timothy Red Clover £ apP., Cow Grass Trsfqil Alsyke Sec, Sec, See iurmp ALSO, 9QO bushels ENGLISH PERENNIAL RYE - pDa Q-a v. 50 bushels ENGLISH POA.PRATENSIS 500 lbs. INDIAN DOOB GRASS l;«l. Im^gln TIMOTHY. AND . A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. The above have arrived in iirst-class condition. Samples will be forwarded on application. Povertvßav, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c. Sec, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. _. HURgT & Co} 101, Qncen-street. IT NI ON INSURANCE COMPANY 1 J op NKW ZEALAND. A.PITAL ~~~ £2,000,009. UCK L A N~D BRANCH QUEEN-S T R E IC T, Next the. Colonial Bank. 71P.1_ DEPARTMENT. Insuranc granted on Dwelling - houses. Stores. Shops. Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, aud Goods of evoiy description. MARIN 13 DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers. Merchandise ot all kinds, Br.f-.cie and Wool to United Kingdom, at OWEST CURRENT RATES. R. H. STEVENSON • Manager. T U T OPENED A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF GENTS' FAN C V SCAR YE S, Ncav Shapes aud Colours. Also, All Sizes in GENTS' WHITE SHIRTS, Military Fronts, button behind. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, vritW yICAL AN D TT OUS E, GG, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. A UTUMN AND WINTER, 1878. The undorsigned are bringing for ward Large Parcel- of NEW GOODS For tho Incoming Season's Trade, Comprising „„„__- ,-, GENERAL DRAPERY and CLOTHING Of Every Description. Entirely Neav and Well Bought both as regards Quality and Pkice. Particulars in future issac. Inspectionlnvited, FIVE PER CENT. (Is. IN THE £), ALLOWED ON ALL CASH PUR CHASES OF 20S. AND UPWARDS. Rushbrook and Bridgman, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &0., JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel), UPPER QUE EN - S T R E E T, AUCKLAND. BONEDUST! BONEDUST BONEDUST ! Ex Borough Belle, ©Sydney, now due : A SHIPMENT OF THE ABOVE ON SALE By the Undeisigned. As the season i 3 advancing, Customers would do well to book their orders at once, so as to have them executed from the ship's side, and savecartage. W- T> HTJRST & CO ., 101, Queen-street. />< RA N D QFFER BY THE AMERICAN NOVELTY COMPANY. The following articles Avill be sent by Mail to any part of New Zealand on receipt of £1 :— 1 Brook's Glass Cutter, Tin Opener, Knife and Scissors Sharpener 1/ IBanaza Fruit and Vegetable, Pairing, Slicing, and Coring Knife 1/6 1 Champion Nutmeg Grater. Save your fingers 1/6 1 Dish-washing and Toasting Tong .. -.2/ 1 Smoker's Pet. Meerschaum pipe eclipsed 1/ 1 Folding Lamp Shade (Patent) 1/6 1 Indelible Tablet for Marking Linen .. 2/ 1 Little Giant Tack Hammer, drives, draws, and sets • • • • }.? 1 Little Harry's Night Lamp .. .. .. 1/6 1 Magic Cork Puller, Chimney Cleaner, Sec l/_ 1 Oriental Silver Polish. Great success .. 1/ 1 Pattern Copying and Tracing Wheel .. 1/6 1 Pearl Cement. Mends everything. Save the pieces .. .-. 2/ 1 Puzzle Key Ring , ... • ■ 1/ 1 Shine-Shine Starch Polish and Chinese Washing Blue .. ..' -. .. 1/ 1 Slate Pencil Sharpener and Cleaner .. /6 1 Good Templar Pen, Avitn J-pint of ink .. /6 Total 25/ Discount off 5/ Amount £1 A_« LIN A BURY & \j 0., DRESSMAKERS AND MILLINERS. NEW DRESS MATERIALS. A Large Assortment of New Dress Goods for the present Season, in every fashionable shade, Just Opened up at A. LINABURY & CO.'S. NEW WINTER COSTUMES, NKW MANTLES, NEW ULSTERS, NEW MILLINERY. NEW HATS A Large Assortment of Paris Trimmed Hats and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also, Hosiery, Silk Ties, Umbrellas, Collars and Cuffs, Gloves, Children's Mantles and Jackets. Also, . A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and Avill have quick sale. 4__" Look in at "©b A. LINABURY & CO.' S, • 201 &206, queen-street, ' \ Auckland. »



rvEAPEKY! T\RA?ERY t& NEW SEASON GOODS 1 1 SOMERFIELD AND LECK In taking this opportunity to address their numerous friends and the general public, desire to express thanks for liberal patronage, and beg to introduce to their notice a A-ery Superior Selection of Goods ex Chasci, Fontenaye, and Chili, NOW OPENING, comprising Blankets, Flannels, Calicos, Shirtings, Sheetings, Tick ings, Winceys, Satin Cloths, All Wool Serges, Hosiery, &c , All Wool ShaAvls, &c. Men's and Boys' Clothing. Moleskins, Corduroys, Tweeds, Sec This Large and Well-assorted Stock, having been Purchased for Cash in the over-stocked English Markets, is Noav Offered for Sale at Prices Lower tiian Ever Heard of is Auckland. Inspection InA'ited. SST VERY SPECIAL LINE. HEAVY 111 FAMILY" BLANKETS, at 17s 6d. Country Orders Avill have special attention. HaAvkers Supplied at Wholesale Prices. SOMERFIELD & LECK, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN about to FURNISH are reminded that ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS IN TIIE COLON V OF FURNITURE carpers FLOORCLOTHS BEDDING, &C, &C, Sec, Is on Sale at T. as H. Qooi_. ss furnishing ay ark house 67, Queen-street.



The most lovely women aro those who have been carefully attended to in th.-ir childhood. Mothers of families would do well to regulate the healtn and beauty of their children, not only by tho dietary a\ atchfulnes3 and open-air exer cise, but by the occasional well-timed dose of the aperient mixture of! " Ghollah's Great Indian Cures." Sold by all Chemists.