SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mi it \. AT.i> ' This Afternoon, 4.8 lill_.il WAI-Elt— -j To^Srrow Morning, 4.44 SUN SET.—This Evening, 6.14 SUN RISE.—To morrow Morning, 6.4 MOON'S AC 10.— Full Moon, 19th, 8.46 a._i.

ARRIVALS.

Rowena, s.s.. bellars, from Tauranga and Mercury Bay. Argyle, s.s., Steohenson, from Wangarei and

Mangapai. Go-ahead, s.s., Helander, from Gisborne.

DEPARTURES.

Taupo, s.s., Andrews, for Napier and Southern Dorts.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES

_ or san 1. rancisco—Australia, K.M.s., eauy For London—Lorraine, barque, early; Chili, ship, early For Sydney and Melbourne—Hero, s.s., April 5. For Tauranga and the South—Wanaka, 21st; Hawea. 28th For Napier and South—Uotorua, s.s., Tuesday,

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

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Wolverine, H.M.S., from Wellington. Sapphire, H.M.s.. from Samoa, early. Leucadia ship, froni London, early Queen of the AYest, ship from London. Mendoza, barque (Q.G.L.F.), from London,

Fontenaye, barque (W.G.L.H.), from London; sailed 13th December. Craigee Lee, barque (W.H.K.8.), from London; loading. Lady Don, schooner, from Lyttelton (in the

Manukau) Zickshaw, barque (W.T.F.L.), from London,

early Arabella, barque (K.P.Q.V.), from London

loading Spirit of the Dawn, barque (H.T.V.C), from London, early.

IMPORTS.

Per Go-ahead, from Gisborne: 34 hides, 8 casks taIIOAV, 249 bags grass seed, 4 horses, 49 bales wool, and sundries. 34 hides.—lreland Bros.

39 bales wool.—Owen and Graham. Per Argyle, from Wangarei and Mangapai: 31 sacks gum, 40 bags grass seed, 60 cases fruit, 20 cases butter and eggs, 20 cases turkeys and f jwls.

' A series of swimming and diving match will he held in the SaltAvater Baths to-morrow after noon, under the superintendance of Mr Huditch, the enterprising proprietor. The s.s. Go-ahead is announced to leave for Gisborne to-morrow afternoon, at two o'clock. The s.s. Tanpo, Captain Carey, left last even ing for the South, with the followine passen gers-—Mr and Mrs Killcn and 3 children, Mr and Mrs Bailey, Mr and Mrs Holland, Mr and Miss Lake, Misses Wilson, Begle, Sarah Craig, LeP.oy, Glynn (2), Harvey, Holmden, Devlm, Bishop Redwood, Messrs Sherratt, Bsdale, War-brick, Bell. Reynolds, Bond, Pile, Norman, Batkin Hood, Currie, Heale, Bridson, Haikairo, Boland, Clayton, Gair, Parker, Bradley, Gregory, Blacksmith-Dream (3). The s.s. Go-ahead arrived la=t evening from Gisborne, with a full general cargo, and the following oassengers:—Mrs !?Priestly and * children. Messrs Hood. McCabe, Anderson, Harry. W. Benson, and I. Benson.H The Flora from Kaipara, and Linda Weber from Wangapoa. arrived at Lyttelton yesterday. The s.s. Go-ahead, from Gisborne, brought Ja quantit. of wool for transhipment into the barque Lorraine, now on the berth for London. The s.s. Rowena arrived from Tauranga and Mercm-v Bay last evening, with a general cargo and tbe following passengers :—Messrs Webster, Birch, Dumergue, Wilson, Berry, and Colonel Whitmore. _, _ „ _ The schooner William a.nd Julia has hauled round from the Gore-street jetty to the Railway Wharf to discharge her cargo of guano. The schooner Mary Conway is taking in a cargo of railway iron alongside the Railway Wharf for Napier. The s.s. Argvle arrived this morning from Wangarei atid Mangapai with a general cargo, consisting of gum, grass seed, fruit, produce, and poultry, and the following passengers:—Mr and Mrs Jones, Mrs Taylor and six children. Mesdames G. Kent, Aley, Fraser, Wykes, Misses McKenzie (2), Watson, Messrs Watson. Orel, Matheson, McLennan, McDonald, Lee, Cattle, and Dr O'Flahsrty. _■ :,- The brigantine Oceola and the barque Stag, have entered outwards at the Customs for Newcastle. ■ ,' , A The brigantine Oceola, having completed her discharging, hauled away from the wharf this morning, and cleared at the Custons for New castle in ballast. She will said this evening. Captain Davis, formerly of the Stag, has been appointed to the command of the Oceola. The barque Stag cleared at the customs to-day for Newcastle in ballast, and will sail this even ing. Captain .Robinson, lately of the Kate McGregor, takes command this trip, vice Capt. Davis, appointed to the Oceola. The s.s. Rotorua may be expected to arrive from Sydney on Sunday evening, or Monday morning. She is announced to leave for the South on Tuesday afternoon. The cutter Catherine cleared at the Customs to-day for Mahurangi, with 10 tons coal, 700 bricks, and 1,500 feet timber. The brig Elliotts hauled alongside the wharf this afternoon, in the berth lately occupied by the Oceola, and she will .commerce discharging her cargo of wheat at once. We are glad to learn that Captain Armstrong, of the Nellie, has been appointed to the command of the schooner Kate McGregor. The schooner Mary Hogan arrived from Cabbage Bay yesterday. The Wolverine, H.M.S., with Commodore Hoskins, is at present lying in Wellington harbour. She is to proceed to Lyttelton shortly, and will then come on to Auckland. H.M.S. Sapphire is expected to leave Samoa for Auckland.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Mongo-ui. this day. The Torea arrived last evening from the • South

Nelson, this day. The s.B. Taranaki arrived at 4.30 a.m. to-day from New Plymouth, with the San Francisco mails, and left again for Picton at 6 a.m. The Mercury left Westport at 6.30 to-day. Russell, this day. The s.s. lona left for Auckland at noonjto-day.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr R, Arthur had a large sale of poultry, produce, and furniture, at his mart to-day. There was a show of poultry. Fowls, Is Id to Is lid; small, 6d to Is ; ducks, lOd to 2s 2d ; turkeys, Is 9d to 33 lOd; geese, 2s 6d ; carrots, 3s; onions. Id, picklers, lid; apples, 2d to 3|d; pears, 2J_ to sd; quinces. Id to 2|d; grapes, 2Jd to 6|d; plums, 7_i: potatoes, 3s 6d to 4s. The furniture raalised fair prices,

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

MR ALFRED RUCB_LA_D _ WKEKX_ REPORT. lOn Friday last bides maintained their pre vious values, 3Jd and 3£d per lb.; calf skins, 4d and 4}d per lb.; sheep-kins, 2s Id to 3s 9d; pelts, 4d to Is 8d; lamb skins, 2s 4d to 2s 5d each; fleece wool. 7Jd to B|d; lambswool, BJd to 9d per lb. At the Haymarket, heavy draught horses, brought from £35 to £55; medium draught and active harness, £15 to £25. At the special sale at the residence of Mr W. Smales, East Tamaki, ewes brought from 8s 6d to 13s each; cows with calves at side, £7 to £3; fat cows, £9; dry cows, £4 7s 6d to £5 ; two-year old steers, £6 each. At Remuera, on Thursday, dairy cows were at higher values, and reached above £14 in two instances. Store cattle in moderate numbers, and at higher values. Fat cattle numerous; 170 head yarded. Best quality maintained last week's values, but second-class were at irregular prices, which ranged from 22s to 27s the lOOlbs. Store sheep were numerous, and young sheep in better inquiry. A pen of choice ewe lambs brought 163; 2-tooth ewes, 15s 6d ; 4-tooth ewes, 14s 6d; inferior lambs, from 4s each. Fat sheep in full number and at lower value, from Is to 2s per head. Prices ranged from 2d per lb. for ewes, to 2Jd for best wethers. Pigs, both fat and store, were numerous. Store pigs were at lower values, but well-bred fat pigs at late rates, bringing about 2Jd the lb. live weight. Fat lambs in moderate numbers and in good demand at from 9s to lis each.

BIRTH.

JUDD.—On 9th March, at Selwyn-street, One hunga, the wife of Mr. George Judd of a son.

MARRIAGE.

HILL—MacAULAY.—On the 4th March, at St. Jame3' Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. R. F. Macnicol, Arthur Henry Wood, second son of John Cartwright Hill, Esq., of London, to Catherine, third daughter of Donald MacAulay, Esq., of Waipu, Auckland.— Home papers please copy.

DEATH.

DEVENEY.—On the 15th March, 1878, at her late residence, Maketu, Auckland, New Zea land. Catherine, the beloved wife of Wm. Deveney, aged 40 years. The funeral will take place at 3.30 p.m. on Sunday next, 17th instant. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1878.

<-*. «i_ c_usc that lv_s iss_tflnc«, _\_r ti-.e «7_oug t_s>. at—is «e_—anew. f<u Use ftsl'.-s 1- the ti'-M JX e, Aj!-J tsne sro—« OMt M es_- —*

THE European war gauge is changeable as a barometer—one day set fair, the next cloudy and overcast; and anon, stormy. The cable neAvs to-day is decidedly of the latter character. Although Aye have heard that the terms of peace were finally settled, and the Czar and Sultan had exchanged compliments over the event, Aye are noAvtold on Austrian authority that unless the whole terms are submitted to the Conference, Avar Avill restilt; Avhile another telegram states that Russian troops are marching on Con stantinople, and a third gives currency to rumours of Russian fortifications at Bulair, a place only a few miles from Gallipoli, and thej chief line of defence for the Darda nelles peninsula on the landward side. Although this statement is denied, it AA'Ould appear that the Russian advance guard is only twelve miles from that place, and therefore in a position to menace the communications of the British ileet. It is useless to attempt a reconciliation of these conflicting statements. We must simply aAvait fresh developments, or more definite information.

It is very wearying to prepare for another anti-County agitation such as that which excited the suburban ratepayers about this time last year; but the proposal of Avhich notice has been given in the Eden County Council for next Wednes day promises to raise the storm aneAv. The advantages and disadvantages of County Government for the suburban districts included in the Eden boundaries Avere fully discussed at a series of the largest and most enthusiastic meetings ever held in the suburbs ; and Avith scarcely a dissentient, the County Council was called upon to suspend the operation of the Act. We have no in clination to enter into the Avhole subject again, but a few simple issues Avill put the matter before the electors. What can the suburbs expect to gain from County Go vernment ? Already they elect and have en tire control over their local governing body ; the whole of the lates leA'ied on them are spent within tbe district, and are subsidised by the Government. No system of local government yet devised has worked more cheaply, more efficiently, or given more general satisfaction than that which is now in operation in the suburbs. If any abuse or occasion of discontent arises, the first annual meeting, or, if necessary, an extraordinary meeting, -will remedy it. And, Aye think, it may be safely affirmed that the ratepayers, as a body, have no dis position to change their institutions. But, if the Counties Act is brought into opera tion, what will foIIoAV ? Immediately there is created a body, elected from districts with widely different interests ; a body it is impossible for the ratepayers, destitute of any unity of action, to control; and yet one vested with large powers of taxa tion and large administrative authority. The Counties Act empowers the County Council, Avithout consultation Avith the ratepayers, to levy a rate of one shilling in the pound rateable value, in addition to the local highAvay rates, upon all property within the County ; the Council may also levy a special rate of one shilling in the pound, to cover the interest of any loan Avhich it has incurred; it may also, on petition of half the inhabitants in any defined portion of the County, levy a separate rate of a* shilling in the pound leviable on that part of the County only, to carry out a local Avork. The County al potakes a.ll licenses and fees collected in the County, many of Avhich now go direct into the coffers of the local highAvay boards, and all of which would do so if the suburbs accepted the municipal form of government. What the County Council as to offer the suburbs iv return we have never yet been able to discover. We are aAvare that a very fallacious financial statement was prepared last year by the advocates of county government, with the object of shewing that the Government subsidy, the tolls collected on the Great South and Great North roads, and the licenses, would be more than ample to keep the long stretches of main road in re pair, defray the heavy cost of county goA-eminent, and even leave a balance for division among the highAvay districts. But Mr Ireland proved that this estimate could not be relied upon; and any candid member of the Council Avill admit that taxation must be resorted to. Since the last agitation, the creation of Parnell and Onehunga into boroughs, has deprived the County of con siderable revenue derivable from subsidies and licenses ; and the closing of the Newmarket slaughterhouse is a further source of loss. We may safely repeat the forcible language used by Councillor Wrigley at NeAvmarket, a few days before his elec tion : The suburbs " are comparatively rich districts. They Avould be good milch coavs for the neAV County, Avho Avould keep them, once they got them. He knew men from out-districts Avho Avere going in for County rates. The effect of it would be that the people of Newmarket and Remuera Avould have to pay their highAvay rate, and the County rate as Avell. The out-districts Avould Avant a bridge her« and a culvert there. That Avould soon sheAV where their money would go." These Avords so exactly define the relation of the suburbs to the more rural parts of the County, that Aye can scarcely add anything to them. But even to the rural districts it is more than problematical whether the change would not be as serious an evil as to the suburbs. They are accustomed to light rating and the full control of their oavii affairs ; but if the Counties Act is accepted they will render themselves liable, equally Avith the btiburbs, to double rating for the main tenance of a needlessly expensive and elaborate form of Government. If more money than they raise is desirable, it Avould be better for them to double their own -rating than leave it to an outside body, unacquainted with and caring little for their local wants. The chances are that half the money Avould be foolishly Avasted in the payment of salaries. Their only

safety would be that suggested by Mr J. May, and Avhich many of the rural districts Avould quickly carry out—the discontinuance of highway rating altogether, throwing the whole burden on the County. We see so little to gain and so much to lose from the bringing of the Act into force that Aye can hardly believe that a majority of the Eden Council are bent upon it; particularly, in vieAv ot the fact that the Avhole of the present Councillors go out of office in November next, when the ratepayers will have another chance of expressing their vieAvs at a general election. The majority of the present Council were elected under distinct pledge to hang up the Act, and they are in honour bound to adhere to their promise until relieved of it by re-election on an equally clear issue.

LADIES BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

We would remind those who take "an active interest in the benevolent and charitable organizations of the city that the annual meet ing of tho Ladies' Benevolent Society will be held this evening at half-past seven o'clock in the public room of the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr Justice Gillies will preside, and the proceedings are expected to be invested with more than ordinary interest. Miss Yaughan, Mr Brett, and Professor Swallow, and many other lady and gentlemen amateurs will enliven the proceedings with suitable vocal and instrumental selections, and several prominent public men will participate in the proceedings. We need not here allude at length to the self sacriflce and solicitude for the welfare of poor and suffering humanity which distinguishes the ladies of this Society nor to the great claims which they have upon the sympathy, moral support, and practical assistance of the people.

The Rev. F. W. Farrar, D.D., Canon of Westminster, has preached an eloquent sermon against the doctrine of eternal punishment. In the most poAverful language he can command, he denounced the doctrine as utterly abhorrent, and opposed to the genius and spirit of Christianity. He declares the words "damnation," "hell," and " eA-erlasting," to be mis translations ; and expresses the opinion that if the revisers of the Bible know their duty, the phrases will not appear in the revised version of the Scriptures. He says that the Greek verb translated " to damn " means simply "to condemn," and that the original translators had in many places properly rendered the Avoid, Avhich some times appears "damnation" as "judg ment" and "condemnation." The Avord "aionios," translated "everlasting," he says means in its just sense " agelong ;" and in the Bible itself is repeatedly applied to things that have utterly and long since passed aAvay. The Avoid rendered " hell" is in one place the Greek Avoid " Tartarus," borroAA-d as a Avoid for the prison of evil spirits, not after but before the resurrection. In five places it is " hades," which simply means the Avorld beyond the grave; and in twelve places " gehenna," Avhich means primarily the "Valley of Hinnon, outside Jerusalem, into which, after it had been Eolluted by Uuloch, corpses Avere flung and res Avere lit; and secondly, it is a metaphor, not of final and hopeless, but of that purifying and corrective punishment Avhich, as Aye all believe, does aAvait impenitent sin, both here and beyond the grave." The Canon declared his belief that, as used, by the Saviour and understood by the Jews, the word did not mean a "material and everlasting fire, but an intermediate, a metaphorical, and a ter minal retribution." At the same time, the Canon guarded himself against accepting the Universalist doctrine, that all men should finally be saved, or against upholding the doctrine of purgatory. He concluded that " God has given us no clear and decisive revelation on the final condition of those Avhuhave died in sin." The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher has created considerable sensation by advocating similar views.

The officers and members of the Sea Nymphe Lodge, 1.0. G.T. from H.M.Si" Nymphe, ppid a visit to the Star of NcAvton Lodge last evening, and being invited, the officers conducted the business of the lodge with marked efficiency. At the conclusion an unusually interesting programme was carried out in a very pleasing and instructive manner, the brethren in blue mainly contri buting to the enjoyment of the evening. The lodge-room was literaUy packed with Templars from the various lodges. The pro ceedings closed at 10 o'clock. "Electric" writes : Sir, —Will you kindly inform me through the medium of your valuable paper as to Avhether the light shown from the Italian war-ship last Satur day night was an electric or a limelight ? [An electric light.—Ed. E. S.] Signor and Signora Majeroni are per forming at the California Theatre, San Francisco, in "Jealousy, or Mistaken Education," a society drama Avritten 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 Avould supply enough patients to keep them all going.

The ratepayers of the County of Eden have numerous warnings before their eyes as to the working of the Counties Act in some of the districts of the colony. The latest comes from Napier, whence our own correspondent telegraphs to-day:—" Coun try settlers in HaAvke's Bay are daily becom ing more dissatisfied Avith the County system of Government." The social gathering, in aid of St Mark's Sunday-school in the New market Hall, last evening, was quite successful. The tea-tables Avere amply spread, and trays supplied by Mrs Morrin, Mrs Murdoch, Mrs Seccombe, Mrs Tonks, the Misses Alexander, Mrs A. Buckland, Miss Frodsham, Mrs Dilworth, Mrs James, Mrs Heather, Mrs Sellars, Mrs Jones, Mrs Pritt, Mrs OAven, Mrs J. S. Macfarlane, Mrs Morgan, Mrs Jenkins, and Mrs Shep herd. Yen. Archdeacon Pritt occupied the chair, and the subsequent proceedings opened with a hymn by tne youthful choir, under the direction of Mr Edwin Hesketh. After a few remarks from the chairman, Bishop Cowie gave the "Bishop's prizes" to the successful competitors. The prize winners were Herbert James, Gertrude Westwood, Clara Westwood, and Edward Haywood. Addresses Avere delivered by the chairman, and Revs. Tomlinson and Dudley. The musical and vocal part of the entertainment included songs by Mrs Mit chell, Mr Gradwell, and others. At the City Council's adjourned meeting yesterday, Mr James Carlaw Avas appointed to the office of turncock. . fJMrF. Archard's tender, £20514s 6d, for the erection of cattle pens at the abattoir, was accepted. Mr Harrison Ord, a gentleman from Mel bourne, Avill give a religious address to the children of Auckland to-morroAV afternoon in the Theatre Royal, at half-past tAvo o'clock.

The shareholders and members of the Hibernian Band Avill celebrate St. Patrick's Day by a fashionable ball on Monday even ing next, iv the Lome-street Hall. Messrs Patterson and Brennan Avill act as master of ceremonies.

Sir George Grey and.the Hon. Mr Fisher are expected to join the Hon. J. Sheehan in Auckland next week, Avith the view of proceeding to Waikato. Mr Sheehan, it is said, purposes to consult the Kingites respecting the provisions of the Native Lauds Bill, to be introduced in the next session of the Assembly.

Mark Twain is said to have netted from 20,000 to 25,000d01s from the sale of "The lunocents Abroad," 160,000 copies of which have been issued.

According to the " Bay of Plenty Times" the number of tourists to the Lake Country this season has been unusually large.

The "Waikato Times" states th^fc the conversion of the old hospital and barracks at Hamilton into a gaol has been com pleted. It is ready for handing over, but fortunately there are no Inmates for it.

A sample of Russian army bread recently analysed in Bulgaria was found to contain 19 per cent, of sawdust and 14 per cent, of sand. Russian seamen were sent overland to the Sea of Marmora in readiness to man the Turkish fleet, Avhen the Russians demanded its surrender as one of the peace conditions. We are requested to call attention to the sale by auction, on Monday^next at noon, by Messrs M. Jones and Co., at the Central Sale Rooms, of the lease of some very choice allotments situate in Hepburn-street, adjoining the residence of Thomas Macky Esq., and abutting on the Park. They are Avorthy of a visit, being, without exception, unequalled in this city for view and salu brity. In the Turkish fleet most of the ijunior officers, and almost all the engineers, are Englishmen. To the Editor : Sir, —Although a little girl I am a constant reader of your valuable paper, and 1 knoAV that you Avill help me in my present perplexity ; and that is to know in what book to find a full and authentic account of Cleopatra's needle. And oblige yours, &c, M.A.R.M.C—[A Avork on the subject has lately been published in London, which may be ordered through the agency of any Auckland stationer. —Ed. E.S.] The unemployed in San Francisco were estimated in Feb. last at 15,000, out of a total of 30,000 Avorking men and boys, ex clusive of the Chinese. Among carpenters, 20 per cent, are idle ; and the shoemakers claim that from 50 to 75 per cent, of their craft have spent their all, and are reduced to their last.

The anniversary sermons of Ponsonby Wesieyan Chapel will be preached on Sunday next by Revs. S. Fletcher and W. J. Williams. The social tea-meeting Avill be held on the following Tuesday.

At Dunedin yesterday, a Mr George Clarke, Avhose daughter is an inmate of a conA'ent, applied to the Supreme Court for a rule nisi calling upon the Rev. Father Larkin to sheAV cause why a Avrit of habeas corpus should not issue, calling upon him to produce the body of Alice Maud Mary Clarke ; and further Avhy the rule should not be made absolute,and the airl delivered into the custody of Mr G. Black. The rule is made returnable on this day week -

We understand that Captain Colbeck, of Te Pahi, has purchased Masefield's Point, one of the must important junctions of the Kaipara, and purposes to build a handsome ten-roomed hotel there.

Messrs Keane and Jenkinson have, Avithin the past Aveek, suffered much inconvenience by having the AvindoAvs of their offices broken by mischievous boys, Avho congregate in the evening at the corner of the premises, and take a wicked pride in throAving stones through the AvindoAvs. We learn that an officer will be secreted near the premises, so that boys on " Avickedness intent" may look out in future.

A Fife.shire man took his child to the minister to be baptised, who asked himj: '' Are you prepared for so solemn and im portant an occasion ?" '' Prepared !" he echoed, with some indignation : " I hae a firlot o' bannook baking, tAvo hams an' a gallon o' the best Highland Avhusky, and I wad like to ken what better preparations ye expeck frae a ma_ in my condition o' life?"

An on dit from the British Mediterranean fleet is that, to check talk Avhich is distaste ful to him, the Duke of Edinburgh has had a legend Avritten out large and stuck up in the Captain's cabin of the Sultan : "Please to remember that the Emperor of Russia is ray father-in-laAv."

The folloAA-ingj Avhich- appears amongst " Current Notes," in the "San Francisco Weekly Chronicle," is a good sample of Yankee lying :—"The Rev Mr Piaratana tissatarrunanse preaches the gospel in New Zealand."

An American paper thus refers to the reported discovery of the remains of Christopher Columbus at St. Domingo : — '' Christopher Columbus discovere<_U_nieric£,. and we have recently reciprocated t_^____i-_ by discovering Christopher Columbus."

Some day an enterprising dramatist will construct a play in 26 acts, giving the spectator a chance to go out and get 25 driDks, and it AviU rax. for 10,000 nights, and make his fortune.

One can't help admiring the unselfish generosity of the Wisconsin country editor Avho sent King Alfonso as a wedding present a receipted bill for one year's subscription to the "SmithtOAvn Eagle," with a com plimentary notice of His Majesty in the first number.

A Chicago man pleaded guilty to sending a postal card containing objectionable matter, and the Government counsel recommended him to the leniency of the Court on . the ground that the offensive Avords were addressed to the prisoner's mother-in-IaAV.

The electors of Grafton riding are again reminded that Dr. Wallis, M.H.R., Avill address them at the neAV school-room, East stieet, NeAvto_,]this evening, on the subject of the attempt Avhich is about to be made to bring the Counties Act into force in Eden. The hour fixed for the meeting is half-past seven o'clock, and Aye trust the electors Avill muster in large numbers.

Mr Port has called at our office and re quested us to ask the Avriter of the letter signed " A Resident," Avith reference to the Pompalier-street nuisance, to communicate Avith him, or leave his address at this office.

To the Editor : Sir, —Your issue of last Saturday, in its account of the Working Men's Club, says it originated Avith Mr G. W. Heslop and a few friends of the work ing men. I have been Avaiting to see if those who know better would set you right. As they havo not done so, will you give this an insertion. The Working Men's Club originated with the Trade and Labour Council of Auckland, of which I Avas a member, as delegate from the Shipwrights' Society. Mr G. W. Heslop is its paid secretary, and all expense of correspondence and trouble of compiling the rules was borne by the Council, till it passed from our hands. If it is true that the Club numbers 140 members, why do not the committee call the body together to legalise then election, and finally accept the rules, Avhich mauy think give too much poAver to the committee, and are not liberal enough to make the Club the public benefit it should be. Hoping you will insert this, —I remain, yours, &c, Henry Phillips.

The "Gazette" contains a notification that Judges Chapman and'Gresson will be permitted to bear the title of " Honourable" within the colony for life.

The Nelson seduction case, and the summary punishment inflicted on the supposed seducer, of Avhich particulars were published last week, has resulted in legal proceedings ; Joseph having brought the parties before the N elson Police Court in order to have them bound over to keep the peace. The case, hoAvever, was dismissed. The annual cricket match between the houses of Messrs Owen and Graham and W. McArthur, Co., will be played to-morroAV afternoon in the Domain. The last match betAveen the houses resulted in an easy victory.for the former; but as the strength of the latter has been considerably augmented of late, a very close match is anticipated. The names of Owen and Graham's team are : —Messrs Heather, Cotton, Macky, Burgess, Western, Bloomfield, Lynch, Barker, Ford, Stoddart, and Biggs. A match will be played between the Papakura and Epsom cricket clubs on the Domain Ground to-morrow (Saturday), play to commence at 10.30 o'clock. This early hour is chosen in order to enable the visitors to leave again by the 4.15 train in the afternoon ; but we fear many of the Epsom team may not be able to get up at that time, and so one or two substitutes will require to play in the early part of the match.

The American Senate has lately been the scene of a disgraceful exhibition. A Washington telegram in an American I'ournal states under the head of "Lushy jegislators" that during tho passage of the Silver Bill fifteen senators staggered about the Chamber in a state of drunkenness.

Some- men can be very iS^arS^lMi Sck belon|ing P to European settlers m the Waikato. When Mirers and_ thg suite were feasting on tender rump steaks at Te Kopuathey neve;; dreamedthegre eating stolenbeef from the stat on of Messrs Douglas and Walker, yet such appeals to have been the fact. Are Aye to suppose that Tawhiao deliberately played oil this grim joke upon his unsuspecting guests in order to render them particeps crimims to the theft ? The agent of the Press A ; . ;e-_cy at Alexandra gives the following version of the affair : "It is not probable that Tawhiao Avill meet Sir George Grey this month. There is a difficulty. It appears that at the last Hikurangi meetingsome cattle Avere killed and cooked in their own fat; these cattle having been stolen from Messrs Douglas and Walker's stations. Mr Walker seized a bullock dray loaded with kerosene tins containing the meat, and re fused to give up possession of the team, having lost £500 worth of cattle. Te Nga kau demands restoration of his team, and a correspondence with the Government has been going on concerning the matter. X c Neakau declares that if his team is not returned he Avill drive all the cattle from the run Mr Walker remains firm. Sir G. brey is not likely to mopt the King until thin matter is arranged. Some of the cattle killed at last meeting came from the same run." Imagine the feelings of the Premier and Native Minister when they Avere made aware of the trick that had been played upon them. We draw a veil over the scene. No Avonder the Kingites were anxious to prevent the presence of Waikato settlers at the Kopua meeting. It would have been inconvenient, to say the least of it, to be caught in flagrante delicto in the very act of gobbling up the settlers' fat cattle. We can easily understand Messrs Douglas and Walker's feelings, and with what feelings of apprehension they look forward to the proposed meeting at the end of the month. Doubtless they object to being involuntarily saddled Avith the whole commissariat arrangements, and a few more such Avell-attended meetings Avould be their ruin. We may exclaim Avith Brete Parte, " Is civilization a failure, and is the Caucas sian played out." The Telegraph authorities in Victoria behave Avith more fairness to evening journals than does the department in NeAV Zealand. In Victoria, after the first 100 Avords, only sixpence for every succeeding fifty Avords is charged, Avhile here the ex orbitant rate of one halfpenny per word is imposed after the'aUoAvance of 500 words is exhausted!; the 500 costing ss, as against 7s in Victoria.

Horace Bent, Rainford, and a new Min strel Troupe, Avere performing recently at Ballarat. The Baker and Farron Company were last heard of at Kyneton. At a meeting of the Senate of the New Zealand University yesterday, it Avas re solved that the Wesieyan Theological Institution be affiliated to the University, and that the next meeting of the Senate be held at Dunedin. Several other motions were put, but postponed to the next meet ing. The Italian Opera Concert Company will give a series of six grand farewell- concerts at the theatra, commencing on Monday evening next. There will be a fresh pro gramme every evening. To-morroAv (Saturday) afternoon a number of sAvimming and diving matches will be held at the Auckland Salt-water Baths, commencing a 2 o'clock sharp. The members of the Auckland Branch of the Hibernian Society are notified by advertise ment to assemble in St. Patrick's HaU at 8.30 pn Sunday morning, for the purpose of attending in a body the 9. o'clock service at St. Patrick's Cathedral The Society Avill also march in procession to the Domain on Monday following. Races and other sports ,have .&f___g-JgilSg~Qll. r ------ iAA •*tS_i£>-. r i ..i.ii,?. X... J ft nod _ ~ ..r*■ ■■-"■ -THaui-i 1 _"_G.eaE__H_*S_y _r'__-_i.aiument will be the result. Amongst the preparations for' war in the Mediterranean the Wye recently took 2,500,000 Snider ball-cartridges and a quantity of; shells for the 38-ton guns at Malta.

An American correspondent telegraphs from Vienna to a San Francisco journal that in the course of an interview Avith a great Military authority there the latter said that Great Britain Avas the only nation in the world that could bear the strain of a great Avar for more than a year.

The folloAving " tall" story is ".related by the "NeAV Zealand Sun"—" The other day, says a writerjfrom the Aucklandside, 1 asked a singularly ministerial-looking friend where I could find a good place for lunch. He looked at me AA-th grave solicitude, and ansAvered, " I aa rill shew you a restaurant where they wei<jh their customers when they go in and when they go out, and then charge them so much an ounce for what they have eaten." Not a muscle ol his intelligent face changed as he checked an exclamation of incredulity by adding : " I AA-ent there one day myself with a couple of bricks in my pockets, Avhich I quietly slipped under the tables, aud Avhen I tipped scales on coming out they had actually to pay me eighteen-pence; and"—with a deprecatory gesture—" I had fairly gorged myself -wit all the most toothsome delicacies of the season.

The Thames " Star" says that the combi nation between the banks there respecting the price of gold has been dissolved, and that the National Bank is now paying a bigger price than that formerly agreed upon.

The Crown Prince and Princess of Germany are reported to be excessively stingy, and to be making a purse against the possible occurrence of a rainy day. This unfortunate couple are enduring all the miseries of " genteel poverty " upon an income of about £15,000 a year, though they have besides (Avhat are perhaps scarcely worth mentioning) tAvo houses for which they pay no rent and a few other privileges. Papa William has a yearly income* of £600,000, but then as he does not believe in allowances, poor Fritz and wife are little better for the paternal opulence. It is not, therefore, us commoners only Avho are familiar with the heartrending suspense known as waiting for dead men's shoes.

Bret Harte is said to be in debt to the tune of about £12,000. He writes less than formerly, and his income is said to be about 4000dols. a year, while he lives at the rate of double that amount. He has not succeeded as a lecturer. He sold his "Tavo Men of Sandy Bar" tor 6000dols. His hair is turning grey, and he is seldom seen in society. He is a sloav, painstaking, laborious writer.

At Timaru last evening the Premier re ceived an address from the local bodies, and was entertained at a banquet, at which 80 of the leading residents were present.

The Government of New South Wales in tends to prohibit the importation of sheep from this colony, unless our Government is in a position to give assurances that scab does not exist in NeAV Zealand.

It has been definitely settled that the Colonist, Avith the NeAV Guinea expedition, Avill leave Sydney on the 20 th inst.

EDEN TERRACE ASSESSMENT COURT—This Day.

-(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.)

The Court met this morning at half-past ten.

Disputed Cases.—James Reid, grocer^ seven allotments rated at £221 10s, reduced to £152 ; Henry Bedell, draper, tAvo allot ments rated at" £37 10s, reduced to £30 ; Miss Johnston, reduced from £31 4s to £25.

Transfers.—Two allotments in Sumers street, from F. D. Fen ton to J. H. Bratby. The allotments standi--in F. D. Fenton's name Avere transferred to OAvner. Two allot ments from J. Grady to J. Gallagher. All the other objectors failed to put in an ap perance; valuations cousequeutly confirmed.

Interesting Disc overy

SUPPOSED MAORIORi C AY [BY TELEGRaphj -^ (From our own^Corre S pon deilt) The discovery of limestone _-?B,l# Autu, about 30 miles ffom N at . caused curiosity. One gentWler > H explored one, gives the folS 111 % scnption :-" We found anumfe d * and unbroken pillars, rendering! A^W some places both slow and dM-T* 8 M chamber at about 100 yards f^ entrance is at least 40 feet wi_?° m § feet high, forming from the roof £ § of the columns a symmetrical^ e% arch, from Avhich point stalactite/a^ profusely and singularly gronT>r/re >i still more strange, there is V.! % lake surrounded by pale green sC 1* whole appearing like a fairy bowpi-T It. Avith crystal pendants. There are ak?" 5? Avater'several mAerted ciystalco-M-^ about a foot out of the water and m *"% t.t the top, say 6 feet in ch-umfeS^ i this spot Aye lighted a lantern, detiS.. at the edge of the lake, and pVocHl * Avard ; the scenery increasing i n __f^ and beauty to such an extent that ltW.' my pen to do justice to it. After J?S_ proceededabout 50 yards, the chamwS increased in height and -width, and 3 right-hand side from entrance Aye came a number of petrified bones, some JP? large dimensions, as well aa three Z$ figures in a high state of preservati apparenty, | father, mother, and cHM AA'ill not speculate as to how thevw there,or what was the period of their l_T near to this group, but on the oppoafS of the cave there are rude sketches of » ■' fare, and from the countenances attonW to be depicted, I do not think they rewami the Maori type of features— that is o ftV existing race. The person who pointed 2 these caves lives with a Maori Avoma__,ArfT doubtless told him the secret. :

CA BLEGRAMS.

TO-DAY'S DESPATCHES.

(Special to "Melbourne Argus.") Resignation of Italian Ministry.

England and France Agreed fie Egypt, a.

LONDON, March 1% The Italian Ministry has resign^ Carols, the neAV President of the Chamha is tryiug to form a new Cabinet. ' Rassy repudiates the occupation schenit England and France will take joint aetioo respecting Egypt.

The Western Po „ ers are supporting % admission of Greece to the Conference.

Russian TroopsWMoving on Constantinople,

Russians 12 Miles. .from Bulair,

The Chancell or of the Excheguor h replying to a question said the Government had information that the Russian troops were fortifying Bulair, but later advices shewed they Avere still distant twelve miles from it.

g|The Tanjore arrived at Galle on Match 12th. [EEUTEE'S '_E_E_KA__]. iONDON, March 12, ! The Hungarian Delegation has agreed to: grant 60,000,000 Roma for war purposes, j Russian troops aie moving on Con stantinople, k.

UNKNOWN.

S*"T?___^--'S SPECIAL CABLEGBAM.] • !

LONDON, March 12. It is semi-officially stated from Yie__ that war is regarded as inevitable unless Russia submits for consideration at it- European Congress the whole conditions of peace.

THE CRISIS.—PROSPECT OF COM PROMISE CEASED.

(REUTERS SPECIAL TELEGR___3.)

MELBOURNE, March 14. In the Legislative Council, Mr Jenner stated this afternoon that he would not proceed with the motion re the Conference. Mr Cuthbert gave notice of motion for Tuesday next to move the second reading of the payment of members. There is no probability of it passing at present. The prospect of a compromise has ceased. The Ministry intend adjourning the Assembly next week until the first week iv July.

SYDNEY, March 14. Mr W. Swanson (?), now in Sydney, Mi i been offered the office of Deputy .Higil Commissioner of Polynesia, to be stationed at Samoa, and also to act as British Consul there.

PARIS INTERNATIONAL EXHIBI TION.

(From our Paris Correspondent.)

PARIS, January 31. M. Krautz, director of the Univer-1 Exhibition of 1878, has addressed to all the Prefects a report on the state of the works for the palace in the Champ De Mars. This report, the last which I*s to be published before the open ing, is full of interesting details oat situation of the works, on the preparatives of the French and foreign committees, and after having pointed out the surmounted \ difficulties, concludes by affirming the hope of a complete success. The-construction, on the Esplanade dcs Invalides, has commenced of the woode*' buildings which are to serve as an ans*^ to the snow of animals of all sorts, in con nection with the exhibition. All the members of the English Com.- j mission, summoned to London, and undet the presidency of the Prince of Wales..'.** considering modifications in the origin*l plan. Mr Cunliff Owen, Commissione! General of the body at Paris, has had Win terview Avith Mr Krautz, in which aqueS-< tion of increase of space was dis missed. Mr Rcdgrove, architect, vMS in consequence to draw fresh plans of tw facades, Avhich are to contain representation" of the styles of the curious celebiateo monuments of Great Britan. ~, The first truck conveying objects tow.; Exhibition has just left Belgium. It *IB * first curgo of stone intended for the Mtjow fagade of Belgium, >vhich the Committee^ erecting at the entrance to its compartment The material comes from the Chercy-i Tournai Company, of Avhich Baron View Lef.bre is the manager. ■ .A 1 Norway will send some fish-skinstan^J for gloves, eel-skins prepared for h, ar? hl^| shark-skins, over ten feet long AYide, and whale-skins, nearly sixty long, for driving bands. ■ on A number of Japanese and Ch^ese^ their way to Paris, arrived last weeK vY Anady. The Chinese, eighteen iuß^y are architects, sculptors, and painters. a^_ have come to erect the palace at tne vaders. One of them—Sun-Hsing-f^s is one of the first architects and scn-f of the Celestial Empire. ' With him ». j arrived the attach, of the Chinese JW tion at Berlin, and they are accomp^ by Mr Iffland, German interpreter. ;jL; f were received by M. Norioz, Co^^bi of the Chinese Government to the-^y,, tion. The Japanese are youths oi tAvelve to fifteen years of age, f^^, come to complete their education m*^ j They have been confided to the <f*po Dury, formerly Consul-General m^ latter country in Japan, and who "^.jgfij resident there from the age of 18. L.^o, he accompanied to France, Mimbon ivj^ a the young brother of the TaiWWj,,^ I pei iod. Eighteen years ago he *j*j^]j $ 1 the diplomatic career to devote mmß ** g

ETENING STAR FRIDAY MARCH 15. ___



•OI N A L NOTICE. OUR TWENTY PER CENT. SALE Will Positively he Discontinued ON ATUR DA V, MARCH 16. REMNANTS, &C, AT A VERY GREAT REDUCTION, IN ORDER TO CLEAR OUT PRIOR TO STOCK-TAKING. A LARGE STOCK OF FIRST-CLASS CLOTHING. FURNISHING GOODS. MANCHESTER GOODS. HOSI-RY AND GENERAL DRAPERY Still on Hand AT f_a. TWENTY PER CENT. REDUCTION. OUSHBROOK AND ORIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOT ill.-RS, &0„ - U P PEE QU E EN-STR E .__■ T, Auckland, lOypoaite the Army aud Navy Hotel).



COTJITTRY EDITIONS t-ÜBLISHED at 12.30 p.m. (For WAIKAT O) AND AT 3.30 P.M. rTIHE TOWN EDITION of the STAR is Published at the Office at 5 o'clock. , a mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS- W J HURST & CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which havr been proved to jroduce satisfactory results i n this district. Experience teaches that large and nro ".table returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering lesti monils from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurs & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MADDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELL- x*ONEFLOUR JandHnch BONEOOST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that for the last two sea sons has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bo supplied ou application at the Stores. W. J. HURSI os CU., 101, Queen-street. i _^_____———■ T& H. C O O X E • Have on Sale ■ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS OF " IFURNITURE IN THE COLONY. Special Items:— DRAWING-ROOM SUITES WALNUT TABLES CARPErs HEARTHRUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BEDSTEADS TOILET _. LASSES CANE-SEATED CHAIRS TOILET-WARE DRAWERS MARBLE-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-STREET Steam Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-STREET 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. Clover seeds. Clover seeds. Just to Hand, ex ' Apelles,' OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON'S -OLOTBR SEEDS, ss-ggSl consisting of White Clover Timothy Red Clover £ ap _,c._ Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke Sec, Sec, Sec. Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. also, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded on application. ~■,«« Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c, &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ketrate, w . j. HURST & 0 0., 101. Queen-street. TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. UCKLAND BRANCH: QUEEN-S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. T7IRE OEPARTMENT. Insuranc granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. W. Rat t ie a y Begs to inform his Customers, and the General Public, that he has placed his DRESS-MAKING AND MANTLE-MAKING DEPARTMENTS Under the care of MADAME 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. RATTRAY, UNEN DRAPER & SILK MERCER. •VIEW r^EALAND TT OUSB, 66, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. SUPERIOR SAMPLES of Sydney and. New Zealand Maize, Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table Potatoes, Flour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley, Chaff, Oilcake Coal, Sec, Sec, always on hand. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND REPARATORY sch oo l, Grace-street, Ponsonby Road. MRS. ROBINSON, having a Competent Assistant Mistress for the Junior Class, is now prepared to receive additional Pupils. Terms. ONE SHILLING per WEEK. Vacancies for a few Pupils for the Pianoforte. BONEDUST! BONEDUST! BONEDUST J To Arrive, about the middle of February: 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Bell's J inch, ■inch, and Boneflour. „ W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. T> A N X TTOLIDAY. The Banks wil be CLOSED on MONDAY, 18th instant (St. Patrick's Day). CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND. Mails will Close ar Under — For Thames, this day, at 5,30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 10 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday, at 11.30 a.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and OpOtiki, per Rowena, this day, at i p.m. For Waiwera, Mahuranga, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Annie Milbank. to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Tairua, per Griffin, to-morrow at 11 a.m. For Gisborne, per Go-ahead, to-morroAV, at 1 For Kawa-, per Heather Bell, to-morrow, at 2 p.m. For Typhena, per Three Brothers, to.morrow, at 2 P-m. ,„ For Russell and Kawakawa, per Wanaka, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell. Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on.Monday next, at 4 p.m. _V For Napier, per Pretty Jane, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. _. . _, . For Taranaki, Southern Province?, and Aus-_ tralian Colonies, per Taiaroa, on Tuesday next, at 5 a.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.



There are "land rats and water rats,"says Shakespeare, meaning tricksters on land as well as pirates on the sea. A certain class of the former are at present occupying themselves in the preparation and sale of sophisticated.liquor disguised in bottles which had for their first contents the finest medicinal beverage of the age, viz., Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps. Accept-none but the genuine.



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 health by their use Bince their introduction into New Zealand, are incredible. Some of the severe cases treated successfully by these Indian Medi cines seemed to haA^e baffled all the available and ordinary remedies previous to their intro duction. Severe cases of 16 and 20 years' dura tion have been cured by their use. " Ghollah's Great Indian Cures" are sold by all Chemists, where see testimonials.