SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

a~i>H \Y \TWi> ' Thi3 Afternoon, 7.30 a±i*n WAlJfiK—j To . morrow Morning, 7.47 3U>: SET.—Thi« Evening. 6.8 SUN RTH'<. -To-ir.orrow Morninsc, 6.8 MOONS Afiß.—Last quarter, 26th, 4.29 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Eotoraa, s.s* Carer, from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

Wanaka, a.a., McGillivray, for Russell lona, 5.3., Farquhar, for Russell

IMPORTS

Per Pretty Jane, from Napier: 118 hides, for B. Gittos and Sons.

Per s.s. Rotorua, from Sydney: 10 boxes tea, 6 cases, 10 boxes tea, 5 cases, 200 cases brandy, 200 boxes candlea, 16 pa kages, 21 cases, 360 packages sugar, 2 casks, 6 ccaes, 55 bags salt, 17 cases plants, 190 packages.

EXPORTS.

Per Taiaroa. for the South : 45 packages.— Owen and Graham.

NEW SCHOONEB.

A very valuable acquisition to the fleet of Auckland built vessels trading between this port and the Island will bs madft very shortly, in Vac shape of a fine schooner, in the construc tion of which Messrs Sini3, and Brown, ship builders, of North Shore, are at present engaged. The vessel is a large on*, the dimensions being as follow :—Length of keel, 75 feet; breadth of beam, 19 feet 6 i'dches: depth of hold, 8 feet 9 inches. As she is especially intended for the Island (trade, the greatest care has been erercisad in her construction, and she has been built under the immediate supervision of Lloyd's Surveyor, in order she may take the highest class grwn to New Zealand built vessels. Tfiis, we think, h the best guarantee for quality that can be given. All the timber used is of a very superior nature, and such as will be found to be very suitable for vessels of her class. She has fine sailing qualities and good passenger accommodation. She is being fitted with a. quarter-deck, so that she wiil be able to carry a large number of passengers. Her tonnage is extremely good, and it is estimated that she wiil carry not less than HO tons of cargo. We understand that she has been purchased by one of our enterprising merchants, who intends to despatch her on her maiden voyage to the Islands immediately after she ia launched, when no douht, she will shew to the best advantage, and reflect credit upon her builders, Messrs Sims and Brown. The launch is to take place shertly.

The following pa^ensrers were booked to-day by the s.s. Taiaroa, which leaves Onehunga for Taranaki and the South to-morrow morning :— Mr and Mrs Taylor, Mr and Mrs B. J. West brooke, Messrs Brame, Beaumont. Rey, Wilson, Davies, Greogai-y. Hodge 3, Willcox, Bennett, and Battle. The 3.3. Argyle leaver this evening for wan garei and Mangapai. with cargo and passengers. The s.s. Rotorua, Captain Carey, arrived from Sydney early thi3 morning. She left on the afternoon of the 13th, and experienced N.E. winds and fine weather uniil passing the North Cape. From thence to arrival, strong southerly winds. She brings the following passengers:— Messrs. Rae. Engel, Holdaworthy, Abott, Mocatlar, Hotham, Giles. Reynolds, Jackson, Wittkowski, Mr and Mrs Bray, and 10 steerage. The 3.3. Wanaka, Captain McGillivray, left for Russell last evening.

The schooner Acadia left Napier for thi3 port on Thursday last, and she i therefore now due. In our import column yesterday 118 hides wer erroneously put under the name of Ireland Brothers instead of B. Gittos and Sons.

The cntter Maud arrived at Levuka from Auckland on February 14.

The schooner Restless arrived at Sydney from Hokiansa, with a cargo of kauri pine, on the Bth, after a passage of 16 days. The barque Southern Cro3S and the brig EmiJy arrived at Newcastle from Auckland on the 10te inst.

The Japanese war-ship Isukuba is at present cruising in Australia, and it i 3 not improbable that she will visit Auckland. She is manned by, a Japanese crew, with two retired English officers on board.

The Norwegian shio Hegla cleared at the Custorri3 to-day for Maiden Island in ballast, and will probably sail this evening or to-morrow inorning, Messrs Brown and Campbell and Co. have received a telegram from Sydney to the follow ins effect:—Delay i 3 inevitable in repairing the Chimborazo, as probably she cannot be repaired for a considerable time. Passengers will have their passage money returned. The Garonne is ar>pointed to leave Melbourne on the 22nd of May. Tne bri:? Syren cleared at the Customs to-day for Kaipara, where she 13 to load timber. She will no doubt leave to-morrow

The s.s. Pretty Jane leaves thi3 afternoon for Napier with a general cargo. The schooner Nymphe hauled round to the eastern side of the wharf thi3 morning, and will commence discharging her cargo at once. The 5.3. lona left last evening for Russel with a s&u oral cargo, and the following passengers :— Mrs Davis, Mrs Wyner, Messrs Arness, Johnson, Shine, and Ahthony. The s.s. Go-ahead arrived at Gisborne from Auckland yesterday afternoon. Entered Inwards. —Morning Light, cutter, from Cabbage Bay, with 56 tons firewood; Zillah, ketch, from Thames, in ballast; Mary, schooner, from Thames, in ballast. Rova, schooner, from Wanganui, with 12 tons coal, 1 ten gum, 20 cases fruit, |2 bales fungus, 3 houses, and 30 packages. Fairy, schooner, from Barrier, with 60 tons firewood. Cleared Outwards.— Morning Lieht, cutter, for Thames, with 3000 bags chaff; Zillah, ketch, for Thames, with 40 tons coal; Mary, schooner, for Wangarei an! Mangapai, with one toa bonedust.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Waitara, this day. The vj.s. Hauraki left at 9.15 this morning for Onehunga.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's Quotations— Bank of New Zealand—Buyers, £23153. National Bank—Buyers, 735. South British Insurance—7Bs; sellers, 79a. Colonial Bank—Buyers, 503; sellers, ols 6d. Auckland Gas—Buyers, £10. Union Insurance —Sellers, 153 6d. New Zealand-Insurance. —Sellers, 91s. N.Z. Loan—Buyers, 60s ; sellers, 655. * Guthrie & Larnach Co.—Buyers, 45s ; sellers, 473 6d. Union Sash & Door C 0.—(503 paid up.) £5 8s 6d; buyers, £5 7s 6d. Moanatairi—Buyers, 623 6d; sellers. 655. Alburnia—Sellers, 51b. Cure—Buyers. 6s: sellers. 63 6d. JO3RHH NEWMAN, Chairman.

Dealers of threadbare reputation in various part 9of the country are continually getting up inferior imitations of Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, which they put in empty bottles of the great medicinal stimulant and sell to the unsuspecting. False labels are also used by them. Shun these inflammatory nostrums and persist in having the genuine article.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close ah Undkr ■.— For Thames, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, to-morrow, at 11.30 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Arsryle, thil day, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Taiaroa, to-morrow at 5 a.m. For Tairua, per Mana, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Wangaroa, per Fnnny Kelly, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per

Rowena, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Waiwsra, Warkworth, and Te Arai, per Annie Milbank, on Thursday next, at 10 a.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier and Southern Provinces, per Wanaka, on Thursday next, at 3 p.m. Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Tuesday, April 2nd as follows:— ' For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 1,30 p.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence in addition to the post age will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 19. 1878.

»v -ie, -«wj to-: tesis sasistsuie*, '.

The State prosecution against Mr..George Jones, junr., of the " Oamaru Mail," for criminal libel on the Attorney-General, has ended in a verdict of not guilty. This, we hope, is the last occasion on which the power, the money, and the influence of the Government will be put forth to stifle the press. Fortunately, through the strong con viction entertained by the people, from whom jurymen are drawn, of the para mount importance of preserving the liberty of the press, such prosecutions invariably fail. A century ago the English Govern ment tried in vain to wreak, its vengeance on the publisher of Junius's letters, which spared neither King, Minister, nor Judges, but ruthlessly paraded the scandals of private life in'order to render venal Minis ters more infamous in the eyes of the people. Later on, the Duke of Wellington, when Prime Minister, brought down upon him self universal reprobation by dragging into court a London journalist, whose viru lent and intemperate attacks defeated them selves, and were so generally condemned as to be harmless. The case bipke down, after the man had been made a martyr, and his own fortune and that of his journal were assured. Warned by these and other examples, the British parliament now would as soon think of ordering decapitation with out trial as of taking proceedings to sup press by force the virulent, and often un just attacks which appear continually in the British press. Not so our sapient legislators, who, with heads turned bythe unaccustomed possession of power, arc in a perpetual state of perturbation for tae preservation of their so-called privileges. Hence the frequent calling of offend ing journalists before the Bar of the House, wordy privilege debates, and threat ened prosecutions, which invariably end in making the House itself ridicu lous and in elevating some very unimportant and undeserving personage into the position of a popular hero. The result of the case decided yesterday should serve as a lesson to the Government and to some other persons who are in tho habit of breath ing out fume and lury against the press. The mpst lamentable feature in the present instance is the fact that instead of the little bill of costs— probably at least £I,ooo— falling upon those gentlemen who provoked the fiasco, the expenses of both prosecution and defence, like the £5,000 incurred by the late Go .vernment in the " Waka Maori" libel case, come out of the pockets of the taxpayer?. The article in the Oamaru Mail which pro voked the action was of the most violent kind—we do not attempt to justify it. Passing beyond the bounds of criticism, it attributed to Mr Whitaker the most in famous motives that conld actuate a public man, and denounced him in the strongest terms. Such criticism rarely does any harm ;it is too intemperate to find favour with sensible men, and invariably re coils upon itself. But for the notice taken of the article in parliament, it would have served as a half-hour's wonder to a few bucolic readers at Oamaru and then have passed into oblivion. Itseemed wise, however in the eyes of the House of Representatives to make the attack and its publisher famous throughout New Zealand. Mr Whitaker vowed that either George Jones should be sent to gaol or he (the Attorney-General) should be put out of the House. Neither thing has happened. After a series of protiacted proceedings the affair ends in the expenditure of £1000 by the Government to advertise Geoige Jones and the "Oamaru Mail," and a declaration by the Supreme Court that the publisher of one of the moat virulent articles that ever appeared in the Now Zetland press is not guilty of libel. Yet this is just what everyone unconcerned in the matter declared would happen. The injury done by newspaper criticism isaltogetherfanciful. Is it seriously supposed for one moment that Mr Whitaker is thought any more or any less of because of the attack in the "Oamaru Mail"? And where it can be shewn that a journalist has been animated by a conscientious, though mistaken, conviction that m hat he has written is for the public good—when it is certain that he was not influenced by malevolent motives—he may always rely on the protection of the public even whe- c the loosely-defined law of libel lays him open to prosecution. It is well that this is bo. Better far, in the interests of a healthy public opinion, that individual cases of harshness should occur, than that the public press, through which the whole people find voice, should be gagged by constant fear of costly law proceedings. The injury in the one case is slight; in the other it involves the liberty of a free public opinion. There is, however, no subject upon which so many mistaken ideas exist, as upon the question of what constitutes a libel. The law recognises not merely criticism, but very caustic criticism upon all questions coming legitimately within a journalistic's range, as perfectly justifiable. And the tendency with English judges and .still more with English juries is to give the most liberal interpretation to the law. It is not in any sense to the public interests that the press should become the medium through which personal animosities may bejsafely vented, but except where malice is proved, we can scarcely conceive of any degree of hostile criticism on a question of public conse quence that is not more for the public good, and m6re entitled to protection than the feeble indifference or adulation of a press prepared to wink at any wrong-doing. Such *a press is a curse to any community. Every journalist who conscientionsly does his duty is liable at times to transgress the bounds of strict justice, but should this render him liable to bonds and imprisonment as a common felon, and set at naught all that has been accomplished by a long and faith ful devotion to the public service ?

Sir George Grey is a groat admirer of Mr Gladstone. In addressing the 1,500 people who had crowded into the Queen's Theatre, Dunedin, he said :—''What I am anxious to see done myself ; what those who think with me in Parliament are anxious to see done, is this : that the franchise should be extended even beyond its former liberal limits, and that the new law, in fact, shall say this : That every male adult who has resided for a period of twelvemonths within an electoral district should have a vote in that district to return its representative, —(cheers) —and that women should have more than one vote.—(Renewed applause). Let me reason the matter out with you a little. First of all let me say this :do not imagine I am proposing anything extraor dinary in the present day. The greatest statesman in England is claiming the same right even in a niore extended form for every inhabitant of Great Britain, In his old age, casting aside the opinions of his youth, and speaking from the experience of a lifetime, he has come to know that he was previously in error, and to believe that the welfare of his fellow men depends upon every male of his fellow countrymen having a vote. This is Mr Gladstone's present theory.

Two young men, well known in Dunedin, are reported to have been missed from their usual haunts since the race meeting. The Working Men's Club, Dunedin, has established in connection with it a Working Metis's Dramatic Club, which recently gave a most successful performance in the Princess's Theatre in aid of the funds of the Dramatic Club.

A special meeting of the Loyal Fountain of Friendship Lodge will be held this evening in the Lome-street lodge-room, to consider business of importance. The Baptist Sunday-school anniversary meeting will be held this evening. Tea on the table at hali-past six o'clock. A numbjßr of addresses will- be given by ministers arid friends, and "the choir will sing appropriate hymns. This evening there will be a great social tea and public meeting at the North Shore Wesleyan Church, in connection with the Sabbath-school anniversary. The Rev. J. Fletcher and other ministers will give addresses on the occasion.

The Vauderville Troupe was playing at Wellington on the 13th inst. The Herman Bros., illusionists, are in Hawke's Bay. An accident befell Mr Walter Bartley on Saturday evening, through a platforfn or stage giving way from the front of Hoilinan's new buildings, in Queen-street, Mr Bartley was at the time standing upon the platform with another man. The former received an injury through his leg getting jammed. He was taken home in a cab, and attended by Dr Dawson. The ancle was found to be dislocated. No blame is attributable to Mr Wright, the contractor, who is careful in providing every facility for constructing secure scaffolding.

The first annual soiree of the Devonport Wesleyan Church, North Shore, will be held this evening. Tea, provided by the ladies, will be on the table at half-past six o'clock. After tea addresses will be delivered by Revs. J. H. Fletcher, W. Kirk, W. J. Williams, and other gentlemen. _ Musical selections will be given by the choir.

A fire broke out on Sunday evening last, between 8 and 9 o'clock, in the homestead of Mr McLarnon, farmer, Papatoitoi. For tunately the family had not retired to rest, and with the assistance ot neighbours, who were quickly on the spot, the 'stables and most of the building were saved. The house was formerly an hotel, but the license was allowed to lapse.

The anniversary ball of the Hibernian Band last evening, in the Lome-street Hall, was a splendid success, everything being in apple-pie order, and carried out with judg ment without parsimony. The scene was one of the gajTest that we have witnessed in connection with sweet sounds and the business of the light fantastic toe. There were nearly 100 couples present. Apologies were read from His Worship the Mayor (with a cheque for £3), from Superintendent Thomson, of the Armed Constabulary, Mr Boylan, Chairman of the Harbour Board, Mr Cosgrave, of the City Council, and other citizens, expressive of their good wishes, aud regrets at not being able to join the happy dance. Dr. Lee and Sub-Inspector Pardy made short addresses, which were received with audible bursts of gratification. The supper was amply spread' by Mr F. McCormick, of the Queen's Hotel. The music was supplied by the Hibernian Band, under the leadership of Mr J. P. Lonergan.- The masters of ceremonies were Messrs Patterson and Brcnnan. The dancing was kept up through the hours of the night, with spirit and energy.

At the meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council on Monday, the Streets Committee was empowered to proceed with works in Albert-street. Mr Brierly's tender of £54 was accepted for works at Greenhill. Mr Burden's application for a footpath was referred to the Streets Committee. Mr Horan was elected auditor. Repairs to the block-house were agreed upon. Councillor Bycroft read the report of the Streets Committee. An application from Mr E. Wood for aJSlaughterhouse (license was referred to the Slaughterhouse Com mittee.

The Dunedin bakers are selling the four pound loaf «tt s£d and 6d. In Auckland the average price charged is Bd.

A Wellington correspondent of the Hawke's Bay Herald says :—" On dit the Colony will get £50,000 in the shape of succession duties from the late W. B. Rhode's property. Who can say that wealth contributes nothing to the revedue ? Miss Rhodes will have £25,000 per annum ; Mrs Rhodes £4000."

The Eastern Star (or ladies' degree) of Masonry has a number of Chapters in America.

There are some more rumours (says the Wellington " Argus")about theappointment of Mr Bunny's. It seems that some members of the Cabinet had managed to come to an understanding with the patriot, and he was to have resigned last weeK and assumed the cares and salary of officialdom. But Sir George Grey and Mr Macandrew are dead against Mr Bunny, and the former sent an unmistakable intimation by telegraph that nothing should bo done in his absence from Wellington.

Te Whiti was rather severe on Europeans at the Pariaka meeting, when he declared his willingness to adopt all our customs except that of drinking. The natives werej attired in European clothes, and amused themselves in dancing polkas and quadrilles to the music of an accordian played by a Maori. Te Kooti was present, and appeared to be much disappointed at the absence of the Hon. Mr Sheehan.

They say it never blows in Wellington, but during a recent gale a stable at Kil birnie 20 feet by 12, and 10 feet high, was lifted into the air, while several chimnies and fences iv the city were injured. A boy named Herbert Astridge was drowned in Wellington harbour yester day.

With reference to the recent cable mes sage announcing the identification of Cres wick as the real Arthur Orton, we find the following in the " Sidney Evening News" :—" We understand that Mr W. H. Lock arrived here from Melbourne within the past few weeks for the purpose of taking to England, with the permission of the Government, William Creswick, in the Parramatta Lunatic Asylum, who is sup posed to be the veritable Arthur Orton. With a view of carrying out this object, Mr Lock is possessed of a power of attorney from Chester Orton, the brother of the lunatic Arthur, otherwise Creswell, of whom he caused portraits to be taken some months ago, and forwarded to England. This resulted in placing at his disposal the sworn testimony of 40 or 50 persons, verifying him as the Orton whose name obtained so much notoriety in connection with the celebrated Tichborne case. It appears that Mrs Jury, who was here, and visited the lunatic in the company of Mr Lock, identified Orton as being the person wanted." The public of Onehunga are offered a treat in the opportunity to hear the Rev. J. H. Fletcher deliver his interesting lecture to morrow, Wednesday evening, in the Wes leyan church, on " Work and Rest." The well-known talent of the Rev. lecturer •will invest his theme with attractive interest.

Our special Australian cable message to day gives a result of the case of Manning v. the New Zealand Insurance Company. The "Sydney Morning Herald" refers to the evidence of the second mate of the Lord Ashley as follows :—" When called upon to give evidence his " elevated " state whs so apparent that his Honor declined to allow him to be sworn, and with some reluctance committed him for contempt of Court, and sent him to Darlinghurst for medical treat ment till 10 o'clock the next morning. When he was again brought into court he was top sober to give exidence until steadied with a hair of the dog that bit him, as a kind of " pick-me-up."

On Friday atternoon last, about four o'clock, a son of Mrs Annan, of Albeit street, met with a severe accident, which, it is generally expected, will deprive him of the use of an eye. It appears that the boy, out of pure fun, clung on behind one of the 'busses coming up Queen-street, and the driver, observing him, whipped behind. The lash of the whip caught the poor lad's eye, nearly taking it out. He was carried up at once to the shop of Mr Dawson, chemist, where all necessary remedies were applied. It is, however, greatly feared that he will never regain the use of the eye. Enquiries are being made for the omnibus driver, who so wantonly .drove on after inflicting this outrage.

The "Bay of Plenty Times" complains that the monies voted by the General Assembly for improvements in that district have not been paid over, and attributes it to the tightness of the Treasury chest.

The Whitaker-Jones Libel Case.

(From our own Correspondent.)

[BY TELEGRAPH],

DUNE DIN, this day. Mk. WHITAKER, in cross-examination, said : I assisted Haggitt in working up the demurrer points. I gave him my opinion. I exercised no discretion in it, as I refused to have any responsibility. I know under plea "not guilty," Jones cannot put in evidence of the truth of the alleged libels. lam sorry for that, because I came down here for the express purpose of giving evidence and answering any question you may put to me. I did not advise Haggitt on that point. He did not ask my advice when I came down here. I told Haggitt he was acting on the part of the House of Representatives when I saw pleas. I saw immediately they were bad. s^r Thomas Russell is "and has been my partner for many years. Mr Russell and I are partners, but only iii law ; not partners generally. We have entered into land transactions. It was in relation to the purchase of the Piako Swamp. Mr Haggitt urged that Mr Rees should confine his attention to the printing and publishing of the article. Mr Rees replied that this was newspaper comment on a matter of public interest— the introduction of anew bill—and malice must be shown to constitute the libel. Ihe article had to do with the purchase of lauds, and he could adduce evidence to sho-w such circumstances as negatived the inference of malice.

His Honor ruled that any evidence could be given of the public acts of Mr Whitaker, either as a member of Parliament, in his place in Parliament, or his office as Attorney-General. He -gave this as a provisional opinion, and should jbe prepared to alter it if it turned^, ctai'bn' lengthened argument to be erroneoKS?^" |7-j Witness continued. After I became a member of the House I did not enter into a contract with the Government for the purchase of the Piako Swamp, I paid the money afterwards. The original trans action was not varied. Ths other land was not put in aud the area not yaried. I think the money was paid in July, when the House wa^ sitting. I have uot made any contt act with the Government since I was elected a member of the House. I asked the Government to exchange some land which I purchased from a European under the Land Claims Settlement Act. I was under treaty with the Government to take other land' iv exchange, but it was not carried out. That was before I became a member of the House. The whole trans action is in print. I rememher the committee sitting on the Waitoa Land Transaction. I drafted the Native Lands Bill. I was at the Police Court in Wellington, but I was not called us a witness. The Native Lands Bill was considered before I went to Auckland, and the principles laid down. I went to Auck land and prepared a draft. Altogether the drafting and printing extended over months. I took it down to Wellington and went over it word by word, aud some of it was altered to suit the views of other members of the Government. A bill was introduced to the Upper House to complete the arrangement I made with the Government iv reference to the Waitoa lands, and it was thrown out on the third reading. That was in 1875. Mr Rees inquired whether the witness was acting as solicitor for other gentlemen in regard to native lauds. Mr Haggitt said he was utterly at the mercy of his learned friend if this cross examination were to be allowed.

Witness continued : I was acting for Captain Beadon in 1842 or 1843. Mr Haggitt: Do you wish to offer any explanation with regard to these lriid transactions, with regard to Captain Beadon ?

Witness : I have simply to say that many years ago t was employed by the Governor and Mr Shortland to inquire into the claim of Captain Beadon and to see if anything could be made of it ; so far as Beadon is concerned I had nothing to do with the claim beyond specifying the land to be given in exchange. Mr Haggitt : Will the Native Lands Act have the effect ©f influencing these transac tions.

Bui lleos objected to the question, but His Honor overruled the objection. Witness: The Natiye Lands Act could not apply to any transaction with regard to Waitoa business. The whole subject was inquired into by a committee of the House. They reported the transaction a fair one, and I was entitled to compensation because the Government did not carry it out.

Mr Haggitt in reply was very brief. After pointing out what was the simple issue the Jury had to deal with, he said if the ques tion of justification could not be inquired into, the fault was not that of the prosecu tion, as anyone possessing skill as a pleader could easily have drawn up a plea which could have been sustained.

Mr Rees proceeded to address the Jury at considerable length, contending that Mr Whitaker had influenced the Crown Prose cutor in demurring to the pleas of justifi cation. When the matter was discussed by the House, Mr Whitaker expressed himself as veiy anxious to have it fully , investi gated. He (Mr Rees) should ask the Jury to look over the Native Landßill, 1877, which had been introduced by Mr Whitaker.

Mr Haggitt objected,

A LITTLE SCENE. Mr Rees said Mr Haggitt had asked questions concerning the Bill. Mr Haggitt : I did not. Mr Rees : I am not. aware "whether it is the practice of this Court to give the lie direct. lam not in the habit, of being con tradicted in this way. It is not the practice in other Courts.

His Honor : Mr Haggitt mentioned that he did not ask questions concerning this particular Bill. Mr Rees suggested that Mr Haggitt should read " Taylor on Evidence."

Mr Haggitt (laughing) : I take that in the spirit in which it is offered.

Mr Kees : In arguing a matter of law, I don't think one member of the Bar should seek to act in a derisive manner to another. I hope my learned friend will not interrupt. Mr Haggitt: I shall interrupt when I consider it my duty to do so, when my learned friend is going wrong. His Honor suggested that the Bill should be allowed to go in. THE VERDICT.

The jury, after 10 minutes retirement, re turned with a verdict of " Not Guilty."

THE OTAGO i" DAILY TIMES" ON THE DEFENCE.

The " Times" had an article yesterday morning, complaining of the legal forms to prevent full investigation of Mr Whitaker's land transcictions, as was understood when the House ordcied the proceedings. It ex presses surprise that the late Attorney- General was not able to help the Crown Prosecutor, aDd show him some way in which he could have the facts brought in issue instead of permitting that functionary to proceed in a manner that to a casual and unreflecting observer might appear as evi dencing a desire to throw diffi culties in the way of getting at the facts of the cases. In opening the case, the Crown prosecutor referred to this article, characterising it as gross contempt. The Judge said the only harm could re sult by referring to it, and by drawing particular attention to it.

Mr Haggitt said he would ask the Court to read it to the jury when summing up and caution jurors against being influenced by it. By defendant being, confined to a simple plea of " not guilty," arid also what was sought to be proved under the plea of justification, he anticipated the trial would conclude in three days.

PITT-STREET YOUNG MEN'S ASSO CIATION.

INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

Last evening there was a large'|at£f rm& °{ 9 l^ bTour/M^locfet^o Phetf rfe Rev WJ Williams deliver the inaugural address. The ig was presided over_g the president-the. Key Wjm. E^-^L^t opened with singingranii PraJWf. l£e Pr^ident announced the obiectjtf the g»th^g, to hear Rev Mr Williams'fdrewell-'address. He was ?orry to notice that recently the class wa=i not so well attended, (especially, toy the senior members), aa its importance demands, lnere seemed an apparent decline. He believed if the class was to keep its prestige among kindred institutions, it must have the presence ot eve^ member as often as is possible. The Key ... Williams came forward amidst much apptm; :, and introduced himself to the andienco lit a humorous manner, by referring to what^.ii been soundinggin his ears at every turn, .ir William-is going to preach for tne Jast uu>\ He regretted that owing to engagements nvcr which he had not control, he was m'.sn debarred from being present at many of tne class™ meetings, but he had always taken a deep interest in its welfare and progress. There hid been grave charges mane against tne vai street Class, but these charges where compara tively without foundation, and ridiculous. You should ever remember, said ]gr dl^i if you are true to yourselves, your Society snail -par its head against every opposing ir.flaence. It is true that you have .like other people been often in error, and made some mistakes, and you haw weaknesses; but these, if too harshly probed,would only bleed instead of being healed. The rev. gentleman dwelt chiefly upon two thoughts fo? the future benefit of the members, viz., "Aim at thoroughness." If anything i» worth beginning, prosecute it to the ena. JLet the principle of thoroughness be stamped upon all your movements. How many in the present day possess only a scattering of knowledge, and they are only as sounding brass. He said that, a little knowledge was a dangerous thing, but ignorance was a greater foe. He often mourned at the want of thoroughness as seen in the pro gramme of some classes. A subiect is begun, and it ends before it is mastered in almost any degree Every member should set himseli to thoroughly think out every subject that is to be debated, and each to bring his quota to throw in to the lap of truth. He then referred to " Usefulness" as a principle. Let no subject be begun unless it has a useful tendency and obi ect. He wound up his speech by saying that the prosperity of the class lay in the hands of the members themselves, and closed by in vokmg the divine blessing upon its members and endea vours, and said that the memory of the class woul Igo with him where'er he should reside. The Rev Mr Dutton deliveredla 4 fine and telling speech upon " Search after truth," and he gave some excellent advice to the members, which if acted out, would prove of lasting benefit to themJThe following lay members also addressed the audience:—Messrs Ewington, J. E. V> hue, McMaster, and Beaumont. Several ladies sang suitable secular selections, and Mr Rowe played the accompaniment. At the close a most cordial vote of thanks was passed to jdr W ii liams for his address,-and the name of Mr Dutton and the choir were attached. Mr Williams suit ably and feelingly acknowledged the kindness of the friends, and the meeting was brouarnt to a close by pronouncingjhe^oenediction.

The Blueskin Mystery.

Verdict of Manslaughter against Mrs De Costa-

(BY TELEGRAPH)

(From Our Own Correspondent)

DUNEDIN, this day. THE police called only one witness at the adjourned inquest to-day. Her evidence in effect denied Mrs De Costa's statement that she gave the child to a man to bury im mediately on arrival at the Dunedin station, on the 27th. The Coroner informed the jury this was the only piece of additional evidence: There were two envelopes, which were bought from a local bookseller, and on which appeared the directions about <;If you, find my darling," etc., —exactly similar in pattern to that addressed by Mrs De Costa to Mrs Bohanua. He should have liked, in the interests of Mrs De Costa and justice, to have recalled Mrs Bohanna and l)r Drysdale, as there were numerous discrepancies between their evidence and that of Mrs De Costa.

Mr Denniston said he was quite content, so far as the interests of his client were concerned, to accept the evidence as it was. The Coroner, in directing the jury, pointed out that the evidence of medical witnesses was quite consonant with the idea that the child died from convulsions ; but the jury must take their evidence conjointly with that of other witnesses. The medical men did not say that con vulsions were the cause of death; they say something similar to convulsions was the cause. Then, as to the chances of death from what he might call "unnaturjil causes," the first witness said she saw a mark round the neck of the child similar to that which would be produced by a ligature. That statement might be put aside, as neither the police man or anyone else saw such a mark as that described. Then, there was a possibility that the child was overlaid in the night. It waa quite likely that, overpowered by sleep, the mother might have rolled over and smothered the child accidentally; but all these things must be considered together, as one piece of evidence. There was a good deal of mystery about the visit to Blueskin, bnt one portion of the time could be ac counted for very easily. The jury had the choice of three verdicts : 1. That the child died from natural causes, which, assisted by the medical evidence, would be convulsions. 2. That death was caused by unnatural causes, such as smothering. If the jury could not agree to either of these, there was a third course open to them, viz. : to return an open verdict, in which they could say that, whilst the child died from obstruction of the breathing, there was no evidence to shew how that obstruction was caused. Such a verdict would allow further enquiries to be made.

Mr Denniston urged that the whole Blueskin episode should have been ignored, as being ludicrous on the face of it; but, as it had been referred to, he asked the Coroner to point out to the jury that it was impos sible for Mrs De Costa to have taken with her so large a box as that found at Blueskin without its beiug observed by some of the witnesses.

THE VERDICT.

After about twenty minutes retirement, the jury brought in a verdict, "That the child died from suffocation at the hands of its mother."

Mr Denniston : That I take to be an open verdict. The Coroner : No.

The Foreman, in reply to the Coroner : Our verdict is that the child died wilfully at the hands of its mother.

The Coroner : That in plain terms is a verdict of murder against the mother. The Foreman : Yes.

Mrs De Costa (who had just entered the room) exclaimed, "Do you think I would murdsr my child ?" Mr Denniston said he would like the Coroner to draw the jury's attention to the fact that there was no evidence to support such a verdict in the medical evidence.

The Coroner : There is support in it. It would support the jury in a verdict of smothering, and in a verdict of death from convulsions.

Mr Denniston thought from the evidence there were practically only two issues before the jury ; one, of death from natural causes, the other, an open verdict; and he could not help expressing his surprise at the verdict just returned.

The Foreman thought the jury were fully alive to the importance of the verdict. The Coroner : I should be very sorry to record a verdict like that just given unless I thought you were quite certain ; but at the same time I wish you to understand that as coroner and magistrate I quite endorse such a verdict.

Mr Denniston: By which you mean, I understand, as far as the law is concerned ?

The Coroner : I mean to say that if they brought in either of the three. I have indi cated it would be a perfectly legal verdict. Mr Denuiston thought it a most extra ordinary and monstrous act on the part of the coroner to say that he endorsed the verdict. That was prejudicing the matter in a manner never heard of before.

THE JURY AGAIN RETIRE.

A juryman here suggested that the jury should concede the point raised and recon sider tho rerdict. This having been agreed to the jury again retired for- about two minutes, and on returning, the foreman, io answer to the coroner, said that their verdict

was the same as befoie— of "wfit^T"*' — at the hands of the mother." mtttlkr Aftar the verdict was dolv enf.^ 11 De Costa was arrested on ? warrant, and corveyed to j?arv? S?onetV be brought before the City PoU"' P« *& • day formaUy. * Uce Ca^ £3 i

CABLEGRAMS.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Fbom oue Special Cokeespokduuv

Lord Ashley Insurance Case.

SYDNEY, March Ta The jury returned a verdict for £7nnftV Mr Manning in the Lord Ashler wi.6 * case. A new trial will be moved ff***:

FLOODS IN THE YARRA.

[SPECIAL TO PBESS AGENCY.] MELBOURNE, March la The 9oods in the.Yarraare doLgL damage. The Melbourne water sanfifC been cut oft in consequence of the fW There has been damage to the brid2«»i aqueduct from the Van Yean, butit repaired within a week. "*

(SPECIAL TO SYDNEY MOENEfG HEKALDJ

AUSTRIAN OCCUPATION OF BOSNIA. AND HERZEGOVINA IMMINENT.

An Austrian occupation of Bosnia an,! Herzegovina is imminent. ~

THE PRINCE OF WALES AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION.

Loxdos", March 4. 9 The Prince of ■ -Wales visited the Pari, Exhibition on Saturday, and the varions colonial Commissioners who are now^ Paris were presented to his Royal His? ness. " c "

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Geo. S. Graham, and Joseph ITew mau, Esquires. Justices of the Peace ) LIQUID LOSELESES3. John Cullinghanr was fined 5s aad costs for being drunk last night. A YOUNG SIAjVf'S FOLLY. Peter McMellon, a young man, Va4 charged with striking a person ip Wakefield. street while in a state of intoxication lag| evening. -

Prisoner expressed his regret, he t& under the influence of the liquid foe. Serjeant Major Mason said this wasfte fir.«t time that prisoser had been beforefte Court. Fined 10s and costs.

LUNACY. Henry Burdea, a wild-looking man, us charged with lunacy. He had been driafc. ing, and had broken into several places ® tbu. wharf. •

Remanded for a week, in order to mids go a medical examination.

LOVE OF DRESS.

Kate Power, a new arrival, was charged with stealing a lustre dress, an umbrella, and several other articles, value £315s,\&e property of Jane O'Brien, on the 15th inst Sergeant Major Mason said the girl had recently come from Sydney, and commenced her career in this city oy pilfiring from those who had befriended her.

Prisoner pleaded guilty. Three months' imprisonment "with Laid labour.

BOBBING MES CONXEY'S LAEDEE.

Peter Calvers was charged with steaEng two jars of peach jam, and other sweefe, also a linen sheet from the horse of Mb Conley, value about 20s, on the 14th imt - Prisoner pleade' not guilty. The prisonar, a foreigner, had been in tie employ of Mr James Conley, a boatmsi, and had resided in his house in Jermp street, and while thus kindly treated, le stole the things. Mrs Susan Conley deposed that prisoner! well knew her larder, and at various times she missed butter, bread, seven bottles of jam, a quantify of sugar, etc., also, a sheet from her bedroom, and a pair of her h» bands trousers, also a fine pot of musk from the window silL To prisoner : I gave you one bottle of jam. The sheet is not yours, but mine. Prisoner : There, that's enough. Tvedom with you. Susan Price, residing in the same street, knew the prisoner, purchased a bottle a jam for 9d, prisoner said he. bought it pt Mrs Conley. He was a Spaniard. Serge int-Major Mason; searched the house and found the bottles of jam, the sheet, and pot of musk, in the house. Prisoner sad his friend Mrs Conley had^iven themfe him. Prisoner : 1 vant my vife, she tan cfes me. She gave the sheet to Mrs Conley to vash.

Sergeant Gamble : You cannot call yom wife. Prisoner: Vot, not my vife, she tandear me. r After considering the case, the Bench vse of opinion that the evidence was not sum cient, and dismissed the case. sir smith's attitude. Samuel C. Smith was charged with nsjg threatening language towards Mann« Foley, of Victoria-street, on the 15th inst, inconsequence of which he went in boairy fear. ■ v Mr Tole appeared for plaintiff and W Tyler for defendant. *' As this was a case of importance w complainant touching his life, and as« number of witnesses would have to » subpcened, the case was remanded tuffl to-morrow. j

"MORE LIGHT."

—GOETHE. William Hamley was charged witt neglecting to keep his lamp, over the door w his hotel, the Wynyard Arms, alight oil V night of the 14th iust. i: w Mr Hamley said he would plead g*W a3 the light certainly was out before !» break of day. . » The Constable described the night, ■>■■■* was soft, still, and moonlight; not a son»> was heard over the gentle ridge of Sjm^ street, save the regular footfall oi ,ob geant Mulville in the distance. heaven was cloudiess, the senw and not a ripple was heard from *hevw|| The lamp was clearly visible, but m was no light burning within. He row, diately, in accordance with a strong s<m duty in his soul, jotted the fact down »f The Bench considered the offence as ligW and fined defendant Is and costs. ON THE TKOT. Austin Craig was fined 5b and coHsy_ going other than a walking pace rouna*: street comer. Fined 5s and costs. BREACH OF THE LICENSING AOi- Francis McCormick, landlord.«i^ Queen's Head Hotel, was chargea supplying liquor to John ATeldrunuOß day, March 10th. He not being a.H*n» traveller. , A Mr McCormick said he would guilty, although personally, ne nothing of fhe circumstances. "TV^ brandy was served on the pleatM* 1. required for a person who was sick- .j^ Sergeant-Major Mason said j*^°^f lately come into the hands of ff J?ji| raick, and who he believed had cona it with propriety. n -♦ 0 Mrs Meldrum informed the she was very ill, and sent for a sow" of brandy on that plea. v.«inir # The Bench said that the police gg&fli ported favourably of defendante fl»"f^ fine would not be heavy, viz., £o auu LARCENY OF A FEATHE* p, A young girl, respectably «"•??"£»* charged with steaUng art ostncn^^ value ss, the property of Wm. «ai^ on the 15th. . ~ ia-ii^ As there were doubt? ln.the caw. j remanded for farther inquiries. —^>",:

EVENING STAR TUESDAY MARCH 19, 1878



OUSHBHOOK AND ORIDGMAN, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE (Opposite the Army nd Navy Hotel), CPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. twenty per cent. discount IS. IN THE £) ALLOWED ON ALL CASH PURCHASES OP 20s. AND UPWARDS. T& H. C O O X E « Have on Sale RONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS OB" t FURNITURE IN THE COLONY< Speoial Items:— DUAWING-ROOM SUITES WALNUT TABLKS carpers HKAUTHttUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BKDSTEADS TOILET >, LASSES CANK-SRATED CHAIRS TOTLE'I'-WARE DRAWERS MARBLE-TOP WASHSTANDS MATTRESSKS FEATHER BEDS. A Small Shipment of CRETONNES and CASE MERES, New Patterns. Atvt. Goods at Lowest Rates, delivered free. *. Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers, Furniture Show-rooms .... 67. QUEEN-STREBT WhmrQrfiAvat FartOru ...... VICTORIA-STREET .■■Sheet '



COUNTRY EDITION t-ÜBLISHED at.12.30 p.m. (For WAIKATO) AND AT 3.30 p.m. mHE TOWN EDITION of the STAR is Published at the Office at 5 o'clock. C/LOVER SEEDS. (JIOVER SEEDS. Just to Hand, ex ' Apeli.es,' OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON'S OLOVER SEEDS, "HUES CONSISTING OF White Clover Timothy Red Clover Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke &c, &c, &c. Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. ALSO, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded on application. - Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot. Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c. &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101. Queen-street. r posg ra v c & rio. WILL HOI.D A ORE AT CLEARING SALE OF MEN'S AN D BOYS' CL O T|H ING ITO-MORROW. All .Goods Reduced to Cost Price Inspection Invited. THORNTON, SMITH. AND FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale) Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. 50's rown Brand Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. perton .. .. .. 16 0 0 16 10 0 17 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 15 0 0 15 10 0 16 0. 0 . Meal for Pig-feed .. 710 0 Sharps 7 10 0 Bran 6 0 0 Fowl Wheat .. .. 4s. to is. 6d. per bushel. The above prices include sacks and bag 3; Backs and bags not returnable. Term 3: Cash. February'll,lß7B. NION INSUKANUE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. U C X L A jS D BRANCH: Q UEEN-STRE X T. Next the Colonial Bank. "IRE DEPARTMENT. Inauranc granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls Of Shipa or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owe3T Current Hates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. THE BAY OF PLENTY TIMES," Published at Tauranga, Bi-Weekly, (A GAZETTE IN BANKRUPTCY), HAS THE LARGEST CIRCULATION of any Country Newspaper published in the Provincial District of Auckland. Advertisements, and Names of New Subscribers will be received by BENJAMIN TANNER. corner of Queen and Shortland-streets. HER MAJESTY'S GAOL, AUCKLAND. Matron Wanted. Apply, in person, with testimonials, at the Gaoler's Office, at 2 p.m.. on FRIDAY NEXT, the 22nd March instant. B. S. O'BRIEN, Governor. SUPERIOR SAMPLES of Sydney and New Zealand Maize, Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table Potatoes, Flour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley, Jhaff, Oilcake Coal, Sec, &c, always on hand. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND BONEDUST! BONEDU-ST! BONEDUSTI To Arrive, about the middle of February: 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Bell's J inch, inch, and Boneflour. VV. J. HURST & CO., 101. Queen-street.



Some Very Handsome Mottled Kauri Rimu and Cedar Wardrobes, with Plate Glass Doors, are now on view at the City Hall Arcade. Also Bedsteads and other articles of Bedroom Furniture to match, besides an immense assortment of Iron Bedsteads and every kind of Bedding made at the Factory of Hollo way, Garlick, and Cranwell. This firm have just received from Italy the latest designs in Walnut Drawing-room Suites and most modern Tapestrine Reps for covering. Carpets in great variety to suit all classes. Linoleum, Floorcloths, Curtains, and all kinds of Furnishing Goods, Drapery, Clothing, Millinery, and Hosiery. Goods delivered Free to any part of the town. Holloway, Garlick, and Cranwell, of Queen-street, are Agents for the Genuine Singer's Sewiitg Machine, acknowleged and proved to be the best Family Sewing Machine in the World. House Furniture of all kiads, and Sewing Machines obtainable on the deferred payment system.—[Advt.]



The value ot coke as a tuel, and as a means of economy of coal, is not appreciated sufficiently. A mixed fuel of coal and coke is invaluable for the ordinary purposes of heating, and still more for those cooking and raising steam, as it absorbs *ne smoke 01 inflammable gases given off by coal during combustion, and renders the fire brighter^clearer, and hotter. This is much more apparent where our local coals are used; indeed, owing to the rapidity of burning, some of these threaten to go out of consumption altogether. Coke supplies exactly that which these coals lack—body and resistance. Every householder should buy coals and coke at the same time, and, if convenient, mix them ; smaller bills and greater satisfaction'will be the result. The price of coko is n<ivertic«;il elsewhere— Advt.]



Music



Half-price



Brown



and Son,



Queen-



street.