SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER—j Kraorr?™ Morning, 0.38j SUN SET.—This Evening, 7.13 _ SUN RISE.—To morrow Morning, a.lt MOON'S AGE.-Last Quarter, 28th, 3.23 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

3<Lorraine, barque, _-- tons, «"» lau""' lonaL°s^a.quhar. from the Bg*.gg»* ' Coronet, schooner. Rose, from Rarotonga. In the Manukau. Wild Duck, ketch, from Waitara Amaranth, schooner, from Raglan

DEPARTURES.

Maud, cutter, for L .vuka -Tairl'c pohoo""'•. for Lyttelton Rowena s s., Sellarp, for Tauranga Fanny Kelly, ketch, for Wangaroa

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London—Lochfleet, ship, May yueen, amy, early For Napier—Pretty Jane, Saturday o p.m.

IMPORTS. Per Lorraine, from London :— 300 kegs blas-ina. nowder, 21 c«scs sporting r.0., 3.510 bars iron, 35S bundles iron. 303 bundles hoop iron. 30G camp ovens. 311 covers, -Go kegs nails. 60 d&. de* spikes, 5 cans ranges. 1 case belting. 1 casks lamps, 8 do. globes. 4 capes bed steads, 1 cask box irons. 1 do. weights, 11 pKgs. bellows. 1 case glass, 1 cask hinges. 2 <**** soring.", 1 cases axles, 6 casks milk pans, 1 dr. brassware. 1 do. files. 2 do. iron washers, 93 grindstones, 30 kegs staples. 2 pkgs. tinware. 4 bales twine. 0 bundles sieves. 2 crates flower vx*°s 10 nadirs chaff cutters, 10 barrels tar, 2do. Ditch, 3 CrtS'« ploughs, 1 cask fittings. 3 do. comoo ~-',,e 7 rolls lead, I ciselamp wicks, 1 bale m.its, 11 boxes stones, lGpkgs. scales.—W. Porter & (y. 1 case shirt collars. I do. cotton buttons, 1 ao. cr"ton»s and flannels.—J. M. M'Lnchlan. Per Lorraine, from London : 36 ba^s paper.— Wilsons and Horton. _9\C) casks, I cases.—lreland Bros. —Al bales paper.—H. Brett.— 100 cases. 7 bales.—Owen and Graham. 1 bale.—John Reid and Co. 59 cases, 10 trunks, 3 casks, 2 bales.—E. and H. Isaacs. ~ ___. , - 5 bales carpets, 5 cases furniture.—Winks and Hall. , _ . Per barque Lorraine, from London: 6 cases saddlery. 1 case girth web.. 1 bale kersey, lbale serge, lbale Prince's check. 1 case roller}web.. 1 ease saddlecloths, 1 bale hemp halters, l bale tapered plough lines, 6 casks saddlers lronmon gerv,3 cases harness, 8 casks plated and brass and iapanne.d harness mountings for buggy, cab, ''buss, and hearse, 1 case girth webbing, 2 casks ladies' saddle trees, 4 casks gents' saddle trees, o casks leader ,-md plough trace', 2 cashes back band chains. 1 cask tinned and .iapanned water ing chains. 2 casks galvanized iron trace chains, 1 cask curry combs, _ casks silver and brass plated buggy, carriage, and cab harness. 8 casks shiller and shaft harness. 1 cask clout, nails, 1 case plated and brass portmanteau carriage and saddle nails, 1 case plated and brass cab car riage, and cart ornaments, 1 hhds. boot trees, and mens,' womens,' boys', and girls boot lasts, 30 barrels boot pegs. 3 bales brown wrapping paner 5 bales paper bags, 2 cases enamelled car riage hides, 2 cases japanned carnage hides. I case coloured furniture and shoemakers roans, 1 case white japanned buff, hides, buckskins, and doe skins, 3 cases *r a st Indian kip leather, 4 cases French calfskins. 17 casks grindery, 22 hhds. and. 33 barrels cod oil. 2 trunks boot Juppers, 1 case blocking fronts. 10casks heel-tips and toe-plates. 3 barrels brass and iron rivets. 1 cask singles, o pkes. shoemakers' machinery, 2 casks shoe makers' machine knives. 200 boxes candles, 29 casks soda, crystals. 50 cases vestas, 2 cases carb ammonia, 5 cases tart acid, 5 cases cream tartar, °0 drums soft soap, 5 casks ground alum, ohhds. vegetable lamp black.—lreland Bros.

EXPORTS.

MPeT Hawea: 2 cases pianos 1 do. walking sticks, 2 do. bedsteads—E. &H. Isaacs.

ARRIVAL OF THE CORONET.

The well-know" island-trading schooner Coronet, Captain Rose, ar-ived in harbour at six o'clock last evening, with a full cargo of ooura. pearl shell, &o. She has made a quick trip this time, having been'only ten weeks away. She left nort on the Sth November, and, af.er visiting Tahiti and several islands in the Cook and Hervev Groups, made Rarotonga on the oth Januray. She left for Auckland on the same day. and carried light northerly winds until making the Poor Knights on Thursday morning at nine o'clock; thence into harbour light S.W. winds.

The s.s Rowena sailed for Tauranga last ni'-ht vvith passengers and cargo. The barque Cabarfeidh arrived atPort Albert on Thursday. ... The gear of the Nellie schooner wrecked on the Bay of Plenty, were sold yesterday for £15. The 3-masted snbooner Fairlie took her depar ture from the North Head for Lyttelton at an early hour this morning. ~*«•««.+ The cutter Maud left for Levuka last night, with a cargo of timber and general merchan- Tiie s.s. Pretty Jane leaves for Napier at five o'clock this afternoon. • The Coronet brings news of the result of the race to Rarotonga between the schooners Blanche and La Gironde. It will be remembered that these two vessels left here on the 6th December—the Blanche starting a few hours before the La Gironde. The finish was very close. Both arrived on the 19th. after quick passages.' The La Gironde made the anchorage about two hours befo> c the Blanche. Allowing time for tonnage, the English schooner would b"> considered the winner. The Blanche is 06 tons and the La Gironde 76 tons. The s.s. Lalla Rookh is advertised to run an excursion from Onehunga on Tuesday next. The fare will be low, and an emoyable trip 13 schooner Amaranth is to load for Welling ton, the Wild Duck for Waitara. and the Fiery Cross for Dunedin, all with timber, at Guthrie and Larnach's Manukau Mills. The s.s. Lalla Rookh left the' Bay of Islands for the Manukau on Thursday evening, so that she should arrive to-day. -.v,,,., ---■fThe ketch Wild Duck brings a cargo of sheep from Waitara, and the Amaranth a cargo of wool from Raglan. . The schooner Fiery Cross brings a cargo of general merchandise from Dunedin to One hunga. ■

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

R__ngiriri School,—The letter on this subject is in reply to an advertisement, and can only be inserted in similar form. Mr. P. Biri.ey.—The post-office fire occurred first in November, 1872. The other fire happened in the October following (1873).

BIRTH.

McEWEN.—On the 26th January, at the North Shore, Mrs. James McEwen of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

GLADDING—HARPER.—On the 24th January, at the residence of the bride, by the Rev. D. Dutton, F.R.A.S., Herbert Frederick, second son of Mr. A. W. Gladding, Kingsland Road, Mount Albert, to Emma, youngest daughter of Mr. John Harper, Coburg-street.

DEATH.

GOSSET.—At Parnell, Auckland, on the 26th January, 1878, Maria Asia Hull, the dearly beloved wife of James William Gosset, Major General Royal Engineers, R.F.P., in her 59th year. McBRIDE.—On the 28th January, at the Pro vincial Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand, Michael Mcßride, of' Lucas Creek, aged 86 years. The funeral will leavo the Hospital to morrow (Sunday), at 3 p.m. Friends are to attend. MATTHEWS.—On the 26th January, at Pon sonbv, Florence Eleanor, age 4h months, only daughter of F. W. Matthews.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 1878.

fix <kc c.-_f.c that lacks assistance, P»>- tiie wroojj that needs ic___.s_ta__.c3, _<__. tke fntu-e in the distance. And ti__ eaod i___t tbi eta«_«.

! Now that time has placed us in possession of the reliable details, it is possible to re vieAV Avitli a degree of historical impartiality the early events of the present war. Mr Archibald Forbes, the celebrated " Daily News" correspondent, Avho lias received special marks of honour from the Czar, Her Majesty the Queen, and the Prince of Wales, has, since his re turn to England, undertaken the task in a manner that at once relieves him from those suspicions of Russian partizan ship which pro-Turkish sympathisers have hurled against him. On the 30th Novem ber last, Mr Forbes gave a lecture at the Royal United Service Institution, upon the Avar, from a purely military point of view. Lieut.-Gen. WardiaAv, Inspector General of Cavalry presided, and the audience included tho Duke of Sutherland, General Loid Mark

Kerr, General Simpson, Admirals Nicholson, Lambert, and Seymour, and many other General's aud oflicers of lesser rank. M Forbes' opportunities, and the energetic manner in which he had takeu advantage of them, were rccoguised at the opening and close of the lecture, General Lord Mark Kerr observing that everything he had laid down seemed absolutely unquestionable. Lieut.-General Wardlaw also spoke in high terms of the weight which Mr Forbes' opinions should properly carry. Sustained by this high testimony, we may fairly give prominence to the fruits of his observation, as supplying the most reliable index to the early Russian failures and subsequent suc cess' that has yet been published. Mr Forbes opened by a reference to his own experience of several years as a private soldier in a regiment of English Dragoons. To the training then received he attributes much of his subsequent success as a war correspondent. His review is anything but complimentary to the genius of the Russian commanders. He thinks that before the declaration of war a pretty well-defined and sound strategic plan of operations had been determined upon in St. Petersburgh by General Heidau, the head of the great General Stall' of Russia. It Avas proposed that an army of ,70,000 men should inarch through the Dobrudscha, preventing the landing of Turkish troops at Kusteudjc, and, if possible, cutting the only line of communi cation aud supply between the sea, at Varna and the fortresses of the Quadrilateral, along the line of the Varna railway. The main army was, meanwhile, to cross the Danube, somewhere between the mouths of the Jantra and the Vid, placing 70,000 in position to mask Rustchuk and ward off the field army of Bulgaria from the left line of Russian communications ; while another 30,000 should reduce Nicopolis, and protect the rightflank; and an active force of 100,000 would then have beenavailable for an immedi ate main advance across the Balkans. The early movements, after the declaration of war, were miserably slow, which is attributed by Mr Forbes to the fact that great difficulty was encountered in filling up the army corps to their intended strength. Before the campaign, the Grand Duke had asked the Minister of War for 500,000 men. The reply was that such a number could not possibly be furnished, but seven army corps, amounting to 340,000 troops, were promised. "My own deliberate convic tion," says Mr Forbes-, "is that he who believes that 170,000 Russians crossed the Pruth in April, May, and June of last year is above the mark. Yet, further, I do not believe that until the arrival of the reinforcements, of which the current began to set iv about the third week in August, there were over 145,000 Russian soldiers under arms in Bulgaria., even including Zimmerman's force in the • Dobrudscha." In accounting for so serious a shortcoming, the lecturer gave some weight to the belief that although engaged in the work of mobilisation, the Russians up to the last moment thought circum stances would arise by which war might be avoided, and were in the end taken by surprise. Whatever the cause of the weakness, however, lie severely condemns the want of resource displayed by the Russian Generals in adhering rigidly to the plan designed for a much larger force. He furnishes instances where this lack of -fertility and freedom of initiative persistently operated adversely to the Russian fortunes. The early delay was most favourable to the defenders. Zimmerman's army could not cross at Braila until the 23rd of June ; he never had 40,000 men under his com mand ; he was not accorded reasonable discretionary powers, his supply service was always subsidiary ; and. adds Mr Forbes "he has been shunted, as it were, into a siding aud left to eat his heart out and watch the decimation of his troops by malaria." The consequence -was that he and his men had lain supine all summer, and might as well never have crossed the Pruth, " not being so much as a Hy on the wheel of Turkish resistance." Mr Forbes believed that most strategists would agree that after the first disaster at Plevna, ~ Zimmerman should have been strongly re-inforced in order to advance and divert Mehemet Ali's attention from the Cesarewitch's army. Reviewing the ope.a tions of the main army, Mr Forbes said the crossing of the Danube was well-conceived, but clumsily executed. A whole army corps was exposed on the fiats of Simuitza for hours to the fire of Turkish cannon, if there had been any worth speaking of. All the boats were focussetl upon one point—no diversion being attempted to the right or left—and the success of the under talcing was entirely due to the weakness of the Turkish force. After the crossing, days elapsed before there was a practicable bridge. During that time, no attempt was made to " feel for the Turkish force, or ascertain the dangers that might be anticipated along the Russian line of communications. Although by this time aware of the weakness of his army, the Grand Duke, instead of changing his tactics and directing his first eilbrts to clearing the Turks from his flank before attempting the passage of the Balkans, or else—if an adventurous policy were to be adopted— fortifying a central line of communications between Sistova and Shipka Pass, pro tecting it with a mobile army, and pressing southwards with a strong force—slavishly adhered to the original plan of campaign. Although the bridge at Sistova was completed on the 30th July, and Bjele was only five hours' ride from' thence, it was not till the sth July that Arnold's dragoons occupied the heights above the town; Tirnova is about ten hours' easy ride, but it was the 6th before Gourka's cavalry was within striking distance ; and although Nicopolis is only three marches of ten miles each, Krudener's forces did not reach its ernmbling walls till the 12th. The Sth Corps, intended to follow Gouika's cavalry, crossed the Danube on the 27th June, but did not leave Sistova until the 9th of July. The inaction is attributed by Mr Forbes to the insufficient numerical strength of the force for the work mapped out. General Arnold's advance on Biela was rash, and without sufficient previous reconnaisance. In the first movement of the Cesarewitch's army a portion of the cavalry fell into an ambush a! Kudikoi. The whole design of sweeping round on Rustchuck with the small force of 40,000 men available, form ing a thin, attenuated line to hedge a strong fortress, was a mistake. Mr Forbes' state ments with respect to the total disregard of all precautions against surprise in the Rus sian army are almost incredible. He has. crossed the Simnitza Bridge in the dead of the night without seeing a sentry or being challenged, and has never been asked to verify himself by his papers in all his ex perience except by the sentries around the Imperial head-quarters, and even in a village where the Emperor was stay ing he has passed out at night with out seeing any but one sentry, and he lying sound asleep. The army of Rustchuck had not a siugle siege gun, and Mr Forbes did not believe there were a hundred spades at the disposal of the entire army of the Cesarewitch. The only exhibition of enterprise ia the whole • of the early operations was General Gourka's advance across the Balkans. Mr Forbes expresses the greatest admiration for the courageous audacity of Gourka, but he was left wholly without support, only onere.-j'iment of Mirska's division which was detailed to support him, really descend ing the Southern slope of the Balkans. General Krudeiter, having, in turning aside to Nicopolis, left Plevna open to Osman Pasha, might have held the line of the Osma, .passively confronting Osman Pasha intrenching himself at Plevna. Then the 11th corps could with safety have followed the Bth corps across the Balkans, leaving the 4th to keep open communication. There was uothing, he thinks to prevent a Russian army from reaching Adrianople by August. Instead of this, the Commander-in-Chief left Zimmerman helpless in the Dobrudscha, employed the Czarewitch's army in assidu ously blocking a way that led to nowhere; and," turning aside the 4th Corps to carry ou. the useless and disastrous assault on

Plevna, abandoned Gourka to his fate. The attempts to retake Plevna, Mr Forbes denounces as suicidal. Ho says that General Krudener remonstrated against the attack in the strongest terms, being fully aware that his force was too weak for the undertaking, and that the issue would be disastrous. But his representations were peremptorily over-ruled, and he had no alternative'but to accept the murderous scheme. The advance was confused and unmilitary; carried out at a useless sacrifice o_ life, from want of organisation. The Turkish breech-loading arms also proved very much better and of longer range than those of the Russians, and the loss of life was fearful. After this reverse, Mr Forbes considers the Russian position to have been most critical; and if Sulieman Pasha, instead of throwing away thousands of fine troops at the Shipka Pass, had crossed the Balkans by Kazan dehle and the Iron Gate, and joined Mehemet Ali for the purpose of a combined attack— Osman Pasha atg the same time boldly taking the|J offensive—the Rus sians would have had at least to fall back and concentrate round Sistova. But the Turks adhered to their old system of lighting behind intrenchirents. The Russians were thus enabled to hold doggedly on to all their positions until the arrival of the heavy reinforcements of August and September enabled them to retrieve the early disasters of the campaign and press down all resistance with the weight of numbers. Mr Forbes' remarks tend very much to destroy all belief in the efficiency of the Russian military system. The camp is not only characterised by an absence of the ordinary sentry guards, but exhibits a total want of " attention to sanitary measures ; and " after one night's occupa tion a Russian camping ground becomes an abomination." Mr Forbes has, however, the very highest admiration of the bravery and persistency of the troops. The picture he has presented oilers the strongest possible contrast to that which he so graphically described during the Franco : Prussian war, aud effectually dispels the surprise which was excited by the successes gained in the early part of the campaign by the Turks, despite their notorious in ertness and natural weakness.

Tenders for lighting the town clock will be considered at the City Council meeting on Wednesday.

In our telegram columns appears a list oi officers elected by the Grand Lodge of Good Templars now in session at Welling ton.

In our Christchurch telegrams of yester day there Avas an account of a very pretty quarrel between the Canterbury and Otago Cricketers. The former charge the Otago men Avith placing obstacles in their Avay, and have taken great umbrage at the remarks made by the Chairman at a recent cricketers' banquet in Dunedin. Ou that occasion the Chairman, avc presume iv an after-dinner speech, expressed a devout wish that the Australians might thrash Canterbury far their conceit in playing only fifteen men, and iioav Canterbury, in the Hush of victory, has sternly resolved—like the sulky youth of our ju\*enile days—not to play OtagoXany more. This is certainly very terrible, and may lead to^-conse quenoes Avhich avc tremble even to contem plate. Of course, the Canterbury cricketer will now take the field with the Separation team, and the Unity-of-the colony party will have to look to their stumps. Moreover, other sections of the two communities may be draAvn into the struggle, and the volunteers of Canterbury and Otago rush upon mutual destinction on the banks of the Waitaki, Avhich divides the territory of the belligerents. We Avould suggest a conference between ambassadors from the various Provincial districts at some neutral point to settle the quarrel before the rival cricketers imbue their bats in each other's her—lud.

Captain Brackenbury has AvithdraAvn from the candidature for tlio vacant seat in the General Assembly for Parncll, ou the ground that he is unwilling " to enter into a conflict Avhose only probable result Avould be one of bitterness, acrimony, and re crimination." Captain Brackenbury, how ever, acquits Mr Moss of being a party to any course Avhich Avould tend to produce these results. We have received the_ fol lowing from Capt. Brackenbury : — Sir, — AHoav me space to give an emphatic denial to the statement that I Avas a supporter of Mr William Rowe in his contest against Sir George Grey at the Thames. lam not, nor ever was, a supporter of that gentleman. The motive of your correspondent is ap parent, but as I am not inclined to enter the arena Avith anonymous writers Avhose Aveapous are scurrility "and mis-statements, and for other reasons of Avhich I shall inform the electors, I have decided upon not seek their suffrage.—W. C. Brackenbury.

A lady correspondent Avriting to Miss Anthony's " Woman's Rights Paper," pub lished in America, makes a delightful sug gestion, of Avhich the folloAving is a slightly expurgated transcript: 'The great Avaut of Avomau at present is money—money for their personal Avants and money to carry out their plans. I propose they shall earn it ; that they shall consider it as honourable to work for money as bread. I iusistthat the bearing and rearing of children—the most exacting employment, aud involving the most serious risks —shall be the best paid work in the Avorld. The meaning of all this is, the Avives are about to strike for greenbacks. So much for every baby born ; no green backs, no more population—no more boys to carry on the great enterprises of the age. The scale of prices for maternal duty to be as follows : Girl-baby, 100 dollars ; boy, 200 dollars ; twins, 300 dollars ; tAvins, both boys, 400 dollars. Terms, C. O. D. No credit beyond the first child. Husbands Avho desire to transmit their names to posterity Avill please take notice, and take a new departure.'

The "Northern Advocate" says that Mr Dargaville, in order to encourage small farm settlers, is employing men upon the understanding that they Avork alternately on their farms and in the bush.

A meeting of the friends of religious progress Avas held last evening in the Young Men's Christain Association, for the purpose of considering certain suggestions made by Dr Somerville at the close of his admirable lecture on the " Bible for the Avorld." Dr Maunsell, president of the Institute, occupied the chair. Various resolutions Avere proposed by Colonel Haultain, and Messrs Daldy, Laricins, Brame, and Buttle,_ with the view of maintaining the Association on a sounder basis. A telegram was also read from Dr Somerville, promising a lecture in aid of the funds on Thursday evening next, and which will, no doubt, be largely attended. The committee, therefore, should secure the Choral Hall.

We refer our readers to another column for particulars of Sunday services. The evening service for 'the people Avill be held at the usual hour'in the Theatre Royal.

Ghiloni's AvaxAvorks exhibition continues to be Avell attended. After appearing for some days longer the exhibition Avill be taken to Sydney, Avhere there are two hun dred additional figures.

The Hon. J. Ballance Avill in future have charge of the Naval Training Schools department. We notice that Ben Allah A\ rasa passenger yesterday to the south by the s.s. Hawea. Ben Avill perform first at Wellington for a feAV nights, and give entertainments at other towns in his Southward pilgrimage to Dunedin.

The Right Reverend Dr CoAvie has accepted the appointment of Honorary Chaplin of the Auckland Artillery Volun teers, and Avill preach to-morrow morning at St Paul's Cathedral Church. The Artillery, Avith the other lqcal Volunteers, have a special church parade in honor of the visit* of the Thames Scottish detach ment, Avho Avill arrive in ' Auckland this evening. Captain Moitoav informs the members of No 3 Company that they are not required to be present at the church parade to-morroAV, and requests a full attendance at the parade on Thursday evening next.

Nature has her curiosities as well as man, and so remarkable are frequently these that cranleners and botanists are puzzled, and fall back upon th; old excuse—a freak of nature. A daliliais exhibited in the shop of Mr Little, bootmaker, lo Queen-street, grown by Mr C. Marks iv his garden in Hobson-street, of two distinct colors, the inner part of the blossom being of the purest white, aud the outer circles of a deep red, forming a perfect flower. There are now about 100 farms in the Mittai district.

An undertaker named Lewis, the father of eight children, was charged at the Police Court, Dunedin, with the seduction of a girl named Eustace, wh. ' his wife was absent at Oamaru. The charge broke down .for want of corroborotive evidence.

" Pro Bono Publico" agrees with the speakers at the recent opening of the new City East school, to the eflect that the city has hitherto been neglected. He says the school buildings in the city were until lately a disgrace to any community, that the private schools were not within the means of the poor, and that while the town paid the largest share of the Education tax, it received the least share of expenditure foi* buildings. It acknowledges that it is the duty of the Board to do all in its power to promote education in sparsely settled dis tricts, but thinks that under tho Common Schools Act the out districts have little reason to complain. Our correspondent thinks the proposal to make a play ground of the City Park will result in the destruction of the trees and shrubs, but suggests that per mission should be obtained to fence in as a play ground, until required for other pur poses, the ground in rear of the school.

"North Shore," whose letter came .too late for insertion in this issue, comments on a letter signed " Fair-play" in our contem porary, with reference to a boat built for the race for open boats under 12 feet over all. " North Shore" says every builder had a perfect right to build any description of boat he thought lit, aud they now find fault with one who departs from the ordinary design. He says the Bud was built to order as a safe pleasure boat, with light draught of water, and he cannot see why Mr Bailey should be the subject of ill-natured remarks from jealous persons. The letter concludes : —" The Bud is 19ft. lOin. long, 7ft. lOin.. beam, and draws 5 inches with her crew on board. There is another boat the same length and beam, but drawing a trifle over 4 feet. What will " Fair Sport" say to her ?"

A "Subscriber" at the Thames writes inquiring Avhat relation some of the share holders in the Queen of Beauty tribute— the shares of Avhich are quoted at the Thames at one hundred each—bear to the old Company. He says: "If the reports current at the Thames are true, there is evidently a screAV loose somewhere, which I should like to see cleared up. Can the shareholders call an extraordinary meeting to sec if there is any truth iv the reports, and if so, send anyone avlio has been the means of squandering property belonging to shareholders about their business ?"

The " Northern Advocate" says that Messrs BroAvn, Campbell,and Co.,at Manga- Avhare, employ 200 men in the gum trade.

" Veritas" Avrites : " Sir, —In your issue of Thursday, mention is made of a lady of aristocratic pretentions victimising a grocer. To bear out the truth of that statement, I may name my own case, and several others" Avhom I know to have been similarly dealt Avith. Under specious pretexts for favour ing me, and bringing forth an array of honourable names as being intimate friends, I was requested to forward groceries with all possible despatch, the account amount ing to about £4. I avus supplied with an order on a solicitor. Not relishing the apparent unnecessary haste of delivery, I tested the order, and found there Avere no funds, so I avus only a sufferer to th c small amount she took AA-ith her. Yours &c, Veritas."

According to the "Northern AdA*ocate" the first question put by an emplOA*er at Wairoa to a man in quest of woik is " are you married?" Mr Spencer, manager, for Messrs BroAvn and Campbell, Avill rot engage a single man if he can avoid it, Mr Dargaviile will not let one of his cottages to a single man, and " no single man allowed

on the premises" is his unalterable rule. Mr Walker, manager of the Te Kopuru mill, takes the same view. The "Advocate" quotes the following from a letter sent to a Servants' Registry Office in Auckland: — "Send me np the ugliest, toughest, female on hand in the general servant line. Good Avages to a really ugly and extra tough old party avlio'll stay. Have had four servants in six months—all spliced." Result : Tough and ugly arrived first steamer, but got married in a fortnight, and uoav the Avhilom proprietor of that "slavey" maybe seen daily engaged in helping his better half in household duties of a multifarious nature, for she says she'll luwe no more female helps if she* knows herself intima tely, and he is getting tired of paying Messrs Casey and Son for passages."

The secretary of the Ladies' Benevolent Society begs to acknowledge Avith thanks a donation of £5 from a " Friend in the Waikato" through the Bishop of Auck land.

Cubbing the other day with.the Pytchlcy, pretty Mrs, , says the " World" came to grief in a brook, from which she emerged dripping from hat "to boots. " What shall I do ?" she said to Cap tain R., Avho seeing the fall had ridden to her assistance. The gallant captain Avas a lady-killer and an Irishman. " I think I must sqweeze you," he said iv his happiest manner. " Thanks," said the little Avoman, rising to the occasion, " but I see my husband coming, and I think he Avould do that better than you."

Mr W. Lodder has received the appoint ment of Manager of the Auckland steam ship Company Limited.

A rider, named Donaldson, collided with Whitefoot at the recent Gisborne races, and being thrown, sustained fracture of the collar-bone and two ribs.

The library at Te Kopuru noAV boasts SSI volumes.

Messrs Mason Bros, exhibit to-day, in the AA*indoAV of Mr gßrewin, Queen-street, the monster bunch of grapes grown by them. The sample is called the " Black Ham bro" and weighs 41bs. It is quite a natural .wonder, and eclipses almost anything Aye have yet seen in this line.

We understand that the ball at Newmar ket on Monday evening next, is likely to be a great success. The Committee have ex erted .themselves in the fmatter, with the view of giving pleasure to all who may be in attendance.

Mr John Goodall, Civil Engineer, left yesterday for the South by the s. s. Hawea, to enter upon his duties in connection Avith the Timaru H arbour Board, as Engineer, at an annual salary of £SOO.

The p.s. Oregon is announced to proceed on an excursion to Cornwallis and Manu kau Heads on Tuesday next, Regatta Day. The fare has been fixed at the small sum of 2s Gd.

Dr Beale announces that he is a candi date for the Hamilton Borough Council. At a meeting held last evening of persons interested,it avus resolved to amalgamate the Templar Benefit Society with the new National Order of 1.0.0. F.

The motion of \*ote of censure upon the Ncav South Wales Government, tabled by Mr Stuart was negatived by 36 to 13 votes..

Eighty-five further removals ha\*e been made in the public departments in Victoria, but almost all the judges of County, Mines, and Insolvency Courts, and Chairmen of Petty Sessions, have beeu reinstated.

-.^Nominations for the Waikato Turf Club Races will close next Tuesday.

The entries for the Rodney Races close to-night at 7 o'clock.

A return just gazetted slicavs that the revenue of the Kaipara-Heleiisville line is about £193 per mile for the year ; expendi ture, £271. The revenue of the Auckland- Waikato line Avas £427 per mile, and the expenditure £327.

The gentlemen who have W™***' ° assist at the Tradesmen's Athletic Club entertainment on Regatta nigh.are re quested to meet for rehearsal at the' Lome, street Hall at half-past seven o clock this Grey and the Native.Minister were received at Wnirarapa by about 150 Europeans and Maoris, who presented addresses. 2 . . . . i f • An entertainment was given last night n the dining-room of the old hospital build ing to the female patients of the Lunatic Asylum. The affair was got up by Mrs Lou-dill, the matron, who exerted herseii to the utmost to ensure enjoyment ol the performance. The programme consisted ot songs Negro Minstrel conundrums and farces by the Minstrel Troupe of the asylum, which numbers some eight per formers, under the leadership of Mr White, master of the asylum band. Messrs Owen and Atkins sang some excellent songs, and the other mem hers of the little company did their utmost to please. The performance gave general satisfaction, both to the patients and the large assemb age of friends who crowded the hall. At the close there was a dance, the music being efficiently supplied by the artillery band under Mr Hunter. The amusements were kept up until 12 o'clock, Dr Aicken and the matron desire, through the medium of the Star, to express their thanks to the members of the band, and to others, who so kindly gave their services on the occasion. Mr H. N. Abbott, of the City Club Heel, opens his new billiard room this evening. The old room has been quite dismantled, and so far as the interior is concerned, completely metamorphosed. The bar, which used to be "in front, has been removed to the back ; the partition taken away, leaving a line billiard saloon in the front. The table was purchased by Mr Abbott while in England, and is by the celebrated English maker Thurston. The frame shews splendid workmanship, and the table itself may well lay claim to being one of the best, if not actually the best in Auckland. The fittings of "the room are quite in accordance with the table. The Mayor will move at the City Council next Wednesday "That the considera tion of at once erecting Free Municipal Baths upon the reserve on the Reclamation be referred to the Public Works' Committee to report on." '-That the consideration of equitably dealing with the leaseholders of various City Endowment Properties, and of the best method of offering these properties for re-lease with terms and conditions, be referred to the Finance and General Pur poses Committee to leport on to the Council." Councillor Buchanan will move "That this Council for the future pay the cost of all water connections from the mains to private property." Councillor Masefield will move " That the hour for ordinary Council meetings be fixed for 2.30 instead of 2 o'clock."' Councillor Dickson will move "That with a view of testing the power of the pumping engines at the Western Springs the engineer in charge be instructed to drive them for a few days at the highest speed at which they can be worked with safety."

IMPORTATION OF ENGLISH THOROUGHBREDS.

By the barque Lorraine, which arrived last night from London, three English thorough bred brood mares have come to hand for Mr Fergusson, of the Waikato, the importer of the English horse FeVe. They are all stinted to well-known English sires, and two of them are near foaling time. We are happy to state that they have endured the trying ordeal of the voyage bravely, and are in excellent condition. Their names are Dundee Kitty, Locket, and Lyra. Owing to the lack of any description on board, and to the absence of Mr Furgus son from town, we are unable to give the pedigrees, but we are informed that one of them is in foal to Pero Gomez by Lord Cifton, avlio, like his sire, is said to have won the Terby Avithout being credited Avith the victory. Singularly enough both son and sire had their revenge by winning the St. Leger. Mr Fergusson is conferring a great benefit upon the colony in importing such splendid stock, and Aye are pleased to see that he has been fortunate in receiving them safe and sound. They Avill be landed as soon as the ship cunies to the Avharf.

LAUNCH AT THE NORTH SHORE.

The schooner Matafele was launched from Messrs Nicol and Son's yard this morning at 11.30, before a large attendance. She glided in the water like a thing of life, and at noon she was taken in tow by the North Shore Company steamer, and brought near the Queen-street wharf, where she will load for Samoa, and sail about the middie of the woek. The sister schooner will be launched ou Monday, and will take in bal last and sail for the same port. They are two handsome little craft, and reflect great credit on the builders.

GRAND LODGE, 1.0. G.T.

(From Our Own Correspondent)

WELLINGTON, this day. At the session of the Grand Lodge, I. O. G. T., held last evening, Bro. Rev S. Eager (Auck land), was elected Grand Worthy Chief Templar ; Bro the Hon. W. Fox (Eangi tikei), Grand Councillor; Bro William Johnston (Wellington), Grand Worthy Vice Templar ; liro j. Jenkins (Newmarket), Grand Treasurer ; Bro O. S. Ellis (Auck land), Grand Secretary ; Bro Hall (Welling ton), Grand Chaplain ; Bro. Piranie, Grand Marshall.

The Auckland representatives will arrive there about Mod day.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. BarstOAV, Esq., R.M.) a false step.

George Grant, a smart, fine-looking man, of 26, was brought up to answer to three charges: (1.) For being violently drunk in Nelson-street last night. (2.) For commit ting a savage assault on a young AA*oman, having broken into her house, and pulling her out of bed. (3.) With destroying the lady's silk dress and other property. Sub Inspector Pardy said the assault was of a much more serious nature than was at first supposed ; he Avould, therefore, ask for a remand.

Remanded until Monday. ALLEGED FORGERY.

John Williams, alias Walters,. Avas charged Avith forging a cheque for £5 10s on the Bank of New Zealand, purporting to be signed by John Cosgrave & Co., on the 22nd instant, and which prisoner had endeavoured to pass.

William Thomas Mason, Sergeant-Major in the Armed Constabulary, deposed that, on the 22nd instant, he arrested the prisoner on a charge of stealing a watch, and on searching him, found a cheque in his pocket, Avhich he presented for payment at the Bank of Nsav Zealand; it Avas returned, " signature unknown." RoAvland Campion, manager of the Wharf Hotel, deposed that he kneAV prisoner by sight. He Avas in the hotel on the morning of the 22nd, and wanted materials to write a cheque. Prisoner said he Avas a diamond merchant, and had Just sold £200 worth of JeAvellery to Mr Hill, of the Victoria Hotel, and £400 worth to Mr Keane of the "Thistle." Prisoner produced a cheque and filled it in, but. he refused to cash it. Prisoner appeared to be the Avorse for liquor.

To prisoner : You did not ask me to cash it.

John Cosgrave, draper, of Queen-street, deposed that the signature on the cheque avus not his. Prisoner Avas a stranger to him.

Adderley Willcocks, clerk in the Bauk of NeAV Zealand, deposed that the cheque Avas presented at the" bank, and endorsed "Signature unknown." The form was ob tained by a man named Walters on the 21st inst.

Detective (..race deposed to tap^ prisoner as a "Cheap John," a rlV.i^lP "Brummagem " ware since Noveiul,!'"?nfj He'knew him by the name 0 f r^M Williams, but on the property .u^h signed himself as " Walters." He W **•'•' hisj proper name was Howie. Hn lS'f f not aware that prisoner was a d,- mm merchant, nor that he was proprietorofllfl " Times." There was a charge of $___ a watch, value £S, the property of J r J Wt Mayo, against the prisoner ; but as .KgiS secutor could not be found, the cane I allowed to stand over until Moiul ay Worship reserving his decision in the fo '** case until tiie latter should havo?l-'- ---heard. cV This was all the business. : =•== '

Arrival of the Barque Lorraine From London.

The barque signalled last night turned ; to be the Lorraine from London. Sl le m 1 detained over a fortnight by S.W. gales ' starting, but has made an excellcntpaw** of S5 clays from the Downs, and onhK days to Stewar'ts Islands, by which it win I seen that she came " South about." jC Lorraine is a smart-looking iron barque of 828 tons; she is commanded by Capta Gronsund, and is consigned to the NflH Zealand Shipping Co. Besides a t;en e wi cargo which includes 300 barrels of gJ1 powder, alitltle disturbing item, necessitat ing lier anchorage at a safe distance from the City. She brings thirty passengers, Wt have arrived in good health; the number <f their mess having neither been increased nor decreased on the voyage. Theyapp^ to have had a good time of it, and & presented the captain with the folloyvW complimentary testimonial : — '

g" Barque Lobraktb. Auckland. N./_., January 25th, 18» To Captain R. M Gkoxsund.

Dear cir,—Havingsafelycoiiipletedourvoyaa, to this city in the good ship under your coi ■ manrl, we desire on leaving to express mi. appreciation of the uniiorm courtesy and con. ■ sideration which as passengers we have re- '■- ceiverl at your hands. While it would be out of place to complim e »t you on nauticvtl skill, wecaxinlysay thitshoald we ever be placed in circumstances to need it we should bo glad to select a vessel navigated '^~ by yourself. Tne state of your health, happily somewliat improved already, we hope will continue to m*nd with each successive vojage you m» take. We leave it in your hands to convoy to the New Zealand Shipping Company or perfect satisfaction with the quantity and quality of tha provisions supp'icd, and with the manner in which they have been issued. Wishing you every happiness in the future, we are, <iear sir, yours sincerely, Alexander Young Hay, Cecil Vernon. M. A. R. Buller Alexander V. Stewart, W. 11. Gillaid, S. Wil' liams, Samuel Tyzark, Jam-s Hunter, Mary - McQuillan, Andrew Mailer, Janet Mailer, Vf, M. Burton, Eiiz. 11. Burton, Itosie Burton, John Redgrave, Louis. Medgrave, Hannah Mark Curtis, Joseph Tattersal!, M. A. Hayler, Thos. Bridson, A. JM. Bridson, Eleanor Bridson, Maria J. Bridson. We are indebted to Captain Gronsund1 for the following report of his passage :— Sailed from tiie Downs on the 14th Oct,, but had to put back owing to fierce S.W, gales, which continued unremittingly for upwards of a fortnight. Started down Channel at last on the 31st Oct. Off Start*: Point on the 2nd Nov. Had westerly gales on the Bay of Biscay for a week. Had: moderate trades, aud crossed the Equator on % the 28th Nov. Carried the S.E. trades to _ 25 S. Passed the meridian of the Cape on | the 19th Dec. Ban down the: J easting in 47 and 4S S., with. I heavy gales from In. W. and S.W. Passed I the-iiieredian of the South Cape of Tas- ": mania on the 12th instant in 4S S. Made i Stewart's Island tn the 16th instant, and \ came South about, being oft' Cook's Straits, on the "20th. There experienced a heavy gale from the 'N.W. Bounded the East Cape on the 23rd, and on the;. 24th lay becalmed between the Great, . Barrier and Cape Colville. Got a light S.W. breeze yesterday morning, which continued during the day, the ship.' making slow progress. Took pilot on board at 8 o'clock last night, and anchored.5;: oft' the North Hcadg at midnight. Had S stormy weather at the outset; tine weather 1 in the jlAtlantic ; and strong gales in the I Southern Ocean, culminating in a very heavy blow on the 15th instant, the day before sighting land. The biggest day's run was on Christmas-day, when 286 miles "Were recorded. Several other runs are very nearly up to this. The ship is evidently a smart sailer and can make tracks when I she; gets the wind. Lighters Avere taken I alongside the ship to-day to receive the I gunpowder, and it is probable she will come I up harbour on Monday. The passengers I were landed this morning. The following-: is a list of them :—Saloon : Mr Alexander I T. Hay, and Mr Cecil H. Vernon. Second I Cabin : Mr aud Mrs William H. Burton, I Miss Rose Burton, Mr Alex. Stewart, and I Mis Mary Ann Buller. Steerage : Thomas I Bridson, Anne Bridson, Eleanor Bridson,l Maria Bridson, W. H. Gillard, S. J. I Williams, John Eedgrave, Louisa Red-j grave, Hannah Curtis, Joseph Tatcersall,i Matilda Shayler, Charles Shayler, Florence! Shayler, Andrew Mailer, Mrs Mailer, I Andrew Mailer, Thomas Mailer, Samuel^ Tyzack, Charles Kimberley, .Kate Kim--j berley, Matilda Kimberley, Winifred Kim-1 berley, Catherine Kimberley, Mary'j McQiiillian, and James Hunter. —New Zealand Shipping Company, agents. i

Inter-Colonial Cricket Match.

Australia v. Wellington.

.WELLINGTON, this day. Play commenced shortly after noon. | The Australians Avon the toss and took '\' the field, Spofforth boAvling Avell. The score at 1.30 p.m. Avas 12 out for 41 I runs. T. J. Salmon b Spofforth _-J# Lockett b Spofforth ...f| 5/| Kennedy b st. Spofforth OJI Thomsonb Spofforth ... Willis b Spofforth ... .'. ot| Edmunds b Spofforth c Gregory ... 5 Knapps b Spofforth W__ HarAvood b Spofforth c Gregory ... 5Jg Armitage b Spofforth 3;3 Robinson b Spofforth ... o||| Fordham.run out o.|| Blacklock, <H| Speed, not out, 1 IS Extras, 3

CRICKET.—WANGAREI V. WIAROA.

BY TELEGRAPH.

In the cricket match on Friday, Wangarei" v. Wairoa, Wangarei in the first innings: scored 50 ; Wairoa do., 113. Wangarei second innings : 7 Avickets doAvn for 70. The match will finish to-day, but is an almost certain victory for Wairoa.

NEWTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

The interesting ceremony of distributing the prizes at the Rev. P. Mason's Newton Grammar School, took place yesterday in the hxcelsior Hall. There was a large gathering of parents and friends. On the table the prizes, including a large number of well-selected and handsomely bound books, attracted a good deal of attention. The proceedings opened with music and singing, and several recitations Avere delivered by pupils in a highly creditable manner. The Re\*. P. Mason, 8.A., head-master of the school, explained the principle upon Avhich the examinations had been conducted. The object kept in view Avas to fairly test the knowledge of the boys, and with that view the questions had been set by gentlemen wholly unconnected Avith the school. Mr EAviugton chose the questions in history and reported on the papers; Mr Grant, of Onehunga, those on geography, and Dr Kidd conducted the t examination in arithmetic. The prizes Avere then presented to the successful scholars as folloAvs :—lst Class. - Richard Hears, general proficiency in English; Reginald Kelly, geography, history, and arithmetic; William Simms, geography, arithmetic, and writing ; George Wilson, grammar and history: James Sneddon, grammar, 2nd Class.—Robert Green, geography, arithme tic, and grammar; Archibald Campbell,

EVENING STAR SATURDAY, JANUARY 26. I**B



LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING! CHILDREN'S UNDERCLOTHING!! And BABYLINEN ! I! W. RATTRAY, Having bought the Whole of A Sargood, Son and Ewen's Large and Well-selected Stock of LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S UNDER CLOTHING & BABYLINEN, AT A LARGE DISCOUNT, Has marked them at proportionately Low Rates. Ladleaare requested to call and inspect the Stock. VTKW r^EALAND TT 0U'SB' 66, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. Shera Brothers ANNOUNCE THE ARRIVAL, Per " Lorraine," OF THE'R FIRST SHIPMENT FOR THE COMING SEASON. QUEEN-STREET. 26th January, 1878. G-rand Show OF SUMMER COSTUMES. A. LINABURY & CO. HAVE JUST OPENED P 48G C OSTUMES Comprising— BLACK SILK COSTUMES COLOURED SILK COSTUMES JAPANESE SILK COSTUMES HOLLAND COSTUMES FRENCH BATISTE COSTUMES BRAIDED PIQUE COSTUMES FRENCH PRINT COSTUMES CAMBRIC COSTUMES BLACK SILK SKIRTS, with Body Pieces COLOURED SILK SKIRTS, with Bod.- Pieces HANDSOME BRAIDED LINEN COS TUMES and SKIRTS, with Body Pieces to match. The above GOODS were pursbased at a Heavy DiS-Ot*NT off English Ikvoice, and will be offered to the Pstiilic at ENGLISH COST INSPECTION Invited. A. L INA"ir^IIV & C°" 201 _. 206, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland.



-CIXPIRATION OF "pARTNERSHIP T E R M. DRAPERY AND CLOTHING AT 20 pan Ci-NT. i'-EDUCTION ! OUSHBL.OOK AND "jgRIDGMAN. The abovoiiamed have decided (prior to Stock-taking), in order to facilitate adjustment of accounts, necessitated by the expiration of our term of partnership, to hold a jS CLEARING-OUT SALE, g And will nllow for a limited O —■ period, a _$_ ft DIS COX* NT OF TWENTY PER 22 2 ClfiNT. UPON ALL CASH M H * PURCHASE-. £ b , f t3 4S._IN THE £ OFF THE USUAL PRICES. M "-' . O Eh Commencing on m & FRIDAY, Uth JANUARY. m __! F-i The Stock is Unusually Heavy, and 55 Well-Hssorted in every H pjq Department. H a * * *. * H g -_? P & T... with satisfaction, direct Cj *"< attention to th. fact that since coin- _* X niencing business ihey have steadily y S avoided all SmU-iHO OFF, Cheap Satf'-' to • their aim having been to 2 ft sunnlv a GOOD ARTICLE at a w **■- RfcAS'-NABLE PRICE, and "NO O > pUF'."' and deem that the simple C H statement of lhe fact is sufficient to d convince the'r friends and the public _^ fa of the bona fide character of the pre- % sent announcement. G O <"> r> S EXT-RED Willi BE- Charged Usual Prices. Country Orders, accompanied by remittance, will have prompt attention. RUSHBROOK & B.RIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Sec, UPPER QUEEN-ST REE" 1 Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel). rj N lON INSURANCE COMPANY NKW ZEALAND. A.PIT AL £2,000,000. UCKLAND BRANCH: QUB!-N-S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insurant) 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 owkst Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. SPECIAL /IHEAP j^INES IN* DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. H. ATKINS Will Shew the Following Cheap Line 3 During tiie Christmas Holidays :— A Large Lot of Rich, Bright. Black Silks at 3/11, as bright as sold at 5/6 Cheap Coloured Silks, beautiful shades Cheap Japanese Silks Cheap Dress Materials Cheap French Muslins A Job Line of Extra Quality Black Silk Jackets at one-third the original prices. Silk Umbrellas, splendid value, at 8/11 Lined Parachutes (Boughta Job) at 2/11, worth double Cashmere and Lace Fischus, Capes, &c, at Reduced Prices Cheap Lace Curtains, Table Linen, Quilts, Sheetings, and Manchester Goods, for the Christmas Holidays. In the CLOTHING DEPARTMENT Cheap Silk Dust Coats, Black A-lpacca. Coats, Trousers and Vests, Tweed Suits, Paget, Galatea, and Sack Coats, Boys' and Youths' Suit 3, Sec, Sec, Sec. All Marked at Low Prices for the Christmas Holiday. THE NEW PITH HELMET. Job Line of Men's Straw Hats at 1/11, half-price. Job Line of Boys' Straw Hats at 1/6, half-price. A Large Stock of MOSGIEL and other TWEEDS. Cheap Tweeds for Boys' Wear. Ho A TKINS. T> A N X H O L I DiA V* The Banks will bo CLOSED on TUESDAY, 29th January (Anniversary Day.