SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„„-,. . This Afternoon, 10.25 HIGH WATEP-—-1 f o _ mo rrow Morning, 10.13 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.18 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.08 MOON'S AGE.—Firat Quarter, 12th, 6.36 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, s.s., from Napier, via Thames.

DEPARTURES.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES. For Taranaki and the South—Taranaki, s.s.,

Tuesday, loth inst. Fo*- Tauranga and the South—Taupo, 10th inst For London—Lochfleet. ship. May Queen, ship

early For Levuka—Christina, schooner, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Charvbdig. schooner, from the Islands, early A-elle?. ?hip, from London : sailed 16th Oct. Abbey Holme, barque, from London; sailed 12th September.

The 3.5. Taupo -vrill not leave for Tauranga and 1 tie South to-day as advertised, but will be deta'ned until 5 o'clock to-morrow afternoon. Messrs Cruickshank and Co. have had a tele gram, .taring that as the Hero is being doci.ed this trip, she will not leave Melbourne till the 13t_. She will be due here, therefore, about the 28th. _, „ ~ _- „ . The s.s. Taupo arrived from the Bay ot slands at 7 o'clock this morning. «-The fine steamship City of Saatiaao, 1000 horse-oower, is announced to leave Sydney tor London on or about Saturday, the 2nd of February- Messrs. Cruickshank and Op. are the Auckland agent 3. and will supply all information relative to passage or freight.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Uvdkk : - For Thames, this day, at 4.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m ;

and to-morrow, at 5 30 p.m. For Waiheko and Coromandel, per Argyle,

to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. For Tairua, per Mercury, tc-morrsw, at 3 p.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Southern Pro vinces, and Australian Colonies, per Taupo, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 2 p.m. Late letters for Southern Provinces and

Melbourne, till 3.20 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, per Rover, to-morrow,

at 5 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai. Waipu, Wangarei. and Mangapai. per Annie Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Wanaka, on

Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki and Sonthern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Tuesday next, at 2.45 p.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

There is no comparison in point of flavour and remedial properties bet-ween that incomparable medicinal beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, and the imitations of it put up in empty bottles of the real article. The true Schnapps is positively delicious, and an unfailing remedy for the diseases to which it is adapted. The counterfeits have a detestable flavour, and are deleterious in the last degree.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 1878.

fat __» erase that tod— --it-l_nr«, __. the wrong that needs re__l_-taaea. For the foture la tha d-ECasce, And t_M good -__tt_M «■_.*»

Our readers will be pleased to learn that although the Auckland Steam Packet Com pany's vessels were sold this morning their ownership will not go away from Auckland. They were purchased by Captain D. H. McKenzie for a new local Company, which was incorporated yesterday, and ia called the Auckland Steamship Company (Limited). This Company has a capital of £28,000, represented by 7,000 shares ot £4 each, £2 of which are paid up. It was formed with the object of taking over the assets and liabilities of the old Company and of con tinuing the East Coast trade, which has always been of a profitable character. Out of 6,612 shares held under the old Company, 5,800 have been merged in the new one, so that only £1,200 will have to be paid off. The price paid for the plant this morning was £12,234, which is quite as much as the old shareholders expected, and at the same time will allow of a fair margin for placing the vessels in a first-class state of repair, and then working them at a profit. It would be unfortunate for the commerce of Auckland if, simply through the mis fortunes which have befallen the late com pany, local capitalists had fought shy of steam ventures altogether and left the field clear to foreign enterprise. With proper management and a careful avoidence of such costly blunders as that involved in the purchase of the Llewellyn, there is no reason why the Auckland Steamship Com pany should not prosper, and T>y and by develop into as powerful body as that whose fine vessels now enter our waters every week from the South. We most heartly wish the new Company, and all similar enterprises, success.

Latest cable messages received to-day, and published in another column, state ,that the Turks still hold their position in the Schipka Pass. This contradicts the telegram received yesterday, to the effect that the Turks had abandoned that Pass, and that the Russian General Radetsky had advanced toKasanlik, atown situate at the southern entrance to the Pass, and commanding the main road to Hirmenli on the Sophia—Adrianople railway. The Servians have sustained a defeat at Novir ar on the river Ibar, on the frontier of —

Bosnia and Servia, about thirty miles from the northern extremity of the Salonica rail way. It would thtis appear that the Servians have been defeated in an attempt to seize this railway, ~o as to co-oper ate with the Russian column from Sophia. Gourka's army, which, by latest telegrams had advanced to Ikhtnnan, has pushed forward a further stage to Sladitza, the Turks retreating on Bazarjik, on the railway line, about twenty miles from, the Balkans. The Russians are said to have found 8000 wounded Turks in Sophia, shewing that the losses of the latter in recent engagements near Orchanie must have been severe. The Turks have appointed a delegate to treat for an armis tice, and a suspension of the war is regarded as probable. The French Cham bers have reassembled.

"A life-sentence" in England will in future mean 20 years' imprisonment. A woman was recently convicted in Sydney under an old statute of George 111. for fortune-telling. Two con stables, in plain clothes, called on the lady, and received more flattering predictions than generally fall to the lot of policemen. The defence was that the Act is not in force in the colonies. The point was reserved.

Mr Grattan Geary, editor of the "Times of India," was seized with high aspirations, like Stanley and Forbes. He "went up in a balloon, boys," but something went wrong, and Mr Geary narrowly escaped becoming food for fishes.

Awell-attended meeting of Mr Buchanan's supporters was held in the large upper room of the National Bank buildings last evening. The following gentlemen were elected a committee to arrange matters in connection with Mr Buchanan's candidature for the vacant seat in the City Council : — Messrs John Lawlor (chairman) Hay, Leahey, Mason, Danaher, Heath, and Marshall.

By an unfortunate transposition in yesterday's issue, the sentence upon the women Rolfe and Speers, who were sentenced to one year's imprisonment, was placed beneath the notice of Arthur Utting's trial which will take place on Monday next, instead of being inserted at the close of the Shortland-street larceny case, as it should have been.

A rifle match is expected to take place on Saturday, January 26, between teams chosen from the Auckland Engineer and Artillery Company. Should the match take place, we have no doubt that it will be a very close contest.

We regret to learn that the Ladies' Bene volent Society is in need of funds. The members have laboured, most assiduously in the cause of charity throughout the city, out owing to a great diminution in the sub scriptions, they find their exertions cramped. Thesudden stoppage of the aid which the Society has been in the habit of rendering to the poor and distressed will be a severe blow to many deserving persons, Subscrip tions will be received by the following ladies : Mesdames Philson, Gillies, Aickin, and T. Macffarlane.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company intend to increase their capital by the issue of new shares, amounting to £1.000.000. The capital of the Company will then be £2,000,000. The Company has been very successful in its business operations. This increase of capital should be hailed with satisfaction by the share holders.

Tenders are required for the lease of the Railway Refreshment Room at Mercer. A temperance meeting in connection with the Primitive Methodist District Services will be held in the Alexandra-street school room this evening, commencing at half-past seven o'clock. Key. D. Dutton will pre side, and the meeting will be addressed by Revs. J. Dumbell, B. J. Westbrooke, P. W. Jones.

A cricket match between the Victoria and Excelsior Cricket Clubs is to take place in the Domain on Saturday. The nomination of persons qualified to fill the position of Councillors of the Borough of Parnell, rendered vacant by the election of Mr J. M. Melton as Mayor, and the resignation of Mr George M. Mitford, will take place on Monday, Jan. 21st. Poll will if necessary be taken on Monday, January 28th.

The Timaru Harbour Commission propose to construct a solid mole from the shore to a length of 900 ft., terminating in a break water.

A lad named Chute has met with a fright ful accident at Timaru. He was clearing the blade of a grass-cutting machine when the horse started ("off, cutting off the boy's arms just below the elbow. He was alone, and bled for twenty minutes before assist ance was rendered.

Attheß.M. Court, Onehunga, on Wed nesday, a man named James Watson was lined 40s andcosts for an unprovoked assault on Mary Ann Ford, the woman with whom he cohabited ; and for wilful destruction of property belonging to* the same woman, to the value of £5. Watson was fined in a further sum of £5, and ordered to refund the amount of the damage done to the property. As the fines were not forth coming, the prisoner took the alternative of three months in Mount Eden for his offences.

An entertainment in aid of the Christian Doctrine Society is announced to take place at the Lome-street Hall on the even ing of Wednesday next. The members of the Victoria Company, A.R.V., are requested to meet for drill every Tuesday and Thursday evening until further orders.

The half-yearly meeting of the Tonic Sol-fa Choral Union is announced to De held in the meeting-room to-morrow even ing, when a full attendance of members is requested. Several hundred guests were present yesterday at Mrs Cowie's interesting annual garden party, and all enjoyed themselves among the beauties of cultivated nature, and in the consumption of the fruits of the hady paradise of Bishop's Court. Music, s ports, and refreshments were provided, and the Bishop and his lady exerted themselves to the utmost, to the satisfaction of all present. Prominently among the happy par ty were Archdeacon Maunsell, (Church of England) Rev. D. Bruce (Presbyterian), Hon. F. Whitaker, Mr Swanson, Mr Reader Wood, Dr. Campbell, Colonel Nation, and many other leading citizens. A meeting of the Committee of the Auck land Amateur Athletic Club is called for on Monday next at half-past seven in the even ing. A meeting of old officers of the lstjTWai kato regiment has been convened at Tau ranga to consult as to the propriety of res toring the monument to their comrades who fell at Mouku.

During the recent visit to Tauranga, the Native Minister said that in order to pre vent delay in completing the purchase of land under offer to the Government, it wasproposed to appoint two or three extra judges. The Cape frontier war is practically at an end. The Fallkas have been defeated on several occasions with much loss, by the united forces of police, volunteers, and friendly natives ; the military being held in reserve. Kreli's Kraal was burnt, and he has fled, his tribe being driven down to the coast. _ Sir Bartle Frere has issued a pro clamation deposing Kreli, and announcing that his territory will henceforth be admin istered by British officers. Tawhiao is said to be arranging a meet ing with the Premier and Native Minister at Hikurangi. _ Dr Hodgldnson has addressed his con tituents, and received a vote of confidence. To the Editor : Sir, —I would ask your correspondent Mr Scott what earthly good can arise, while no public question is at issue, of his Worship the Mayor convening a public meeting for the purpose of hearing two candidates for civic honors express their individual views on city affairs ? I sclap-trap oratory a proof of the fitness v C candidate to fill the post of City 2° ancillor ? We want good, honest Workers in the City Council; not talkers' J Yours, Sec, RATEPAYEK.

Persons who have to do with telegrams should always bear in mind that stops are not inserted in messages in their delivered forms, however carefully they may be placed by the sender. Those who have experience in these matters are aware how much the sense is affected by the absence of these little points, and are fully alive to the necessity for wording the message so that it cannot convey any other sense than that avhich is intended. There is an old story of a doctor being written to come and see a patient who was dangerously ill. Before he could set out the patient died, and one of the relatives immediately telegraphed to the doctor "Don't come, too late." The message was delivered "Don't come too late." Of course the physician posted off as fast as he could. A somewhat similar mistake was made here a, few days ago. A gentleman in Auckland telegraphed to a Waikato settler on a matter o£ business which necessitated the noetingof the parties. The saltier in reply _ent off this message : "I'll come first opportunity." The message as deli vered read : " 111 come first opportunity." The Auckland man immediately packed up a carpet bag and ran down to see his friend ; but what was his surprise on arrival to find that the good gentleman had left for Auckland by a train which had crossed that by which he had travelled. Contretemps of this description are very likely to result from carelessly-worded telegrams. The Newton Kirk harmonium, which has been the cause of so much unpleasant ness, will be sold by Mr G. Sibbin at the Corner Mart, to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock.

Mr WTieatleigh has been drawing good houses at Napier in the " Shaughraun."

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONNEC TION DISTRICT MEETING.

The sixth annual District meeting of the Primitive Methodist Church in this colony commenced its sittings this morning in the Alexandra-street church. This is the highest court of that church in the colony, it having in many respects conferential powers. This is the first meeting of the kind held in Auckland, the previous meet ings having been held in Wellington, Canterbury, and Taranaki, in which places there are a large number of Primitive Methodists. The delegates ministerial and lay to the number of 33 from different parts of the colony assembled at 9 o'clock, and after devotional exercises concluded by ihe Rev John Standrin, General Committee Delegate. The Rev B. J. Westbrooke was elected President; D. Goldie, Esq., Vice- President ; Rev W. Tinsley, Secretary; Revs J. Clover and W. Potter, Assistant- Secretaries ; Revs W. J. Dean and C. E. Ward, Readers; Rev J. Ward, Letter- Writer. The consideration of the station reports was then gone into, and was being proceeded with when we went to press. We shall give further reports in future issues.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's quotations :— Bank of New Zealand—£23los; buyers, £23 os. Colonial Bank—Buyers, 49s 6d. Auckland Gas—£lo 7a 6d. South British Insurance—Buyers, 775. Union Insurance —Buyers, 12s 6d; sellers, 13s 3d.

Union Sash & Door Co.—Buyers, £10 10s. Bismarck (old issue)—7s 6d. Moaaatairi—Bos, 77s 6d; sellers, 77s 6«L Tookey Tribute—Buyers. 2a. "Waitekauri—Sellers, 4s. Alburnia—Sellers, 60s. Tokatea—Sellers, 7a. Young New Zeal»nd—Buyers, 23. Kunmui Hill—Buyers, lis. Piako—Sellers, 6s. Thames—Buyers. 31s. JOSEPH NEWMAN. Chairman.

COURTNEY'S CHALLENGE TO TRICKETT.

In November Trickett challenged any man in the world to row a single scull race for £500 to £1000 and the championship of the world. The following clause appeared in the challenge :— " If none agree to go to New South Wales, he will row any man in the United States or the colonies; and if they will a^ree to row for £1000 a side, he will defray his own expenses. U they decline to row for this sum, he will row for £500 a side, no less, and will take £100 for expenses, the "New York Clipper" to be stakeholder, and to select a referee." Charles E. Courtney, of Union Springs, Cayuga County, New York, who is the acknowledged champion of America, saw the challenge, and a telegram was immedia tely despatched to the Associated Press, stating that Courtney's backers had accepted the challenge of Trickett as con tained in the foregoing proposition for £1000, or more. Courtney further agrees to allow Trickett his expenses in the event of his (Trickett's) defeat. Courtney is 34 years old, stands 6 feet \ inch in height, and his rowing weight is 12 stone.

ALEXANDRA-STREET TEA MEETING.

A TEA-MEETING in connection with the annual Primitive Methodist Conference took place in the Alexandra Church last evening. There was a very large atten dance^ so large, indeed, that the tables were totally insufficient to accommodate the visitors, who were served in relays. The tables were presided over by Misses Thwaites, Leslie, and Taylor, and Mesdames Hall, Leonard, and Mewburnes. The public meeting was held subsequently, the chair being occupied by Rev. D. Dutton, F.R.A.S. The meeting was addressed by Revs. Ward, Potter, Dumbell, and Tinsley, and Messrs Cockroft and Puddicombe. A very pleasant evening was passed, at the conclusion of which votes of thanks were accorded to the ladies and friends who had rendered assistance at the meeting, to the members of the local con gregation,who had so generously entertained the delegates; to the choir, and to the Chairman. The meeting concluded in the orthodox manner.

SALE OF THE AUCKLAND STEAM PACKET COMPANY'S VESSELS.

This morning, at 11 o'olosk, Messrs E. and H. Isaacs, in pursuance of advertisemene, sold at auction the steamers belonging to the Auckland Steam Packet Company. A the time appointed there was a large and influential gathering, including most of the directors of the Company. Mr A. E. Isaacs officiated as auctioneer, and prefaced the sale by reading the conditions, which, though of some length, were very simple. The sale was to be without reserve, and every purchaser was to accept the lot knocked down to him or to be responsible for any loss entailed in re-selling it. The boats were put up separately, the Pretty Jane being the first lot, the Go-ahead the second, and the Southern Cross the third. For the first lot there was no bid for some minutes. At length Capt. D. H. McKenzie bid £1,000. Mr Seager, of Wellington, rejoined with £1,500. The bidding mounted to £2,000 in two bids, and then proceeded by rises of £50 to £2,350, at which price the vessel was knocked down to Captain D. H. McKenzie. The Go-ahead provoked rather more competition. The bidding was started as before, and the same two gentlemen had it all to them selves. Capt. McKenzie was again the Eurchaser, the price being £2,500. The outhern Cross, the best boat of the fleet, only provoked one bid, namely £7,000 jby Captain McKenzie. The eloquence of the auctioneer failed to elitit any other bid, and theusual signal demonstrated the sale of the vessel. The hulk Cantero was next put up. This was bought foi £300 by the purchaser of the steamers, as also were 120 tons Bay coal (on board the hulk) at 14s per ton. The auctioneer stated that the hook debts has been with drawn from sale for the present, and that the ottice premises and fa quantity of gear j would be sold on Monday next. '

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

Russian Failure at the

Passes.

Turkish Victory over the

Servians.

Change in Turkish Command-

Russians occupy Staditza.

8,000 Wounded Found in Sophia.

Turkish Parliament Demands Abolition of Council of War.

The Danube Frozen

(Reuters Telegrams, per Press Agency).

LONDON, January 9. The Turk? are still holding Shipka Pass.

The Russians failed at the Pass of Trajan. The Turks defeated the Servians at Novi Bazan and re-took Kershuma.

Russian demands that four thousand Seiwian troops shall assist in the operations at .Adrianople. The Russians occupied Sliditza. The Turks are retreating at Bazardzik. Raouf Pasha has been appointed com mander-in-chief of the Turkish European army, Sulieman consenting to command a corps. The Russians found 8,000 wounded in Sophia. A Turkish delegate is warned to treat for an armistice, which is now* thought pro bable. The Turkish Parliament demands the abolishment of the Council of "War. The Danube is frozen. A quantity of arms intended for Turkey were seized by the Government at Cardiff. The French Chambers has again met. The King of Italy is in a very precarious state of health, and is worse to-day.

THE LYTTELTON REGATTA.

THE CHAMPION SAILING RACE. The success of the Auckland-built schooner Torea in the Champion Sailing race at Lyttelton is an event upon which we may congratulate the builders. Auckland has long held supremacy in shipbuilding, and we should be sorry to see any sign of waning. The Torea, the winner this year, is owned by Mr Mitchelson, of Dargaville, Wairoa, and was built on the Kaipara by Mr J. Barbour,who also built the Albatross, which won the Lyttelton Regatta in 1575. The prize this year was the Champion Cup, value 75 guineas, with 50 soys. added, and the competitors were : Torea, schooner, 78 tons, Gundry ... 1 Emerald, ketch, 40 tons, Whitby ... 2 Nellie, schooner, 66 tons, Armstrong ... 3 Gipsy, ketch, 16 tons, Dennin 4 Minnie, ketch, 17 tons, H. Bennett ... 0 E. U. Cameron, schooner, 41 tons, Green ... ._. ... ... 0

Anna, ketch, 27 tons, Fall ... ... 0 The •* Lyttelton Times " gives the following description of the race :—The Torea having the weather position, and being anxious not to foul, gave the others the benefit of the start, being the last to hoist her head sails. Notwithstanding this she got away in capital order, and weathered the lot. She kept the leading position, which was being hard fought for by the Dunedin ketch Anna. As they were going tack for tack, the Torea being on the port tack gave way the first time in crossing, but when they next met, the Anna, which was then on the port tack, kept on. The Torea havhag the right of the road with her, also held on, the result being a collision, the Torea's cutwater striking the Anna amidships, and cutting her right down to the water's edge, about four or five planks below the water ways, besides splitting her mainsail to rags. The Torea at once prepared to get her boat out, as those aboard the Anna cried out that they were sinking. Two men and a boy scrambled aboard the Torea, thinking she wassgoing down, but the master of the Anna, finding the danger was not imminent and being elcse in shore, resolved to beach his vessel, and succeeded in reaching Dampier's Bay, without further mishap. The damage done to the Torea was not great, but she carried away her martingale and guys, which imperilled her chance of success, as she had to stand off the wind till repairs were effected, losing fully ten minutes. When she was again brought to the wind, the Nellie and Emerald had both weathered her, but were rapidly overhauled, and the buoy off Camp Bay was rounded at 3h. 14min. 30sec., a short di-tance ahead of the Nellie, the Emerald close up, and the others so far behind as to be virtually out of the race. In the run down to the reef the Torea increased her lead, rounding the reef at 3h. 48rain., but through the glare of the sun, which prevented the buoy being seen (the flag having been carried away), the schooner had passed it on the wrong hand. After consideration, it was determined to return round reef and pass on starboard hand, and the schooner, by doing this, lost a good deal of time, not passing the reef the second time till 4h. 4min. 30secs., thus losing no less than 16min. 30sec. Of course, in this interval, the other vessels had not been idle ; the Nellie passing the reef at 3h. 57min. 155., and the Emerald at 3h. 59min. 45sec, both therefore having a considerable lead. The Torea, however, gained on every tack, and rounded Camp Bay buoy the second time at sh. 26min., being 13min. ahead of the Emerald, which was closely followed by the Nellie. Running down for the reef the last time, the Torea kept increasing her lead, rounding the reef first, and coming in a winner at 6b. 23min. 20sec.; Emerald second, at 6h. 38min. 45sec. ; Nellie, third, at (6h. 40min. 30sec. The Gipsy was next, but neither she nor the E. U. Cameron or Minnie went round the second time.

The Torea proved herself one of the fastest —if not the fastest —schooner that has eve r visited Lyttelton. She made a mistake in the course, which detained her seventeen minutes, and came in collision with the Anna, which stopped her another ten. Yet in spite of these delays she came in a win ner with plenty to spare—a feat which, con sidering the short length of the course, is unparalleled. The Auckland schooner N ellie sails well, and we think, had local knowledge been brought to bear, might have taken second place. THE YACHT RACE. In the Champion Yatch Race for the N. Z. Shipping Cos. Cup, value 25 guineas and 75 soys. added, the competitors were :— 1 Spray, cutter, 9 tons, 1 Annie Ogle, cutter, 17 tons, 2 Fleetwing, cutter, 10 tons, L.V.C. ... 3 Venture, cutter, 7 tons, ~ 4 Winona, cutter, 17 tons, 5 The Spray passed the Avinning post at 4h. 54min. 30sec, the Annie Ogle at 4h. 55min. losec , just 45sec. behind her op ponent. The Fleetwing took third place, passing the winning post at sh. 21min. ssec. Neither the Venture nor Winona passed the winning post. The Spray was the favourite, and justified the opinion of her admirers by winning with a minute or two to spare, but the Annie Ogle gave her a hard tussle, and, had the wind been a little stronger, the result might have been different. Both were sailed admirably. The L.Y.C.'s Fleetwing was a good third. The others never showed in the race. We must here take leave to bear testimony to our unqualified admiratiou of Mr C. H. Street, ot Dunedin, who brought up his yacht Winona to compete on the occasion, simply to encourage the regatta. '

DR. SOMERVILLE'S MISSION

THERevA. N. Somerville, D.D., met the Evangelistic Committee in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association at half-past four o'clock yesterday after noon. There were about twenty gentlemen present, including clergymen of various denominations. The Rev A. Webb offered up a prayer.

Dr Somerville then addressed the Com mittee. He said that after his sea voyage from Australia he had been charmed with the beautiful scenery which he observed in this part of the North Island, which reminded him of the Hebrides. He then read from Cor. 1 c., 27 and 28 : "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which, are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are." In illustrating his text he compared God's army on earth to a number of columns arranged? in order of battle. He explained the circumstances underwhich he was chosen to enter upon his present mission. After travelling all through India and visiting Canada aud Africa, it was thought by his friends at home that the remaining years of his life, and naturally they must be few, could be better spent in labouring in a wider sphere than in ham mering away at the same anvil at which he had worked in his own parish, Glasgow, for a period of forty years. He had seen many vicissitudes in his own parish, and having reached a ripe age he felt that it was in his power to render aid and to work in the cause of Christ. He had resigned his own charge at the wish of his friends and bad come out to the ends of the earth. His primary object was not to bring in sinners from outside. What he deemed to be most necessary was to vitalize the torpid church itself. He had a grand and powerful organization in the various Churches, but, they needed arous ing to the grand work before them. Though he did not personally abandon any of the tenets of the Church in which he had spent almost a lifetime, his method as an evangelist was entirely undenominational. His desire was to unite the various denominations in the labour of Christianity so that they might work with one common object—the spread of a love of the Saviour. At the same time, this united work would not interfere in anyway with the denomina tional tenets and separate organizations. He hoped to see all the denominations prosper, and grow more numerous. But the undenominational system was necessary in his evangelistic mission, in order to arouse general interest in his work, and to infuse harmony and Christian sentiments amongst his hearers. At many of his meeting., in Australia he had been much comforted at the brotherly harmony that was manifested by ministers and members of every denomination. He desired to secure the hearty co-operation of all clergymen, with out which his mission could not succeed. He hoped they would be present with him at his meetings, and though they might not be called upon to speak, yet their countenance and aid would have the effect of attracting large numbers of their congregations. Where the various denominations were isolated from each other, swaying to and fro and contending, they could not do such, effective work as by drawing together and labouring in a common cause — the bringing couls to Christ. He trusted that, with the co operation of clergymen of all denomin ations, he would meet with such success in Auckland as would ensure general success throughout the colony. In his work he recognised prayer as the great foundation. He did nothing without prayer, and he had found that wherever his mid-day meetings were most numerously attended his general success was greatest. The characteristics of Ms meetings were punctuality, life, variety, brevity, point, promptitude, and joy. In his preaching he would not undertake to confine himself to rigid routine, and he warned them that they need not be surprised if he had recourse to methods of arousing the attention of his audiences which might not be proper in the ordinary pulpits. The exercises at his meetings consisted of prayer, sacred song, exposition of Scripture, reading, and offer ing written requests for prayer and thanks giving, brief remarks, and notices of incidents connected with Christian life and work at home and abroad. At the same time rigid routine in the procedure was carefully guarded against. With regard to the singing they adopted, Moody and Sankey'a hymns, which were ready to their hand and suitable to a mixed congregation. No one could entertain a higher respect for psalm singing than himself, but in many of the congregations it was unknown, whereas Moody and Sankey's hymns were so generally known and appreciated that they were best suited for his purposes. The singing was lead by a select choir, and the chief characteristics of the singing were distinct articulation and precision. Sacred «ong was praise of God, and they desired to speak to the hearts of the people through the hymns. They relied very much on amply notifying their meetings and pro ceedings. There was nothing like speaking to the people through posters and circulars, and the fullest publication should be given to notifi cations of intended meetings. Though he always welcomed children to the meetings, and had found ia many places that the little ones had come in large numbers, he preferred to hold a meeting exclusively for them, and with this view a special meeting for children would be held on Saturday. On Sunday morning at 8 o'clock he would hold a meeting for youag men, who would be invited by circular to attend, and he desired particularly to enlist the sympathies of young men in the work. Prayer meet ings would be held daily from noon to one o'clock, and the first evening meeting would take place at half-past seven o'clock on Thursday in the Theatre. He left it to the committee to decide as to whether or not he should preach on Sunday i afternoon at 3 o'clock between the ordinary church services, which he had made it a rule not to interfere with ; nor did he desire to interrupt the course of the Sabbath schools. He would impress upon the Com mittee the desirability of abstaining from replying to any criticisms in the Press. He had made a resolution on leaving Glasgow not to enter into a controversy in the news papers, whatever might be published re specting himself. Many persons would be unfriendly to his mission, and there were some newspapers which were hostile to him, but generally tbe Press had treated him fairly. Since his arrival in Auckland, his attention had been called to a letter in the "Australasian," founded on something that had appeared in a Brisbane paper. He had not seen the original article, but, so far as he could judge from the second article, it must contain gross misrepresentations of facts, and invention of occurrences which had never taken place. He trusted, how ever, that none of his friends would notice anything hostile that appeared in print. The doctor then proceeded to explain at length the procedure adopted (at |his meet ings. He believed that he could accomplish his mission in Auckland by Monday week, when he would proceed South, and he trusted that by united effort they would be able to do good work in the interval.

Mr W. F. Somerville then explained the mode adopted in selecting a choir, and the method of singing.

In reply to Mr T. Buddie and <he Rev Mr Kirk, Dr Somerville said he could not undertake to preach at the Theatre Royal on Sunday evening. He did not desire to interfere with the regular services, but to supplement them, and he feared that his preaching at the Theatre might have the effect of attracting the congregations from the churches. Rem?rking on the duties of the stewards, the rev. gentleman said one of those duties would be to prevent the entrance of babies in arms. The two things that had given him most trouble in the colonies were babies in arms and mos quitos.

The meetmg then elected a sub-eommi+* and stewards, the Keys A W w!lu Xttee T Buddie being elected joint 3 j£ni In the evening Mr W. F. SomervS; M a practice with the volunteer choir d Dr Somerville win hold his first ™kk revival meeting in the Theatre Roy _1 ° half-past seven o'clock this evening *

MID-DAY PRAYER MEETING.

i-iij- nrst mid-day meeting for prayer w« a ~ ,* to-day at noon. The Rev Thomas R,, 7^ be]i sided. There was a goodly nnmh,-?^ dle ** Christian sympathiser! __TtL?S Zi P^ nt-of work. Manyprayeis were olSo^DeS? 8! the evangelistic services. The S^of hearty and the prayer!" short _KL_2£ SftrtSSf meetmg wm be held * the3sß

CRICKET.

THE AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN IN NEW ZEALAND.

|By Telegram.]

The match, Twenty-_wo lof -^ercarrin^*... Australian Eleven, wasVommenced yf s er^ but it proved fearfully one-sided. The W^i team went m first, but they were all mw\«?_* two hours for 80,* of whuTh _fe_riy hMt^l gether 39 (not out; in capital style. BeScSm™ only one man (Stead. 10) made doubleda£S? The Australian captain sent in the two BSnZtl' mans to atart their batting, and at the Sof the days play the score stood at _26 for on£ wicket, the fodowmg representing the details _!• AUSTRAJ-JA_^.-_?tKaTl_«s__.-Gs. A. Hannerman, b H. Morrison is C. Bannerman, not out "* jS H. Horan, not out .. 41 Byes, wides, Sec .. A. A. iq Total ..„..„ ,Ym The following is the bowling analysis of tha bowling m the Canterbury Ist innings :- Balls. Maidens. Run 3. Wktß Kendall ..24 1 s n Spofforth ~ 88 9 25 ii Boyle ..72 3 U _ Garrett ..1 o 0 i The match was resumed at eleven o'clock this, morning. "ul

WELLINGTON V. CANTERBURY.

(By Telegram.)

WELLINGTON, this day. AFTEElunch, Fowler went in andjoined Wilson, who was. bowled soon afterwards byArmitajrp for a steadily played 30. W. Frith was next man, but did nothing as he was caught by Robinson at long leg tor a ducks egg. Fowler after playing a dashing innings Tor 2L was caught. Lockett (points) bowled J. A. Salmon. Harris followed, and shared the fate of hia predecessor, and when Salmon had clean bowled Perry, the innings was over for 153. Wellington began their batting withFordham and Blacklock. None of their men made anr stand, and in less than an hour all were out for 32 runs. In the second essay they did somewhat better. Kennedy made a good stand, and plar ing carefully, had made 25 (not out) when time was cailed, the state of the innings being 5. wickets for 42. The match being only aone day's affair, Canterbury wins on the result of tide first innings. The Canterbury eleven left by the Ladybird in the evening.

AUCKLAND V. AUSTRALIA.

We jobserve with pleasure that energetic 9 measures are being taken to get together tha ;« very best Auckland Twenty-two against the |l Eleven of Australia, expected here at the begin- m ning ,'of next month. An influential General I Committee is being formed, which will comprise- I our principal citizens; while the Selection Com- I mittee have deputed to three ofjtheir number 11 ■viz., Messrs. J. Bennet, D. B. Macdonald,and ' _ W. Robinson, the especial charge of thefi practices. We] hear that these are at last ftf to be conducted on the plan we have so long f I and so often advocated. Practices with nete, '£i and half-a-score of bowlers, no fielding and I runmng, are to be things of the past; ana from henceforth they are to be conducted on the1 I same principle as a regular match. The men©j will take their places in the field by order fromi. .| a captain,-and the runs will be scored and a record kept to assist the final selection. Every* ,| one who wishes to play in the match winthiiaKl see that it is to his interest to shew up at | practice as often as possible. The practices will; 1 be held in the Domain, and will commence at 1 4 p.m. every day. (From our Own Correspondent.) DUNEUIN, this day. THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS. The Australians play at Oamaru on Thursday | week, and at Chntstcharch on the following 1 Saturday. Evans goes home with them from. Sydney.

NAVAL BRIGADE.—FIRING.

The Naval Brigade met this morning for thfc | purpose of competing for the eompan^s medal which had been presented to them by some of the members. The conditions were that it beef, gj won twice in succession or three times alter-- S! nately, before it becomes the property of the^ -| winner. Tha firing was under tbe commaiid of 11 Captain E. Leßoy, assisted by Sub-Lieutenant I Parker, at the butts. The firing on the whole -*| was very good, considering that most of the II members fired for the first time. It will be seen I that the trophy fell to the P. 0., M. J. Moore, I with a splendid score of 47 points: he was closely I followed by J. Coyle with 4S and E. G-. LeKoy 1 45. The ranges were 200,400, and 500 yards; flva I shots at each range; 8 inch bull's-eye at _W m yards; any position. The following are the 1 scores:—M. J. Moore, 47: J- Coyle. 46; E. Q.„'m Leßoy, 45 ; T. Allen, 39; F. Lamb, 395; Devon. __ port, 38 ; P.O. .h-McKay, 37 7 P.O. W. G-. Smith,, \ 35; P.O. F. Finley, 35; 6. Young, 34; P.O. J. I. Waite, 34; T. Beake, 34; J. Scullen, 34; Captain: % E. Leßoy, 31; J. Brian, 30; W. Murphy, 29; F. M Smith, 29; J. L. Griffin, 26; J. Benjamin, 19; G. -, Jones.

MR CHARLES BRIGHT'S LECTURE ON "DEATH AND THE AFTER LIFE."

Mr Charles Bright, the Free Thought lecturer, gave the first of his three lectures 1 last evening in the Albert HalL The audience I was not large. The snbject was an attractive I one, being *' Death and the after life, in the light of nature and Spiritualism." Previous to I commencing Mr Bright announced that on Friday (to-morrow) evening he would lecture §| upon "Sabbath Observance;" and on Sunday I evening, in the Choral Hall, on " Creation hy Evolution, and its relation to prayer." In the 1 first part of last nightfs lecture Mr Bright dwelt 1 upon the instincts of nature as the whisperings j of God, and avowed that a Godless theoto-y divorced nature from, the Creator, who inspired " it, and.so long as human depravity was believed ■ in, so long will be the glorious manifestations of I the Divine be misunderstood. To persons bowed ■ down by no creed and fettered by no priesthood, I the living volume of nature will be ever open 11 for profitable study. In order to listen reverently ■ to the whisperings of nature in respect to death i and the after life, the mind must be freed from ■ the superstitions of the past. All nations have ■ their conceptions of the future, and believe in .1 rewards for the virtuous and punishments for | evil-doers. The lecturer then reviewed the ■ ideas of different nations, from the most savage to themo3t civilzed; and drew a fine picture of, 1 tbe old Greeks and their, in many respects, -1 delightful mythology. The Greeks beheld agj world of rehgious beauty in outward fort_jSr§| and gave voices and meaning to everything folfl nature ; the gods were even in the midst a£§| mortal strivings, and it was strange, but true,„|:| that while every other creature Was happy snisl self-satisfied, man was the only being on earth I that seemed doomed to disappointment. The f j lecturer then treated of thehuLLcatioiis in nature | pointing to an immortality, and quoted frontll Addison's " Cato," and Beattie's poems, in sup- +i ; port of the theory, and proceeded to notice that? the worship-Of all nations and churches wasf,, '" based upon superstitions and dogmas, many of; them "horrible." The rehgious superstition-, and fairy tales, were based upon a gigantic illusion. The lessons of natural growth and-?-1 vegetation were dwelt upon as prototypes <*£>J man's progress and development toward perfec- . cion, but although we are conscious of these natural facts we are as ignorant of thfl * laws of nature as we are of the nature of God. | Death, thelectureraffirmed. wasbutachangein the course of eternal progression, it was the'S dropping of the bodily shell, and the breaking v forth of the spirit into a 'higher condition of m existence. It is the fashion to teach that at g death the spirit rises into fixed happiness, or | sinks into everlasting despair. This doctrine _ he repudiated with much strength of language. | as the lesson of nature is continuity of existence. s| This earth has grown from a state of chaos into _» its present beautiful condition, and what more , | reasonable than the smmosiiion that the hurua* spirit should continually advance nearer ana ■ nearer the divine perfection. The doctrines '. of Swedenborg were reviewed in relation to g other words; also, modern inspira tion, and the j m revelations of the future, by eminent modern ,J; spiritualist. Paul taught spiritualism in tne | words " Man has a natural body and a spiritual . body," and the saying of Christ "In my Fathers | house are many mansions" was in harmony | with modern spiritualism. The lecturer read- m lengthy passages from presumed co__mu__ca tions from the spirit world by departed Ameri cans, and especially from Theodore Parker, which were highly ornamental and poetic, sna 1 aa beautiful as some of "Wordsworth's finest passages in the " Excursion." The lecturer was listened to with much attention by a respecta* J,, ble audience.

AUCKLAND YACHT CLUB.

<To the Editor of the STAR. \ .jJ Sir,—ln reply to Jim Joikes in a lateissue- of tne Stab, I would have carried his suggestion inu* s' effect long since (having spoken to one or *"£ZM members upon the subject) but fflDfortunaw lam not in a position to do so. The flags were ; borrowed from me some four years back, syJ*Jt5 yJ*Jt member oft he Club, who, although applied, w* ;t has not yet returned them t» my care. *"» .m gretting from the ahove circumstance that; 1 au* m unable to give effect to your corresponden*^ g suggestion,-! am, &c, H.J.Ei_us» kecr-ta^j

EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, JANUARY 10. 1878



SECOND EDITION. WAR NEWS. +. Cessation of Hostilities. Peace Concluded. (ZFROM OUR SPEGLAL LONDON C 0 REES POND ZEN TJ. LONDON, January 9. Cessation of hostilities. Armistice concluded direct between Turkey and Russia. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS W. J. HURST ac CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district.. Experience teaches that large and Bro-Vtable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst Se Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GLANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXIHAN do. BEL.L- -csONEFLOUR i and §-mch BONED L ST ETLLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH _^ SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. S \LT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for Stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. NION INSURANCE COMPANY, AUCKLAND BRANCH. Reduced Ratss for Detached Dwelling Houses in the City, from 12s. upwards. In the Country from 13s. r STEVSNSO N, Manager. itflON INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL _TT777_T £2,000,000. AUC XL A N~D~ BRANCH: QUEEN-STREET, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted on Dwelling-houses, Stor-s. Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, AT owest Cukrent Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. TTNION FIRE AND MARIN E~~TW- U SURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. Shareholders are hereby reminded that in accordance with the terms of Articles o_ Association, a Call of Two Shillings and Six pence per Share on Shares standing in their names in the Books of this Company on this day's date will be due on Ist February next, nayable at the Union Bank of Australia, Auck land. All overdue Calls will be charged inte rest at the rate of Fifteen per cent per annum until such d k EARES. General Manager. Christchurch, Ist January. 1878. /\N THIS DAY AND DURING THE WEEK, "WE WILL SHOW PIE„S ES 10,000 PI.- as FASHIONABLE DRESS GOODS AND m- PRINTS. -®a REDUCED TO HALF PRICE IN ORDER TO CLEAR. J. COSGRAVE & CO., QUEEN-STREET. NEVER Have the Public had such a Choice of BED STEADS offered them as at the present time Besides our already well assorted Stock of Iron Bedsteads, and those of our own manu facture in Kauri, Remu, Cedar, and Mottled Kauri, we ask them to bear in MIND that we have Just Opened Up, ex **ptaki,' TWO HUNDRED IRON BEDSTEADS of the most modern style, comprising French, Half Tester, Children's, and Stamps, also Cots, at Prices to suit all classes. Having purchased for Cash from THE Best Manufacturers, we can SELL A GOOD BEDSTEAD at a Very Low Price. t BEDDING, of every description, kept m Stock. HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Our system is to make a large return ; to insure tins We Sell for Ready fCASH at a Small Profit, and DELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. ___" Give your Furnishing Order to Holloway, Garlicls & Cran-well, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, AND CLOTHIERS, City Hall Abcade, queen & lome-streets AUCKLAND.



Before the New Year holidays set in kind husbands are reminded they should treat their wives as well as them selves to some new Clothes. A nice new Dress and Hat for the wife, and Clothing for children and self can be obtained at a very small cost at the City Hall Arcade. You will find this is the right Establishment in which to lay out your cash. After the necessary articles of clothing are purchased, what spare money you have can be well invested in making your homes comfort able by buying a little Furniture or a new Carpet, Floor Cloth, Curtains, etc., etc., for there you will see the Greatest Variety in Auckland. Tapestry Carpets from 2a lid ; Brussels from 4s 9d; Bedroom Carpets from Is ; Fancy Mattings, and Furniture of all kinds proportionately cheap. Country Settlers are invited to stroll through the spacious Show-Room, 166 feet long, and inspect,the Stock.—Holloway, Garlick, and Cranwell, Proprietors, City HaR Arcade, j Queen and Lorne-streets.—fAdvt. 7



XTEW YEAR'S PRESENTS AT THE I 1.1 CITY" HALL H-URNITURE I ARCADE. PRESENTS, for Wives and Daughters PRESENTS, for Sons and Husbands PRESENTS, Quaint and Curious PRESENTS, Useful PRESENTS, Ornamental PRESENTS, Scientific PRESENTS, Beatific PRESENTS, for all Pockets PRESENTS, for all Prices. HOLLOWAY, GARLICK, __ CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade. "XTEW ZEALAND INSURANCE AS COMPANY. REDUCED RATES FOR DETACHED DWELLING-HOUSES :—ln the City, from 12s. upwards; in the Country, from 13s. GEORGE P. PIERCE, -^neral Manager. s_s_a TUST RECEIVED. GENTS' BLACK STANLEY SCARVES, In Satin and Corded Silk. ALSO. LONG BLACK FOLDING SCARVES. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, XTEW 7EALAND TTOUSE, Auckland. TTIXPIRATION OF T>ARTNERSHIP TERM. DRAPERY AND CLOTHING AT 20 PER Cent. REDUCTION! T3USHBROOK AND "ORIDGMAN. The abovenamed 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 f CLEARING-OUT SALE, g And will allow for a limited *j — period, a«. 5 DISCOUNT OF TWENTY PER 2 2 CENT. UPON ALL CASH ~ Eh PURCHASES. X 2 c- P 13. IN THE £ OFF THE USUAL PRICES. H _____ "*• _ Commencing on ™ X FRIDAY, 11TH JANUARY. __5 Eh" The Stock is Unusually Heavy, and SS Well-assorted in every H pq Department. !__ o fc_ P5 § % * * H g ? R. & 8., with satisfaction, direct Cj " attention to the fact that since com- *_\ _ mencing business they have steadily tj _\ avoided all Selling Off, Cheap ,_, S Sales, &c.: their aim having been to 2 ?3 supply a GOOD ARTICLE at a gj a REASONABLE PRICE, and "NO O PUFF," and deem that the simple G £■_ statement of the fact is sufficient to d convince their friends and the public _\ _ of the bona fide character of the pre- >j § sent announcement. _T Goods Entered will be Charged Usual Prices. Country Orders, accompanied by remittance, will have prompt attention. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel).