SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

« t^t- -r- a ttttt « Tm"s Afternoon, 10 38 HIOIx w AlJiK— -j 'i' o . morro xv Morning, 11.5 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.14 SU'NT P-TSE.—To-morrow Morning. 5.12 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter,2Bth, 3.28 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Rowena s.s., Sellers, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

Lalla Rookh' S.S., for Manukau via Russell. Geelong, p.s. for Hokianv:a.

The s s Lalla Booth has left for Russell en route for the Manukau. Captain Fernandez is in command. . . , , , . . The p ? Geelonsr. wmch has been delayed at the Iv'auuk'iu Heft^aby contrary winds for some days, got our, yesterday and proceeded on her voyage to llokian^a and Wangape. The Apelles with immigrants is now 1W) days out from Lirerpoohjand may consequently be look for any moment* ■ The s.s. Southernf-o?s before she starts run ning for the Auckland Steamship Co. is to have a thorough overhaul and repair, both of her hull and machinery. She is now laid up at tne wood wharf .for the purpose. Messrs Fraser and Tinne are sutendiny to the machinery. ±he work will occupy some weeks. The s.s. Pvowena arrived this afternoon from Tauraniia and Mercury Bay, with several passenger?, and a full cargo. The barqne Georgetta has been moored along side the Railway Wharf, and she will start dis charging her cargo at once. The schooner Edith has finished the discharge of her island cargo. We are glad to learn that Captain Tiavte intends to enter his beautiful evafefor the Resratta. If there is a strong breeze ; ho K&Uk will show most, if not all, ol her rivals the way round.

COMMERCIAL.

SJEMessrs E and H. Isaacs held an extensive sale of Entrli3h-made furniture, mirrors, picture?, &c.,~ to-day, at which there was a large attendance. The bidding was spirited; the whole of the trade being well i epreeented. Every line, with the exception of the pianos and harmoniums (which will be offered in a few days), was submitted and sold. The sale ealised £1750. ~ ~ Messrs E. & H. Isaacs sold to-day the well known ketch "Sovereign of the Seas," at a pries considered by nautical men exceedingly ow. She was sold by order of the mortgagees.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Closk as Usdkr : For Thames, this day." at 430 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 5 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Waihcke and Coroinandel, per Argyle, to-

morrow. at 2 30p.5n. For Levuka, per Maud, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Tauransa, Giaborns, Napier, Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, per rgHawea, to-morrow, at 2 p m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers at 1 p.m. . Late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at 2.20 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga and Opotiki, per

Rowena, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. Far Waiwera, Mahurarigi, Matakana. Waipu, Mangawai, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Anne Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 am. For Napier, per Pretty Jane, on Saturday next,

at Ip.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon ■"onui, per lona/onMonday next, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Tararaki, on Tuesday, 29th instant, at 1 p.m. Per City of New York, on Tuesday, sth Febru ary, as follows:— -, . . For bandwich Inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indips, at 3 p.m. ■ For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 1.30. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence in addition to the post age will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S, B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

HARRI3ON.—On the 23rd January, at her residence, Waverley Hotel, the wife of I. Harrison of a daughter.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 1878.

*or tbo cause that befcs assistance. Put the wrong that needs leshuncSt For the future In the distance. AMlibm coo* ttat wo cut d*.

In his Tauranga speech Sir George Grey alluded to a matter of importance that has not been meutioned^at any other place. He said: —"The other day a circular was issued in which the Secretary of State directs that Judges who have been a certain time on the Bench of New Zealand, when they retire from office are to have rank and dignity conferred upon them in New Zea land—are to have the title of Honorable, and to take precedence of all their fellow colonists—that title of honorable being available in New Zealand and no where else. The Secretary of State then goes on, or his representa tive does, to say that the notification that the Queen has been pleased to do this on the advice of the Secretary of State is to be published in our " Gazette" here, and we are to make ourselves the means of making known the establishment of this rank and dignity in the colony of New Zealand." The Premier then attacks this procedure on various grounds. He objects in toto to the drawing of distinctions between those who have served the Empire honourably in the colonies, and those who win eminence in the mother coxmfry. Sir George considers it an indig nity placed upon colonists to declare that certain of their number, whose public ser vices are esteemed worthy of recognition within NcavZealand, shall immediately lose their dignities onleaving our shores. The restriction is a slight to the gentlemen upon whom the doubtful honour falls, and a reflection upon the status of society in the colonies, where the new-born rank is to be held in reverence of all men. But, if titles of this' limited character are to be established, the Premier maintains very forcibly, as his second position, that they

should not be bestowed without consulta tion with the colonists ; that it is an infringement of the principles of self-Gov ernment for the Secretary of State to dictate that certain men shall be held in honourable distinction among their fellow-men within New Zea land, and nowhere else. That, in fact, such a measure becomes one of internal policy, and, if exercised at. all, should be wholly within the control of the colonists themselves. Upon this point we quote the Premier's remarks :—

"I say, give us the same honour as the Queen's'subjects have everywhere else, or else leave us alone —don't meddle with us at all. I contend that no Secretary of State ought to hare the power of interfer ing with our domestic affairs in that way. (Cheers.) Then I add further, that to say that we are only to have such titles con ferred as may be used iii New Zealand, is to say that we are to be separated, from the Empire. However, I say that they have no right to interfere with our Gazette, and what right has the Secretary of State to order myself and my colleagues to publish certain things in our' New Zealand Gazette ? If I were to send something to be published in the Lon don Gazette they would laugh at me ; what right have they to publish in our Gazette something which is degrading to ourselves ? I do not wish to publish in the New Zealand Gazette the statement that titles conferred on us in New Zealand cannot be borne any where else. It is no part of my duty to do that. At the present moment you will see that we are the servants of the people of New Zealand."

The force of this reasoning is irresistible, and although the question immediately at issue niay appear small, the principle is very large, and justifies even such strong condemnation as that which the Premier bestows upon it. The current of opinion in the colonies is tending strongly towards the institutions of a purely democratic com munity. The creation of a shoddy aristo cracy, bearing a colonial brand, is opposed by a strong public feeling ; but we do not think anyone would hold lightly, or at less than its value, an honour conferred by his sovereign upon a subject—not as a colonist of New Zealand, —but as a consti tuent part of a Great Empire. The universality of the title would be the best safeguard for its sparing and judicious bestowal. The people of New Zealand will firmly set their faces against any title deemed "good enough for the Colonies," but to be kept from contaminating the pure strain of the home country ; and any Government that tacitly lent itself to the creation of such titles would do a wrong to the people whose interests they hold as a sacred trust. Sir George Grey shews a very keen apprehension of his responsibility to the colonists of New Zealand, and to them alone. He said, in conclusion : —I mention this as a proof of one of those kind of laws which will really creep in unless you take into your own hands the power of exercising a voice upon every matter of importance that is brought forward. I need not have told you of this ; I might have put it into the "Gazette" without a word of notice, and the chances are that no one would have read it and no one would ever have thought of it ; but twenty years from the present time you would have said, " What a rascal the Premier of that day was? You see he did not say a single word about its being done." (Laxighter.) That is the sort of thing that must inevitably take place if you do not take care that your public men are compelled to do every thing openly and publicly, and that you have a Voice, and can restrain them from doing what is_ wrong, or that you have the power of punishing them if they do what is wrong without consulting you, by taking care that they are turned out of office. I mean turning them out of office with oppro brium."

The Cable Interrupted Again.

A TELEGRAM received from the New Zea land cable station to-day states that communication between Batavia and Singapore is interrupted. The continual breaks in cabje communication are becom ing a very serious matter, and will doubt less stimulate the efforts for a duplicate line.

The evangelistic mid-day prayer meeting to-day was fairly attended, and was presided over by Rev R. F. Macnicol. Rev. A. Webb delivered an address. We learn that the Committee propose to continue these meetings for some time longer. In the other colonies where Dr Somerville has laboured the organisatious founded by him still exist, and the evangelistic meetings are con tinued.

A correspondent at Mount Eden complains of the practice of leaving two bullocks wandering about on the Mount Eden road, to the danger of unprotected women and children. The Highway Board should put a stop to the nuisance. The Mercury Bay crew who are going to compete for the champion 4-oared outrigger race at our Regatta o» Tuesday arrived by the s.s. Rowena this afternoon. They con sist of the three : White Bros., and J. Brown of pedestrian fame. They have brought with them their boat, a cedar cutter, built by Salter of Oxford, the famous English boat-builder.

Ifc'Mr W. Walters' racehorses Hippocampus, Isaac Walton, and Venus Transit, will be shipped by the s.s. Hawea to-morrow for the South. Hippocampus is still first favourite, for the Bunedin Cup, and the odds offered against him do not exceed 4 to 1. It is to be hoped that the voyage will be attended with fine weather, so that the horses may get down without injury. Mr Nobili, the agent of the Opera Com pany, received a telegram to-day from Wellington, informing him that the Com pany left at noon to-day for Auckland via the East Coast. The season in Wellington has been highly satisfactory. An interesting story about prairie grass comes from New Plymouth, where Mr Hammerton exhibited some that had grown four inches in four days, and other speci mens two feet three inches in length.

% The inhabitants of the district of Newton are waking up to the importance of estab lishing a fare brigade in their midst, and the expediency of such a movement cannot be questioned. There have been numerous fires in these localities during the last two years, aud as the City Brigade in Albert street is at too great a distance to be had in the necessary space of time, there is need of a Newton Fire Brigade. The rate payers, seeing this, have resolved to con sider the matter and provide funds for the same at a public meeting in the Newton Hall, on the evening of Monday, the 4th of February. As per advertisement in this paper, calling upon subscribers to the Newton Kirk Har monium Fund, who seem desirous of hav ing a dividend of 16s in the £ refunded, to apply on the 22nd inst., we learn that only a few applied, the dividends amount ing in all to £11 7s If d. We understand it is the intention of those who have not applied for their dividends to make up the original sum, viz., £50, for the purpose of purchasing an organ (American) for the new church. We are also iuformed that many influeirtial residents around Newton and Kyber Pass have intimated their inten tion of subscribing liberally towards the erection of the new church. A notice to subscribers appears in another column. A select quadrille party is 'announced to be held in the Cook-street Oddfellows' Hall on Regatta night. Dancing will commence at half-past eight o'clock, under the super vision of Mr W. T. Donald.

The monthly inspection parades of the Engineer Company and Cadets took place last evening in the Drill-shed, under com mand of their respective oflicers—Captajn Anderson, Lieut. Kitchen, and Color- Sergeant Head. The Cadets were, under the control of Captain White, and were drilled by Sergeant-Major Haslem. The results were satisfactory.

Tenders are required for fitting and lighting the Town Clock.

There are at present 97 patients in the hospital. Mr Michael Shea, of Takapuna, Avas yesterday sworn ia as a Justice of the Peace for the colony.

A correspondent in the grocery business sends an affecting account of the way he was victimised by a lady of aristocratic pretentions, from Ponsonby, who, he states, is in the habit of distributing her favours amongst tradespeople, to their very particular sorrow. The letter is too personal, and probably too true, for publication. An accident occurred at the Reclamation works, lower Hobson-street, yesterday, by which a man named Roulston was injured. He was engaged in loading a dray, when a large piece of earth, rolled down the em bankment, and jammed him against the cart. He was taken to the hospital, where it was found that the injuries were not of a very serious nature. A narrow escape from fire occurred akthe sawmills "of the Auckland Timber Company (late Holdshipand Co.) Newton. The fire originated in the boiler-house, but it was promptly extinguished by the employed.

"An Elector" of Parnell writes, sug gesting that intending candidates _c-f or parliamentary honours should give the constituency an early chance of communing with them in public meeting. He says : — " [ think that the candidate's own opinion of the present as well as the probable future position of politics should be given, so that the electors of the district may be able to form some idea what course they should expect under any particular crisis or change of circumstances. Six months may make considerable change in the position of parties and things^ and our present Premier will require a "strong, able phalanx" to maintain and advance the position he has so hardly won. Our member should be able, both from singleness of purpose and ability, to give him and the colony effectual service. If we have no insight into the mind of the candidate, we can form no judgment of the probable course that he may take in the House of Ilepresentatives. I hope that we shall return as our member a statesman; one who can assist our Premier in his self-imposed arduous duties; not a mere expedient." The evening classes at the Auckland Model Training school will be commenced on the 2Sth inst. On Monday and Thursday evenings there are separate classes for ladies, under the supervision of Mr G. W. Webb, assisted by lady teachers. Classes arft also formed for Civil Service and University Examination candidates, com prising French, Latin, mathematics, and English studies. Writing of the Pitt-street Wesleyan Sunday-scnool treat, a correspondent says : "Sir, -Understanding that the Committee of the above school have decided to take the children by rail to Remuera, then to march them a milc-and-a-half to the scene of their annual treat, on the 29th instant, I would ask, Is not such a programme entirely prohibitory to the younger members of the school, consequent upon the long distauce it is now proposed to take them ? As the father of one of the Pitt-street scholars, I certainly think the Committee have acted most unwisely in altering the place from the Domain to Remuera. They place too much responsibility upon themselves by taking so many children by so dangerous a route dangerous when little ones are left to shift for themselves, as the majority must be forced, in the absence of a sufficient staff of teachers to keep order ; besides there is the unnecessary expense, which might be more beneficially employed in purchasing books, &c, for the Sunday-school library than given to swell the coffers of our General Government. If the railway route is only decided upon with the view of keep ing the younger scholars away, and having only the elder ones present, then, the trip will be a most unqualified success. If the Cdmmittee still adhere to their present route very few of the younger scholars will be present, as, I understand, a movement is on foot amongst the parents to give their little ones a day's treat in the Domain with the other Wesleyan Sunday-schools, who have decided upon tke Domain, in spite of the request of the Pitt-street Committee to join with them in fcho railway excursion. Trusting the Pitt-street Committee will alter their desision, and so confer pleasure upon all their —youngftand old— Ijam, &c, Jim Joikes.—We hays it on good authority that the Pitt-street School Committee do not intend to go to Remuera, or by rail at all; but hold their feast at the Domain, along with other schools of their union

The usual monthly entertainment is to come oft' at the ■women's department at the Lunatic Asylum (the old Hospital) to morrow evening. The Artillery Band will give their services on the occasion, and a very agreeable evening is expected. The doctors, warders, nurses, and others who have experience of lunacy all agree that these periodical entertainmets are wonderful in their beneficial effects on the patients ; some of "whom will talk over them for a week afterwards.

fj|Mr Levy, the greatest living instrumental ist, appeared at Hamilton lastnight, and drew the largest audience ever assembled in that thriving township. The " Waikato Times" compares him to Paganini, and devotes a column of its space to a notice of his per formances. Signor Rosnati also comes in for a meed of praise. The Selection Committee in connection with the Australian Cricket match have arranged for a practice match to be played in-- the Domain on Saturday afternoon. The game will be Eleven v. Fifteen, with Bennett and Robinson, and the following will be as nearly as possible the players on either side :—The Eleven—D. Lynch, R. Yates, C. Gleeson, W. Buckland, H. Cotton, A. King, W. Swanson, G. Carter, H. Garland, Nicholls, Lankham. The Fifteen (from the following) : —J. Bennett, W. Robinson. Foster, Lawry," W. Plulson, Cameron, J. Russell, Whewell, W. Tonks, A. Whitaker, E. Whitaker, R. Mason, J. Mackay, T. Mackay, C. Daere, Clinp; inder, J. Nolan, E. T. Dufaur, and P. Dufaur.

The address of Mr Potter, the popular knight of the cleaver of Hamilton, who is a candidate for the Mayoralty of the new Borough appeared in our issue of Tuesday last, and evidently foreshadows an enter prising and beneficial policy. Mr Potter is is a self-made man, who has always taken an active interest in the local politics of the place, and has earned much' popularity by his probity and public spirit. _He has been a staunch Greyite in the face of a strong antagonistic party, and he is a con sistent opponent of cliquism and measures which are inimical to the welfare of the Waikato. He is opposed by Mr Vialou, who will also command a strong following, and will probably be supported by the squatters and capitalists of the district. The contest will doubtless be keen.

"An Elector" writes from Parnell inquir ing wnetlier or' not the Captain Bracken bury, " who is now on an active canvass of Parnell," is the same Captain Brackenbury who figured-at the Thames with Mr. James Mackay JHiir., as active upholders of Billy Rowe, and bitter opponents of Sir George Grey. Our correspondent concludes :— "Foxes have holes, and it will be well if the Star reflects lightto keep Reynard there, and not permit him to enter the Grey sheep fold under false colours." Mr W. J£. Sadler writes, 'that when the retirement of Mr Reader Wood first became known, he "just then privately and independently judged Moss the man ; and, then, on men tioning the matter to three of the heaviest ratepayers, found . cordial concurrences. Ninty per cent of the people here, somehow or other, pronounce against any the least chance for Mr Dargaville. Of this fact I was forced to take note ; and, sir, probably he very carefully ascertained the same, and accordingly made a virtue of necessity by coming forward to commend another. Some seven or nine days ago I mentioned the whole thing in a brief note to the " Herald," Auckland newspaper, in order and with a view to save, if possible, the necessity- the expense and turmoil—of a contest judged useless, urging that under the circum stances Moss "should have a walk over. "Herald" blinked it — did not insert; possibly because I shewed that no anti- Greyite would have any the slightest chance. Harry Kissling told me to-day he has retired in favour of Mr Moss, and would consent to propose him on hustings." g§The Port Albert Co-operative Society appears to be a great success. During the past year there has been a great increase in the membership, while the profits enable directors to pay a ten per cent dividend, besides a handsome bonus to purchasers. There has been a considerable increase in the Society's operations, especially in the purchase of settlers' produce, and great praise is accorded to Mr G. Plummer for hia efficient management of the Society's affairs.

The lion, the Native Minister has given a subscription of £10, to be awarded in prizes to Maoris at the Port Albert Agricultural Show, to'be held on March 14th.

Up to the present time the want of a pavilion on the Domain cricket ground has been a want severly felt by the Auckland admirers of the finest English game. Our cricketing readers will be glad-to learn that an influential gentleman yesterday started a subscription towards the erection of a suitable building for the purpose, and in less than an hour collected £30. _ If possible it is intended to increase this to £100 within the next day or two after which the pavilion will 'be started on without delay, so as to get it finished iby the date of the match against the Australians.

Mr Hislop, father of the member of the General Assembly of that name, has re ceived the appointment of Under-Secretary for Education, ard will at once organise the department with a view to bringing the Act into operation. Notice ia given that the partnership hitherto existing between Mr W. L. Ilees and Mr Tyler has been dissolved. All ac counts must be paid to Mr Tyler. Last May a bridge on the Port Albert and Mahurangi Road was carried away by a flood. A few planks from the old bridge were put together to enable persons to pass over when there was no flood, but up to the present time nothing more has been done, although only two miles from Warkworth, and on an important road that has cost thousands of pounds in making. The Council looks to the Road Board, while the Board thinks the Council is to blame in the matter ; but between the two there is not much to choose. So far, the Council has been almost a nonentity for good or for evil.—Co. respondent. We have received from Dr Beaney, F.R.C.S.E., a pamphet entitled "The history and progress of surgery," an address delivered by him to the medical students of the Melbourne Hospital on the occasion jof the presentation of the prizes in the class of operative surgery; also, a pamphlet on " Diseases of the hip-joint.

We learn from a private source that Sir Julius Vogel has retired from the Directory of the New Zealand Land and Agency Com pany, on the board of which he had promised to serve in the event of his ter minating his connection with the Govern ment in April. The English shoreholders express much dissatisfaction that the land has not been made available. An impres sion appears to exist in Auckland, since the publication of a telegram in our columns announcing the re-issue of the prospectus, that this has been rendered necessary in consequence of Sir Julius Vogel's retirement from the Directory.

The shareholders of the Union Sash and Door Company held their^twenty-eighthjhalf yearly Jmecting;yesterday, when the report and balance sheet were submitted by the Directors. The report shewed that the nett profit to the end of the year, including balance of undivided profit of last year, and allowing for bad and doubt ful debts, and depreciation, amounted to £G,425 6s 4d. Prom this the directors proposed a dividend at the rate of 20 per cent per annum, and balance carried to profit and loss account, £1,957 Us 4d. The dividend was paid to-day, The Dalance sheet shewed that the gross profits for the half-year ending December 31st amounted to £13,461 13s Bd. Mr J. Howard waa re-elected a director.

Our Panmure correspondent says in his peculiar etyle : —" Happy Panmure is steadily progressing'; the crops of wheat and other grain look well, the children rosy and cheerful; the local constable is quite composed, has plenty to satisfy his wants, and does not wish for (nioar) more ; he has had little to do of late in thief taking, still his presence is necessary on the old axiom, '' prevention is better than cure." He folds his arms occasionally, looks across the country, and appears to take a lively interest in the promising landscape. We have not had n robbery in our silent village since Christmas, when an elderly lady lost all her fat geese; they went in pairs, feathers and all, yet the old lady good humouredly says, "It is but another in stance of the depravity of human nature ; my darlings flitted by moonlight at the time of the appearance of the spectre-boatman on the beach." "We anticipate a new school-room, as such a building has been sanctioned by the Board of Education; we also expect ere long in the green heart of our village another en tertainment superior in its humorous and vocal character to the last. We are near the broad Tamaki river, and in its silvery waters the Panmurians have opportunities of performing their early ablutions. The place is gently improving, and we hope .to boast "of as practical a lot of farmers and as good cattle as the settlers of any north ern district. Another peculiarity, not worth mentioning perhaps, of our Panmure youngsters is this, they prefer bread and treacle to lollies, and so much so that Pan mure mothers are quite familiar with the cry, "Mamma, give me a penny for a penny worth of McPlierson's golden syrup."

The annual picnic of the railway employe's takes place at Pokeno on (Saturday next.

Messrs F. L. Prime and T. B. Hill have been nominated for the Board of Education by the Rnapuke School Committee, Aotea.g] "Mr J. fcjhepherd, J.P., has been elected President of the Port Albeit Agricultural Society, and Mr C. Judd Vice-President.

Out in his Geography—A letter was re ceived lately at a Post-office, not 50 miles from Patea, addressed,. " Mr So-and-So, Manutahi, the other side of Patea, Auck land ! ! "

Mr dimming, the Hamilton brewer, in tends to utilise the spare power of his steam engine in the crushing of bones for agricultural purposes.

Tlie Waxworks Exhibition has been well attended of late, and Messrs Ghiloni havo shevtn great liberality in the gratuitous admission of children of the various charit able schools.

It is rumoured that the Rev. Mr Stamford has purchased the " New Zealand Church man" from Bishop Neville. A detachment of the Armed Constabulary is to be stationed at Kihikihi.

Australian Cablegrams.

EXTENSIVE WOOL ROBBERY

A MERCHANT ARRESTED

NEW GUINEA EXPEDITION.

(SPECIAL TO STAR.)

SYDNEY.—THIS DAY.

An extensive wool robbery has been com mitted at the Steam Company's wharf,

, Eight bales were stolen in. one week. Five persons have been arrested on suspicion, including a merchant.

A prospecting expedition left Cooktown, Northern Territory, on Saturday, for the reported goldfields at New Guinea.

There have been extensive arrivals of sugar from Java and Mauritius.

The motion of want of confidence tabled by Mr Stuart against the New South Wales Government is not likely to be carded.

The Christchurch Fire.

THE INSURANCES.

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

(From our own Corkespondent.) CHRISTCHT TRCH, this day. THE following is a correct list—so far as can be ascertained—of the insurances ou premises destroyed by the late fire, from which very little stock was saved :— New Zealand £1500 National 190° Trans-Atlantic 150° Norwich Union -•- 250 Hamburg-Bremen 750 Union 10° Standard ... , - WOO Liverpool, London, and Globe ... 19uO Phoenix ... - 2000 South British 2000 Northern 10.00 Brittania !500 London and Lancasnire 1000 Victoria 2000 The insurances on buildings and stock damaged were : — Victoria £1000 Loji-to^ a nd Lancashire 1000 SoSth/ 61**-*". 1500 Trati^HiiSr^ 500 Pho3nis, we guarani. ... 000 StaJldaVe genuine "HOM. - 100° X 3, stamped with our ff. C,4 TC we will send them dirt,"* T Q J\- JDeceipt of remittance or ref<i.vX KJ. 1 • \ soi£l_ [JP°^S i.GENCY.I to^X^EY, January 23. Colonel M. Ltm3> the- Managing Direc tor of the Easfeyn Extension Telegraph Company, leaves iisr England to-morrow, with power to arrange for the duplication of the submarine cable-with Europe. Mr Stuart tabled a motion of Avant of confidence.

MELBOURNE, Jan. 23.

The Legislative Council have unani mously agreed to petition the Queen asking that instructions be given to provide a Con stitutional Government.

No further dismissals have taken place, but the Executive ha ire sanctioned various alterations in the Civil Service.

Sergeant Sleigh and two other eminent barristers state that the action of the Gov ernment in dismissing the County Court Judges, the Police Magistrates, and Coro ners, is illegal, Much importance is at tached to this opinion.

MR R. ARTHUR'S PROPERTY SALE.

Mb R Arthur offered some excellent allot ments and properties for sale to-day, and al though there wss a large attendance, some of the lots were withdrawn, as the offers were not sufficient to cov°.r mortgagee, &c. The stabes and allotment, near Kden Crescent, realised £80 ; one allotment in Grafton-road £i 15s per foot; 1 allotments in the Kyber Jf ass estate realised as follows; per foot:—2,los ; 29. 20s; 30,215; 34, 16s; 38, 375; 43, 275; 44, 9a; 46, Bs.

THE SCHOONER CANTERBURY.

We have received, by post, from Mr W. J. Hunt, lengthy documents referring to the recent dispute at Samoa over the sale of the schooner Canterbury. Mr Hunt says : " Sir,—l shall feel obliged by your inserting in your columns certain protest and letters in reference to the condemnation and sale of the schooner Canterbury, and the illegal acts of the Naval Co art held (at my request) to try the validity and legality of such sale. It is needless for me to comment on the decision of the Naval Court: suffice it to say that my letters and protests will expose the fact that the judges never took the law of the case into consideration, but gave their decision on the evidence, although they knew that such evidence was one sided, as I had been refused the right to call witnesses or make any statement in defence of my claim to be put in possession of my property. The whole prdceedings of the Naval Court shewed an absence of law and justice, and a decided impartiality.— Yours, &c, W. J. HUNT." The enclosures are too long for publication in full, and have already been referred to at considerable length in these columns. The protest lodged by our correspondent with the Acting British Consul sets forth that the decision of the Naval Court is in con travention of British and maratime law, inasmuch as it was shewn that no authority was given by the owner to the master to sell the schooner, and it was proved that the vessel could have been safely navigated to Samoa, which was actually done after the sale. That the sale was not fairly con ducted for the benefit of all concerned, but was made with the deliberate intention of defrauding the owner aud mortgagees. That it was shewn that the vessel was mortgaged for £500, and no binding sale could be made without the consent of the mortgagees. That the Court was not guided by a spirit of justice, because it refused to allow the owner to call witnesses or make a statement in his own defence. The protest concludes by holding the Court and all who act on its decision responsible for any damage or loss caused by such action. Accompanying the protest is a letter from the mate of the Can terbury, Mr James Kelly, addressed to Mr Hunt," detailing the circumstances of the sale, and stating that a few days before arrival at Pago Jfago, Mair asked the captain to have the vessel surveyed and sold, and he (Mair) would buy her for him self and Mr Eckford. The captain refused, and the whole crew signed a paper stating that they would not go to Savage Island, but would go to Apia. Another document enclosed is a letter from Captain Coote, of the Reconnaissance, one of the judges of the N*val Court, deprecating the action of his brother judges in refusing to allow Mr Hunt 50 call witnesses or make a statement in his own defence. There is also a long letter from Mr Hetherington, solicitor, to the National Bank of New Zealand, with the object of shewing that " the culmination of Mr Hunt's financial troubles in the recent loss of the schooner Canterbury and property to a considerable amount arose not out of any fault or negligence on his part, but must be ascribed to the fraudulent action of some persons Avith whom he had the misfortune to be connected in business. Mr Hethering ton goes on to describe how the vessel was sent to Savage Island via Pago Pago, and at the last-named place, where reside a few impoverished traders, vessel and cargo were condemned and sold for £21, although worth £800. After safe navigation of the schooner back to Apia (80 miles) where the owner resided, £300 was offered for the schooner alone.—A letter from Mr Eckford to Mr Hunt states that he was quite un aware of the intended condemnation, and was never consulted by Mair as. to the purchase of the vessel. The foregoing is a brief epitome of the correspondence, which is very voluminous.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.

COROMANDEL, Wednesday. Vizard's claim.—The result from the Crushing is 27ozs. of gold. ■ The Tokatea tributers are getting out very rich stone. ""ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING. The annual meeting of the parishioners of Christ Church was held on Tuesday night. Mr Genhil was elected by the clergyman, and Mr Montgomery re-elected by the con gregation as church wardens, and Messrs Woollams, Rayner, and Rennett as vestry men. HOKIANGA, this day. Arrival: Geelong, steamer. Passengers : Mrs Hoskins and 2 children, Mrs McMath, and Mrs Andrews.

(PER r»ESS A6EM-$). ~~~"* TAUKANGA thlJl I WKECK INQUIRY' da * The judicial inquiry as to the . Nellie is pioceedjng before Mr Edo*, if I and Major Scannell, justices, and P tV Joseph Ellis as Nautical Assessor. P'aift WELLINGTON, this a, 1 RACE ACCEPTANCES y' ■ The general entries and acceptaw i ' the Derby Stakes and final payments? 7 Wellington Cup must be make before?- t o'clock on Monday evening, the 28th WELLINGTON, this a* WESLEYAN CONFERENCE y§ * The Rev. Messrs Harper, j^e and Purchas received the consent ' the Conference to retire from ar^ duty of ministry for one year ou account ' ill-health. Messrs Salter, Martin, Del] l and Wills, were accepted as candidate*' the ministry, having received the reauC ti aining at Connexional College. The R Messrs Armitage, Fairclough. and Haman^ 1 having fulfilled probation satisfactoriW i admitted into the annual ministerial I nection. Messrs Fee and Blottle w i appointed to circuits. The pastoral l7 9 dress shews 3,594 church members in rt "^ colony, being an increase of 181 <W 1 the year; 762 communicants; 339 catechisfc? : The Revs. Messrs Armitage, FaircloSh and Hammond wers ordained by «? :: imposing of hands at Manners^!* Church. w TlxMAßU.thisdav ALLEGED SHEEP STEALING 7' At Geraldine Court yesterday, hichsui Cell, farmer at Kaikahu, Avas commity for trial for stealing 128 sheep, the nronprf of Robert Taylor. The evidence was^o? ' elusive, and the prisoner was C< Z | mitted for trial at the Supreme Court' Timaru. * n The weather has cleared up. The W« : vest prospects are brightening. Reapin» ij! becoming general. ° m a 1

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIA V. CANTERBURY: • (Yesterday's Play Continued). After lunch Horan came in, but C Banner man, after scoring 1 off Frith andi* off Fuller, was magnificently caught at wicket by Fowler. Spofforth joined Horan aud both batsmen made a good stand! When the score reached 50 Lee took the ball from W. Frith. Scoring still con tinued by singles and twos till 60 was made up, when Spofibrth lost his leg stamp to a shooter from Lee : 61—3—10. Gregoiy came next, and played the restof, the over down. A maiden was scored to each bowler. Horan made a single and two off Lee. C. Frith then relieved Fuller and commenced well; his first four overs being maidens. Lee, however, was knocked about for singles. At 70, Ashby went, ou instead of Lee. A single was scored off hig first over, then he gave a wide to Frith. 3 more maidens followed, making 7\ia7 succession. Ashby bowled a maiden; Horan then cut Frith for one, but off the last ball of the "over, Gregory was beauti fully caught by Moore at point: 77—4-4 Motdoch joined Horan, who played a maiden from Ashby. Splendid batting now took place, both men playing cautiously and in a beautiful style. C. Frith, who was dead on, bowled seven maidens in succes sion, but the batsmen managed to score off Ashby, though nearly all singles and twos. The fielding was rather loose in one or two instances, but generally speaking was good. When the score reached 92, Corfe rehevec Ashby. Horan cut Corfe's fourth for a single. Frith bowled another maiden. Corfe then secured his first maiden. Horan slipped Frith neatly for one. Corfe gave i wide. Horan poked Corfe for a single, am then cut Frith for 3, bringing 100 up amid loud cheers. Corfe bowled two maidens ii succession, a couple of twos being madeoi Frith. W. Frith relieved Corfe. Mnrdochi cut C. Frith splendidly for 3, then drove W. Frith hard for the same number, bringing 110 up. Neilson went on -with, slows instead of Frith, but , Murdoch obtained a gcouplejof twos off his in the - first over. Euns also were made freely oi W. Frith. At 121 C. Frith took the ball from his brother, and commenced with i maiden. Fuller relieved Neilson, and also opened with a maiden. Friths third bal was sent to off by Horan for a single Horan then cut Fuller for the sam number, but the next ball lowera Murdoch's bails : 124—5—21. Blackham next appeared at the wickets. Frit bowled another maiden. Blackham sen Fuller to off for a single, then played maiden from Frith. bowled tw maidens in succession, and Frith another maiden. Blackham cut Frith for a single, but off the last of Fuller's next over Black ham violated rule 24, and had to retire 126 —6 —2. Garrett joined Horan, wfi played a maiden from Fritk Fulli bowled a wide ; then, six o'clock haviri arrived, ths stumps were drawn. _ The following is the score of the Austra lian team, second innings :— The following is the bowling analysis ii the Canterbury first innnings r— C. Bannerman, cB. Fowler, b Fuller .. .." S A. Bannerman, b Fuller 1 Horan, not out Spofforth,b lice .. 1 Gregory, c Moore, bC. Frith 1 Murdoch, b Fuller .. ..5 Blackham. Ibw, b Fuller .. .. .. .. — ::'■' Garrett, not out II Extras M Total _ ..127 Horan, on returning to the pavilion, \va vociferously cheered for his veryfine, patien display of cricket. The following is the bowling analysis 11 the Canterbury first innings. Balls. Maidens. Runs. Wicket&i Kendall ..48 8 12 3 Spofforth. .. 150 13 77 9 Gitrrett ..56 5 21 0 Boyle .... 48 3 20 2- |-

THIS DAY.'^

Canterbury Victorious.

CHRISTCHURCH, this day., The Cricket Match was resumed this morning; the weather Tvas glorious, and the attendance large. The state of the score at 2.p.m., was as follows :— AUSTRALIAN SECOND INMINGS. Horan, not out ... 58 Garrett c C. Frith, b Fuller ° Boyle c Ashby, b Fuller ... ... | Bailey c Moore, b Fuller ... — % Kendall b Fuller ... ... ° Total for innings 143. J Leaving Canterbury 55 to get to win. • CANTERBURY—SECOND INNINGS. OUivier, hit wicket, b Gregory, " — \ Corfe/bSpofforth, ... .... ■■■M Leach run out, ".-M Godby, Lb.w. b Sporforth, ... ;•• 3 Lee, b Spofforth, . ... ..... - J Moore, not out, ••• Ashby,' cA. Bannerman b Spoffortb . • • Neilson, not out ... ... ... '" i Leg byes 2 ; byes 1 Total ... ... _ - 4fi C&nterbury jubilant.

The Result.

CANTERBURY WINS BY SIX; ■} WICKETS. Hagley Park, 3.25 p.t»- Game )ust over. Canterbury wins l>y SIX, wickets and two runs. Baker is not out i> and E. Fowler not out 4.

The hon. treasurer, Mr F. Larkins, ac knowledges with thanks, the &U°!JS further contributions to Dr. Somerv.uie=> services fund :—T..J.EL, ss; a lady (tj» nell), £1 ; a lady (Parnell), 10?; f% Gillies, £1 ; Mrs Sinclair, £1; eoHectea.* Convention, £9145; collected by MrMaCM £113s ; a friend, 2s 6d. —"* ''■''" I

EVENIJSTG STAR THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 18^8



G-kand'Show OF SUMMER COSTUMES. . A. LINABURY & CO. HAVE JUST O, PENED P 486 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 matcb. The above GOODS were purchased at a Heavy Discount off English Invoice, and will lie offered to the Public at ENGLISH COST. Inspection Invited. A.. L INr5™V & C° 20i & 206, QUEEN-STREET, , Auckland. T ADIES' UNDERCLOTHING! JLI CHILDREN'S UN OERCLOTHING !! And BABYLINEN!!! W. RATTRAY, Having bought the Whole of Messrs 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. Ladiea are requested to call and inspect the Stock. ■VTEW 7|E ALAND TT OUS E, 68, QUEEN-STREET. Auckland. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS MW J. HURST & CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in thiß district. Experience teaches that large and Dro'Stable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi momlß from leading Farmers justify W. J. iTurs & Co. in strongly commending them to guano peruvian guano MEXICAN do. BEfL^d NS^h°S§NEDUST • BTLLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPKR-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. Kin 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 Bomucb. favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. AY. J. HURST & CO., 161 QUEEN-STREET, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING Just Landed, ex Columbus— 39 casks new Clovers, cousisting of Red Clover White.Clover Cow Gras Also on hand. Alsyhe, Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Rata-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market ratea. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN -STR EE T. SOO sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) SGOO „ Oats First-class Tartar 3 for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sucks- Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour, Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c, &c. Partioular attrition is called to fiOOJsackS Prime Barley at -Is per bushel o 50B>. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh oatmeal, a £21 per ton. W. J. HURST & CO.. 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND. Scamps are selling counterfeits of that most -wholesale of medicinal stimulants, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, famous alike for its health-giving properties and agreeable flavour. The knaves who are carry ing on this wicked traffic put their fiery decoct ions into empty bottles of the real article, and in most instances imitate the genuine labels. Insist upon havingthe real Schnapps.



TfTIXPIRATION OF "PARTNERSHIP TEE, M. DRAPERY AND CLOTHING AT 20 PER Cent. REDUCTION! "OUSHBROOK AND TOTIDGMAN. The abovenamed have decided (prior to Stock-taking), in order to facilitate adjustmentof accounts, necessitated by the expiration of our term of partnership, to hold a jg. CLEARING-OUT SALE, § ■" And will allow for a limited c! —• period, a pi DISCOUNT OF TWENTY PER £2 2 CENT. UPON 1 ALL CASH M S "" PURCHASES. C 0 t"1 £> 4S.'IN THE £ OFF THE USUAL PRICES. g «. f 55 W . Commencing on. pi £L FRIDAY, 11th JANUARY. B3JI t^ H The Stook is Unusually Heavy, and 55 Well-assorted in every H fd Department. td I s $ T" * * g £? B. & 8., with satisfaction, direct C| I—l attention to tha fact that since com- S£ k_ mencing business they have steadily y tr avoided all Shilling Off, Cheap Ej Bales, &c.; their aim having been to g supply a GOOD ARTICLE at a 55 REASONABLE PRICE, and "NO q j£ PUFF 1," and deem that the simple G «h statement of the fact is sufficient to cj convince their friends and the public i^j 1 of the bona fide character of the pre- ,_g H sent announcement. 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). TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY \J OF NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. U C X L A IS D BRANCH: QUKEN-STRBKT, JSext the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owest Current Hates. E. H. STEVENSON Manager. npECIAL /IHEAP T INES DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. H. ATKINS Will Shew the Following Cheap Lines During thk Christmas Holidays :— A Large Lot of Rich, Bright. Black Silks at 3/11, as bright as sold at 5/C 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 Umbrella 3, splendid value, at 8/11 Lined Parachutes (Bought a 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 Alpacca Coats, Trousers and Vests, Tweed Suits, Paget, Galatea, and Sack Coats, Boys' and Youths' Suits, 4tc, &c, &c. All Marked at Low Prices fob 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. H. Atkins. mo COUNTRY RESIDENTS. A comfortable home provided for two or three Junior Pupils in close vicinity to Young Ladies Training Schooland Auckland Grammar School. Terms reasonable.—Address X.Y.Z., to office of this paper.