SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

m ™-r. f This Afternoon, 5.14 Hlt-.1l WATER—-) To-morrow Morning, 6.2 SUN SET.—This Evening, 5.36 «...>* RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 6.30 MOONS AG 1i..-Full Moon, 17th. 5.36 p.m

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, s.s , from Tologa Bay Rowena, s.s. Sailors, from Tauranga and Mer cury Bay

DEPARTURES.

Hawca, s.s. Wheeler, for Russell Borough Belle, brigantine, for Sydney

IMPORTS.

Per Mendoza, from London : 2 tanks muscatels, 1 do. Figs, 3 cases water proof clothing. 1 do. stationery, 1 cask earthen wave, 1 case E.P. ware, 1 do. Sdver jewellery, 1 do. carpenters' pencils, 1 do. glasssware, 1 do. ivory tooth-combs, 1 do. kid boot uppers, 101 casks aiiurer wine, 15 trunks boots and shoes. ---10 barrels crushed loaf sugar. 20 kegs do., 26 boxes tin plates. 2 cases slate pencils, 20 boxes window glass, 10 kegs Ewbank's nails. 50 pkgs. clothes pea;s, 20 do. American clocks, 3 boxes I.R. goloshes, 2bales horsehair, 3 cases saddlery.—E. & H. Isaacs. Per s.s. Rotorua, from Sydney :— 69 sacks maize. 21 cases wine, 32 bundles leather, 16 cases porcelain. 20 bundles oakum, 6 anchors, 4 jacks, 15 J-casks sherry, 20cases ola torn, 5 cases sarsaparilla, 121 ca es fruit. 400 gunnies supcar, 20 J-casks rum, 7 cases drapery, 34 tram rails, 53 packages sundries. 46 leases fruit.—R. Arthur. 2 packages.-Owen & Graham. Per Linda Weber, for Lyttelton : 16.0001 feet sawn timber, 300 sacks cement, 40 tons doors and sashos.

PEnter-.d INWARDS.-Catherine, outter, from Mahurangi, with 264 tons bonedust; Ruby, schooiSom Russell with 60 tons coal; Helen schooner, from Great Barrier, with 36 tons fire wood, and 209 feet ship's timber. Cleared Outwards.—Catherine, cutter, for Thames, with 8,000 b'lcka and 200 bushels. lime ; Minnie Hare, schooner, for Russell, with 200 sacks vheat, and 50 sacks oats; Ocean, schooner, for Whitianga, with 20 sheep, and a quantity of sundries; Wave of Life, schooner, for Russeil, lnThe 3 barque Sophia R. Luhrs arrived at Dunedin, from New York, on the Bth inst., and after discharging the Dunedin portion of her cargo was to come on to Auckland, via l_yttei ton and Wellington. The s.s. Hawed sailed yesterday afternoon tor Russell She will leave thatnortthis afternoon, and arrive in Auckland to-morrow morning. The brig Elliotts arrived at Newcastle, from Auckland, on the Bth inst. _,_._. The yacht Contrabandiere sailed on Saturday for Wellington, in charge of Captain Penned. This yacht is a well-known competitor at re gattas. She is not expected back to Auckland as she has a customer at Wellington. Mr Fatherstone purchased her 18 months since, and had her refitted and improved at a total cost ot £400 She will, no doubt, prove a good addition to the Wellington fleet of small crafts. The ss. Argyle leaves this afternoon for Whangarei and Mangapai, with a general cargo and several passengers. The schooner Vixen arrived at Dunedin irom the Manukau on the 14th inst. The brig Moa is advertised as for sale or charter; applications to be forwarded to the The brig Restless and (he barque Stag left Newcastle for this port on the 6th mst. The time occupied by the s.s. Rotorua on her passage from Sydney to Auckland was only 4 days 22 hours. This was remarkably quick, considering that the first three days a strong 5 E. gale, with heavy sea, was encountered. Southerly winds, with high confused sea. were experienced during the latter part of the voyage. We are indebted to the purser for files and other ffltVOurs* The schooner Mazeppa. Captain Garraway, left Levuka on March 19th for Auckland via Samoa and Tonga. She had one passenger, Mrs Garraway. „ ~ The s.s. lona sailed last evening for Russell, with a general cargo and a number of passen- The s.s. Hinemoa was detained at the Manukau Heads, and did net leave until 6 o'clock this morning. ~_,_. The brigantine Borough Belle saded for Sydney, via Bay of Islands, to-day. 'The barque Bella Mary, from Hobart Town, has hauled alongside the western side of the wharf to discharge her cargo. The brigantine Linda Weber cleared at the Customs to-day, and will sail at once for Lyttelton with a carg of timber, door sashes, and cement. ~ _. , . . The barque Mendoza, after discharging her cargo, came up the harbour this afternoon. Tlie s.s. Southern Cross arrived from Lyttelton, via Tologa Bay, to-day. She will leave for Napier direct to-morrow afternoon, <..... The s.s. Rotorua leaves for the South this afternoon, with the following passengers :—Mrs Lead and family. Messrs. Madhouse, A. Cox, and 7 original from Sydney. ."•-"■The s.s. Taiaroa will sail from theEManukau for the South early to-morrow morning. The folio wing passengers were booked this after noon :—Mr and Mrs Reeves, Miss McKay, Capt. Pari-, Messrs Dickson, Taylor, Cahill, Rice, Dunbar, Fallon, Prince, and Bulver. The s.s. Rowena arrived from Mercury Bay and Tauranga this afternoon, with a general cargo and several passengers.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. The Hawea arrived from Auckland at six and the lona at ten o'clock this morning. Waitara, this day. The p.s. Hauraki left at 7,40 this morning for Auckland, '

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per.Durham, on Thursday next at 5.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, this day, at i p.m. For Russell, per Onward, this day, at 4.39 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taiaroa, to-morrow, at 5 a.m. For Levuka, per Thistle, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Napier, per Southern Crocs, to-morrow, at For Whitianga, Tauranga. and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-Triorrow, at 1 p.m. For Tauranga, Gisboriie, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Hawea, on Thursday next, at . 3.15 p.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, and Te Arai, per Anne Milbank, on Thursday next, at 10 a.m. For Australian Colonies, Wakatipu, on Satur-

day, 20th inst., at 1 p.m. Per s.s. Australia, on Tuesday, 30th instant, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign We3t Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe-at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 9,30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence in addition to the post age will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

PHILLIPS.—On the 16th April, 1878, at her residence. Coburg-strect, Auckland, Mrs. Jas. Phillips of a daughter. MACE.—At Sholly Beach, the wife of E. Mace of a daughter.

In the heyday and sunshine of life we treat with contempt the warnings of sober-minded and well-meaning people; but when in after years wo find wo can no longer trifle with our lives and constitutions, it becomes us to find out for a certainty what are the best, the surest, and tho safest medicines to take in all casos of sick ness or threatening disease The cures already effected, and the testimonials received by the proprietor, warrant the assertion that there aro no known medicines equal to " Ghollah's Great Indian Cures." Sold by ah Chemists.

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

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 16. 1878.

ftw.t&t cuato tl»»t Urfcsas_.fcti--t;», fr'..j- V-. _ future 1= tl>= illstoec, Awt «&__ c*<_>__ «4«* •« =o» <Z«»

The latest "little war" which Great Britain bas on its hands is rapidly assuming dangerous dimensions. A cable message in another column announces that there has been hard flighting in the Transvaal, and that the position is very serious. The Transvaal is a large tract of country, north of the Orange River Free State, and lies between lat. 22° 15' 28° 40' S., and long. 29° 32° E., extending from the Vaal Riveras far as the Crocodile River. It has an area of 114,360 square miles, and contains a white population of about 30,000. Against these there is a warlike native population of about 270,000, a large proportion of which is well armed. The white population consists principally of Dutch Boers, who seceded from Cape Colony in 1840, and formed a Republic, but in 1877, being threatened with annihilation by the natives, sought and obtained re annexation to the British Colony The Transvaal is mountainous and dilli cult of access, affording numerous strong holds for the natives. At latest advices the British forces at the Cape consisted of six regiments and two batteries of artillery, but these troops were considered insufficient, and there was a cry for reinforcements.

One announcement made at the Board of Education yesterday demands something more than a passing remark. Dr. Campbell stated that the Press ys only admitted Jto the meetings of the Board "on sufferance." A reference to the Education Act shews that the provision made in the Counties Act, the Municipal Corporations Act, the Land Act, and most measures affecting local self-government, for the representation of the public at the meetings of the govern ing bodies, is omitted from the statute regulating the proceedings of the Boards charged with the control of national educa tion. Virtually, it appeals, the Board of ' Education is a Star Chamber, which the public can only enter on sufferance, and under liability to immediate expulsion. For it should be understood that although the Chairman spoke off " the press," the public is really concerned. The press has no special title to admission, except as representative of a large section of the people, who, for the sake of convenience, prefer, or are compelled to glean their knowledge of public affairs through a common representative. It is true that where the right of public access is recognisedjSpecial facilities are by courtesy placed in the way of the press for the performance of its special functions; and

there are cases, as, for instance, in parlia ment, where the presence of strangers is allowed by a little fiction, under which ever}* member is supposed to suffer from a defect in his visual organs, and yet special and very ample accommodation is provided in the building to facilitate the work of reporters. But the privilege is extended for a very well-understood rea son ; its object is simply to serve the general interests of the public—not to confer any special favour on a particular profession. Direct reference to the exclusion of the Press, therefore, is liable to mislead, and it is just as well to use plain terms. Tho interpretation placed by the Board on the Act as it stands is, that the Board may transact the whole of its business in secret, and may summarily eject any member of the common herd outside whose interests or curiosity tempt him to intrude his presence at its meetings. The good sense of the member:; led them by resolution to divest themselves of these powers, with certain reservations; but that is really what they believe to be their rights under the Education Act. In the absence of anything in the Act to the contrary there is no ground for disputing their decision; and the bearing of the fact upon the Board itself is not without its serious aspect. From a consciousness of this kind springs that affected contempt for the public and public opinion, which is nunc or less expressed in the actions of all close corporations. In admitting the Press as an act of grace members of the Board may be excusable in thinking tl at they have made a liberal and perhaps uncalled-for concession to the undefined mob to whose interest they are devoting their valuable services. The members have, no doubt, too much common-sense to think this when broadly stated, but a consciousness that the Act places them superior to public judgment can not be without its inlluence ; and it is much better tbat the impression should be corrected by a clear definition of the rights of the public in the statute from which tho Board derives its own existence and powers. We have very decided objections to tho appearance of the press or the public at tho Board meetings "on suifrance," and still stronger ones to the doctrine that the Board is empowered to carry on the edu cational affairs of the district in secret. The question is one too large to be disposed of by resolution of the Board, whose duty we apprehend is simply to administer the law as it stands. If it is the intention of the Legislature to make the Board of Edu catif n a private Council, the presence of the public and Press is an intrusion ; if, on the contrary, it is meant that the proceedings of the Board shall be public, the privileges of the people must receive legal recog nition.

On our fourth page to-day appear English Sporting and Theatrical Notes, correspondence, and other matter. Wo have tiles of Fiji papers to the 30th ult., but they contain little news of in terest. The Government is moving in the matter of pa*, ing off the debts incurred by its predecessor. Mr Maudslay, British Agent at Samoa, has given the Taimua and Faipule twenty-four hours to sign the four remaining clauses of the agreement sub mitted by Sir Arthur Gordon, and threatened, in the event of receiving no satisfactory reply, to hand the matter over to Captain Murray, of 11.M.5. Sapphire. The Tainnia and Faipule are relying upon American protection. As Mr John Jack will appear at the Theatre Royal shortly, we give the follow ing pleasant sketch of him, written in J. S. G.flageuVßecordsoftheNew York Stage," published in the New York "Dispatch" :— " John Henry Jack was born iv Philadel phia, on February 1,1836, and when only 15 yew of age distinguished himself as an amateur performer. lie became call-boy at the Walnut-street Theatre, Philadelphia, and in December, 1852, made his ap pearance as Judkins, in " Woman I adore." The following season he was retained for regular U.iity business, and twelve months still later, was playing first old man'at the Marshal 'i iieatrc, Richmond, Virginia. A few year. Liter he became manager of the Wilming:.:i, Dela ware, theatre, and there we find bim at tho outbreak of the war. With the ardour of a patroit he at once closed his theatre and commenced reciuiting. Tie accepted a Lieutenancy in the Second Pennsylvania Re serve Volunteer Regiment, and was in the seven days' battle under McClellan, and the three days' fightof the second Hull Run. At the lattcrhc was seriously wounded, and his life was despaired of. lle,howevor,recovcred ; wa.s publicly complimented lor his bravery, and received a Captaincy, whichheheld, con tinuing to serve until the close of the wax-. On his retirement from the army, in 1865, he played for a short time in Philadelphia, and then came to New York. He has been cennccted in this city with most of the leading theatres, including tho Broadway Niblo's at Booth's—his last appearance being at the latter in support of Miss Cash man during her farewell engagements last winter. When last heard from he was in Virginia City, Nevada, where he was a heavy sufferer by the recent conflagration there. Mr Jack' is as good an actor as he lias proved himself a brave soldier, and an earnest, self-sacrificing patiiot."

A special commissioner of the "Thames Advertiser " has paid a visit to the Upper Thames District, and has sent a letter to that journal recording the result of his observations. lie gives the following list of blocks in that portion of tho Thames County which, when completed, may be considered available for the Thames people : To Tauiti No. 1, 1,619 acres ; To Tauiti No. 2, 450 ; Ahikopc No. 1, 282 ; Te Kahumiroi, 33 ; TeNihinihi, 54S ; Waihou West No. 1, 1,716 ; To Ruahiue No. 1, 87.J- ;Te Ruahiue No. 2, 43A; Omotai, 3,560; Waihou West No. 2, 830; Waihou West No. 3, 4,005 : total, 13,5842 acres. Of the proposed Broomhall Settlement, 7,000 acres are situated within the County, the balance being in the Piako andjTauranga Counties. JN early the whole of the blocks enumerated in the 13,584£- acres arc situate on the proper left bank of the Waihou river, and extend from the Broom hall Settlement towards the Piako on the one sidel and Ohinemuri on the other. The land is chiefly swamp, but can be easily drained. The Commissioner advises persons desirous of obtaining land to apply under the deferred payment system. The Swamp lands are of excellent quality. He considers the Tc Aroha lands are un equalled in the Thames and Piako districts. The 7,000 acres in the Broomhall Block arc capable of ' easy drainage, and of irrigation during the dry summer season. The Aroha mountain is well wooded. Gold has been found in the streams, and a system of reefs is said to have been traced from the Waifcekauii to Awaroa. A line of road from Oniahu through the Aroha Block to Paiharakcke has been surveyed by the County. Wairakau por tion of the" Te Aroha Block, about 10,000 acres, is of superior quality, undulatory, and intersected by narrow swamps. The Waiharakeke Block is also suitable for small farms. Mr Firth has ploughed 4,000 acres of laud this season at Mufamata, 2,500 acres of which are in clover, arid the remainder in grass, and lie lias had the Upper Waihoa river cleared of snags at his own expense. Mi Firth is also negotiating for the purchase of a stern-wheel steamer to run between Auckland, Grabamstown-, and the Upper Thames. With 70 toils of cargo the steamer will draw 2ft. lin A meeting of tho Journeymen Bricklayers' Society will be held in the rooms of the Working Men's Club this evening at 7.30, on important business.

In the Tradesmen's Handicap, published in the late edition last evening, Xantippe's weight should have been 7st, aud in the Novel Handicap, Truthful James 7st.- Ac ceptances for Hurdle and Novel Handicaps must be in the hands of.the Secretary by 8 p.m. on Thursday, 18th inst. Designers of fashion this season have studied comfort and durability, as may be seen from the stock of Millinery, Dresses Mantles, &c, at T. McMaster's, Queen street,—[Advt. J

Our share report last night, through a mistake, was a repetition of Thursday's . report. Tho daily quotations, itappears, • aro not always hung on tho notice board at the entrance to the Exchange, and Thursday's report, posted there, was mis- i taken by our reporter for yesterday's memoranda. This is very misleading, and should be rectified by the Asso ciation. The common mullen leaves, steeped strong, sweetened with sugar, and drank freely, are said to cure pulmonary con sumption. The usual fortnightly meeting of Court Zealandia, A.0.F., will be held to-morrow (Wednesday) evening, in the rooms of tho Young Men's Christian Association at eight o'clock, when business of importance will be introduced. The Ngati'aukawa tribe desire the Native Minister to send a resident European officer to their district in order to investigate all disputed matters, and to instruct them to conform to the laws. They also desire that native assessors may be appointed, and roads pushed forward from Cambridge to Tauranga and Taupo. Mr Hazard has called at this office and desired us to state that the question which be addressed to the Bench at the Police Court yesterday was : " Is it the custom of this Court to lock up a person without a charge being made against him," and not a question merely relating to taldng a man into custody as reported in our last issue. Miss Colville is jjplaymg at the Theatre' Royal, Sydney, and Miss Adelaide Bowring at the Victoria. The shareholders of tho Watchman Goldmiuing Company held a business mooting yesterday afternoon in _Mr Randerson's office, Insurance Buildings, for the purpose of forming a company under the Act of 1872, Mr Joseph Craig in the chair. After some discussion, it was resolved that the capital of the company should be £f,OOO, in 12,000 shares at ICa each. The following gentlemen were appointed provisional directors : —Messrs. C. B. Stone, Paul, A. Stewart., Myles, and T. Tiernian, with Mr Randerson as legal manager. Messrs. Hamlin and Lusk will address their constituents this evening in tli3 Public Hall, Otaliuhu, at seven o'clock. Dr Somerville is holding services in Chi istehurch. Cleopatra's Needle, which has just come into our possession, was, it appears, an object of interest to the Prince Consort more than thirty years ago. The follow ing letter was sent on the Prince's behalf in 1847 to Colonel Barnett, at that time British Consul-General in Egypt:—Wind sor Castle, January 22, 1848. My dear Barnett,--The Prince'my master is inter esting himself about the Egyptian obelisk, commonly called Cleopatra's Needle, which, it is said, was presented to the English . Government at the close of the br Diant campaign in that quarter ; and it has struck me that you probably would know more about it than anybody. The points which 1 chiefly wish to ascertain for his Royal Highness are—by whom and in what manner this relic was given to the British Government; whether you suppose that any formal or official document did or does exist upon the subject; what is the exact present position ot the pillar? and what was the nature of the effort formerly made to move it, and what the cause of failure ? —Very sincerely yours, (signed) C. B. PIIIPPS. . The following is the census for West Coast towns :—Hokitika, 3,244 ; Grey mouth, 2,934; Kumaia, 1,275 • Ross, 1,068. At the meeting of the Licensed Victu allers at the British Hotel yesterday, which had not concluded when we went to press, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—Mr IT. Keane, President; Mr Gorman, Vice-Presidont ; Mr Uaniloy, treasurer; Mr Phillips, secretary, at a salary of £30; and Messrs Hill, Oram, Humphries, Evans, and Campbell, a committee. The Park Hotel was fixed upon as tho place of meeting for the ensuing year. The entertainment last evening at the Theatre Royal in favour of Mrs Winch combe might be termed with much propriety a burlesque. There was a very fair atten dance below,and the orchestra did their part exceedingly well, under the direction of Mr Cope. The opening scene was from the " Honeymoon," in which Mr Septimus Young, with perfect composure of counten ance, acted the husband, and Miss Leake the wife. A brother and sister did some imita tions of Emmet under the tuition of their aunt. Miss Patty Pritchard came out as the young Prince Arthur ; but Mr Hodgson, of "Chapter of Complaints" notoriety, did not appear with the lady according to although he had painted his face and robed himself in the green-room. This was a disappointment ; but it could not be helped, as "Hodgson " had been suddenly seized with crispiana in the stomach. Mr A. Smith read, the part very effectively. Mr Reed's " Chinaman's Jig" was ludicrous in the extreme, and caused a tremendous storm among the boys, whose screachings, stampings, and bellowings were deafening. On the appear ance of Miss "Winchcombc as the "Fairy Tempter," a hundred untutored voices made the theatre ring. Mrs Winchcombe herself broke down, and made a speedy and judicious bolt behind the scenes. Mr A. Smith, in rather too boisterous a manner, gave " Wolsey's Downfall," and the "Labourer's Complaint: S'pose it will be all right." Miss Pritchard re-appeared apparently with the intention of giving a passage from the "Lady of Lyons," but as the gallant knight again failed her—we are unaware whether it was the truant Hodgson again this time —she evacuated the field. Mrs Winchcombe equal to any emergency, promptly stepped into the. breach with the opening notes of " When Other Lips," which effectually routed the uproarious enemy in the pit who beat a rapid retreat by every outlet of the Theatre, leaving the performers in indlsputed pos session of the field, after a gallant struggle under adverse circumstances. The Avhole of the entertainment was a laughable failure. In another column the members of No. 3 Company will find a notice concerning firing and parade, to which they should give their attention. We would draw the attention of our readers to the prospectus of the Colonial Insurance Company of Npw Zealand, which appears in our advertising columns. The fact that none of the local Insurance Com panies centre in Wellington has stimulated the citizens ro enter upon the present under taking. The capital is to be two millions, which will be raised out of 200,000 shares of £10. each. Ten shillings per share will be . payable thereon, so tbat the immediate cash capital must amount to £100,000. The Board of Directors is composed of the ; following influential gentlemen :—The Hon. C. J. Pharazyn, M.L.C., Chairman; and the Hon. Randall Johnson, M.L.C , Vice > Chairman. Messrs Jacob Joseph, A. de B. Brandon, E. W. Mills, W. J. Nathan, and : Dr. Grace, are directors, and Messrs Brandon and Son have been appointed > solicitors. Mr Frederick Graham is acting secretary. The directors, have each sub : scribed for £1000 cash interest in s the Company, and have undertaken its i formation as a thoroughly colonial insti ■ tution, with head-quarters in Wellington. • One-half the shares only will be issued, but the directors promise an adequate proportion : of the capital in Auckland, with persons whose influence or business is calculated to benefit the Company. The whole of the 100,000 shares will be reserved for allotment from time to time to insurers, and it is worth noting that the interests of the smaller insurers will also be consulted iv the allot ment. Mr Graham oranotherrepresentative of the directors will shortly visit Auck land.

From tl c annual return fowarded by the Sanitary Inspector to the Central Board of Health, at Wellington, we learn that the number of deaths in the city during the yearending March 31,1878, was 160, against, J-uring the same period in the precedingyear, 2 27_deaths. From this it is evident the city auitary arrangements are improving.

There was a rumour in town to-day that a milkman at Coromandel had come m for a fortune of £300,000, but no particulars are to hand. It is astonishing what a number of friends that man has. fggThe arbitrators in the case of Smith, con tractor for the Thames water race, v. the Government brought in their award yester day, which will not be divulged for the present. .

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before R C. Barstow Esq., R.M.) AN OLD TOPER. Alice Hoakina, an old toper, was fined 10s and coats for being drunk.

LARCENY. William Burns, a small boy, was charged with the larceny of a piece of wood, value ss, the property of Messrs McQuarne and McCullen. , The prisoner pleaded guilty, but said he didn't know the wood was any use. Mr Column said ho appeared for the prosecution. Pieces of wood wereconstantly taken away, at great inconvenience to the prosecutor's. Tho prisoner was cautioned not to take the piece of wood,but persisted in walking off with it, in spite of warning. The prosecution did not wish to be hard on the Captain Hendry : I saw the boy take the piece of wood, I Warned him not to touch it, but he said it belonged to him and ; he would take it. Fredk. Nag.asmall boy, said he told Burns to lay down the wood because it was wanted. He nevertheless persisted in walking off with it towards home. Mr Barstow said he would permit tho case to be withdrawn on condition that Burns' father would pay the costs. Mr Burns acceded to this arrange ment, and the case was consequently with drawn. NEGLECTED CHILDREN. Harriet McDonald, Annie Bell, and Catherine Johnstono were charged with being neglected children within the mean ing of the Act. Annie Bell and Catherine Johnstone were consign 2d to the Industrial School. Harriet McDonald's case was ad journed till Saturday. A FRIENDLY TIFF. Frank Cohen and Walter Hughes, two respectable men, were charged with be having in Symonds-street in a manner calculated to cause a breach of the peace. Mr Tole appeared on behalf of the defen dants, who, it appears, are mates in the same workshop. They were larking with each other, and Coheu accidentally hurt Hughes. Hughes was angry, and struck Cohen in a temper. The whole affair only lasted a few minutes. It arose out of a joke, and the men are now the best of friends. Mr Pardy said there could be no doubt Hughes gave Cohen a tremendous mauling. He could not think of withdrawing the case. Mr Barstow said a breach of the peace had been committed. After some conversation, Mr Tole pleaded guilty on behalf of : the defendants. Frank Cohen was fined 10s aud costs, Walter Hughes 20s and costs. ASHORE WITHOUT LEAVE. Edward Hewin, a fireman on board the s.s. Rotorua, was charged with being absent without leave. The prisoner pleaded not guilty. Mr. Baird, chief engineer of the s.s. Ro torua, proved the case. He said lie had 110 wish to punish the man if he would pro mise to go on board and behave himself. The prisoner agreed to this, and the case was dismissed; Hewin paying the costs. devoy's case. Henry Devoy was brought up on remand, charged with stealing a horse and £12, the property of T. Loom, at Paumure. James Loom said : I am a hotel-keeper at Panmure. I remember Thursday, 28th March last. On that day I had a grey horse in my possession. About ten in the evening I usually turned it out on the Go vernment run. I did so on Thursday, 28th March. I missed it next morning. I next saw the horse in Mr Buckland's sale-yard. It is worth about £15. I know the prisoner by sight. I gave him no authority to take the horse. In answer to tho prisoner : I did not see you in Parnell on March 20th. T. Steadman said: lam in charge of Buck land's yards. I remember Friday, the 20th ult. It was a weekly sale day. The prisoner came into the yards about a quarter to seven in the morning. He brought a grey horso with him, also a saddle and bridle. He gave the hoise in charge to John Scott, stableman. I did not speak to him, but I have no doubt of his identity. Thomas Belcher, employed at Buck land's sale-yards, gave similar evidence, and deposed to having received instructions from the prisoner to sell the horse. Prisoner gave the name of Madden, and said he had had the horse three weeks, It was put up to auction, and sold to a man named Gavin. Eventually it was handed over to Detective Jeffrey. John Gavin, a labourer, residiug at Pan mure, said he was at Buckland's sale on the 29tk of March, and purchased the grey horse, now outside tile Court. He knew that the horse belonged to Mr. Loom, and that it ought not to be sold. The prisoner was pointed out to him as the person who entered it for sale. Prisoner said he did not own the horse, but was selling it on account of a man named Matthew Moyle, who was not in the yard. Detective Jeffrey deposed to arresting the prisoner on the 30th of March for steal ing the grey horse. Prisoner then said he had met a man going up Durham-street, who asked him to enter the horse for sale, but he did not know who the man was or where to find him. William Barron said : I am a baker, carrying on business in Queen-street. The prisoner was lodging with me on the 28th March last, and up to' the time of his arrest. The prisoner went out at ten p.m. on the night of the 28th. He returned about seven next morning. The prisoner was committed for trial. A Jgcharge of refusing to ■ support an illegitimato1 child was satisfactorily arranged out of Court.

CABLEGRAMS.

DESPERATE

FIGHTIETG- AT THAEFSVAL.

Evacuation of Shumla and Varna.

Servian Army Disbanded.

[REUTERS SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.]

LONDON, April 15. There has been desperate fighting at Transvaal, The situation is serious. CONSTANTINOPLE, April 14. The Russians require the Turks to evacuate Shumla and Varna without delay. The Servian army lias been dis banded.

RUSSIA ATTEMPTING MEDIATION.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.]

LONDON, April 12. Germany is attempting mediation through the Ministers accredited to Berlin. MURDER OF THE EARL OF LEITRIM. LONDON, April 12. The Earl of Leitrim's murder was debated in both Houses of Parliament. The re porters were excluded for three hours, owing to aspersions on his Lordship's private character. THE CAPE WAR. LONDON, April 14. Later Cape telegrams state that the situ ation in the Transvaal is serious. RIOTS IN GLASGOW. LONDON, April 14. There was rioting in Glasgow on Satur day. The Papal Allocution was burnt. The riot was renewed on Sunday. Several were injured, Twenty arrests were made.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE SUPPOSED ARTHUR ORTON,

[SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY 1 SYDNEY, April 15. Amotion has been tabled in the Assem. bly for the release from the Parramatta Asylum, of the lunatic _supposed to be Arthur Orton. Typhus fever is raging iv several parts of the country. RE-APPOINTMENT OF JUDGED MELBOURNE, April 15. At a Cabiuet Council to-day, three County Court Judges, three Crown Prose cutors, and eleven stipendiaries were re-ap pointed. The Council will resume its sit ting to-morrow, for the consideration of other departments.

MR CHARLES T. HARDING'S BENEFIT.

AYE would remind the many friends of Mr Charles Harding that the complimentary benefit tendered to him by some of the leading amateurs of Auckland comes off to morrow evening. The rehearsal for this performance has been in active progress since the date was decided on, and from what we hear, the affair i 3 likely to be a decided success. The first part of the performance consists of a chair performance, in which fifteen amateurs will take part, Messrs P. Doran, tanibo ; W. Carey, bones ; R. Teague, as John ston being the most protniuent. Part second will consist of an excellent selection of glees, duets, comic and sentimental songs, nigger sketches, and farces. Mr. Cope has organised an effective orchestra for the occasion. One of the features of the entertainment will be a song specially com posed by Professor Cope, which will be sung by Mr. Harding. Plan of dress circle may ha seen at Mr. Upton's, Queen-street.

SUPREME COURT.—CIVIL SITTINGS.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies, and a special jury.) Yesterday.—Continued, Richard Arthur v. the Waikato Steam Navigation Coal Company (limited.) EVIDENCE FOR THE DEFENCE. Richard Robert Hunt, local manager, deposed that four extra hands were engaged for the clay, in order to ensure the safety of passengers. At Hamilton some of the passengers jumped off before the steamer was properly swung round. He ordered two men to attend at the gangway with lights. They did not land the passengers at the wharf because it was considered unsafe, the wharf being much out of repair. A gangway was on board the Delta ; a very substantial one, adapted for landing cattle. A prize bull was landed across it. When the steamer got up to the proper landing, the stage was put out, but some persons were in the hubit of jumping off too soon. Before the steamer left Cambridge, I appointed two men to occupy certain stations, and to be particularly careful at Newcastle tv have their lights burning, and prevent accident. land Captain Lindsay assisted in guiding passengers. I saw the lights, and the men run out the stage. Captain Lindsay assisted in directing passengers to the gangway. Niccol and Gaul were the only men authorised to take tickets. There were lights from the engine room ; lie could see the hatch when Mr Arthur fell. Captain Lindsay gave similar evidence, as did Alexander Niccol, who made the model of the steamer. Richard Hobbs, farmer, of Pokeno,waa a passenger, and landed at Newcastle; he saw the men with lights, and heard them shout "tickets." It was very dark, but he caught hold of the tail of a friend's coat, and got out as quickly as possible, as there was a rush from the steamer for beds. The Court rose at 5.15 p.m. .

THIS DAY.

(His Honor took his seat at ten o'clock.) Captain Lindsay was recaßed by Mr Tyler, and questioned as to the position of the steamer on landing, and of the two men. James Gall was in the Company's employ in October last. Remembered the evening of the 25th. Saw Mr Hunt on board, who instructed him to get lights ready between Cambridge and Hamilton ; also to receive tickets of passengers on reaching New castle. He helped to get the gangway out, but Avhile doing so the passengers were rushing ashore like a flock of sheep. He got on to the barge and took tickets ; the gangway was not then out. It was put out as soon as possible, but the paesengers pre vented by crowding in the way. The vessel was not made fast. Captain Cellem cried out that no passengers were to go ashore until he should say " all right." He believed there were two lights in the fore-* hole, and one in the after-hole. The people were ad vancingbelowandhe joined them, but tl_ed;.ncingceasedonreachingNgarawahaiaJ; did not see the accident; he wa3 on the gangway when the call was made for assis tance ; did not see Mr Hunt just then. Cross-examined by Mr F Whitaker : There was a darkie assisting in taking tickets; he helped on his own account; his name was Jackson, knew lie was dark before, or should not have known he was dark, as the night was dark. Mr Hunt blew him up for his impudence. Edmund John Wells, coach-maker, of Newcastle, deposed to being on the Delta at the time of the accident, and described the position of the steamer. He did not wait for the stage, but jumped off before the steamer was stopped. ' Did not hear anyone sing out. He saw the barge by such light as appeared. Ho "was in a great hurry. Was not a seafaring man; could not des cribe a vessel. Cross-examined by Mr A. Whitaker. Thomas Davis, storekeeper, of Newcastle, was present and landed in the ordinary way by the stage • he heard the fall, but could see the prisoner ; he believed the vessel was not fastened,, as the captain was giving orders to that effect. Alexander Jackson, a man of colour, de posed that he was an expressman in Hamil ton, and on the 25th Oct. he helped as an extra man on the Delta ; he was not exactly a hireling, he was a friend of the ticket takers, INiccol and Gall. The witness caused some amusement by his Virginian manner of talk in wrongly describing the steamer; witness said the passengers were jumping about in every direction, and leaping like frogs. Captain Oellam bawled, "make the line fast;" Capt. Lindsay cried, " this way, boys, for the gangway." Gall sang out "tickets here;" while the passengers kept on jnmping. He took tickets on bis own responsibility. Heard somebody fall, and he suug out "below," saw two men go down. Cross-examined by Mr F. Whitaker; he was anxious to assist every body, and especially his friends, the ticket-takers; had a fancy for the Delta ; handed the tickets to his friends. Charles J. W. Barton, a farmer, of New castle gave evidence similar to that of several previous .vitnesses. Captain Win. G. Cellem commanded the steamer on the night in question, and acted .as commander in accordance with the regu lations. He was standing on the upper deck, and was enabled better to see the surround ings of the vessel thau persons on the lower deck. He had been a master 25 yeais, and had often lauded passengers at thai; place both day and night. Thomas Wells, storekeeper, of Mercer, was also a passenger, and was safely lauded across the gangway. This closed the evidence for the defence. Mr Tyler then addressed the Court for the defence, and said that, although there was little variation in the evidence of a number of witnesses, it was perhaps necessary to call the whole of the witnesses to shew to Mr Arthur that while the directors of the (Company sympathized with Mr Arthur, they were also desirous of shewing that plaintiff's misfortune -was chiefly through his own want of caution while endeavouring to land. Mr Tyler then referred to the evidence of the witnesses.

EYENIXG STAR, TUESDAY, APRIL 16 1878



A MAGNIFICENT STOCK OF NEW AUTUMN AND WINTER DRESS MATERIALS Just Opened. Ho A TKINS Invites attention to his Stock: of New Dress Materials, Ladies Jackets, Ulsters, Black and Coloured Silks, Velvets, Velve teens, &c, suitable for the coming Season. Now on View. Splen did Colours in New Silk Reps, Wool Reps, Wool Poplinettes, Satin Cloths, Wool Serges,T willed Carmelites, Estamene Serges, French Merinos, Winseys, and Fancy Dress Goods. All splendid value. All the new shades pro curable in Stock. The selection this season is the largest and best ever shewn in the city. Good quality Black Silk at 3s lid per yard. All the new shades in Coloured Silks. Also Good Che»p Blankets. Quilts, Sheetings, Table Linen, Flannels, Calicos, and Manchester Goods. IN THE CLOTHING DEPART MjE N T New Tweed Suits. Coats, Trow sers aud Vests suitable for all classes. A large Stock of Boy's and Youth's Tweed Suits, in our own make and imported. An immense stock of New Tweeds in Bannockburn, Mosgiel,. Scotch, West OS Kngland, &c. Tailors can select from the largest stock in Auckland at Wholesale Prices. Cheap Tweeds suitable for Boy's wear. Good Quality Guaranteed, and Prices Lowest in Auckland for All Descriptions of \ Drapery and Clothing. gs* H. AT X Igg S. -@3 IOONEDUST! B0 WM DUST! J3 BONEDUST! To Arrive, per Hero 100 TONS BONEDUST. Also, Just Landed, ex Borough Belle: A FINE SAMPLE OF BILLYARD'S NO. 1 BONEDUST. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, o.neeu-3tr9et.



THORNTON SMITH. AND FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale) Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. 50*3 Brown Brand Flour, & s. d. & s. d. & s. d. per ton 17 0 0 17 10 0 18 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 14 0 0 14 10 0 15 0 0 Sharps 710 0 Bran 600 Fowl Wheat .. .. ss. per bushel. Tho above prices include sacks and bags; sacks andbags not returnable. Terms: Cash. .- April 4th, 1878. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN about to FURNISH are reminded that ONE OB 1 THE LARGEST STOCKS IN THE COLONY OF FURNITURE CARPETS FLOORCLOTHS BEDDING, &c, &c, &c„ Is on Sale at T. as B. Ooske's FURNISHI N_.G WAREHOUSE 67, Queen-street, V"EW ZEALAND HOUSE. During the Winter Months, this Establish ment will be CLOSED at 5.30 p.m. (Saturdays exespted), commencing on MONDAY, the 15th April. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, ■VT X W 7SALAND XT OUS E. 66, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. rjNION INSURANCE COMPANY U OK NEW ZEALAND. A.PJTAL ~ f13.000.000. U O X I. A IS 1) 1? R A N C H Q U E E N - S T R E E T. Next the Colonial Bank. j IRK DEPARTMENT. Insuranc granted on Dwelling - hoases, Stores. Shops, Buildings in which trade iB carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, AT owkst Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. -; A.c JjINABURY & Co., DRESSMAKERS AND MILLINERS. NEW DRESS MATERIALS. . A Large Assortment of New Dress Goods for the present Season, in every fashionable shade, Just Opened up at A. LINABURY & CO.'S,



NEW WINTER COSTUMES, KKW MANTLES, NEW ULSTERS, NEW MILLINIORY, NEW HATS A Large Assortment of Paris Trimmed Hats and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also. n _ Hosiery, Silk Ties, Umbrellas, Collars and Cnffs, Gloves, Children's Mantles and Jackets. Also, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. ts" Look in at "©a A. LIN ABU RY &■ CO.' S, 201 &206, qukh-n-stuket. Auckland. Industry of A.ll S"ati ons AT TnE CITY HALL ARCADE. Light and graceful Bent Wood Furniture, Settees, Rocking, Arm and Side Chairs, Children's Chairs, from AUSTRIA. Beautifully Carved WALNUT DRAWING ROOM SUITES, direct from the Manufacturers in ITALY. Exquisitely Painted FLOWER VASES, various sizes, from BELGIUM. Superior TOILETWARE, TOILET TABLE SETS, of mediaeval and modern designs, from ENGLAND. TEXTILIfi FABRICS in Silk and Wool, soft rich, and beautiful for Furniture and Curtains. SATINE CRETONNES, superior to anything imported, Laving Satin Finish, suitable for Drawing-rooms, from FRANCE. The Latest Designs, New Colours, and Very Handsome . BRUSSELS 3ARPETS, and a large lot of Cheap and Good TAPESTRY Just Opened. Articles of Use and Beauty, to any design and price, from our own FURNITURE MANUFACTORY in AUCKLAND. Ladies and Gentlemen Furnishing, are invited to inspect tho STO CX of Eolloway, teliek 85 Gran-well, City fl_ all __\_ road c, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. iTeapery! tt*r apery. *2t new season goods i ! somerfield and leek In taking this opportunity to address their numerous friends and the general public, desire to express thanks for liberal patronage, and beg to introduce to their notice a very Superior Selection of Goods ex Chasea, Fontenayo, and Chili, NOW OPENING, comprising Blankets, Flannels, Calicos, Shirtings, Sheetings, Tick ings, Winceys, Satin Cloths, All Wool Serges, Hosiery, &c , All Wool Shawls, &c. Men's and Boys' Clothing.. Moleskins, Corduroys, Tweeds, fee. This Large and Well-assorted Stock, having been Purchased for Cash in the over-stocked English Markets, is Now Offered for Sale at Prices Lower than Ever Heard of it* Auckland. Inspection Invited. m VERY SPECIAL LINE. HEAVY 11J FAMILY BLANKETS, AT 17s Gd. Country Orders will have special attention. Hawkers Supplied at Wholesale Prices. SOMERFIELD & LECK, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. riLOVER SEEDS, RYE GRASS, &C. On Sale, ex Late Arrivals : CLOVER SEEDS, CONSISTING of White Clover Timothy Red Clover Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke Sea., &c, &c. Turnip also, 200 bushels ENGLISH PERENNIAL RYE GRASS 50 bushels ENGLISH POA PRATENSIS 500 lbs. INDIAN DOOB GRASS 1,000 lbs. ALEALPA 2,000 lbs. AMERICAN TIMOTHY. AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seicds. The above have arrived in first-class condition. Samples will be forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c. &c, frpm carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates, W, J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street.



mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS' W. J. HURST & CO.' have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teacheH that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a j udiciou > and if *ra use of them. The flattering 'I est) monials from leading Farmers justify W. .!. Hurst & Co. in strongly commeuding them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELLS BONE FLOUR JandJ-inch BONEI-UST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. Lis/addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manure* for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as tho Potato and Mangold mixture that for tho last two sea sous has attracted such favourable notice.. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will l>' supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURSI oi L>'-., 101. Queen- treet. p RA N D Q FF E R BY THE AMERICAN NOVELTY COMPANY. Tho following articles will be sent by Mail to any part of New Zealand on receipt of £1 :— 1 Brook's Glass Cutter, Tin Opener, Knife and Scissors Sharpener .. ..__.. 4/ 1 Banaza Fruit and Vegetable, Pairing, Slicing, and Coring Knife 1/u 1 Champion Nutmeg Grater. Save your fingers m _l» 1 Dish-washing and Toasting 1 ong .. .. £1 1 Smok6r's Pet. Meerschaum pipe eclipsed 1/ 1 Folding Lamp Shade (Patent) l/f> 1 Indelible Tablet for Marking Linen .. 2/ 1 Littlo Giant Tack I lammer, drives, draws, and sets J.'jj 1 Little Harry's Night Lamp .. .. .. 1/G 1 Magic Cork Puller, Chimney Cleaner, &c. 1/ 1 Oriental Silver Polish. Great success .. 1/ 1 Pattern Copying and Tracing Wheel .. 1/G 1 Pearl Cement. Mends everything. Save the pieces .. j' 1 Puzzle Key Ring .. . ■ • 1/ 1 Shine-Shine Starch Polish and Chinese Washing Blue V 1 Slate Pencil Sharpener and Cleaner .. /j) 1 Good Templar Pen, witu .-pint of ink .. lb Total m. Discount ofl °/ Amount =61 "A UTOMN .AND WINTER, IS7B Tho undersigned are bringing fo ward Large Parcels of NEW GOODS For the Incoming Season's Trade, Comprising GENERAL DRAPERY and CLOTHING Of Every Description. Entirely New and Well Bought both as regards Quahtv and Pkice. Particulars in future issue. Inspection Invited, FIVE PER CENT. (Is. in the £), ALLOWED ON ALL CASH PUR CHASESEOF 20s. and UPWARDS. O.USUBROOK AND fUItIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Sec, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE (Opposite tho Army and Navy Hotol), UPPER QUE EN - S T 11 E E T, Auckland. Bank Holiday. Tho Banks Will bo CLOSED from FRIDAY, 19th (Good Friday), to MONDAY, 22nd April inclusive.