SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

,„„ ~,.,„„„ ( This Afternoon, 4 31 __.„H wA. 1 ____—-) To-morrow Morning, 0.0 SUN SST.—This Evening, 6.55 rtij. RISE.—To morrow Mcrmncr. 5.31 MOON "SAGE.—FaII Moon, 17th Feb., 10.5a p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Hawea, s,s., Wheeler, fromßusselJ. j

DEPARTURES.

Taranaki. s.s., Malcolm, for the South (from Hin-Soa(JO-- s.s., Fairchild, for Wellington.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Sydney—City of Sydney, s.s., on arrival from an Francisco. For Londcn-Lo--.fleet, ship. May Queen, ship, ForoTaranaki and the South — s.s. Taiaroa, Tuesday 19th; s.s. Taranaki. 'luesday 26th. For ' Tauranga and the South—Taupo, _ hurs- For Napier and the South—Rotorua. Tuesday For Bus. ell and North—Taupo, Monday 18th. For Gisborne—Advance, schooner, Saturday.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Font en aye, barque, from London; sailed __.n December. Mazeppa, schooner, from Levuka early. Charybdia, schooner, from the Island-, early Omaha, brigantine, from Chatham Islands, Minnehaha, schooner, from the South, early Leucadia- ship, from London, early Lapwins. brigantine, from New Aork Linda Weber, schooner, from Timaru, early Oceola, brigantine, from Adelaide .early Chile, barque, from London; sa led dtn JNov. Chasca. barque, from London: sailed itli i. or. City of Sydney, R.M.s., from 'Frisco, about Wednesday next. _._.„_. . Helena, brigantine, from Lyttelton, earlj. Mendoza. barque, from London, sailed Dec. loth. Sophia, R. Luhrs, barque, from _.ew York, early.

EXPORTS,

Per Hawea:— „ _ _ 1 case-briar pipss.—E. &H. Isaacs.

The s.s. Taranaki left Onehunga yesterday afternoon for the South. Passengers: Mr and Mrs Gill ingham, Mr and Missßevell (2)., Mr. and Misses Hart (2), Mrs Wainhouse, Mrs Gilmoui. Mrs Dyrden, Mrs Dougherty, Mrs Blarael, Mrs Weston, Miss Chapman : Messrs Bastard. Den shire, Kohn. Gorman, Coutts, Smith, Weston, Morrison, Downe, Isaac, Aiken (_), Howell, Moodie, Sinclair, Wanchop, and 13 in the steer-

The s.s. Rowena left for Mercury Bay and Tauranga y. sterdav evening. «,«._,_,_, The s.s. Hero arrived in Sydney after a pas sage of about five days. _ The s.s. Rotorua left Sydney yesterday for this port, and is due here on Monday next. _ The s.s. Rotoiti is advertised to make a special trip to Ohinemuri. She is to leave Auckland at 10 p.m. on Friday for Shortland, and leave Shortland for Ohinemuri on Saturday at 3 p.m.o . The s.s. Go.ahead left Gisborne yesterday for Auckland. She is due to-morrow. The fine ship Manganui. belonging to the New ?er.land Shipping Co., and commanded by Capt. Watt, well-known in this port as the late captain of the Celestial Queen, has arrived at Lyttelton from London and Plymouth with immigrants. There was no sign of the mail steamer City ol Pvdneyupto the time of going to press. The following passengers booked this morning:— T,or Sydney : The Australian Cricket Team (13), Me.srs. McCovey, E. H. Williams, E. Gilroy, Miss Gorry, Mr and Mrs E. TVhite, two children, and servant, Mr and Mrs Archer.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails wilt. Close ab Under:— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to-mor row, at 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, to morrow, at 2.30 p.m. Fm- Tairua. per Mana, to-morrow, at 4 lo p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, Mangapai, per Anne Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Taupo, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For Australian Colonies. Batavia, Singapore, China, and Japan, via Torres Straits, per s.s. City of Sydney, immediately after her arrival from Honolulu. „ For Taranaki and Southern Previnces. per Taiaroa, on Tuesday, 19th inst, at 5 a.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS

One Who Wishes Vicious Customs Done Away With.—We have made inquiry of the medical gentleman you name, and in other quarters, but cannot discover the slightest confirmation of your story. If what you state is true, the matter should be brought into the Police Court. If, on the other hand, the statements are untrue or grossly exaggerated, your letter is libellous.

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

THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 11, 1878.

£or t__ c*ate thai lacks. tariaUoct, Fa* Use incog that _eids ie___u___ _•» tbe fetor. In tbe dteutce. Aj.l the seed t&tt _» -*» «**

We divert attention to an important cable despatch received late this afternoon, and published in another column. It will be seen that in consequence of the determination of the British Government to send the fleet to Constantinople, Gorls chakoff threatens to send the Russian army into the city. Affairs are rapidly approach ing a climax.

THE City Council appears to be very much exercised over the question of the water rate. A meeting rarely passes without three or four motions, warranted to heal all discontent, and with almost unvarying regularity each is consigned to the limbo of exploded notions, to ie-appear, however, in some 'modified form, figure its little hour upon the notice paper, and again disappear. The occasion of this great perturbation in the Corporate mind may be found in certain profit and loss statements arising out of the working of the water supply. Many months have passed since the water was made available iv the city, yet the revenue account shews a very nasty overdraft. Six months ago the elect of the burgesses were in wardly sighing for a hot, dry summer to force the reluctant ratepayers upon the consumers' roll, but the elements have remained obdurate; ,and the Council is now landed —secure though extremely uncomfortable — between the horns of several very awkward dilemmas. While one declares that the cause of all the trouble is the heaviness of the consumers' rate, another is equally vociferous in the interests of the people who pay a five per cent special rate and get nothing in return. A third section— and these are most aggrieved of all complain that they are compelled to pay the r->te, but cannot get the water, although desirous of taking it. Meanwhile, over all and above all, hangs the. stern, uncompromising fact that the annual payment of £6,000 for interest must be met. There is no shaking this off; pay it how they may, paid it must be by the burgesses. We cannot eat our cake and still have it; £100,000 for the purposes of a water supply have been borrowed and spent, and if from any unforeseen causes the supply were to cease to-morrow, the special rate levied to pay the interest would still be recoverable. It would be idle to cry out against the cost now, even if the water supply had been dearly purchased. The changes recently made in the consu mer's rate represent a reduction of about 25 per cent, and the charges for the supply are below those current in neighbouring colonies. The chief obstacle to the general use of the water is the heavy cost of laying it on. But the special rate of a shilling upon consumers and non-consumers equally is a very oppressive burden; and if the Council, instead of beating about like a windmill in search of fanciful tarifls, were to direct its whole attention towards the reduction of that rate .as speedily as possible, it would disclose at least a practical appreciation of the point where the real hardship lies. Councillor Masefield's motion yesterday with this object was rejected ; aud perhaps in the present state of the water account, and with the prospect of an extension of the service, the Council was not in a position to give the proposal effect. Members should, however, steadily keep in view the importance of relieving the general taxation of the city, in preference to the adoption of measures .vhich at best can only afford very partial amelioration, and are not unlikely to delay the lowering' of the present assessment of 2s 3d iv the pound on all property—a rate which has no parallel in New Zealand.

existed in connection with this place was so fully recognised that there was a great out cry for the establishment of a -laughter house more in keeping with the require ments of a. .numerous and rapidly growing population, and the butchers.; themselves took a prominent part" in the agitation which resulted in the erection of the new city abattoirs. If we remember rightly several of the butchers present at last night's meeting were amongst the most energetic.and persisted iv urging on the establishment of a new slaughter-house at the Western Springs, and undertook in writing to sup port it if the fees were not in excess of those current at the time. The slaughter house has been built, the fees have been greatly lowered, the strong objections to the Newmarket slaughter house combined in the letters of Drs Goldsbro' and Stockwell still exist in even stronger force than before, and it would therefore be interesting to know why the gentlemen present at last night's I meeting have altered their minds since they signed .he paper referred to. It is admitted on all hands that the site of the existing Newmarket slaughterhouse is in every way unsuitable, and fraught with danger to the meat supply of the_ city and to the inhabitants of a. district whose population is rapidly increasing. The agitation in favour of its continuance is therefore inimical to the public interests, and ought not to be countenanced or supported. If the new city abbatoirs are inconveniently situated — and certainly some of the butchers appear to have some ground of complaint on this score—the remedy lies in their own hands. Let them secure suitable buildings on a proper site, but do not attempt to perpetuate an establishment which has been a public disgrace for years past.

The efforts now being: used by a section of butchers to perpetnate tha notorious " glory hole" of Newmarket are certainly hot conducive to public health and the supply of wholesome food to. the people. lor years past the New market Slaughterhouse has been publicly condemned as a frightful nuisance to the neighbourhood, and a standing menace to the sanitary condition of the inhabitants. The danger to, the public health which

The Mail Steamer.

A telegram rcc ived from Waiwera an nounces that the mail steamer passed there at 4 o'clock.

The National Bank has had another suc cessful half-year, and has declared an in terim dividend at the rate of six per cent, per annum. _

To the Editor : Sir,—Several instances of complaint occur, made by parents in City East district, of their children being re fused admission to tho new school in Wel lesley-street, because of want of room, while at the same time it is very well known that many children from other city districts, as well as some many miles in the country, are received—to the shutting out of the former, who are the rightful occupauts. There should be no delay in remedying a matter of so just complaint as this.—Yours, etc., City East.

To the Editor : Sir,—A more careful supervision of the columns of your journal would prevent it being said and believed that the Mayor of this city countenances the publication of most contemptible skits about the late Pope, iv the " beautiful Star" of Auckland.—Yours, &c, J. GOLDEN. [Our correspondent rightly surmises that the offensive and senseless reference slipped in through hurried re vision.—ED. E.S.] The members of the Union Cricket Club held a general meeting at the Wynyard Arms Hotel, last evening, Mr W. George, the Captain, in the chair. Several new members were elected, and Mr Mulvary appointed Treasurer. It was agreed that the Club should assemble for practice on Tuesday and Friday mornings, aud'Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. Two challenges to a match on Saturday were read, one bein_; from the Victoria, and the other, Excelsior Cricket Club. The latter was accepted, and the meeting ter minated.

At the meeting of the City Council yesterday afternoon, the recommendation of the. Waterworks Committee that the turncock and assistant turncock, who had sent in claims for 10s overtime on the night of the late fire, receive one month's notice of dismissal, was agreed to on the casting vote of the Mayor. Councillor Waddell considered that the men sent iv the claim to see whether it would be paid, and he was pretty certain that if they allowed it to pass this time it would amount to £1 on the next occasion. Councillor Goldie held the same view of the matter.

The congregation of St. Andrew's held their annual meeting last evening, Rev. A. Carrick in the chair. The proceedings opened with prayer, after which Mr George Fraser submitted the report and balance sheet, which were of a cheering and hopeful character. It was resolved that these be printed for circulation among the congre gation. The election of deacons and elders were thon discussed, and several gentlemen was nominated. The proceedings closed in the usual way. Messrs Jameson Brothers and Co., Christ church, announce through our columns that they purpose holding periodical sales of grain by auction at their stores. The first sale will take place on tho 21_t February. The sales, it is anticipated, will be benefi cial to both vendor and purchaser, bringing them directly together. The firm also pay careful and prompt attention to orders from distant constituents.

At yesterday's meeting of the City Council, it was agreed that the strength of the water supply be tested at 5.30 p.m. on Friday next. At the City Council meeting yesterday, after we went to press, Councillor Masefield moved, " That the special rate be reduced from 5 to 3£ per cent, which would make the rate equal to 9d in the £." Mr Dickson also moved " That 50 per cent of the special water rate levied and paid upon any rateable property having frontages to streets where the water has not been sup plied, be refunded." Both motions were negatived. It was agreed that Mr Shaw, the street inspector, should be informed that the amount of work done is in sufficient, and unless immediate attention is given a change would be made.

To the Editor : Sir, —Knowing that you are always ready to assist to rectify grievances, I will state a case at present. The ship May Queen was ordered to haul off from the wharf, when had the ship been allowed to remain, they might have finished the loading easily last night. I think it most unjust, considering that there is a vessel, that fnay not be loaded for some time, and taking in very little cargo, allowed to be left undisturbod, it looks strange. _Tou must bear in mind that it is not only expensive to shippers and detention to the ship and passengers.—Yours, &c, One Interested.

Rate defaulters of Ponsonby and or Dedwood are reminded that they must square up by Saturday, or they will be apprised of the same on Monday by summons.

gg_The Committee appointed at the recent meeting at J. ewton to wait upon the Insur ance Companies to request aid towards the formation of a Fire Brigade for that district had a meeting with Messrs G. S. Graham, G. P. Pierce, and A. Boardmau, to-day, aud were requested to furnish an estimate of the probable cost of the brigade, aud amount of contributions from] residents. This information will be laid before the associated Insurance Companies, and it is believed that their reply will be favourable.

A musical and literary entertainment will be given this evening'in the Franklin Road school-room, in aid of the Band of Hope abstainers of the district. Mr McKenzie, the steady adviser of young people, will occupy the chair. We under stand that this is the only remaining Band of Hope in Auckland, which is a matter for regret, as these juvenile societies have been the means of effecting a large amount of good wherever they have existed. A meeting of plumbers, tinsmiths, and gasfitter3 will be held this evening, in the club-room of the British Hotel,- to consider the advisability of forming a Sick Benefit, and possibly, a Life Insurance Society, at loav rates for small sums at death, without which a Sick Benefit Society at ordinary premiums could not exist.

Mr Severn, the popular scientific and chemical lecturer, is giving a second course of lectures at Brisbane, where ho has met with considerable success.

The Victoria Assembly has voted an address to the Queen, describing the causes of the crisis, and expressing a hope aud be lief that the Crown will not employ influence or authority to help the minority to impede the wishes of the great bouy ot the people. The address will probably be adopted to-night. Mr Beny has stated that he could not promise to reinstate all the dismissed officers on tho passing of the Appropriation Bill,

In reply to a deputation from the .Patea County Council the Hon. J. Sheehan said the Government would not concede an inch of confi-cated lajid, bnt would if possible prosecute Europeans who endeavoured to incite the natives with the object of throw ing obstacles in the way of a final settle ment. The Government proposed to sell a portion of the Waimate plains on deferred payment, and the remainder for cash. The Thames "Advertiser" falls into a blunder iv supposing that the panorama of the Turko-Rnssian war now being exhibited in St. George's Hall, Wellington, is the old panorama of the Franco-Prussian war, formerly the property of Mr C. Curtis, of Grahamstown. The panorama is entirely new, the paintings having been done by two good artists, and the work was com menced about the middle of the session.

The letter-carriers were this morning weightily reminded of the return of S.. Val entine 'a Day by numbers of letters llustra tiveof the'foolish period of life between childhood and maturity. The origin of tne custom of sending valentine letters on the 14th of February is lost in the twilight of the past. February in England is subject to great changes, the snows and frosts of winter g.ve way to th softer influences of spring, and everything in Nature hears its hud of promise. Ihe farmer is busy with his plough in the held, and beneath budding hedgerows, and in gar dens, the snowdrop and primrose peep forth. The softened earth with fertile moisture teems, and freed from ice down rush the swelling streams. The wild birds, also, begin to twitter in the trees, and the robin chants his ditty from the rustic stile, or from the leafless bough, and the country people say " the birds choose their mates on Si. Valentine's Day." The girls too, ai'e very careful in taking their morning peep out of their windows, for the first man they see, be he sweep or milkman, is the Valen tine for the year. The day, however, has its memories. On the 14th Feb. 1400, Richard II was murdered in Pontefract Castle ; Feb. 14th, died at Hereford, John Phillip., author of the " splendid shilling" ; Feb. 14th, 1780, died Sir William Black stone, the eminent lawyer and commenta tor; on Feb. 14th, 1793 died Brass Crosby,the patriotic Mayor of the city of London, whose name is remembered at Crosby Hall, Bishopsgate-street; on Feb. 14th, 1797, Sir John Jarvis, Earl of St Vincent, obtained a signal victory over the Spanish fleet; and on Feb. 14th, 1770, Captain James Cook, the circumnavigator, was killed, a man whose name is intimately and inseparably associated with the history and progress of Kew Zealand. The owners of the following balances of subscriptions, now lying at our office, will ot. i'<e hy calling for them at once :—Mrs W.-fc, Cook-street, 15s; Mrs Coghlan, Ss 6d ; widow of Constable Tapsell, £1 5s ; Auckland- Dispensary, £1 10s. John McCasland, better known a. " Little Jack," a settler of many years standing, died at the Hosnital at the age of 61, this morning. Mr McCasland was well-known in Auckland, more especially in connection with elections, in which he always dis played very great interest. «' Little Jack's" prominent weakness was in the direction of exercising as many votes himself as possible, and, on the other "hand, striking and utterly nullifying as many as he could of his neigh bours. His name appeared very frequently on the roll in connection with a great number of properties in various parts of the country, aud probably not even the genius of a Stanley would he able xo discover the whereabouts of a good many of them at the present moment. Even if a tithe of these properties can be found, the Curator of Intestate Estates will make a handsome thing out of the administration of the estate at five per cent. Mr McCasland's vote will be sadly missed from some of our elections, and his death will cause a considerable decrease in the population, aud a great blank in the electoral roll. He was attacked by paralysis a few days ago, aud died this morning.

Suez Mail Items.

GENERAL SUMMARY.

London, December 21

The Duke of Connaught, accompanied by Lord Henry Gordon Lennox, has been travelling in Hungary incog. He arrived at Vienna on the 18th.

Surgeon-General William Munro, C.8., will succeed Sir William Muir as Director- General of the .umy. Medical Deputy Assistant Commissary General John Spencely has been dismissed the service for accepting a bribe of £140 from a Government milk contractor at Aldcrshot.

The Northampton, ono of the most powerful war-ships afloat, had a most suc cessful trial at Plymouth on the 18th. The report of the committee appointed to inquire into the stability of the Inflexible considers that she is a safe seagoing vess .1, but it is questioned by the committee whether the safety of such vessels might uot be greatly increased by adding to their beam, without imparing their efficiency. Since the commencement of the week ereat activity has prevailed in the dock yards, and orders were received on Wed nesday to forward as rapidly as possible the refitting and repair of vessels in hand, and several under construction were directed to be completed forthwith. Instructions have been given that the four 40-ton gun_ for the Inflexible should be at once chambered without waiting for further rifling experi ments. The manufacture of 16-pounder field guns, shipped lately, is resumed. The Himalaya sailed for the Mediterranean on Tuesday with new crews for the Raleigh and Devastation and supernumeraries for other vessels of the fleet.

At the distribution of prizes to several Volunteer corps at James' Hall, on Wed nesday, it was stated that there were now enrolled in the force 241,712 men, of whom 42,105 are artillery, and that at least half a-million more men in England had passed through the ranks. At Oldham, on the 12th, the Solicitor- General said : " We are in the midst of a momentous crisis, and in discussing who was responsible for tho war it must be remembered what advice had been given to the combatants by irresponsible persons Those who said English influence had failed to prevent the quarrel should recollect what action had heen taken by one who took a leading part in politics, and was much looked up to abroad."

Mr Bright, at Mamhester, on the 11th, strongly advocated the formation of canals in India, as a preventative of future famine. £25,000,000 or £30,000,000 laid out in that way would be well spent.

Mr Stansfeld, in addressing his consti tuents at Halifax, on the 18th, said the Established Church wa_ an anachronism, and the severance of Church and State inevitable. He condemned the action of Lord Beaconsfield on the war question, and the writings of his supporters in the Press. Temple Bar has been taken down and the external stones numbered, with a view to its re-erection on some site to be determined upon hereafter. The residence of Mr Johnston, British Vice' Consul at Irqueto, has been attacked by a band of fifty Hierolistas, headed by the Mayor. Mr Johnston was absent at the time, but Mrs Johnston was fired at several times. She fortunately escaped out of the house and took refuge in an adjoining forest. The English legation at Leioa. has demanded satisfaction.

A monument to King Robert Bruce has been inaugurated at Stirling.

A proposal has been made for enlargin the canal between Sheffield and Hull, so as render it available for sea-going vessels. , The registration fee on letters will De* reduced from the Ist January to 2d, and strongly-made lined envelopes will be sold, by the department. - The Law Amendment Society are in favour of establishing a court of review in. such cases as the Peuge trial. , The son of AL Prevost Paradol, who com mitted suicide a few years back, shot him self yesterday in Paris. He was 17. The question of protection or free trade is being very generally, discussed. Sir Louis Mallet has been requested by the Cobden Club to write an essay on the subject according to the latest development. The masons' strike continues, both masters and men declining to give way. Foreign masons still arrive, and several fiohts have occurred between the English ami foreign workmen. The latter are represented to be • fully equal in ability to the English masons, and they work much longer hours. Foreigners are employed upon many other buildings than the Law Courts. A fearful trade outrage was perpetrated at Sheffield on the night of the Bth instant. Two men, discharged from the Paisley Steel and Iron Works for not submitting to a reduction of wages, followed another who had consented, into a butcher's shop, and one of them, seizing a cleaver, nearly cut off the man's hand. The offender has been arrested. Other trade outrages have taken In connection with the Dunsdale frauds, a woman named Lena Chester has been charged with offering the Mansion House gaoler £500 to allow Dunsdale to escape. As it appeared she only acted from love of notoriety, she was discharged. The resignation of the Italian^ Ministry was in consequence of their obtaining only a small majority in a vote condemning their interference with telegraphing. Captain Burton lias started on his Midian expedition, accompanied by a number of European workmen and Egyptian troops. The Sultan received on the 18th the Russian officers captured at Elena. He welcomed them cordially, and gave each two months' pay. Pri.ate soldiers also re ceived a liberal donation.

An unsuccessful attempt to kill Prince Mikita was made on the 9th, at the siege of Port Antweri. He occupied a house belong ing to Selim Bey, the commander of the fort. It was niihed and blown up. The Prince was absent, but seven of his body guard were killed, and six more hurled to some distance and injured. The sudden departure from Erzeroum of Mr Tohrab, the English Consul, in pur suance of a telegram from Lord Derby, was regarded there as foreshadowing war be tween England and Russia. The statement that, at a special Cabinet meeting, on the 19th, arrangements were made for the purchase of the Turkish fleet had confirmation lent to it by the fact that Lord Beaconsfield aud Mr Smith, the first Lord of the Admiralty, spent the previous night at Windsor, aud the meeting was only couvened at half-an-hour's notice on their return to town on the morning of the 18th.

INDIA AND THE EAST.

CEYLON, January 11. The Mahommedans in India are much excited about the war in Turkey. Disturbances have occurred in China between missionaries aud natives.

Russian Siberian telegraph lines have ar rived at Shanghai.

THE MONTH'S EXPORTS

The value of the month's exports from England to the colonies are as follows :— Melbourne, £738,300; Sydney, £G36,800 ; Queensland, £103,300 ; Adelaide, £219,500; New Zealand, £136,500. The principal items are gunpowder, 2,096 cwt; bar and ron iron, 525 tons ; hoop iron, 5 tons ; sheet, S3 tons ; plate, 202 tons ; pig, 231 tons ; galvanised, 759 tons; tinplates, 1,076 boxes; fencing wire, 413 tons ; linseed oil, 10,653 gallons; tobacco, 32,556 lbs; brandy, in bulk, 15,925 gallons; brandy, in case, 7,562; red wine, 22,154 gallons; white wine, 90,827 gallons; beer, in bulk, 593 barrels ; beer, in glass, 58S barrels ; malt, 1,692 quarters ; hops, 255 cwt; white salt, 375 tons; candles, 90S cwt; currants, 722 cwt.

SPIRITUALISM : MISS EMMA HARDINGE.

The Spiritualists of this colony will shortly be visited by that celebrated American medium known as "Miss EmmaHardinge," who, with her last husband, Dr. Britton, is expected by the mail steamer. Miss Hardinge is perhaps the most eloquent lady-lecturer that the United States has produced. Her orations, some 14 years ago, in the Hanover Square Rooms and St. George's Hall, produced quite a sensation, and were the rage for a time. She tried to establish a Spiritualistic Church in the Hall of King William-street, Charing Cross, where Father Newman used to lecture; and delivered a three months' course of lectures there, but her efforts entirely failed in their avowed object. Her finest general orations were three on America, and those' on the abolition of capital punishment, with her experiences on a tour of inspection through the prisons of America on a kind of Elizabeth Fry mission, One good trait in this lady's character was her affectionate care of her aged mother, who accompanied her wherever she went, and who invariably had a comfortable seat on the platform, and who took as keen an interest in her daughter's . lectures as the most interested Serson among her auditory could possibly o. While in London, Miss Hardinge, like Walker, took care to impress her intimate followers with the belief that her highly-coloured and poetical utterances were not her own, but thoughts from the, spirit world, she being but the humble medium ol the new revelation ; and strange to say, many persons fnlly believed her statement, possibly because she displayed none of her oratorical eloquence in her public addresses. In fact, she was very unassuming in private life. Like* Thomas Walker, aud Thomas Harris, of New York, Miss Hardinge frequently closed her eyes when speaking, and held up one finger slightly' inclined towards her audience. Like Mr Spurgeon, she lequired room aud a lengthy platform, as at the close of a fection of her discourse she would suddenly take a sharp walk to the remote end of the stage, and return with equal step to the same spot, and open fire with a consecutive passage, introduced by another but kindred phase of thought. Iv person, Miss Hardinge is tall, of a good figure, and fascinating in style and appearance. The colour of her hair is' light auburn, and previously to her last marriage, she invariably attracted a number of admirers of the opposite sex. Her work on Spiritual ism has had a wide circulation among the Spiritualists of America.

MARKET GARDENERS' MEETING.

About 20 persons attended the meeting of market gardeners called for last evening, at the Newmarket Hotel, to consider the falling off in the trade, ,Mr Gieen occupied the chair. After some discussion on the subject, it was moved by Mr Gardiner and seconded by Mr Mclndoe, " That a petition to the City Council be prepared for signature, requesting that body to make a by-law compelling the market-gardeners to dispose of their produce at the Auckland market in the first instance, with liberty to hawk it for sale after 12 o'clock in the day; ■that # the hawkers' shilling permit be abolished, and a uniform fee of £1 be charged in lieu thereof, covering a period of six months." Mr Ball moved as an amend ment, "That the meeting petition the Newmarket Highway Board to set aside a piece of land for the purpose of a green grocers' market', &c, at Newmarket." There was no seconder. Mr McGarry said trade prices were cut down by the Chinese gardeners, and they had leased land from Mr Seccombe at Kyber Pass Road, and Mr F. Morrin at Remuera. He therefore moved that the gardeners drink no more of Seccombe's beer, and do not purchase any ironmongery at Mr Morrin's store. This

amendment also failed for -> Y ant seconder. After some further discus<_ -a was agreed to postpone the _neeti__4-H ' Wednesday evening next. fa ntu

CABLEGRA MS.

Latest War News,

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS PER PRESS AGEJ.CT

Russia Objects to the British Fleet in Dardanelles. England Determined to Send Fleet to Constantinople^ Gortschakoff Threatens Send Army in City. LONDON, February H. Lord Beacons-eld stated in the House of Lords that a difficulty had arisen in con- ' nection with the entry of the British fleet I into the Dardanelles. ' The intention to send the fleet to Con stantinople is unchanged. Prince Gortschakoff telegraphs. "As the British fleet goes to Constantinople, we will send our army there." The Siam left Galle on the 9th inst.

WAIKATO TURF CLUB RACES.

(Yesterday Concluded),

Handicap Hurdle Race.—a good'; start was effected, Steeltrap took the lead, and won by three lengths. Maiden Plate.—Nine started, Venus led at first, but Truthful James soon got the lead and won in a canter. Turf Cm. b Handicap, 100 soys. Two miles. Memento .. .. .. .. l Kingfiisher, lOst. .. .. ..2 Don .. .. .. .. ..3 The nine acceptances all started. Elsa. (9st. 7ibs.) and Kingfisher were the favourites. Magician and Prima Donna i'sj made the running. Memento then took up the running, followed by Kingfisher, who war unable to get on terms with the Wai kato mare, and amid great excitement was .! beaten hy three lengths. Waikato Stakes, of 25 soys. Buckland's Queen Mab .. • .. 1 Kirkwood's Tui _. .. ..2 This was a weight-for-age race, Napier, _ M Kurukuru, and Master also ran. Queen Mab won easily ; but Mr Kirkwcod pro- 1 tested on the double ground that Queen : Mab was not the bona fide property of Mr Buckland and also that Mr Buckland was not a bona fide Waikato settler. The pro- a test is in abeyance. Wamba Purse, of 10 soys. 1 1J miles. Kay's Orakau 1 Bond's Little Dick 2 , .;..! This race was confined to the progeny of Wamba, and resulted in a splendid struggle. It was won by a neck only. Maori Race. There was great fun over this race, which was run in heats. The winner ran second in. the first, and won the two last. * Great disgust was evinced at Perfume's withdrawal from the Hurdle Race, for 1 which the mare had been heavily backed. It was freety stated that Mr McGee had never intended to run her, and his conduct in keeping her in the race up to the last , moment was sevcrelv criticised.

Second Day's Races

At the second day's races the weather was bad, but there was a fair attendance. The protest against Buckland's Queen Mab in i I the Waikato Stakes was not sustained. The. I Thames Councillors are on the ground. For the Handicap Hurdle Race ionr 1 started, Perlume, Steeltrap, Loafer, and IH Sj)ortsman. Perfume lay back, the other three in a bunch. At the last hurdles wjm the first round, Perfume fell, bnt the jockey B was not hurt. Loafer drew away, and I led to the last hurdle. He cleared this, but fell on the other side, falling on his rider, and Steeltrap and Sportsmen raced I home. The former winning by a short 9 neck. Publicans' Purse Handicap.—Seven started. It was a grand race, ending, Memento, first; Don, second. The Fying Stakes are just coming on. :_. Queen Mab is the favorite.

DETENTION OF THE HAWEA.

The s.s. Hawea, which was to have left for \ i the South this afternoon, will lea\e at eight o'olock this evening.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before J. P. Pearce,. Esq., and F. L.. i Prime, Esq., J.P's.) " artful ned.'' Edward .Whelch, alias " Artful Ned" was charged with having been found drunk in Queen-street last night, by Constable W Jones. Prisoner, who is an old offender, pleaded ._|j guilty. He said he had made arrangements to go H to Kaipara for two years, and desired to get - away this week. He would not trouble the 1 Bench further. . . Mr Pardy said it was the old story. "< The prisoner frequently promised to go away, but somehow he just as frequehtl_f-if| managed to get back again. *^ The Bench : Your conduct- is shamefuL-1 This is not the first time you have been up^ here. ' ' " Prisoner :Itis a shame. I won't do it*- again. ' Fined 10s and costs, or 48 hours'imprison ment. RESULTS OF A SPREE. - F Elijah Codling was charged with being ... drunk and disorderly in Queen-street last 1 evening; and also with stealing a pewter . beer pot, value ls 6d, the property of Mr* ■Ryrie. _,F Prisoner pleaded guilty to the first charge, but did not remember stealing the pot. He/ was drunk at the time. Constable Roderick Dodd states that the prisoner was making a great noise last evening in Queen-street, and in accordance with his duty he arrested him. Mr Pardy consented to withdraw the , charge of larceny. Fined 20s and costs, or 24 hours' imprison ment. HARRY AND THE HENS. . I Henry O'Brien, a respectable looking young man, was charged (1) with stealing two Spanish hens, the property of Henry j Surman ; and (2) with stealingtwo common M, t ..j hens, the propeity of the same person. Prisoner said he purchased the fowls- gj from another man. Henry Surman deposed that he. missed the fowls on Sunday morning, and after wards found them at Mrs Dunning's, in the market house. Mrs Eliza Dunning, a poulterer, carrying on business in the market, deposed that she did not buy any fowls on Saturday. She bought 14 fowls at Mr Arthur's sale on , Friday, and might have got the Spanish amongst them. She could not otherwise. . account for their coming into her posses- Mr Sub-Inspector Pardy said Mrs Sunn ing had entirely misled the police in the. matter. He was sorry to say that this was not the first time* stolen fowls had been found in Mrs Dunnin_.'_ possession. At the request of Mr Pardy the case was § 3 adjourned until to-morrow. This concluded the business.

The charge of abusive language at Drury, ._. brought by William Douglas against Rev. M Thomas Norrie was withdrawn. The charge m arose out of some difference of opinion ni . respect of the Pokeno Presbyterian Church, and was of a very trifling character.

EVENING STAR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14. IS .8



XT P. GIBBONS & CO., GROCERS, AND PRODUCE MERCHANTS, 58. WELLESLEY-STREET, Auckland. mO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS E 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 teaches that large and pro.^table returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi mor.ils from leading Farmers justify W. J. ilur3 & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do- BELLz, riONEFLOUR i and Hnch BONED UST BILL YARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIMB. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. f_lo 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 for the last two sea sons has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. ONEDUST! BONEDUST BONEDUST 1 To Arrive, about the middle of February: 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Bell's J inch, inch, and Boneflour. __^ W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. UPEP.IOR SAMPLES of Sydney and New Zealand Maize. Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table Potatoes, Flour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley, Jhaff, Oilcake Coal, &c, &c., always on hand. — W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND Clover seeds. Clover seeds. Jus? to Hand, ex ' Apelles,' OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON'S GLOVER SEEDS, *-sß_fl CONSISTL-G OF White Clover Timothy ■ Red Clov6r Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke &c., Sec, See Turnip fwcJ-S. AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. also, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded on application. , . . ■ - Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot. RatStail, Poas Fescues, &c, &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. W. J. HURST & CO., . 101, Queen-street. THE~NATIONAL bank of new ZEALAND (LIMITED). Incorporated under the Companies' Acts 1862 and 1867, and the New Zealand Act 1., 1873. ...Notice is hereby given that an Interim DIVIDEND for the Half-Year ending 30th September, 1877, at the rate of SIX <6i PER CENT per Annum has been declared by the Directors, and will be paid to the Shareholders (whose names appear at this date on the Register kept in the colony) on and after the 19tti instant. The Transfer Books will be closed from this date until the 19th instant. THOS. BUCHANAN, Inspector. Wellington, sth February, 1878. & H. COOKE • Have on Sale ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS OF FURNITURE IN THE COLONY. Special Items:— DRAWING-ROOM SUITES WALNUT TABLES CARPETS HEARTHRUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BEDSTEADS TOILET_. LASSES CANE-SEATED CHAIRS TOILET-WARE DRAWERS MARBLE-TOP WASHSTANDS MATTRESSES FEATHER BEDS. I A Small Shioment of CRETONNES and CASH MERES, New Patterns. All Goods at Lowest Rates. delivered free. Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers. Furniture Shoivrooms 67, QUEEN-STREET Steam-Cabinet Fact ory VICTORIA-STREET



_-_- CITY KAT_I_ » Burnishing Arcade. NEW GOOIiS JUST UNPACKED, AI. D QUIT E KE W. CRETONNES, Large Lot New Colours and N bw Designs. _-_____^ f rom 4 /g _. a".;- ) New Tapestry, from 2/1 CARPEIo. - New Kidderminster, from 3/2 (New Hearthrugs, from 6/6 /-New Shape Walnut Suites I New Reps for do. For the ! Green and CrimsonSiik Rep } _>% DRAWING—* Black and Gold do. rg o ROOM. Fawn and Gold do. )'u New Pattern Walnut Tables \____w Inlaid Flower Stands " 7i 2 feet wide, 3/ per yard ELOOR- I 3 „ 2/ CLOTHS. 1 Oil Canvas, /9 ~ I Linoleum, all widths Handsome White Tv. istand Bullion Fringes, for Bed Hangings , Handsome White & Fancy Belgian Damask, Turkish Towels, very largo size, 1/3 and 1/9 Superior Fancy Oil Baizes, for tables Immense Variety in Ladies' Dress Buttons. Holloway, Cfarliek 85 Oranwsll, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. CABINET FACTORY .. Lome-STREEt rTNION INSURANCE COMPANY NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL !__ £2,000,0-9. UCKLAND BRANCH: QUEEN-S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. ' FIRE DEPARTMENT, gilnsurane granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MAKING DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at "owes-.' Current Ratios. R. 11. STEVENSON Manager. OVAL INSURANCE COMPANY. Special Notice to Insurers. This Company, having intimated to the In surance Association their Withdrawal from Tariff Arrangements, is now prepared to grant Policies on all de_crip .ions of Property at equitable rates. _ Concessions will be made on first-class budd ings and approved risks, in Town and Suburbs, and for water supply and other protection, where made available. . Special arrangements will be made with Mortgagees, Solicitors, House Agents, Con tractors, and other large insurers. The policy of the Company i 3 promptness and liberality in the settlement of claims, and strictly honourable dealing in all its transactions. The Security of Insurers is unsurpassed by that of any Company doing business in the Colony. GEO. W. JONES, Agent. Office: Shortland-street, Auckland, Sth February, 1878. The usual Book and Sheet Almanacs for 1878 can be had on application, or on information being sent to the Office. HORNTON. SMITH. AND FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale) Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. 50- Crown Brand Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ S/-L per ton 16 0 0 16 10 0 17 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury «„,„/_._ Brand 15 0 0 15 10 0 16 0 0 Meal for Pig-feed .. 710 0 Sharps 7 10 0 Bran 6 0 0 .. .. Fowl Wheat .. .. Is. to _3. 6d, per bushel. The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. February 11, 1877. QPECIAL /.HEAP T INES in ' DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOR TIIF. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. H. ATKINS Will Shew the Following Cheap Lines During the Christmas - Holidays :— A Large Lot of Rich, Bright, Black Silks at 3/11, as bright as sold at 5/6 Cheap Coloured Silks, beautiful shades Cheap Japanese Silks Cheap Dress Materials Cheap French Muslin 3 A Job Line of Extra Quality Black Silk Jackets at one-third the original prices. Silk Umbrella 3, splendid value, at 5/11 Lined Parachutes (Boughta Job) at 2/11, worth double Cashmere and Lace Fisohus, Cape 3, &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, Sec, Sec, Sec, All Marked at Low Prices for the Christmas Holiday. MTHE NEW PITH HELMET. _____ Job Line of Men's Straw Hats at 1/11, half-price. Job Line of Boys Straw Hats at 1/6, half-price. A Large Stock of MOSGIEL and other TWEEDS. Cheap Tweeds for Boys' Wear. Ho Atkins.



.TWENTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT. FORfA SHORT TIME ONLY t FANCY DRESS MATERIALS, FURNISHING GOODS, BLACK SILKS, BLANKETS, - CALICOES. HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, CARPETS AND MATTING. CLOTHING OF ALL KINDS, FOR BO_S' AND MEN'S WEAR, HATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, &c, AND EVERY DESCRIPTION of GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, AT, ¥&, TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND ALLOWED UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. Goods Entered will be Charged Regular Prices. TJUSHBROOK AND TJRIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &0.,1 . UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel).



TUST OPENED 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S REGATTA SHIRTS Of a Supeiior Quality of French Cambric, • and the most Fashionable Patterns. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER Se MEN'S MERCER, •XT EVV rj KALA NI) XT OUS E, 66, QUEEN-STREET. Auckland. 4/9 BUYS A GOOD GRENADINE DRESS, at A. LINABURY & CO.'S. 5/11 BUYS A GOOD FRENCH COSTUME. 9/6 BUYS A GOOD SERGE DRESS PIECE. 1/9 BUYS A GIRLS' TRIMMED HAT. AT LINABURY'S. HEAVY BLUE SERGE, ONLY Is. Cd., at LINABURY'S. SMALL Profits and Quick Returns! At LINABURY'S. AMERICAN SHEETINGS AND CALICOES, at LINABURY'S. Cheapest Stock is Auckland of Fancy Goods, Millinery, Hosieky, Dress Goods. Umbrellas. Costumes, Blankets, Shirtings, fee, Sec, Sec. Wears NOW OPENING UP our AUTUMN AND WINTER DRESS GOODS, MILLINERY, &C. A T INABURY _ QO,, 201 &206, QUEKN-STREET, Auckland..



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 are also used by them. Shun these inflammatory nostrums and persist in having the genuine article.