SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

, T „ „ „..•„,„> 'This Afternoon, 9.31 d^l' -* A -"-i-—j To-niorrow Morning, 9.53 KUN SET.—This Evening. 1-50 SUN I. T^K.—To-morrow .Morning, 7.18 MOON'S AGF.—First Quarter, 7th, 7.59 pm.

ARRIVALS.

Wir_i_red, schooner, McCabe. from Levuka Rover, schooner. Anderson from Whangarei Coro/lie. cutter. Ramsay, from Tairua Onward, gnhooner, Pankon. from Poverty Bay Fannic cutter, Ricketts, from Whangapoua

DEPARTURES.

Pretty Jane, s.s., JTelander, for Gisborne Taranaki. s.s., Malcalm for Southern ports. Owake, schooner, Ardut, for Dunedin. Rangatira, cutter, for Omaha, in ballast,

IMPORTS.

Per Sehichaliion from London: 10 bales cork. —Dutton Bros., cork manufacturers, Upper Queen-street. Per Winifred, from Lcvuka:- 400 sacks maize, 300 bunches bananas.

EXPORTS.

Per Venus, for Napier: 30,000 ft timber. Per Vurora, tor Noumea *. 4sl sacks potatoes, 20 cases apples, X case soap, 462 pieces sawn tU per Owpke, for Dunedin : 45,000 ft timber. Per Wanaka. for the South:—2o cases ale, 59 cases salmon, 36 cases kerosene, 20 doors, 75 bags Ousters 130 seeks flour, 00 bags salt, 21 empty hogsheads 77 ca3°s, 270 pack-.j_.es, 80 sacks, 30 pieces.

THE MAIL STEAMER.

There was no sign ot trie man steamer Australia, from San Francisco, when we went to orosK It is now believed that she must hove sustained some serious injury in the recent gales.

Inwards Coastwise.—Corahe. cutter, from Tairua with 2i.oooft timber; Pouth Carolina, cutter from Barrier, with 50 tons firewood; Onward, °c boon", from Poverty Bay, in ballast Outwards CoASTWiSE.-Corahe,. cutter, for Tai"_a ill ballast; South Carolina, cutter, for the Barrier in ballast; Onward, schooner, for RTf£?B_? PreS' Jane arrived in ballast from f.iaborne Yesterday afternoon. The bs. Southern Cross is advertised to sail for Nanier next Saturday afternoon. The folio "-ing vessels were lying wmdbound at Hick's Bay when the Pretty Jane left:- Snliomer. Saucy Kate and Acadia, and cutter Magfc! The Linda Weber sailed tho same day aa The CulSiSunch proceeded to tho Barrier yesterday, with Captainsi Wprsp and Anderson, trhn are to survey tho cutter ljcab. The new schooner Winifred, recently built by Messrs Sims and Brown for Mr A. B. Donald, arrived as. evening from Levuka, after an abVence of sis weeks. Captain McCabe reports feavfne Auckland on Monday, May 20th, with f-ht south-west winds, which continued for two days and on Wednesday into a strong ensteny 2al» lasting three days. Thence to Levuka, lieht southerly and south-westerly winds, arriv ingT there Ton Saturday, Juno Ist. Took ma cargo of maize and bananas, and left to^Auck land a<*-ain on Monday, June 10th, y/itn iignc head w ids which continued for nine days. AftcrwadV westerly winds, which brought hop to the latitude of the North Cape. Since that HmeuntilAarrival encounteied a succession of sales Tom the west south-west, to the west lorth-west. A large iron ship bound north was SSStedln the latitude ot New Caledonia The Winifred hauled in on the eastern sido or the Queen^trcet wharf this morning, for the purpose °fTlletSe^h?nlmon and Dunelm com menced discharging their cargoes this niormng. The Italian brigantino Aurora cleared at the Customs to-day for Noumea, Now Caledonia, with ™cargo olf timber, fruit, and potatoes. She Venus cleared at the Customs to day for Mercury Bay where she is to load with 30 000 feet timber for Napier. The schooner Owake sailed from the Mnnukau Heads yesterday afternoon for Dunedin with a CTios_sSanald sailed from the Manukau teT&fSi!ft Sydney and Melboumne, will most likely arrive late to-night or early to- m The Onent Line steamer Garronne arrived at Plymouth on the Ist July, and the Luisitanna saiied the same day for the colonies. The Wanaka has been detained until to-morr ow. The following passengers have booked nassas.es by her:-Mr and Mrs McLean, Elesdames McKay and Chisbolm. Misses Hogan, Buckingham, Salmon, Messrs Taylor, Fisher, Snteliffe, Kcane, Dawson, Mair, and Moyes. _

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

Mails wilt. Close ah Under :- For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to-mor row, at 3.h0 p.m., and 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, to morrow, at 2.30 p.m. _ . _ . For" Coromandel, per Durham, on Saturday next, For Australian Colonies, Batavia, Singapore, China, and Japan, via Torres Straits per Australia, immediately after arrnval from For°Gisborne, per Pretty Jane this day, at A p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki. per Staffa, this FOTRaroton^', per Edith, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Port Fitzroy and Tryphena, per I. airy, to morrow, at 3 p.m. .... _„„ For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at i p.m. . For Wwwera, Mahurangi, Mangawai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Anne Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. a_.*«-j-- For Napier, per Southern Cross, on Saturday next, at 4 p.m. , , _ « £N B. Postage stamps of the value of §3 ana 2s each may now he obtained at the Chief Post office. g^ R mss _ chiei p oi ,tmaster.

BIRTH.

WESTBEEOU.—On tho 3rd July, tho .wifo of Walter E. Westbecch, Ponsonby, of a HUTCHINSON.—On tho 4th July, at Chapel stroot, tho wifo of Robert Hutchinson of a son; both doing well.

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

THURSDAY, JULY 1, 1878.

■wetj win thrv-'i —'*tr~-

Pressure upon our space to-day excludes leading matter and several letters on cur rent subjects.

The Collector of Customs has received from Fiji a copy of the Quarantine Regula tions of that colony, which may bo perused at the office of the Custom's Shipping Clerk. The annual social entertainment of the members of the Tonic Sol-fa Choral Union, will abc held on Friday, 26th inst., in the Alexandra-street school-room.

Evangelical services will be held this evening aud to-morrow evening, in the United Methodist Free Church, conducted by Rev. R. Taylor, and Mr Richards, recently from the United States. A well-executed painting of the Island of Motuihi, by Mr K. Watkius, one of our local artists, appears iv the shop of Mr Waite, of Queen-street. The picture is quite a gem iv its way, and tho detaisl are clearly defined. Tho foliage, water, and sky, arc depicted with much skill, and evidence the hand and eye of a student of nature.

Shares iv the new Wade aud Puhoi Steam Navigation Company have been taken up by about 24 settlers of those districts, repre senting a sum of about £300. The capital for the company is to be £1,000, in 500 shares of £2 each, one-half to bo paid on allotment, 10s in six months, and the balance to be left as a reserve fund.

The itev. Thomas Buddie delivered a lecture last evening in (he Pitt-street Wesleyan school-room on the recent pro ceedings of the Australasian Wesleyan General Conference. The lecture was not so largely attended, partly on account of the inclemency of the weather, still there was a good audience. Mr Buddie is the oldest minister in the Australian Conference in full work. The proceedings were opened by prayer and ahymn. The lecturer showed that Wesleyanism had become a great power, and gave statistics in proof of numbers and work. The whole subject was most inter esting and instructive from the beginning to the close, and must have given Mr Buddie some labour to prepare. We are sorry that we cannot give a lengthy report. A hearty vote of thanks to tho lecturer closed the proceedings. At the Police Court this morning, there were three cases of drunkenness only, which were dealt with in the usual way. Mr <j. C. McMillan was the presiding jus tice.

A very good story is told in connection with an old Auckland butcher, who has lately started business in Dunedin. Shortly before the departure of the steamer X on her last trip to the South, he telegraphed to the mate of that vessel, asking "How many pheasants have you got on board for me ?" The telegram was marked " reply paid." When it reached the officer, he was busy, and knowing nothing about any pheasants, paid no more attention to the matter. He, however, unsuspectingly gave permission to the engineer to reply, and that gentleman rushed off to the telegraph office, and wired—" Just leaving ; do you want cock or hen pheasants. It is needless to remark that a reply to this was not forth coming. Mr Dickson's resignation of his seat in the City Council, has been received by his Worship the Mayor. A., meeting of the Auckland Rifle Association is advertised to be held in the Drill-shed this evening, for the distribution of prizes, and the consideration of business of importance in connection with the Volunteers of Auckland. All Volunteers, as Avell as members of companies, are companies, are invited to be present on the occasion.. We understand that a motion for the formation of the association into a purely Volunteer one will be made. When it was started, its objects were partly to encourage rifle practice amongst citizens, and as it has always received a fair share of public support, it is to be trusted that private citizens will not be excluded from membership. A number of members have determined to protest against any change.

The current number of " St. Paul's Parish Magazine" is full of local and general information. N otices of the Sunday-school children's annual treat to be held on the 10th inst., and of the teachers' conference on Monday evening next, appear on the outer pages; also a list of hymns and anthems to he sung at the church during the Sundays of the month, and calendar ol services and choir practices. Among the literary contents are '-Twice Buried : once in the snow, and once in the bosom ot Mother Earth; tho continuation of beds lev Mill," a very readahle story ; Wild Birds," a practical essay by Dr. Thompson; sketch of Canterbury Cathedral, " Rules for Daily Life,",a short sermon, and a lyric ot more than average merit. _ We learn that Rewi has accepted the Government offers to erect a new house for him at Waitara with a sung pension ot £500 a year. It is expected that he will accept a seat in the Legislative Council. About eleven o'clock this morning a slight disturbance was created in Queen-street by a drunken man, without coat, hat, or shoes, who was staggering about in the pouring rain, and interfering with the foot passen gers. He was arrested by Constable Mc- Lellan, who brought him to the station. Here he declared that his name was William Henry Luxonu, and that he was a cook on board H.M.S. Sapphire. A sum of money amounting to about £3 10s was found on his person, and very kindly taken care ot by the lock-up keeper till ho became sober. The inebriated man was then consigned to a comfortable cell, where he remains until he is sufficiently recovored to return aboard tho mau-o'-war. . The only case set down for hearing at the Civil Sittings at tho Supremo Court on the 15th inst., is De Thiery v. Fit-geralcL Mr W. H. Kissling for plaintiff and Mr Devore for defendant.

Mr James Stewart has been fortunate in gaining a high reputation as an hotel pro prietor, having by his superior management gained for the Albert Hotel a high position in the eyes of tlio public, and of visitors to Auckland. Mr Stewart has disposed of the Albert, and has taken a 21-year lease of that splendidly-situated house, the Thames Hotel, at tho junction of Queen and Cus tom-house-streets and Queen-street wharf. Tho long lease secured has determined tho new proprietor to go in for something hand some in the hotel line. Tho presont structure will consequently have to be pulled down, and Mr James Wrigley lias prepared plans of new promises of a charac ter which will supply a long felt want in this particular locality, and for the building of which tendon, will immediately be called. To meet the present requirements of tho trade, a select bar has just been erected j the same is fitted up with every regard to comfort and elegance. The position of the Thames Hotel is such, that when the proposed improvements ere carried out, and under such management asJMr Stewart's, it will be sure to command a very large and influential patronage.

TAIRUA TIMBER COMPANY.

WINDING-UP MEETING

A general meeting of tho shareholders of the Tairua Timber and Saw-mill Company in liquidation was held at Messrs Coombes and JDaldy'B offices, Queen-street, at noon to-day, for tho purpose of considering the winding-up action of tho liquidators, and, if approved, to pass a resolution that the affairs of the company have been fairly wound up, in order that the company may be dissolved. There was a moderate attendance of shareholders.

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read by Mr W. C. Daldy, jun., manager, and confirmed, Mr J. Howard moved "That this general meeting of shareholders of the Tairua Timber and Saw-mill Company (Limited) approve the Avindiug-up accounts of the iquidators, and declare that the affairs of Mhe company have been fairly wound up, and that the said company bo now dis solved." This was seconded by Mr S. Mornn, and unanimously agreed to. There being no other business, the meet ing terminated.

MAIL STEAMER SIGNALLED.

The mail steamer Australia was signalled as we went to press. "

Foundering of the Cutter Victoria.

The cutter Victoria, Josiah Sylva, with three others on board, was struck by a squall between Tiri and Rangitoto this afternoon, and sank. All hands were brought to town by the Heather Bell.

RAIRWAY MATTERS.

DEPUTATION TO MR LAWSON.

A committee appointed by tho Harbour Board, consisting of Messrs Boylan, Firth, and Daldy, accompanied by tho Secretary, Mr Brigham, vaited on Mr Lawson yestcr. day afternoon relative to the Queen-street railway terminus. Nothing deiinite was done, but Mr Lawson suggested that a plan of the reclaimed works should be prepared, and informed the Committee that the Min ister of Public Works would in due course notify to the Board, what he required. Tho Committee said that the Board were ready to meet the Government in every possible way, as long as they were put in no worse position than they are now.

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DEATH BY STARVATION.

An old man named John Kelly was found this morning, between the Lake and North Shore, in a powerless and senseless condition. It seems that Kelly, who resides atthe Lake.left North Shore yesterday after noon for home, and probably being. under the influence of liquor, lay down on the road, where he was found by some neighbours. He was in a very dangerous state, having been laying out in the rain for fully twelve hours. He was brought over to the Auck land Hospital to-day by Constable Dews. It is considered that if he had not been found at the time he was, life would soon have been extinct.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.— This Day.

(Before It. C. Burstow Esq., R.M.) judgments for plaintiffs. C. J. Hutchinson v. George Martin, claim £10, goods, costs, £1 193. (Mr Thorne lor plain- Keevcs v. Moylo, claim £20183. In this case, which was a jucißment summons, defendant expressed his inability to pay at present. He should ho able to pay in a monih hence. Mr Reeves said that ho should havo no objection to wait, provided defendant did not "clearout" according to promise. Tho case was finally adjourned for a month. Drummond v. Lindsay, claim £10 ds 3d, damages. (Mr Maokechnie and Mr Brock for plaintiff, Mr Tolo for defendant.) This case was partly heard last Court day, and was an action to recover for damages done to plaintiff's estab lishment in Chancery Lane, by a hor*e then in tho possession of uefendant, but which was the property of Mr P. Doran. Tho rider was a lad, and the damage was caused by the stumbling of tho horse against Drummond's window, and which resulted in a general smash. After a great deal of argument, occupying an hour. His Worship decided to Efear.the evidence. Alex. Drummond deposed that he was the plaintiff in this action, residing in Chancery Lane; was a general dealer. He was from home on the 11th June, when the accident occurred. On return ing home he found show-glasses, three tea-pots, pipes, and ordinary glasses broken. The window and sish were also broken, and the brick work knocked in. He estimated the damages as etated. Had no means to repair the premises and had kept his shnp closed ever since. Alter a number of witnesses had been examined, and t he addresses of couns 1 heard, Judgment was Liven for defendant with costs.

CABLEGRAMS.

DEFEAT OF THE AUSTRALIAN S. fc

UNIVERSITY CRICKET MATCH.

FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON CORRESPONDENT)

LONDON, July 3. Cambridge defeated Oxford by 238 runs. Yorkshire defeated the Australians by nine wickets.

(SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.)

The Deoision of the Congress.

Division ot tho Spoil.

Pan- Anglican Conference.

LONDON, July 3. The Congress heard De Lyannis, tho Greek delegate, on tho Greek claims in cludinc Crete, and also the protectorate of Thessaly and Epirus. No decision was arrived at. , Turkey protests < against the Austrian occupation of Bosnia. The Congress cedes Bessabarabia to Russia mal-in-*- tho new southern frontier ofßoumania from Silistria to the Black Montenegro gets a small extension of territory, besides Antivari. The Pan-Anglican Synod at Lambeth Palace opened to-day. Many American and Colonial Bishops were present. The quarters revenue shews a decrease of £49,273.

The Australian Cricketers.

Sheffield Wins by Nine Wickets.

LONDON, July 2.

In the cricket match Australians v. Sheffield, the Australians first innings closed for 88 :-0. Bannerman, 4; A. Bannerman, 12; Horan, 20; Gregory, 13; Murdoch, 2; Bailey, 23 ; Allan 3 ; Black ham, 5 ; Garrett, Spofforth, and Boyle, 0 ; sundries, 6. ' Second innings—A. Bannerman, 33; Horan, 6 ; Garrett, Murdock, and Boyle, I each; Spofforth, 10 ; Allan, 33 ; Gregory, C. Bannerman, and Blackham, 0; Bailey, 4 ; sundries, 15. Total, 104. Sheffield : First innings—l 66— Ulyctt, II ; Haygas, 13 ; London, Carter, and Bath, 0 ; Lockwood, 30 ; Greenwood, 31 ; Armitage, 45 ; Hill, 27; Watmough, 2 ; C*X t YtlH 1 Second innings—Ulyctt, 9; Lockwood, 17. Sheffield won by nine wickets. Seventeen thousand people watched the game.

(REUTERS SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.)

Four Transports for Malta.

LONDON, July 2, Four transports havo just been ordered to Malta. Their ultimate destination is unknown.

AUSTRALIAN

(SPECIAL TO "STAR.")

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPON DENT.)

THE TEA MARKET,

GREAT AUCTION OF TIMBER.

SYDNEY, this day.

At an auction of new teas the greater portion was withdrawn, the bidding being inactive. The expected arrivals are the Brisbane and Orient, with cargoes. The following prices wero realised : —s3s for half chests tea ; is 9d per lb for a small quantity ; best, 2s to 2s 2|d. The importers are dissatisfied with the prices realised. 100,000 feet of American timber is going to auction.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's Quotations— Bank of New Zealand—Buyers, £23 7s 6d. Colonial Bank—Buyers, Sis. New Zealand Insuranco—Buyers. 90s South British Insurance-695; buyers, 68s; sellers, 70s. Union Insurance—Sellers, 16s 6d. " Auckland Gas—Buyers, £10 12s Cd. Union Sash & Door Co.—Buyers. £5 7s 6d. Guthrie & Larnach Co.—Sellers, 57s 6d. New Zealand Loan (new)— Buyers, 67s 6d. Alburnia—sls; buyers, 50a; sollors. 52s 6d. Moanatairi—6ss; buyers, 63s 6d; sellers, 663. Now North Devon—sellers, 8s 6d. BondiKO United—Buyers, Is. Watchman (Thames)— Buyers, 5s 6d; sellers, 6s JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

A CHEQUERED CAREER.

A ROMANCE OF REAL LIFE,

THE conviction of Mrs. Marion Croker in a criminal charge of obtaining goods under false pretences, and her sentence of six months' imprisonment with hard labour in the common gaol of Auckland, remote all necessity for concealing facts which have been for some time past within our know ledge, but which we have withheld from publication while the case was sub judice. Criminal acts are unfortunately, too common, and the appearance of crimi nals in the dock is also too ordinary a circumstance to need more than a passing notice, but in the present case there arc circumstances which remove it out of the ordinary category of vulgar crime, and which serve to point a moral, if they do not adorn a tale. It is not out of a mere desire to gratify a taste fqr morbid sensationalism that we publish the appended facts, but to warn those who are as yet unsoiled with crime to beware of the downward tendency of sin when once entered upon. The career of Mrs Croker has beon one of those which too painfully illustrates the truth of the old proverb "facilis descensus averni." Her's has been no common career. It has not been that of an unfortunate, born amidst temptations and poverty, with hereditary tendency to crime ; but that of a woman highly born, carefully nurtured, well-educated, and sur rounded with wealth and all that tends to make life happy, but who has descended by a series of stages to her present unfortunate position. HER EARLY SOCIAL POSITION.

She is the daughter of Sir John Littler, an army officer, who commanded an Indian Presidency on a salary of £10,000 a year from tho East India Company. She was carefully educated by her father, aud Lady Littler, who appears to have been a lady of high moral character, as will be seen from her share iv the subsequent proceedings in the career of her daughter. The early part of Miss Littler's life was spent in India amidst the wealth and fashion which in the palmy days of the East India Company dis tinguished that countiy. HER MARRIAGE.

In 1849 Miss Litter was married at Calcutta to Major Ling, a distinguished officer of the 14th Lancer's, with whom she lived in happiness until 1854, when, on the breaking-out of the Crimean war, his regiment was out to Balaklava. Major and Mrs Ling sailed for England in the ship Tudor, by which ship Major Croker, a brother officer, was also a passenger. When off the Island of St. Helena Mrs. Ling was confined of a daughter, who was afterwards christened Ada Augusta Aubrey DeVere. Shortly after their arrival in England Major Ling pro ceeded to the Crimea, took part in the celebrated "Charge of the Light Brigade" whose heroic deeds have been immortalised by Tennyson, and generally served in the cavalry operation of the campaign. Mrs Ling had remained in England residing at the family mansion at Bigadon, tinder the care of her mother.

HER ADULTERY WITH MAJOR CROKER. Major Croker had been ordered to the Crimea, but for some cause remained in England for some time after the departure of Major Ling. About this time an illicit acquaintance appears to have sprung up between Major Croker and Mrs Ling, for, when afterwards he went out to tho Crimea, Lady Littler discovered it from certain letters of his to Mrs Ling which she intercepted. Mr Ling xvaa, of course, in ignorance of these circum stances, for "he continued to write to his wife in terms of affection. One of his letters, whicli was afterwards produced during tho proceedings for divorce read as follows : — " My Dearest Marion,—All my letters have gone astray from Schumla, and I suppose they will follow me through the country. I suspect that some of them will be in England by Christmas. No letters from you or from anybody ! Aio you all dead?' A million kisses for my angel Ada, whom I long to clasp in my arms.— J. T. LA'

THE DIVORCE SUIT.

In September, 1856, having faithfully served his country in the held, Major Ling returned home, only to learn that his domestic peace was destroyed. Tho letters which were in the possession of Lady Littler, showed that his wife had been cohabiting with Major Croker, not only while the latter remained behind his regiment in England, but after his return, which was prior to that of her husbad. In December, 1856, Major Ling com menced a crim. con action against Major Croker, and the cau^e was tried in the Court oi Common Pleas in the following February, resulting in a verdict against Major Croker, with damages to the extent of £1,000. Dr. Lushington in referring to the adultery, said :—" This adultery is moat distinctly proved, and it is of as gross and depraved a character as ever stained the annal-* of this Court."

MA JOE CROKER SELLS OCT.

The disgrace into which Major Croker had fallen, and the necessity of meeting the damages and cost of the suit compelled him to sellout his commission, for whichhereal ised a sum of £2,500. He continued his improper connection with the divorced woman. With some hope, probably of sav iug appearances, they determined to marry, but for this purpose it was necessary first to legally dissolve the marriage between tho woman and Major Ling. With this view an application was made to the Courts to admit fresh affidavits and testimony with the view ot

IMPUGNING THE .CHARACTER OF AN ALREADY WRONGED HUS-

BAND. . An allegation was made that during the voyage from India in the Tudor, Major Ling had been improperly intimate with a lady passenger named Mrs Wright. The attempt, however, totally failed. _ Dr. Lushington, before whom the application was heard, indignantly stigmatised the charges against Major Ling and Mrs Wright as infamous falsehoods, and Air Wright himself proved, by incontestible evidence, that the aspersions upon his wife's fidelity were base concoctions. Referring to the affectionate, letteis which Major Ling had continued to write to his wiie during his absence in the Crimea, Dr. Lush ington said : —" However debauched and immoral a man might b ~ it is contrary to all human probability that he should write such a letter if he believed his wife was carry ing on a guilty correspondence with another man, and with the knowledge that she had bien guilty of adultery." And at another stage Dr. Lushington said:—" I will not soil my hands in going through the evidence."

SHE MARRIES MAJOR CROKER.

The marriage between Major Ling and Mrs Ling was dissolved, and a marriage subsequently took place with Major Croker. The issue of this second marriage was several children, two of whom, daughters, are in a Roman Catholic convent, while two others, a son and daughter, gave evidence at the trial yesterday. Major and Mrs Croker tame out in a sailing ship to New Zealand, and he secured the appointment of warden on one of the Otago goldfields. Major Croker re signed the wardenship, and subsequently received an appointment in the telegraph office, where he was employed during the famous Ward-Chapman telegram scandal, when the disclosure of certain official telegrams was traced to Mrs Croker. The"matter formed the subject of a Parlia mentary inquiry, but the evidence disclosed such frightful immoralities that the evidence was suppressed. Major and Mrs Croker subsequently came to Auckland, where they have since resided. Major Ling died broken-hearted after the divorce.

MISS LING ALLEGES SHE WAS

DEFRAUDED BY HER MOTHER.

The last phase in this melancholy story is the most deplorable of all. Miss Ada Augusta Aubrey DeVere Ling, the issue of the unhappy first marriage, came to Auckland about tvio yeats ago. Her experience came to tho knowledge ol the writer, from her own lips, in this wise : One morning, a young lady, very shabbily dressed, but with the marks of gentility unmistakable in her manner, called at this office, and Btated that she wished to put in an advertisement exposing Mrs Major Croker. She was in a great state of agitation and excitement, and it was only after a long conversation that hei story, told very incoherently, was elicited in anything like a connected form, Complete, however, it bore every impress of truth. Although labouring under intense excitement, on a mind not. naturally very strong, her statement was never contradic tory, and the writer was strongly convinced of its truth. She said that being left almost friendless by the death of her father, she had been brought up by guar dians, ample means to support her well being lodged in the hands of trustees. Her mother (Mrs Croker) continually -wrote expressing the greatest solicitude for her "dear child," and pressing her to come to Auckland. Ultimately, natural instinct prevailing, she consented, and left England. Almost from the first day of her arrival here, she said her mother had pressed her to make over the property to her to take care of it. She, however, steadfastly declined. At length, Mrs Croker said she wished to purchase a house, and asked Miss Ling if she would make over enough of her property to complete the purchase. Anxious to see her mother comfortable, Miss Ling went on to state, she unhesitatingly acceded to the proposal, and authorised her mother to make all the necessary arrangements.

THE ARRANGEMENTS

Miss Ling did not indicate any portion of her property, but understood that she was to sign a paper guaranteeing to pay £200 out of the proceeds of her Gloucester shares, which were to he sold in Eng land and the proceeds to be sent out. Mrs Croker told her daughter that the paper would have to be_ prepared by a lawyer, and, as Miss Ling did not know anything about business, she' would write a letter for the lawyer, which the daughter should sign, containing instructions as to how the deed should be made out. Miss Ling unsuspectingly con sented to this arrangement, and the.letter was taken to Mr Buddie. The letter con tained instructions to Messrs Whitaker and Russell, from Miss Ling, to convey to 3ft r3 Croker everything the former had in. the world.

THE DEED SIGNED.

This is the serious part of Miss Ling's statement: That Mrs. Croker, against her intentions, drew up these instructions to Messrs Whitaker and Russell for the preparation of a deed conveying the whole of the girl's estate to her mother, and leaving her entirely destitute. Miss Ling went into Messis Whitaker and Russell's with hey mother and Mr Soppett to sign the deed, and Mr Buddie,

■■*■■*''"■v -■■''-v^TOVn ßl;^. : :':■--!■ who observed the parties ap^^ in complete accord, read over twf & Miss Ling, and made some rm_m\ about conveying her property toirHJ H to which Miss Ling sa ys she jX J she wished her mother to set ii^iW, I something to that effect, and flfV 4 duly signed and executed. "VVelMt H ever, that in reply to question^ § stated distinctly that she undeS I deed, and after signing it, s_«»n2nfi * order upon Mr Buddie to pay to M.X 1 the sum of £200 out of tiie GloS money when it should arrive W% avers that it never for a moment JS? thoughts that her mother vrotu% wicked as to defraud her, and thatttAi out the proceedings she pcrfecti3 stood that she was signing a d P JC security for the £200, when her GIS shire money arrived, and hf>M% presence of the land-agent in TkH at the signing of the deed 'xolS Ling also signed the orde.Llß She says that when th a a„ j cV by Mr fuddle AoZ^^LtS was only a security, and hid any but the one idea that L^' conveying the required securif! *•• the house. The Lst time S ■!* nature of the deed dawned unon h * next morning, when she hadaquarS^ her mother, and expressed herfcw ** leave the house as she had aW °nti means to support herself. Mrs CroSa* Miss Lmg referred to the varional V that were coining to her on the W9 certain aged relatives in England .mAho! ing to about £9,000) but Mrs Crok *?S "Oh you tram-ferred all that l^ yesterday." Miss Ling said--.'a .185 only transferred mygGloucestershire ah { the money which comes out in f O n T «S| when I pay the £200 for the fcgfgg thing will be mine again*. Mrs n.A retorted, "Oh no, my dear, they§& property now." y are MISS LING GOES TO THEtAWVwna Miss Ling, in a state of ala m fi?, S' house, and next morning waited ativi \ c of Mr Buddies office till hecam^C she asked him if she had really 8 2 away the whole of her property W^i deed. Mr Buddie replied in the affiC tive. Miss Ling therefore insisted thaU the mail steamer was leaving the haiW heshould immediately write to herguatS instructing them not to act upon thedeed and this Mr Buddie immediately p'romC should be done. -r?°!s MISS LING APPEALS TO TR* "STAR." •-*;. ia*. Miss Ling then came to this office, became she said that" such a wicked woffian&onld be exposed." It was represented to her that the charge brought ngainst Mrs'Croket was a very serious one, and if her statement was true she should seek professional advice, and move to have the deed set aside as fraudulent. She replied that she "-.as whollyfriendless, and without means.

MISS LING'S STATEMENT SENT HOME.

A gentleman from this office called upon Mr Buddie, to verify Miss Ling's remark. able story. Mr Buddie confirmed Miss Ling's account of the instnrc, tions given by Mrs Croker for the drawing of the deed and its subsequent "; signature. He expressed his deep concern respecting the statement made by '']_[]_ Ling that morning, and said it was his : intention to send a copy of Miss ling's repudiation home with the deed which wan being despatched by the outgoing mail _ This was done, the two documents going to England together. Miss Ling afterwards - consulted Messrs Hesketh and Richmond, solicitors. These gentlemen at once counter manded the payment of the order of the £200, and wrote to Messrs Whitaker and Russell, demanding that the deed A. should be delivered to be cancelled, and threatening proceedings to set it aside in case of refusal. Mrs Croker, how ever, refused to surrender the deed. Then Miss Ling's solicitors made overtures, and indirectly Mrs Croker was asked to compromise for one half the spoil which she refused to do. Afterwards an offer was made to compromise for a quarter, but still Mrs Croker was obdurate.. ' :

"THE FIEST FUNDS."

Nothing further was done until the Gloucestershire nioney arrived amounting to £600, when Miss Ling paid the sum of £120 to Messrs Holloway and Garlick for furniture which Mrs Croker had ob tained in the meantime. Subsequently an action was brought in the District Court at tire instigation of Mrs Croker, for the differ ence between the amount of the furniture and the £200, for which the order had been given to Mr Buddie. This action was not defended by Miss Ling

MISS LING'S RETURN HOME.

She was so much disgusted with all that had happened that she took passage for England in October of last year by the- Gleulora, determined to seek the protection of her guardians and resist the deed of as signment to Mrs Croker from being enforced. This course she adopted against the advice of her solicitors, who desired*to _ prevail upon her to remain in the colony in ..order to attack the deed in the local Courts, tO which any legal proceedings in England' would probably be referred. But Miss Ling was impressed with the idea that her preseuce in England would be more effec tual, and she returned with the balance of her Gloucestershire money, amounting: to nearly £400. „_-__.•_£ THE PRESENT STATE OF THE CASE.

We understand that since her return home her guardians have writteu out stating-that the deed will be resisted at all costr, and! that every legal means will be exhausted to prevent the" money falling into the hand* of Mrs Croker. But owing to Miss Lingß absence from the colony proceedings cannot at present be instituted here. Throughout the whole transaction Messrs Hesketh and. Richmond have behaved like high-mindetf and honourable professional men, and Col. Haultain and the Rev. Hazard have takea a deep interest in the girl's welfare.. THE PROPERTY. We understand that the property included, in tho deed consists of a portion of the pro perties which were included in the settle: ment made on the marriage of her mother with the hou. Captain De Vere iLing, a__ which settlement the Court of Chancery after the divorce, divided between the issue of the marriage, making them wards in Chancery in the meantime. Miss Ling would not come into possession of tins property until the death of certain aged rela tives.

NO COMPROMISE.

It is incorrect, as stated in our contem porary, that there has been any com promise. TBE ORDERS ON THE FIRST FUNDS. The first acquaintance of this office with Mrs Croker's name, initiated by Miss Ling, waa not destined to be the last. Frequently, indignant creditors have called to narrate the mannerin which they had been done, and to urge'that reference should be made to the subject for the admonition, of others. The thin" became so common that we ore surprised Mrs Croker did not take warning from the hints thrown out and the demon stration made at her own house in Ponsonby. The creditors include a singular variety or small tradesmen aud work - people, from the struggling. widow witn large family in Freeman's Bay, who, witn tears in her eves, related how she had been let in for what, in her necessitous ..circu-n ------stances, represented a very large s} 1"1', 1?, the tailors jjwho had supplied wu dress suits of the best cloth. Some of tne: goods obtained appear to have been-usea for the ]rarpo_.e of getting further credit, er staving off a poor importunate creditor. The washerwoman informed us that sue received tea, groceries, and meat in piM-iai liquidation of her bill, and was promise more goqds, which, however, she- cottJQ never obts-in. Some of the expedients em ployed to get credit "were, according tc tne statements of creditors, very equivocal. One may be given as a sample.. An orae was given for coal, with instructions wa it should ho sent up with a receipted bill. The carteri who took it np Was instrucie-*

mm^AMi -vi"n. TirrnAAJ-V- ... ly a. isx



Yl V N A M I T E . To Arrive, per Queen of the West, now due from London— TEN TONS DYNAMITE DETONATORS, TTERY INSULATED COPPER W Etc., Etc. DYNAMITE is the Safest and Most Powerful Explosive in use. The Safety of Dynamite Dueinu Transport and Storage. Extracts from the Official evidence given before the House of Commons Select Committee on Explosive Substances— Parliamentary Ses sion of 1871, London. Boxe*) filled with dynamite have been thrown from a great height, and found to sustain any amount of shock without exploding. They have also been placed upon an open Are, when the dynamite burned slowly away without ex ploding.—Parliamentary report —Blue Book, page 179. . ~ „, , , Dynamite has beon in a railway collision, and, though tbe van and boxes containing it were broken, no explosion took place.—Blue Book, page 182, par. 2979. „_,„ , Maior Maiendie, R.A., H.Ms. Inspector of Gunpowder aud Dynamite Factories, states, in his evidence (page 18, par. 100), that the law re lating to dynamite is as much too stringent as the gunpowder law is too lax; and (page 20, par 115) that the time hns come for relieving safe nitro-glycerine preparations from such un necessary restrictions as the nitro-glycorine Act mposes upon them. Professor Abel, the Chemist to Her Majesty's War Department, give 3 his experience that Nobel's dynamite is one of the safest, most powerful, and most convenient explosive agents applicable to industrial purposes.—Blue Book, pages 56, 57, and 59, Agents: E. P O-R T E R & CO., QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND.



•*A Sufferer" wants to know whether pawnbrokers are legally entitled to charge Is 4d per £on pledges. Yes; Is 4d per £ per month, up to £5. Wlien You Wish to Furnish Tour Souse, obtain a Book Catalogue from the City Hall Arcade, which contains valuable informa tion, not only enumerating what can be obtained there, but shewing the cost of Fur nishing a Three, Four, Five, and Six-roomed house ; also, Diawingroom separately, and Bachelor's Rooms. The proprietors have lately purchased from Messrs. Grossman and Harding the balance of their very hand some Stock of Swift Goods, beautifully and Wonderfully carved, which are being rapidly disposed of, at Half-price ! Also, just opened up, a large lot of Fancy Baskets and various articles suitable for presents. _ Just received, some maguiheent all-wool Kidder minster Carpets, for dining and bed-rooms ; very cheap Tapestry, Brussels and Felt Carpets : the largest stock in Auckland. All kinds of House Furniture, and an immense assortment of Bedsteads in Iron Brass, Kauri, Cedar, liimu, and Mottled Kauri; with Wardrobes, Drawers, Wash stands, and Tables to match. Dining and Drawing-room Suites to suit all classes. Several new designs in Linoleum not seen before in the city ; Oil Cloths, all widths. . Carpets measured for, cut out, and laid, and Goods delivered Free op Charge to any part of the town. Catalogues sent Post Free. Ladies and gentleman about to Furnish are invited to stroll through ths "Arcade," where, in addition to House- Furnishing Goods, will be seen Drapery, Clothing, Millinery, and Fancy Goods.— HOLLOWAY, GARMCK, AND CRANWELL, Proprietors, City Hall Arcade, Queen-street, Auckland.



Crowther's



|7l NCOUKAGE NEW ZEALAJS D INDUSTRIES! To the People of Auckland ! Messrs. Hallenstein -Brothers Desire to inform you that a RETAIL BRANCH OF THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY Is Now Open in Queen-street, opposite Theatre Royal.



To effectually introduce their Goods and drive out tho imported article, they have decided to SELL a Single Article at the Wholesale Price. All Goods are marked in Plain Figures, for Nett Cash only. Any Article purchased and ap proved of, will be exchanged with the same courtesy with which it was sold, or if desired, the money will be returned. The success which has attended the New Zealand Clothing Factorj**fl Retail Branches in other towns leads the Proprietors to believe that there exists a praiseworthy desire on the part of tho Public to encourage New Zealand Industries, especially where superior advantages are offered; and your support Is solicited on this under standing only. J. B. ROBINSON, Manager Auckland Branch.



SOLE AGENT FOR W E_ R T H E ?I M' S ELEBRATED SEWING MACHINES; THE BEST MACHINE IN THE WORLD ffT NION INSURANCE COMPANY I ) OF NEW ZEALAND. CIPSTAL 7." £2,000,000 AU C X LAND BRANCH: Q U X E N - S T REE T. Next he Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. •'• insnrono granted on Dwelling - hoasoh Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description.



MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at LOWEST COKRENT IUTKS^ mvmm Manager. RAWING-ROOM SUITES, in Silk Drawing-room Suites, in Velvet Drawing-room SurrES.Rep & Damask Dining-room Suite**, in Leather Dining-room Suites, in Hair Cloth Dining-room Suites, in American Cloth Chimney Glasses, in Gilt Frames Chimney Glasses, in W alnnt Frames Chimney Glasses, in Maple Frames Iron Bedsteads, French and Half Tester Wood Bedsteads, French and Half lester Iron and Wood Cots Mattresses and Bedding, all kinds Marble-top Washstands Toilet Tables, with Glasses attached Toilet Glassts, Mahcgany and Marble Toilet Ware, Single and Douhle Sots Brussels Carpets Tapestry Carpets Kidderminster Carpets Dutch Carpets Felt Carpets



Linoleum Floorcloth Door Mats and Bath Mats Matting, ta- O N SALE'S* AT T, & E. Cooke's FURNITURE and CARPET WAREHOUSE, 67, QUEEN-STREET.



R.USHBROOX AND BrIDGMAN Respectfully invite attention to their Large Carefully-seleoted and Entirely New Stock of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOR THE WINTER TRADE, Comprising— Blankets, all sizes, and first-class value Flannel 3, white and scarlet, all makes Crimean Shirtings, All-wool and Union, in great variety of pattern and quality Winceys, plain and fancy. A heavy Btock. "Good and Cheap," a good line at 5d per yard Fancy Dress Goods, new shades, in great variety French Merino, Serge, Satin Cloth, and some Special Lines of Fancy Materials, bought a job, and being sold at very low rates Alloa and Fingering Yarns, all colours Winter Hosiery, Umbrellas, Ribbons, Flowers Waterproof Tweed and Waterproofs A Job Lot of Children's and Ladies' Waterproof Cloaks, to he cleared out at much below regular price. Calicoes, Sheeting, Counterpanes Furnishing and Manchester Goods of every i description , Boys' and Men's Clothing of every description, Good and Cheap Hosiery, Shirts, Hats, &o. _ a _, . Strong Material for Boys' Wear—Tweeds Mole kin, Corduroy, Serge Sec, &c &c. In order to sustain the well-toown character Of the JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE for Cheapness and Quality combined,, R. and B procure their Supplies from the BEST MAR KETS ONLY, and spare no pains to suppl their Customers' wants at the lowest price com mensurate with legitimate trading. 5 % (1/ in the £) Discount allowed upon all Caßh Purchases of 20/ and upwards. RUSHBROQK AND BRIDGMAN, ■ DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, 8.0., _,-,_ JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE (Opposite the Army a.idN»vi Hotel), UP F '_ R Q UEEN-STREE T, AUCKLAND. _______ EXTRA. Important Intelligence^



A.« LINABURY & Co. Have Determined to CLEAR OUT THEIR SURPLUS STOCK OP GENERAL DRAPERY, DRESS GOODS, CURTAINS, FANCY GOODS, AND MILLINERY, AT GREATLY REDUCED PRICES! FOR A Short Time Only, previous to Stock taking. DRESS and MANTLE - MAKING on the Premises, at Reduced Prices. SALE NOW ON. A. LINABURY & CO.' S, 204 & 206, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. TT| AI L V EXPECTED, Per ' Syren' and Borough Belle, 200 ton 3 Billyard's Bonedust 50 tons Bell's Bonedust 50 tons Superphosphate Also, On Hand, Mexican Guano Peruvian Guano Maiden Island Guano Gypsum Coarse Salt Roc!_ Salt. W. J. HURST & CO., Queen-street. |^NEHUNI_-XAND AUCKLAND. john~plowman Begs to inform the inhabitants of Auckland and Onehunga that his Coach will run as under:— Leave Auckland: Leave Onehunga: 11 a.m. 8.15 a.m. 3.45 p.m. 1.30 p.m.



Hallway



TO" E W Z E-A LAND' HO USE. FLANNELS! FLANNELS I FLANNELS ! I WILLIAM RATTRAY Has Just Opened and is NOW SHOWING a very large assortment of White and Coloured Flannels in Medium, Imitation, Saxony, and Real Welsh and White and Coloured French Flannels. He has also a great variety of Patterns in Crimean Shirtings in different makes, and a varied and well-selected Stock or Table and other Linens, Calicos, Sheetings, Towels, &c, &c. Now in Stock—33in. and 62in. in W. P. Sheeting. ""W Rattray would call especial attention to the above, as being worthy of inspection and trial. WILLIAM RATTRAY, ENERAL DRAPER AND SILK MERCE R 66, Queen-street, Auckland.



TySSOLUTION OF PARTNERSH IP We have Opened several Cases of BLACK AND COLOURED SILKS, PURCHASED AT VERY LOW PRICES in the Home Markets. THE CO OUR E D SILKS Comprise 1 the Nkwest Shades. THE BLACK SILKS Will be Sold at 2s. Ud. per Yard, in Order to Clear. IMMENSE QUANTITIES OF DRESS GOODS V. ill be Brought Forward at Job Prices. " GREAT BARGAINS I WILL BE GIVEN DURING THE WEEK! J. COSGRAVE & CO., MERCHANTS AND IMPORTERS, Queen-street. Auckland.. "TUCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED). T price of Coke is now 20s per on. ath Wor s, for Cash; or, if so agreed, Monthly Accounts at 255. with 5a per ton discount. Cartage, within reasonable distances, at 2s Od PA ton of Coke is equal to 60 bushels, or about double tho bulk of Coal.



There aro "land rats and water rats, says Shakespeare, meaning tricksters on land asrwcu as pirates on tho sea. A certain class of the former aro at present occupying thoinsolves In the preparation and sale of sophisticated houor disguised in bottles which had for their first contents tlio finest medicinal bovcrago of tlio age, viz., Udou-iio Wolite's Schiedam A_ro matio Schnapps. Accept none but the gonuino. -Eye, Ear. and Throat Specialist.-Dr. Schwartzbich, Devonshire Houso, Hobsonst Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It. iiEi" FitOM Cough in Tern Minutes.— SHARLAND'S CHERRY PECTORAL, 2s. 6d. a Bottlo.-Opposite tho Post-ofllco. Auckland. The sad calamaties that havo of lato bofallen so many thousands of our fellow-creatures should dispose our governing powers to use such precautions as may in the futuro prevent their recurrence No ono can prevent the conse quences of uncongonial seasons, but wo can all guard against tho results of neglected disease. The groat safeguards to health of. tho present day are those extraordinary modicums, Ghoi lah's Great Indian Cures." Thoy never fail to restoro the invalid to health. Get them at the chemists', and read tho testimonials.



OmniTms



commences



on Monday



nest the



Bth July-