SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH S R-| ?S«£^M«ss 10J8 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.18 | SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.03 MOOVS AGE.—First Quarter, 12t&, 6.ot> a.m-

ARRIVALS.

Southern Crossfs.s., from Napier, "via Thames.

DEPARTURES.

Taupo -s.a., Carey, for the East Coast and South

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

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

Tuesday, 15tfl inst. Fosr Tauranga and the South—Taupo. 10th inst For London—Lochfieet, ship. May Queen, ship,

early For Levuka—Christina, schooner, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Cuarybdis, schooner, from the Island 3, early A uerfea, ship, from London: sailed 16th Oct. Abbey Holme, barque, from London; sailed 12th September.

Tie ship May Queen was brought alongside zh= Queen-street- wharf this morning. She has tiken the berth lately occupied by the ship Famenoth, and will commence discharging at OlMe*Ssr3 Niccol. of North Shore, are at present engaged in the construction of no less than live schooners, two of these being for Messrs (joa defroi and son. of Hamburs-, one for Mr McEwen, and one for Messrs H. F. Anderson and Co. The other vessel ha 3 not yet been purchased. The two former—which will be of about 20 tons register —are to be completed next week, and will be sent to the Islands under the command of Caucains Schultze and Lombard- The other vessels register liO, 130, and 100 tons respect- The schooner Christina, announ^d as loading for Le-naka, cleared out to-day for Russell in ballast. _ _^ _, The 3.5. Taupo left for Tanranga, TCast Coast, and. southern Ports. thl3 afternoon. P^sen zers -—Mr and Mrs Bnddle, Mr and Mrs Hasil den Mr "and Mrs Cotter. Mrs Windass and infant- Misse3 Buddie, Wilson. M. Barton ; ilr? Howel!: Rers W. Kirk. Salter, Gittos; Mes=TS F W. Marton, Hancock, 3 ladies and child, Taylor, Cotroiand, E. Wood. J. Gittos, Pearpe. C. Rundall, G. Lingard (agent L.3. Minstrels;, 7>lurray, Maeuire, Seawell, Cape, Entile C. W. Stuart. Woodhead, Twisterton, Kowell. E. Withers, J. Perrie. "Woon, Morrison, Eohn. Murray, Belcher, J. S. Reed, Darling, and Dr Donovan.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

ME ALFRED BTJCKLAND'S WEEKLY REPOBT, Mr Buckland reports that at Remuera, on Thursday, dairy cattle were in less than nsnai number, and sold irregularly. Best ammal3 brought from £8 to £10 each, but several remained unsold. No store cattle yarded, iat carle in usual snpply; 130 head sold to the trade. A further advance in prices was ob tained : prices ranged from 28s to 30s the lOQlbs. Piere =heeD were in moderate number. Young ewes brought 103 to 113; aged ewes, from 2s 6d «jach. Fat sheep in usual supply, and dull or sale, out last week's prices were sustained, iat iambs short of requirement, and better worth.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as under:__ _.—. For Thames, thi3 day, at 5.30 p.m. ana to morrow, at 7 a-xn- and 5 30 p.m. For Waiheke and CoromandeL per Argyie, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For WhltianKi. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at 4 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, per Rover, thi3 aay,

at 5 p.m. _„ , _ r For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Mansra waL Waipu, Wangarei. and Mangapai. per Annie Milbank, to-morrow at 10 a.m. For Tauranga, per Lancashire Lass, tomorrow,

at 11a.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and ilon • gonui, per lona, on Monday next, at i p.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Wanaka, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki and Sonthern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Tuesday next, at 2.45 p.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provincesper Wanaka, on Thursday next, at 3 D.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

FURLEY.—On the 11th inst., at Coromandel, the wife of M. Furley. of a daughter. GLOVER.—On the 11th inst, at Coromandel, the wife of R. J. Glover, of a. son. RHODES.—On 11th inst., at her residence, Wyddham-street, the wife of James Rhodes, of a son.

DEATH.

GARDNER.—On the 10th instant, at hi 3 parents residence, Queen-street Wharf, Frederick, infant son of F. P. Gardner, aged 6 months.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 1878.

feJXra^St needs resist***. IS-tfcefan««l».tt* distance.

In our Tuesday's issue we referred to the election of the Board of Education by the local school committees. In terms ot the Act, nominations must be sent in before the end of the present month, each school committee having the right to nominate two candidates for the Board. Power exists however, under the Act by which the Governor in '.Council, may postpone the election of the first Board. Our con temporary the " Herald" to-day states that this power is to be exercised, and that the duty of nominating the Board will, therefore, devolve upon the new committees shortly to be elected. Upon inquiry, we learn thatthe statement is not in accordance with facts. A telegram has been received, intimating that the election of the Board will be postponed in certain Southern districts, but, so far as at present advised,, there will be no deviation from the intention already notified under which existing committees should this month nominate the candidates. It is hardly necessary, perhaps, to repeat that each of the 140 committees in the District of Auck land may send in the names of two pro posed members, the only restriction placed on their action being that the written consent of any gentlemen nominated must first have been procured. As we pointed out before, the tendency of such a system of election is inevitably towards the reten tion of office by the present Board, as it stands. Presuming that a majority of the committees act independently, each will feel in honour bound to support the candi date it has nominated ; and the only centre of unity towards which the stray votes would be attracted is the existing Board. The form of election is one that can hardly be made to express the exact sentiments of the whole con stituency with reference to the merits of any nine men. Yet it is desirable that this should be done as nearly as possible. To overcome the difficulty, and create some semblance of unity of action, a proposal has been made that the city and suburban committees should meet and discuss the subject, and adopt some programme on which they could invite the support of the country. There is a risk, perhaps, that such a gathering might be made susceptible of special influences, but it appears the only means by which any common basis of action can be secured. On the whole, the discussion of the subject could hardly be destitute of good results; and if nothing practical were done, it would, at least, test the feeling and supply some little index to the work ing of a system of voting which is entirely new and untested. The joint Committees

might, we think, safely adopt and go to the th^ country districts on the basis, say. of twenty well-chosen names, which would leave ample scope for the exercise or the electoral privileges, and woukL remove the probability which at present exists, that members of the Board may be elected by some three or four supporters. The time is rapidly passing during which this proposal misht'be effectively carried out, and if a meeting is to be called, there should be no further delay.

The present embroglio in Victoria is rapidly drawing to a climax. Where the whole machinery of government has been thrown out of gear by a sudden wrench, the con sequences must be so widespread and serious as to speedily bring matters to a crisis. Conceive the condition of a colony in which the judges and magistrates are suspended, the Commissioner of Police and all "the permanent heads of Departments discharged : in -which the functions of law, and the"administtution of justice are partialy suspended, public works stopped, thousands suddenly thrown out of employment, and sufferinginftieted upon hundreds of families. Mx Berry need only go one step further, and general anarchy must result. Mean time enermous Civil Service claims for compensation for dismissal are accumu lating, and Victoria will be saddled with unnecessary burdens, to which the amount set down for payment of members will be but a small proportion. Already £40,000 has been paid to magistrates. Ministers and their supporters are feeling the pnlae of the people, and intenstfying the feeling against the Upper House by addressing public meetings. Should the present disorganization ba prolonged, a dangerous popular outbreak mnst result, which will probably in the first instance be directed against the Upper House, which, was the immediate cause of the present crisis, by attempting to bring pecuniary pressure to bear upon the Lever House, in revenge for the passing of a property-tax. The great run-holders and representatives of the capatalist class, who can well afford to attend Parliament without pecuniary loss, doubtless, hope, by cutting off pay ment from the members of the Lower Chamber—many of whom are unable to give up their i.ime to the affair? trt the country- without remuneration —to fill the House" of Representatives with a large majority of comparatively wealthy men, whose "interests and objects would be practically identical with those of the Lords. Whatever phase the embroglio may have assumed since its commencement, the ulti mate consequences, if the Upper Chamber succeed, will be subversive of equal represen tation, and will coerce the House into passive .subserviency to the aims of the great squat ting, land, and capitalists interests, a result, whTich, in any country, and more especially in a new colony, must produce deplorable consequences. It is satisfactory, however, to observe that Governor Bo wen, in marked contrast to the open partizanship of the Marquis of Noramnby, skilfully maintains an attitude of constitutional neutrality, re garding his Ministers as entitled to his sup port so long as they maintain the confidence of Parliament and of the people. The temporary suffering amongst the people which must result from the partial suspen sion of the functions of Government may, in the first instance, arouse a feeling hostile to the Ministry-, but in the long run, when the strength of both parties' in the struggle has been put forth, there will doubtless be an overwhelming preponderance of power on the popular side before which the great property and monetary influences must go down.

A cable message, received late last even ing, from our special correspondent in London, and published in a second edition of the Stab, conveys intelligence that hostilities have been suspended between Turkey and Russia, and that an armistice wa3 being concluded direct between the two Powers. The news caused considerable excitement throughout the city, and when read to the great audience in the Theatre Royal by the Rev. A. W. Webb, elicited marks of joy at the prospect of a speedy termination to a fierce and disastrous war. An armistice will give time for the passions of the belligerents to cool down, down, and for wiser councils to prevail, so that, by judicious diplomacy, an end may be put to the frightful bloodshed which has deluged Turkish, soil, and caused wide spread destruction of homes and ruin of hundreds of thousands of families. An armistice is a suspension of hostilities be tween two armies, or two nations at war. An armistice may be arranged ■when the strength of both the hostile powers is ex hausted, or when an attempt is being made to arrange a basis for permanent peace. In the year 1856 an armistice was arranged between England, France, Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Tufkev, and Russia. During a period of one calendar month the hostile armies remained strictly at peace, and at the advanced posts much fraternization took place between men who only a short time before had been at deadly strife. During the continuance of the armistice, how ever, the fleets ef the allies, according to the terms agreed upon, continued their blockade of Russian ports. After the capture of Pari3 by the Germans, an armistice was negociated by M. Jules Favre, during which the elections took place in France, and the suspension of hostilities resulted in the conclusion of terms of peace between M. Thiers and Yon Bis marcke. On that occasion the Emperor of Germany forwarded thefollowingtelegram to the Czar of Russia:—"We have thus arrived at the end of the glorious and bloody war which has been forced upon us by the frivolity of the French. Prussia will never forget that it owes to you that the war did not enter upon extreme dimension*. May God bles3 you for it. Yours till death,— William." Throughout the present war between Turkey and Russia, Germany has displayed undisguised sympathy with the latter Power, doubtless in return for former favours.

Since the above was in type we have received a further special telegram announc ing that Turkey, by the advice of England, has made a direct proposal to Russia for a six -week's armistice. A Reuters telesrram further corroborates this, and adds that the Turkish Commander-in-Chief has been instructed to communicate with the Russian Commander with the view of arranging the basis of an armistice.

The railway employes are to have a day's outing on the 26th inst. "They purpose celebrating their holiday by having aa Athletic sports gathering at Pokeno. Full particulars will be published in due course. It is tofbe hoped that the public will endeavour to make the holiday as complete as possible by refraining from sending parcels or good by the line on the day in question. Mr W. L. Rees, M.H.R., for City East, will address his constituents in the Mechanic's Institute on Monday evening at eight o'clock. At the request of several burgesses, Capt. McKenzie and Mr Dyer have become candi dates for the vacancies at the Borough Council of Parnell caused by the election of Mr Melton as Mayor and the resignation of Mr Mitford.

The Rev. Father Walter McDonald acknowledges with many thanks the, receipt of £5 from Mrs Maurice Kelly, of the Wade, for the enlargement of St. Mary's Orphanage, Ponsonby. Ben Allah, assisted by Professor Hennicke, had a crowded honse at the Masonic Hall, Onehunga, last night. The huilding had never before been so packed. The wizard and ventriloquial performances were warmly applauded, and a large portion of the audience carried away prizes from the lucky bag. The usual mid-day prajer-meeting, in connection with the revival services, was held in the Theatre Royal to-day, and was attended by between 200 and 300 persons ; j Dr. Sommerville presided. The service con- j sisted of singing, prayer, and an exhorta tion by Dr. Sommerville, the subject chosen being "Be of good cheer." The meeting closed with prayer.

Mr Charles Bright will deliver a lectur this evening in the Albert Hall, Darby street, on " Sabbath Observance," and a the close of tne lecture Mr Bright wil answer any questions bearing on the subject that may "be put to him. The chair will be occupied by Rev. Samuel Edger. A pleasant entertainment was given las evening in the Alexandra-street Chape 1 in connection with the temperance movement, Mr Dutton in the chair. The programme consisted of music, recitation, and°song. Addresses were also given by Revs. Messrs. Westbrooke and Potter, and by Messrs. Goldie and Jones. The whole was instructive, interesting, and satis factory. . At the quarterly meeting of the Licensed Victuallers, held yesterday afternoon, in the Club-room of the British Hotel (Mr Henry Keane in the chair), it wa3 unanimously resolved to support Mr John Gray in his candidature for a seat in the City Council. The accounts for the last quarter were passed and it was determined to hold future meet ings of the Association at various places, instead of at one hoteL We should have stated in yesterday's re port of the criminal cases at the Supreme Court, that Mr Woodham, son of Mr Wood ham, of the North Shore, who has recently returned from the Fiji Islands, was _ the interpreter in the case of Kingi, a Fijian, charged with breaking and entering a dwelling at Coromandel. We learn that Mr Thomas Macffarlane is gradually recovering from his_ recent accident; he is able to walk, with difficulty, about the house, and it is hoped that he will be able to appear nest week in the Supreme Court to give evidence in the trial of H. S. Meyers, which it is expected will be commenced on Tuesday next.

The Pope has never laughed so heartily as when he read in an Italian paperthe translation of an article in the "Repubhque Francaise," stating that Pio Nono had been dead a long time, and that the cardinals have put in hi 3 place a priest, who, by his resemblance to the late Pope, could play the role of the defunct. The Pope was so delighted that he exclaimed, "Our Catholic papers are never so witty _ and amusing;" and he ordered a subscription of five years to be taken down in his own name to the journal in question, as a sort of revenge on the publisher, by making him write Ms name and address every week, by way of punishment for the falsehood.

There is a little clique in Wellington who meet and play eucre and other little game s at the Pier "Hotel, from which they are known as the "Pier Hotel gang,"_ They were engaged in New Year festivities in a room in the hotel the other night, when a vagrant rocket, discharged from a ship in harbour, stuck in the wall close to that window. They don't sit in the same spot now.

The Thames " Star " of last night says : "A rather serious and painful accident happened yesterday to a young man named Henry Andrews, employed at the Moanatairi mine. Andrews was preparing to fire a hole in the SO-feet stopes, and in order to test the fuse the end of it was lighted and then cut off. A spark found its way into an uncovered powder can—which fortunately had hut little powder in it—and caused an explosion. Andrews was severely burnt on the face, body, and arms. He was at once conveyed by bis mates to the Hospital. We are informed that though the injuries are severe, none of them are likely to cause any permanent injury." An hotel-keeper in the Wairarapa, named W. Abbot 3 died recently at the ripe age of 03 rears.

The offices of the Standard Fire and Mutual Insurance Company are removed to Messrs Combes and Daldy's premises. We understand that a special agent has been appointed for the provincial district of Auckland.

The following officers have been installed for the Union Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No. 154, E.C. : Bro. Brock, W.M. ; Bro. W. J. Rees, S.W. ; Bro. Dr. F. W. E. Dawson, J.W. ; Bro. Bey. C. M. Nelson. M.O. ; Bro. W. P. Moat, J.O. ; Bro. H. G. Wade, P.M., Treasurer ; Bro. J. H. Burns, P.M., lieristrar; Bro. H. Chapman, S.D. ; Bro. J. Lewis, J.D. ; Bro. Hargreaves, LG. ; Bro. C. Porter, Tyler. The brethren afterwards partook of au excellent dinner, provided by host Hood, at which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honored.

We learn that Dr. Wallis has made an offer to hand over the Newton Kirk and ground to the congregation for a 3um of £400, with or without the stipulation that he shall continue to preach. The offer is at present under consideration ; but it i 3 probable that a majority of the late con gregation will make Dr. Wallis' resignation of his seat in Parliament a sine qna non.

A bushman sleeping in a tent at Murrurundi was awakened by his dog jumping on hi 3 face, and barking furiously. Then the man saw a nice large diamond snake coiled up on hi 3 breast. The situa tion was of course a little awkward, and the man desired to terminate the interview as soon as possible. He reached for a batcher's knife. *The reptile happened just then to be interested in the movements of the dog, and turned its head, when, in a twinkling, the man beheaded it But it was coiled round the stretcher and over the man's leg 3, and in its struggles it nearly drew the two sides of the bed to gether, made the wood crack, and held his legs as if in a vice. When he got loose he measured the snake, which was 6ft. 6ins. long.

'There are three defended and two undefended cases 3et down for hearing at the District Court on Monday next.

At the meeting between Mr Murray, member for Bruce, and his constituents, an unmistakable wish was expressed that he should support Sir George Grey.

At the Onehunga Borough election yesterday, Mr P. Clark headed the poll with 108 votes ; Mr Broadfoot came next with 64; and Mr Alexander Whyte took third place with 16. Mr Clark was one of the auditors, and now the burgesses will be called on to elect one to fill the vacancy. Mr Broadfoot, who has now been unsuc cessful for the third time for the honours of the Council, should have a try for the auditorship. Mr Whyte took no active interest in the election, Ind the contest, therefore, lay virtually between the other two candidates.

The picked eleven from the Royal Oak and United Cricket Clubs challenge the eleven who played Canterbury, alleging that the best Wellington team was not chosen.

A native woman has been apprehended at Hokianga on her own admission of having attempted to murder her husband, John Reilly, a European, at Upper Waihou. Reilly is said to be in a precarious state. Particulars of the iniuries inflicted are given in our correspondent's telegram.

The elevation of Mr Reynolds, M.H.R. for Port Chalmers, to the Legislative Coun cil is regarded as certain. Mr Macassey is expected to contest the vacant seat. It will be remembered that this gentleman has frequently sought to enter the political arena as an Abolitionist, but on each occa sion has been defeated. Mr Reynolds, in announcing his intended resignation the other day, said that he would do so as soon as his successor hasjlfeen selected ; which, if it means anything, implies that he will not resign until assured of the election of a Ministerial supporter in his stead. Sir George Grey and the hon. the Native Minister returned to 'Wellington yesterday.

It is reported that Tawhiao has ordered the goods taken from Mr Connelly to be restored, and that he is anxious to fix a definite date for the Premier's visit.

The sentence of fifteen years passed at Wellington on Richard Tuaman, for forgery, has been reduced to ten years.

' The Wanganui Harbour Board proposes to raise £25,000 on the security of its endowments, for the purpose of deepening the channel across the Flats, protecting the Spit and Castle Cliff, and reclamation of the foreshore above the bridge.

The Ameer of Cabul is concentrating troops on Khelat. . The " Dunedin Heiald " says that in his early days Mr W. D. Murison, formerly editor ot"the " Otago Daily Times," and whose death was recently announced, -was a foremost athlete, and ran several races with Mr Julius VogeL Sir Julius must have gone out of training since those days,, and the gout is noi; a good companion for a pedestrian. In the United Kingdom, with its popu lation of about 32.000.000, the revenue and expenditure is less than £2 10s per head, in Victoria a revenue of about £5 per head is raised, in New South Wales about £S per head, in Queensland about £7 per head; in South Australia about £6, in Western Australia about £6, and in New Zealand about £7 10s. Barnsley, the late telegraph operator, has been convicted of forging a telegraph money order at Wellington,l>ut sentence has been deferred, pending the decision of the Supreme Court on a technical point. Owing to the expiration of the partner ship term between Messrs Rush brook and Bridgeman, the firm have determinad to hold a clearing-out sale prior tc stock-taking, and to facilitate the adjustment of accounts. For a limited period, therefore, a discount of four shillings in the pound will be allowed off the ordinary prices on the whole of their large stock. " Attention is drawn to the fact, and other information appears in the advertise ment in another column.

The following are the names of the teams who will play a match on the Otahuhu cricket ground :—Epsom Cricket Cub : C. HesketlT E. Hesketh, S. Hesketh, Brown ing, Willmott, Mears, Rattray, Haase, Heather, R. Baird, Aitken. Otahuhu United C.C. : W. Porch, X. Porch, F. Porch, Bowden, C. Bowden, Meek, Hall, Buttle, Donovan, Sheppard, and Bush. A London correspondent furnishes the following information about Mr A. Forbes, the able and untiring correspondent of the "Daily News," to an American paper:— " The "newspapers never had a merrier time of it than they now have with these thing 3, for all of them make readable matter, and the sale of the " Daily News" and "Daily Telegraph"is enormous; the "Daily Tele graph" -with its police reports, and the •' Daily News" with its war correspond ence. " Yet I doubt whether all is gold that glitters, even with the" Daily News" ; for Mr Forbes' telegram alone, I hear, cost a couple of thousand pounds a week ago, and I can quite believe it, for he never stands at expense; will ride from the Shipka Pass to Bucharest, changing horses two or three times on the road, engage the telegraph specially, and then sits down and writes till he has "told all he has to tell, without the slightest afterthought about the expense of his transmitting his telegram. These tele grams, of course, will make the fortune of the "Daily News," as they ought to do, for they are the first, the fullest, and the most authentic, and as specimens of literary skill marvels in themselves. W. H. Russell, in his best days, was never equal to Archibald Forbes in vividness and vigour, and Forbes has one great advantage over all the rest of the Specials with the army. He has been a soldier, know 3 what military strategy is, and has seen more of war than all our Field Marshals put together. _ This i 3 where the secret of his success lies—in this and in his unrivalled energy; and there is no other special who can hold a candle to him. He was for some years in one of our own cavalry regiments as a private ; but he is a man of good education, the son. I be lieve, of a Presbyterian minister in the Highlands ; and he began his career on the Press as a correspondent of the " Morning Advertiser' in the Franco-German -war. He now has a regular engagement upon the " Daily News" at a salary of £1,300 a year, £25 a week, whether he has anything to do or not; and in time or war like this, of course, a special honorarium and the allowance ot an ambassador for his ex penses. A man named WHliiam Baker was arrested this afternoon, on a charge of stealing bottle of brandy, value 7s from the steamer Taupo. .

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R C. Barstow, Esq., RM.) Four cases of drunkenness were disposed of.

A WAIF AND STRAY.

John Kane, a boy of 9 years of age, was charged with a breach of the Naval Train ing School Act, by not being under con trol.

On the application of Sub-Inspector Pardy, the boy was committed to the Indus trial School for five years, to be brought up in the faith of his parents.

A NEGLECTFUL HUSBAND. John Hardiman was again charged with deserting his wife, and leaving her without means of support. Mr Tole appeared for Mrs Hardiman, and Mr Dufaur for defendant.

Mr Tole said defendant had not provided any means of support for his wife, and he would call the wile to prove this. Georgina Hardiman stated that she had been married to the defendant about ten years ago. He had deserted her a year after they were married, but lived with her again when he met with an accident. He deserted her a second time in June, 1576, and left her no means of support. This was not through any misconduct on the part of witness. To Mr Dufaur: She had maintained herself for eight years, and during that time had only received the sum of £10 from her husband.

Mr Tole wished to put in a memorandum from the Constable at Hokianga, shewing that the defendant was possessed of means.

Mr Dufaur objected, on the ground tkat the document was not authentic.

George Hardiman, brother of John Hardiman, was in town in the beginning of 1876, when his brother met with the accident causing concussion of the brain. He had witnessed insane conduct on the part of his brother. He did not work for his own support, but had an interest in some native land, with about 600 Maoris. Witness sometimes supplied him with money. A Maori woman, with whom he lived at Hokianga, worked for Ms support.

His Worship found prisoner guilty of tne charge of desertion, and fined nim 20s and costs, £2 13s 6d. He was also ordered to pay the sum of 5s per week towards the maintenance of his wife, the first payment of 20s to date from January 25th. CITY BATES. A number of city rate cases were settled out of Court. RESCUING CATTLE. Jame3 Jackson was charged with unlaw fully rescuing 16 head of cattle, which had been seked for the purpose of being im pounded at the Three Kings on December 4th.

As the Thtee Kings district was declared to be out ot the boundary of Mr Barstow's jurisdiction, the assistant clerk proceeded in search of another justice.

After waiting about ten minutes, D. M. Luckie, Esq., Justice of the Peace, entered the Court, and took his seat upon the Bench.

Mr C. E. Madden appeared for the in formant, and Mr Tyler for the defendant.

Joaquin Christopher, a farmer, residing at the Three Kings, said that on the 4th December last, he found 16 head of cattle, owned by defendant, trespassing upon witness's farm. Witness and his wife pro ceeded to drive the cattle to the pound, when defendant took the cattle from them. He was accompanied by friends.

Mr Tyler said' the 13th section of the act provided that there could he no seizure un less the land was securely fenced. Defen dant's ground had not been cultivated and enclosed, and therefore it was not a legal trespass. It being ascertained that the only part under cultivation was a garden which had been fenced, and the land on which the trespass was alleged to have taken place wa3 that fenced, his Worship held that the trespass was not legal. The case was there fore dismissed with costs £3 11s 6d.

This concluded the business.

SUPREME COURT.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies and a Common Jury.

THIS DAY.

His Honor took his seat at'ten o'clock. CHARGE OF SPECIMEN STEALING.

George McMullen, 31, described _ a3 a miner, was arrained upon several indict ments, charging him with breaking and entering a dwelling and stealing therefrom a quantity of specimens and quartz, _ value £30, the probertv of Captain James Ninnis, and the tributers of the Pride of Tokatea Gold Mining Company at Coromandel in month of May last.

Hrisoner pleaded not guilty. Mr Brookfield opened tbs case, and Mr Hesketh appeared in defence of prisoner. Robert Home, lesal manager of the Pride of Tokatea Gold Mining Company (registered) produced the license under the Act of 1873. Mr Hesketh did. not see how this could be evidence —the document should bear the warden's seal, and the signature should be tested.

His Honor said the proof of these things were not necessary. "The license was of a private character, to a private body, and not a public document, patent to all the world. If it was proved that the quartz was not in the possession of Capt. Isinnis, and had been stolen fram his office, it signified but little where the specimens came from.

James Ninnis deposed that he was mine-manager of the Pride of Tokatea, and residing at CoromandeL He knew the ground being worked by the Company. In May last there were some men working there on tribute. He received some specimens of gold-bearing quartz from William McNeil and the other tributers at that time; placed it in a box, secured the box, and locked it in the office. On the 20th May he missed the specimens. He had several times been in tae office in the interval, and observed that the box was safe. On the 20th he 3aw that tae box _ had been wrenched open and the specimens taken away. The prisoner lived near the office. He (witness) had been accustomed to mining all his life. The specimens produced were like those which were stolen from the office. The prisoner was working in a neighbouring drive, and shewed him bags of mullock from his drive, but he saw no indication of gold amongst it. He never saw it in the heap, and some of these specimens (produced) were taken out of the hags. He considered the value of the specimens in the box to be £30 sterling. Those taken out of prisoner's bags might be worth £5.

Cross-examined by Mr Hesketh : Prisoner lived on the Tokatea SHill in one of the cottages, but he could not say that he lived there on the 20th May ; the specimens were brought to him by Wn. McNeiL and weighed 4Slbs. He closely examined them, which enabled him to judge of their value he could not swear that the specimens found in prisoner's bags were a portion of those stolen out of the box, but there was a very close resemblance. He invariably kept the key of the office, and slept there generally; the windows were iron-bolted. William McNeil, miner, deposed that he and his brother Angus, and two others, were working in the Pride of Tokatea, and according to agreement all specimens were taken to Captain Ninnis. On the 14th May he took 4Slbs to the office which Captain Ninnis locked up in the box ; he wa3 positive that the specimrns pro duced and found in prisoner's bags were a portion of those broken down by himself and brother. He had no doubt about it. One piece especially herecognised aa the piece which he took off" the leader when he was werking. He had had seven years' experience as a miner. Cross-examined by Mr Hesketh: The stone came from three different leaders; it was different from the stone of surrounding mines, being of finer grain. He knew it by the feel of the hand.

Angus McNeil, brother of the preceding ■witness, gave similar evidence. William Bell, David Benbow, and Alex ander McNeil identified the specimens. Constable Caffery deposed to arresting prisoner. This being the case for the prosecutor, Mr Hesketh addressed the jury for the defence.

Mr Brookfield having replied, the jury found the prisoner not guilty. The prisoner was then discharged from custody.

MR. C. C. BOWEN AND HIS EXCELLENCY.

(To the Editor).

Sir, —Ib the speech made at Kaiapoi, on Thursday, Mr Bowen is reported to have said: " He (Mr Bowen) deeply regretted the attitude of thft Premier towards the representative of Her Majesty, and considered it a great public evil." But what shall we say of an Honourable Minister -who, while acting as the head of more than one department, attempted, in a certain colony, to make a stalking-horse o-" tlie representative of Her Majesty ? This, of course, might be a capital joke to juvenile politicians of the Bowen-Onnond type, but it does not say much for the loyalty of one who passes for a poet and a person of literary taste. No amount of humming and hawing, and affected airs of goodness, can be accepted as an apology for such a blunder, and. whether voluntary or not. we mu3t consider it "a great public evfl." Honourable men, as all others, should be mindful of their trreat responsibility, and, in consequence, be more careful of their conduct. But we need not go farther than Wellington and the acts of the late Government to find that even Ministers cannot be wise at all hours, and in their most extravagant moments they could not be expected to see themselves as others saw them.—Yours. &c, "T.P.S,"

THE "HISTORIC HARMONIUM."

THE sale by auction of thi3 melodious relic took place at eleven o'clock to-day, at the mart of Mr G. Sibbin. There was* a large attendance, including many members of the old and new Newton Kixk congregations, besides a lawyer to watch, the case, a local brewer, an undertaker, and several repre sentatives of trade and commerce. Mr Sibbin, in opening the proceedings, said the first article on the list was a double barrelled gun, and next a wash-tub, but, in order to relieve the impatience of the ladies and gentlemen present, he would first offer the famous Newton harmonium, of which poets had sung, and which had been sur rounded with an imperishable halo of glory; not to speak of its musical qualities, which rivalled in sweetness the famed lyre of Apollo. (A voice : Draw it mild, George.") The trustees hoped to get £70 for this wonderful harmonium ; terms strictly cash. Bidding at once began. Mr Reid started with an offer of £30. Mr Sibbin here observed parenthetically and sorrowfully that £30 was a good deal below £70. Mr Skinner compassionately offered £35. Mr Sibbin : "That'B only "half the price." Someone offered £37 10s, whereupon Mr Skinner went to £40. The other competitor made a further rise to £42 10s, whereupon Mr Sibbin magnanimously offered to throw the key in, which so worked upon the generous, feelings of Mr Skinner that he offered £45. Mr Sibbin : "I want £25 more, gentlemen. This harmonium they tell me possesses an historical interest, and will in after years be regarded as an interesting relic. What a precious heirloom to hand down to your posterity !" (a voice— play us a tune, George!) The bidding appeared to stick at £45, and Mr Sibbin called Mr Reid forward to the rostrum, and remarked in a stage whisper, " You are one of the trustees. You see, I cannot get £70. We shall have to let it go. (Laughter). Gentlemen, I can assure you that you are allowing to slip by one of the grandest opportunities that ever presented itself to speculators during the present century. Long after the present generation has passed away, poets will sing in lofty numbers, and archaeologists will grow enraptured in contemplating the manifold beauties and historic interest of this marvellous instrument. Any advance on £45 ? Going, going, gone !" and the harmonium was knocked down to Mr Skinner for £45.

We understand that there is a probabiKt I of the instrument passing into the hands!!* *1 Dr Wallia to be restored to the church H The price realised for the instrument ! = within a few pounds of its original cos? and will return to subscribers the amount I they contributed, with a small discount. The harmonium was taken to the Kirk tlm afternoon. * Qn

REVIVAL SERVICES IN THE THEA TRE ROYAL.

The revival services of the Rev Dr SommmflW were commenced in the Theatre Royal lagtevmT ing-. At the time fixed for the opening of th service, every available seat in the Theatre vra occupied, the dress circle being filled to ovm? flowing at twenty miautea past seven, TTJa following clergymen of this, city occupied seat? on the platform :—Yen. Archdeacon Hannaon the Rev A. Webb, the Rev John Maekytka Rev W. Gittos. the Rev Thomas Buddie thf Rev W. Bark, the Rev R. F. Macnieol, the BW J. Robertson, 11. A., the Rev J. A. Caygflj. nl Rev T. Hamer, rhe Rev R. Taylor, the Rev A W. Carriek, the Rev G. B. Honro. Bishop and lira Cowie. and the delegates of the Primittmi Methodist Conference, were seated in the drp« circle. The beautiful hymn *• Shall we gather at the River." was sung by a very large and excellent choir on the stage, under the cent dnctorship of llr Theopflns Cooper, lip -\/r F. Sommerville, son of the revivalist, accom* parried the choir on the harmonium. A praTer having been offered by Rev T. Buddie, Eev JL Taylor read a portion of the Holy Scripttrrea" Another hymn, " There 13 a fountain nlled wift blood." was sung, at the conclusion of which Dr Sommerville rose, and announced that the text would he from Ist Epi3tle of John, 4th chapter, Bth and I6ch verses : "He that loveth not, knoweth not God: for God is love, ■ * * * and we have known and "believed the love that God hath to us. God is love ; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." Dr Sommerville, in corrmencing ha address, said, that in the house of man; mansiena which the Lord had prepared for our reception were twp inimitable pictures, which were called lo^e, the law of God, and the gospel of Christ, The sum of the zospel of Christ was God, and. the sum of the law of God was love. Only a short time ago, eminent men of science had been sent to various parra of the -world to solve the doubts with regard to the structure of the mm. They had long to wait for a suitable occasion. and when the time did come they had only a few moments to make observations, end those few moments were at the time of the total eclipse, when all was in total darkness. These astronomers, bent on making discoveries, chose the moment when the orb of light was totally obscured, so the love of God was beat realised by sinners in the midst of darkness and trial. The subiect of God's love was so great that it would not be possible to deal with it, or any great part of it. in one lecture. He would, how ever, consider the various aspects of the love of God for suffering humanity, as it was to be found in the ri oly Pcriptures. He would divide his discourse unde,. .c following heads :—Pity, grace, mercy, ;ongr suffering, and forbearance^ readiness to forgive, condescending kindness, bountifulness,' and divine complaisancy. The speaker explained and illustrated this great love of God under many aspects, very eloquently, and was listened to with wrapt attention by the immense crowd. He said he was sometimes inclined to compare the love of God to a prison- When the leve of God passed through the prison of God's Holy Word, the focus of all tlie ray 3 would be found at the Cross of Jesus Christ. He made a strong appeal to the unconverted to come forward and embrace Jesus Christ, as he was freely offered to them in the gospel without money ano^without price. "The beggars from the lowest parts of the earth were just as acceptable to him as kings and princes. He was anxious to save to the uttermost, and was unwilling that any should perish. He did not wish any persons present ro go away with the impression that they -were too great sinners co come to Christ. Pardon was offered to all, through the merits of Jesus' blood. He compared the beautiful river of St. Lawrence, with its many lakes, &&, to the wonderful river of Love, in its many aspeet3. "His language was eloquent, and often poetical, and he explained and illustrated Ms subjects with great power. The discourse con cludedamidstprofound silence- The 165 th hymn, ■was then suns: by the choir, and the meeting concluded with prayer. At the close the Rev A. W. Webb requested any young men who were willing to come forward and assist by acting as stewards at these meetings. Br Sommerville will deliver another evangelistic address in the Theatre Royal this evening; and. a meeting especially for children will be hpld at noon to-morrow. At eight o'clock on Sunday morning, an address is to be delivered to the young men of Auckland.

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIA V. INTERCARGILL.

[Bx Telegram.]

IxvEKCAEGrLt, this day. The match between the Australian Eleven and Twenty-two of Southland, was resumed at noon yesterday. C. Bannerman made a total score of 125, and carried his ban out Horan made a rapid 54 in first-class style, and was finally caught oat. Garrett followed, and added 4, and was then ran out. Murdoch, the nest man, was caught by third man. after getting into donble figures. "Blackham followed, meeting a simitar fate, with the score of sir. Spofforth was clean bowled by Morrison. Gregory was caught oat after getting a double. Boyle was likewise caught, only having added 3. Bailey made a quick 22 by good play, and was eventually canght- Kendall, the last man. was clean bowled for 6. Total, with extras, 267. The InvercarjdH team were quickly disposed of in the second innings, all the wickets falling for 39 runs in an hour and -a-half. The stumps weie drawn at 5J5. The following is the score :— AUSTRAIJAN-—Fibst IxsrxGS. C. Bannerman, not out 125 A. Bannerman, bH. Morrison .. 13 H. Horan, c Ross bßuchanan.. .. 53 Gairett, not out A Murdoch, c Garbrith b Morrison .. 10 Blackham, c Garbrith b Morrison .. 6 Spoffortb, b Morrison 0 Gregory, eMorriaoub Reade.. " m i 2 Boyle, c Kingswell b Morrison .. 3 Bailer, c Cross b Morrison .». ..22 Kendall, b Buchanan 6 Extras 29 Total 267 The Australians thus won the match in one innings, with 138 runs to spare.

PAPAKURA HANDICAP.

The handicaps for the Papakura Handicap were made to-day as follows . — stlb. Kingfisher, aged' .. .. ..9 5 Tom Finn, 5 years .. .. ..8 3 Golden Crown, aged .. .. 712 Ravenshoe, 5 years .. ..7 7 Firetail, aged, .. .. ..7 5 Don, aged .. -. .. ..7 5 HURDLE RACE. Tom Finn, syears.. .. ..117 Loafer, aged .. .. ..114 Sportsman, aged .. .. ..114 Golden Crown, aged .. ..10 7 Greyhound, aged .. .. .. 10 7 Don,aged-.. .. .. .. 10 4 FiretaU, aged .. .. .. 10 4 Tim, 6 years .. .. .. 10 0 Bess,s years .. .. ..9 10 Nettle, aged .. .. ..9 7 Wm. Pekctvalj, Secretary.

KAIPARA RAILROAD OPERATIONS.

As the final decision is announced respect ing the route of the Kaipara line, and the tenders for constructing the intermediate portions of the line between Auckland and Helensville ■will shortly be out, a few remarks respecting the progress made by the contractor of the .Helensville terminies may be interesting. On visiting the scene of operations yesterday we noticed that though considerable "work had been done, the contractor is much behindhand. He has had great difficulty in getting supplies of timber. The totara especially is hard to get, the trees usually being scattered through the bush more than some other kinds. The supply of trees in the neigh bourhood was long since exhausted, and it has become necessary to go up the head of the Wairoa river to get this valuable timber. |S^me of the totara piles were even obtained at Mahurangi, sent by boat to Riverhead, and thence by rail to Helensville. The pile driving for the land ing place has proceeded;in a most satis factory manner, and the bulk of this portion of the work is done. The next step will be to sheet the piles, after which the filling in or raising of the ground to the required height is to be done. This will require an enormous amount of earth, which will" be brought over the bridge by trucks. At pre sent the bridge spans the creek in solitary grandeur, not being on. either side of the creek connected by the required embank ment. On the Helensville side of the bridge the embankment is made to within 200 feet along the hard ground, the remainder has to be formed over the mud bank of the river, and the contractor is at his wits end to know how to do it, for as fast as he pitches the mullock down, it sinks into the soft mud and slides into the river. Fascines have gone from the enbankment and even the old hard ground with small tuits of mangrove bushes have been forced by the weight of the earth twenty feet away from their old position. The con tractor is not considered to have started on this portion of the work early enough, and it is thought that by putting on two or three shifts, and depositing earth in great quantities, it would settle down and enable

EYENItfG STAR FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 1818



AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION. To-dat'3 quotations:— Bank of New Zealand—£23los; buyers, £23 ss. Colonial Bank—Buyers, 50s. South British Insurance— Buyers, //a; sellers, . Union Insurance—Buyers, 123 6d. Union Sash & Door Co.—Buyers, £10 10a. Moanatairi—77s: sellers, 80s, Tokatea—Hellers, 7s. Korunui Hill—Buyers, 143 Piako—Buyers, ss. Thame3~'jOS e EPH NEWMAN. Chairman. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS W J HUR9T 3c. CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been p-oved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and DTO^table returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. jtJur3t & Co. in strongly commending them to every Apfriealturist:— „,.«,„ MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MBXIfiA.N do. BELLe riONE FLOUR iandWnch BONED UST BTLLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA Hipl£pho%h£te So*f lime. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. Hln addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted bo much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101 QUEEN-STREET, CLOSER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING Just Landed, ex Columbus— 30 casks new Clovers, eousisting of Red Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand. . Al3yhe. Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Ra(3-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-STREET. 500 sacka Sydney Maize (superior sample) First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed Purposes Vo Flourf Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c, &c. Particular attention i 3 called to 360 sacks Prime Barley at 4s per bushel o 50tt>. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh Oatmeal, a £21 per ton. ?3W. J. HURST & CO., EIQI.iQUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND. /"|N THIS DAY AND DURING THE WEEK, W X -WILL SHOW PIEoS ES 10,000 pps^ s FASHIONABLE DRESS GOODS AND *S- PRINTS. -5* REDUCED TO HALF~PRICE IN ORDER TO^CLEAR. J. COSGRAVE & CO., QUEEN-STREET. NEVER Have the Public had such a Choice of BED STEADS offered them as at the present tame Besides our already well assorted Stock of Iron Erdsteads. and those of our ovm. manu facture in Kauri, Rimu, Cedar, and Mottled Kauki, we ask them to bear in MIND of the most modern style, comprising French, Half Tester, Children's, and Stwmps, also Cots, at Prices to suit all classes. Having purchased for Cash from THE Best Manufacturers, we can SELL A GOOD BEDSTEAD at a Very Low Price. BEDDING, of every description, keptinStoclE. HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Our system is to make a large return - to insure this We Sell for Ready fOASH at a Small Profit, and DELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. m~ Give your Furnishing Order to Hollo-way, Garlick & Cianwell, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, AND CLOTHIERS, City Hall Arcade, queen & lome-streets AUCKLAND. TUST RECEIVED. GENTS' BLACK STANLEY SCARVES, In Satin and Corded Silk. ALSO, LONG BLACK FOLDING SCARVES. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, vrEW ZEALAND TTOUSE, Auckland. There is no comparison in point of flavour and remedial properties between that incomparable medicinal beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, and the imitations of it put up in empty bottles of the real article. • The tme Schnapps is positively delicious, and an unfailing remedy for the diseases to which it is adapted. The counterfeits have a detestable flavour, and are deleterious in the last degree.



i YEW ZEALAND INSURANCE l>i COMPANY. REDUCED RATES FOR DETACHED DWELLING-HOUSKS:—In. the City, from 12s. upwards : in the Country, from 13s. GEOFGE P. PIERCE, mineral Manager. T7IXPLRATION OF "pARTNERSHIP TERM. DRAPERY A?vD CLOTHING AT 20 pek Cent. REDUCTION"! •-DUSHBROOK AND T3RLDGMAN. The abovenamed have decided (prior to Stock-taking), in order to facilitate adjustment of accounts, necessitated by the expiration of our term of partnership, to hold a jj CLEABING-OUT SALE, g And will allow for a limited C — period, a v 5 DISCOUNT OF TWEjTTPEE cc 2 CENT. UPON" ALL CASH - SH ' PURCHASES. p O tr P iS.ES" THE & OFF THE USTAi PRICES. g S Q — Commencing on *£ S FRIDAY, 11th JANUARY. M j^ H The Stock is Unusually Heavy, and Z Well-assorted in every H sj Department. £ % % T $ 3 "i • R. & 8., with satisfaction, direct Cj . -*■ attention to the fact that since com- £ : . mencing business they have steadily — : r avoided all Selling Off. Cheap _ ■E^ Sales, &c. : their aim ha vine been to ~; fcj supply a GOOD ARTICLE at a qq , S REASONABLE PRICE, and "NO C ■ PUFF,' and deem that the simple C H statement of the fact is sufficient to C convince their friends and the public . l of the bona fide character of the pre- ,_= § sent announcement. — Goods Entered wtll be Charged Vsxjal Prices. Country Orders, accompanied by remittance, will have prompt attention. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel). TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY I) OF NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. UCKLAJsD BRANCH: QuEEN-S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insuranc granted on Dwelling-house?, Stores, Shops, Bnildings in which trade is carried on. Merchandise, and Goods or every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hullg of Ships or Steamers. Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at OWE3T CCRRENT RATES. R. H. STEVENSON Manager.