SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

.••< si irvi'iTß (This Afternoon. 0.16 ■iiUfl W AIH.K— vro-monw Morning, 7.G 'UN SEP.—This ICrenlni;. 5.9 '■"UN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, R.lo MOON".-*" AGE.—New Moon, 3rd, 0.29 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, s.s., Holmes, from Napier. Woodville, barque, from Newcastle

DEPARTURES.

Energy, schooner. Savory, for Friendly Islands Elizabeth Conway, schooner, Scott, for Noumea Helen, brigantine, for Lyttelton. via Thames Rowena, s.s., Sellars. for Tauranga

Cleared Outwards.—Venus, ketch, for Kenn-idy Bay, with 31.000 shingles, 3000 feet timber; Teviot, cutter, for Coromandel and Porter's Creek, with 10 tons coal, 10 sacks oats, and a quantity sundries; Catherine, cutter, for Mahurangi. in ballast ; Coralie, cutt_r, for Me-cury Island, in ballast; Mary Ann, cutter, for Kennedy's Bay.in ballast ; Griffin, schooner, for Russell, in ballast; Morning Light, cutter, for Cabbage Bay. in ballast.

Entered Inwards.—Catherine, cutter, from Wangarei, with 807 bushels lime ; Janet, cutter, from Wangarei, with 40 lons limestone; Mary Ann, cutter, from Cabbage Bay, via Tryphena, with 15 tons firewood; Morning Light, cutter, from Cabbag*. Pay, with 50 tons firewood. A schooner was signalled when we went to press.

Tbe s.s. Southern Cross ,'frotn Napier arrived just as -n-e were going to press. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. (Limited) have decided to lay on ships to load wool and produce at Timaru for Em-land. The barque Mendoza has entered out for Timaru.

The ketch Venus cleared for Kennedy's Bay t_-day. where she will load with 25,000 feet timber for Gisborne.

The brigantine Helena sailed ior the Thames last evening, with a full cargo of grain and merchandise. She is to load at the Thames for Lyttelton.

The s.s. Rowena sailed last evening for Mercury Bay and Tauranga, with passongers and cargo.

The schooner Elizabeth Conway sailed last night for Noumea with a full general cargo.

The sshooner Energy sailed last night for the Friendly Islands with a lull cargo, and the following passengers : Miss Crocker, Alesdames Mama and Berril, Messrs. Yon Hagen, Johnson, .■Mid Reynolds.

The s.s. Wanaka sails this afternoon for Napier and Southern ports. Passengers .-—Mr and Mrs Harrop, Mr and Mrs Williams, Miss McGlashan, Miss Wilson, Masters Brewer (2); Me.sr3 Leonard, Chatfield, H. B. Keesing, G. Slater, R. Wright, Culpan, E. H, Whitaker, Fergusson, Hazel, Brassey, Merrill, Robertson, Howie, Mansfield. Alexander. Beanford, Ber wick, Bright, Steet, and Hon. J. C. Fisher. The schooner Garmonth entered outwards at the Customs to-day for New Bedford, via Bay of Islands. She is to lead with whale oil at the l.ittsr port. The amount of revenue collected at the Customs was £920 lis 4d.

Contrary to general expectation the barque signalled last night turned out to be the Wood ville, from Newcastle, with coal. This vessel sailed on.the 22nd ult.. aud made the imusually smart passnge of eight days. . She anchored in the channel, and will come up the harbour with to-night's tide.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Waitara. thisday. The p.s. Hauraki sailed for the Manukau at ,15 a.m. to-day.

Nrlsos., this day. The s.s. Taiaroa arrived from New Plymouth t six o'clock this morning.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to-

morrow, at 2 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, to

morrrow.'at 2 p.m. For Napier and Lyttelton, per [Southern Cross, this day, at|s p.m. Per s.s. Hero, on Friday next, as follows: For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 10a.m.

For Australian Colonies and United King dom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially addressed), at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters for Sydney and Melbourne, at 11.15 a.m.

For money orders, registered letters, and newpapers, at 9.30 a.m. For Suwarrow Island, per Wave of Lifo, to-

morrow, at 9 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, per Rover, to-morrow, at

1 p.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, Te Arai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Anne Mil bank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Russell and Kawa Kawa, per Hawea, on

Monday next, nt 3 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, Mongonui, per lona, on

Monday next, at 3 n.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Tuesday next, at 8 a.m. S. B. BIS 3. Chief Postmaster

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Justick.—Wo should have no objection to ,•;■ publish your letter if its statements of fact were reliable. On inquiry at the Supremo Court however, you will find that you aro in error; there is no money that could bo applied to the purpose you suggest. It would therefore be cruel to uselessly and unjustly harrow the feoliiitfs of ono who has! no 'doubt suffered enough, through no personal fault.

DEATH.

COX.—On the 2nd instant, at Onehunga, Robert Cox, late of County Armagh, Ireland, aged 61) years. ... The funeral will leave tho residence of his son (John Cox). Onehunga, at ha'f-past two o'clock on Saturday. Friends please accept this invdation.

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

THURSDAY. MAY 2, 1878.

fie >■<___ c__«e thftt U<_ks.££«-£tanc«, rar toe w_«Kg that act. tc__st___ci, s>« U.s fr-!ure in th; dliiicec, A__£ «ks coot* <___-£ «as ota &•_.

The course adopted by the Government in dealing with the native obstruction and bounce offered by Tukukino to the progress of the Puke-Paeroa road, Ohinemuvi, indi cates a wholesome change in the policy of the Native Oilice. 'Formerly, it was only necessary for a great chief, who found his Hour and sugar running low, to make a demonstration like that carried out by Tukukino a few days ago to ensure ample saccharine supplies In attacking the Komata bridges, and breathing forth blood and thunder against all and sundry, Tuku kino in only playing a part which has been acted hundreds of times before, and with marked .success. We can picture the old warrior as being perfectly bewildered and aghast when he learns that instead of an order on the nearest baker, the Native Minister has issued an authority for the prosecution of the work in defiance of all opposition. This was conveyed to the Thames County Council, who are carrying out the road, in the following document: — "Auckland, April 27th IS7B. " The Thames County Council is hereby authorised, under section 78 of " The Public Works Act, 1878," to cuter upon all Native lands in that part of the Thames County lying within the Ohine muri Hiding for the purpose of making all necessary surveys in connection with the laying out and construction ot.the proposed liucs of roads, bridges, and also in connection with repairs, or re-con struction of any existing lines of road, or bridges and culverts.—John Sheehan, Member of Executive Council, acting for the time being on behalf of the Minister of Public Works." During his recent visit to the Upper Thames, the Hon. Mr Sheehan frankly told the natives that while any reasonable com plaint would be listened to, they would not be supported in any unlawful acts. The Courts of Justice, he said, gave Maoris the only remedy enjoyed by Europeans, and they must learn to settle their griev ances by the mode thus provided. His present firmness will have a salutary effect. It should be further observed, that in be queathing to a local body a native question, the Mystery Office makes a further and more serious departure from its time honoured practices. In the good old times, Tukukino a mauouvres, profitable to him self, would have been still more lucrative to the army of petty diplomatists who would forthwith have been called in to conciliate the enemy. The Great Man, with carpet bags tenderly borne by subservient satellites, would have prepared himself ior the momentous mission. And after a week or two of fruitless aud undignified negotiation, it would have been notified that public con siderations rendered it impolitic to proceed with the road, while Tukukino remained master of the situation. As it is, if the Thames County Council, by their discretion, justify the confidence that has been reposed in them, the road will proceed quietly as opportunity oilers ; and Tukukino, finding that there is no fuss, no flour, no rum, and no korero, and that he has not suddenly become a very great man, will be gradually deserted by his few followers and quietly subside.

i Great Britain is now bringing her vast military resources into a state of preparation for a struggle upon a gigantic scale • and the Australian colonies, so far as their means and available materials will allow, are exerting themselves ii. a manner worthy of nationality, to put their defences upon a satisfactory footing. We have from time to time noticed the measures that have been adopted by our neighbours to place their piincipal ports iv a coudition to rspel hostile cruisers, and in some cases to render their harbours practically secure from the risk of attack. The Australian tele graphic news published in our yesterday's issue shewed that C>ueensland^ has become keenly alive to the necessity of fol lowing the example of her more enterprising neighbours New South Wales and Victoria. The volunteer forces are being completely reorganized and placed upon an effective fighting footing, and for the defence of the important coastal points iv conformity with the plans proposed by Colonel Scratchley. Following also the example of Victoria which has now both a permanent naval aud military force of respectable dimensions, and of JSiew South Wales, which is raising a small body of permanent artillery, as well as some navals, Queensland proposes to maintain a permanent staff, mainly, no doubt, for purposes of training. The principal direction, however, in which the, defensive resources of New South Wales" are being developed is the employment of. torpedoes to guard the comparatively' imiTowfJ-.iltrance to Port Jackson; whore '

the two channels contain only a moderate draught of water. Under Major Cracknell, the scientific electrician of that polony, a Torpedo Corps is being trained which will be immediately available in case of emergency Fixed torpedoes will be employed in the first instance, which will be connected with the shore by sub-marine cables, and may be exploded by an instantaneous process. Torpedo and look-out stations are already in a forward state, some being bomb proof, and protected with iron and wood towards the sea. During the past month a permanent force of Artillery, about 220 strong, have been stationed in the batteries in the outerline of defence, where guns of heavy calibre are in position. Even Tasmania, with its comparath ely limited resources is making energetic pre parations. Up to the present, little or noth ing has been done in this colony for exter nal defence, and from all parts of the colony complaints are made of the defenceless con dition of the principal towns. It would appear that our Government relies on a false sense of security which at any rate is not shared by our neighbours, and is not warranted by the existing probabilities of attack. The rapid growth of New Zealand in material wealth during the past few years cannot have escaped the attention of those who would be likely to be our assailants in a war against the Empire, and a condition of defencelessness is the surest way of inviting attack. It is to be hoped that the plan of defence which the Government have promised will not be long delayed.

Interruption of the Cable.

The restoration of the Port Darwin line has only served to discover a more serious break in tho cable between Batavia and Singapore. This will occasion a much greater and more vexatious interruption. The Press Agency telegraph this afternoon as follows :—" The Batavia and Singapore cable has been interrupted since yestflrday morning. Arrangements are being made for the conveyance of telegrams per steamer."

On our fourth page to-day appear two interesting articles on Russia in the Pacific, and an account of tho heartrending scenes connected with the Chincso famine.

With reference to the complaint of Goo. Thomson, blacksmith, of Waitoa, relative to the sending of his two children to the Industrial School, we have been shown letters from Waikato settlers and received other information which perfectly ,satisfies us that it is to the best interests of the chil eren that they should remain where they are, a fact which they appear perfectly alive to themselves, and strenuously object to any proposal for their return home. If Mr Thomson wishes to have the custody of children he should learn how to take care of them. We trust the Minister of Justice will not be misled into any actiou which would be the meaus of removing the children from their present comfortable quarters. The entertainment, preparatory to the Young Men's course of winter lectures, will be held to-morrow (Friday) evening, in the Choral Hall. His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby is expected to occupy the chair, and addi esses will be delivered by llcvs. A. Carrick and J. Robertson. Mr Theo. Cooper and a select choir of singers will fill the intervals with choice selections of music. The annual meeting of the Auckland Rifle Association will be held to-morrow (Friday) evening, in the Drill-shed, at eight o'clock. Instruction will be given in musketry this evening in the Drill-shod by Sergeant Soall, commencing at half-past seven o'clock. » The Ethiopian entertainment for the benefit of Mrs McCanlcie and orphans is fixed for the 10th inst., and will be held in the Lome-street Hall. A special pro gamme is in course of preparation, including minstrelsy, songs, and dances, under the direction of Messrs Carey and Dean. Messrs Bertie and Rice will appear as tainbos ; Messrs Carey and Kimble will electrify theaudience with their bone melodies; and Mr Horace Dean will sing, for the first time in Auckland, the "Great War .Song." A number of sentimental and comic melodies will intervene, the whole winding up with a select ball. The Excelsior entertainment to the sea men now in port will open this evening in the Franklin Road school-room immedi ately after the tea tables have been cleared. Ad dresses, ballads, and varieties in music and story will alternately be introduced by lady and gentlemen amateurs for the amuse ment of the auditory. We would remind our volunteer readers that the lecture on Hi fie Musketry, to be delivered this evening in the Drill-shed, will be open to members of all other corps besides No. 3 Company. We hope on this occasion there will be a good attendance, as we hear some truths will be oli'ered for the consideration of all volunteers. The case of Jones v. A brains will be heard at the District Court before Judge Fenton and a special jury, on the 13th inst. The judgment of the Resident Magistrate in the Police Court on the Ist March did not, it appears, give satisfaction to the neighbours and hiends of the plaintiff; hence they opened a subscription list, and raised funds for the expenses of a new trial- It will be seen by reserence to a Govern ment announcement which appears amongst our advertisements, that the time for the completion of the Port contract on the Nelson -to Foxhill Railway has been extended from six to nine months.

Tho Hon. J. Macandrew, Minister of Public Works, is expected to accompany Mr Lawson, the newly appointed Superin tendent of North Island Rail v. ays, on a visit to Auckland next week.

The All Saints' concert this evening in the Ponsonby Hall, promises to be successful. The programme is of a high class character and especially attractive to lovers of good music. A number of ladies of ability will assist in several choice duets and choruses, under the conductoiship of Mr Joseph Brown. Selections will be given from the great German, English, and Italian masters, including such eminent names as Bellini, Hotton, Claribel, Flotow, and others. The beautiful duet, "Breathe no More," and the fine choruses " Children's Voices," "Hark the distant Hills," and «« Oh, Albion," one of the favourite compositions of the celebrated John Braham. will be sung. Among the songs announced for singing, are the "Blind Girl's Dream".(Miss Gray) " Tichborne Trial," comic, by a gentleman,. ".The Bandit's Life," " I heard a Voice," and the pathetic effusion of "Bertha." The Orpheus Glee Club (four voices) will render several popular glees. The proceeds of the concert will be given in aid. of All Saints' Church, and will, no doubt, be liberally patronised by the inhabi tants of the pleasant suburb of Ponsonby.

Mr W. P. Moat repeated his discourse on the "Dawn of Literature," on Tuesday evening in the school-room of Omaha, for the benefit of the district library. There was a full attendance, and the lecturer's remarks were thoroughly appreciated.

At the Christchurch University examin ation for under-graduates for the year, Mr R. H. Rattray, and Mr W. St. Clair Tis dall, passed final examination for the B.A. degree.

On the legal tender of coppers, a correspondent asks : "Sir, —Would you inform me, and at the same time all interested, if there is any definite sum at which English copper coin can be legally refused ? My reason for asking is that the banks demur receiving it, which.makes it very inconvenient for tradesmen, who frequently have pounds' worth. —Yours, &c, Tradesman.—[Under English law, silver cannot be legally tendered for sums exceeding two pounds, nor coppers for amounts over one shilling.—Ed. E.S.]

j_*.The following amounts were paid over at the settling on the Auckland Autumn Race Meetiug:—W. Walters, £353 8s; O. C. McGee, £206 3s; R- Thorp, £38; M. Edgar, £17 2s; E. Perkins, £3 16s; S. Morrin, £76 ; Buckland, £9 10s ; Ruther ford, £17 2s; Leonard, £19; Kavanagh, £1 ISs ; Quinlan, 19s : total, £742 18s.

. We learn that Mr. Allright has received instruction from the Native Minister to pro ceed at once, for the widening and deepen ing of the river channel at Waiuku, and for constructing a road from that district to the railway station at Pukekohe. These im provements will be of advantage to settlers. The following are tho census returns for the Coromandel district:—Harataunga Rid ing, 254 males, 148 females; total, 423. Mercury Bay Riding, 257 males, 107 females ; total, 364. Coromandel High way District, 606 males, 493 females; total, 1,099. Tiki Highway District, 100 males, 68 females ; total," 16S. Shipping, 30 males. Total (with shipping) 1,277 males, 816 females. Grand total, 2,093.

The National Insurance Company's re port, shows a balance of £13,000 available for distribution, as follows :—Dividend of ten per cent, £2500, bonus of sixpence per share, £25,000 ; carried to reserve fund, £8,000.

Mr H. C. Gillespie, who has long been a resident at the Thames, where he has earned universal esteem and respect by his excellent social qualities and business capacity, has left liere in order to under take the charge of Hina saw-mills, in tho Manukau. Mr Gillespie was well-known as manager of the Tararu Tramway, and as managing partner in the firm of W. Sontor and Co., steam boat agents. The Thames '•Advertiser" in referring to this gentle man's departure bears testimony to the high esteem in which he has held at the Thames.

A very interesting celebration took place at the Good Templar anniversary at Gra hamstown. There was a tea-meeting and exhibition of curios. The Rev. _S. Edgar spoke at some length, and according to the " Advertiser" said : —" Intemperance was the great curse of this world, and if any one were to look fully into the matter he would see that he was not wrong in what he said. He believed that there was not a nation on the face of the earth that had not suU'cred more or less by intemperance. He knew of evils whereby the pocket was ruined and health injured, but drink blasted the body and spirit of a man, and made him a total wreck. The publicans were called by some honourable gentlemen ; but, he said, could they be honourable men when they lived on the. misery of their fellow-creatures, from whom they reaped a rich harvest. In India there were thousands and thou sands of acies of rich land set apart for the cultivation of the poppy (from which opium Avas made), which might have been em ployed to cultivate cereals, instead of a posion which was forced into China by the British Government to make tho people poor and wretched, but from which they obtained a tremendous revenue."

A smart shock of earthquake was experi enced at Wellington yesterday.

The Acclimatisation Society of Christ church have decided to introduce the sugar maple.

A rather amusing incident occurred at Otahuhu the other day in connection with the matter which led to last nignt's meet ing. Mr Stringer, it appears, made up his mind that cither by hook or by crook he would nullify the resolution of the Road Board relative to the laying down the scoria in school grounds. So determined was he, that when the man with the first loud arrived at the school gates he found them closed, and Mr Stringer, accompanied by the Chairman of the School Committee, standing behind them, leady, like Leonidas and his 300 Spartans, to guard the pass or die ill the attempt. This, of course, was not to be tolerated, and in a very short time Mr Luke, Chairman of the Road Board, accompanied by a local minion of the law, at once made his appearance on the scene, and drove oil' the obstructionists. The spectacle of a chairman aud member of a School Committee trying to prevent a piece of gratuitous kindness being done them must have been most edifying.

The present state of our Police Barracks demands the attention of the authorities. The buildings are in a very dilapidated state ; but this is not the only complaint. The rooms cannot boast of ceilings, and the rain linds easy ingress through the rotten shingles, to the great discomfort of the policemen within. There aie also numberless openings in the wall, through which the wind whistles nightly, thus perhaps sowing the seeds of future sick ness. The case is certainly one that demands proper attention, and it is to be hoped that until the Grammar School building is ready for occupancy, some provision will be made for the comfort of our police force.

His Excellency the Governor and suite will in all probability proceed to Welling ton by the Hinemoa next week.

Yesterday Messrs Maclean and Co. received a cablegram from Sydney from their agent, Mr Payne, endorsing the report we published of their stock having carried oil* first prizes, with the further information that the younger bull, Duke of Newcastle, also carried oil' the champion prize for the best bull on the ground, thereby addiug to ;f remarkable extent to the already grand victory achieved over Sydney stock. This will be more apparent when we mention that Maclean and Co.'s bull had not only to compete against the last years' champion bull, but against the oue purchased for 2,450 guineas at the Colac sale. An Auckland gentleman lately visiting Sydney was chatted while there on the in significant character of New Zealand, that it was a little isolated island bristling with dirty aborigines, and without any respect able cities or anything pertaining to a well established country. They have, however, been defeated in the short-horn oull line, and next year they may probably be defeated from Mr Fantham's herd, if this gentleman chooses to compete. From Auckland hocks of sheep it would probably be as easy to wrest from Sydney her leading prizes for this department. In the mean time New Zealand has given Sydney an eye-opener, and the stock shewn leaves them room for speculation on the character of that which is left behind.

Count de Zaba, who is at present staying in Auckland, has kindly undertaken to give a lecture on the "History and Literature of Poland," in aid of the funds of the Ladies' Benevolent Society. The lecture will take place next Thursday evening in the Choral Hall, and will be illustrated by national music, both vocal and instrumental. Bishop Cowic has consented to preside on the occasion, and the direction of music has oeen undertaken by Mr Rice. We believe the subject will be of such interest as to attract a large audience. The charge of admission is one shilling.

Experiments Avith the telephone have been carried out for some days on the line be tween Auckland and Mercer. Mr Badden, lineman, stationed at the latter place has succeeded in making a pair of excellent instruments, and last night these were put to work with great success in the presenco of several gentlemen. Connection was made between Mr Sheath's office, Auck land, and the lineman's room, Mercer, aud operations at the Auckland end were directed by Mr Sheath, Inspector, and Mr Lusher, manager. Con versation, singing, laughter, the ticking of a clock, and other sounds were distinctly audi ble between the two places, male and female voices being clearly distinguishable. It was found impossible, however, to carry on while the instruments were at work on other Hues, every sound being transmitted to the telephonic wire. For this reason it is im probable that the telephone will be applied o any practical purpose, at present at any rate, on telegraph lines. It is understood that the Public Works Department is actively pushing forward the plans and specifications for the section of the Kaipara Railway, for which tenders have not yet been invited, and that no un necessary delay will be allowed to prevent tenders being called for at an early date. Residents in the neighbourhood of the Mount Eden Pond, will be glad to learn that the Government have issued tions to remedy the nuisance which has so long threatenc"d the public health iv that district.

Tho Ho»V J. C. Fisher leaves for the South by the Wanaka this afternoon.

To the Editor: Sir,—Adam aud Eve were happy in the Garden of Eden, accord ing to the poetic allegory, until the serpent crept in and played "fantastic tricks" before the mother of mankind—a scene which has been pictured by Milton—so with the Auckland Templar lodges, the serpent of discontent and division has been admitted, (by pass-word and sign of course), to many of them, to the exclusion of harmony. What the result may be, I cannot pretend to say, but the suggestion of a writer is good, despite its satire, viz., that a higher order of lodge shall be established in our midst, bearing the appropriate title of the "Bearand Eorbear," not in a zoologicial sense, but indicating a brotherhood thriving upon the unadulter ated milk of human kindness.—Yours, &c, Zephyr.

In his speech at Otahuhu last night Mr Stringer made a very strange statement. He said that Mr Luke had persuaded the roadway board to put down the scoria in the school grounds, because he was chagrined at not having been elected chair man of the' school committee. Why in the name of wonder should Mr Luke propose a gratuitous gift to the school committee if he was annoyed with them for not making him Chairman ? Is it meant that he was heaping coals of fire on their (block) heads ? Respecting the negligence of Parnell Borough Councillors, we have received the following :—" Sir,—ln noticing the lapse of two special meetings of the Parnell Borough Council in your issue of yesterday, an error has no doubt unintentionally crept in. You say, interalia, " On the first occasion the Mayor and Messrs McKenzie and Wood were alone present. I was present at both meetings, and cannot, therefore, be held responsible, either directly or indirectly for any consequences that may arise from the non-attendance of other councillors.—Yours, &c, W. J. Brack enbury.

ft is probable that the Hon. the Native Minister will visit the Ngapuhi and Rarawa natives at the Bay of Islands and Hokianga after the forthcoming meeting at Hiku rangi.

CABLEGRAMS.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION

ORGANISATION OF A VOLUNTEER

ARMY.

[REUTERS SPECIAL TELEGRA.MS. ] • LONDON, April 30. The situation is still uncertain. Negotia lions ate being continued.

A Volunteer army, for active service is organising. 8,000 have been already en rolled.

AUSTRALIA.

(From our Special Correspondent.)

The Sugar Market.

SYDNEY, this day. There have been extensive sales of sugflr, .vhich is still firm.

A Queensland railway clerk at Townsend has shown the police in the Brisbane Gardens a " plant " of £600.

NEW ZEALAND CATTLE AT THE EXHIBITION.

[RECTER'S SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.] SYDNEY, May 1.

The New Zealand bull, Duke of Newcas tle, has taken the champion prize for the Durham class.

The Bank of New South Wales has de clared a dividend, with bonus, amounting to 17i per cent. The Assembly has finally ratified a modi fied Pacific mail contract. A motion to ter minate the same in November, ISSI, was negatived on a division. CHAMPION BILLIARD MATCHES. MELBOURNE, May 1. Tho first billiard match between Cham pion Roberts aud Mr Shorter, an English player, both recently arrived in the colony, took place last night. Roberts gave 250 points in the game of 1,000 up, and won by 246 points. At the billiard match this afternoon, at the Atheuteum, at which ladies were admitted, the game was 500 points. Shorter, with a start of 100, beat Roberts by 93. Three games of pyramids were then played, Shor ter receiving one ball in each event. Shorter won two games. Midnight. At billiards to-night, in a game of 750 up, Roberts gave his opponent 175, and lost by 314. At a public trial of Wood's railway brake the invention proved successful. Sir J. McCulloch has resigned his seat for Warrnambool, and Mr Francis will announce his candidature at once.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.— THIS DAY.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq.,R,M.) JUDGMENT FOR PLAINTIFFS. M. Levy and Co. v. Geo. Brown. Claim, £22 13s 2d goods ; costs, £3 14s. Neil Smith v. Robert Blair. Claim, £1 ss, cash lent ; costs, £1 9s 6d. Win. Finch v. Frost Brothers. Claim, £16 Bs, services rendered ; costs, £3 4s. Mr J. B. Russell appeared for plaintiffs in these three cases. John Waddell v. Wm. L. Rodgers. Claim, £11 Is 4d, balance of account for bread ; costs, £35d. Mr Thorne for plaintiil. Geo. H. Smith v. G Keeting. Claim £600. Mr Thorne for plaintiff, stated that this action was brought to recover rent, and a tenement in the occupation of defendant in Parnell. Geoige Henry Smith deposed that defen dant was in possession ofjhis house, of which defendant refused to dispossess, and for which rent was not forthcoming. He let the house for 10s per week, and claimed only for 12 weeks, although more was due. Thomas Bell, solictor's clerk, proved to serving defendant with notice to quit on the 6th of April. Mr Thorne said defendant had called at his ofiice, confessed the debt, aud promised to give up the key in a fortnight, v judgment for plaintiff £6, and to give up possession by the 16th inst. Mr Thorne said he would not press for his fee, nor for the expense of the witness. Costs £1 Is 9d. William C. Brown, v. Walter Long. Claim £11 17s 9d, goods. Mr Thome for plaintiff,(stated that defen dant had left Auckland, but had recently remitted a portion of the claim ; he would therefore ask for an adjournment to give defendant an opportunity of paying the balance according to promise. Adjourned until the 30th May. Several other cases were settled out of Court. This was all tho business.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's Quotations— National Bank—Buyers, 755. Colonial Bank—s2s 9d. South British Insurance—72s 6d, 73s ; sellers, 73s 6d. Auckland Gas—Buyers, £10 103. Union Insurance—ls3. Moauatairi—-60a ; sellers, 60s. Alburma—6os, 5Ss, 60s ; buyers, 57s 6u : sellers, 593. North Devon—4s. Corby—los, Us ; buyers, 3Ss; sellers, 40s. Golden Point—Sellers, 5s 6d. Knranui Hill—lßs ; buyers, 193 ; sellers. ISs. Cure—Sellers, 6s Gd. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr R. Arthur held a sale of land at his Queen-street mart to-daj*, consisting of 3,054 acres, situated at Mangonui, which brought £340. Messrs Tonks and Co. sold the New Zealand. Battery, situate at Coromandel. The battery realised £60, and the site £1, subject to tho payment of £20, being 12 months rent on same. The purchaser was Mr C. Totbill.

MAKETU LAND COURT.

Mr Halse who has been sent by the P ' vernment to Maketu to hold a sitting of«? '■••'' Native Land Court there, in order to • L vestigate the titles to blocks upon whirii •"='"■ advances havo been made by the Govern 1' ment, telegraphs that a number of t?" most influential chiefs have agreed to th sitting of the Court. As these°were untv recently opposed to the sitting, it ia honpll that the difficulties which necessitated" th -'--' adjournment on the last occasion W ili now be overcome, in spite of the intriirae of some agents who were engaged ia tli 8 former negotiations by the Government but have since transferred their servicp to private speculators. It is really lamen table to learn that the best efforts of the present Government to solve the nativ difficulty, and to facilitate settlement art' mainly opposed by the determined machin. ations of the class of persons referred to* One of these has been telling the native obstructionists that the Government only desire to pass through the land in order to make a lot of money, and that the Government money is " para" or rotten.

Blowing out Kerosene Lamps.

Explosion and Painful Beati.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

[Press Agency*.]

WELLINGTON, this day.

A servakt-girl named Barnes lastfnighfc endeavoured to blow out a kerosene"lanm containing about a pint of oil, when ft burst all over her, and in about a second the kitchen was all aflame. The girl being in the centre of the flames, was dreadfully burnt. She was taken to the Hospital, but died at four o'clock this mom ing, after exonerating anyone else from blame. She was quite sensible.

The Hikurangi Meeting.

Te Kooti Turned off fop

Drunkenness

The notorious Te Kooti with some twenty followers, doubtless including Purukutu Nuku, and others of the like kidney, has been repeating the pranks which he played at the last meeting at Te Kopua. It will be rememenibered that on that occasion Te Kooti rode about the Maori camp in a state of drunkenness, knocking down people, and proclaiming himself as the man upon whose head a price was set. Yesterday he was again at Te Kopua, with about twenty followers, and having got a quantity of his favourite," Red Heart Ruin" from one of the neighbouring European settlements, indulged iv a regular orgie. To-day, how ever, a party of the Ngatihana, armed with a mandate from Tawhiao, came down and ordered Te Kooti and hig followers to march, and a telegram received by the Government this afternoon states that the party have gone bag and baggage back to Te Kuiti. Tawhiao has forbidden the presence ot Te Kooti'g band at the Hikurangi meeting, which will be a matter of satisfaction to all who desire a beneficial outcome of the forthcoming meeting as it will remove one principal source of disturbance. THE NGATIMANIAPOTOS.

The general opinion appears to be that the Ngatimauiapotos will not attend the Hikurangi meeting in a body but will hold a meeting immediately afterwards to which the Hon. the Premier aud the Hon. the Native Minister will be invited. Iv all probability they will be able to accept the invitation, if the meeting can be arranged without delay. REWI'S ATTENDANCE. Te Whearo, who visited Hikurangi yes terday, telegraphs that Rewi will probably attend the meetiug in his private capacity, but that he will not be accompanied by any considerable body of the Ngatimaniapoto. It has transpired that a party of mischiev ous Europeans, who are intimately inter ested in land speculations, have used every mode of reference in their power to render the meeting a failure, but so far have met with very little encouragement from the natives. Some of these Europeans have goiie to Hikurangi in defiance of the expressed wishes of the Government.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Archibald Clements Esq., and F. L. Prime Esq., Justices.) ; .:. TOO much. The following persons were fined for being drunk :—Mary Brown, 20". aud costs; James Brown, 5s and costs; and John Williams, 5s and costs. THE SAME OLD GAME. Mary Anne • Gillam was brought up charged, firstly with being drunk and disor derly, and secondly with being au habitual drunkard and having been three times con victed during the last twelve months. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sent to , gaol for. three months with hard labour. DI SOBEDIENCE. William Clarke, a man of colour, was charged with a breach of the -Merchant . Shipping Act, to wit, wilful disobedience to ' the captain of the Golden Sea. , . Mr Laishley appeared on behalf of the prisoner, and pleaded not guilty. It appears that the captain ordered the prisoner to change his sleeping quarters, aud that the change was not agreeable —in fact, the prisoner contended that the place was not a lit one for him to sleep in. With the consent of Mr Pardy, it was : resolved that Sergeant Martin should examine the cabin, and state his opinion whether or not it was' a fit and proper sleeping place. For this purpose the Court adjourned for an hour. . 7. REMAND. John Anderson, .who was brought up yes terday, charged with larceny as a bailee aud remanded to Wellington, was brought, • up again to-day for the purpose of having the remand altered to Napier. This was all the business. DISOBEDIENCE OF COMMANDS. Wm. Clarke was chained with a breach of the Merchant Shipping Act by disobey ing lawful commands on board" the British ship Golden Sea. Prisoner,, a black man, employed as cook on the Golden Sea, pleaded guilty. Twenty four hours imprisonment with hard labour. >

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq. R.M.)

A PROMISING SAILOR. Alfred Clune, a |boy, was charged with deserting from the U.S.S. Compauy's s.s. Wauaka, he being an apprentice on board the said vessel. • Mr Yon der Hyde stated that the lad had... taken the law into his own hands, and run away from the vessel. He therefore did not feel inclined to take him back. ; Mr Sergeant-Major Mason said the lad had bten7trrested at Hamilton by Sergeant McGovern. Mr Yon der Hey tie desired to have the : , boy's indentures cancelled, but his Worship considered that he had no power to do that. Mr Yon der Heyde had ordered the lad s apprehension, and he could only send him .; back to the ship. If he had let him go there would have been an end of it. 7 Mr Pardy here entered the Court, and stated the boy's father resided at Cam bridge, and desired to have his son back. His Worship said as Captain Breton, \ one of the parties to the binding of the boy, was now present, the indentures might be cancelled. _ Captain Breton considered it a bad precedent to cancel the boy's indentures and discharge him without punishment. His Worship said he would cancel the ..... indentures for gross misconduct in de sertion, and seuteuQetl the boy td one month's imprisonment with hard labour. .ASSAULT. " ;-. ','■' .' '"7 Henry Douglas Beesey was charged witn assaulting' Timothy Verra, a seaman on the Wanaka, by striking him in the face.

EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, MAY .8, 1878



mo. AGRICULTURISTS & OT HER ~\\\ ... HURST % CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results ia this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MISXIOAN do. BEI.LS BONK FLOUR J and £-irteii RONH.HUHT BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LI-.'.!'.;. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. i.l addition to the above, W. J. H. Se Co. t_.ro prepared to supply Hpecial Chemical Manures for stimulating weal: Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, a:, well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that for the last two sea sons bus ait acted such favourable notice. Analysis, p_ - *-s. and other particulars will )>.> supplied on apiK ation at tbe Stores. \V. J. HURST & CO., 101. Queen tro



/ILOVEU SEEDS, RYE GRASS, &C. On Sale, ex Late Arrivals : CLOVER SEEDS. CONSISTING OFT White Clover Timothy Red Clover Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke Sec, Sec, Sec. Turnip ALSO, 200 bushels ENGLISH PERENNIAL RYE GRASS . 50 bushels ENGLISH POA PRATENSIS 1500 lbs. INDIAN DOOB GRASS 1,000 lbs. ALFALPA 2,000 lbs, AMERICAN TIMOTHY. AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. The above have arrived in flrst-claas condition. Samples will be forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grassi* Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poa3 Fescues, &c. Sec. .roin carefully (.elected samples, at lowest mar- Ket rates. W.fJ. HURST & CO., Queen-street. A MAGNIFICENT STOCK OF NEW AUTUMN AND WINTER DRESS MATERIALS Just Opened. ______• A TKINS Invites attention to his Stock of New Dress Materials, Ladies Jackets, Ulsters', Black and Coloured Silks, Velvets, Velve teens, &c, suitable for the coming Season. Now on View. Splen did Colours in New Silk Reps, Wool Reps, Wool Poplinette3, Satin Cloths, Wool Serges/Twilled Carmelites, Estamane Serges, French Merinos, Winseys, and Fancy Dres9 Goods. All splendid value. All the new shades pro curable in Stock. The selection this season is the largest and best ever shewn in the city. Good . quality Black Silk at 3s lid per yard. All the new shades in Coloured Silks. Also Good Chcp Blankets. Quilts, Sheetings/Table Lineu, Flannels, Calicos, and Manchester Goods. IN THK CLOTII IN G DEPART M : E N T New Tweed Suits. Coats, Trow sers and Vests suitable for all classes. A large Stock of Boy's and Youth's Tweed Suits, in our own make and imported. An immense stock of New Tweeds in Baunockburn, Mosgiel, Scotch, West of England, &c. Tailors can select from the largest stock in Auckland at Wholesale Prices. Cheap Tweeds suitable for Boy's wear. Good Quality Guaranteed, and Pricks Lowest in Auckland for Lt'Ar.T, Descriptions of Drapery and Clothing. . z-sr H. v T !C 1 N .-'. "338



"T)IS SOLUTION OF PARTNERSHI The Partnership hitherto existing between J. COSGRAVE AND W. GRAHAM Trading under the style of firm of J. COSGRAVE & 'CO., MERCHANTS AND IMPORTERS Queen-street, Auckland, Is about to be Dissolved by mutual consent; and in order to Wind-up the Partnership Accounts, the ENTIRE STOCK, Consisting of over i FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS WORTH OF DRAPERY & MEN'S CLOTHING, WILL BE ear Disposed of at Cost Price ! "©& All Accounts owing to J. Cosgrave and Co. must be paid forthwith. No Goods will be Entered during the Sale. The Premises were Opened ON WEDNESDAY. APRIL 24, When the Sale Commenced. J. COSGRAVE Se CO. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN about to FURNISH are reminded that ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS IN THE COLONY OB FURNITURE CARPETS FLOORCLOTHS BEDDING, &c, &c, &c. Is ON Salis at T. & H. Cooke's FURNISHING WAREHOUSE 67, QUEEN-STREET. A UTUMN AND WINTER, 1573 The undersigned are bringing fo ward Large Parcels of NEW GOODS _. or the Incoming Season's Trade, Comprising GENERAL DRAPERY and CLOTHING Of Every Description. Entirely New and Well Bought both as regards Quality and Price. Particulars in future issu Inspection Invited, FIVE PER CENT. (la. in the £), ALLOWED ON ALL CASH PUR CHASES.OF 20s. and UPWARDS. JRuSHBROOK AND BrIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &0., JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel), UPP E R QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. BONEDUbST! BONEDUST ONEDUST! To Arrive, per Hero 100 TONS BONEDUST. Also, Just Landed, ex Borough Belle: A FINE SAMPLE OF BILLYAHD'S No. 1 BONEDUST. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. A.« LINABUBY & Kj DRESSMAKERS and MILLINERS. NEW DRESS MATERIALS. A Large Assortment of New Dress Goods or the present Season, in every fashionable shade, Just Opened up at A. LINABURY & CO.'S. NEW WINTER COSTUMES, NEW MANTLES, NEW ULSTERS, NEW MILLINERY, NEW HATS A Large Assortment of Paris Trimmed Hats and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also, Hosiery, Silk Ti<.s, Umbrellas, Collars and Caffs, Gloves, Chilare s Mantles and Jackets. Also, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. ear Look in at "«a A. LINABURY & CO.'S, 201 &20g, queen-street, Auckland. IT NI ON INSURANCE COMPANY \J OF NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. UCKLAND BRANCH QUEEN-S T R E E T, Next tho Colonial Bank. 21RK DEPARTMENT. Insurant. granted on Dwelling - house*-, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Mercxiandiso, and Goods of every description. marine department. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. /GREATEST SHOW OF Dress (toods at the CITY HALL ARCADE, QUEEN-STREET. HOLLOWAY, GARLICK, & CRANWELL. GREATEST SHOW OF FURNITURE AND CARPETS AT THE CITY HALL ARCADE. HOLLOWAY, GARLICK. & CRANWELL. FOR I BEDROOM FURNITURE \ DRAWING-ROOM FURNITURE* SITTING-ROOM FURNITURE KITCHEN FURNITURE DRAPERY and MILLINERY MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING CURTAINS and CRETONNES BLANKETS and SHEETINGS FANCY GOODS FOR PRESENTS Go TO THE C iITY TT ALL A KCADE > Eollo-way, Garlick & Oran-well, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland.



[Telegraphic Notice.] mHE COLONIAL INSURANCE COMPANY. CAPITAL: TWO MILLIONS STERLING. In 200,000 Shares of £10 each; 10 Shillings per Share payable. First Issue :—IOO,OOO Shares. Chief Office .- Wellington. . Referring to previous preliminary notice by telegraph, the Articles of Association are in preparation. The detailed proposal will shortly be adver tised, and arrangements made to receive appli cations for Shares in Auckland. "Wellington, April 29. "Tho Company has been registered. Copies of the Articles and Forms of Application will be forwarded throughout the Colony, as soon as printed, to the various Branches of the Bank of New Zealand—this day appointed the Bankers of the Company." For the Directors. (Signed) FRED. E. A. GRAHAM, Secretary. Rank Poison is scarcely more injurious than are the deleterious liquors which the scamps who vend them represent to be the same or as good as Udoli'HO Wolfe's Schiedam Aroma- Vie Schnapps. Bottles which formerly con tained this superb medicinal beverage arc used by the impostors, and the genuine labels imi tated. We trust this caution will forearm the public and bailie the swindlers. Faith, hope, and charity, are the ornaments of every well-regulated person, and tho honost family physician the best friend of mankind. In the hour of sickness, and tormenting pains, what so grateful to the poor sullcring patient as a remedy at hand that can subdue his distress and restore tranquility. "Ghollah's Great In dian Cures" have the most bcnefieial effect in reaching and correcting all the ordinary dis orders ol: the human body. They aro decisivo in their action and invigorating to the constitu tion. They can be had of all Chemists, where see the numerous reliable testimonials received by the.proprietor.