SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIUH WATISR-lS^o^TMorninK. 8.7 SUN SET.—This Evening, 5.24 SUN RISK.—To-morrow Morning, 6.33 MOON'S AG IS. -Last Quarter, 24th, 8.12 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

H M S Wolverine, Bridges, from Tauranga Garmouth. threc-ma3ted schooner, McPherson from Newcastle

DEPARTURES.

Chasca, barque. Brothers, for Wellington Hawea, s.s., Wheeler, for Southern port 3 Rowena, s.s., Sellars, for Tauranga

IMPORTS.

Per Garmouth, from Newcastle : 1450 spokes, 1400 felloes, 62 pair shafts, 1 case wine, and 351 tons coal.

EXPORTS.

Per Colonist, fchooner, for the Bluff:— 22,000 feet puriri timber. Per Hawea. for the South: — 5 chests, 41 i-chests. and 50 boxes tea, 20 cases brandy, 168 gxinnies sugar, 61 cases, 50 packages, 43 sacks oysters. 1 case fruit, E. and 11. Isaacs. 1 package leather. Ireland Brothers. 22 packages, it sea, 50 boxes do, 59 onses. 188 gunnies sugar, 7 boxe3, Henderson and Macfariane.

Entered Inwards.—Dream, cutter, from Russell, with 50 tons coal; Elizabeth Conway. schooner, from Russell, with 80 tons coa , and 9 casks beef; Spitfire, cutter, from Russell, with 43 tons coal; Ooralip, cutter, from Tairua, with 23,300 feet timber ; Teviot, cutter, from Thames, inC3^KARKD Outwards.—GrifHn, schooner, for Russell, in ballast; Mana, cutter, for lairna. with 40 bags chaff and 20 head cattle ; Kuby, schooner, for Russell, in ballast. The s.s. Taiaroa crossed the Manukau bar early this mo.ninsr. The schooner, Colonist, Capt. Bailey, cleared at he Customs to-day for the Bluff, with a cargo of puriri timber, and will sail at once. The ketch Pearl has entered outwards at the Customs for Karotonga, and will load up as 8 Wolverine, with His Excellency the Governor and suite, arrived in harbour last eTThe nf !a. Wakatipu sailed from Wellington at 2 30 pm. yesterday for Auckland with Messrs. Cooper and Bailey's Circus, and is therefore due in harbour early on Saturday morning. She will discharge her living freight alongside the Railway Wharf. , The s s Durham is advertised to run extra trips to Coromandel during the Circus week. In order that residents in that township may have the privilege of inspecting the show, return tickets will bs issued at single fares. The barque Chasca sailed for Wellington at an early hour this morning, for the purpose of loading for London. She takes away 180 tons of manganese. The schooner Energy is transhipping a portion of her island cargo into the ship Chile. The s.s. Rowena sailed last evening for Tauranga and Mercury Bay, with a general cargo and several passenger 3. The s.s. Go-ahead is advertised to leave lor Gisborne on Saturday evening next. Tho vessel signalled when we went to press last night to out out to be the Garmouth, three masted schooner, from Newcastle, with a cargo consisting of coal, spokes, and felloes. She arrived in harbour this morning, and anchored off the western side of the wharf. The Gar mouth left Newcastle on the 30th March, and experienced light baffling and a heavy south west sea from April Ist to the 9th; strong easterly winds were experienced until tho 13th, and moderate westerly winds during the remainder of the passage. The s.s. Hawea, Captain Wheeler, sailed this afternoon for Tauranga and Southern Ports, with a general cargo and the following passen gers : _Mr and Mrs Peterson, Mr aud Mrs A. Dornwell and family, Mrs Ring, Misses Lister and Erring, Messrs Dornwell, sen., Devine, Prince Wright, Levy, Smallfield, Goodhall, Bollans, McKenzie, Wite, and Master Harring- The s.s. Southern Cross leaves this afternoon for Napier direct, with passengers and cargo.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING , Napier, this day. The s.s. Itotorua arrived at the Spit from Auckland at 6.30 a.m. to-day. . Wangarei, this day. The s.s. Argyle sailed at nine o'clock this morn ing for Auckland -with passengers and cargo.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :- For Tbames, this day, at 7 'p.m.; and on Saturday next, at 10.30 a.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, tins day, at o.dU p.m.; and for Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, on Saturday next, at 9.30 a.m. For Tairua, per Coralie, this day, at 4 p.m. For Wai wera, Mahurangi, Matakana.Mangawai Waipu. Wangarei, and Mangapai, par Anne Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Gisborne, per Go-ahead, on Saturday, at 4 For Australian Colonies, Wakatipu, on Satur day next, at 4 p.m. , ,„ For Rarotonga, per Pearl, on Monday next, at 11 a.m. For Russell and Kawa Kaiva, per Taupo, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawa Kawa, Wangaroa. and Man gonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. Per B.p. Taupo, on Thursday, 25th inst, as follows:— ' « For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 2 p.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Southern .Pro vinces, per Australian Colonies, United King dom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially addressed), at 3 p.m. For LoDdon, via, Brindisi, and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at 3.10 For money orders,- registered letters, and newspapers, at 1.30 p.m. Should a later opportunity offer, supplemen tary mails will be forwarded. Per s.s. Australia, on Tuesday, 30th instant, oq foIIOWS *—- For Sandwich Inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent J.of Europel at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 9,30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence in addition to the post age will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing.

To-morrow (Good Friday) being a postal hoh daymails that are usually closed on that day will be made up this evening at 7 o'clock. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

A flood of liquid rubbish has been placed upon the market, put up in Udolfho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps bottles, the genuine contents of which have been used. Spurious labels are also often used by the scamps who seek to persuade the public that the hurtful liquors thus disguised are the same or similar to the true andpeerless medicinal cordial. Ask for the genuine and insist upon having it.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENT.

" Biddy."—Your verses, " One of the Lost Sheep of Israel," are not of that exalted standard which distinguishes all the poetry considered worthy of a place in the columns of the Star. There is a slight lameness about the metre, and the rhymes are not quite so smooth and musical as might be desired. Take a piece of advice. Oliver Goldsmith thought he had done well when he wrote two lines of his " Deserted Village " a day. You write, say one a year, and then rub it out and begin again. It may be rather slow and monotonous, but there's nothing like patience, especially in poetry.

BIRTH.

ABBOTT.—On April 16. at tho City Club, Short land-street, tho wife of H. N. Abbott of a daughter. POUNDS.—On the 17th instant, Mrs. J. E. Pounds, St. Stephen's Road, Parnell, of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

HARPER—MOORE.—On the 10th April, at the residence of the bride's aunt, Mount Eden, by the Rev. W. Kirk, assisted by the Rev. W. J. Williams, Rev. Wharton Smith Harper, Wes leyan Minister, to Angelina, eldest daughter of the late George Moore, Albert-street, Auckland. WILLIAMS—KNOX.—At College Road, by the Rev. R. Taylor, James Williams to M. A. Knox, both of Auckland.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 18. 1878.

p OT tfc* dune thM Uck*. asiiaUncß, iw <*>c wroug that need! teslstucti V*» the future la Urn dliiaacti, Ami «ha u»ad that w» «*• *»

The Native Land policy of the present Government is briefly sketched out in a telegram which appears in another column, giving an extract from the " Wangamii Herald," the property of the Hon. J.Ballance andthereforelikely tobewell-infoimed. The information, however, is so meagre as to be likely to cansc considerable misapprehen sion. The statement, for instance, that the Native Lands Bill to be introduced in the next Session of Parliament will contain provisions " whereby private dealings with Maori Laud will be forever stayed " is not correct, and is a misapprehension of the meaning of the article, probably fallen into in the hurry of making a telegraphic precis. Though we do not profess to be in the confidence of Ministers, we have obtained from a thoroughly reliable source some definite information as to the main provisions of the amended Act to be introduced next session. It will be iv the memory of many of our readers that a sum of £700,000 was voted in 1573 for the purchase of land in the North Island. This large sum was placed in the hands of the Native Department, practically without any check whatever upon the mode of its expenditure. The only enlightenment which was vouchsafed to the public as to the ad ministration of the Land Purchase Depart ment, -which was immediately developed into huge dimensions, was contained in the annual reports presented to Parliament. Left to its own sweet will, the Land Pur chase Department drifted into wild specu lation and hopeless disorganisation. Hordes of land purchase agents roamed over the face of the country, scattering Government money broadcast, indiscriminately acquiring liens over vast tracts of native land, and drawing extravagant salaries and commis sions upon the strength of the plausible reports which they sent in from time to time to the head office at Wellington. When the present Ministry assumed the reins of Government they found that not least amongst the many difficulties bequeathed by their predecessors was this Native Lands Purchase Department. Out of the £700,000 a sum of £531,04S had been expended in completing the purchase ot 1,967,402 acres, and the lease of 296,681 acres; but liens, mostly of trilling amount,had been acquired ovoi- 2,645,927 acres for purchase, and 1,243,400 for lease, to complete which scartely anything remained of the vote ; though, calculating on the same basis as for the completed trans actions, a sum of not less than £1,000,000 would be required to extinguish the native title. Before attempting to solve this problem, the Government intro duced the Native Lands Act of last session, which empowered them to prevent private dealings with the lands over which their lien extended. The breathing space afforded by that Act has enabled the Government to take stock of the affairs of the Land Purchase Department. The result is that it has been found in a hopeless muddle, in fact it is practically in the position of a business which has become bankrupt from reckless over-specu lation, and must be placed in liquidation. Much of the land over which liens have been acquired is of very indifferent quality, and there are vast areas upon winch the ? respective loss is estimated at 15s in the £. t was admitted by the late Government that the completion of these purchases was out of the bounds of possibility, and the Native Lands Bill of obnoxious memory, which was so summarily rejected by Parlia ment proposed to solve the difficulty by a winding-up process. The present Govern ment, also, as avc are informed, are equally convinced of the impossibility of completing the transactions, even if it were desirable at this juncture to acquire the lauds. They therefore propose to introduce a new Native Lauds Bill next session which will constitute Courts for the inves tigation of titles, composed entirely of native assessors chosen from the various tribes. When these have settled the ownership, they will call in a European Judge, who will register their decisions, which will be final. The lands thus settled will be sub mitted to public competition from time to time in small blocks, not exceeding a thou sand acres under any circumstances. This is a system which we have always strenuously advocated. We contend that hitherto the mode of land purchase has begun at the wrong end. The power of acquiring liens before the settlement of title, and the system of private survey, has placed the natives almost exclusively in the hands of large capitalists and specula tors. The small capitalist and bona fide settler, requiring only a limited area for actual cultivation or use has found the ex pense ofsurvey audpreliiiiinarynegotiations —a mere bagatelle to the wealthy speculatoi —a practical bar to his entering the market. As a consequence, the natives have been at the mercy of the monopolists, and the bene fits ot an open market and free competition have been denied them. The projected Act is designed to remedy these evils. With a clear title, the native owner will be possessed of a marketable commodity, and the limitation of the area of blocks will so extend the sphere of competition, as to enhance ttie value of land, and place it beyond the power and means of monopolists to acquire and hold vast areas for merely speculative purposes. The main difficulty to be overcome is the native antipathy to individualization of titles, a system which the Maori mind is hardly sufficiently educated to appreciate, but by judicious management and patience, and especially by the plan of casting the responsibility of settling the ownership upon the natives themselves, the obstacle may be surmounted.

THOUGH Great Britain is par excellence the great colonising nation of the world, there appear to be certain limits beyond which it is not prudent or desirable to go.

Having, with considerable reluctance, taken over Fiji as a Crown colony, the policy of England at the present day is to consolidate her existing Colonial Empire. The time may not be remote when the further extension of England's possessions in the South Pacific may become politic and even necessary ; but for the present it appears to be generally recognised that it would be unwise to dissipate the resources of the Empire over too wide an area. The annexation of the Transvaal is a case in point. Great Britain accepted the govern ment of this tract of country, not so much for purposes of colonization as in pursuance of that grand policy of human i tarianism and Christianity upon which she has so long been irrevocably embarked. From her proximity to the Transvaal, England became the natural protector of the" settlers when the Dutch boera were in danger of being driven out by natives, and when there was great danger of the wave of invasion sweeping onward into the borders of her previously acquired Caps Colonies. The acqusition, so far, has been anything but profitable to the Empire. Similarly in Fiji, England Avas drawn into assuming the possession of the islands in order to protect her own subjects who had established themselves there. It is a mistake, however, to suppose that wherever any band of roving British adventurers choose to settle themselves, English men-of war and soldiers must follow for their protection, though this idea appears to prevail in the minds of a large number of English men, The Presbyterian Church of New South Wales, which has established a very active mission in the New Hebrides, recently petitioned the Crown to annex (hose Islands, and has received the following reply from Lord Carnarvon:— " gj r 1 Jiave the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch, No. 163, of the 24th NoiveJnber, transmitting a petition to the Queen signed by the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of INew South Wales, in the name and by authority of the General Assembly, praying that British protection and justice may be permanently established in the New Hebrides Inlands, and that if practicable, this group should be annexed to the British Crown. I request that you will inform the petitioners that 1 have laid this petition before tlie Queen, but that her Majesty's Government, as at presentadvised,do!not feelablc to recommend compliance with the prayer of it. —I have, &c."

The Evening Star will not be issued

to-morrow (Good Friday.) On our fourth page to-day appear letters on various interesting topics, and a report of the meeting of parishioners of St. Peter's Church, Hamilton. A local Saxby informs us that the pros pects of line weather to-morrow are very slight indeed ; in fact, it is not expected to be bettor than squally and showery, by the weather-wise. The barometer fell slightly during this afternoon. " Lancet " writes inquiring by what pro cess medical men are able to certify for serous apoplexy without "a post-mortem examination, lie says: "Do the ethics of the profession here preclude the necessity of such being made ; or have the medical men in Auckland advanced so vastly in the science and art of medicine that they now merely have to glance at a case, without any examination whatever, and pronounce their dictum liem. con. ?"—Our corres pondent makes the very common mistake of jumping to conclusions. In the first place, lie should have adduced some proof that in the case he refers to the cause of death was certified to "without any examination • whatever." In the second place, he should have shewn that he and other members of his profession are always absolutely certain of the cause of death before they certify for burial. And in the third place, he should have demonstrated the utility of needlessly harrowing the feelings of friends at the moment of a painful bereavement, for Ihe simple purpose of gratifying profess! <■■ ml curiosity, when there could be no reasonable doubt in the matter. Te Wheoro was in town this morning, and had a conference with the Hon. the Native Minister respecting the approaching native meeting at Hikurangi, which is definitely fixed for tho 30th. Te Wheoro visited Tawhiao who is very ill, but will not allow a European doctor to attend him ; trusting entirely to the religious incantations of the Tariaos, or prophets of the new religion. The Hon. the Native Minister, who has been for several days engaged withrepre.sen tatives of the Ngatiraukawa tribe, respect ing land and other questions, was again in conference with the chiefs this morning. The business will probably be finished about the end of the week. The return match between the cabinet makers and upholsterers of Auckland will take place in the outer Domain on Saturday afternoon, the 20th. As both teams are confident, some good play may be anticipated. Play to commence at 2.30. p.m. All players are requested to be punctual. The illiterate idiot v*ho edits the Grahams town " Star" had not the common sense to see that the phrase " over-weeping," which appeared in a recent issue of the " Star" was a typographical misprint for "over weening ;" and he regards the copying the definition of a scientific term from an English dictionary as "literary piracy." We merely copied from " Stormonth's Dic tionary" the "derivation" of the term "kitchen midden," not the whole para graph describing a "kitchen midden." If the editor of the " Thames Star" desires to know where we derived our description of kitchen middens and their recognised place in geology, he had better apply to any one of tho little boys attending the common schools at Grahamstown, or himself attend some school until he has acquired a know ledge of the simplest elements of rudimen tary science. Mr C. T. Harding, a singer of creditable reputation, who lias frequently given his services to the cause of the widow and fatherless, received a complimentary benefit last evening at the Theatre Royal, which was fairly patronised by the people. The entertainment, performed by Aucklaud amateurs, was very good; especially the singing and music in the first part. Mr Rivers was very effective in his simple ballad, " Call me your darling again." Mr .Nairn sang very creditably " Thou art ever in my dreams;" Mr O'Hare gave " Waiting for my darling;" and Mr Carey, " Good-bye, Susan Jane." These ballads were nicely given. Mr Harding sang Mr Cope's pretty ballad, "Long it is, love, since we parted," in a very effective manner, and was deservedly encored. Mr P. Doran, in a beautiful and boisterous style, gave " Daffney, do you love me, your doating, dancing Pat; if you don't love me, Daffuey, don't care, I tell ye that." The second part consisted of musical selections; the Georgian jig in " Uncle Tom's Cabin," by Mr Reed; ballad by Mr Nairn; recitation, " Roger and his Dog," by Mr Alex. Smith, a finished elocu tionist ; a double song and dance by Mottam Bros.; and the "Tempest of the Heart," powerfully rendered by Mr Harding. The whole wound up with a Doranic farce, in which Mr Doran appeared as O'Sullivan, and Mr Smith as O'Rorke, the manager of a Dublin theatre. During the Easter Holidays, return tickets at single fares will be issued at any station on the Auckland and Waikato Railway, available, if the distance be under 50 miles, for return the same day; over 50 miles, return the next day. * We learn that the various Templar lodges all round have resolved to give special even ings of welcome to the Templar sailors now in port. Recently they met in the New market Hall, and' spent a merry evening, In the course of next week the sailors and Good Samaritans will meet, and on the Thurs day following, the members of the Excelsior Lodge will give them a greeting in Franklin road school-room. The Fraternal Home also contemplate a land and water gathering, in which the Fraternal choir will take an active part.

Mr Paton's Fanny is struck out of all engagements for the Easter Races. The Waiwera retreat is likely to be the scene of much sport to-morrow and Satur day, in consequence, of the various races which have been arranged for that spot of restorative quietude. TLe programme informs the reader of the number and nature of the sports, and the advertisements state the time of the starting of the S.B. Argyle, viz. ten o'clock, a.m. ; and Captain Casey's s.s. Lily, at eleven o'clock, from the wharf. A [cricKet match will take place in the Domain ground to-morrow between the Remuera and Bombay Cricket Clubs, com mencing at 10 a.m. The player are : — Remuera: Messrs W. F. Backhand, S. Jackson, W. Tonks, T. Whewell, J. and E. Cotton, P. Tonks, E. Coleman, Scarborough, Cheeseman, A. Tonks, and J. Jackson. Bombay :R. Gee, Sturgeon, Sheffield, White, Vince, Evans, Austin, Mayo, Sawyer, Porch, aid Evans.

A wedding of much interest took place yesterday in College-road, between Mr James Williams, draper, of this city, and Miss Mary Ann Knox, a lady well-known in connection with the Templary cause in Auckland, and who has been one of the most indefatigable workers among the lodges. Rev It. Taylor performed the ceremony. The happy couple, immediately after the ceremony, set out for their wedding tour. We learn that on their return a substantial presentation will be made to the lady by the brethren and sisters.

Mr Mills, the contractor for the new •wharf at IJobsonville, lias completed his contract, and it was handed over on Monday last. The wharf is 180 feet long, by 5 feet wide, with aT 30 feet by 14 feet. It will be a great boon to the settlers, as the llivev head steamers will call here daily. The depth of water at low tide is G feet.

The lion. Mr Fisher, who-returned to Auckland from the East Coast yesterday, lias resumed his official duties at the Supreme Court Buildings.

At the last committee meeting of the City East School, thcsubjscl of the late fire was brought up, and after investigating the matter, it was determined to ask one of the teachers who is believed to be in fault to pay costs of the damage or replace the injured furniture.

MrE. Wayte has one of the lamest and best selected stock of books and stationery to be found in the colony. In another column special lines aro announced as beisig lately received. The late war scenes invest illustrated publications with engrossing in terest ; while the "Leisure Hour,"and other of the standard illustrated works advertised by Mr Wayte, have previously attained great popularity ; and those who delight in home reading, or who desire to make welcome presents at this holiday season, should go and inspect Mr Wayte'fi splendid stock. Special attention is also directed to large supplies of Sankey's hymns, and hymn books for all churches, and to school books as recommended by the Board of Education.

By a typographical Terror in our issue of last evening, Councillor Goldie Avas repre sented as having said (hat he approved of the proposed engagement of Mr Clark, C.E. The word should have read opposed. Mr Jones, a schoolmaster, of Timaru, has sustained fracture of the jaw, through coming in contact with a large sliding don whilst riding into a goods shed on a truck. Both ears were nearly severed from the head, and "the neck was severely injured. The Banks, Insurance Ollices, and Ex change will be closed from this evening until Tuesday morning next, affording a much needed holiday to the large number of gentlemen who are usually confined to sedentary occupations.

The ratepayers cf thefNewton Highway district held a meeting yesterday afternoon, in the|ollicc of Messrs Wanmck,of Ponsonby; Mr It. J. Warnock in the chair. A lengthy discussion took place on the advisability of the district being a part of the borough, when Mr G. Wilson moved, and Mr R. Warnock seconded, and it was carried, "That Messrs. Faulder, Billington, and the chairman be appointed to treat with the other districts with reference to a proposed borough, and to report to another meeting of ratepayers to be called for that purpose." An Auckland correspondent of a Southern journal, writing of the Working Men's Club, says : —" The working men of Auckland are strong enough, in talent and money, to run the affair success fully, and it will be strange indeed if they cannot sustain one Working Men's Club, while without any effort they keep 120 pub lics in full swing, and knock down £3,000 weekly over the Auckland drinking bars !" A New Plymouth paper says that the object of the recent visit of Mr Kelly, M.H.R., to Auckland was to get the plans of the proposed New Plymouth Harbour Works approved of, in which he suc ceeded.

Itappearsthat the pseudo-Russian Count, Jacobsen, who swindled a number of Wel lington people, and was sentenced to one year's imprisonment for defrauding them by means of valueless cheques, was not wholly without means or prospects. The Judge in passing sentence said : " Your friends appear to have furnished you with a sufficient income for a modest mainten ance. But that did not satisfy yon. You, unfortunately, belong to a class who have a taste for liberal consumption at other people's expense. Your friends, no doubt, sent you here, thinking you would do better in the colony than at home. I may also say that should you feel dis posed to make some compensation to those who suffered by your crime, which you have the means to do, his Excellency the Gover nor might be disposed to mitigate your sen tence, and I should not oppose its being taken into consideration." Jacobsen was employed in the goal at the fine arts, in the shape of brickmaking.

The following gentlemen have paid for auctioneer's licenses : Alfred Buckland, Alex. Aitken, Levi W. Eaton, George W. Binney, Richard Arthur, Carpenter Arthur, Alex. G. Grant, 11. C. Carr.

Sportsmen intending to take part in the pigeon match at Pokeno on Saturday must leave Auckland by the seven o'clock train, to meet the Waikato train in due time. The match will be commenced immediately on the arrival of the train. We are desired to state that books of words of the service of song, at St Paul's Cathedral Church, this evening, chiefly by the children's choir, may be had of Mi- Hard wick or of Mr Hatswell; with music 6d, without 2d. We understand that Mr McMurdo's son, though still in a very critical condition, seems rather better to-day.

CABLEG RAMS.

SITUATION LESS HOPEFUL.

ANTI-ENGLISH FEELING IN-

CREASING IN RUSSIA.

[reuter's special cablegrams.]

LONDON, April 16. The situation is less hopeful. ST. PETERSBURG, April 15. Anti-English tone of popular feeling is increasing.

Porte Orders Defence of Con stantinople.

Turkey Resists Austrian Occupa tion.

CONSTANTINOPLE, April 15.- The Porte lias ordered resistance to all attempts at occupation of Constantinople, and refuses to sanction the Austrian occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovinia.

LONDON, April 15. Consols and discounts are unchanged. New Zealand 4J per cent loan, 103. Adelaide wheat commands 61s to 625, flour 41s to 435. Arrived : Lusitania, s.s.

The Victorian exhibits are now all ready for the Paris Exhibition.

FIRE IN HIGH-STREET.

A CABINET-MAKER'S WORKSHOP

DESTROYED.

A fire broke out in the workshop of Mr E. Cotter, cabinet-maker, which is situated be tween Messrs Whitson and Son's bottling establishment in High-street and Mr F. E. Shortf.'s hair-cutting rooms, Queen-street, shortly after three o'clock this moaning. The clanging of the fire-bells awakened many persons, but the majority of these, judging from past experiences, put it down as a false alarm. A glance in the direction of Queen-street however quickly dispelled these ideas. The lurid glare of lire and the dense black volumes of smoke brought many hundreds ]ot persons to the scene. The Fire Brigade under Superintendent Hughes, mustered very quickly, and in an extremely short time two jets were playing upon the work shop. One branch of hose was passed from the .comer of Victoria and High-streets through the back of Mofflin and Smith's yard, and over the roof of the stables. The other was connected with a main in High-street, and ran through by the side of Morrin's stables to the other side of the workshop. The supply of water was very great, and in a veiy short space of time, the tire, which had obtained a good hold, was extinguished. The workshop, however, was totally destroyed, very little remaining but a few pieces of charred planking. During the progress of the fire the horses in Messrs Mofflin and Smith's and J. C. Morrin's stables appeared to be in danger, especially the latter, and they were therefore removed. The Newton Fire Brigade under Superintendent Mnhon, Salvage Corps under Captain Butler, IS aval Brigade' under Captain Lelloy and Sub- Lieutenant Parker, and the Police force under Sub-Inspector Pardy, mustered in force, and lent all the assistance in their power in keeping back the crowd and extinguishing the flames. The workshop contained limber, furniture, tools, etc to the value of £150 or £200. There was no insurance on either the building or its con tents, and the loss therefore falls wholly on Mr Cotter's shoulders. There are usually several workmen em ployed on the premises, but Mr Cotter was the only person there yesterday. He left the shop about seven o'clock in the evening, leaving the door closed, but not locked. The floor was coveied with shavings, and a large quantity of timber was.lying about. It is therefore considered that the shop had been used by some vagrant for a sleeping room during the night, and that the fire had been caused by a lighted match thrown by him on the floor, or by a spark from his pipe. Mr Cotter states th&t loafers have frequently slept in his shop, and also in Mr J. C. Morrison's stables next door, and only a short time ago a man was discovered asleep in a chair case on the premises. No lire was used in the shop yesterday by Mr Cotter, and the above is, therefore, the most likely cause, of the fire.

Mr. Barton's Charges.

REFORM IN JUDICIAL ADMINIS-

TRATION.

(By Telegraph.)

[From our own Correspondent.]

WELLINGTON, this day.

Letters from Messrs Drausfield and Craw ford, lt.M's., to the Minister of Justice, asking for an inquiry into the working of the Resident Magistrate's Court, and into the alleged violations of the secresy of the ballot, were referred by the Government to Mr Barton. That gentleman has replied in a very lengthy letter, in which he reiterates the charges of misconduct he preferred against certain officials ill his speech in the Theatre in formidable language. He, however, does not consider that he should be placed in the position of private prosecutor when the wrong done is a public wrong. He has no wish to be prosecuted for libel " before an assorted jury and judge, oi whom he had some ex perience in Dunedin." It is believed that the Government do not intend to institute any special inquiry into the working of the Supreme and Resident Magistrate's Courts, as Mr Barton's charges are more of a general than of a specific character; but it is thought that he has good grounds of com plaint. They decline to take the respon sibility on their own shoulders, but will seriously support any motion for a Parliamentary inquiry into the "Whole question of the administration of justice in the colony. In order to pre vent the recurrence of the practices of which Mr Bartoia complained, the Govern ment are framing regulations which will cause some sweeping changes in the admin istration of the R.M. Courts throughout the colony. It is further stated that these new regulations will be issued within a month. As to the Supreme Court, the Government, it is said, consider that any changes should be made by the sanction and authority of Parliament, but that a Bill will probably be introduced next session, having for its objects the complete remodelling of the Judicial system of the colony. The changes proposed will probably surprise many people, but the facts which will be brought forward in support of these alterations will be still more sur prising. Rumour is busy with the names of several Judges who are likely to be super seded in other ways. Several severe measures are vaguely hinted at.

New Native Lands Bill.

PRIVATE DEALINGS WITH NATIVES

TO BE STOPPED,

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

(From Our Own Correspondent)

WELLINGTON, this day. • It is stated in the " Wanganui Herald," which ought to be well-informed on the subject, that the well-known opinions of Messrs Ballance and Stout will find ex position in the Native Lands Bill next session, whereby private dealings with Maori land will be for ever stayed. " The fear of such a measure," remarks our contemporary, "is causing eager activity among the various agents who act as negotiators for the purchase of "blocks," and surveyors are at a premium just now. An attempt will be made at the approaching Land Court in Wanganui to steer the famous Murimotu block through, and as much more as can well be managed. We know this, that surveyors are hard at work, aud that the Court has been adjourned for a fortnight. Why, we know not, and we should like to be enlightened. We are also informed that the surveys will be pushed on vigorously, so. that a sufficient quantity of land may be surveyed as to warrant an application for another sitting of the Court before the Assembly meets. This energy is displayed because the capitalists know full well' that the Ministry are determined to stop the wholesale acquisition of native land, and that electors generally endorse such policy."

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Joseph Newman Esq., and J. Cos grave Esq., Justices.)

LARCENY. William Dunn was brought up on remand charged with stealing a gold locket, value 20s, the property of David Hull, Paumurc, on the 27th February, 1878. Mr Pardy answered that Mr Hesketh, who is to defend the prisoner, was unable to appear. He was instructed to ask for a remand till Friday week. The remand was granted. WA^DEBIaSG COWS. . John Kain was charged Avith a breach of the Police Act by permitting eight cows his property to wander in Ponsonby Road. Fined Is and costs. TOO FAST. Henry Hassell was charged with a breach

of the by-laws, to wit^driVinS^Sfc, a corner. °lo°«atJJ>; As this was a first offence «.. ; dismissed. ue case*. rvu HORSEWHIPPED. * Inomas Vvanng was char* A i; saulting Joseph Smith by strigS,Sft * a horsewhip The AahnS^H1' guilty, but said he had anoln - ple* offered to make any rea 3 onafe ed'H "^ tion. ue C°HW Joseph Smith explained the cir™ of the assault. It.appears th atrff a cowkecper, and the prose^C^i, much troubled by cows' tres,2 n^ I garden. One day, Smith' bSS 5 ltt % the cows. That same attentt T«°"«! came in a gic.it temper and ut^ <: across the neck with a whip c*e * hij Anne Ceransen and Eustace- f posed to haying witnessed the assa^ *■ Thei decision of the bench J??r\ defendant pay a fine of 40s and V i U over (o keep the peace for 6' month i" 0""! P one surety of £20 or two of £io iß<fe|l This was all the business. ' I

INVASION OF RATS.

The rats stuck down in the TV**, glory hole as long as possible^t^ devoured any fragment of skin hit £ Tlle J and all miscellaneous dehris A Mr Buck's cast-off iHimcutionablL 1!?^ peared, and as they were well seasonJi* grease it is supposed they Cf ?* assimilated into the systems of m of rats. These animals, after exliihiK "? affecting attachment to the a flS« at last turned their backs thSj'1} first indication of their invadingV* market was the discovery of *" horde in Mr McNeil's \J£j*% Every morning on opening latter, this worthy baker's bidl-terriermi in, but the old rats, accustomed to thiirfT destructive visit, at once disappear thr i various cricks and crannies, and downWT known rat holes. The identity of the chums from the slaughterhouse was at * revealed by the clumsy wav in ivT they ran about the bakery a '* siderable number falling an easy niW?' the dog and the men. A Rem'uera L' dent is stated to have seen a process^ < about 200 of those interesting little Sf going up the railway, he supposes, enrS for the Pamnure slaughterhouse • I is said to be unaware of their part i c X destination, but, being a great observer^ nature, he had no doubt, judging from their starved, haggard appcaruncerthattheylJ emigrated from the old desolate slaughter house ; and the inference is that they *»! marching along to the nearest simiW establishment.— N.B.—lt transpires thai the aforesaid resident did not "go home tin morning," and, therefore, he shallnotbeheM responsible for what he thinks he saw It has been suggested that the old legendof " the Piper of Ghent" may yet find a parallel at Newmarket. Mr McNeil might finish up the good work by intercepting this eobn? of rats, and inveighing them with thedulcet notes of his fiddle into some neighbouring water-hole—say the Mount Eden Poni

TELEGRAPHIC.

(From Our Own Correspondent),

WELLINGTON, Wednesday. MOVEMENTS OF THE PREMIER. Sir George Grey is in Nelson to-day, aid ■will address a meeting there this evening, To-morrowhe proceeds to Picton, and after', wards to Blenheim, at both of which places ha will address the townsmen. After that his movements are uncertain, as it is v«ry probable that he will return to Auckland to meet Tawhiao. MR KENNEDY RESIGNS. Mr Kennedy has sent in to the Speaker his resignation of his seat for Grey Valley, and it is probable that Mr Guinness, Chairman of the Grey County Council, will stand in the Government interest Messrs Barton and Fitzherbert, solicitors, have dissolved partnership. Mr P. A. Buckley has purchased the Lyell's Bay estate of the late Mr Alexander Rutherford. The estate comprises SOD acres. The price paid was £15,000. Mr Buckley intends cutting the property up into small farm sections, and sellingit by auction. THE MONSTER SHOW.—THIEVING. By daylight this morning the whole circus paraphernalia was on board the Wakatipu, the largest colonial - owned steamer in the Australian colonies. The amount of thieving which his occurred in connection with the circus is surprising. It appears that there is a regular gang following the monster show from place to place, who are pretty dexterous. The people of Auckland will do well to look after their pockets when struggling for tickets.

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. SALE OF LEASEHOLD. The Bauk of Aiistralasia, leasehold, with 4| years to run, no ground rent, 33ft, frontage, splendid building, was sold by auction for £75. • WESLEYAN SUBSCRIPTION. The Wesleyan Bazaar and special effort subscription amounted to £3OOpaid,and£6o are on hand towards another £100. The Harbour Board is placing everything in readiness for Sir John Coode's visit. MINING. New North Devon.—l visited the mine this morning, and found that the reef in the drive in the east Is split into t»vo pieces, one of which shews slight colour of gold. One oil the pieces of the reef shews a little mullock towards the floor of the drive. Th« two faces are expected to meet again ma few feet of driving. The prospects of tie mine are considered good. Some dissatisfaction is expressed here at the removal of the Manager's office to Auck land. The scrip is quoted at 5s 6d. The Caledonian Company are crushing" the Prince Alfred mil!, and shaping to 14dwts per ton. . The Don Pedro : A nice parcel of speci mens was taken from the upper portion ot this mine during the week. Cure : Good payable stone is coming W hand from Gilmour's leader. Piako : Carmish's party start crushing to-night on another large parcel of gene® stone. There are also 801bs of specimens to hand. » "^iIRUSSELL, thi»dwJ Arrivals : Borough Belle, Wave of m Christina, Kriemhilda, Phoenix, Start, ana Fanny Kelly. ~., I Sailed : Phoenix, Gem, and Kdaaw*'

[PRESS AGENCY.]

NELSON, this day. SIR GEORGE GREY. ~ Sir George Grey addsessed a cwwj meeting at the Provincial Hall last ny*« when he made an exposition ofhispow.' similar to that delivered in Wellington au elsewhere. At the close of the »ecoJ« e j vote of confidence was proposed and caff nein. con:, amidst enthusiastic ana V longed cheering.

DUNEDIN, thisW .McLaren again. _? tt . McLaren, of the working nieus deffl.^ stration, was charged yesterday g fi riotous behaviour and drunkenness.^ was released on bail, on promise mp out for Victoria. . Seff Mr Bradshaw reports Bank sharesj. Zealand, £24 ss; Colonial, »" lss; National, 755. Insurance : Union, Standard, 235; National, 30s;. f 1*", land Shipping, 75s ; Guthrie and W* 47s 6d.

TIMARU, this W« Man Burnt to B»»^ A man named William Somers, emp^ as baker at Pleasant P^jet burnt to death last mglit. » ffeB { a batch of bread at 8 p.m., to bed. The bakery ism a detacliea^ ing, which was found on nre, ana %„„,{#; the «Tbund. Thecharred remains '^^ were found, but there is no cluetotne of the fire.

EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, APRIL 18 1878



~\T E W ZEALAND HOUSE. During the Winter Months, this Establish ment will be CLOSED at 5.30 p.m. (Saturdays excepted), commencing on MONDAY, the loth April. Wj HATTIIAY, DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, WKW EAL AN D nOU SB, 66, QUEEN-STRKKT, Auckland. A UTUMN AND WINTER, 1878 The undersigned are bringing fo ward Large Parcels of NEW GOODS For the Incoming Season's Trade, Comprising GENERAL DRAPERY and CLOTHING Of Every Description. Entirely New and W ell Boxj&ht both as regards Quality and Price. Particulars in future issue. Inspecii'jnJu"-, ited. j jpjVfi T*Kfl fUW" ->: *>? TifH P.) j ALLG^'JE'D ON :■. xji : PAS'? r ■■■!}■ i CHASE^OF -.'OS. a*<d UJ?W -. Lii)S. j .K/IfSHBIIOOK A.Ni> |>RIDGMAN, i ■ •^OTiIfiSRS, &C, . I WAKEHOUSEI Navy Hotel); 8 T si E E f, I STSke d"v sr' ■ *\° NBDu sTI .!> BONBDUST . ; Ai-SO. Just :Lr»uucd, ex i..-oro»s;fl Belt© * A. lINB SAMPLE OF BILLYAIID'S | :No. 1 BONEDUST. .-.. > i IV, J. HDIIST & CO., ■ j ]



XT O T I C E. The INSURANCE OFFICES will be CLOSED from GOOD FRIDAY to the following TUBS DAY. H. WORSP, Secretary. Bank JEE o l i d ay. The Banks will be CLOSED from FRIDAY, 19th (Good Friday), to MONDAY, 22nd April inclus ye. A.« LINABUEY & C/ 0., DRESSMAKERS and MILLINERS. NEW DRESS MATERIALS. A Large Assortment of New Dress Goods for the present Season, in every fashionable shade, Just Opened up at A. LINABURY & CO.'S. NEW \VINTER COSTUMES, NEW MANTLES, NEW ULSTERS, NEW MILLINERY, NEW HATS A Large Assortment of Paris Trimmed Hat 3 and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also, Hos'ery, Silk Ties, Umbrellas, Collars and Cnffs, Grloves, Children's Mantles and Jackets. Also, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. K3~ Look in at "sea A. LINABURY & CO. 'S, 204 &20g, qukun-street, Auckland. |~\ RAPE RV ! TTVRAPERY. t& NEW SEASON GOODS ! ! SOMERFIELD AND LECK In taking this opportunity to address their numerous friends and the general public, desire to express thanks for liberal patronage, and beg to introduce to their notice a very. Superior Selection of Goods ex Chasca, Fontenayo, and Chili, NOW OPENING, comprising Blankets, Flannels, Calicos, Shirtings, Sheetings, Tick ings, Winceys, Satin Cloths, All Wool Serges, Hosiery, &c , All Wool Shawls, &c. Men's and Boys' Clothing. Moleskins, Corduroys, Tweeds, &c. This Large and Well-assorted Stock, having been Purchased for Cash in the over-stocked English Markets, is Now Offered for Sale at Prices Lower than Ever Heard of in Auckland. Inspection Invited. «r VERY SPECIAL LINE. HEAVY Hi FAMILY BLANKETS, at 17s 6d. Country Orders will have special attention. Hawkers Supplied at Wholesale Prices. SOMERFIELD & LECK, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. A MAGNIFICENT STOCK OF NEW AUTUMN AND WINTER > DRESS MATERIALS Just Opened. H. Atkins Invites attention to his Stock of New Dress Materials, Ladie3 Jacket 3, Ulsters, Black and Coloured Silks, Velvets, Velve teens, &c, suitable for the coming Season. Now on View. Splen did Colours in New Silk Reps, Wool Reps, Wool Poplinettes, Satin Cloths, Wool Serges/I? willed Carmeliteß, Estamane Serges, French Merinos, Winseys, and Fancy Dress Good 3. 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 3a lid per yard. All the new shades in Coloured Silks. Also Good Cheo p Blankets. Quilts, Sheetings, Table Linen, Flannels, Calicos, and Manchester Goods. IN THE CLOTHING DEPART MjE 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 Bnnnockburn, 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 Guakanteed, and Prices Lowest in Auckland for All Descriptions of Drapery and Clothing. «ar H. A T X I N S. -a* fi RAND f\ FF E R BY TOU) AMERICAN NOVELTY COMPANY. The following articles will be sent by Mail to any part of New Zealand on receipt of £1 :— 1 Brook's Glass Cutter, Tin Opener, Knife and Scissorß Sharpener 4/ IBanaza. Fruit and Vegetable, Pairing, Slicing, and Coring Knife 1/6 1 Champion Nutmeg Grater. Save your fingers 1/6 1 Dish-washing and Toasting Tong .. .. 2/ 1 Smoker's Pet. Meerschaum pipe eclipsed 1/ 1 Folding Lamp Shade (Patent) 1/6 1 Indelible Tablet for Marking Linen .. 2/ 1 Little Giant Tack Hammer, drives, draws, and sets 1/6 1 Little Harry's Night Lamp 1/6 1 Magic Cork Puller, Chimney Cleaner, &c. 1/ 1 Oriental Silver Polish. Great success .. 1/ 1 Pattern Copying and Tracing Wheel • • V 6 1 Pearl Cement. Mends everything. Save thepieces 2/ 1 Puzzle Key Ring 1/ 1 Shine-Shine Starch Polish and Chinese Washing Blue V 1 Slate Pencil Sharpener and Cleaner .. /6 1 Good Templar Pen, with i-pint of ink .. /6 Total 25/ Discount off 5/ Amount £1 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN about to FURNISH are reminded that ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS IN THE COLONY ; -^RNITURE CARPETS s .OORCLOTHS joif DDING, &c, &c, Sec, I ■■■• Is on Sale at \™ilTa J*T. & H. 000359*6 j A~* .fftV. ISH IN G W A'R EHO US E j' \ c 7, Queen-street. . -.A . ■ 3. X| heyday and sunshine of life we treat ivich cirtio a;>E the warnings of sober-minded and vto'l iiiCiiijing people; out when in after years ■vvo fiv£ we can no longer trifle with our liven and. corssitutions, it becomes us to find out for a certain** (what are the best, the surest, and the safest nori Ecines to take in all cases of sick as: or+j•.;•:•.«.«•<! ping disease. The cures already effected «>r.3 the testimonials received by the profiti-.;. j" .v.jirantthe assertion that there are no knew. r;edicines equal to " Ghollah's Great liviis.ii Curos". Sold bvn.ll Chemists.