SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

«tt, tlt ix- a rnrr* *Tnia Afternoon, 4.6 HI^H WATER— VTo-morrow Morning, 4.32

SUN S^T.—This Evening, 5.56 6T7N RISK.—To-morrow Morniner, 6.1G MOON'S AGE.—New moon, 3rd, 8.53 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Pretty Jane, s.s., from Napier Argvie, s.s., t'tephenson, from Whangarei and "Mangapei Go-ahead, s.s.. from Gisborne Wolverine, H.M.S., 17 guns. Commodore Koskins, from Sydney, via Wellington and Lyttelton

DEPARTURES.

Stella. G.G.s.s., for Cane Maria Van Dieman <from the Manukau) Vixen, schooner, for Dunedin (from the Manu kau)

IMPORTS.

Per Argyle., from Wangarei and Mar.gapai :— 30 baps gum, 60 boxes fruit, 20 cases butter and eg<s. 6 cases fowl?, 3 horses. Per Pretty Jane, from Napier: 600 sheep.

EXPORTS.

Per Eaoraki, for Waitara : 40 head cattle,

Hvtkrsd Inwards.—Helen, schooner, from G-cat Barrier, with 16 tons firewood; Fairy, schooner, from Barrier, with 65 tons firewood; Rover, schooner, from Wangarei, with 30 ton 3 coal. 1 ton prum 20 packages luggage; Eilen, cutter, from Sandsnit, with 10.000 ft. timber. Entered O ■ twabds.— \dah. ketch, for Thames,-with 9 tons train rails. 31 lengths gas- Dir»3, 100 boxes candles, 150 bags flour, and 60 b\ckas?es sundries; Fairy, schooner, for Port Fitzroy in ballast; Golden Isle, schooner, for Russell in ballast; Helen, schooner, for Great Bsrrier, with, potatoes; Mana, cutter, for Tairua, with a quantity of sundries; Ellen, nutter, for the Sandspit. in ballast; Avon, cutter, for the Thames with IS head cattle. The p.s. Te Aroha left last evening for the Thames, her owners having decided to place her on the river trade. 1 he p.s. Hauraki left the Manuuau to-day for Waitara with a cargo of cattle. The s.s. Pretty Jane arrived last evening from Napier, bringing the following passengers— Messrs Owen, Baker, Jones, Hart, Brown, Lucey, Jennings, and McNeil. , «. «, Ths General Government s.s. Stella lfit tne Msnnkau yesterday for Cape Maria Van Dieman. The s.p. Argyle arrived this morning from "Wano-areiand Mangapai, with a general cargo or produce, and the following passengers:— Mesdames ' Macrae, McCracken. McDonald, Robinson. Misses Hay and Jackson, and Messrs Gunson, Brown, W. J. Rogers. Brookes, J. R. Wilson, Smith, Jas. Hay, Le Meora, Constable, Hammond, Neild, Davis, Philson, and Bash- The General Government s.s. HLnemoa on arrival at the Manukau with Sir George Grey i to proceed to the Bluff to meet Sir John Cooae.s The schooner Vixen, having loaded with timber at Manukau Heads, sailed yesterday for Tr.'e s^s. Hawea, which left, for the South last evening, took the following passengers, in ad dition to those whose names appeared m our ye*=ferday's i3sue. Passengers:—Mr and Mr3 Benshaw, Mr end Mrs Gower, Mrs Hettey, Mrs Ha yes; Messrs Tonline, McPherson, Hargreaves, Tcuehey, Pilling, Coker, Batkin, Murray, Park, Ciiiiord, Macrae. Kemslev. Fury, Keegan, Blott, Crouch (2), Wilkinson, Williams, and Constable Ryan. The barque Cabarfeidh U loading at Oamaru with grain for this port. -f. The .jchooner Colonist is on her way from Timarn to this port with a cargo of oats. A telegram from Wellington states that the departure of the mail steamer City of Sydney from Sydney had been postponed until this morning.

gThe s.s. Go ahead arrived from Gisborne at 4 o'clock this afternoon.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, thi3 day. The s.s. lona has sailed for Auckle.nd.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

MB AXFBED BUCKLAIs'D'S WEEKLY REPORT. At the Haymarket on March 22nd, good lambskins, 33 3d and S3 and od; inferior skins ai;d pelts, from 8d to Is lid; lambswool, Bid to BJd ; fleece wool, 7d to Bdid; locks, 2id to 5d the lb. Fodder brought from 3s Gd to 43 9d the cwt. New oats, 4s id to 4s 9d the bushel. Horse stock: Heavy draught, £40 ; medium and aged draught, £20 to £30. At Remuera, on Thursday, dairy cattle, mostly of an inferior class, were abun dant, and prices showed a downward tendency, but for really good and quiet animal 3 there was a steady demand. Store cattle offered in large numbers; choice animals maintained their value, but ill-conditioned and ill-bred cattle were at nominal prices. Fat cattle were in full supply, '.135 head' yarded.'all of good quality; biddings were slow, and a few cattle were with drawn, but on the whole last week's values were sustained. Prices ranged from 22s to 27s the IOOIbs., and 123 head were sold to the trade. Store 'heep numerous, and in fair inquiry. Fat sheep plentiful, and at irregular values. A few choice pens brought last week's prices, but the greater number were at lower rates. Well-fed pi2T3, of medium size, were in demand ; store pig 3 dull of sale.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's Quotations— Bank of New Zealand—Sellers, £21 sa. National Bank—Buyers, 723 6d; sellers, 755. Colonial Bank—Buyers, 51s 6d. Thames Gas—Sellers, 28s 6d. Auckland Gas—Buyers, £10. N.Z. Loan—Buyers, £3. Union Sash & and Door Co.—£lo 103. Moanatairi—Buyers, 62s 6d; sellers, 655. Tookey (tribute)— Buyer?, 4s 6d; sellers, ss. Alburnia—s7B; Sellers, 565. Kuranui Hill—Buyers, 93 6d. Cure —Buyers, 5s 3d; sellers, 03 9d. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under .- For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow at 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel. per Durham, to-morrow, at 11.30 a.m.; and for Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 12.30 a.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at 4 p.m. For Napier, per Pretty Jane, to-morrow,

at 4 p.m. For Tairua, per Mana, this day, at 4.30 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Mtjakana, Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Anne Milkbank, to-morrow, at 10 a,in. For Wangarei Heads, per Rover, to-morrow,

at 11 a.m. For GUsborne, per Go-ahead, to-morrow, at

For Norfolk Island, per Southern Cross, on

Tnesday next, at 9 a.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Taupo, on

Monday nest, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. er s.s. Taiaroa, on ues , 2nd April, as follows:— bi's- For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 5 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially ad dressed), and via Brindisi, at 5 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, the previous evening at 4 o'clock. For Australian Colonies, par Rotorua, on.Tues day, 2nd April, at 1 p.m. ■ ' For money ord6rs, registered letters, and newspapers, at noon. Late lettera for Sydney and Melbourne, till

Per s.s!'City of Sydney, on Tuesday, April 2nd' For Sandwich Islands, 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 of Europe at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters ana newspapers.at 1,30 p.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. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

JAMIESON.—On the 29th instant, at her resi dence, Upper Queen-street, the wife of Mr James Jamieson of a son; both doing well.

DEATH.

MANN.—On March 29th, at Cotele, Thomas Mann, aged 6S years.

The funeral will leave his late residence at 3 p.m. to-morrow (Saturday).

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1878.

Fgi toe wiong Cits, neds iciUttaA F*r tise (tituie ia tbt (Jliiuie.

This afternoon's cable despatches convey the important intelligence that Russia has refused England's demand that the whole of the conditions of peace shall be submitted to the Congress, and the idea of holding it is, therefore, abandoned. If those con ditions which most seriously affect European interests were to be withdrawn from consideration, it is better that the farce of meeting should never be enacted. Indeed, by recognising the Conference as a means \of settling the difficulty, with the cession of Bessarabia and Armenia as an accepted part of the terms, the Great Powers would immediately become an assenting party to conditions of which they strongly disapprove. Eng land wisely declines to participate in a Con ference which Government could only accept by hopelessly compromising itself. The telegrams state that official circles still speak hopefully of the maintenance of peace. It is not likely that England will go to war without an ally for the protection of purely continental in terest.", and as these are mainly involved in the conditions of peace agreed upon between Europe and Turkey, the future course of events will probably be controlled by the attitude of Austria. That Power, always a dangerous, unreli able, and shifty ally, has pursued its cus tomary indecisive policy throughout the war; and the mission undertaken by General Ignatieff to-Vienna may be the means of destroying the semblance of firmness which it has latterly assumed. Time alone will show. The determination of the Principality of Roumania not to submit to spoliation at the hands of its late ally stands in marked contrast to the irresolution of its big neighbour. The intimation that Turkey is to cede the Dobrudscha is new.

Te KOOTI has re-assumed the role of a miracle-worker, for the character is not a new one, as our own correspondent at Napier seems to infer in the telegram which is published in another column. Many of our readers will doubless remember that when in command of the prisoners who escaped from the Chathams in the Rifle man, Te Kooti owed much of his prestige and influence to a superstitious beliet in those supernatural powers which he so successfully claimed to be able to exercise. During a dead calm, which kept the Rifle man almost stationary, and exposed the natives on board to the risk of re-capture, Te Kooti, with the eye of an experienced seaman, perceived the signs of a breeze, and asserted that it had been revealed to him in a vision that there was on board a Jonah, to whom their misfortunes were attributable, owing to the anger of the Atua, or god. Lots were cast, resulting in the throwing over board of an old man, and, as Te Kooti had foreseen, a breeze sprang up immediately afterwards. During his subsequent career of murder and rapine on the East Coast his numerous hairbreath escapes from bullet and sword gave rise to a belief in his invulnerability, which he was not slow to encourage. The delusion was only removed when Te Kooti, being hotly pursued by Captain Gilbert Mair, was severely wounded in the hand whilst in act of loading his rifle, took refuge in an adjacent swamp, and owed his escape to the ignorance of his pursuers of his hiding place. The wound which the arch-rebel re ceived, however, was sufficient to dispel the belief in his invulnerability, though his daiing and skill were sufficient to maintain his influence. The power of healing maladies which Te Kooti now claims baa been pretended to by Maori toJiungas, or doctors, from time immemorial. They worked by charms, which were supposed to drive away the evil spirit causing the afflic tion. There are on record amongst the Maoris, as amongst other barbarous races, many instances of extraordinary cures effected by means of charms and in cantations, but in these cases the results are clearly ascribable to psychologic operation. No doubt the success which Te Kooti is achieving belongs to the same class of mental phenomena.

A report of the meeting of the Kuranui Hill and Tcokey Tribute Goldinining Com panies held to-day, appear ou our fourth page. The alu.es in the notorious Engineir Navvy Corps, the oppression of non-com missioned officers, who were the means of bringing the matter to light, and the sub sequent exposure of the whole thing in the Star, wilLprobably be rememberedjby.some of our readers. We leain that after a long delay, the compensation for losses incurred by these witnesses which was recommended by Parliamentary committee was paid yes terday to Messrs Small and Barlow, each receiving £105 ss. Mr Craig, who was absent from town, will probably receive an equal consideration. A crowded meeting of the shareholders of the New Golden Pah Goldmining Company is being held as we go to press for the pur pose of considering the general affairs of the company. Mr James Russell in the chair

We understand that the Government have positively determined to close the Newmarket slaughterhouse ou tli3 31st instant, the Colonial Secretary having satisfied himself that there is ample accommodation at the new city abattoirs.

In our obituary column will be seen that Mr Thomas Maun, a most exemplary citizen of Auckland, has died at the ripe age of 6S. It would seem that he has never recovered the shock he got at the late fire in Newton. He was many years ago in business in Auckland, and retired honour ably from trade into private life. He was of a very gentle disposition, and was esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances. Mr Lawson, who is mentioned as likely to receive the appointment of Commissioner of Railways for the North Island, is a gentle man of excellent business talents, but with no special technical training in practical railway affairs in this colony. He was, we believe, for several years an accountant on some of the largest English railway .Unes, and came out to this colony in the service of Messrsßrogden and Co., and was their chief-accountant at the Head-office in Wellington. When the completion of Messrs Brogden's contracts necessitated the reduction of their establishment, Mr Lawson obtained the appointment of accountant on the Canterbury railways, and subsequently was promoted to the situation of manager. He is a hard-work ing official of thoroughly methodical habits, and with a capacity for dealing with the multifarious details of railway management. The paragraph which appeared in Wednes day's Star urging unregistered persons possessing the requisite qualifications to rote, to send in their claims, has had the effect of infusing -some activity into this usually apathetic class of people, with whom procrastination is a predominant weakness. To-day Mr Collins' office was besieged by claimants to the electoral suffrage and the number of applicants waa larger than on any one day dining the past three months. The City Council passed a vote authoris ing expenditure for the erection of additional cottages or residences, as may be found to be required for slaughtermen or overseers, to the extent of £500, at their last meeting— not, as stated by a correspondent in the ' " Herald" this morning, to adapt the slaugh ter-house to the trade.

With reference to the occurrence at the Working Men's Club, referred to yesterday, we have received the following letter : — "Dear sir,—ln your local in reference to Working Men's Club, in last night's paper, you are in error when you state that 1 went up to test whether the Club adhered to its rules. A member of the Club told me that if I went in and demanded a drink with his Gd ticket I would be supplied. The intention you impute was far from my thoughts; neither did" I .say I was a member. I .simply showed the ticket, and as I expected, was refused. —Yours, &c, VIVIAN.—[It is very singular—a mere co-incidence, of course—that Mr Vivian happens to be employed in an hotel, and that his visit was made just when De tective Jeffrey was inspecting the building. It is, however, as well that the responsibility of hotel-keepevs for the indiscretion should receive emphatic contradiction, for this is eminently a " game at which two can play." If, as our correspondent alleges, he was led into the error innocently, he should supply the Committee with the name of the member who played the extraordinary part alleged; and the Committee thereupon should shew their appreciation of that gentleman's line sense of honour by expelling him from the Club. Careful inquiry .should be made to ascertain how a ticket came into the possession of a non-member, for if such abuses are allowed, the Club will come to a very untimely end. Mr Samuel Vivian wishes us to notiliy for the information of his friends that he declines the honour of being the hero of the cxuloit. —Ed. E.S.] We have received a long letter defending tho Rev. Mr Root from attacks in the " Herald." Our correspondent thinks the rev. gentleman's observations bearing on the late Captain Read were quite within the mark. He laments the decadence of pulpit courage, and extols the fearlessness of the old Reformers. The subject is not of any particular interest to anyone but Mr Root and his congregation. The sermon is simply a matter of taste, and we do not see that our readers would be much better for a discussion of the question whether Mr Root's surmises with reference to Capt. Read's present location are justilied or not. We certainly agree with our correspondent that the maxim "de mortius nil nisi bouuin" is apt to be carried to a senti mental extreme sometimes.

A friendly game of cricket will be played at Otahuhu to-morrow, between the Remuera and Otahuhu C.C. Players will leave town by the 1.15 train. The following arc tho teams :—Remuera —Buekland (captain), Tonks, A. Checseman, Whcwell, T. and W. Jackson, J. 11. Scarborough, Baber, Coleman, and J. Yonge. Otahuhu —W. and F. Porch,. W. C. W. and 11. Martin, W. J. Gray, C. A. and C. Bowden, T. Hall.

To the Editor: Sir, As that part of your report of what passed at the meeting of the creditors, of Lewis Brothers in last night's STAR which asserts that a long discussion followed on Mr Waymouth's statement is liable to be misunderstood, I think it but right to say on behalf of Mr Waymouth that the statements he pre pared for the committee were admirably drawn up, and perfectly satisfactory, and that there was no discussion on his state ments, but on the position of the estate. —I am, &c, Laurence D Natiian, Chairman of Committee and of meeting.

Although the industrial effort of Mr J. Wright, of Paparoa, Albertland, to intro duce works of utility in terra cotta have not led him to assume any pretentious methods to gain public notoriety, we think, from a specimen of his work exhibited to us to-day, he is justly entitled to more than a passing remark in regard to his enterprise. Mr Wright has, for some time, been engaged in the production of various articles of domes tic ware, all of which have reflected the highest credit upon his skill, and have, we believe, met with a ready sale ; but his lat" est production is one of peculiar merit, be ing a handsome four-quart water-jug, now the property of Rev. A. W. Webb, who kindly shewed the article to us, and who intends to place it in the store of Messrs E. Porter and Co., for public exhibition. Mr Webb has recently been ova pastoral visit to the Northern settlement, and has generously and wisely interestedhimself in the temporal donigs as well as the spiritual interests of the settlers. He was particularly interested in the works of Mr Wright, and secured for himself the specimen referred to. This handsome water-jug would be _au ornament in any house, for the design is elegant in shape, and is embellished by a series of artistic devices of high merit. Around the lower part of the jug runs a band of embossed ornamen tation, \and all round the body are full length figures of Apostolic and ecclesiasti cal characters, also in relief. The whole of these reliefs are clear and sharp, aud very perfect in detail. It is also of importance to mention that Mr Wright is not only a potter, he is also his own artist, as ail tha embellishments are his own designs, and the dies by which they are produced are all cut by himself. We think it a pity Mr Wright is not represented by a regular business establishment in the city, as Aye feel sure so long as ho can produce terra cottex of such merit as the one specimen we have seen, there are very few who would not willingly avail themselves of the privilege to patronise a local industry that combines such elegance and utility as are secured by tho .productions of Mr Wright.

A very encouraging proof of the progress of our country districts is shewn by the fact that the s.s. Rowena, which arrived last evening from Taurauga and Mercury Bay, brought as cargo 460 sacks wheat, grown in those districts. We trust that before long the farmers in the country districts surrounding Auckland will be able to supply this city, if not others, with wheat, aud obviate the necessity of importing, as at present, all we use.

An alarm of fire Avas raised last evening in Freeman's Bay, and the peace-loving inhabitants quickly turned out to ascertain the cause. A lurid glare was observed in the direction of Duke street, and immedi tely large numbers of persons made for the scene of the supposed terrible conflagration. On arrival at the spot, however, it was found that the glare, which had caused so much excitement, proceeded from a new blacksmith's shop, which has just been erected, and was used for the first time last evening. The said inhabitants therefore slowly'retraced their steps, outwardly con gratulating each other that no disastrous lire had taken place, but inwardly realising fully that they had been " sold."

lv consequence 01 the accident which happened to Mr , on Wednesday, in the Barracks, fears were entertained that the cricket team of Messrs Morrin would sutler in the score. We have to state that tho young man is sufficiently recovered to warrant his appearance iti the field to-morrow; so that confidence of success has been established in the minds of the Morrin team.

The membeis of the Newton Volunteer Fire Brigade held a meeting last night in Dublin-street, to consider and decide upon the rulesand by-laws of the Brigade, which were approved'and passed. Superintendent Mahon presided, and stated the general business of the meeting. Mr Morris was appointed treasurer, and Mr Martin secre tary, to the Newton Brigade. It was also agreed that the dress of members shouid be blue navy serge, double-breasted Garibaldi jackets, with red facings, and a belt. It was also resolved to solicit subscriptions to defray the expenses ; also to form branch stations as soon as possible at Eden Terrace and Ponsonby, subject to the rules and regu lations of the parent office.

Yesterday's " Gazette" states that Port Resolution, Island of Tanna, is a scene of desolation in consequence of the terrible earthquake of January last, and that forty acres of land have been thrown into the har bour, and a long ride of coral rock thrown up high above the water, which have had the effect of narrowing the harbour. A special cricket match will be played to-morrow afternoon in the ground of the Domain, >vhich has caused a good deal of speculative interest in the houses of Messrs Morrin and Messrs Porter and Co. Wickets will be pitched at two o'clock. Mr S. Morrin will act as captain of the team, and Mr Chambers will head his men in the field.

The Bishop of Lichficld (Dr Selwyn) has recently opened a house in the close of Lichfield Cathedral, for a domicile for young clergymen, which .shall be ready to receive incumbents in case of illness or overwork in any part of his diocese.

A. meeting of the Newton East School Committee was held last night, for the purpose of appointing a head teacher. The ballot resulted in favour of Mr Johnson, of Blenheim, and it was decided to rccom mcud him. lie holds threo first-class certificates, one for England, one for Victoria, and one for Otago.

On Monday next the Waikato railway line, between Hamilton and Ohaupo, will be formally opened. There will not be any rejoicings or festivities ; the first train will leave Ohaupo for Auckland at six in the morning.

Nixon's Light Horse Company of Volun teers underwent their monthly parade and drill yesterday at Ellerslie. Twenty-three members were present, under command of Captain Isaacs and Lieut. Sellars. We learn that the Company will shortly be inspected by the Colonial Secretary, Hon. Colonel Whitmore.

We learu that Government have com pleted the purchase of a corner allotment in Karangahape Road, for the purpose of establishing a branch telegraph office for the district of Newton. This purchase was made in accordance with a suggestion by Mr Swanson during the last session of parliament, who strongly urged the neces sity for such an office for the accommoda tion of the residents in the district. The deed of transfer was signed yesterday.

Frederick Lenhavdt, a cook on board the brig Wild Wave, was found guilty at Tc Kopuru Court of assaulting the master of the brig, lying at Kopuru, and sentenced to 14 days'imprisonment with hard labour ; and for a second charge of using obscene language, was lined £5 and costs. The fine not being paid, the prisoner was ordered to prison for two months, and is now under going his terms in Mount Eden gaol.

A correspondent writing from Picton in forms the " Wellington Post" that Mr Sey mour is not likely to retain his seat for Wairau after the next election. His con stituents generally seem to disapprove of his views on several subjects, notably in regard to the imposition of a property tax. Mr Seymour is the holder of considerable property in Maryborough, and he very naturally objects to pay more in the shape of taxes than he does at present. His constituents, however, are, for the most part, the reverse of wealthy, and consequently they look at the question of a property tax from a differeut point of view. > Moreover, the people of Blenheim and Picton appear to be somewhat enamoured of Sir George Grey's policy, while Mr Seymour cannot be looked upon as anything but au Atkin sonian.

The editor of an American paper recently insisted that poets must be brief. The next day he received a composition en titled, "The Ballad of the Merchant": " Trust—Bust!"

Since the year 1574, says the " Naval and Military Gazette," tho minimum height of the soldiers of the Line in the Kussian Army has been fixed at 1-53 metres, which in Eng lish measurement is 5 feet and a small fraction of an inch. For the Guards, the minimum is 5 feet 6 inches and a trifling fraction, or 1-69 metres. For the cavalry of the Line, no recruit is accepted below 1-64 metres. These figures appear, according to British notions, very low ; but it should be borne in mind that, under a system of compulsory service, the object of the authorities is to exclude as few persons as possible from the Army on physical grounds. The average is, no doubt, considerably higher than the heights we have mentioned. Still, there is no doubt that British troops are composed of much bigger men than Etissian troops, or probably than those of any other power. The biggest men, how ever, are not the best campaigners, although at close quarters with tlie bayonet they have an obvious advantage. The universal adoption of arms of precision has done a great deal to put men of different physique on an equality. An active little Muscovite of five feet can handle a breechloader as well as the best of them, and he has this obvious advantage, that there is less of him to hit.

The members of the Eden Terrace High way Board held a special meeting last evening in the Eden Vine Hotel, for the purpose of considering the state of the pond, about which a great deal has been said and written. A discussion followed at some length, in which Messrs Suiter, Atkin, and Stokes took a leading part. It was finally resolved, on the motion of Mr Stokes, seconded by Mr Sinclair, "That the chairman and Mr Atkin be a deputation to wait on the Native Minister, along with the chairmen of the Arch Hill and Karanga hape Highway districts, in reference to the drainage of ' the pond." The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair man. The telephone mauia has reached Manga wai. The returns of the census shew as follows: —Akaroa, population in 1874 was 645 ; in in 1877, 642. Lytteltou, last census, 2,974; new census, 3,476. The agricultural returns for South Canterbury, comprising "Waimate and Geraldine, are : Holdings, 730 ; land broken up, not under crop, 48,277 acres ; land in wheat, 54,759 acres; oats, 3,226 acres; other crops, 47,277 ; barley, 2,439 acres; hay, 1,839 acres; sown grasses, 183,158 acres; potatoes, 676 acres ; other crops, 20,031 acres.

Sir George Grey has been confined to his bed at Wellington through indisposition, Yesterday he was batter, and left last night for Auckland by the Hineraoa.

Mark Twain has become the responsible editor of the " Courant," and intends to make it a semi-political, semi-humorous journal. The "Courant" is a very old newspaper, and, in some respects, it has always been a funny one; but Mark Twain's plan is to make humour a more prominent feature of every department, even to the advertisements, which are to be written by himself, and printed at twice the ordinary rates. The new editor wants to cet out "a daily paper unlike anything ever attempted in this country or Europe ; and his friends, relying upon the originality of his talents, anticipate immediate popu larity for the " Courant" under his management.

The following telegram has been received from Rev. Father Hennebery by the Press Agency from Kumara : —" The peace disturbing newspaper and telegraphic reports recently sent abroad from Westland about my denouncing mixed and legal marriages as no marriage, of myj being prosecuted for £1000 damages for personally attacking an Editor, charging me with inciting the Catholics from the pulpit against non-Catholics, and the police force being increased through fear of disturbance arising from the Temperance procession, are all unmitigated and scandalous false hoods, and.l denounce them and other accompanying misrepresentations as bare faced and malignant aspersions. If such libellous language be repeated or sworn, the guilty parties may expect to be speedily submitted to the penalties of the law for libel or perjury, or both."

William Miller was tried at the Supreme Court, Hokitika, for wounding a cow, but as the evidence was inconclusive, Miller was acquitted.

Mr William Taylor, of the Soda-water Springs, Kaurihohori, has made another important discovery. While digging on his property, Mr Taylor unearthed a numbei of Moa bones, which, we believe, are the first ever found North of the Waitemata. Two of the bones are evidently thigh bones. They measure 30 inches in length, and from their size must have belonged to the genus Dinornis Elephantopes The bones are now in the possession of Mi- George Burnett. There is not the slightest doubt about the identification of these bones with the Dinornis.

The Canterbury Co-operative Store has turned out a complete failure, and the remaining stock is about to be sold.

At a meeting on Wednesday of the Selwyn County Council/ Christchurch, the resolutions passed at the recent conference of Mayors and Chairman were approved. A letter was submitted from the Colonial Secretary, stating that the whole of the funds accruing in the County of Selwyn up to June are to be apportioned to the Road Boards as though the Council had brought the whole of the Act into force. AI3O that the Council could not legally assume, the control of the funds until the end of July. The Council decided to request the Gov ernment to reconsider the apportionment of the funds of the Board and the Govern ment.

A correspondent, writing from Hamilton"' complains of the conduct of the Court there, in reference to a meeting of creditors in the estate of Messrs J. and J. H. Edwards, which was fixed, by the Clerk of the Court for the 27th instant, the declaration of in insolvency having been filed on the 22nd instant. It appears from onr correspondent's letter, that the solicitor for the opposing creditor, Mr Aubiu, objected to the meet ing proceeding on the ground that four clear days had not elapsed between the filing of the declaration of the insolvency and the holding of the meeting, Sunday being a dies non; but to this Mr Hay replied that Sunday is only a dies non when it happens to te the last day upon which any act has to be done, and in this case it was clear that Sunday, being the second, and not the last of the four days, was reckoned. The learned clerk of the Court, who presided, ruled that the objec tion was good, and that the meeting must lapse though he himself had fixed that date for holding it. The consequence is that the estate will probably be seized to the injury of the great body of the creditors. The case is likely to result in further pro ceedings. The evil, if evil there has been in this case, appears to consist in throwing upon a mere Clerk of an up-countiy Court, whose knowledge of law probably does not extend beyond the filling up of printed legal forms, the onus of deciding points of law.

LEWIS BROS. MEETING.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I beg to request a portion of your space to reply to Mr Hean's comments on my remarks at the late meeting of Messrs. Lewis Bios', creditors. Ho says, "had I known that the creditors were to be treated to a lecture by Mr Steven son on banking and the duties of bankers, 1 should have gone better pre pared. " I did not expect to have my few remarks dignified by the name of lecture ; much less did I expect Mr Hean to acknow ledge his inability to reply to them. A careful perusal of his letter only shews that time has been of no great advantage to him. Again, he says, " had the Bank adopted the selfish and suicidal policy suggested by Mr Stevenson, &c." What, may I ask, more selfish policy could the Bank have pursued than to secure themselves 20s in the £, leaving only 5s in the £ to other creditors ? According to Mr Hean, at the time Mr Gabriel Lewis went home, he failed to obtain from them any statement of their affairs. While not possessed of the banking experience of Mr Hean, I have always understood it to be the custom of such institutions to make themselves thoroughly conversant with the position of clients, whose affairs are in a state of embarrassment, and who require such unusual accommoda tfon. It does seem rather a joke to learn that the balance-sheet of an Auckland firm should arrive via London. With regard to the valuation of the assets of the firm, I can only repeat what I said at the meeting, that the securities held by the Bank were the best portion of the assets, and fairly valued ; while those held by the unsecured creditors will realise less than half of Messrs Lewis' estimate. I beg to call {attention to the fact, as stated by Mr Hean, that there are shipments still afloat, as no iutima tion of such has hitherto been made, so far as lam aware. I have no unkindly feeling, as I stated at the meeting, towards the Messrs Lewis Bros.; any severe remarks I may have made were not addressed to them. As to the " bolstering up of retail houses," and consequent loss to wholesale firms, I beg to remind Mr Hean that in such cases the loss falls upon the houses who do the " bolstering up," and not upon unsuspect ing third parties. In conclusion I would only assure Mr Hean that the firm to which I belong, not only looks at home, but finds it useful, at times, to look abroad also. —I am, etc, J. Y., Stevenson.

SALSBURY TROUBADOURS.

This limited company of Troubadours, now in occupation of the Theatre Royal, forms the happiest combination of talent that has been witnessed in Auckland for a long time, and the central star of that constellation of stars is un questionably Miss Nellie McHenry. The first piece presented last evening was the petite comedy, the "Rights of Women," which is perfect as a composition.and complete in its details. "Patchwork," which followed, is a kind of dramatic medley, in which the three actors take prominent parts, in addition to which Miss Blanche Corelli and Mr Salsbury appear. This extravaganza is full of animation, and haa previously been described in the Star. Miss McHenry, as Botty Spider, is immense, The song " Pretty as a Picture," in character, by the lady, and the motto song "All that Glitters is not Gold" by Mr Gourlay, were excellent, and deservedly encored. Thft imita tions of Mr Salsbury were unique and life-like, especially those of Jefferson as Rip Van Winkle, and Fechter as Hamlet. The whole was most amusing, and kept the audience in a perpetual state of iaughter. The singing of Miss Corelli

merited the applause which foiw~T~^ vocalisations. A change of pnffiS4 >* ' take place this evening when thlm&^ operatic extravaganza of "The ~n* c, choiX Tennyson's) will be introduced, wife" S by a tull orchestra. ewm«sio S

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

Russia Refuses England* Demands,

THE CONGRESS ABANDONED*

Situation Critical.

(REUTEK'S SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.)

LONDON.

March 27, 12.15 p.m. Russia has finally refused the English demands, and the Congress is virtually abandoned. . *

The situation is critical ; but official circular believe war may be avoided

Terrible Railway Accident.

Thirty Killed.

A railway accident has occurred at Stafford, near Newcastle, by which thirty persons were killed.

Roumania Refuses to Exchange Bessarabia for Dobrudscha.

Ignatieff to Dissever England and

LONDON, March 28. A. deadlock has occurred in the nego tiations for the European Congress BUCHAREST, March 28th. Both Houses of the Roumanian Legislature unanimously rejected the Russian, proposal to exchange Bessarabia for the Dobrudschka. St. PETERSBURG, March 28.1 It is semi-officially stated that IgnatiefT goes to Vienna in a diplo matic mission to induce the Austriansto inform British Government that it must not reckon its support.

[eeuter's telegrams.]

BISMARCK'S SUCCESSOR.

BERLIN, March 26. 1 Essential modifications in. the Germaa Cabinet are imminent, Count Otho de Stawerg Wernigerode, German Ambassador at Vienna, partially replacing Count Bismarck.

RUSSIAN COUNTERMOVE.

ST. PETERSBURGH, March 27. General Ignatieffis going to Vienna.

FRIENDLY VISITS BETWEEN CZAR AND SULTAN.

CONSTANTINOPLE.

March 27.

The Grand Duke Nicholas and the Sultan have exchanged visits. In consequence of friendly representation by Russia, the Turkish troops have evaca- -'.'. ated Bujuckdere. The embarkation homeward-bound of Russian troops has been countermanded.

THE MARKETS.

LONDON, March 22. Consols, 95 J. The prices of wheat and. ■; flour and general securities' axe all un-^ changed. Since the opening of the wool sales 155,000 bales have been offered. Bidding continues firm, also for greasy qualities recently rejected.

CONFERENCE IN DIFFICULTIES.

DISASTROUS FIRES.

[SPECIAL TO ME LBOUKNE "ARGUS*"]

LONDON, March 26. An increase of difficulties besets the pro-. posed Congress. Telegrams from various European capi- ■ tals express the fear that the present situation will issue in war. Kussia is indisposed to make further con- - cessions to England. The Grand Duke Nicholas was accom- I panied by a large staff on his visit to the Sultan. The^Duke says that the Russian I Ambassador Avas cheered in Pera, espe-i^ cially by the Greeks. The training ship Eurydice, returning ; from a cruise to the West Indies, capsized " in a squall off Durmore Isle ; only two aBM known to have been saved. The Elephant and Castle Theatre was- ■-. burnt down to-day. A disastrous fire has occurred in Phila delphia. Loss of property is immense. In the six day s' pedestrian match, in the- Agricultural Hall, O'Leary Avon the first -,.; prize, Avalking 520 miles.

AUSTRALIAN.

[SPECIAL TO PKESS AGENCY.] MELBOURNE, March 28. ~ In the Assembly, Mr Berry moved for . the appointment of a committee on the Appropriation Bill. It is certain to be carried. In the Council, Mr Sladen gave notice or \ his intention to move for an Appropriation V Committee to confer with the Committee of the Assembly upon the Payment of Mem bers Bill. Mr Cuthbert consented to bring it forward the same evening. The Council passed the Payment q£ ._ Members Bill through Committee, and the I motion for a conference between the two | Houses was negatived. .; The third reading of the Appropriation - Bill passed without a division. The Assembly is adjourned to Tuesday. The new Appropriation, Bill, without the objectionable item, was brought up, ana passed all stages without division. The Council adjourned till Tuesday. . The Payment of Members Bill passed in the Council. . . The new Appropriation Bill passed in tue g Assembly, and was assented to by tne Governor on Tuesday. The crisis is now terminated.

REV. MR. CARRICK AND CANON FARRAR.

(To the Editor of the.EVENING STAR.) Sik,—l suppose we are to understand from Mr Carrick's letter in this mornings .. " Herald " that he, for one, is a believer in the eternity of future punishments. , I am no theologian, and so Avonld not ~,: attempt to argue with him whether such a g| belief is or is not repugnant to the teaching of the New Testament, but I would simply advise him to feel his way before he preacnes this doctrine in the Australian Colonies,, even to a Presbyterian congregation. As children, we were wont to listen to profound expositions on the "pains of neu forever;" but now-a-days few clergymen caie to discant on such ghastly themes. Moreover, not only have the thinking.. Christian laity of the nineteenth century -| abandoned the belief in the eternity °f future punishments, but, whilefew ministers, would dare to preach the doctrine, numbers of the more outspoken ones of eY£ r J Protestant denomination frankly aver-tnai . 1; it no longer forms or indeed can form a : pt"u. of their creed.—Yours, truly, A SCOTCH MAN. Auckland, March 29th, 1878.,

EYENIJSTG STAB, FRIDAY, MARCH 39, 1878.



Industry of A.ll Nations AT THE CITY HALL ARCADE. Light and graceful Bent Wood Furniture, Settees, Rocking, Arm and Side Chairs, Children's Chairs, from AUSTRIA. Beautifully Carved WALNUT DRAWING ROOM SUITES, direct from the Manufacturers in ITALY. E^auisitely Painted FLOWER VASES, various sizes, from BELGIUM. Superior TOILETWARE, TOILET TABLE SETS, of mediaeval and modern designs, from ENGLAND. TEXTILE FABRICS in Silk and Wool, soft, rich, and beautiful for Furniture and Curtains. SATINE CRETONNES, superior to anything imported, having Satin Finish, suitable for Drawing-rooms, from FRANCE. The Latest Designs, New Colours, and "Very Handsome BRUSSELS CARPETS, and a large lot of Cheap and Good TAPESTRY Just Opened. Articles of Use and Beauty, to any design and price, from our own FURNITURE MANUFACTORY in AUCKLAND. Ladies and Gentlemen Furnishing, are invited to inspect the STOCK of Hoiloway, &arlic3s & Oranwell, City H all .A.itc a de, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland.



JUST OPENED, A LARGE ASSORTMENT OP GENTS' FANCY SCARVES, New Shapes and Colours. Also, All Sizes in GENTS' WHITE SHIRTS, Military Fronts, button behind. W. EATTItAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, vfKW yKAI, AN D XT OUB K. 66, QUEEN-STKISET. Avcklasd. A-« LINABURY & \J 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 WINTER COSTUMES, NEW MANTLES, A Largo Assortment oE Paris Trimmed Hats and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also, Hosiery Silk Ties, Umbrellas, Collars and Cuff's, Gloves! Children's Mantles and Jackets. Also, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. m Look in at *©s A. LINAB UR V & CO.' S, 201 &206, quekn-street, Auckland. BONEDDSTI BONEDUST! BONEDUST! Ex Borough Belle, @ Sydney, now duo: A SHIPMENT OJF THE ABOVE ON SALE, By ths undersigned. As the season is advancing, Customers would do well to book their orders at once, so as to have them executed from the 3hip s side, and save cartage. HURgT & co>> 101, Queen-street. |~1LOVEI! SEEDS, RYE GRASS, &c. On Sale, ex Late Aruivals: OLOVEII SEEDS, CONSISTING OF White Clover Timothy Red Clover IlaP.°., Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke &c, &c, &c. Turnip ALSO, 200 bushels ENGLISH PERENNIAL RYE GRA^S 50 bushels ENGLISH POA PRATENSIS 500 lbs. INDIAN DOOB GRASS 1,000 lbs. ALFALFA 2,000 lbs, AMERICAN TIMOTHY. AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. The above have arrived in first-class condition. Samples will be forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, Katstail, Poas Fescues, &c. &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ketratCS" W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. mO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. " W. J. HURST & CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory rosults in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and If of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hur3t & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELLS BONE FLOUR J and i-inch BONED UST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In'addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are jrepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixturo that for the last two sea sons has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bo supplied on application at the Stores. VV. J. ilUlwol O5 di--, 101, Queen- treet. RUSHBUOOK AND "|>RIDGMAN, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE (Oppoaite'.the Army nd Navy Hotel), UPPER QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. FIVE PER CENT. DISCOUNT la. in the £) ALLOWED ON ALL CASH PURCHASES OF 208. AND UPWARDS. A GRICULTURAL RISKS! THE NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY Is prepared to INSURE against FIRE— Agricultural Risks, Grain in Stook or Stack, and Steam Threshing Machines travelling from dlace to place. LOWEST CURRENT RATES. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, QFFER BY THE 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, Knifo and Scissors Sharpener &/ 1 Banaza 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 XI 1 Folding Lamp Shade (Patent) 1/0 1 Indelible Tablet for Marking Linen .. 2/ 1 Little Giant Tack Hammer, drives, draws, and sets 1/0 1 Little Harry's Night Lamp .. .. .. 1/G 1 Magic Cork Puller, Chimney Cleaner, Sec. 1/ 1 Oriental Silver Polish. Great success ... 1/ 1 Pattern Copying nnd Tracing Wheol .. 1/6 1 Pearl Cement. Mends everything. Savo the pieces 2/ 1 Puzzle Key Ring •• •■ •« \, -•• .•• V 1 Shine-Shine Starch Polish and Ohlneso Washing Blue 1/ 1 Slate Pencil Sharpener and Cleaner .. /v 1 Good Templar Pen, witli i-pint of ink .. /6 Total .. 25/ Discount off 5/ Amount £1



A P O L O G Y. BY THE PROPRIETORS OF THE "NEW ZEALAND HERALD," AUCKLAND, sth MARCH, IS7S. On the 30th June last a telegram from Dunedin appeared in the columns of the " Herald," in re ference to Mr. Thomas Calcutt, of that city, &f which he very justly complains, and calls upon us for explanation and apology. The paragraph had reference to Mr. Calcutt being required to attend the Supreme Court at Dunedin to give evidence in an insolvency case. Our telegram spoke of Mr. Calcutt as being in very indigent circumstances. The word indigent was a mis take for indignant. We very much regret that the mistake should have occurred and caused Mr. Calcutt annoyance or loss, as nothing was further from our intention than to cast any re flection on him. He consented, upon our paying £10 10s. costs incurred by him, and a donation of £50 to the funds of the Otago Benevolent Insti tution, to accept our apology, which we freely offer. [COPY.] Dunedin, March 14,1878. Received from the proprietors of the " New I Zealand Herald," Auckland (by the hands of Mr. Thomas Calcutt) Fifty Pounds sterling, in aid of the funds of the Otago Benevolent Insti tution. £50. (Signed) RICHARD QUIN, Secretary Benevolent Institution. A stupid mistake in the transcription of a telegram received by it from Dunedin has cost the "New Zealand Herald" very dear. The message contained amongst other things a re ference to some proceedings in Chambers, in which, it will be remembered, Mr. Oaloutt, as trustee in a bankruptcy estate, was summoned to give evidence; and in the process of trans cription this part of the message nnderwent alteration in two essential particulars, which gave Mr. Calcutt great annoyance, and as he was advised, good grounds <f action. The " Herald" admit it was entirely to blame in the matter, and besides apologising to Mr. Calcutt, pays the law costs he has been put to, and makes a donation of £50 to the fund 3of the Benevolent Institution.