SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

-rroir wa .irn (This Afternoon, 10.24 HIGH WATER—j To . mo rrow Morning, 10.44 SUN SET.-This Evening. 7.2 .■■ SUN RISK.—To morrow Morning, 5.2S MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, Feb. 11, 0.06 p.m

ARRIVALS.

DSPARTUKES. Tlevn .. Loeau for Sydney and Melbourne Wankka." ___!? McGimW; for Tauranga and

Lifuka. schooner. 17 tons. Lombard, for Haabai Oncer., schooner. Jones, for Hokianga Wild Duck, ketch, Campbell, lor Waitara Go-ahe^.d, s.s., for Gisborne

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Hero:—3oo gunnies sugar. Brown, Barrett and Co. , C cases Melbourne made clothing, 50 do. champagne, 11 do. tobacco,2s pkgs. tea.— E. &H. Isaacs. »

EXPORTS.

Per Minnie Hare, for Napier: 70 tons railway iron. 10!) nests drain pipes, 12 tons firewood. _._! pk_.es drapery.— Master, agent. Per s.s Hero, for Sydney and Melbourne : 4b coils rope, 16 pkgs, 619 salted hides,—lreland Brothers.

DEPARTURE OF THE HERO.

The s.s. Hero left for Sydney ana meiouu. ao at half-past twelve to-day. . Passengers: -Bar Melbourne-Saloon: Miss Fitzgerald. Mr and Mrs McMairas, Rachel McManus, John Mc- Mamis, Miss Pitts, Signor Rosnati, Signoi Giorza Signor C. Ghiloni, Signor Christopma. Steerage: Messrs W. Thomas, J. Youngclaw, S . Savory. For Sydney—Saloon: Miss M. Ms. Car;-, Miss Jessie Russell, Miss J. Isaacs, Mrs Griffiths. Messrs W. J. Hill, O. C Beale Mi-9 Harvey, Miss Black. Steerage: Mrs E. Dodd, Miss E. Dodd, Mrs Williams, Mr and Mrs Parflti. Messrs R. M. Daisley;, John Daisley, Calvert Frodsham, J. Davis T. Moore, W. R. Escolme. A. Lamond, J. J. Vickery, T. Dodd, J. Roberts, and D. O'Sullivan.

New time tables of the Rotomahana and Rotoiti appear to-day.in our shipping advertise ment columns. .-'.'. _ .. j The schooner Queen. Captain Jones, saiiea yesterday evening for Hokianga, with a general CThe new schooner Lifuka. Captain Lombard, sails this afternoon for Haabai. The bri_.A_-tine Active has completed her loading, and will sail for the Friendly Islands at OQCf? The p.s. Anne Milbank is having her copper examined.- The s.s. Lily, meanwhile, is taking her place iv the Hot Spring 3 and Mahurangi fThe ship Loch Fleet is steadily progressing with her loadine. Cargo is coming forward reely, and she is expected to be a full ship next ' The s.s. Rowena, wtich has b"en under repair for the last few days, resumes her running to Tauranga at 5 p.m. to-day. ..'___ .-.,. ~_ RJThe s.s. Lalla Rookh is advertised to leave Onehunga for Raglan on the 14th inst. The brigantine Helena, now at Lyttelton. is expected-b sail for this port about Saturday. The schooner Gael cleared to-day for Dunedin via Wangapoa, where she is to take in a load oi The brigantine Augusta is to sail for Hokianga t'ris afternoon in ballast to load there with pdes for the Onehunga wharf. . The sehoonor Minnie Hare cleared for Napier his morning with a cargo of railway iron, dram pipes, firewood, Sec

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

MR ALFRED BUCKLAND'S WEEKLY REPORT. At the Haymarket, on Friday, February Ist., hides were in usual number, and slightly better worth, best quality brought 3id the lb.; skins in moderate supply, and late values. More wool than usual was sold at satisfactory prices; lambs wool, in grease, Bid to 9£d; fleece wool, washed. lid the lb. Fodder was in larger supply than of late, bur, in steady dei-and, from 3e 9d to 5s the cwt. Straw short ot requirement, and in request. For the drays advertised there was a steady inquiry; they brought feom £5 to __7 10s each. Horse stock were entered in larger numbers rhan usual, for all good working hor-es suitable for farm work there was an inquiry, and if not sold at the auction were sold privately, at prices varying from £15 to £42105, the.greater number between £23 and £30; small-sized in ferior horses at nominal prices. At Remuera, on Thursday, there was an improvement in price • Dairy cows, within a few weeks of calv ing, and those at immediate profit, were more saleable; store cattle were in less than usual supply, but more saleable. Fat cattle in less than average number: 120 head yarded, mostly of good quality; prices advanced ls the 1001 bs. Good steers were steady at from 28s to 30s tbe ICOlbs.; cows, second quality steers, from 263. The sheep market was fairly supplied, and with out alteration in value. Wethers brought from lis Cd to 18s ; ewes, from 9s to 13s: fat lambs, in their wool. 7s 6d to 12s ; store lambs, from os each. Pigs were in less number than usual, and in better inquiry; fat calves required,

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's q notations:— ■ _„, ■ Bankof New Zealand—£23lss: sellers, £23 155. Union Bank—Buyers, £59; sellers. £63. National Insurance—Buyers, 30s. Union Insurance—Buyers, 13s. New Zealand Insurance—Sellers, 1003. An ckland Timber Co.—Buyers, 50s. Red Queen— Buyers, ls 3d ; sellers, ls 9d. Moanatairi—Sellers, 795. Tookey Tribute—Buyers, 5s 3d. Waitekauri—Buyars, 3s Bd. Alburnia—6o3,62?, 57s 6d; sellers, 60s. Tokatea—Buyers, 5s 6d; sellers, 6s 6d. Union Beach—Buyers. 20s; sellers, 25a. Young New Zealand—Sellers, 2s. Kurunui Hill—Buyers, lis 6d ; sellers, 15s 6d. Piako—Sellers, 3s. Thames—Buyers, 35s (cum div). ■ JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

The following are the dates of Gold Mining calls, and when dividends are due:— Calls— New Golden Pah .. .. 0 0 9 Feb. 13 New Morning Star.. ..010 Feb. 13 Tookey 0 10 Feb. 20 Long Tunnell 0 0 3 Feb. 28 Dividends— Alburnia 015 0 Feb. 8 Udlou Bank of Australia 2 0 0 Now due Bay ot Islands Coal Com pany 0 10 0 Now due Auckland & North Shore Ferry Company .. 5% Now due Meetings— Crown Princess G.M. Co Feb. 15

CHIEF POST-OFFTCE, AUCKLAND.

Mails wiix Close as Undbh — For Thames, this day, at i 30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 4.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyie, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For "VVhitiangi, Taurat-ga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, Mangapai, per Anno Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Tairua, per Mercury, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Samoa and Tonga, per Active, to-morrow, at noon. For Tryphena, per Three Brothers, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Hawea, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, immediately on arrival of City of Sydney from Honolulu. For Australian Colonies, Batavia, Singapore, China, and Japan, via Torres Straits, per s.s. City of Sydney, immediately after arrival. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

THOMSON.-On the 18th January, at Park House, Ponsonby Road, the wife of Superin tendent Thomson, A.C., of a son.

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1878.

jaw tho cause that lacks r-.-_.t-n_-, Jh>_ the wrong that cecds lesistamc.. Ir-* tiie -_tu-_ In th<. dlstt-i.e, Acd the e-»-I£_. w «_a <S_

AN important error occurred yesterday afternoon, in the hurry of inserting the Rtut r's special cablegram, which reached us shortly before the hour of publications The message, as published, was to the following effect: "The Russian terms of peace include the cession by Turkey of Roumania and Bessarabia. Roumauia refuses." That the telegram was confused somewhere must have been generally apparent, Bessarabia being already a Russian province, and the terms of peace, as stated in the House of Commons by Sir Staflord Northcote, including the independence of Roumania, Servia, and Montenegro. A little correction, however, at once clears up the difficulty. " Roumania and Bessarabia"- should hare read '' Roumanian Bessarabia." In point of fact, what Russia actually claims is a restora tion of her boundary as existing prior to the Crimean war. Before the Treaty of Paris, the Czar's dominions in Europe extended along the line of the river Prath to tho Danube, thence following the course of that river to St. George's month, the most southerly of the three. The Kilia and Sulina months wero in Rn«.ian territory; likewise the towns of Kilia, Ismail and Ren.i. Russia thus commanded the whole navigation of the Danube. The great Powers determined to put her in a less menacing position ; and for the purpose of clearing the navigation of the Danube, annexed to Roumania the tract of Russian Bessarabia lying between tbe Pruth and Yalpuch rivers, substituting the latter river for the Pruth, as the western boundary of Russian Bessarabia. The southern Rus sian boundary was put back from the Dan ube to about forty miles north of the Kilia, or northern mouth. Russia was thus cleared from the Pruth south of Kichenev, and placed altogether away from the great river. The portion of Bessarabia north of the Sulina mouth of the Danube (including tlie Kilia mouth) now forms part of the principality of Roumania, and should be consolidated with the new kingdom in any peace freeing the Principality from the suzerainty of the Porte. Russia, it appears, claims the territory, on the ground, no doubt, of a right to the restoiation of the old boundary, and in consideration of the ser vice rendered to Roumania in winning her independence. The demand is important beyond the question of territory^ involved, E lacing Russia in a position to ar the whole navigation of the Danube. Roumania, whose brilliant feats of arms before Plevna astonished Europe, objects to the condition, and will most certainly be supported in the objection by England and Austria at the approaching Conference. All interest centres in thecoming diplomatic tournament. The questions to be deter mined are knotty, and the circumstances under which the representatives of the Powers will meet—armed to the teeth and figuratively laying revolvers on the table to preserve order—are not of a kind to pro mote brotherly love. A Reuters cable dispatch to-day states that an objection has been taken by Russia to Vienna as the place of meeting, and some smaller State is suggested. The request is simply one for the selection of neutral ground, and, we should suppose, will be readily assented to. Grecian war is apparently stayed, tempo rarily at least, by a promise that the Great Powers will consider her claims. At every step in the approaching negotiations, new dangers and contending interests will arise and threaten angry rupture. Revolvers may be menacingly seized, and the friendly Council may even end in a general and destructive meleeF But the interests of Russia are now all on the side of peace. The country is strained, if not exhausted, by the year's effort; Govern ment notes, guaranteed redemption in gold, have depreciated one-third their value; exchanges are ruinous to the foreign trade of the country, and commercial in terests are suffering to a fearful extent. A hundred million pounds sterling would not coyer a tithe of the actual sacrifice which the war has entailed on the nation. Everything favours the expectation that her demands will be moderate', and such as the Conference may adjust Avithout further ap-. peal to the arbitrament of brute force", un less Earl Beaconsfield's Kusso-phqbia again neutralises the counsels of his more moderate colleagues, and compels a third rupture of the European concert.

Mr B. L. Farjeonwho has been visiting America has got into hot water with regard to his nationality. When interviewed by a reporter of the "Philadelphia Times" he stated that his mother was a Kentish woman and his father a Jew. He then continued : " When I left home, some seven years ago, and went to London to work out my career, I made a study of Jewish charrctei, and I found it as represented in this book. The Jews are a hard-working, domestic people, but I have never heard such sentiments from their lips as those uttered' by Daniel Deronuda or Mordecai. My Jew, Solomon Isaacs, is the foundation Jew; he is the stock from which spring our best known and most highly-respected Jews. Moses and Rachel Levy are al. o to be found in every city." Speaking of the cleverness and suc cess of the Jews, ho said : " I have a great deal of faith in phrenology, and I find that the Jews have the best balanced heads of any nation; and unless a man has an equally balanced mind he is not apt to suc ceed."

The following officers were installed at the quarterly meeting of the Plope of Par nell Lodge on Wednesday night by Bro. Houlton, Lodge Deputy of the Victoria Lodge, assisted by Bros. Le Roy and Lloyd :—W.C.T., Bro. J. Burgess; W.V.T., Sis. Bryan; Secretary, Bro. S. Cooper ; W.C., Sis; H. Leßoy; W.T., Bro. Watt; W.F.S,, Bro. Scholes; W.M., Sis. M. Leßoy; D.M., Bro. Seulleu; W.1.G., Bro. Cuthbertson; W.O.C, Bro. Demp sey ; W.A.S.,Sis. Cooper; W.R.H.S., Sis. Leßoy sen; W.L.H.S., Sis. Mahon; P.W.C.T., Bro. Lloyd.

The Primate of New Zealand visits England shortly to attend a Conference at Lambeth Palace.

The following officers of the Fraternal Home Lodge, No. 35, were duly installed last evening by Lodge-Deputy Bro. W. Baxter, assisted by Bro. 0. S. Ellis, G. S., and Bro. A. Thome, as G.M. : Bro. J. Lovell, W.C.T. ; Bro. W. Lucas, W.V.T. : Bro. Simpson, W.C. ; Bro. T. Bell, Sec. ; Bro. Pyper, sen., W.T. ; Bro. A. Bell, W.F.S. ; Bro. E. J. Lovell, W.M. ; Sister McManus, _O.M. ; Bro. E. G. Sandall, W.A.S. ; Bro. McConnechie, W.I.G. ; Bro. Speight, W.O.G. ; Sister Lovell, R.H.S. ; Sister Elder, L.H.S. -Bro. R. French, owing to the re-election of the W.C.T., retains his seat as P.W.C.T.

The Australian team have declined an invitation to J)lay a match at Grahams town.

The Havelock Histrionic Class, which commenced some six months ago under very favourable circumstances, in the Alexandra-street schoolroom, has collapsed, and is now numbered with the things that were. We learn that the cause of the failure chiefly was that narrow-minded prejudice, which would forbid the utter ance of a sweet song and stop the meandering of a streamlet on the Sabbath day.

At a return cricket match last week, between the Paparoa and Aratapu Chibs, a victory was scored for Paparoa in one innings, and with one run to spare.

The meeting of the Young Men's Chris tian Association, aud the United Evange listic Committee, is proceeding as we go to press.

A cricket match between the Ngaruawahia and Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), Cricket Clubs was played at Ngaruawahia on Satur day, which resulted in a victory for the Hamilton players by two runs. The bowl ing of Wood and Ellison for Kirikiriroa, and Ewen, Turner, Ricketts, and Soper for their opponents, was very good. The bat ting of Woods and Beauchamp forKirikiri roa, aud Soper, Hunt, and Barton for Ngarua wahia was really excellent. The total scores were : Kirikiriroa, 85; Ngaruawahia, 83.

Messrs Macmillan, the well-known publishers, have . just issued a small volume, entitled ™ Martin Noble; or a Boy's Experience ef London Life," being the story, slightly coloured, of the life of John George Watts, who follows the business of' _ fishmonger in Billingsgate market, The book pom-trays the straggles of an uneducated lad, through a series of vicissitudes, to a position of affluence, and as such it affords a noble example to youth.

A good story about almanacs is going the rounds of the newspapers. In an up-coun try district in Napier a man had purchased one of these invaluable handbooks, pub lished by a local newspaper. Relying on its accuracy he made a bet that Lord Derby had once been Premier ot England. The bet was referred to the decision of the editor of the paper where the almanac was printed. A paragraph appeared stating that Lord Derby had never been Premier. The pub lisher was astonished a few days later when he received a telegram to the following effect:—" Then look at your , almanac and weep."

An Adelaide telegram In the " Sydney Morning Herald" of the 31st nit. says :— "The party of police and volunteers who went in search of the murderers of Ellis have returned. They report that they surrounded the natives, who. refused to surrender, and offered a strenuous resis tance. Seventeen of the natives were shot, and one of the volunteers was wounded, but not dangerously. One of the blacks, who speared a Chinaman lately, is a notorious character. He is supposed to have murdered James May, some time since. A large number of natives are hovering about the roads, evidently intent on mischief. There is a strong feeling as to the necessity of giving them a severe lesson."

The meeting of Volunteers called for last evening to consider the best means of render ing the Volunteer force thoroughly efficient, and to increase their knowledge of musketry resulted in nothing. Captains Derrom, Dignan, aud Burns attended, but as the rest of the officers were absent the meeting was postponed. We believe the meeting was called at the instance of Mr J. C. Soall, who wrote to all the officers inviting them to a conference in order that he might suggest means by which Volunteer may be made fairly acquainted with musketry, including judging distance, with out having to undergo the tedious process of training under the ordinary system, which, we believe, the Defence Office has acknowledged to be impossible in the case of Volunteers. It is to be regretted that the meeting waa not well attended, con sidering the great necessityjfor amendment; but the blame rests not upon the rank and file, but upon the absent officers, whose apathy causes these repeated delays. At Mount Walker, Queensland, a family named Dow went to church, leaving their child named Caspar at home. When they returned they found the boy dead in a water bole with his face literally blown away, and one of his hands dreadfully mutilated. The remains of a tobacco pipe and flask afforded a clue to the cause of death, and it is surmised that the little fellow must have been attempting to smoke the pipe, and at the same time experiment ing with the powder by pouring some from the flask into the bowl. This having ex ploded, caused intense torture. and the little sufferer in his agony must have gone to the waterholrf with the object of endeavouring by washing his face to allay the dreadful pain, and while so engaged it is supposed lie fell in, and thus met with a happy re lease from his sufferings by being drowned. The proposed expedition from Sydney to New Guinea is being rapidly organised. At a meeting, at which 120 miners attended, it was agreed that each person should deposit £5. AMr Goldie had discovered traces of gold, but thought so little of the prospects that he removed to the East Coast. He cautions prospectors from setting out until the dry season sets in.

The gallantry of Irishmen is proverbial. At Geraldine a solicitor named Johnstone was conducting a case, when he was asked whether or not he desired to cross-examine a rather good-looking young lady. "You ought to know," replied this licker of blarney stones, "that an Irishman never cross-examines a lady when she is young and pretty." If Mr Johnstone is as successful in law as he is in flattery he must be a rising barrister. '

"Patrick Donovan." —John Philpot Cur ran, the celebrated Irish lawyer and orator, was born July 24th, 1750, at Newcastle, in the country of Cork, and died Oct. 14th, 1817. You may claim your bet; Currah was an Irishman by birth, wit, and elo quence. The Mahurangi Co-operative Company is steadily progressing under efficient manage ment. The last financial statement ending December 31st, shews receipts from share holders, value of stock in trade, &C., at £1,035 10s 7d, leaving a balance in the treasurer's hands of £53 ls lOd. The directors" elected were Hon. De Bohun Devereux, Messrs Charles Phillips, John Grimmer, Isaac Phillips. George Barker, and Henry Bradman. Messrs A. Camp bell and P. J. Russell, auditors; Mr Grimmer, treasurer ; and Messrs A. Wick ham and James Lowe, managers.

The entire horse Glengarry, the property of "Mr A. J. M'Pherson (says the " Tuapeka Times"), killed a hack in Mrßrazil's stables, Benger Burn, on Tuesday, by biting into his jugular vein. Mr M'Pherson had rid den the hack, and led the entire down to Brazil's, and put them both in different stalls at each end of the stables. During his absence Glengarry got loose, ( and went into the stall next the gelding, and inflicted the injury above described. He had fastened his teeth in the neck of the poor animal just at the back of his head, and A. orried at him until the leading artery was reached, when, of course, the poor ■ brute succumbed. *

The Thames people have requested the hon. the Minister of Justice to make the sittings of the District Court there every three weeks.

Tawhiao—webeg pardon—King Tawhiao, -^-squints. We regret to have to say this of a personage of so exalted rank, but there is no blinking the fact. The awkward thing about his Majesty's obliquity of vision is that it involves his unfortunate subjects in all manner of absurd blunders. They say they never can tell to-a yard or two where he is looking. Tawhiao's three wives are constantly cutting up rough with the old man, and pulling tufts of his bair, because they mistake his tender glances for ogles at some other dusky beauty. Worse than this, some of the pert young minxes, mistaking the uxorious glances of his Majesty for un lawful ogles at themselves, assume airs over the three wives, and convert the domestic fire-side into a scene only to be described by the first verse of Dr Watt's celebrated hymn for little children. It was a noticeable feature at the recent native meeting that Tawhiao stood sideways be fore Sir George Grey and party, and never appeared to deign so much as to glance upon 1 them. But the man who would infer from his attitude that the Maori King had not one weather eye intently screwed round like a bow-chaser upon the Premier, while the off visual organ was winking at Te Kooti, would bejjust the sort of person who would hope to catch a weazel asleep. The fact is his majesty, like the shrewed monarch •that he is, had placed himself in the best position for seeing both sides, which gave him an immense advantage over every one else. It is doubtless owing to this peculiar circumstance that Tawhiao has acquired such a high reputation as a shrewd observer of men, and things. Thus there is some virtue in squinting after all.

This is the way in which a Volunteer at Oamaru resigned his position as a full private in the offices :— " Oamaru, January 22, 1878. The Secretary of the . Dear Sir.—l beg respectfully to tender my resignation (though I daresay such a course is scarcely necessary, as I have not been sworn in) from the above Company. My reason for doing so is briefly stated. Coming events—though not exactly the Russo-Turkish struggle, as I trust I shall be always willing!(perhaps a little more than able) to do my humble best in defence of my country in time of need—cast their shadows before, and I _im obliged to confess that in time of peace my zeal, patriotism, and means —and especially the latter —can- not run the length of a £1 suit of war paint; and the spectacle of the majority of the Company, gay and gorgeously got up, with a sprinkling of duffers in forlorn-looking trim.thoughit might add tothepicturesque ness of the Company, would, in my humble pinion, mar the general effect; so you see that if I cannot make a sacrifice one way, I can another. I have left my arms, &c, with Sergeant-Major McPherson, but what is left of me has gone to the Empire, to drown its sorrows in a colonial "deep sinker.—l beg to remain, with all due respect, yours, &c, —"

To the Editor : Sir,— -Kindly allow me to correct an error in your issue of last evening relative to a statement made by me at the Good Templar meeting on Wednesday 1 cv^nin" last. lam reported to have said t!_->t tSe Grand Lodge had received the s--i of £113 from the subordinate Lodges during the last three years for the advance me 111 of the principles of the Order. What Idilsay was that they had received the sum of £1,300.— D. GOLDIE. [£1,300 appeared in the MS., but it was misprinted £113.—Ed. E.S.] . * " The Vagabond" is now in Sydney, and is writing for the Sydney " Mail" a series of sketches entitled " The waifs and strays of Sydney." He gives a graphic sketch of the scenes outside the door of the Theatre "Royal, and of an infant match-vendor, whom he followed to his miserable resi dence, which he promises to describe ih the next chapter. The New Zealand Government Printing Office has often been condemed, and most by those who understand least about the difficulties with which it has had to con. tend. We think, however, that it will compare very favourably with the Govern ment Printing Office in Sydney, concerning which a good story is told by a corres pondent of the " Sydney Morning Herald." " A Minister—l mean, of course, a political Minister—required certain minutes from one of the departments under him, and in due time a copy, somewhat neatly written, was handed in. '• What is this ?" asked the Minister, who looked almost as puzzled over the manuscript as though it were as many Chinese characters, "Oh, those arc the minutes you gave instructions to havie prepared," replied the clerk. " Well, justsend them to the Govern ment Printing Office, and let them be printed in large type : I can't read the dockyment as it is.""

The sporting section of the community will be pleased to learn an interesting item of stud news. Yesterday, at Gorton Wai kato, Mr Fcrgusson's newly imported mare Lyra, by Thormanby, Clothilde, dropped a beautiful colt foal to Thunderbolt. The youngster is a light bay in colour, with a small white star on his forehead, aud may lay claim to being the best bred horse in New Zealand, as he unites in his Bire and dam the blood of Stock well and Touchstone, Thormanby beiugbyMelbourne, and Thun derbolt by Stockweil. Lyra arrived in the Appelles only a fortnight ago.

Telegrams regarding the results of the Wellington races, received after we went to press yesterday, give the following results: — Plying Stakes Handicap, 50sovs. fmile, scratched : —Danebury, Tawera, Legacy, and Sailor. Starters—Kakapo, Isaak Walton, Titania, Standard-bearer, Glenary, Lady of the Lake, Stirabout. Titania, Bst 21bs* 1; Stirabout, 6stlolbs, 2. Maiden Plate, lOOsovs, weight for age, one mile and a half: Mufti, 1; Pinfire 2. Jockey Club Handicap, 150 soys., one mile and a half.—The follow ing started :— Danebury, Otupai, Titania, Songster, Ouida, Pinhre, Legacy, and Stanley. Titania, 1 ; Songster, 2.

Waikato possesses some smart youths, who are striking specimens of the precocity of young New Zealand. There is a mail boy not a hundred miles from Hamilton who may some day become Prime Minister of New Zealand, if his intellect continues to develop at the same rate as hitherto. The other day he was riding with a traveller to Te Awamutu, Said traveller, observing that the yCungster did not appear to have per formed his matutinal ablutions, administered some parental advice, all of which the youth received with a smile that was child like and bland. " I take a bath every morning," said the traveller. " Ah," promptly rejoined the ingenious youth, " but I bathe in a lakegevery afternoon." The traveller was immediately absorbed in the contemplation of the surrounding Scenery:

The Wellington correspondent of the "|Hawkes Bay Herald" says the Govern ment intend next session to concentrate as many- as the public bodies into one as pos sible. He says they would like to conjoin Boroughs and" Harbour Boards, and to entrust municipalities with the care of hospitals.

The " Greymouth Star" is responsible for the statement that the plant of the " Nel son Daily Times," which recently printed its last in Sleepy Hollow, is to be removed to Wellington, for the purpose of starting a new morning daily.

A man named Ower and his wife were " sky larking" together at the Thames when she ran out to the verandah, and in doing so slipped down, falling heavily aud sustaining a comminuted fracture below the knee.

The "Northern Advocate" contains a lengthy notice of the visit of Messrs Stewart and Knorpp to Wangarei to lay off the line of the Kamo tramway ; and to survey a line of railway between Wangarei and Waipu.

The " Havvkes Bay Herald" in a sub leader shews that doctors of immigrant ships coming to New Zealand are often compelled to pay to agents, in order to pro cure an appointment, ls out of every 10s per head to which the doctor is entitled if he behave himself properly during the voy age.

The Duchess of Norfolk passed several days, after the manner of Catholic brides, in a -'retreat" before her marriage. In this " retreat" she meditated over her coming duties and responsibilites as a wife. The usual quarterly meeting of the Star of Newton Lodge, 1.0. G.T., fertile installa tion of officers and other business, was held last evening in the Newton Hall. The quarterly reports were submitted, shewing the Lodge to be in an excellent financial position, with a good roll of members. The report and balance sheet weie adopted ; after which the following officers for the ensuing session were installed by Bro. McGregor, D.J.W.C.T., assisted by Bro. Ellis, Grand Secretary, and Bro. Chatwin, Grand Marshall-.—W.C.T., Bro. S. P. Brown ; W.V.T.,8r0. Lightfoot; Secretary, Bro. S. Worms ; Financial Secretary, Bro. Masters; Treasurer, Bro. John Stow; W. C., Bro. Bright;: W.M., Bro. Harding; W. 0. G., Bro. Philips ; W.1.G., Bro. F. Stow; W.A,S., Sis, Williams; W.D.M., Sis. B. Lightfoot; W.R.H. Supporter, Bro. T. Walker; W.L.S. Supporter, Sis. Greet ham, (senr) ; P.W.C.T., Bro. J. McGregor. Bro. S. Edger, G. W.C.T., and Bro. Speight, P.G.W.C.T., we're present, and delivered addresses at the close oi the installation ceremony. The Lodge passed a resolution unanimously pledging its aUegiance to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the World.

A meeting of the Board of Education was held this afternoon in the offices, Wyndham street, present: Messrs Lusk, (chair) Dig nan, May, Luckie, Prime, and Dr. Camp bell. The business consisted of the official announcement that the election of the New Board of Education was fixed for Friday, March Bth,. at the offices of the Board, commencing at ten o'clock, a. in. notifying at the same time, as per printed form, the places of polling. Au application w.as received from Mr Holdship, offering a site in exchange for that on which it is pr qiosed to erect the Grafton Road school; the site fixed upon would be runious to him, if a school were erected there, or if the Board are not willing to exchange, he is prepared to give a reasonable price for the allotment. The letter was referred to the Building Committee to report upon. The remainder of the business consisted in discussing and disposing of country applications. . ._. . Dr Jackson, L.R.C.S., 1., intimites in another column that he has commenced his practice in High-street, near Mr Rout's premises. Dr Jackson has had considerable experience in New Zealand, and has every appliance at his surgery for the treatment of persons who have received injuries of a severe'hature.' The.Wesleyan Conference at Melbourne has passed a resolution in favour of admit ting press reporters to its meetings. The Hero took three boxes of gold to Sydney to-day.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M., and G. M. Mitford, Eso.., Justices ot the Peace. BRAIN BLIGHT. Three sturdy tipplers. William, Charles, and John. Fell 'neath the tempter, prostrate, one by one. William Edgcumbe, junr., Charles Swat ling, and John Paul confessed to being drunk last night, and were fined 5s each. AN OLD HAND. William Lestrange was charged with using abusive language to a gentleman yes terday in Queen-street. Prisoner : I was only drunk, your Wor ship. The language was of the most abomin able description. Fined £5, or two months imprisonment with hard labour. LARCENY* William Swan, an old man, was charged with stealing a spoke, vajue ls the property of Captain Logan of the " Hero." Prisoner pleaded guilty. The Court considered that as the old man had nevei*. been convicted before, he might have made a mistake. Discharged with a caution. NEGLECTED. A hapless child was found upon the town. Who gaid, "please sir, my name is Annießr own." Annie Brown, a lost child found wandering by Detective Grace, was charged with being a neglected child within the meaning of the Act. The girl was found in bad company, and as it had been since ascertained that she had friends in the country, who could take care of her, she was ordered to be sent to her home. LEWD LANGUAGE. Bridget Doherty and Elizabeth Driscoll were charged with creating a disturbance in Drake-street on the 26th January, by using indecent language, while in a state of drunkenness.

Bridget Doherty said she was a respect able woman of 53 years of age, and did not remember making use of the words in the information.

Flizabeth Driscoll said she was a young married woman, and might have used the language, for she was awfully drunk at the time.

Patrick Mahon, Win. Richards, and Constable Bourke deposed to the lan guage. Elizabeth Driscoll was about to address the Court, when Bridget Doherty said :— " You had better be quiet, 'twas a fearful squabble, leave it to the Bench. Paddy Mahon was helping to swell the row. It's a horrid neighbourhood." The Court : You should leave it for a better, Mrs Doherty. Mrs Doherty : Oh, it's no matter, if Bessie and I should go anywhere else it would be -just the same. Mrs Doherty was fined 10s, costs 15s 6d, and Mrs Driscoll 10s, costs 13s, or seven days' imprisonment each. WANDERING COWS. James Bsird was charged with permitting two cows to be at large in Napier-street without an attendant. Constable Bourke made the discovery, and reported it. Fined 2s 6'd, costs Bs. A BLAZE. James Leslie, of Parnell, was fined ss, costs £1 Os 6d, for permitting his chimney to be on fire. Mr Leslie said he had recently had his chimney swept. John O'Brien and Thomas McDonald witnessed the outbreak, and claimed their expenses. BREACH OF LICENSING ACT. It must be wrong, so sainted persons say, To sell a nobbier on the Sabbath day. Alfred Kidd, landlord of the Anchor Hotel, was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act, by selling alcoholic liquors on Sunday, the 3rd inst., to Robert Mar shall, who was not a bona fide traveller. Mr Kidd said he would plead guilty under the circumstances; the person came, stating. that his mother at Spring-bank was very ill, and he wanted a small bottle of brandy, which he understood his barman sold ; he knew nothing of the sale himself. Mathew Nolan, barman, said he could not remember whether he served the man or not; he might have served him, but he could not say ; the man might have walked in and helped himself ; it was' all a mystery to him. Constable MeGilp saw a man coming out of the hotel on Sunday morning; he inquired what he had got under his coat, when he said he had brandy for his sick mother. He had made inquiries, but could not find either the manor Ms. sick mother. Sub- Inspector Pardy said that Mr Kidd invaria bly conducts his house well. Fined 40s, costs 14s. BREACH OF RAILWAY REGULATIONS. Michael Conroy, a young man, was charged with a breach ot the 19th section of the railway by-laws, by jumping into a carriage while the train was in motion. Defendant pleaded ignorance of the by laws, being a new arrival. . Fined 20s, costs 6s 6d. BREACH OF SHEEP ACT. William P. Gordon was charged with a breach of the Sheep Act, by allowing two rams infected with scab to be driven on to

land, contrary to -the provision of ".v. li Act. •■■;'.'. he *»a&M Mr Gordon said he was not awa»o «. *F_? t__ey were infected. He had been«. at 1 expense in dipraing thei», 8t #20 ' Mr Lewis, Inspector of Sheej> ... $ was a very bad case, and he feared r* serious-consequences might ensue "**t • if The Court considered there was a want of care and caution on defend • part, air* he must pay a fiire of £10 •** costs. " Wltl» i. TH_T BATTLE AND THE BREEZE John Haggarty was charged with strife! ' ; Joseph Silver forcibly on the let. eye & Defendant said he certainly stray? t but it served feim right. It was on R e^?t e '' Day. Joe came up and said, " Jk c fe 0 ; -scoundrel, why don't you'pay^A.l washerwoman . when he replied wfth ' 1 plumper. _ a Fined 40s, cost* 6s 63. THE TURKS. THE:NIGHT ATTACK AT>tr -WHAT!.. HE' ■'■ William and Henry Turk were cham. i with assaulting Walter Munday, carnoM at the Whau, on the 2nd of Feb. P ter' I Mr Laishley appeared for Mr Muni-. . and Mr Tyler for the Turks. ~ ■ ft Mr Laishley vividly described the fray, it was midnight, and the full moon was shin ■ ing on the mountain tops; his client who b^* been performing with other membershf the Artillery band at the .Whau AsyW F was about to mount the omnibus, when th& elder Turk seized him by the collar _____ 11 brought him down to Mother Earth whilst Henry blew, a blast from his bndefl horn which roused the neighbourhood to arms. Walter Munday stated the nature of tb- A attack, and his feelings at the time he feared if not restrained the Turks might make a second attack. h Robert Miles, clarionet player, Robert Little, flutist, Thomas A. Burmand drummer, and James Priestley, vocalist' severally described the attack as they saw it from the top of the omnibus; they witnessed the attack and retreat; :ne blood' was shed. Mr Tyler addressed the Court with much picturesque power, and called in five witnesses for the defence, viz., Joseph Bainbridge, Ellen Munday, James and I Thomas Kelly, and James Cole. The case was finally dismissed. CITY RATES. Nine cases of city rate defaulters vrerevF settled peacefully. ,■■,.-■ Thisw-ts all the business. ___________ ■~,,. ■

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

Russia Refuses Vienna Conference, She Desires Conference int Smaller State- Greek Army Order Stop ■; | Advance, j . ' (Per Reuters Agency. 1 j LONDON. February 6. Russia refuses to agree to the proposal submitted by Anstiia to hold a Conference^ of the Signatory Powers to the Treaty of Paris at Vienna. Russia desires that the proposed -on'§| ference shall take place in a town in some_§£ smaller State. The Greek army has been ordered to stop its advance into Thessaly. The European Powers promise to protect the Northern Greek provinces.

Australian.

PAY OF MONEY ON RESOLUTION ONLY MELBOURNE, Februarys 3 Mr Berry's motion to pay the moneyl! voted on the resolution of the Assembly Hi alone, without the Appropriation Act, was J carried on a division of 52 to _&.

COUNCIL PROPOSE TO PASS PAY MENT OF MEMBERS BILL.

February 8. . It is stated that inferior civil officers n__y J expect re-appointments, but not the higher "J officers. No further dismissals are in- 1 tended. .. . j It is rumoured that the Council 'will take | up and pass the Payment of Members Bill I under protest. F The Assembly has adjourned till Tuesday. | The Ministry hope,.in tbe meantime; to re- S ceive an approving telegram from the | Imperial authorities.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

FAUST. . ~ 1 Limited space has precluded us from furnishing lengthened notices of the performances of the «■ - Italian Opera Company at the Theatre RoyaL But the extra popularity of Gounod's " Faust" 1 and the evident pains that have been taken by 'J the manager in putting- it on the stage, induce | £ us to record the impression made on our mind I by the efforts of the company last night. ,'Where | there is so much to commend we may be par doned for the expression of words of disfavour. The artistes engaged are of too good a school, and . ,■ possess too high a respect for the work to wliich they are devoted.to receive otherwise than with consideration remarks that we may make sug- | I gesting that the characters have not in all cases aS j received interpretation, or that in other '|| I ways the drama had been partially marred. ";is | The opening movement is one of extreme M I beauty, but the effect was much injured «| by the absence of the violoncello, and fi | although the contra basso was admirablj' 1 1 played, it is, and always must be, ..'• ;g I poor substitute for the violoncello, having duties ag I of its own, which can be as little discharged by ig 1 the cello as those of the cello by the double bass. g| | Even when they are in unison, the true soundof ; |g j the bass is an octave below the written music. | I The harp passage of three bars, just before M | Valentine's air commences in the introduction, m | might have been decently rendered by Pizzicato ! on he violo1 cello and viola, but unfortunate*-* ,? f the former instrument was not in the band- Having said thus much, we must add that Valentine's air was admirably executed, and i certainly, as far as the absence of instrument generally considered indispensable in a0 orchestra allowed, the band was ex* . ceedingly good, each individual pIaJ*P& well, and with much judgment. The « promptness and precision of the contra basso _■_ was admirable, and the judgment and skul Fi with which the pianoforte was managed were .-m the theme of general remark. Not oeing an" 5 orchestral instrument, it required a good deal ■- of the former ■ quality to make it effective in an m orchestr. «_>•** 1 ffi The opening scena was very good, and although • | S. Paladini scarcely realised the ideaso wonder-. | fully elaborated by Goethe of the sage who had | mastered all learning, and was yet utterly dis satisfied and miserably seeking after knowledge ■ which as beyond the reach of mortals; yet ha 1 singing was correct and artistic. We were glao |j tonoticetheabsenceinhissingingof anevilhabit wliich may be said to characterise somewhat the whole Italian school, viz., a habit of dwellingan abnormal time on the high notes. If a per former's A or B flat is a fine musical sound fie will (if an Italian), dwell on it, till breath faus or the director gets angry, but it mars. the effect of an air on all occasions to sacnflce rhythm for the sake of displaying it. How rare . it is- for an Italian singer to pass by * high note without screaming or shouting on it, and thatfor a prolonged period. . The appearance on the stage ,°* Mephistopheles caused regret, though haVJBg . I seen S. Dondi in the part, it did net surprise a ns. It suggested the idea which the future oi the performance strictly confirmed. —that SißnOf Cesari had quite misapprehended the character. He was dressed in a scarlet suit, slashed, wim cap of the same colour .with what appeared.to oe intended to representtwo horns stickingoutoli^ Now, neither Gounod or Goethe ever inte?a^ that his evil spirit should be such a vulgar deyu as that. Neither in the libretto of the opera, of the character of the music, we can find.no. warrant for supposing that Mephistopheles ww» meant to be other than a gentleman in outwaw dress and demeanour, though concealing a spni of the darkest jealousy and malice and^niost sneering wickedness. His first address to J*ao». . is, "Does it fright you to see me? Withasworu. at my side, and a capon myhead,andapurß<j ■ rather heavy, and a gay velvet cloak on wj shoulder? I travel as noblemen travel. original poem wo have his costuma mvi. , accurately defined by __ii__se_f:-~

EVENING STAR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY...B, 1818



{SPECIAL /.HEAP TINES IN DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOB THK CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. H. ATKINS WiLii Shew the Following Cheap Lines DURING the Christmas Holidays :— A Large Lot of Rich, Bright. Black Silks at 3/11, as bright as sold at 5/6 Cheap Coloured Silks, beautiful shades Cheap Japanese Silks Cheap Dres3 Materials Cheap French Muslins A Job Line of Extra Quality Black Silk Jackets at one-third the original prices. Silk Umbrellas, splendid value, at 8/11 gjLined Parachutes (Bought a Job) at 2/11, worth double fi Cashmere and Lace Fischus, Capes. __c, at Reduced Prices Cheap Lace Curtains, Table Linen, Quilts, Sheetings, and Manchester Goods, for the Christmas Holidays. In! the CLOTHING DEPARTMENT Cheap Silk Dust Coats, Black Alpacca Coats, Trousers and Vests, Tweed Suits, Paget, Galatea, and Sack Coats, Boys' and Youths' Suits, &c, &c, Stc, All Marked at Low Prices for the Christmas Holiday. THE NEW PITH HELMET. JoVLinelof Men's Straw Hats at 1/11, half-price. .Tob Line of EBoysi Straw Hats at 1/6, half-price. A Large Stock of MOSGIEL and other TWEEDS. Cheap Tweeds for Boys' Wear. • _______ Atkins. Clover seeds. Clover seeds. Just to Hand, ex .' Apelles. OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON'S CLOVER SEEDS, consisting ov White Clover Timothy Red Clover 5- aP_, c., Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke __.., &c, Sec Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds, also, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded or application. ■_._ .-■■■■__ ■_■ Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot. Ratstail, Poa3 Fescues, &c, &c, from carefully selected samples, at loweßt mar ket rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. BONEDUST! BONEPUST! BONEDUST! To Arrive, about the middle of February: . 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Blllyard's No. 1, Bell's J inch, iinCh'andß°ne^J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. W. C A R R & S O N, • BOAT-BUILDERS. . Beg to inform their Customers that, in conse quence of the reclamation works, and until better arrangements can be made, they have taken the Shed near Gore-street Wharf. I Orders received and promptly executed at the New Shed, or next the Gas-works. I



T /.O'SGEAVE & fi O. WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING SALE OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING, V TO-MORROW. All Goods Reduced to.Cost Pr:ce. Inspection Invited. NEVER Have the Public had such a Choice of BED STEADS offered them as at the present time Besides our already well assorted -.lock of Iron Bedsteads, and those of our own manu facture in Katirt, Rimu, Cedar, g/nd Mottled Kauri, we ask them to bear in MIND that we have Just Opened Up, ex "Otaki.' TWO HUNDRED IRON BEDSTEADS of tho most modern style, comprising French. Half Tester, Children's, and Stumps, also Cots, at Prices to suit all classes. Having purchased for Cash from THE Best Manufacturers, we can SELL A GOOD BEDSTEAD at a Very Low Price. BEDDING, of every description, kept in Stock. HOUSI.S FURNISHED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Our system is to make a large return : to insure this We Sell tor Ready CASH at a Small Profit, and DELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. __ST Give your Furnishing Order to Hollo-way, Garlick _. Graawsll, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, AND CLOTHIERS, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN & LORNE-STREETS AUCKLAND. mWSNTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY! FANCY DRESS MATERIALS, FURNISHING GOODS, BLACK SILKS, BLANKETS, CALICOES. HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, CARPETS AND MATTING. CLOTHING 6e~ALL KINDS, FOB . BOYS' AND MEN'S WEAR, HATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, &C, AND' EVERY DESCRIPTION op GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, AT I m. TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND ALLOWED UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. Goods Entered will be Charged Regular Prices. T> USHBROOK AND TJRIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel).



TUST OPENE 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S REGATTA SHIRTS Of a Superior Quality of French Cambric, and the most Fashionable Patterns. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER & MEN'S MERCER, -V"EW 7EALAND TTOUSK. 66, QUEEN-STREET. Auckland. AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED). The price of Coke is now 20s per ton, at.the Works, for Cash; or, if so agreed, Monthly Accounts at 255, with 5s per ton discount. Cartage, within reasonable distances, at 2s 6d per ton. A ton of Coke is equal to 60 bushels, or about double the bulk of Coal. T3 G. JEFFERY, DECEASED. ' All persons having Claims against the late Mr. R. G. Jeffery, of Onehunga, deceased, are requested to send them to RUSSELL & DEVORE, Solicitors to the Executrix. OPECIAL NOTICE Ladies and Gentlemen about to furnish are invited to inspect our extensive assoitment of IMPORTED and COLONIAL FURNITURE. CARPET S.—Brussels, Tapestry. Kidder minster, Dutch. Felt, and Stair, at Prices as Low as any House in Town. '''IRON BEDSTEADS.—HaIf Tester, French, Stamp and Folding, in great variety. New Patterns ex 'Otaki,' 'Famenoth,' and 'Iron Queen.' • • LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTHS, MATTING, HEARTHRUGS, TOILET-WARE, TOILET ._. LASSES, and an immense stock of DRAW ING, DINING, and BEDROOM SUITES, English and American CANE and WOOD CHAIRS, Meat Safes, Door Mats, &c, &c, &c, at LOWEST PRICES. A Liberal Discount [jo Cash Buyers. T. & H. COOKE. Furniture Showrooms ...... 67, QUEEN-STREET. Steam-Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-STREET



"DOYAL INSURANCE COMPANY. Special Notice to Insurers. This Company, having intimated to the In surance Association their Withdrawal from Tariff Arrangements, is now prepared to grant Policies on all descriptions of Property at equitable rates. Concessions will be made on first-class build ings and approved risks, in Town and Suburbs, and for water su-ply and. other protection, where made available. Special arrangements will be made with Mortgagees, Solicitors, House Agents, Con tractors, and other large insurers. The policy of the Company is promptness and liberality in the settlement of claims, and strictly honourable dealing; in all its transactions. The Security of Insurers isunsurpassed by that of any Company doing business in the Colony. GEO. W. JONES, Agent. Office: Shortland-street, Auckland, Sth February, IS7S. The usual Book and Sheet Almanacs for 1878 can be had on application, or on information being sent to the Office.



There are "land rats and water rats,"says Shakespeare, meaning- tricksters on land as well as pirates on the sea. A certain class of the former are at present occupying themselves in the preparation and sale of sophisticated liquor disguised in bottles which had for their first contents the finest medicinal beverage of the age, viz., Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps. Accept none but the genuine.