SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„,„„ vr-.-TTT, (This Afternoon, 6.33 HIGH WATER— )To . morrow Morning, 6.54 SUN SET.—This Evening, 652 BTJN RTSE.—To morrow Mornine. 5.36 MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon, 17th Feb., 10.55 p.m

ARRIVALS.

lona. s.s.. Farquhar, from the North Idnda Weber, brigantine, from Tiraaru

DEPARTURES.

Christina, schooner, Edwards, for Napier.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London— May Queen, ship, luesaay; JjOCfl- For TarariaVi and th« South — s.s. Taiaroa, Tuesriav 19th ; s.s. Taranaki. Tuesday 26th. For Tauranga aud the South—Taupo, Thur3-

For^Napier and the South—Rotorua. Tuesday

For Russell and North—Taupo, Monday 18th. For Gisborne—Advance, schooner, Saturday. For Tonga and Samoa—Norval. schooner, early For Levnka—Asrnes Donald, schooner, early ■ For Gisborne—Go-ahead, Monday.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Taiaroa, s.s., from the South, Monday TautJO, s.s., from Tauranga. Tuesday Meriuoza. barque (Q,G.L..F.), from London,

sailed Dec. 15th ; . , Fontennye, barque (W.G.L.H.), from London; sailed 13th December. Seatoller. barque (J.R.S.N.), from London;

Craigee Lee, barque (W.H.K.8.), from London;

Aickshawf" barque (W.T.F.L.), from London,

Arabella, barque (K.P.Q.Y.), from London;

Spirit* of^the Dawn, barque (H.T.V.C.), from Chasca^barqne 7'<H.P.M.N.), from London ;

sailed Ith Nov. Chile, barque, from London; sa led 3th Dec. Leucadia' ship, from London, early Sophia, R. Luhrs, barque, from New York,

Omaha", brigantine, from Chatham Islands,

Lapwing, brisrantine. from New York Oceoia, brigaiitine, from Adelaide, early

IMPORTS.

Per Linda Weber, from Timaru: zou sauna flour, 1400 sacks oats.—D. H. McKenzie, agent.

Collisions in the English Channel seem to be of very frcouent occurrence. It is not many ■weeks since we heard of the Chili and Celestial Queen cominsr to grief in this manner, and now ■we receive news through Melbourne that the Craig-milien. a ship of 1,500 tons, bound from London to Wellington, has been in collision and compelled to put back for repair. The s,s. Tona arrived from the North thi3 morning with passenerers and cargo. Passenfeisi-Miss Kitchen. Mrs C. Western, Mpssrs S. Slade, Child. Clews, Hay, Aitkin, Thompson. Meller, Carter. Cargo-100 sacks gum, 5 casks Oil, a quantity f sundries. . " The ketch Adah clpared out to-day for th Thames with 40 tons coal. %. The Golden Isle cleared out today in ballast for Russell. »The brigantine Linda Weber arrived from Timaru this morning after a long passage of 10 days, She brings a cargo of flour and oats.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

(From our own Correspondent). Kaipara Heads, Friday. "Waiting to sail. Young Duck, brigantine, for Wellington Pakeha. brig, for Dunedin Elizabeth Curls, brigantine, for Wellington Departures. Pet, barque, for Hobart Town Torea, schooner, for Wellington Especulador, barque, for Dunedin Merlin, schooner, for Taranaki

ARATAPU.—VesseIs Loading. Prince Alfred, barquentine, for Lyttelton Annie Hall, for Dunedin Kaurima, for Taraanaki

KAIHU. —Loading. Glimpse, barque Ceara, three-masted schooner

MAKARU.— Loading. Mary, schooner; Palace, barque; Ansdell, toarque.

BIRTH.

POULGRAIN.—OnFebruary 9, at her residence, Pratt-street, the wife of Mr. Richard Poul grain of a daughter.

DEATH.

HARDY.—On the 16th February, at his parents residence, Great North Road, George Thomas, infant son of Robert Hardy, aged li days. The funeral will take place to-morrow (Son day), at 3 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 16. 1878.

for the cause that lacks sssistanc*. for the wrong that needs reslsU«ct, P«r the future i> tbe ilittsscc, Aod tira ceo* «&*s «c eaa tfcy

The tone of a large majority of the home papers up to the time when the mail left, and the current of opinion as expressed at influential meetings, and by deputations and petitions to the Government, was adverse to war. Our London correspondent, a gentleman who has special facilities for acquainting himself with the feeling in England, communicates, in a letter published in another column, what he states privately to be the generally received view of the Eastern question among commercial and industrial circles at the time when he wrote. We observe that the London correspondent of our morning contemporary gives a similar review of the position ; his statement of the prevalent distrust of Earl Beaconsfield's intention? be ing singularly in unison with what our own correspondent says on thesubject. English men naturally prefer the victories of peace to those of the battle-field, but we believe the number of those who woula sacrifice national honour and prestige or the vital interests of the Empire, rather than defend them with the sword, is extremely small. The reason for the general dis inclination to embark in the present war on the side of the Turk, must, therefore, be sought in other controlling influences. Nor do we think it at all doubtful where they may be discovered. There is a strong aversion—in aversion creditable to English men—against another alliance with Turkey for the purpose of sustaining the right of the Sultan to misgovern his dominions. If the Conservative Government which held the reins of power, had apprehended this feeling in time, the policy of England throughout the difficulty would have been more dignified; the combined action of the Powers would have deprived Russia of her right of independent motion ; and the pressure placed upon the Porte to carry out reforms would probably never have passed beyond the field of diplomacy. But it is idle to speculate on Avhat might have been; we have enough to do with what act tually is. The Conservatives discovered too late that the country was not prepared for another Crimean war, and, accepting the inevitable, has rigidly circumscribed English action within the range of well-defined British interests. In adopting this course, the Government have pursued the best policy open to them after the original blunder had become irre trievable, and they have secured a platform upon which will readily be enlisted the support of the whole nation. There have not been wanting signs in late cablegrams that the differences which separated the extreme upholders of the Turk and the anti-Turks are disappearing by the removal of the Turk altogether out of the way, leaving England and Russia face to face. Eng lish sentiment has not changed, but the circumstances have altered, the causes of difference are gone; and the nation remains united for any object involving its own integrity. Any war which may ensue now—and yar appears inevitable—will be entered upon with a determination to settle for ever the causes of embroilment in Eastern Europe. We may depend upon it that England will not be content with the barren victories of the Crimea, or rest her future security upon the broken reed of an impossible integrity and independence of the Ottoman Empire. The Tixrko-Russo alliance, foreshadowed in the Agent-General's cablegrams to-day, would be a happy circumstance if thereby Roumania, Servia, and the Greeks were thrown into alliance with England. It will be seen by our latest dispatches that the British Government has treated the Russian and Turkish pro test against entering the Dardanelles with perfect indifference, and the fleet has entered as a first earnest of the deter mination of the Government to maintain British interests at whatever cost, and without reference to any wishes of either Russia or Turkey that may be designed to cover ulterior motives.

A Parliamentary teetotal campaign has recently been commenced in the Congress at Washington. In the Capitol the sale of intoxicating liquors within the Congres sional Buildings is expressly prohibited by the " Joint Rules " of the Legislature ; in our " Empire City " it is but a few steps from the Chamber of Solons to the bar of Bacchus. Mr William Fox, whose olfactory perceptions have been sharpened by a long course of cold-water treatment, could even detect the fumes of the detested alcohol wafted thiough the open door of the Chamber, and he was of opinion that the hasty and ill-digested legislation which is frequently turned out of the Parliamentary mill is attributable in some degree to the exciting influences of the demon on the mental faculties of our law-makers. Mr Carleton, who is by no means a teetotaller, and is reputed a connoisseur in wines, was shocked by the scenes which he witnessed in Bellamy's, and attempted to abolish that institution ; while, more recently still, Mr Swanson inveighed against it in strong terms on the occasion of his being favoured (by mistake) with a polite circular from the caterer intended to awake absent minded consumers of beverages to a sense of their obligations. Even Mr Wakefield, in a temporary fit of en thusiasm over the Local Option Bill, was shocked at the alarming growth of intem perance within those sacred walls, and few were so well qualified as he to appreciate its magnitude. Perhaps the only redeeming feature about the thing is that it is done openly, without any attempt at disguise. Members troop out in twos and threes at intervals to refresh after the fatigues of oratorical exertions, and it has been whis pered (though with bated breath) in the lobbies, that some of the most brilliant displays of eloquence have been materially assisted by prompt ministering of whisky and water by the obsequious gentlemen in buttons, who stand ready to obey the beck of members. Perhaps, however, this is the mere scandal of the quidnuncs who haunt the lobbies. Long ago the people of America were scandalised by the scence that were witnessed in their Congresses. Corn-whisky and strong rum, acting upon the already ardent temperaments, produced disgraceful scenes between prominent Senators and Representatives, like those which have been satirised by Mark Twain and other humourists ; and in deference to public feeling a Joint Rule was passed by both Houses of the United States Legisla ture, prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors within the Congressional precincts. The result has been what might have been expected. The passage of the rule lent a temporary moral support to the cause of temperance, but the absolute prohibition from the many, in order to prevent the excess of a few, led to the invention of evasions which soon became general, and rendered the rule a farce. The refreshment contractors sold their strong drinks under soft and innocent names; whisky was denominated "cold tea," and rum became "Roman punch," while it is related that a, distinguished tem perance advocate having ordered app c

sauce from the bill of fare was shocked ! beyond measure when the waiter, with a side-wink, served him with " apple toddy." The Maine Liquor Law and its imitation have led to the invention of evasions which Avould be ludicrous, were it not that this habitual resort to trickery is apt to render men unscrupluous in matters of greater impor tance, and to 'blunt the edge of honour. We are told by a contemporary that in the State of Maine even at this day apothe caries' shops are regularly frequented for "doses," \shich are merely drams; in others, the barbers know what the customers who drop in for a shave want in nine cases out of ten. Sometimes the visitor at a " temperance hotel" if he wishes for a glass of ale, or a glass of whisky, steps into a back-yard " to look at the dog," and some times he is served in the house with "ginger beer or <'cold tea," The systematic evasion of the prohibitory rule in the American capitol has been so notorious that very early in the session of Congress, one ot the members, described as a man of "severely puritanical morals" drew the attention of the Speakei to the matter, and asked that the officers of the House should be charged to enforce the rule. Ihe Speaker, in consultation with Vice- President Wheeler, ex-officio President of the Senate, determined to cut oft tke alcoholic supply from Senators and representatives; and Western, and Southern Legislators, accustomed to deep draughts ot lager beer and corn-whisky, now propose to abolish the restriction altogether, and return the former gstate of things. Whatever charge may |be laid at the door of the New Zealand Bellamy the open and undisguised v\ stern of supply is far preferable to the mean and degrading evasions Avhich have characterised the l:nited States Senate. Tne problem of securing a sober Legislature is, however, more difficult of accomplish ment there than New Zealand. Here at last decency is not wantonly outraged, and exhibitions of intoxication are of rare oc currence. It is only men of contemptible type who flaunt intemperance in the eyes of the strangers in the gallery. The more prudent find a convenient retreat in one of the numerous hearse-like cabs which rumble through Wellington, or temporary oblivion on an out-of-the-way sofa. In America on the other hand it is unsafe to place whisky within the reach of the fiery legislators who came from the semi-savage border regions of the West and South, and with whom the revolver and the bowie-knife have been com panions from childhood. Sad experience has convinced Americans that the whizz of revolver bullets is not calculated to improve the standard of legislation. Probably there fore in their case the only safety lies in the removal of templatiou to a distance from the Cambers.

In to-day's issue subscribers to the STAR are presented with twenty-eight extra columns of printed matter. On page 2 will be found excellent views of the Mission Station, Port Moresby, New Guinea, Elvara Island ond village, and a map of New Guinea shewing all the recent geographioal discoveries and the locality where gold was found by Mr Goldie. A full description of this gentleman's discoveries, with his letters on the subject, accompanies the pictures and map. The religious reader will find fopd for thought in a seimon on '• Worship, its meaning and influence" delivered in the Lome-street Hall by the Rev; S. Edger, on the 3rd inst. Less serious reading ia con tained in a humourous article from an American paper entitled " a Clerical Caster, how the parson was too much for the deacon." " A Physician's wife's story" relatesthe exciting adventure of a lady with a lunatic. Other sensational reading is con tained in the account of a"• Terrible acci dent at the Savage Mine, Comstock," "Mass-acre on the Mexican border," and " American Bashißazouks." The descrip tion of a lively working men's meeting in San Francisco, in which the notorious Kear ney was a prominent actor, is also amongst the supplementary matter. Kearney is a sort of firebrand, who proposes to revolu tionise society, but the American Govern ment has imposed a check upon his dangerous organization by the passing of a Riot Act. An account is given of " The row in Trafalgar Square, London, in which the Russo-philes and Turkish sympathizers had a kind of pitched battle. A brief description of this affair was given by telegraph, but it fell far short of the actual occurrences. An original sketch " Send him to the colonies" by " Max," shews the folly of sending ne'er do-wells to these colonies in the hope of bringing about a reformation. "A Good Temperance tale" will interest our Good Templar readers, and the gentlemen of the long robe will laugh over " Before the chief Baron," a skit on Chief Baron Fitzroy Kelly, a fine poem on " Judea for the Jews," a description of the Dardanelles, a ''Russian view of the situation," letters on " Operatic criticism," " the Telephone," "Newmarket slaughterhouse," and other readable matter complete one of the largest and most interesting budgets that can be procured in New Zealand for a penny. A full schedule of times and places fixed for first meetings of householders and school committees after election under the Education Act is pub lithed on page six.

Some slight delay was experienced at Hamilton station on Tuesday morning by the late arrival of the race horses, and then owners from Ohaupo, who only arrived 3 minutes before the starting of the train. Four horse-boxes were immediately placed on the train, and by the exertions of the officers, under Mr Macdonald, seven horses were landed, and the train started 5 minutes after time. Great credit is due" to the officers at Hamilton station, particularly Mr Collwall, the station master, who showed his capability of meeting emergen cies by the way he completed the work under his charge, shewing that the complaints made against railway officials are not all well-founded. The owners of the horses wish to express their thanks to the officials for the courtesy shewn to them on the journeys, and also for the excellent management displayed in placing a refreshment room on Mercer platform, where passengers going east and west are able to obtain refreshments.

Mr Henry O'Brien of Shortland-street, desires us to state that he is not the Henry O'Brien who appeared at the Police Court yesterday ova charge of stealing fowls.

We understand that ag cricket match among the Auckland Banks is now being arranged and will be played, in all pro bability, next Saturday in the Domain. The sides are to be—Bank of New Zealand v. the other Banks. The game is sure to be well contested, and. will attract a large and fashionable assemblage of spectators.

The adjourned meeting of the School Committees was held last evening in the City East Schoolroom, Mr J. H. Burns in the chair, who stated, that circulars had been sent to forty School Committees, but only seven representatives were present. As this number was considered an unfair re presentation of the Committees, the busi ness was not introduced. A meeting is to be held on Monday evening next at the same place, for considering thejaccommoda tion of the City East School, and to take such steps, if deemed necessary, for extend ing the accommodation, so that all the little applicants for the advantages of education may find room for the expausion of intellect. Mr Whitaker will address the electors of the Waikato on Monday evening next in the Public Hall, Cambridge.

The notices of Sunday services at the city and suburban places of worship will be found elsewhere. The people's services at the Theatre Royal, at the usual hour. The aunivei'sary services at the Beresford street Church will be held to-morrow. Mmorning : Rev. J. Robertson; evening : Rev, Allan W. Webb. 'At the Grafton Road Wesleyan anniversary services Rev. W. J. Williams will preach in the morning and Re\. B. J. Westbrooke in the evening. «

' A member draws' . attention to the exist ence of Bands of Hope in Parnell, Freeman's Bay, and Pitt-street.

A correspondent complains of the dangerous state of a portion of the foot path by the Cemetery, in Symonds-street, which, if suffered to remaid in its present condition, will cause an accident sooner or later. Mr Moss announces his intention of addressing the electors of Parnell in the Parnell Hall on Tuesday evening next. The annual general meeting of the Auck land Institute will be held in the Museum Buildings on Monday evening next. ! To the Editor : Sir,—Allow me through your columns to acknowledge, on behalf, ot the Auckland Dispensary, the receipt ot £100, per favour of his Worship the Mayor, from the Indian Famine Fund.—l am, inc., James Coupland, Treasurer Auckland Dispensary. A little incident occurred at a settlement some fifteen miles from Auckland, which forcibly illustrates the truth of the saying of the authoress of "John. Halifax, gentleman " : "A good dinner wins its way to a man's heart." A neatly-dressed but not dressy young woman called at the office of Mrs H ,of Shqrtland-street, and inquired for a situation, in or out of _ town, in a quiet family. She had no objection to the country, and was directed to Mr S , a middle-aged, well-to-do farmer ; and as she professed to be domesticated and useful generally, she was engaged at a fair rate of wages. She has proved herself to be an economical housekeeper, not too proud to scrub the floor, and an excellent plain cook. Her dinners were so gratifying to the farmer, that last week (he being a bachelor) made her an offer ot marriage, was accepted, and if nothing serious happens in the interval, on Wednes day next she will be Mrs S , of T.W. Had the young person not been qualified as a good plain cook, she would have missed the heart of the discerning farm er.

Mrs Clark, who met with an accident at Tuakau in January, by a peach tree which fell upon her, died on Thursday last of peritonites. It was hoped that the young woman might recover, but inflammation set in. and the result was death. A team of liemucra Cricketers left for Papakura at 7 o'clock this morning, to play a match with the Bombay Club. The fol lowing are the names of the men selected to do'battle for liemuera :—Messrs W. F. Buckland, S. Jackson, T. Whewell, D. Tonks, H. Jones, Cheeseman, Coleman, Scarborough, A. Tonks, H. Jackson, 'F. Yonge, and A. Baber. By latest British news I note that one of the principle Congregational Independent Churches at Islington (London suburb) has just now opened a magnificent new chapel, which cost them nearly £30,000 sterling, Dr Allon is pastor; was elected pastor years ago. I well know Dr Allon to be eminently efficient. At the opening public services several noted Episcopalians were present ; one of these was the great and wiod W. E. Gladstone, M.P.—I am, &c, VV. E. S. ..*.,! Mr Dennes gave one of his lime-light entertainments last evening,in St Matthew's school-room, last evening for the pleasure of the children. There was a very good atten dance, and the school choir sang a number of hymns and choruses in a pleasing gamier. A correspondent writes commending very highly the skill of Constable Doolan in t Iving the mystery surrounding the ob struction on the railway, and thus relieving the neighbouring settlers of unjust suspi cion.

The balance of the Indian Famine Fund is now avaiiajjle for division by che Mayor to the charities agreed upon by the meeting of subscribers as follows:—Dispensary (paid over)! £100 ; Ladies' Benevolent Society, £100; Home for Neglected and Destitute Children, £60; Orphan Home, Parnell, £40; Orphanage Mount St Mary, £40.

A partial eclipse of the moon will take place to-morrow, and will be risible in Auckland. The first contact with the penumbra takes place at Bb. llm. 6s. p.m. ; first contact with the shadow, 9h. 13m. ; middle of the eclipse, lOh. 40m. 8s ; last contact with the shadow, 12h. Bm. 6s. a.m ; last contact with the penumbra, lh. 10m. (local time.) Magnitude of eclipse (Moon's diameter) 10.832.

The following are the weights for the Taranaki Jockey Club Handicap:—Kakapo, 9st lOlbs ; Opawa, 9st lOlbs ; Kingfisher, 9st; Resolution, Bst 121bs ; Tamata, Bst; Flora McDonald, Bst; Doncaster, 7st 41bs ; Queen of Vale, 7st 41bs ; Folly, 7st 21bs ; Mira, 7st ; Tamouri, 6st 121bs ; Gang For ward, 6st 121bs ; Otawa, 6st lOlbs. Hurdle Race.—Gazelle, list 71bs ; Septimus, lOst 91bs ; Mira, lOst; Supplecock, 9st.

Mr. J. McLean, a member of the late Ministry, in addressing hia constituents at Waikouaiti, condemned the colonialisatiou of the Land Fund. He condemned the proposal to make the Upper House elective. A vote of confidence was carried by 26 to 16.

Sir George Grey and the Native Minister are visiting the natives at Wairarapa.

Mr E. Pearce, candidate for a Beat in the General Assembly for Wellington city, in an address to his constituents attributed the defeat of the late Ministry to the fact of their having followed the House instead of leading it. He thought the present Gov ernment should receive fair play, and not be subjected to factious opposition. If an income tax were necessary he would support it. A vote of thanks was moved, but the meeting broke up in confusion without any result.

We are glad to learn that the grand organ recital at Pitt-street to be held on Monday evening, on the occasion of the opening the new organ in the Wesleyan Church, promises to be a great success. Apart from the attraction to the members of the Church which the possession of anew organ must be, the character of the pro gramme announced, and the ability of the organist, as well as the popularity of the vocalists who will give their services on the occasion, has called forth a desire to be present from members of every denomination in town, and already we learn the number of ticket holders renders it certain that the gathering will be very large. To prevent inconvenience the committee have decided to open the doors at 7-15 p.m. so as to prevent as much as possible overcrowding of scats. It is also a cause of congratula tion that the services of Mrs Mitchell have been secureH, and this lady will sing several solos, which besides polos will be rendered by other popular members of the Choral Society.

Auckland citizens will have a rare chance of combining music and moonlight acquatics on Wednesday next. A grand concert has been arranged, to be given in the Catholic College. Lake. The steamer Takapuua will leave the wharf conveying Auckland visitors to the landing at the Lake and back after the concert for one shilling. Tne pro gramme is of a first-class character, the fol lowing vocalists taking part:—Miss Edger, Miss Lilian Edger, Miss Vaughan, Miss Duder, Miss Mackay, Miss Wyles, Miss Seaman, and other ladies. Also Messrs Brett, Bates, Howden, and others. The tea will be provided by the ladies of the dis trict. Tickets for soiiee and concert 2s 6d The proceeds to be devoted to the library of the district.

A match is, we understand, to be played this afternoon between the Otahuhu and Epsom Cricket Clubs on the ground of the former, near the railway station, Otahuhu. As this is the third contest betwen the above Clubs, and at present each has scored a win, we have no doubt that the game to be played to-day will be an interesting one and hardly fought, each team having deter mined on victory. The following are the names of those from whom we understand the teams are to be chosen :—Otahuhu : Messrs C. Bowden, sen. (captain), C. Bowden, jnn., W. Porch, N. Porch, F. Porch, W. L. Martin, W. Martin, W. Gray, J. Gray, Meek, and T. Hall. Epsom : Messrs Mears, Heather, C. Hesketh, Wil mott, R. Baird, R. H. Rattray, R. Brown ing, A. Aitken, F. Marsden, S. Hesketh, and E. Hesketh (captain). Mr J. Mcßaird has kindly consented to a~t as umpire for the Epsom team.

A number of members of the No. 3 Com pany, A.R.V., assembled at the Rifle Range this afternoon, for the purpose of practis ing. The "Blacksmith's Dream" was well patron ised this afternoon by both old and young. I his evening will be the last occasion on which the people of Auckland will have an opportunity of witnessing the wonderful mechanism of the " Dream," and the laughable Punch and Judy show.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

ROSSINI'S favourite opera " Semiramide drew an appreciative house last night at the Theatre Royal. This opera, produced for the first time in|lß23, has always held the highest place among Rossini's works, and furnished Madam Pasta with her most popular role. It combines the best specimens of the author's brilliant style with striking spectacular effects. The Story is founded on the Assyrian legends of Semiramis, wife of Ninus, the founder of Nineveh, who after her husband's death, according to tradition, built Babylon and carried her conquests into Egypt, Ethiopia, and Asia, to the borders of India. Marvellous stories are told of her prowess and voluptuousness. According to tradition, she left earth in the form of a dove. The libretto of the opera, however, represents her conceiving an inces tuous passion for her son, in ignorance of his identity, and being ultimately killed by him under the controlling power of the gods for having, in complicity with Assur, commander of the army, poisoned Ninus, her husband. The stages by which Arsace, son of Nino and Semirimide, is led to the discovery of his own identity and the crime committed by his mother and Assur, afford a series of striking scenes, heightened in effect by the appropriate music of the opera. The scenery for the production is carried by the company, and was skilfully combined last night to give finish and completeness to the representation. Semiramide is a part peculiarly well adapted for Signora Guadagnini. Her rendering was powerful, her action vigorous, flexible, and appropriate. The duets, " Serbami ognor si fildo il cor" and "Ebbene ate ferisci," with Signora Venosta, were rendered with much expression. And in the opening scena of the third act—the re criminatory scene between Semiramide and Assur, was a vivid portraiture such as we have rarely seen excelled on the lyric stage in this city. Signora Venosta, the prima donna contralto, is one of those artistes who, taking firm hold of popular favour from the first, continue to grow in the good opin ion of their admirers with every appear ance. Her singing last night in a most difficult part was simply charming, and com bining this with a graceful, easy, and natu ral manner, she secured many well-merited and enthusiastic testimonies to the genuine pleasure she afforded her audience. Sign or Camero has also, we venture to say, im: proved during the season a by no means un favourable first impression. His robust and cultivated tenor voice were heard to advantage in the spirited alt ion gh limited passages assigned to Idreno. toignor G. Cesari (primo basso) had a most difficult role in Assur, proving himself, however, more thau equal to the occasion. Signor Gambetti as Oreo, chief of the Nagi. in the temple of Belus, and Signor Tessada, Ghost of King Nino, were both in good voice. On the whole, the performance was one that would do credit to any com pany, and although the score does^not abound with those familiar and melodious airs which excite enthusiasm in operas more familiar to colonial audiences, yet many proofs were given, of the genuine delight whick the representation afforded. To-night will be produced Rossini's majestic opera " Moses in Egypt," with the strongest cast of the season.

WHITE FISH OVA.

On Wednesday last Mr J. C. Firth received a communication from the office of the Colonial Secretary to the effect that 500,000 white fish ova were expected by the Government per City of Sydney, and re questing kirn to superintend the re-packing and transhipment of the consignment per one of the coasting steamers. The com munication further stated that as the Northern lakes are too warm for the ova, it was not considered advisable to appro priate any of it for the North. Though Mr Firth had very little time to make the necessary insulating chests, and to provide a sufficient supply of good ice, he set to work withous delay, and succeeded in com pleting his preparations before the arrival of the mail steamer. At seven o'clock on the evening of Thursday Mr Firth went on board the City of Sydney, and was informed by Captain Dearborn, the gentlemanly commander of the City of Sydney, that there were on board ten cases of white fish ova consigned to the Government of New Zealand, and that they were in the ship's ice-house. Captain Dearborn caused the ice-house to be opened immediately, and Mr Firth inspected the boxes, which appeared to be in excellent condition, every care having been exercised by the captain and officers that the boxes were propeply embedded in ice. The steame- Hawea having been appointed to sail shortly after 8 o'clock very little time remained for making the necessary tran shipment, but with the assistance of Messrs Smith, Tremaine, John Brown, James Grant, and James Howard, Mr Firths workmen, and Mr Abercronibie, curator of the Auckland Acclimatisa tion Society, Mr Firth effected the r-epacking and transhipment with such expedition that at twenty minutes past eight o'clock the work was completed, half a ton of ice being placed on board the Hawea with the boxes. All, with the excep tion of two boxes, containing 100,000 ov;», were placed on board the Hawea. These boxes are detained until the departure of the Rotorua, owing to the fact that no information was supplied to Mr Firth as to the size of the boxes, i:\ consequence of which it was found impossible to pack more than eight boxes in the insulating chests he had provided. The two boxes are now properly fitted with the necessary insulating chests, and, with a supply of good ice, will be forwarded by the Rotorua on Tuesday next. The colony is under very great obligations to Mr R. J. Creighton for his indefatigable exertions ill procuring this ova, and for undertaking the vei*y onerous duty of superintending the shipment on board the mail steamer. Mr Creighton in his advices refers in the highest terms to the services of Mr Woodberry, the Superintendent of the United States Fish Associations Estab lishment at McLeod river. This gentle man, at great personal inconvenience to himself, came down to San Francisco, and rendered efficientassistance to Mr Creighton. No doubt the Government will take an early opportunity of expressing the thanks of the colony to the Hon. Mr Baird, chief of the U.S. Fish Association, for his good offices in securing this shipment of valuable ova, and to Captain Dearborn, and Chief .officer Johnston, for their care of the ova during the passage, and ready assistance on arrival. Captain Wheeler and chief officer Gerraird, of the Hawea, also rendered valuable aid, keeping the steamer up to the latest moment in order that the tranship ment might be satisfactorily effected. Mr Firth has discharged his task in a most efficient manner, and has added one more to the long list of valuable services that he has rendered to acclimatisation.

HENDERSON'S MILL RACES.

This enjoyable race-meeting is fixed to con.c off next Saturday. The general entries, as well as the acceptances for the Handicap and Hurdle Race, were received last night, and are as follow :— ;

Maiden Plate—E. Me Garry's b g Garry Owen, 4 yrs; P. Qftinlan's cli g Barney, 5 yrs ; O'Neil's b g Rapid Bay, aged ; K. Scott's br f Katiapo, 3 yrs; A Spencer's b f Kotiro, 3 yrs; Wilson and Co's b g Hurricane, 5 yrs. Henderson's Mill Handicap,—(Ac ceptance) > K. Thorpe's eh g Golden; Grown, aged, 7st; M. Edgar's b g The Don, aged, 7st 9lb ; Walsh's b g FiretaU, aged,|7at.

Hurdle Race.— r. Tii ~^^ Golden Crown, 'aged in- TW i?f' 8 eh The Don, aged, Sn™ v\*^\ \ Hurricane, syrs, lfet; W. BobSA'Vt*" Arrow, aged, lOst ltsl! gTh~ County Cup-O'Neil's b g P? • ' * Tg Xr ; S?° tt>S br f Katl'apo 3 v ? d h Lamb's b f Jessamine. 3 V rs ' ys!J. A Ladies' Purse.—o/n'"Mr." Elsa, s.yra; J. A. LambMi »t *'• 8 * 3yr« ; It. Thorpe'schgGoldeny*Bß^ b g Firetail, aged. n .' -Walg^,

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

Anti-Russian Feelin? in *^ mania. **M Massacre of Ohristiaag. Preparations for Pope's Ft^; . LONDON, February u§ The anti-Russian feeling inßomn^j is increasing. Ia Every able-bodied man k bren^ to mobilize. P paru!g It is reported that there have been massacres of Christians in BessaraV ; and at Crete. ia The Greeks are intensely indian^ Numerous foreign deputations ars arriving at Rome, to attend the fun era j of the Pope. . i ♦ = ■ ,

Agent-General's Telegram.

Russians Close to Constantinople. English Fleet Enters Dardanelles Russia Demands a Portion of 1 Bessarabia. Expected Complications. LONDON, February 14. 3-50 p.m. The Russians are close to Constanti, nople: They threaten occupation: of $$ city if the British fleet enters the Dar danelles. The fleet entered yesterday despite the protest of Turkey. Turkey is now more Russian than English. The Russians, among other termsof peace, demand a portion of Bessarabia, ■which, may involve complications mi\ Austria and Roumania. ■: .'\ There is general excitement "in Lou don. - 4

Our London Letter.

(From our own Correspondent.) London, January 21. COLONAL mail arrangements are inrather a lively condition just now. Only afewdaj! ago we all received a table of departure of the San Francisco mail for the coming year,andnowsuddeu]y appears an announce cement that everything has been cancelled) and that the mail this month is to leave a week sooner. However, your mail is well lip to time, and letters were delivered day before yesterday which left Auckland on the 21st November, and this is not at all bad travelling. THE EXCITEMENT IN ENGLAND Is all hinging upon the Assembly of Parliament on the 17th inst., when we are told the Queen will open the session ia person. The Government are, I faMj quite asinervous as their!opponents,andtbrir whips are making frantic efforts to bring every one of their supports up; to time.: Everyone seems uneasy about the line Government are going to take- in. the Eastern question, for although no reason has been assigned for the early assembling" of the Houses, tLere still seems to be» general understanding both at home wL abroad that the cause is to be found in to; present aspect of the war in the EasfcJ From the very first Lord Beaconsfieffi Government have failed to carry with them the confidence of the country. Ido not ay this with reference to the conduct of general affairs, but with regard to war. We have always felt that the Hebrew Earl was ail unsafe man on the Eastern Question, that his ultra-conservatism might drag' him into a. line of action, that would not be for the: good of the nation. He has always talked a great deal about the traditional policy of England. Now I, in conimon^with most people who think for themselves, am in> clined to say " HANG TRADITION-" Tradition was even a stumbling blcckf from the days of the Scribes and Pharisee* downwards. If England is to folio* tradition, she ought to get up a crusade and turn the Turk out of the Holy Plaoi; Surely at this stage of the world's a* England's history, we can think and ]w$ for ourselves, and are not tied to oar-; grandmother's apron strings. It is traei: that twenty years ago we allied oursemK with the Porte against Russia, but on the other hand fifty years ago we were, allied with Russia against the Porte. Ktradifaon. is to be of any effect, we ought to go wittt the great Northern Power,becau£e we have been far more frequently the friends than the foes of Russia. But why refer to tradition at all? In God's name let us do what is manifestly right, and best for our selves and humanity." ;Russi a taken upon her own shoulders alone and unassisted'a task which has terri fied all Europe and which, no, one nattoo; ever before had the courage to handle. U we had been equal to the emergency wnffi. the war first threatened, the horrid conflict,; might have been avoided, but we play*l: fast and loose.and let the Turks conclude, that we should not desert them. .Now.wlicn: find that wejshould stand alone, tnatau Europe would be either neutral or ag».ms' us, we are in a quandary, and the> Cabinet, is going to take the country into iticomtsei^ —a step that should have been taken long ago. The v m rrTwr FEELING AGAINST ANYTHING; LIKE ARMED INTERVENTION - is very strong indeed, and I find in soc 1W * that even strong conservatives., condemn anything like an abandonment of. our neu tral attitude. The old notions about Con stantinople being the capital of the wonu, and the road to India being through"^ Euphrates Valley, are so palpably absurd as to excite a smile on the face of anyone wno is not a victim to tradition. The fact is,. some of the old Tories quote the opinions^ their grandfathers on political questions _£ this kiad, which may have been, ana pro bably were, very sound fifty years m . J even at half that distance of time, buttny : seem oblivious to the fact that vast en- .. neeringAvorks,railways,steam,andtel^F^ have completely raetamorphised the ace ; the earth, and altered the date on wWJ; international opinions can be enunciate^ For years the Turk as a power has ow, doomed. He served his generation wen the heyday of his power. He did V»f£ western Europe for the preservation oi w. arts and sciences, when tliey were perilled, but when Christianity becameing. and when science and civilisation wo. hand in hand with religion, then %C^L government and absolute, though.unnw» able, ideas of the Moslem became *»■ anachronism, and the fall of a power i ■ stubbornly stood in the wayof the^onu advance became a mere question oi.a u time. Still there remained the old »V*ji.t the "Balance of Power" in Europe,^ everyone shrank from destroying.™ 8; k », regardedasthe most notable ''^^^b; of Eastern Europe. At the work which will this time m all iiw ■ hood be carried out to thebitter end. . |

FTENING &TAR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16. 1878

4



SUPERIOR SAMPLES of Sydney and New Zealand Maize, Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table Potatoes, Flour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley, Jhaff, Oilcake Coal, &c, &c, always on hand. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND Olover seeds. Olover seeds. Jusi to Hand, ex ' Apelles,' OUB FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON'S OLOVER SEEDS, ' CONSISTING OP White Clover Timothy Red Clover ; RaPJ\, Cow Grass Trefoil • Alsyke &c, Sec, &c. Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. also, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded on application. . Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot. Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c, &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ketrates. HURST & CO., . : ;,-; 101, Queen-street. fTIHE NATIONAL BANK OF NEW .JL ZEALAND (LIMITED). Incorporated under the Companies' Acts 1862 and 1867, and the New Zealand Act 1., 1873. Notice is hereby given that an Interim DIVIDEND for the Half-Year ending 30th September, 1377, at the rate of SIX (6) PER CENT per Annum has been declared by the Directors, and will be paid to the Shareholders <whose names appear at this date on the Register kept in the colony) on and after the 19th instant. The Transfer Books will be closed from this date UDtil the 19th instant. THOS. BUCHANAN, Inspector. Wellington, sth February, 1878. T& "H. C O OK E • Have on Sale r ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS OF IFURNITURE IN THE COLONY. Special Items:— HBBBiDRAWING-ROOM SUITES ressgIWALNUT TABLES g!sggcA.RPErs ■;. SggggiHKARTHRUGS LINOLEUM '*»% FLOORCLOTH ; . ' "••" IRON BEDSTEADS -"~TOILETb LASSES ■■«■, *iS!3»CANR-SBATED CHAIRS :.-. WBTOILET-WARE 1 DRAWBRS MARBLE-TOP WASHSTANDS {piSs MATTRESSES fiwuOT FEATHER BEDS. ®f£3 : rr- A Small Shipment of CRETONNES and CASH MERES, New Patterns. . •. All Goods at Lowest Rates. DELIVERED FREE. x . Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers. ' furniture Showrooms .... 67. QUEEN-STREET Steam-Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-STREET BONEDUST! BONE DUST BONEDUSTI : To Arrive, about the middle of February: 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Bell's i inch, |iUCll'andßoDeflW. rj. HURST & CO., "• 101, Queen-street. ~~ m- CITY HAIjL. -®» 1j l urnishing Arcade. NEW GOODS JUST UNPACKED, AND QUITE NEW. CRETONNES, Large Lot New Colours and New Designs. /New Brussels, from 4/9 _,„ J N ew Tapestry, from 2/1 CARPJiilfc. i New Kidderminster, from 3/2 ( New Hearthrugs, from 6/6 YNew Shape Walnut Suites New Reps for do. For the j Green and Crimson Silk Rep j £>§ DRAWINGS Black and Gold do. f«o ROOM. j Fawn and Gold do. J>g New Pattern Walnut Tables VNew Inlaid Flower Stands /12 feet wide, 3/ per yard FLOOR- J 3 „ 2/ „ CLOTHS. I Oil Canvas, /9 \ Linoleum, all widths Han dsorae White Twist and Bullion Fringes, for Bed Hangings Handsome White & Fancy Belgian Damask, for do. Turkish Towels, very large size, 1/3 and 1/9 Superior Fancy Oil Baizes, for tables Immense Variety in Ladies' Dress Buttons. Hollo-way. Garlick & Cranwoll, .O~" t1 v Hal l A. rca dc, : QUEEN-STREET,"Auckland. CABINET FACTORY .. LOBira-STREET



UNION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. UCKLAND BRANCH: Q 17 E IS N - S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Jnsurano granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores, Shops,. Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of. all kinds, Specie and TV"ool to United Kingdom, at "OWKST CUUREN'T RATES. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. T3 OVAL INSURANCE COMPANY. Special Notice to Insurers. S This Company, having intimated to tho 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 Bimply 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 ia promptness and liberality in the settlement of claims, and strictly honourable dealing in all its transactions, The Security of Insurers is unsurpassed by that of any Company doing business in the Colony. GEO. W. JONES, Agent. Office: Shortiand-street, Auckland, Bth February, 1878. The usual Book and Sheet Almanacs for 18/8 can be had on application, or on information being sent to the Office. 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 OF ALL KINDS, FOR BOYS' AND MEN'S WEAR, HATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, &C, AND EVERY DESCRIPTION of GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, AT $3, TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND ALLOWED UPON ALL CASH PURCHASE-!. Goods Entered will be1 Chained Regular Prices. TDUSHBROOK AND T>RIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, UPPER QUEEN- STREET, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel). T U § T OPENED 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S REGATTA SHIRTS Of a Superior Quality of French Cambric, and the most Fashionable Patterns. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER & MEN'S MERCER, ■VTKW yEALANDTTOUeK, 66, QUEEN-STREET. Auckland. X riOSGRAYE &/~10. WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING SALE OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING TO-MORROW. All Goods Reduced to Cost Price. Inspection Invited.



T«*EW ZEALAND LOAN AND MER CANTILE AGENCY COMPANY (LIMITED). It is hereby notified to Shareholders in New Zealand that a DIVIDEND, at the rate of Ten per cent, per annum, for six months ending 3lßt December last, and a BONUS of Five per cent, are now Payable at the Bank of New Zealand. D. L. MURDOCH, Managing Dirsctor. Auckland, February 14,1878. THORNTON, SMITH. AND FIRTIfS PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale) Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. 50*6 Crown Brand Flour, £ s. d. & s. d. £ s.*tl. perton 16 0 0 16 10 0 17 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 15 0 0 15 10 0 16 0 0 Meal for Pig-feed .. 710 0 Sharps .. 7 10 0 Bran .. ...... 6 0 0 .. Fowl Wheat .. .. 4s. to 4s. 6d. per bushel. The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Cash. February 11.1877. CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND^ Mails will Close ah Under. - For Thames, on Monday next, at 12.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For London direct, per May Queen, on Monday next, at 11 a.m. For Samoa, per Norval, Monday next, at 11 a.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Taupo, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. PorTairua, per Mercury, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Gisborne, per Go-ahead, on Monday next, at 4.30 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Previnces, per Taiaroa, on Tuesday, 19th itist, at 5 a.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Anne Milbank, on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m. For Napier, Wellington, nnd Southern Pro vinces, per Rotorua, Tuesday next, at 3 p.m. Per s.s. Zealandia, on Tuesday, sth March, as follows :— For Sandwich Mands, 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 and newspapers, at. 1.30. Late letters beai'ing 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. CALIiS AND~DiTiDENDS; This following are the dates of Gold Mining calls, and when dividends are.due :— Calls— Tookey 010 Feb. 20 Long Tunnell 0 0 3 Feb. 28 Bismarck 0 5 0 Mar. 1 Dividends— Alburnia . 015 0 Feb. 8 Ucion Bank of Australia 2 0 0 Now due Bay of Islands Coal Com pany 0 10 0 Now due Auckland & North Shore Ferry Company .. 5% Now duo National Bank C% Feb. 1 Bothinflavourand effect Udolpho Wolfeb Schiedam^ Aromatic Schnapps is the very antipodes of the cheap counterfeits of that in effable medicinal beverage which are sold in bottles in which, the real elixir was previously contained. The true Schnapps confer health and strength and are palatable in tli« highest degree. The counterfeits are most pernicious and disagreeable.