SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mGH WATER-j TtoAfte^oon,^ g SUN SET.—This Evening, 6.47 SUN RI3E.—To morrow Morning, o.ii . MOON'S AGE.—Last Qnarteiy 21th, 2.51 p.m. v

ARRIVALS.

Rover, schooner, Anderson, ironi vv augaxei

DEPARTURES.

May Queen, ship, Tatchell, for London Georpietta, barque, for New \oik Tangihua, s.s., Seym our. for Russell andKaipara

EXPORTS.

Per Pretty Jane : I Tann s iron sare.—Jtti. &v. PerTauno for Southern ports: lj-cask rum, 10 gunires sugar.—Owen and Graham.

DEPARTURE OF THE MAY QUEEN.

Captain Tachell took advantage of the change Oi wind fhis morning, and got his vessel under vteigh at ten o'clock. She rounded the Hea.is before noon, and by this time probably well on her voyage.

The ss. Taupo, Captain Carey was to sail for Tauranga and, South at 4 o'clock this after noon, with a general cargo, and the following passengers: Mr and Mw Williams, Mr and Mrs Stevenson. Misses Webb, Alison, Hunter, Whitefield, Small, Rooks, Norris, and Messrs Roskrage. C. Gavin, Barkett, Rooks, Dairp, Norris, Hal), T. H. Hail, Williamson, Johnson, and Armstrong. .. . . The barque Island City has come alongside the railway wharf to complete the discharge of hei1 cargo of coal 3. ~."., « The briff "Vision is to sail for the Caro me Group on Saturday, under the command of Captain Harris, late of the barque Glimpse. Mr Cozens will again accompany the vessel as agent. The Vision entered outwards to-day. The Apelles b.ns entered outwards for Guam, and at present 3he is ratridly taking in ballast. During her sitay in port she has been altered from a ship to a barque. The schooner Rover; Captain J. Anderson, arrived from Wantrarei last night with a cargo of coals, fruit, guni, &c. Captain Casey's steam launch Eclipse has been purchased by Mr Vincp, of Lyttelton, and will be taken away by the Taupo this evening if it is at all possible to get her on board in time. She is to be employed in the local trade, and will no doubt give satisfaction to her new owner 3. We understand that the sum paid to the agents of the Taupo for her conveyance to Lytte'ton was £75. A new boiler has been manufactured for her by Mr Masefleld. The departure cf the schom-rNorval has been further postponed, on account of the prevailing bad weather. Mr J. M. Dararaville's new steamer Tangihua sailed for Kaipura, via Bay of Islands, to-day. A certificate permitting her to carry 12 cabin and 71 deck passengers, within the Kaipara Heads, has been granted by Mr Jobson, en gineering surveyor. The schoonar Kemlworth, after a retirement of some months, is to be put into commission again. She was having her bottom cleaned on the hard in Commercial Bay this afternoon. Messrs Henderson and Spraggon sent down to-day a new set of spars for ihe Mission vessel, Southern Cross. She is having her lower masts shortened, two new lower yards, two new top saiJ yards, two new topgallant yards, two new topmasts, two new topgallant masts. She is also having a new deck house added, and having the lower cabin altered. The barque Georgietta took advantage of the chpnse of wind, and sailed for New York at nine o'clock this morning. The passenger list, etc., has already appeared in the Star. The barque Lorraine has entered outwards at the Customs to-day for London, and commenced taking in her cargo this morning. The departure of the s.s. Pretty Jane for Napier has been postponed from this evening until four o'clock to-morrow afternoon.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Gisbornk, this day. The s.s. Go-ahead arrived at 6 o'clock last Whangarei, this day. The e.s. Argyle sailed for Auckland at 10.30 this morning:. Nelson, this day. The Taiaroa arrived from New Plymouth at 11 a.m., with the 'Frisco mail. Napier, this day. The Taiaroa arrrived at the Spit at half-past six o'clock this morning. Mongsntji, thi3 day. Arrived: The s.s. lona.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs S. Cochrane and Son sold at their mart, Fort-street, to-day, an allotment and six-roomed house at Newton, for £210.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails wim, Close as Under:— For Thames, ths day, at i p.m., and 5.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 4 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coremandel, per Argyle, to!

morrow, at 2.30 p.m. For Napier, per Pretty Jane, this day, at 4 p.m. For Kawau, per Heather Bell, to-morrow, at 10

a.m. For Caroline Groupe, per "Vision, to-morr.ow, at

4 p.m. For Tairua, per Mana, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Levuka, per Agnes Donald, on Saturday

next, at 9 a.m. For New Caledonia, per Lsetitia, on Saturday

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

Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa,andMongonui, per lona

on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu. Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Annie Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per

Taranaki, on Tuesday next, at 10.55 a.m. Per s.s. Zealandia; on Tuesday, sth March, as follows: — For bandwich Inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 1.30. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence in addition to tbe post age will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up t« the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's quotations:— Colonial Bank—Buyers, 495. South British Insurance—Sellers, 795. Thames Gas—29s. „ i Union Insurance—Buyers, 13s 6d. New Zealand lnsnrat.ee—Sellers, 97s 6d Caledonian (dole)— Sellers, 625. Red Queen—Sellers, Is M. Moauatairi—7s3; sellers, 77s 6d. Alburnia—7os; buyers, 67a 6d; sellers, 70s. Knranui Hill—Buyers, 12s 6d:; sellers, Mb. Prince Imperial—lsa; sellers, 17s 6d, Piako—Sellers, 2s. Bismarck—Bs 6<l; sellers, 8s 9d. JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

MARRIAGE.

GENTIL—SMITH.—On the 11th instant, at Christchurch, Warkworth, by the Rev. H. D. D. Sparling, Charles Barrett, eldest son of Charles G. Gentil, Esq., Coromandel, to Annie Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the la p W K. Smith, Esq., Melbourne, Victoria.

DEATH.

SCHMITZ.—On the 21st February, atPonsonby. Charles Alfred Schmitz,.aged 23 years. The funeral will leave the residence of J. Riley, Esq., Wood-street, at 3 o'clock. Friends please accept this invitation.

WILSON.—On the 20th February, 1878, at" the residence of N. McCulsky, Hobson-street, William Govin Wilson, aged 8 months, only son of James and Flora Wilson, of Wark worth, Mahurangi.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1878.

gar fee owe that tack»«sriJtanc«k Far the moag that seeds teslsUsct. Pe> tie future in the distance,

In an allusion to Auckland a few days ago, the Dunedin " Star " described it as " a scattered hamlet, politely designated a city." This reference is hardly worthy of notice, except that it represents a species of misrepresentation extremely common in Southern journals, and especially so in Dunedin. The author of the description exhibits one of two things—either his own ignorance, or a desire to trade upon the ignorant prejudices of his readers. In a pre\ious article the same journal spoke of Auckland as a village, called by courtesy a town »n account of the area of ground over which its insignificant buildings were scattered. If these statements leave any impression at all, beyond pity for their author, they must give the idea that Auckland is a very badly built, irregular, and insignificant town— little better than a village -covering a very large surface of ground. What, however, are the facts ? In the Registrar General's volume of statistics for the year ending December 31st, 1875, appears a tabulated statement of the area, population, and ratable value of all borougbs in the colony. By this table it is shewn that Auckland borough covers the smallest area of ground of any important municipality in New Zea land. As our Dunedin contemporary no doubt rests his comparison on the magnificence of the great Southern capital, of which he has the honour tobeso distinguished an offshoot we are content to accept the test. The area of Auckland borough is only 665 acres ; that of Dunediu, 1,865 acres, or nearly three times larger surface. The population of Auckland within the munici pal boundaries was 13,142 ; of Dunedin, 19,446. It is apparent that, if built with the same compactness as our own city, the population of Dunedin, taking its area, should be at least 35,000. Again, the annual ratable value of the 665 acres on which Aucklaud stands is £130,938 ; the annual ratable value of the 1,865 acres on which Dunedin stands, only £200,000. But it is of course well known that a large body of what may be properly termed city population in Auckland is resident in. suburbs outside the city boundary, Avhich, if the Dunedin plan were followed, Avould be within the borough. It is evidently from some statement of this suburban character of a mass of Auckland population that the writer in the "Star" has derived his crude ideas. It is fair, therefore, to add the principal suburbs adjoining our city boundary, and we will select three of 1b.3 largest, still leaving the populated area 513 acres less than is covered by Dunedin; the area and popu lation then stand:— Acres Pop. Auckland Borough .. 665 13.U2 Karangahape (suburb) .. 112 2,508 ParneU „ - 400 2,450 Graf ton Road „ .. 175 1,000 TotaPfor Auckland 1,352 19,100 „ Dunedin 1,865 19,446

The " scattered hamlet," taking these boundaries, is more populous in propor tion to area than thegreat cityof the South. We have, it will be observed, omitted the suburbs of Ponsonby, 1,300; Mount Eden, 650 ; Mount Albert, 960; and Remuera, which are more scattered and rural in their character. The comparison of assessment has already shewn that the average annual ratable value of Auckland city lands is more than double that of Dunedin, propor tionate to actual area. But no one who has visited the two cities would dream of com paring Dunedin for picturesque beauty with Auckland. There is no street in New Zea land equal in the class of buildings or in any other respect to Queen-street, and there is certainly no wharf in this colony, and scarcely one in Australia that will compare with our Queen street wharf. This is admitted by every one who has travelled. The business of the city is perhaps less satisfactory. Auckland has had to contend against the native difficulty and the want of an open back country. She has not, like Dunedin, fattened on the wrongful appropriation of Crown* Lands, but her contributions to the customs revenue of the colony are still second only to Dnnedin, while her shipping trade stands far ahead of all other ports in New Zealand. Government statistics issued in 1877 shew on the colonial registry : — Sailing Vessels- Steamers. Vsls. tons "Vsls. tons. Auckland .. ..229 12,561 40 2,818 Dunedin .. .. 71 8,088 21 3,915 A large proportion of the Southern vessels were built in Auckland, and Auckland craft are found in every part of the South Pacific. The entries at the respective ports during the last year for which statistics are com plete, were : Foreign. Coastwise. Vsls. Tons. VBIB. Tons. Auckland .. 196 98.125 .. 3.714 216,905 Dunedin .. 139 71,480 .. 1,272 232,320

It is unnecessary to extend these com parisons. The commerce of Auckland is wholly different from that of Duaedia. If our exports are not so large as we might desira, it must not be forgotten that Auckland capital—through the Bank of New Zealand, the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, and other commercial institutions, is reaping a share even of the Southern harvest. The last balance-sheet of the Bank of New Zealand shews the resources of that establishment, employed in promoting the trade of the whole colony, to be little less than ten. millions sterling. Such sources of trade as these, reaped t>y the "scattered hamlet, politely designated a city," may not be very appreciable by the good gentleman who has so conspicuously aired his childish prejudice in our Southern contemporary ; but they are, on the whole, things which the inhabitants of the scattered hamlet are not inclined to lose sight of.

The Maoris appear to be rapidly return ing to their old nabits of cultivation of the soil. The other day an Alexandra tele gram informed us that Te Ngakau, the clerk of the Maori King's Privy Council, Avas engaged in threshing wheat, and now we hear that the redoubtable old rangitira Titokowaru has laid aside the tomahawk for the reaping hook, having harvested over 1,500 sacks of cocksfoot grass seed, from the Waimate plains, and sold the seed for £3,000. Formerly Tito mostly devoted his attention to harvesting the heads of any stray pakehas whom he caught napping, while Te Ngakau's mind was engrossed with plans for thrashing the Europeans. The change is eminently satisfactory, and we hope it Avill last.

Michael Costello haying sufficiently recovered, was taken from the hospital to Onehunga yesterday, where he Avas charged with attempting to commit suicide. He was remanded for a week.

At the Blenheim races Mr Redwood won the Maiden Plate with Flirtation,*and the Sapling Stakes with Karama. Grey Monius won the Hurdles, and Riley's Half caste the Shearer's Purse,

Mr Alfred King, as will be observed. by reference to an announcement in oar adver tising columns, has received the appointment of sub-agent in the Government Life Insur ance Department, for the province of Auckland, and he will therefore shortiyseverhisconnection Avith journalism. Mr King has been engaged on the literary staff of this journal for a period of several years, during which he has rendered him self a great favourite with all connected with the establishment, and has by liis talents contributed greatly to the suc cessful position which the Star holds amongst the journal of the colony. Mr King has also secured considerable popularity in the community by his readiness at all times to give the benefit of his advice and experience in the conduct of out-door amusements for the people, which have always been remarkably successful under his management. In the neAV sphere of usefulness which Mr King will shortly enter his thorough early business training in a leading English monetary institution, and his liberal education, at one of the most successful public schools in Eugland, will eminently qualify him to do good service to the Government. He has our best wishes for his future welfare and success

Government advices state that the highest price of New Zealand five per cent consols since December 13th has been 107J ; lowest 106^ ; and medium price on January 3rd, 107f. Four and a-half per cents since 13th December were quoted at 99£, the lowest quotation since that date having been 9S|. The Auckland correspondent. of the " Thames Advertiser" is responsible for the following :—There was a nice little sha^e swindle the other day, but unfortunate for the chap who played first fiddle. A call upon a certain company was made. One holder thought he could do the dummy for a while. He got the bogus holder, and put the hundreds of. shares in his hands for safe keeping. The poor innocent dupe, when he found that he had suddenly become a big holder, thought it his bounden duty not to hold so many, and, to the disgust of the owner, he parted with a very large number, just to get some pocket money. There was not one whoblamed him ; it was only a confidential trick reciprocated.

A correspondent says that the lady re ferred to in our last issue never intended to kiss the gentleman who occupies the posi tion of clerk of the Police Court, but being rather near-sighted she put her face rathe* closer to him than she would otherwise have done to hear what lie had to say.

"Stars" in America are playing for a mere nothing, in order to keep their names before the public. Mr] Chief-Justice Prendergast yesterday refused a writ of habeas corpus in the case of Mr Barton.

The Christmas-tree gift and social enter tainment last evening in the Howe-street Industrial school was notso largely a! tended as anticipated, owing to the gusty rain which rendered it inconvenient for the ladies to get out. A number of lady friends and teachers, however, were present, among whom were specially prominent Mesdames' Neale, Williamson, Kirk, Morley, Dewar, Owen, and Misses Rout, Haultain, Litchfield, Owen, and the two daughters of Dr Purchas. The teachers included the Misses Barton, Revell, and Hungerford. The entertainment was con fined to the inner side of the Home. The Rev J. Robertson,of Beresf ord-street Church, opened the proceedings, and the children sang a hymn. Prayer was duly offered, after which Miss Neale acted as the distributor of the gifts which hung glittering from the branches of the tree. The whole of the pro ceedings were orderly, cheerful, and satis factory ; the children were all neatly attired, and their well-looking faces reflected credit upon their keepers, Mr and Mrs Stickley, who pride themselves on improve ing the foundlings of society. The number of children at present in the Home, and who are being morally, physically, and reli giously trained in the way that they should go, is 116. We are glad toinotice that the Home has a number of steady friends and patrons who, take a lively interest in its progress.

The following are the weights for the forthcoming Wanganui Races :—Weights for Wanganui Handicap.—Danebury, 9st 121bs ; Opawa, 9st 71bs ; Lara, 9st; King fisher, Bst 121bs; Resolution, Bst lOlbs; Bedcover, Bst 21bs; Flora McDon ald, Bst; Chokebore, 7st lOlbs; Songster, 7st 51bs; Tamate, 7st 51bs; May Moon and Expectation, 7st 41bs; Ouida, 7st; Haphazard, Glenary, Queen of the Vale, Jolly, Uria, 6st 121bs ; Don caster, Lady of the Lake, Gang For ward, Tamouri, Bully, Legacy, 6st lOlbs ; Joan, 6st 4lbs; Lapland, 6st 31bs. Weights for Flying Handicap.—Danebury, lOst. 51bs. ; Lara, 9st. 61bs.; Kingfisher and Resolution, 9st. ; Flora Macdonald, Bedcover, Bst. 191ba.; May Moon, Bst. 51bs. j Chokebore and Tatnatere, Sst. 41bs.; Expectation, Bst. ; Ouida, 7st. lOlbs. ; Glenary, 7st, 51bs. ; Haphazard, Queen of the Vale, Uria, Jolly, 7st; Stan ley, Doncaster, Lady of the Lake, Tamouri, 6st. 121bs. ; Legacy, Lima, 6st. lOlbs. ; Lapland, 6st. 71bs. ; Sky-blue, Bully, Emblem, Cst. 51bs.

Only two gardeners were present last evening ,in the Newmarket Hall, to listen to the propositions that were to be brought forward in favour of the gardeners and greengrocers, in opposition to the hawker ising of John Chinaman, who vends his vegetables from door to door, instead of taking them to the Market, and submitting them to fair competition with those of ordinary growers. We learn that it is contemplated to petition the Council to enact a preventative by-law in respect to the hawking of cabbages, cucumbers, and vegetable-marrows, as John Chinaman's innovations tend to injure the market sale. The Chinaman appears to be in dustrious in the way of gardening, lives cheaply, and the ladies say that he washes his vegetables before taking them round for sale; and be'fa civil, and were it not for his morning calls they should often do without a cabbage or cauliflower, rather than " tidy up," and lose time in running to the Market.

The contractor for the improvements going on in Parnell would shew that he had some consideration for the comfort of the residents in that .suburb if he would put down scoria crossings at the junctions of the Manukau road with the various streets debouching upon it on the Rise. In the present wet weather foot passengers have to wade through a sea of mud. We under stand that domestic servants in Parnell are asking for a rise in their wages because of the extra work they get in cleaning the boots.

A serious accident occurred to Samuel Gee, employed as a bullock driver at the Port Charles saw mill under the Auckland Timber Company. Gee was in charge of a team of bullocks on the 14th inst., hauling a number of logs down the creek to the mill, when his right foot got into a hole, and before he could extricate it, a large log rolled over and broke his leg. Mr Rhodes, manager of the mill, bound the broken limb, and sent the unfortunate man to Auck land by the cutter Rose. He was taken to the hospital yesterday, and placed under the care of Dr Philson, who set the broken bone. "We hear to-day that Gee is pro gressing favourably.

It will be remembered that some months ago Tawhiao compared himself to a tied-up calf, which would attract its mother to the spot by its bellowing, which simile was supposed to imply that Tawhiao's voice would cause the tribes to assemble about him. He recently called a meeting of vari ous tribes for a certain date, but when they arrived, the calf had somehow got loose, and was disporting itself far afield.

Tarapipi, an influential chief, is ill at Te koe-a Tainui, Piako. A telegram was sent to the Hon. the Native Minister inform ing him of the fact, who telegraphed instruc tions to send a doctor, to attend the chief, and to provlide anything ,necessary. Tara pipi is suffering from low fever.

An expedition to New Guinea is being organised at Inangahua, West Coast.

The contractors for the new dock, Messrs Jones? and Ware, have nearly finished putting together the caissan. The last section was taken down on Saturday and putjinto position, and another week will see it complete. It will then only remain to lower it into the groove. Good progress is being made with the main work. The seaward side of the dock is quite finished, and it is expected that the whole of the masonry will be laid in another fortnight. One of the lance pumps is at present being removed into its proper place. This will be accomplished in a day or two. The contractors are losing ho time, and judging by the finish of the work already done, the construction of the dock will be one of the best jobs ever carried out in Auckland.

The " Dunstan Times" says there is some danger of Mr Pyke resigning his seat •in Parliament and the Chairmanship of the County Council. Dr. Bulmer, formerly of the Thames, is now practising in Sydney, and advertises in the " Lorgnette," a theatrical paper. Miss Leaf and the Reed Bros, have been very successful at Napier. The Wellington " P°st" fall 3 into a mistake in supposing that Mr Charles W. Purnell is the first journalist who has been enrolled as a barrister and solicitor of New Zealand. Mr H. H. Lusk, Mr Carlile, Mr G. E. Barton, and others, may be mentioned as predecessors of Mr Purnell. The Alexandra correspondent of the "Waikato Times," who is well-informed on native matters, writes as follows, with reference to the late meeting at Te Kopua : " The ' Herald's' special is not only wrong in his spelling of the names of the principal chiefs, present, some of which are not recognisable, which appears something extraordinary in a person with his 'thorough knowledge of the language, habits, ex perience,' &c. (see 'Herald' report) ; but his account of Tawhiao's taking the name of Tukaroto is also incorrect. Tawhiao has "gone by the name of Tukaroto, and more than once—as mentioned by me in your columns some sixteen or eighteen months age—when Potatau, a grandson of Takerei te" Rau, died, Tawhiao took the name from the lad's dying words, anel has gone by it amongst his own people ever since. Mr T. L. Shepherd, alias "The Sruiler," who has been temporarily suspended incon sequence of falling under the displeasure of Mr Knight, Government Actuary, has been reinstated after an inquiry. Mr Shepherd has, however, applied to be transferred to tlie Department of Law and Justice. Mr Knight, it may be recollected, is the young gentleman who was sent to England by a paternal Government, of whom, by the bye his official godfather, Mr Gisborne, was a unit—to learn the trade of Actuary, at Gov ernment expense. Mr Knight in due course came back, having enjoyed his trip hugely, gained considerable flesh by the change of air, mastered the mysteries of the rule of thumb, and acquired the complex know ledge of how many beans make five. As a reward, we presume, for his success " abroad," Mr Knight was immediately placed at the head of the department, with a salary and allowances suitable to the rank and perfume which his European tour had given him. We learn that Mr T. L. Shep herd will probably receive the appointment of clerk in one of the Resident Magistrates' Courts.

" j »on't sit on your tail," and " our original papa"' were the salutations that greeted Mr Cha.les Darwin from the undergraduates of Cambridge on the occasion of his being made an L. L. D.

The Battery and Band of the Auckland Artillery Volunteers will meet this even ing for monthly inspection in the Drill-shed. Every member is. requested to be in attendance.

In consequence of the stormy ■weather last evening the Excelsior open Lodge meeting in the Franklin-road school room ■was but thinly attended.

The annual soiree of the Congregational Church, Beresford-street, will take place this eveniug. Tea will be on the table at half-past six o'clock, and the public meeting will commence at half-past seven. Among the speakers announced we notice the names of Revs. Messrs Carrick, Taylor, and Williams. Mr Firth will also deliver a brief lecture on " Then and now, or what three centuries have done."

Three shocks of earthquake were ex perienced at Taupo yesterday. The district is in an extremely shaky condition, and any slight unsteadiness of gait resulting from late hours is generally attributed to the earthquakes.

The Auckland Timber Company have a number of men employed in excavating on the reclaimed land in the locality of the gas works, with the view of erecting their new saw mill. The company intend taking advantage of the hundred feet of water frontage as they proceed with the mill, which it is not contemplated to complete at once, but by adding such portions from time to time as the company may deem necessary. It is anticipated that, on the completion of the whole of the buildings, the Auckland Timber Company's Saw Mill, for the manufacture of sashes and doors, will be the largest in New Zealand.

A good story is told by the natives resid ing not a hundred miles from Alexandra about the doings of a Pakeha speculator in land who went up to transact a little business, This European took up a choice selection of Brumnxigen jewellery, jewa harps, tobacco, and other baits wherewith to mollify the fair wahines and the warriors of the tribe. He was overflowing with the milk of human kindness, professed the most benevolent intentions, and soon won his way to the hearts of both sexes. In the fullness of his love for the Maoris, he pointed out that they were suffering great loss for want of a mill to grind their corn, and would find it more profitable to make flour on the spot than to sell their wheat to the storekeepers. ' The Maoris readily acknowledged the truth of his observations, but confessed their inability to furnish the wherewital to purchase material and machinery for a mill. Here it was that the great heart of their benefactor expanded. He offered to furnish the material free, gratis, and for nothing ; to assist them in the choice of a site, and the erection of the mill. The site was soon fixed upon, in the centre of an extensive and fertile plain, and just as the natives were congratulat ing themselves upon the prospect of unlimited "soft-tommy" and hot break fast rolls to vary the customary dried shark and " spads," the Pakeka remarked that there was only just one other little matter to be settled, and everything would go along smoothly. He spoke in glowing terms of the fertility of the land extending for miles around the proposed mill site. ' He pictured it yellow wifh golden,grain as far as the eye could reach; and so worked upon the feelings of an aged rangitira that the letter repeatedly grunted " kapai!" But as the Pakeha's discourse proceeded the chief grew silent, and his heart was dark. The wily philanthropist wound up by pro posing that he should become a. sort of Joseph to these poor misguided Egyptians ; that he should "boss" their crops and mill, and, in order to ensure his position, should have a lease of all the plain for 99 years at a pepercorn rent. Just at this stage an ancient wahine uttered a prolonged "aue !" the old chief rose up, and went for his tomahawk; while another native, who bore a striking resemblance to Te Kooti, was heard to suggest that the Pakeha was a disgraceful fraud, and ought to be incon tinently "patu'd." The way that European speculator cleared out of that settlement was enough to qualify him for the next steeplechase.

Cucumbei's are exceedingly plentiful this season, and in the gardens of Messrs Mason are thousands, which they are offering at six pence per dozen. " Querist" wishes to know if cucumbers are wholesome eating, and easy of- digestion ; he should ask the opinion of his medical man. The late Dr Forbes had a strong antipatky to this vege table, and recommended his patients to slice them thinly, pepper and salt them, and then cast them on the dunghill; DrPodgers, on the other hand, according to Dickens, inva riably ate them in summer time for break fast, with bacon and eggs.

Yesterday morning ■Mr JRobett Hunter lost a valuable mare of his own breeding* which died through the effects of an injury sustained on Sunday morning. The mare: was a well-bred, upstanding animal, about 17 hands high, and was in foal to the trotting horse "Young Performer. The injuries were received through the animal getting entangled in a wire fence, and being thrown over. ■ John D'Arcy Irvine, a lad of 15, son of the headmaster of the Napier Grammar School, and educated at that establishment, went up for the last senior and junior Civil Service Scholarship examinations, and passedsecond in the senior among 35 candidates, and third in the junior among 19. He secured a first-class certificate in almost every sub ject. This reflects credit on the school and the master. We learn that Captain Goldsmith, of the Thames, a gentleman well-known in the locality, will re-occupy the position of Min ing Inspector for the Thames Goldsfields, in accordance Avith a request made to him. We regret to announce the death of Mr Matthew Callon, who succumbed yesterday to an attack of paralysis. This gentlemen was lately con nected with the detective force for a very long period both in" Australia and New Zealand, and was highly commended Dy his superior officers. Latterly he was employed by various companies in Coromandel to detect specimen stealers, and was the means of putting down the host of thieves that infested the place. The members of the Auckland Naval Brigade will undergo their monthly inspection this evening, under command of Captain Le Roy. As the weather is still unsettled, the men will probably appear in blue uniforms. In the opera advertisement last night, by a typographical error the price of admission to the pit was printed one shilling instead of two shillings. In justice to the manage ment we may state that the error was wholly the fault of the printer. Where are the police ? is the cry that is heard and echoed in Parnell, and echo answers "where?" From the spoliation of orchards the midnight marauders and predators have taken a new departure. They are now devoting their attention to boats left unguarded, and within the last few days every portable'article has been removed from many boats in that neighbourhood. We have no doubt that it is only necessasy to call the attention of the police to the facts to ensure the future prevention of similar petty thievery. " The Rambler" in the " Thames Adver tiser" tells the following story —and. we think we have before seen something like it : " In keeping with parson subjects : A good joke came to hand the other day. A sweet little minister (leaving his wife Drusilla out of the question) wanted, from a business point of view, to augment his hearers and wardens. It happened that a big fellow had arrived, with a good thick purse, and purchased the large hotel in his circuit: "Ah !" he said, "I must nab Mr—as one of my right-hand men." The day was fixed; the parson went to the hotel, pushed himself in, and then, putting his eye to the small private tap, gave a few loud knocks. The land lord arrived. The parson, in a monotonous whine, said, " Are you, dear sir, the new landlord?" "lam," was the rejoinder. " Well, then, if you be, I'm the new parson. What will you have to drink?" He got his man. Every time that parson preaches the landlord is there, and sings, for " he's a jolly good fellow." A private letter received in Christchurch states that Miss May Howard, who is now playing in Philadelphia, will sho'tly visit Australia and New Zealand, bringing with her a number of new plays.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before T. Wilcox Esq., J.P.). BILLINGSGATE.

Margaret Bainbury was charged with using obscene language in a public place, to wit, Grey-street, last night. Prisoner pleaded guilty, but stated she was not in the habit of making use of bad language. Her brother struck her, and she was compelled to do > in as few words as possible. She was in her own house at the time. Mr Sub-Inspector Pardy said the woman was making use of extremely filthy language in Grey-street last night, and the neighbours were compelled to send for a constable. Constable Gleeson proved the charge, and the Bench, considering the number of previous convictions against the prisoner, ordered her to pay a line of £2, or in default to udergo one month's imprison ment with" hard labour. PARENTAL NEGLECT. William Negus was charged with disobeying an order of the Court to appear and answer to a charge of failing to con tribute towards the support of his wife and children. Mr Sub-Inspector Pardy stated the circumstances, and Mr j Sub - Inspector Bullen, of the Thames, appeared with a warrant from that Court. At the request of the latter gentleman the case was remanded to the Thames. This concluded the business.

HENDERSON'S MILL RACES.

HOTSPUR'S NOTES,

This annual country race meeting is to come off on Saturday next, the first race starting at half-past twelve o'clock. The programme is of the usual interesting and liberal character, and although " the Cup " has only three acceptors, a good race is almost sure to result, and the other events are bound to be well patronised. The only wagering .which has been done has been on the double Hurdle Race and Cup, for which several combinations have been taken. That which I affect most is Hurricane andFiretail, about which about 5 to 1 has been the average price.

Our local coach proprietors will have vehicles starting from Queen-street at fre quent intervals during the morning, and those who want a jolly outing or a good day's sport cannot do better than secure an outside seat. I had almost forgotten to mention thrift the events comprise two Maori races, which will no doubt be contested in the orthodox slapdash manner. HOTSPUB.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R. M.) Judgment for Plaintiff.—Milne and Choyce v. John Oliver, claim, £3 2s sd; goods (Mr A. E. Whitaker for plaintiff), costs £1 9s 6d. Wm. Patterson v. Wm. Adams, claim £1 ss; goods (Mr Alexander for plain tiff) costs £1 6s. W. L. Lockhart v. W. G. Clark, claim, £S lls 9d ; costs £1 19. (Mr Con sell for plaintiff, Mr Tyler for defen daut) ; Edgerly v. Heigh, claim £1 10s. JUDGMENT SUMMONS CASES. Henry Cooper v. John Whittle.—Claim £2 4s. —This was a claim for rent for which judgment had been obtained against defendant some six months ago, but which had been disregarded.—Mr Whittle pleaded that he had a wife and large family, and was only earning £1 per week. Mi Cooper said that defendant had made no effort to pay. His Worship having heard defendant on oath dismissed the summons. James Watt v. Andrew Clarke.—Claim, £31 10s. Defendant said he was quite un able to pay, but, would offer 5s a week. Plaintiff objected to this aniouut, as defen dant was in receipt of £2 per week. Defendant deposed that his wages were generally 8s per day. His Worship ordered defendant to pay 30s every four Aveeks, or in default 70 days' imprisonment ; costs £3 15s. Wm. Brinsdcn v. H. Gilberd, claim £5 12s.—Defendant said he had been a heavy loser through the dishonesty of a partier, and he had reduced the original amount. He was a; painter by trade,—Plaintiff said

lie had given defendant ever^ifs^ paying by jobs, and in other WTnce of debt was contracted in a moan v W (plaintiff) took a contract job varn Y'z % benefit of defendant he (plaS materials ; and when he went tn l^s 3 the work defendant had drawn i! c ■' money, and the present claim » "* • balance.—Ordered to pay 30s p er J* 8* M f iv default two months' imprisonm^sl. k I ADJOURNED CASES F. Hewin and Brother' v n Sheppard, claim £3 7s 4d, good* $*J and Co. v. George Cousins, claim £is\;St \ DEFENDED. *1&I7»JJ; I Henry Hoag v. Edwin Turner v - £3 12s. Mi Tyler for plaiatiif •a2 % defended. — Henry Hoag, of'thep^ George Hotel, Newmarket, depQgpj^ he accommodated defendant Ms^f "at family, with lodgings at a 'ceXfT^ without food, for 16 days Twl?'* attended to his bar for two days- heaii1 * him reasonable pay for his attends °Ire*: Edwin Turner deposed that he occS" double-bedded room for 16 mVlfto i*>' single-bedded for 7 nights, and\£f * asked for an account of what he was iJ?,"* Mr Hoag said, "all right, thatWufH Subsequently he was surprised with aY charging 3s per night for the donble-l^l room, and Is 6d for the single, whict V exorbitant charges. He left, and tonVvv ta oe.-To Mr Tyler : No, he did not 1^ shine it. He paid it, and got his recp\T He charged Mr Hoag for three days inK bar.—George Robson, landlord of it Newmarket Hotel, deposed that V charges for rooms were 2s and Is • bed i breakfast, 2s 6d. Mr Tyler having addreS ! the Court, judgment|wasjgiven for plaW* £2 8s ; costs £1 9s 6d ; inclusive of Bswj into Court. Messrs Thwaitesand Newburn v Jow4 Silva.—Claim, £15 13s 6d. Mr Thon2 plaintiff and Mr Robinson foi defendaM The plaintiffs deposed they were the own&> of the schooner Fairy, and that defendant had on the 15th Sept. engaged her at£K per month, payable in advance. HeiwW £10 down, and finally, on the 22nd J^ abandoned her in the stream. — Igjjl Edgett, Capt. Smythe, defendant, M John Robinson gave evidence. —l^ Robinson said the defendant had a comita claim against plaintiffs, but was not prepared to put in the set-off until next Court day.—Judgment was held over, % consent of counsel, until the close of'the cross-examination on Thursday next 1

CABLEGRAMS.

[reuter's special cablegbahs.] THE ROYAL MARRIAGE. SIXTY ONE CARDINALS AT THE CONCLAVE. B LONDON, February 18th. 4. 40 p.ra. At the Royal Marriage at Berlin vaster-' day the re were great festivities. The Princess of Wales and the Duke of Connaught received a warm reception. The Papal Conclave has met. Sixty-sir j Cardinals were present. I

RUSSIANS RETIRE FROM CONSTAN TINOPLE DEFENCES.

[SPECIAL TO PBESS AGENCY].

LONDON, February IS. The European situation is less threaten-, ing. It is expected that Germany ml exercise a moderating influence jsvef Russia. Lord Derby, in replying to a question, said the Government had received no infor mation that Russian troops had entered Constantinople, but had received a dispatch alluding to. a possible Russian advance upon Gallipoli. The Russians have evacuated the redouM 1 within the line of defence of Constantinople' I which they occupied.

RUSSIAN ADVANCES DENIED.

ANOTHER TURKISH MASSACBE. [SPECIAL TO THE MELBOUKNE "ABGITS."] ' LONDON, February 18. It is denied that the Russians are ad- vancing on Stamboul or Gallipoli. ;. Three thousand Christians have been. ■■■' massacred in Thessaly. . The Princess Charlotte, daughter of the Imperial Prince of Germany, was married at Berlin yesterday.

AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

VICTORIAN CRISIS.—PETITION THE QUEEN.

[reuter's special telegrams.]

MELBOURNE, February 20. The Legislative Council pasgpd an address to the Queen in reply to fte address of the Assembly. The address mil be forwarded by the outgoing maiL

BUSINESS FAILURE.

[SPECIAL, TO PRESS AGENCY.]

SYDNEY, February 20. A meeting of the creditors of Berfthoff and Touzell, tobacconists, is called for Friday next. The liabilities 'of the bank-. rupts are £44,000, and their assets shew a deficiency of £9,500.

ESCAPE OF A LUNATIC.

Yesterday, one of the patients at the Whsu Lunatic Asylum, named Edwards, escaped from the institution, and was not missed for some time after his departure. A search by the warders failed to reveal any clue to the whereabouts of the man, ««*; Constable Abrams, of the Newton station^ was communicated with on the subject last night. At about 7 p.m.. Mr Schofield, station clerk at Pennj&j Junction, observed a man who from iu^; dress and manner he believed to oe.»! lunatic from the Asylum, walking on tto; line, and he took him in charge, an*| subsequently handed him over tq Sergeant Greene, of the Onehunga station, *WJ;: locked him up for the remainder (Aim night. It appears that Edwards h»d.»S inclination for walking on the rails, and M was unwilling to come away. He *» brought into town this morning by w*i[? geant Greene, and taken, back to ttt| Asylum. ,

Death "by Poisoning.

A SAD case of death by poisoning occunw last evening, the victim being Mr Edwin s George Collins, master of the native school at Orakei. It appears that y^®' day afternoon, Mr Collins, who has been suffering for some time from semi-paralysis, occasional congestion of the brain, an sleeplessness, was teaching in school, ana retired shortly before the close, fie !»« Mrs Pettitt, a lady who came K»" tf£ purpose ot giving the children tuetf singing • lesson with Mrs Collins J». the tchool-roi>m, and went into tn^ house. About half-an-hour later the sqW» was closed, and the two ladies eptereaww house together. They discovered &*. Collins lying on the bed, with I"3 *?,?: glazed and fixed, and his teeth set. "ll? the assistance of a tea-spoon, the m 0j? was opened, and a small quantity of J". poured down his throat—Dr.|Young Mj*»: sent for in the meantime. He arrived aWW 6 o'clock, but his remedies were ineffecW and the poor man expired an hour lwi»- Mr Collins was in the habit of taking of hydrate'of chloral %> induce sleep, wjp doses being administered by Mrs CaH^i An empty tumbler and a chloral W"**; ■were found on the table, and it is suP?v^ that Mr Collins, who is very:.shortw"E took the chloral himself, andmistooKS quantity, thereby unwittinglyr o&iaSia'kjM own death. Mr Col'iis was formerly^, .partnership with Mr D. M. Lxm*»

EYETNTJN TG STAR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2L 1878



rpo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS W. J. HURST 3c CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to jroduce satisfactory results in ttiis district. Experience teaches that large and nro.''table returns can be relrel on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monils from leading Farmera justify W. J. iTur3 & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MA.LDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BBLiLc uONEFLOUR JandHnch BONT£J)UST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do^ NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPKR-PHOSPHATE OF LIMK. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. tire prepared to supply special Chemitfal Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, aDd renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that for the la3t two sea sous has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will b« supplied on appli^tum a^gorea. 101. Queen-street. Olover seeds. Olover seeds.



Jusi- to Hand, ex ' Apeli.es. OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON'S ro LOV E R SEEDS, CONSISTING OV ■White Clover Timothy Red Clov6r s**}? =, Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke Sec, &c, &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, andlocal Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c, &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. w 3 HURST & CO., 101, Qaeen-atreet. T pOSG RA V E & Qi O. WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING SALE OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING TO-MORROW. All Goods Reduced to Cost Price. Inspection Invited. • mWSNTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT FOR3A SHORT TIME ONLY I 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 X&. TWENTY PER ,CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THK POUND ALLOWED UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. ■Goods Entkrkd will be CnAnaED Regular X>USHBROOK AND "gRIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c, UPPER QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel).



T JJ S T OPENED 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S REGATTA SHIRTS Of a Superior Quality of French Cambric, and the most Fashionable Patterns. W. RATTHAY, CLOTHIER & MEN'S MERCER, Wltff iy EAL AN D TT OUS E, 66,' QUEEN-STREET. Apckland. THE NATIONAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND (LIMITED). Incorporated under the Companies' Acts 1862 and 1567, and the New Zealand Act 1., 1873. Notice is hereby given that an Interim DIVIDEND for the Half-Year ending 30th September, 1877, 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^lSTS. ■VTEW~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 31st December last, and a BONUS of Five per cent, are now Payable at the Bank of New Zealand. D. L. MURDOCH, Managing Director. Auckland, February 11,1878. JSION INSURANCE COMPANY OF INBW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. U C TC L A IN D BRANCH: QUEEN-S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. gjlnsurane granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls oE Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at "owkst Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. T& H. C O O X E • Have on Sale ffiONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS OF FURNITURE IN THE COLONY. Special Items:— DRAWING-ROOM SUITES WALNUT TABLES CARPETS HEARTHRUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BEDSTEADS TOILET^ LASSES CANE-SEATED CHAIRS TOILET-WARE DRAWERS MARBLE-TOP WASHSTANDS MATTRESSES FEATHER BEDS. A Small Shipment of CRETONNES and CASH MERES, New Patterns. All Goods at Lowest Rates. delivered free. Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers. Fwrnltwrt Show-rooms .... 67, QUEEN-STREET Steam Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-STREET ©ONEDUST! BONEDUST X> BONEDUST I To Anrive, about the middle of February: TT^PSOO TONS BONEDUST, Qjjtfisthig of BiUyard's No. 1, Bell's J inch, J^Tandßoneflou^ & 101, Queen-street. UPERIOR 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 ■pOYAL 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. . „, 1 Concessions will be made on first-class build ings and approved risks, in Town and Suburbs, and for water supply 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 is unsurpassed by that of any Company doing business in the Colony. 1 : GBO. W. JONES, J...--..0! Agen : Shortland-street, Auckland, Bth February, 1878. The usual Book and Sheet Almanacs for 1878 can be had on application, or on information being sent to the Office. Tl7 ANTE D, FOR DUNEDIN : 30 FIRST-CLASS JOINERS, For Light and Finest Quality Work. To com petent men. six or twelve months engage ment' J. W. WALLER, Manager, ' GUTHRIE & LARNACH (LIMITED), Onehunga. mo CARPENTERS AND JOINERS. In reference to the advertisement for Joiners to proceed to Dunedin, you are informed that there is a dispute at present existing, and that the men are out on strike. In the interests of the trade, you are requested not to accept the proffered employment.