SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„ „„ < This. Afternoon, 1.26 HIGII WATER— j Tp-morrow Morning, 2.11 SUN SET.—This Evening, 657 m- '■; SUN HIBHJ.—To morrow Mormncr. 5.61 MOON'S -VGE.— Full Moon, 17th Feb.^lO.oop.m.

ARRIVALS.

Stella. Government 5.5.,.. Johnstonp, from Welliiigton (in the JNlahukau)

DEPARTURES.

Julia Price, schooner,;for Russell Kawca, s.s., Wlieeler. for Pai=Sell Active 'oris'antine, Lane, for Tonga and Samoa.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Pydney—City-of Sydney, s.s., on arrival from San Francisco. For Waitara—Hauraki, p.s. 12th inst Tor London—Lochfleet, ship. May Queen, ship, ForeTaranaki er.rt tho South - s.s. Taiaxoa, Tuesday 19th ; s.s. Taranaki, Tuesday 26th. The s.s. Hawea left for Russell yesterday eyen ir,=,-'-vitiith.'ifor.owin;rßasseTigers:-MraTiai\ii3s Grey I-Jra Mar.n, Miss McTirtney, Messrs G-. foo-w X itcorp- Murphy, Arerr- W. Smith, Pelmr' Aitken, HpV, Hunt. Bailey (2). Goodliue. Aiokirlv Brassey, ' Hulme, Henderson, and Cr'Vhl"GoYevnnrent steamer Stella arrived in the Mannlcau from Wellington yesterday afternoon The Wellington " Post." of th« Bth, m reference to the obioet of her visit to tho North sajs.— ' ■• CantaKi!Johnson leaves in the Stella to-morrow for the North, to complete several important snivel of the harbours, and to buoy their chanWels. The principal places he will survey a*d buoy are the Manukau (South Channel) Hokiai.ga, Kalpara. and Wan K ape. Several clvnv--- ire knSwn to have taken plac<s lately in tlv- channels of theso harbours, rendering them re-survey a work of uvsent necessity and importance. Several vessels recently have had narrow escapes of Btraading, owing to these Jilhffollowing is the list of passers who a-viverl yesterday afternoon by the laranaki from the South :-Mr and Mrs Wells, Mr and "•■ !>s Black Mr snd Mrs Evans. Captain and Mrs Home. Mr'and Mrs Solomon, Mrs Greosex, Mrs Ward, Mrs Ashbsirn. Mis Evans, Mssos Warren (2s Miss P, ■•tchelor. Messrs Burton, Early. Colhs, Clarkson. Kirk, Keane, Built, Pearson, Hyland. Dr Williams, Dycon, Hemus, Titehenor, and S1 Thees rs" R torua arrived at Sydney yesterday, after a cuick passage of 1 days 19 hours. The s>. Hawea is to be tho flagship at the Eyi-s-MI roiraUvi to-morrow. . . The ship May Queen was hauled ay/ay into ■the, stream this inornin?, and tho ship Apelles was move I from the outside berth into the *?The°schboner Elsinore cleared to-day for Pus:=e!l with a cargo of stones, &c. The bvieantir.e Active sailed for Tonga, and S£T)ieV.3? tTarariaki, which was announced to leave the Manukau for the South to-day will wait for the English mail steamer untill3 o clock ro-morrow afternoon, beyond which time she will not be detained under any circumstances, except through bad weather. ! / <

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

THR following are the dates of Gold Mining calls, and when dividends are due:— f'jTT='— '•' ■' ■ ' New Golden Pah .. .. 0 0 9 Feb. 13 |c- Morning Star .. 0 q 1 0 Feb. 13 Dividend?— C~ j __. ~ Albunda 010 0 Feb. h Union Bank of Australia 2 0 0 Now due Bay of Islands Coal Com- ■ fpany 0 10 0 Now due Auckland & North Shore Ferry Company .. % T&vxtox* m National Bank 6X Feb. 19 iiJiCrov/n Princess G.M. Co Feb. 15 New Golden Pah .. ..... •- * eb. 21

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

MatTjß wu.r, Gt.opk as Uxder :- For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to-mor row, at 5.30 p.m. For Coromande!, per Durham, to-morrow, at 11 30 a m. For Taranaki and Son them Province?, per T.aiwiaki, immediately on arrival of City of Sydney from Honolulu, or not later than 1 p.m. to-morrow. _. Foi- \ustralian Colonies, Batavia, Singapore, China, and Japan, via Torres Straits, per s.s. City of Sydney, immediately after arrival. For Wanc^arei Heads. Waipu, AVangarej, and :\liiiv.-aoai, per Avgyle, this day. at 1 p.m. For Wan^avei Heads, per Rover, to-morrow. For Wiiifciangi, r.avra-tra, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at i p.m. For TauranKa. Gisborne, Napier, Southern Province, Chatham Islands, via Lyttelton, ' and Australian Colonies, tier Hawea, on Thursday next, at 2 p.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

LIGHTFOOT.—On the 11th February, at her residence, Newton Road, ths wife of E. Light foot of a daughter.

MARRIAGES.

lIA RDWICK—BURTON.—On tho 19th January, at the residence of Mr. Donald, Port Chalmers, Duncdin, by the Rev. J. J. Lewis, George James, eldest son of G; W. Hard wick, Short land-street, Auckland, to Margaret, fourth daughter of tho late Joseph Burton, of Brad bury, England. BAILKY-LOWDEN.—On the sth February, afc St. Jamoa' Manse, by trm Rev. R. F. Macnicol, Isaac Bailey, fifth son o£ William and Harriet Bailey, of Titchmarßh, Northamptonshire, England, to Maria Lowden, second daughter of William and Margaret Lowden, Eden Kennedy, County Armagh, Ireland.

DEATH.

ARCHARD.—On the 12th instant, at the Brito mart Hotel, Custom-house-street, Ann, the wife of Frederick Arohard, aged 51 years. The funeral wiil leave the Britomnrt Hotel at.3.45 p.ru. to-morrow. Friends will please accept thi3 invitation.)

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

TUESDAY. FEBRUARY 12, 1878

To: tho cioc that lacks isiiitaaca, . £i>r fill W7Cl:r; tbr.l -tr.du icslstaKsn. Pat the future fa I'm dlGtwice, ,

The full cable messages published by us early last evening clear away the mists that hung over the all-momentous question of European peace or war,and we are now able to speculate intelligently on the proba bilities of the future. Summarising the military position, as disclosed in the dispatches, we find that,iu pursuance of the terms of peace agreed upon between Russia and Turkey, the latter power has evacuated the Bulgarian fortress and port of Varna., as it . had befdre evacuated Silistria and Rustchuk, thus abandoning the quadrilateral, and leav ing Bulgaria in the hands of the enemy. The collapse in liumeliais no less sweeping and unreserved. Although Constantinople is not occupied, its sole remaining line of defence has been given tip, and the Russian troops now holding the Checkmedji, aboiit twenty miles distant from the capital, have the key of the Ottoman Empire virtually in their hands. It is apparent that, with this complete submission of the Turks, the whole aspect of the question in relation to England and the other European powers has entered upon a new, although not unexpected phase. A good deal of confusion has existed, and not unnaturally, in the minds of those who do not clearly apprehend the necessary changes of English policy as the decay of the Turkish Empire, with the coincident growth of power in the self-governing principalities, progresses. A recognition' of the irreversible char acter of the influences which arc precipitating the dissipation of the Ottoman Empire Uas been confounded with sympathy for Russia—a sentiment which no surgical operation could transplant into English breasts. The mistake committed by strong Turkish sympathisers is the habit of identi fying British interests with the maintenance' of the rule, or rather misrule, of three million Turks over the twelve millions of other- races and religions which occupy European Turkey. That rule now could only be upheld by a permanent protectorate which the obstinacy of the Turks, and perhaps, also, the jealousy of Europe, would never permit. The incapacity of the Turk, and the constant embroilment with his subjects, has thus become a source of perpetual danger to the peice of Europe ; while his wasted and misgoverned lands, the most fertile on earth, are a disgrace: to civilization. . With reference to Russian hopes and ambitions —if those hope* centre in any important aggrandisement of the Muscovite Empire out of the Sultan's dominions, there is not, and never has been, any very serious division of opinion in England. The Duke of Argyll, an able expositor of the Liberal views, so intclli-. gently and tersely defined the sentiments of that party in a contribution to the July number of the "Contemporary Review/ that we cannot do better than ex tract his closing sentences. lie said -.—

" Ah regards the possible or propablc re sults of thia present war, I venture to think that we have no interests which arc not identical with the interests of the Christian population of Turkey. 1 deeply regret that they should have been taught again that in Russian armies lies their only hope of deliverance. But they cannot and do not wish to remain under Russian dominion. Europe has a rijjht to forbid this result. But %ye have no interest in keeping even Constantinople in its "present hands." Those hands are notoriously corrupt as well as weak. What the Duke of Wellington regarded with hope in 1529 we can afford to regard at least with equanimity in 1577. These arc his words, and with these I con clude : ' There is no doubt it would liuve been more fortunate and better for the world if the Treaty of Adrianoplc had not been signed, and if the Russians had entered Constantinople, and if the Turkish Empire had been dissolved.'" Let it not for one moment be supposed that England or any continental power could re gard the transfer of Constantinople from the present weak hands to Russia with indiffer ence, or indeed wwild permit it. We take it that the Duke of Argyll's proposition rather involves a removal of the custody of so important a position to stronger and safer keeping. The hero of Waterloo, with keen foresight, perceived that the rapid de cline of that military force which alone held the Ottoman Empire together rendered the final arrangements in the interests of Europe on the occasion of dissolution, only a question of time. A rc-adjiistincnt in 1829, when Europe was fully united, might have saved many costly and ruinous wars. But the settlement is still beset with flaugers, and may only be achieved after a deluge of blood. Everything now defends on the spirit in which iiussia will meet the conferring Powers. With a rope firmly round Turkey's throat, she may be bouncable and exacting. On the other hand, a desire for peace, if not respect for sacred promises, should counsel moderation. The terms of peace already agreed upon, so far as they have been stated, contemplate the complete independence of the tributary states, and self-government in the Turkish provinces noith of the Balkans. We pre sume that Kutnelia, with Constantinople as its capital, would remain in possession of the Sultan. Carried out in its integrity, the proposal is one that will probably command a good deal of support at the Conference. Midhat .Pasha declared that Turkey with out her, insurgent provinces North of the Balkans would be stronger and more easily defended. The interposition of some strong independent, freedom-loving nation between Hussia and the Dardanelles is what the necessities of Europe require ; and the Turks having failed to meet the exigency, it seems the most natural course to build up a worthier nation of the population native to the soil. liussia lias declared that her sole aim was to ameliorate the condition of these people. We shall now sec. The question is no longer the wrongs com mitted by the Turks, but the liberty of the many races in Turkey, and indirectly of Europe. An exchange from Turkish to Russian rule would be no reform, but simply the substitution of a more powerful and dangerous master. Among Englishmen there is no division mi such a question, no wavering, no lack of confidence in the strength and resources of the nation and its ability to maintain and enforce what is right. The country which a century ago broke the power of the greatest modern conqueror, has no reason to fear the issue of any struggle which may be foiced upon her peacefully - disposed people. The greater her power, however, the greater ihc responsibility in wielding it. Arrayed on the side of liberty, freedom and progress, every Englishman has linn faith i|in the invincibility of the flag that has braved a thousand years. Wiih reference to the Eastern difficulty, it has now reached that stage when all parties merge their differ ence into one narrow well-defined issue, on which must hang the momentous question of peace or war. Russia shall not be permitted to turn Jior professions of philanthropy into national aggrandise ment at" the expense of Europe and the population of Turkey. We trust she has no intention of doing so, but if she lias, so much the worse for her and for the termination of a campaign! in which she lias hitherto carried off the'chief hqnours.

The number of patients in the hospital for the week ending the 11th iust. was only 89. Messrs E. and H. Isaacs will sell to morrow at 11 o'clock a line lot of ships' stores fresh to hand, per Lorraine and Appeles.

A hot controversy is going on at Dunedin between the Rev. Father Henneberry, the New Zealand- Father Mathew, and Mr Bright, Free-thought lecturer. Father Henneberry, at' a public meeting, expressed his astonishment.that his Satanic Majesty had not ascended'from the infernal regions and conveyed the Free-thought man to—ahem—a climate several degrees hotter than the equator. Mr Bright retorts that his late .Holiness Pius the Ninth must have experienced sonic qualms of conscience in granting absolution to the Rev. Father Henneberry. The quarrel is a very pretty quarrel as it stands.

The nomination of {candidates to fill the vacant seat for Parnell in the General As sembly is fixed for Wednesday, the 20th inst., at the Parnell Hall, and the poll, if necessary, at the same place on Saturday, the 23rd'inst. Successful telephonic experiments have been made between Chriftchurch and Cromwell, a distance of 300 miles. Sing ing, rapid'reading, flute-playing, and a cooey, wore heard with distinctness. Mr Wilkinson, a member of Mr Hall's theatrical company, at Dunedin, was accidentally shot in the eye on Saturday night by Mr Sothern, junr., whilst acting in '.' Our American Cousin." It is hoped that Mr Wilkinson's sight is not perman ently injured.

A general meeting of the Tradesmen's Athletic Club is convened for this evening at half-past seven o'clock, when all mem bers holding tickets for the late concert are requested to hand the same to the Secretary, Mr James Regan. The Secretary of the Henderson a Mill Race Committee invites tenders for the night to supply refreshments, collect money at the gates, and Grand Stand, at the forthcoming:meeting. _ All tenders must be sent in by noon on Friday. Teachers are required for the following schools :— Drury, Katirikohorc, Maioro, Tairua, Thames (junior assistant) Titirangi, and Whangaroa north.

Mr William Culpan was the purchaser of the house of the late Mr Dyer, in Parnell, for the sum of £650. '

Things must be goingahead at Tonga and Samoa." The brigantine Active, which leaves to-night for those islands, takes away several iron'buoys made by Mr Yoemans, for buoying the harbour of Tonga, and a quantity of dynamite for blasting rocks in the entrance channel of Apia harbour. The district prize firing for the Snidcrcar bines (Artillery and Navals) 2nd set, com mences at the Rifle Range to-morrow morn ing at 9 o'clock. The firing will be at four ranges, for'oach of which first and second range prizes of Bs and 4s G'd respectively will be given. ' There are also live aggregate prizesr as follow :— lst, £2 ; 2nd. £1 5s ; 3rd, £1 ; 4th, 153 ; sth 10s. The total amount divided amongst the second set is £8. No donhtthe Artillery and Naval volun unteers will muster largely on the occa sion. ' ',

The "Blacksmith's Dream" was witnessed last evening by large numbers of persons, Who evinced much interest in the evolutions'of character and the household of Punch. The " Dream" will vanish at the close of the present week. The new Presbyterian Church of the Holy Trinity at Cambridge was opened on Sun day morning last, when the new minister, the Ecv William Evans, was inducted to the charge. The Ilcv Thomas Norrio preached in theirorniug from Psalms 27., v. 4., and in the evening Rev William Evans preached from Ist Corinthians, c. 2., v. 2. The collections amounted to £10 lO.s 4d. The church is a neat construction, with a vestry, porch, tower, and spire, and is capable of holding 200 persons. The archi tect was Mr Richardson, of Cambridge ; and the builders Messrs Madigan and Miller, ■who have given every satisfaction in their work. The coat of the building will be close upon £400. An Australian cable message from Sydney of the 11th, states that the upset price of land has been increased from 5s to 103 per acre, according to value.

A special urgent telegram received direct from our London correspondent last evening announcing the deatli of Pope Pius the Ninth, and which anticipated Renter's and the Press Ageucy message.'; by some hours, was published in a second edition of the bTAH,and caused a .sensation in town. The

rapid despatch of this cable message is very creditable to the New South Wales and New Zealand Telegraphic Departments ; the time occupied from Sydney to Auckland a distance of about I,SUO miles, including repetitions at .Nelson, Blenheim, and Wellington, having been a little over twenty minutes.

A proclamation by His Excellencj 7 the Governor notifies that certain resorts at Wairoiv and Turangauui, arc set aside for educational purposes.

The steamer Lily leaves to-morrow even ing at 6' o'clock for the Mahnrangi races and annual cattle show. This is an excur sion trip, and, no doubt, many will avail themselves of the pleasure. The Annie Mill bank leaves at her usual time.

Mr J. S. Walker, Manager of the English Saw Mills at Te Kopuru,has been succeeded by Mr Gumi, sent out from England. Mr Ji R», Vialou,*tho first Mayor of Hamilton, was duly sworn in yesterday. At a public meeting at Te Awamutu a resolution in favour of sending a petition to the Government requesting that the site of the proposed railway .station be altered to Te Awamutu was negatived by a majority of nine.

The report that Mr Larnach's health has suffered of late to such a degree as to necessitate his resignation is now con firmed. A Press Agency telegram states that Mr Larnach will go home with his family in connection with floating the new loan "of £2,500,000. There is a report also that when the loan negotia tions are completed, Mr Larnach will succeed Sir Julius Vogel. Another report has been circulated that Mr 1!. G. Wood will succeed the present Agent-General, but as Mr Wood on his departure stated that he would be absent from the colony not longer than eighteen months, the probability is that Mr Larnach will be Sir Julius Vogel's successor, if any be appointed. The Soldeues took over £100 a night] in Christchurch. A member of a Southern Education Board called on the teacher, and in course of con versation remarked : "I should like to have yer opinion on the subject of eddica tion." To which the pedagogue retorted, " Jm thinking, a little of it would go a long way with yourself." The chronicler does not say how long afterwards the teacher continued in his billet. The death of the Pope will not be pub licly noticed by the Roman Catholics of Auckland until a. special telegram confirm ing the truth of the report is received Try the Vicar-General or one of the Bishops.

■ The powers of the Governor under sections 7, 12, 30, 31, 32, and 42 of the Marine Act arc delegated by proclamation to the Thames Harbour Board.

The boundaries of the newly constituted Kaukapakapa Highway District are pub lished in a " Gazette " of the 31st lilt., and the Auckland Highways Act is proclaimed in force within the district.

His Excellency the Governor has approved of the by-laws of the Coromandel Highway Board.

A letter from a leading firm of American publishers states that the publication of Wright and Go's American and Australian Commercial Directory is anxiously looked forward to by business men in America, to whom, in view of the large trade.which is being developed by the San Francisco mail, the book is expected to be of considerable value. The publishers intend to press on the completion of the work. A meeting of the members of the Scripture Gift Association will be held this evening in the. Wellesiey-strcet Young tMen's Rooms, for the purpose of electing a new general committee. The Auckland shipwrights held their usual meeting last evening in the Temper ance Hall, but the business was not of a public character beyond the sphere of membership.

&&#the Editor: Sir,— Kindly, through the medium of your widespread journal, decide (through your issue) the following bet :—A bets 13, who is chairman ola meeting, that he cannot give any other than a casting vote. Please state, is the said chairman entitled to more than the casting vote.— Yours, &c, A CONSTANT READER, Auckland, Feb. 9th. [A useful handbook by Mr Samuel Neil, entitled " Public meet ings and how to conduct them, ' contains the following :—" A chairman, unless by special and previous arrangement some other understanding has been come to—has only one vote. It is a point of etiquette that lie abstains from voting in precedence of the meeting, so that he may not shew how his opinion inclines, and thus bias those who may be supposed to be under his influence ; and hence the usefulness in general of his having a casting vote." —Ed. E.S.] Sir George Grey is expected to adores a public meeting "at Wellington on Thurs day evening. A letter in the Wellington "Evening Post," written by a gentleman well-known in Auckland, and whose fine Roman hand is easily recognised, confirms the reported attempt to pull down the trumphal _ arch erected in honor of the Premier's visit to New Plymouth. He says the " larrikins were Mr R. Hursthouse, M.11.R, ; W. Hursthouse, Engiueer-iu-Chicf of Taranaki Railways j Mr Decimus Atkinson, brother of the late Premier; Humphries Bros, storekeepers ; McDounagh, Bank account ant ; and Mr Williams, chemist. The writer further alleges that eight gentlemen waited upon him and requested him to suppress the names of the persons implicated, which he refused to do ; and that another section of Major Atkinson's friends fired a signal gun a'- midnight in onlcr to deceive the people of Taranaki into the belief that the Premier and party had arrived ; a ruse which succeeded.

At the recent election of Councillors at Hamilton and East Hamilton voted in blocks against each other, Hamilton East however, succeeded in putting in live out of the nine Councillors. A Jockey Club has been formed at Cambridge, and Mr Walter Scott has been appointed secretary pro. tern. The boundaries of native reserves at Whakatane were gazetted on the 31st. A proclamation iv the "New Zealand Gazette" of the 31st January brings the Dno- Nuisance Act into force in the County of Wairoa from the 30th ult. . A similar proclamation is gazetted with regard to the Bay of Islands. The Consolidated Stock Act came into force on the 9th hist. Frederick Cattling, waiter at Valentine a Hotel, Wellington, has been.brought up at the Police Court there, and remanded for eight days on a charge of having criminally assaulted a young girl named Annie Sclina Franklin. "It appears that a girl named Stawford. raised an alarm, bringing a jockey named Donaliay to the rescue of her friend.

The Jewish congregation at Christchurcb intend to erect a new synagogue. The following Canterbury team has been selected to play an Intel-provincial match a. hist Otago :—Ashby, Austin, Fowler, J. Fowler, E..Frith,I.C. Frith, N. Puller, C lby, Hartland, Lee, Moore, Neilsou, Or'vier, Perry, Seeretan, Stevens, Watson, Wl.jon.

Our Wellington telegrams from Welling ton mnuncc the death of Mr W. B. R Rhodes, M..L. C, at the age of 70 years. Mr Rhodes was a pioneer colonist, who by dint of industry and economy, coupled with shrewd business habits, had acquired con siderable wealth, which is chiefly invested in station and town property. It is said that in the* early days of the colony he drove a. dray in Wellington, but in his latter years he ke"pt his earringe and fared sumptuously. We believe Mr X hod es was married to a sister.of Mr M.oorhouse, M. 11. Ft. but leaves no children except a daughter by a former marriage.

The value ot coke as a fuel, and as a means of economy of coal, is not appreciated sufficiently. A mixed fuel of coal and coke i.s invaluable for the ordinary purposes of heating, and still more for those cooking and raising steam, as it absorbs .he smoke or inflammable gases given oil by coal during combustion, and renders the lire brighter,clearer, and hotter. This is much more apparent where our local coals are used; indeed, owing to the rapidity of burning, seme of these threaten to go out of consumption altogether. Coke supplies exactly that Avhich these coals lack—body and resistance. Every householder should buy coals and coke at the same time, and, if convenient, mix them ; smaller bills and greater satisfaction will be the result The price of coke is advertised elsewhere— [A DVT.] We learn that a new Good Templar Lodge, under the jurisdiction of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, will be opened by Brother] Broaking-, D.D.Ii.W.G.T. in the Temperance Hall to-morrow evening, at half-past seven o'clock. This step has neon taken a f. the request of a number of members of various lodges, who arc dissatisfied with the existing state of ailairs iv connection with Good Templars in Auckland.

A return of the value of imports and exports to and from the colony during the quarter ended December 31st 1577, published in the "Gazette" of February 7th shews the total value of imports to have been £1,600,510, against £1,045,746, for the cor responding period of the previous year. The total value of imports during the year 1877 was £fi,970,415, against £0,1)05,171 for the year 1576. The value of exports for the last quarter was £1,72(.),265, as compared with £1,20G,535 during the corresponding quarter of 1876. The totals for the two years, IS7G and 1877, respectively, were : — £5,673,465 and £0,327,472. The claims of.; the following war !;iedals have been admitted :—J. Banbury, I. Bruce, I. Cookc, IT. Figg, J. C. Tusscll r S Hunter, T. Lockwood, and E. Webster, all of Auckland. John Shepherd, Esq , Port Albert, is gazetted Chairman of Petty Sessions at that place. We learn that it is Mr Moss's intention to address the electors of the Parnell dis trict as soon as the Parnell Hall can be ob tained for the purpose. This will be either on Friday or Monday. Mr Richmond Thatcher has secured the position of agent for Miss Ada Ward, and v-'li probably accompany her to America in 1 at capacity. The date of the moonlight excursion in. ' '•,'. Waitcmata in connection with the \'. ibson Band, has been altered to Monday r*-?ning next, the lSth inst., instead of Thursday evening, the 14th.

A grand soiree and concert in connection with the induction of the Rev D. W. Runciman to the charge of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Fonsonby, will be given in the Ponsonby Hall on the evening of Friday next, the 15th inst. Great pre parations arc being made for the soiree, which is expected to be a great success. The concert, which takes place after the tea, Avill be one of the best ever given in the district, the assistance of a number of well known and favourite amateurs having been obtained. The programme is varied and interesting, and comprises many items that cannot fail to afford gratification and pleasure to the audience. Tea will be pro vided at 6.30 p.m., and the concert will commence shortly before eight o'clock. Tickets may be Obtained ot the low price of 2s each.

The s.s. Taranaki will leave the wharf, Onehunga, for New Plymouth and Southern Ports to-morrow at 3 p.m.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-day's quotations:—' Rank of New Zealand—Sellers, £2317s 6d. National Bank —Buyers, 72a. Colonial Bank—Sellers, 51s 6d. South British Insurance—Sellers. 793. Union Insurance—Buyers, 13s. Caledonian (double) —Sellers, 655. Moanatairi—7ss. Tookey Tribute—Buyers, ss; sellers, 5s 6d., Alburnia— 655, 665, 66s Gd; sellers, 65s 6d. Tokatea—Sellers, 6s. Kuranui—Buyers, 14s. •TOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

T3i9 European Gonfereaoe-

England Insists on Free Passage Dardanelles.

Also Secure Communication

vrivh. India

SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE "ARGUS. ' t

RUSSIA OBJECTS TO AUSTRIA'S PEACE PROPOSALS.

ADMIRAL HORNBY AT STAMBOUL.

RENDEZVOUS OF FOREIGN FLEETS

RUSSIA DETERMINES TO OCCUPY SHORE FORTRESSES.

RUMOURED ALLIANCE BETWEEN TURKEY AN 15 KUSSIA.

THE PAPAL ELECTION

(KEUTER'S PKESS TELEGRAM.)

LONDON

February 10_. Tqe Austrian Press regards the situation as critical. The Russian reply to Austria objects to discussion on certain points in the peace preamble; also, to the limitations proposed by Austria. -Admiral Hornsby, with six warships, has arrived at Stamboul. The French, German, Austrian, ajid Italian squadrons are preparing to join the British squadron. Tlie Russian press, commenting on this combined action, remarks that Russia her self advised this in a Berlin memorandum. LONDON, Feb. 11. At the approaching Conference of Euro pean Powers, who were signatories to the Treaty of Paris, England will insist on the maintenance of the free passage of the Dardanelles, and complete access to the Black »Sea, AYith full security of communica tion with India through Egypt. There arc general rumors of a close alliance between Turkey and Russia, assur ing the protocol. The Papal conclave has assembled. Seventy cardinals arc present. It is regarded as certain an Italian will be elected as Pope. The Turks have now evacuated, all then fortresses. The Greek army has re-crossed the frontier. Insurgents at Epirus and Thcssaly have proclaimed union with Greece. The Porte has directed all foreign officers in its service to resign. A Berlin telegram states that Gortscho koii has notified tiie powers that consequent upon England sending a fleet to Stamboul to protect the Christians, the Russians will occupy the chore defences with the same object. British troops have defeated the Kaffirs, inflicting heavy loss. Mr Donough More has been appointed Under-Secretary for the colonies.

Death of the Pope.

;£6,000,000 Vote Passed. Gsasarvstiva Eiot- War Reeling ia London Sntesss, (FROM, OUR SPECIAL LONDON CORRESPONDENT). The following was issued as a third edition last night:— LONDON, Feb. 7. The Pope is dead. Feb. 9. The Hon. Mr Forster has withdrawn his amendment against the proposed £6,000,000 vote. The vote was passed by a majority of 19D at 6 o'clock. The fleet has been ordered to Constanti nople to protect English lives aud pro pertv. Neutrals ure invited to take similar action. The fleet is not intended to menace Russia. The sending of the fleet to Stamboul is not considered a breach of neutrality. A Conservative demonstration resulted ill a riot. The mob stoned Mr Gladstone's house, and the office of the " Daily News." The war feeling in London is intense.

[PRESS AGENCY.]

Six British Men o'War Sent to Stamboul.

Papal' Conclave Summoned at Kome, LONDON, February 9. The interruption in the Port Darwin line is just repaired. An'"Argus" special of London, Feb. 9 says : — Six vessels of the British fleet have been sent to Stamboui to protect British residents and their property. England invites other European Powers to act similarly, to prevent disorder. The remainder of the British fleet remains at Besika Bay. The Cardinals are summoned to Rome for a conclave. During the panic on Thursday Consols fell from 96 to 95, but recovered to 95|. The Brindisi mail has arrived. • The news created a great sensation in the British Parliament. A great concourse of people assembled, an<J Ministers met with an enthusiastic reception. The Turks evacuated Varna. THE £6,000,000 VOTE. LONDON, Feb. Sth. The credit vote ot £6,000,000 was passed in the Hoirse of Commons by 295 to 96. The Liberal party abstained from voting.

[lleuter's Telegrams.]

RUSSIANS ENTER CHEKMEDJES.

LONDON, February 7th. This evening, in accordance with the terms of the armistice, the Turks evacuated the Chekmedjes—the lines of fortifications defending Constantinople—and the Russians entered them. The report that the Russians had entered Constantinople is utterly unfounded. Great excitement prevails there. In the House of Commons, Sir Stafford Northcote partly confirmed the reported Russian occupation. LONDOin , February Sth. The House of Commons agreed to go into Committee of Supply on the credit vote of £G ; O0O,OOO by 205 against 96. Mr Forster withdrew his amendment. Puring a monster Conservative demon stration the mob smashed the windows of Mr Gladstone's house and the "Daily News " office.

SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE "ARGUS."

RUSSIANS OCCUPY CHEKMEDJES. TURKS EVACUATE VARNA. . LONDON, Feb. 7th. The Pope died at 3 o'clock to-day. The reported entrance of the j-Russians into Stamboul is denied. The Russians will, in pursuance of the armistice, occupy the Chekmedjes. They have already arrived at the 'central position.

ENGLAND APPREHENSIVE OF TROUBLE.

[SPECIAL .XOJPKESsI^^r

LONDON, FeW The House of Commons have aS? g" ; the grant asked b,y the Governmenf * ■-<» I £6,000,000 .Supplementary War E,r *W I Sir Stafford Northcote stated in h I in Parliament that the Goverirrfient P^« I apprehensive of ]<ossible trouble at c I L-tantinople ia consequence of the teV'^ i the armistice which had been si»u e( j m?°f I have ordered a portion of the Mediterra I squadron to be sent thither for then |^ i tion of the British residents in tlip T,, i^" 1 capital. % I

POLICE COURT.— This Day.

(Before 11. C. Barstow. Esq., li M Dr. Home, Justice of the Peace \ IvIEBRIATES. "' William Callaghan and Darnel' Diis^n were fined 5s each for drunkenness SISTERS IN ADVERSITY^ ' Mary Clarke, a handsome, young on in a rink hat,- pleaded guilty to fcp drunk, and was lined sh. Sarah Clarke, half sister to the aW was lined iii the same amount for thesa often cc. c BREACH OF HARBOUR REGULATIONS Edward Henry Allen was charged shipiDing more than 501b. gunpowder board the Active, on the Sth inst. ' °3 Mr Devore appeared for the prosecution and Mr Laishley for defendant. ' Mr Lai.shley explained the cirenmstanea of the case, and pleaded guilty, as % oflcnce was committed unwittingly, g tliought that as publicity would be given*! this case, the public would know in fut^ that dynamite is gunpowder. He wonU ask for the leniency of the court. ''* His Worship said the penalty was £50 but lie should only inilict the same as w iniiicted in a similar case yesterday,viz,§j and costs. STEALING PEACHES. *'M Mamma taught, and still she teaches, m Freddy, do not p ig the reaches \ Still in spite of mamma's teaching, . Little Freddy went a peaching. Frederick Fare-brother was charged witj ' stealing peaches,value ss. from a tree in the garden of Thomas Wliiteley, of Newtek West, Frederick and vWilliam Hayson, two neglected boys, were charged witb assisi iug to strip tiie tree and eat the fruit X Sub-Inspector Pardy said that Mr Whiteley had a tree of very fin e peaches on the night of the 6th inst., and when he arose in the morning he saw them not. They were traced to the possession of the boys. ;•■ Farebrother said he worked in a ■neigl.-. homing brickyard, and could not resist stealing the peaches. lie was guilty. 1 The two Haysons also pleaded guilty, a Farebrother gave them the forbidden fnutj I and they did cat thereof. ' !; Fred Farebrother and Fred Hayson were SI ordered to prison for one month, and Wl- S liam Hayson was ordered to the|ludustnai: m School for three years, to be brought up.ifcj the faith of his father, the Church of Etfv I land. TROUBLES OF CARTERS. : A number of men in the employ of Hr m Denipsey, as carters, were charged withpljiag for hire "without having registered numbers,*:. their carta, viz., Bryan Culloty, William asi Patrick Quinlan, Jo!:n Shields, James GratS, George MoCaslin, John . McCaslin. Edwanl Robinson, Michael McCormick, and Jams Baird, who were fine I Is and Ss costs esdii The case against Win. Conway was ■with drawn. SIMILAR CHARGES. Jacob \\. Prime was charged with having! cart without a registered number. Mr Prime pleaded not guilty. . Constable Alenzies deposed to seeing Ift.. Prime's cart cleiiverii;t: Hewentqp to him, and informed JUr Prime that he hadM. ticket. Mr Prime was sworn, and deposed thathS cart was only used for private bu-iness, aadha was not a- are thai a ticket was oecessaiyfir^' a private cart. i.sjl His Worship informed 'Mv Prime that private carts must be registered when kept -within'flfe" city. Every cart n>ust be registered, butalldD:, not pay the same registration fee; he wasbonii j to hare a registered number. Fined Is ; "costs, Us. John Brown, of Para el!, plead -d guilty to t f similar charge. ' Constable MeGilp deposed to seeing deten- | dant with his express o:i Uie whuri: without & g number. To Mr Brown : He did not see him plyißgfo: hire. Mr Goldie, Inspector, deposed to seemg 3m Brown on a stand opposite to the Thistle Hotel John Brown denied that he was plying fee hire; lie rcerjly leit the express there for a few minutes, for the sake of convenience. The Court ruled that Mr Brown had norigS on the stand without a license : but as he ws under a mistake, the case- would be dismissed., ■ OT-T FOE A RIDE. John William Dorsett, a young man, describee as a hoise-breakei-, was charged with furiouslj J driving- his express in the IVlanckau Hoao,; jf Parnc>l. on the 6th itist. Mr Dorsett said he merely crave tuehorsea I spin up the hill, as he was rather lively! 9 The following were the witnesses: GeoiffljJ Uaynes, J. W. Robinson, Win. ilorley, and | Nathaniel Dorrington. Finen 10s, costs. £1155.6 d. : ■ : Defendant: I can't pay it. : Clerk: Uave you no means? * |; Defendant: On!ymy doilies, and vrhatlStaM | upright in. Clerk: What do you mean to do? i m Defendant: Go to prison. Clerk: Very well. . ,- , Defendant was then taken to the lock-up. After a few minutes defendant returned, ana askedlusWershipif there were any credit given as he had no special liking for Mount Eden- 'j. His Worship : You must pay at once. ; Defendant: Here's off, then. '•■■■- ' "| In the space of a few seconds, defendant re turned, and paid the money. DRAWING WATER. William Hainee, described as a Good Temp M..,: of the Bay Tree Lodge, was fined 2s 6dani : costs, for unlawfully drawing water from t« standpipc in Custom-House-street, on' the fflil instant. A FRAY IX 'WVXDHAM-STREET. " Elizabeth Pelley was charged with violently assaulting Martha Nicholson,""on the Cthinstaß^ by pulling her hair and kicking her.- ~.;:;' Mrs Nicholson was willing- to withdraw tee charge, as* Mrs Pelley had sent her a nnmw aiKslogy, to the followingeirect: "DearMaxW, --lam sorry i!oi- what i <lid to you, butiw excited. Do not appear against me; Ivnlipw" the costp.—Bessie.'1 ~. • The case was quietly settled, and fnendsfflP restored. This was all the business. - |

OPERATIC CRITICISM.

. To the Editor. Sic,- I notice that Sign or Nobili, departing., from his proper province of agent of pc | Opera Company, 'has taken to defending ; the reputation of the prima donna, Signora Gauda<jnmi, from adverse 'criticism. Assuming tliat the lady is the parag-1" which Signor Nobili would have us believe. surely the force of merit should be a bettn. refutation of detractors than the.pnuseot'i paid agent. The tone reminds us .too buicb of the exaggerated plaudits of the ao°r' keeper in the dress-circle, which I »8W often thought a picco of iniperti«<?«* Signor Nobili may find consolation for* , strictures of •'< -Sigma" in the "ju<»f"~ i praise" bestowed" by the " Kerala, w ; ; j last night's opera, Xo doubt this .■anau s criticism is more to his liking : "The op^ from beginning to end in every partici"»: whether as regards orchestral effect, seel ingenuity, and admirable singing* .y3?,'^ good a performance as it would be poss "to see or listen to in any theatre, or <>£?/ companies in England." After tins, ",.,' ■; Patti, Nillson, Titiens, and Co., ma}'1J" their diruiuished heads.—l am &c, XW j LIGHT. ' -'■■■,

THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.

The Australian cricketers, who are to leg for Sydney by the mail stearneiy expe^ to-morrow, Avjro treated to a fishing ex sion to-day by the EeeeutiO!? Com" "* | who chartered the p.s. T.ainui for the F (; ; : pose. The party, to the number oi a . |; thirty, including many of the A"cl ' a players, left the wlnxYf at-half-past ten,* proceeded in the direction of-the During their ii.shing they .will keep one ; on the horizon, so that it the mail 6.0-^j comes in sight they may up . line" tnre return to town at once. From the ni of the day, we anticipate that out vi - will have good sport. Messrs J. &j* and S. Monin, together with otJW |h? knov,'n centlemon, went down tt,.^;^ party. Mr H. Keana, of the Thistle n , with plenty of creature comtorts. ,v' board, and will not allow those unw^ care to want for anything.

EVENING STAR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12. ltf»8



mHE~NATIQNAL BANK OF NEW JL ZEALAND (LIMITED). Incorporated under the Companies' Acts 1802 and 1567, and the New Zealand AcfcL, 1873. Notion is hereby given that an Interim CENT per Annum lias been declared by the Directors, and will be paid to the Shareholders (whoso names aupeor at this date on tne Register kept in the colonj) on and after the 10th instant. . ~ . 'I ho Transfer Books will be closed from this dctte until the 19th instant. THOS. BUCHANAN, Inspector. Wellington* sth February, 1878. f\ It GA N RECITAL PITT-STREET WESLEY AN CHURCH BY Harcourt Lbb, Esq., Organist of the late Mr. Henderson's Church, Melbourne, on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1878. Tickets 2s. Gd., to be obtained at tho Book sellers!, aud from Messrs. Edson and MoMaster. I>OYAL INSURANCE COMPANY^ \j Special- Notice to Insurers. This Company, having intimated to the In surance Association their Withdrawal from Tui-itF Arrangements, is now prepared to grant Policies on all descriptions of Property at equitable rates. ■ ■ - i-aoAa Concessions will be made on nrst-clas3 ofiild ings and approved risks, in Town and Suburbs, and for water supply and other protection, Where made available. ■~'%. Special arrangements will be made wnn 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. OEO. AY. JONES, Agent. Office: Shortland-strcet, Auckland, 81 h February, 1878. The usual Book and Sheet Almanacs for 1878 can be had on application, or on* information • being sent to the Office. "T fIOSG XA V E &~~7T07 WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING S VLB OP . . ~;,;■} MWS AND BOYS' CLOTHING TO-MORROW. All Goods Reduced to Cost Price. Inspection Invited.^ _ ...„„_,, „,.. m CITY HALL *«* J^tjxinishing Arcade. NEW GOODS JUST UNPACKED, AXD QUITE KEW. CRETONNES Large Lot New Colours and New Designs. /New Brussels, from 4/9 _ , „„„.„-, J New Tapestry, from 2/1 CARPETe. < New Kidderminster, from 3/2 (New Hearthrugs, from 6/6 /"Sow Shape "Walnut Suits I Now Reps for do. Fon the Green and Crimson Silk Rep ) >>S DRA'WING-^ Black and Gold do. V o"3 ROOM. I Fawn and Gold do. ) o New Pattern Walnut Tables VNewlnlaid Fiower Stands /12ieet~vvide, 3/ per yard FLOOR- 3 „ 2/ .„ I CLOTHS. 10il Canvas, 0. ~ r- (Linoleum, all widths Handsome White Twistandßullion Fringes, Handsome Whittle Fancy Belgian Damask, Turkish Toweles. very large size, 1/3 and 1/ Superior Fancy Oil Baizes, for tables iimnense Variety in Ladies' Dress Buttons. Uollow&y, Garliok & Oranwoll, City Hall Arcade, queen-street, auckland. CABINET FACTORY .. Lo rots-street .



mWSNTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT A FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY ! FANCY DRESS MATERIALS, FURNISHING GOODS, BLACK SILKS, BLANKETS, CALICOES. HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, CARPETS AND MATTING. CLOTHING OF ALL KTNDS, FOR BOYS' AND MEN'S WEAR, H A TS, CAPS, SHIRTS, &c, AND' EVERY DESCRIPTION of GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, AT «3. TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND ALLOWKI) UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. Goods Entered wtlli btt Charged Regular Pricks. OUSHBROOK AND Jt\i S- $ DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, £zc, UrP Elt QUEEN- S T 11 E E T, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel). JUST O P EN E 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S 'REGATTA SHIRTS Of a Superior Quality of FRENCH CAMBRIC, and the most Fashionable Patterns. "AY. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER & MEN'S MERCER, TVT E W rj KAL AX D XT OUS X, CO, QUEEX-STREET. Auckland. SPECIAL nHEAV T IKE lS <O -E-J IN DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOB TJirc CHRIST-U AS HOLIDAYS. i 11. ATKINS Will Shew the Following Cheap Lin-es During the Christmas Holidays : — A Large Lot of. Rich, Bright. Black Silks at 3/11, as bright as sold at 5/6 Cheap Coloured Silks, beautiful shades Cheap Japanese Silks Cheap Dress Materials Cheap French Muslins A Job Line oC Extra Quality Black Silk Jackets at one-third the original prices. Silk Umbrellas, splendid value, at 3/11 Lined Parachutes (Boughta Job) at2'll, worth double Cashmere and Lace Fischus, Capes, &c, at Reduced Prices Cheap Lace Curtains, Table Linen, Quilts, Sheeting, and Manchester Good 3, for the Christmas Uolicla3 Ts. In] the CLOTHING DEPARTMENT Cheap Silk Dust Coat?, Black A.lpacca Coats, Trousers and Vests, Tweed Suits, Pagefc, Galatea, and Sack Coats, Boys' and Youths' Suits, &c, &c, &c, Alt, Marked at Low Prices for the Christmas Holiday. THE NEW PITS HELMET. Job Lino of Men's Straw Hats at 1/11, half-price. Job Line OH bßoys Straw Hats at 1/G, half-price. A Large iStock of MQSGIEL and other ° ;; TWEEDS. F;Cheap Tweeds for Boys' Wear. 110 A TKINS. TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY U off NICW 'ZEALAND. ti A.PITAL £2,000,000. U C X L A IS I) B R A N C II : Q' U E 15 N - S T REE T, iS'ext the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. IRlnsurane 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 Wool to United Kingdom, AT "owkst Current Kates. It. 11. STEVENSON Manager. T! & H CO O X E © Have ox Sale ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS OF FURNITURE IN THE COLONY. Special Items:-- DRAWING-ROOM SUITES WALNUT TABLES CARPE IS HEARTHRUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BEDSTEADS TOILETo LASSES CANE-SKATED CHAIRS TOILET-WARE DRAWERS MARB LE-TOP WASHST ANDS MATTRESSES FEATHER BEDS. A Small Shipment of CRETONNES and CJSH MERES, New Pattern's. All' Goods at Lowest Rates. delivered free. Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers. Furniture Showrooms C 7, QUEEN-STREET* Steam-Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-STREET. DON'Tbe hoodwinked by imitators of Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, who inclose vile spirits in bottles which contained the Simon Pure Schnapps and put bogus labels thereon. Repudiate these nostrums. Scruti nize the labels, and if they are deficient in exe cution or the ear-marks of authenticity, don't buy.