SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS. YESTKBDAY. Meg Merrilies, brigantine. Breven. from Tonga Botorua, s.s., Carey, from the South Energy, schooner, Scott, from!onga Australia, R.M.s., Cavgill. from Sydney Wanaka, s.a.. McGillivray, from Russell Metric cutter. Youlden, from Ngunguru Kowen'a, s.s., Sellars, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

YESTERDAY. lona, 5,8., Farquhar, for Russell Hinemoa. s.s , FairchiW, for Kawau Annie,"cutter, for Rus-ell TO-DAY.

Carrie Wyman, barque, Randall, for Newcastle Außtra'ia, K.M.s.s., Cargill, for San Francisco Rotorua, 8.a., Carey, for Sydney Wanaka, s.s., McGillivrey. for the South .. Saxon, schooner, McKenzie, for Lyttelton

IMPORTS.

Per Hero: 2 tons glue.-B. and A. Isaacs. Per Hero, from Melbourne :—2O gunnies sugar, 1 case arrowroot, 5 do. chicory, 5 bags pepper, rf. cases sago, 2 do. tapioca. 1 do. mustard, ljdo cayenne pepper.—C Major. Per Australia, from Sydney: 212 cases fruit, 2 cases cigars, o packages per sonal effects, 1 case guns, and 1,224 packages m transit for Sydney and Melbourne. Per Uotarua, from the South : 100 bundles clothe3'-liiW3, 100 boxes raisins. 1 box, 2 piston rOplrMeTMerrS'from Gilbert Group: 120 tons ooura, 2 casks cocoanut oil. Per Energy, from Tonga:! 82 bales and 2 bags wool, 20 tons copra, and 2 casks tallow.

EXPORTS.

Per Australia, for Honolulu: 2 cases perfumery. 2 bales wool packs, 5 packages wool press, 60 boxes soap, 70 coils rope, 20 cases confectionery. For San Francisco: 1 case pictures, 1 case almanacs, 5 sacks seeds. Per Saxon, for Lyttetton: 50,000 feet timber. Per Wanaka for the South: 4. horses. 1 cow, 2boxes glass, 9o sacks potatoes, 25 cases, 222 packages, 3 boxes. Per Rotorua, for Sydney: 9 bales fungus. 41 cas-ks oil, 1 case stationery. Per Wanaka, for South: 1 case harmonicans.— A. Isaacs.

ARRIVAL OF THE AUSTRALIA.

Tho P M. a.s. Australia arrived alongside tne wharf frr>m Sydney about three o clock this morning. We are indebted to the courtesy of the purser for late files, passenger list, aud the following report :-The P.M.S. Australia. H. O-r°« commande-, discharged her pnot off Sydney Heads at 3.50 p.m.. December sth. K-rcerienced light unsteady winds and calms, 8 hours 46 minutes. Passengers for Auckland: Mr and Mrs Buokland, Mr and Mrs R. M, Ken child, and servant Mr aud Mrs G. Carmichael, Messrs H. D. Maddock, A. S. Webstar, R. B. Shendan, H. A. Sheriian, Miss I Curtis, Mr J. FraVer Mr and Mrs M. B. Robinson. Miss C. Liddle Mrs Still. Kiss Black, Mr George- Loder, Mr Wnl. Loder, Mr E. Isacs, Mr H. H. Copper, Dra A. Taylor, and H. F. Sands, Mr J. Slater, Miss if. Slater Mr and Mrs K. P. Barber, 8 in the steerage, and 21 in transit for Honolulu and 'Frisco.

ARRIVAL OP THE ENERGY. The regular island trading snhorner Energy, from Tonga and the islands, anchored off the North Head last night, and came up the harbour early Sis morning. She has made a very fast run, having been absent scarcely more than five weeks Bhe left Auckland on October 29, and had fine weather all the way to Eoa, which was reached on November 9, alter a smart passage of eleven days. Cruised to Haabai, Vavau. and Tonga- left Eoa, for Auckland, again on.the 27th arriving in Tonga the same evening. laUed fro^To.ga on the 29th, with alight east? north-east wind. Squally v\ eather was ex perienced the next night, and moderate breezes and light clear weather untilsigntiog the Great Barrier on Sunday last. Tho vessel lay be calmed dorinc* that day, and arrived at the North Head shortly before twelve o clock last night. She came up the harbour this morning. The Energy brings a cargo or wool and copra, and one passenger from Vavau, viz, Mm Eaynes. AR-RTVAL OF THE MKG MERRILIES AKJUV FROM THE ISLANDS. M The brigautine Meg Merrilies arrived shortly before cix o'clock last night from her maiden cruise amongst the islands, and reported the murder of the captain at one of the islands. Mr Brevio, in whose charge the vessel has come up, reports as follows :-Left Auckland on July 13th, experienced strong weather to Samoa, which was reached on August 14th. Cruised around the group till arrival at Butaritari, where Cap tain Roller, dm ing an altercation with a trader named Rennel?, to? shot by him. He died at Ebon on the Sunday following. After cruising through several other islands of the group, the Edeg Merrilies sailed from Appamamafor Auck land on the 16th. Experienced light easterly winds till reaching Rotumah, which was reached on the 2ith. Thence to arrival, light ar.d moderate breezes. The Meg Memlies brings a cargo of copra and the following Bhip wrecked sailors of the Danish brlgantme Jager: -Messrs Theo. Jensen, Otto Olsen. Oscar Endricsen, Chrietian Petersen, J. O. Edemund, andß. Knadsen. . : DEPARTURE OF THE ROTORUA. The s.s. Rotorua sailed for Sydney at a late hour this afternoon. Passengers—Misses Rose and Smith, Mr and Mrs Heywood, Mr3 Rylands, Master Heywood, Me3srs Pen, Harris, Winter, Farron (2), Simon, Robinson, JRamsey, Graves, Summers, T. C, Stanton, E. Lewis. Street, Pmi, Rutherford Licgdowne, Davie. Sheehan, Dyer, Donovan, Drury, Hughes, Brogden, Gudgaon, Ramsey. OF~THFmAIL STEAMER. The mail steamer sailed at four o clocJ£ this afternoon for Honolulu and San Francisco, with the outward mails and the following passengers : Mrs J. Walballa, Capt. Menuan, Messrs C. Sharland, John Peterson, Robert O3borno, F. J. Yate3, Haslet, Mowb:ay, Latton, Durant, and Salmond. WRECK OF THE BRIGANTINE JAGER. The brigantine Meg Merrilies which arrived from the Islands yesterday reports the wreck of the Norwegion brigantine Jager, 270 tons regfs ter, owned by Mr K. S. Burth, of Norway, and at the time of the disaster on a trading cruise from Melbourne to the Islands with the traders son (Mr Beaver) on board. Thelveßsel struck on Butaritari reef on September 7th, and filled. An auction was held, and she wa3 sold to the snper-cargo—Captain Thomaa-f or £10. He and Mr Beaver remained with her The captain and crew came on to Auckland by the Meg Merrilies. Outwards Coastwise— Elizabeth Conway, schooner, for Gisborne, with. 400 sacks wheat and 200 sacks flour; Mahurangi, cutter, for Ohore, with sundries; Catherine, cutter, for the Puhoi, In ballast; Saxon; jschooner, for Nsrttnguru, in ballaat. INWABDS,Co4ai7\'^SE,..Mary, schooner, from Cabbage Bay-, ;wifn-J&} posts. 130 rails, and 8 tons firewood ; Catherine, cutter, for Puhoi, with 200 posts and 110,000 shingles; Adah, ketch, from Thames, with S.COOft timber and 3 tons furniture ; Magio, cutter, froni Ngnnguru, with 25,000 ft timber. We learn that the hull of the schooner Torea was insured in the Union Company for £1,000, besides a further insurance on the cargo. This risk was partly re-insured in the Standard. The schooner Acadia, with a cargo of railway material, arrived at Waitara from this port yesterday. „ , ■ The Auckland topsail schooner Gael was at Appamama, Gilbert Group, on the 16th nit. The s.s. Wanaka arrived this morning from Russell with 150 tons coal, and the following passengers:—Mrs Moody and daughter, tMrs Kemp, Mr LaDe, and Panorama troupe (4). The German barque Elizabeth, from Auck land to Samoa, was spoken by the Energy on November i, in latitude 29.16 South, and longi tude 175.44 West. . The American barque Carrie Wyman sailed to-day for Newcastle in ballast. Passenger- Mrs Randall. The schooner Christina, from the Thames, with a cargo of timber, arrived at Lyttelton yesterday. The barque J. L. Griffiths is now on her way from Newcastle to this port with a cargo of coal. The schooner Norval was loading copra at Vavau when the Energy left. She had almost completed, and may therefore be expected here ■daily. »*,The s.s. Kotorua arrived from Napier and the South at a lare hour last night. Passengers :— For Auckland: Mra Wrigg, Mrs and Mies Buller; Messrs Sdelmann, Hamley, Walhalla, Martin, Todd, Waymonth; Messrs Moore, Buckland, Sir Robert Douglas, M.H.R.. Major Mair, Messrs Maxwell, J. W. and G. A. Mallock, J. B. Way, Millett, Hamley, Hepburn, Bigg, Edelmann, Walhslla, Montague, McDonald, Surbritz, Sheffield, Street, Young, Master Buller, and 10 steerage. For San Francisco: Messrs Haslett, Mowbray, Captain Mcrryman, and 7 steerage. For Sydney: Misses Moss and Smith • Mesdames Hay wood, Ky lands ; Messrs Peri, Harris. Mint, Fariar sen., Farrar jun., Hobinson, Pirie, Kurasey. Grave?, Sommers, Sfcanton, Lewi3, Rutnerford. Langwood, Davis, and Heywood. We are indebted to Mr K. Jo. Pringie, purser, for files, &c. , , , . The schooner Sixon sailed to day for Ngunguru, where she is to load timber for Lyttelton. . , , , The s.s. Wanaka sailed for the South at a late hour this afternoon. Passengers—Mr, Mra and Miss Stoddard, Master and Miss Green, Mrs Battams and family, Mrs Rowe and family, Mra Lewis, Mrs Griffon, Mrs Wahab, Messrs J. Wilson, Battley, Abraham, Pennington, Adams, Burke;; "; ■ -'■'■' -- *"^ - •..::.

CHIICF POST-OFFICrC, AUCKLAND. Mails will Close as Under;— For Thames, to-morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, on Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. For Glsborno, Napier, and Wellington, per Southern Cross, this day, at 4 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu. Wangarei, and Wangapai. per Argyle, this day, at 4 p.m. Per s.s. Wellington, to-morrow, as follows:— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 7 a.m. For Taranak, Southern Provinces, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southamp ton (for letters specially so addressed), at 8 a.m. For London, via Brinflisi, at 815 a.m. For newspapers, at 6 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, this day, at i p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, and Australian Colonies, per Hero, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. or Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Levuka, per Agnes Donald, on Thursday next, at 4.30 p.m. 8. B. BIS 9. Chief Poatmaster.

The law which is, presumably, inexorable, should be stern and inflexible in tbe penalties it attaches to many malfeasances and misde meanors. Under this caption range some of the most obnoxious offences known to the common law. And here is where the Code is defective. What can be more criminal than to subvert the public faith, and destroy the public health? And what is more subversive of either than the foisting into the trade marts of the world bale ful nostrums, under the guise of "Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps."

BIRTH.

GRAINGER.—On Saturday, 7th December, at her residence, Vincent-street, the wife of A. H. Grainger of a daughter. HOOKER.—On the 9th instant, at her residence, Three Kings, the wife of Stephen Hooker of a daughter. PARSONS.—On the 14th November, the wife of Henry Parsons, mill sawyer, of a son; both doing well.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1878.

For the cause that acks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

THE rumour that Sir.Hercules Bobinson is to succeed the Marquis of Normanby as Governor of New Zealand is practically con firmed by recent advices, though there.has been no official announcement on the sub ject. Sir Hercules Robert George Robin son, G.C.M.G., is the second son of Admiral Hercules Robinson."" He was born in 1824, educated at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and he afterwards held a Com mission in the 87th Foot, but retired from the service in 1846. He then entered the Civil Service, and Avas employed in various capacities in Ireland, until 1852. Tayo

years later he was appointed President of Montsereat, and in 1855 he became Lieut.- Governor of St. Christopher's. In 1859 he succeeded Sir John Bowring as Governor of Hong Kong, when he received the honor of: knighthood. He was appointed to the Governorship of Ceylon in Jan., 1865 ; and to that of New South Wales in March, 1872. Difficulties having arisen in Fiji in 1874, between the British Government and the natives, Sir Hercules Robinsou was selected to proceed thither for the purpose of settling matters ; and in less than two months after his arrival he accepted the unconditional cession of the Fiji Islands, annexed them to the British Empire, and hoisted the British flag. He established a Provisional Government, the supervision of which he retained in his own hands until the arrival of Sir Arthur Gordon, the first Governor of Fiji. In 1875 Sir Hercules was created a Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, in recognition of his services in connection with the surrender of the Fiji Island. He is a keen sportsman, and is possessed of all the requisites for a popular colonial Governor. His excellent social qualities have increased his influence in the sister colonies, and he has taken a deep interest in the progress of agriculture. It will be a fortunate circumstance if Sir Hercules Robinson will arrive in the colony before next session of Parliament, when grave political questions, involving a more complete readjustment of taxation, of the representation of the colony, and reforms in the constitution of the Upper House may result in a political crisis, and very possibly an appeal to the country. He is known to be a stickler for the prerogatives of the Crown as exercised by colonial Governors, but he would come here free from those party prejudices which have unfortunately characterised the existing Governorship ; and would, therefore, be the more likely to decide on constitutional grounds any application for a dissolution that might be placed before him.

With the mission of Father Rennebeny in its religious bearings we have nothing what ever to do. British sentiment no less than the glorious charter of English liberty secures to every man freedom of conscience and the right to worship God peacefully in his own way. And the less the secular press becomes embroiled in the purely religious disputes- which unfortunately rage under the Christian banner the better for the general harmony, and civil and social well-being. In dealing with the question of national education, however, Father Henneberry enters the political arena, and throws down the gauntlet on a purely secular field of action. His opinions, there fore, cannot be passed over without com ment. We are not surprised to find that his views are identical Avith those which have become familiar to the public through the " Tablet." Under pain of exclusion from the benefits ottered by the Church, he urged Catholics to give a block vote against the present national public school system. The right of independent judgment on the ques tion is denied, the rev. gentleman declaring that Catholics must either vote against secular education •or regard themselves as beyond the pale of the Church. There isjno reason to doubt that this is the sound teaching of the Church, and when held conscientiously its open advocacy is honest and straight forward. At the same time the significance of the declaration cannot be over-looked. If it be incumbent upon opponents of the National School system to organise against it, it is likewise the duty of those who regard the total exclusion of the State from the religious sphere as of vital importance, to be equally watchful and active. The right of the advocates of denominational education to maintain their views at the polling-booth is conceded, but this involves an equal right and onus on those who think otherwise to adopt similar tactics. The contest is fair and above board, and let the right triumph. The raising of the question which we had hoped, on the passing of the Education Act, was settled for a time, in troduces a disturbing element in any Minis terial programme that may be brought down for next elections ; but the supreme im portance of the subject warrants the setting aside of all other questions in order to keep the education of our youth in the simple elements of secular knowledge out of the sphere of sectarianism.

In a recent article on the Chinese difficulty in New South Wales we pointed out that the general question must ultimately be remitted to the Legislature, and in tho " Sydney Morning Herald " of the 3rd inst. the same view is expressed. Our Sydney contemporary, however, thinks that the chief difficulty will consist in the framing of such a law as will provide any really prac tical solution of the problem, and that : any law which would compel the A.S.N. Com pany to discontinue the employment of Chinese, to be consistent must prohibit their employment by all public companies and individuals as well. For ourselves we do not see the force of such reasoning. Exceptional restrictive laws with regard to labour aro constantly made in all parts of the British dominions. Take, for instance, the Factories Act, the Employment of Females Act, and other similar statutes. While the employment of young persons and females in factories and hotels is prohibited beyond certain defined hours, the res triction is not made of universal application. But any law which may be passed to deal with the Chinese immigrants should virtually have the effect of disallowing their import ation altogether. It would, as our Sydney contemporary points out, be absurd in the last degree to permit the introduction of Chinese, while prohibiting their employ ment. The instinctive antipathy that exists between a European and a Chinaman may bo well understood from a statement which was made by one of the s>peakers at a public meeting in Sydney. He said : —"They had it on the authority of William Hughes that even dead and decayed dogs were picked up in the Yang tse Kiang and eaten. They liad authority even for this, that the remains of children were picked up and mixed in a common hash. And another speaker is reported to have saidj:—They had sent home a Trickett who had won{ laurels on the Thames, and cricketersjwho had distinguished themselves in England as natives of this country. BHt suppose these Chinamen came into this country, whom should they have in twenty years to send home ? Would it be a Trickett, or a Bannerman, or a Horan ? No, it would be A Chong and Ah Toy. (Laughter,) These Chinese had cursed every land that they had trodden upon. The coming of this race would sever the most endearing of ties. They would be driven out of the country by an inferior people, and they would have to leave the giaves of their fathers and grand fathers, and the dens of these people might be erected on these hallowed spots. Again, the coming of these people was objection able, because they came without any families of their own race. They lived in a most degraded style. If the crimes committed by these people were properly punished, Darlinghurst would not be big enough to hold them." It is mere mockery, an insult to common sense, and a waste of time, to endeavour to convince an Englishman that such men are morally and physically their equals. They will not admit that a Chinaman is " a man and a brother." Such an admission would carry the corrollary that a filthy Chinaman is the equal of our mothers, sisters, and daughters, a conclusion from which the civilised mind revolts. As well admit the Bosjessman, the Hottentof., the Diggeo Indian, to the rights of political and social equality. It will be seen on refer ence to our Wellington telegrams that the Government intend next session to introduce a bill to impose a poll-tax of £20 per head on Chinese, and that the hon. -Mr Stout is expected in his address to his constituents to explain the views of his col leagues in the matter.

The share of the sum of £800 voted by the General Assembly for volunteer prizes has been divided amongst the volunteers of Auckland as follows :—Adults, £7-8 ; ord ance, £12-17; cadets, £6-15 j total £91.

Merv, which the Russians threaten to seize in the event of England permanently annexing any portion of Afghanistan, is a town in Afghanistan, 345 miles south-east of Khiva, on the Caravan Road. It was formerly the capital of many of the Persian Sultans. The surrounding country is very unhealthy. From a military point of view it commands the main roadb to Herat. Mr Gregory, the Captain of the Australian team, during a speech delivered at a banquet in Sydney, said that nearly all the cricketers they met in America were Englishmen. f. J. Moss, Esq., M.H.K., has been ap pointed a Commissioner under the Ormond Military Grants Act. Messrs W. Coleman, Mayor of Parnell, W. Fraser, and J. Mclntosh Roberts, are gazetted as Justices of the Peace.

A woman attempted suicide by jumping off the Queen street wharf near the water men'sstepslastevening. Constable Sampson caught her before she sank, and she was pulled on to the steps. The cause is domestic unhappiness, , A highly-respectable looking man, who is described as having received a collegiate education, is in the hands of the police, charged with the sacrilegious offence of hav ing stolen Bibles from the various churches. Since his arrest it has transpired that several dozen have been abstracted from pews, and in all cases the most handsome volumes were taken, the names of the owners being carefully erased, and the books sold by auction or privately disposed of. There are several Bibles in the hands of the police wanting owners, one a small volume, with coloured illus trations. The name of " Kate" not having been obliterated, any young lady answering to that name, whoean prove ownership, will receive it. Kate should go at once to the police office. Those who have bought Bibles with names so erased are requested to take them to the police office for identifica tion.

At the monthly meeting of the Domain Board Mr Goldie's plan of the new recrea tion ground was laid on the table. It is proposed to set aside a sufficient area to enable three matches to be played at the same time. The ground will also be sheltered by plantations. The secretary was instructed to ascertain the cost ot the proposed work. £35 was voted for repairs to the ranger's house. Complaints are being made in Welling ton respectiug^short weights in tradesmen's shops

Our contemporary is roundly taken to task by the " Bay of Plenty Times," of the sth, which say 3 that "The disgraceful man ner in which all matters referring to Tau rauga are persistently misrepresented by the Auckland "Herald" reflects the utmost discredit upon that otherwise ■well-con ducted journal." The "Herald" also blamed the telegraph operators for some unavoidable delay in the transmission of its messages, with reference to which the " Times" says :—"As a matter of fact, the telegraph clerks have been working like horses ever since the accident occurred, and it seems very hard that they should be written of thus."

By the Southern Cross on Saturday last Mr Watts' eh f Lady Elizabeth, and eh g Repudiator, both three-year olds, arrived to f uliil their engagements here at Christmas. Tin's morning by the Eotorua Mr A. Mac donald's Ariel and Repo arrived, under the charge of Fred. Matliews. They are located at Million's ; whilst Mr Watts' are at Bow man's, near the race-course. Trainers are now bnsy every morning on the course with their respective charges, and from the numbers at work the forthcoming meeting promises to be the most successful ever held under the auspices of the A.R.C. The general entries for the summer meeting of the Auckland Racing Club will close on Friday night at 8 o'clock.

The Commissioner of Railways iv Victoria is making experiments to light the railways with gas, instead of oil. The reservoir iv eacli carriage would carry a supply of gas sufficient to last 36 hours, and it would be less expensive than oil.

The Engineer and City Band will per form in the Albert Barracks Reserve to morrow evening, commencing at 7-30. Programme :—Slow march, " England's Pride," King; overture, flLe Macon," Auber; quadrille, "Princess Louise," God frey; potpourri, "Seaside Echoes," Hare; vafses, " Lille," Strauss ; grand selection, "Don Juan," Mozart; galop, "La Perichole," Coote; God Save the Queen.

Ilev. James Buller, Home Correspondent of the." New ZealandJWesleyan," writes : — We are always happy to meet old friends from the " Britain of the South ;" and this pleasure we often have. Not long ago we were favoured with a visit from the Eev Warlow Davies, M.A., late of Auckland. He and his family have sailed in the Chimborazo for Sydney, where Ihe has accepted a call to the Congregational Church at Newtown. Mr and Mrs Ching, also from Auckland, who for some time had been living close to us, sailed on Monday last in the Hurunui for Lyttelton. On Monday last Mr and Mrs Hunt, from Auckland, dined with us. It is very pleasant to talk of our distant and beloved friends. A fort night since, on taking my seat in the rail way carriage at Ludgate Hill, I observed a young man looking hard at me. As we passed over Blackfriars' Bridge he said, " That is the Thames." I asked him if he were a stranger to London. "I am from New Zealand, he replied. " And so am I," I rejoined. " Oh," he said, " I thought so, you are the Rev Mr Buller ; I have heard you many times in Durham-street." I found his name was Hall, a local preacher among the Prirnith c Methodists. He had been twelve years in New Zealand. God had blessed him. He had come home to see his friends in Cambridgeshire, and intends returning by the same ship in which he voyaged home—the Auckland.

Mr Justice Richmond is rapidly recover ing from an attack of inflammation of the lungs, and will shortly visit the Hot Springs. At the meeting of the Church of England Synod of New South Wales, held on the 3rd inst., the Bishop of Sydney in his opening address said : "I 'have no fear for the future of the Church of England ia this colony so long as its clergy and members are true to those clear and distinctive principles which are laid down in its articles as characteristic of a Reformed Protestant Communion. Doubtless there are some at the present time to whom it appears to be a congenial and attractive occupation to endeavour to bring back the Church to a pre-Reformation state, and to adopt all Romon doctrine save the supremacy of the Bishop of Rome; but they do not appear, nevertheless, to be numerous in this hemisphere, and their opinions meet with very scant approval from the great body of the Church of England in this diocese. For this lam thankful; for, while within certain limits there should be, and is, within the Church of England ample toleration for differences of opinion, yet a limit must be placed somewhere. A property without metes and bounds is open to all trespassers."

About sixty persons attended the meeting of grocers held in the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association last night, Mr Ellyett in the chair. The report showed that sixty-nine employers had agreed to the proposed Saturday half-holiday. The re port was adopted, and it was decided that the canvas be completed, so as to include the suburbs. On the motion of Mr Hewin, seconded by Mr Close, it was agreed that the system of closingat2 p.m. on Saturdays be commenced on the second Saturday in January, and that 3 months' trial be given ; and Messrs Ellyett, Close, Hewin, and Spragg were appointed to carry out the wishes ot the meeting. A vote of thanks having been passed to the Committee for their exertions, the meeting concluded-with a vote of thanks to the chairman. ; .

At a committee meeting of the Harbour Board yesterday it was decided that the' Board would not object to the Borough of Paruell having control of the Parnell fore shore for drainage purposes; but as the Board holds the foreshore under Crown Grant, they will continue to exercise all rights of property.

At the fortnightly meeting.of the ParnelL: Borough Council, there was a discussion on the question of remunerating the Re turning Officer, but no decision was arrived at. The application of the Gas Company' for a sum of £25 8s 7d, for lovyering and relaying pipes, was postponed until next meeting. The resignation of the auditors were accepted. £10 was granted to the contractors on the Avenue Road. The sum of £30 per annum was voted to Mr Keynolds, Town Clerk, as valuator of the Borough. Mr Strange moved for returns in connection wiih cer tain payments for sevices to the professional surveyor, and the Town Clerk was instructed to prepare the information required. It was also agreed that a return should be prepared showing the total cost of all improvements in Parnell Borough, included in Mr Peach's contract.

A cable message of December Ist says : — It is reported, that negotiations are proceed ing between the Porte and the British Go vernment for the conclusion of anew Anglo- Turkish Convention, ■with the object of ensuring to England greater influence, and the right of intervention in regard to Turkish affairs.

Nearly a hundred cabmen at Melbourne were summoned for overloading their vehicles on the Cup day.

Mr Buckland's sale of valuable freehold land at Ellerslie, the property of Mr Robert Graham, which was announced for to morrow, has been unavoidably postponed until Wednesday next, the 17th inst., when the property will positively be sold.

The anti-ChiiiPse agitation at Brisbane culminated in a serious riot. When the steamer Bormerang arrived there were 1,500 persons on the wharf, who hooted the Chinese and threatened violence. The Mongolians retreated below decks, and the vessel put into the stream. Meautime the police were called out and special constables sworn in, and under their protection the vessel was sub sequently unloaded.

One of tlie memorable Six Hundred who charged the Russians at the battle of Bala clava has just been released from Pentridge Stockade,'where he had been imprisoned in default of bail.

The Volunteer Artillery Corps of _ the colony have been formed into an adminis trative battalion of ten batteries, under the following designations : — Auckland, A ; Dunediii, B ; Timaru, C ; Wellington, D ; Christchurch, E ; Napier, F; luvercargill, G ; Nelson, H ; Oamaru, I; Cook County, J.

Dr. Kenealy is said to have received his first two briefs from Mr Mansford, now E.M. at Wellington, who was at that time a solicitor in Shropshire.

The traffic returns of the Kaipara railway for the four weeks ending 19th October show a total of 1,046 passengers, as com pared with 661 for the corresponding period of 1877. The goods conveyed over the line amounted to 604 tons against 493 ; and the receipts were £341 6s 7d, against £290 17s 9d for the corresponding. quarter of the previous year. On the Auckland section, the figures, for the same periods of 1878 arid 1877 respectively, were : passengers, 16,925, and 7,815; tons, .4,179, as compared with 4,756; revenue, £3,657 15s Sd, against £2,679 3s Id The total length of railways open on the 19th October last was 1,068 miles, four-weekly, receipts, £47,026!; total receipts to date, £180,036 ; total expendi ture to date, £137 3 355.

A miner named Martin Euright, whose family is in Otago, was recently killed by a fall of earth at Mudgee.

We have received the " Words of Grace Almanac for 1879," published in Sydney.

The Hobson Band's moonlight excursion takes place this evening, leaving the North Shore Ferry Company's tee, Queen-street Wharf, at 7.30; and after a spin down the river, will land at Allison's strawberry gardens for half-an-hour. The moon being full, a most pleasant evening's outing may be anticipated. We recommend all ticket holders to be punctual, as only a limited number have been issued. The band will muster at the firebell, Grey-street, at seven o'clock.

The Ponsonby Rowing Club will hold a special meeting in the Club Room at 7 30 o'clock this evening.

A meeting of the congregation of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church is convened to be held in the Ponsonby Hall at 7 o'clock to-morrow even ing.

A meeting of the Scottish Volunteers, on busi ness of importance, will be held immediately after the parade this evening.

The Hobson band will go on a select moonlight excursion this evening.

A bazaar and gift auction in aid of Trinity Church Parsonage Fund will commence in the Devanport Hall on Thursday afternoon. The ladies of the North Shore are working moat energetically to secure the Buccess of the affair.

THEATRE ROYAL.

The " School for Scandal" last night attracted a large audience. The dress-circle was unusually brilliant. Mr Hoskins played " Charles Surface " with his customary raciness and effect, making every point tell. Mr Musgi-ave as "Sir Peter Teazle" was irresistible, and kept the house in a continual roar. The less said of Miss Golville's " Lady Teazle " the better. Her impersonation was a disappointment after the charming repre sentation of the vivacious '"Mrs Ormsby" on Saturday evening, is o doubt she will appear to greater advantage in the favourite role of " Mrs Oakley,"in "The Jealous Wife," to-night. Mr Steele played " Joseph Surface " with care and good i udgraent. The other members of the Company were also well suited with parts, and sustained the tone and character of this- un rivalled comedy. Mr Hoskins was twice called before the footlights. " THE JEALOUS WIFE" AND " COOL AS A CUCUMBhJt." To-night another of those flrst-class bills, with which Mr. Hoskina' name has become insepar ably associated in the mindß of Auckland play goers, has been prepared,.and will, no doubt, attract a large concourse of admirers.

Arrival of the Arawata.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS,

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

[Press Agency.]:

BLUFF, this day. MELBOURNE'December 5. Mr Berry leaves on the Embassy at the end of the month.

The Commissioner of Public Works, speaking the other night, said Black Wednesday was the most glorious day the sun ever shone On in the colony.

The Contagious Disease Act, passed by Parlia ment has been assented to by the Governor. It has transpired that the vacant Judgeship has been offered to Mr Higinbotham, and declined. ' :

The fine of £500 imposed on David and <£S0 on Ireland, in the embracery case, has been paid by both prisoners, who were confined in the Melbourne Gaol.

The celebrated stallion Panic died on Satur day.

There is nothing further about the bush rangers, and all traces of them appear to be lost. The police found the horses of the murdered men and some charred remains and saddles, but nothing was seen or heard of Kelly's gang. Lord Harris's team of Gentlemen Cricketers have arrived at Adelaide, and play there on Thursday week, the same day as the Australian Kleven play Melbourne.

Anew steel paddle-wheel steamer, to carry 1,000 passengers, is to be built for the Bay trade. , The seamen's strike in Sydney is causing some inconvenience, as few of the boats of the A.S.N. Co. are now running. Kust i 3 prevalent in many parta of the colony, and there is every prospect of a hot summer.

THE SOUTHMINSTER INQUIRY.

OFFICEES' CERTIFICATES RE-

TURNED.

WELLINGTON, this day. r , . Judgment was given this inorning in the Soutkminster inquiry.'1 The Court held that the loss of the ship was attributable to the set of a flood tide on a coast, of which the master had no and regarding which iappears-anoteohthe'Aclmiralty chart stating that there is'nojtide;, "The Court thoxight the ship might" Have been saved. The anchor was let go in 25 fathomg, but with the offing-the > ship hadi and the wind, the master was justified in keep ing ■ his course, which would have carried him clear, but for adverse circum stances^ The Court also thought all diae precaution and diligence was exercised, by

*the master, who was on +1, j * '—^S» wJfole .an,', from tSfcfeck^f circumstances, the Court T, WR&.v the certificates of the mLt n^ coLf 6 ■■ should be retained. SfandHis^Jt the attention of the P? °Utfc diS r? incorrect information (accorT^Sft Eraser's evidence) in the P l sto5 to it f : vu Hoty

CABLEGRAMS.

TO-DAY'S _DESPATCHE S (SPECIAL TOTHB "^ (FROM OUR SPECIAL rrnJ' CORRMPONm^Os FAIAUBEOFW^ENGLANDBANK Plight oftte Ameer. LONDON, Dec^v The West of England and S^ Bank has failed. The capital was a million ■ sterlin'; the bank had forty-t™ branch t * manufacturing and mining districts * The liabilities are unstated -1 pected to be heavy. " ' . c*- It is reported that the Ameer L ;„ , Turkestan. *" fled to [REUTEB'S TELEGAA3IS.] THE AMEER REPOBTEI) NOK EST THE AMEER DESIRES TO SUB MII London, December q It js reported that Shere Ali has fieri Calcutta, December 8, Si A conciliatory reply to the nlKm I 8 ' the Viceroy hasi been receivedl ■ tKT1 * professes a previous written subraiasft dS^ilfM^i^^^Si The West of R-S^l^^ District Bank has failed. The-Kb 1 are unknown. "aouities

AUSTRALIAN CABLEGRAMS

{FROM OUR OWF CORRESPOND^

NEW GOVERNOR FOUnfw ZEALAND. ■-.

[SPECIAL TO "STAR."]

SYDNEY.

This day Sir Hercules Robinson, Goranotof New South Wales, has accepld the Governorship of New Zealand :■'

PHOENIX GOLDMINING COMPANY.

Thebe was a quorum of shareholders presents the extraordinary meeting of thePhcenkM mining Company to-day, when the: resolS that tne Company be wound up, passed at» Mr Williamson occupied the chair. ™™M-

THE EARLY CLOSING MOVEMENT.

(To the Editor of the Stab.)" Sir,—The question is, if the grocers appre ciate such benefits, and are convinced no loss results, why not the drapers? /VWly not the 'shoemakers, &c. ? Let each ofthese trades put forward their claims toparticipate in these advantages. lam quite sure the physical results to our young men would soon be apparent; and if we wish to main, tain the stamina of our race let us give them an opportunity of strengthening .their physique by a half-day's out r door exercise, and that the Sabbath may be devoted to its appropriate design. De pend upon.it, if the grocers steadily man tain their holiday it will not be worth while for the drapers to keep open; and then the shoe shops and others will speedily follow, so that, nothing but perishable articles will be obtainable on Saturday. ■ evenings. Wednesday afternoon has been mooted,1 bat too many breaks in business does not pay, and the Sunday following the Saturday secures the requisite rest for the body. I would press upon employers and employed the great desirability of following the ex ample so nobly set by the grocers of thiscity, who, though they have nomially limited itto three months, statedlaat eveningtheyhadno present intention of discontinuing it. If the shops are closed the payment of wages on Fridays will necessarily 7 follow, ;as labourers, mechanics, &c, will sou'cit tor themselves Friday payment. Althoughthese should be assisted, I am'a-waresuchastep involves a commercial revolution on a small scale ; but the advantages are so obvioaa sis. to need no further advocacy from me, I am aware something has been done.: Let it be vigorously and respectfully .followed up, without a semblance of. coersion or inn mation. Of course, all the suburbs must necessarily join in the movement, or it cannot bo done. Call a meeting at once ol employers and employe's.—Early Closes.

LATER AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Per Mail Stkabief.]

QUEENSLAND. News comes from Mackay to the: effect that Kenton's log states that aseaman named Jas. Martin, belonging to the brig Heatbet Belle, of Sydney, was killed on Nov. i, audthat the Mystery party was Mailed on November 9. Captain Inman sailed along the shore and landed, but failed tt» recover any traces. .. . , ,« Advices from the " Queenslanders Trans-Continental expedition to IW September report :—The direct nortfl ■west course for the proposed, raiiw is, «o far, very easy of /construction, but there was a long stretch of MOT badly watered. The party had to dig » water at several camps.

THE GREAT GLOVE ENCOUNTER.

At Thompson's Athletic Djp'JSg'S there was a great Icrowd to witnew <M g"^ glove encounter between Peter NewjSL. . Melbourne, against Laurence Fpley.or.W^ the latter laying two hundred to one [^^ against Newton. These men «e^Jfoi light weight champions of tte two cpw^ and are very equally matched. | oiw J? OB 27 years, weight lOst., height sft; Bim. is aged 23, weight 9st 81b, height SUW- f affair was conducted according to. ">e?W the ring. The combatants were. S&XsL -grf Newton by Abo Hicken and Ned V®%s- Foley by John Thompsonand, Sam £ # When the men entered the al or dB. dressed the audience in a, -tern and informed them that Jo^Sk were extensively patronised in^y^, and that when fairly conducted Ha contended it should be, so farL^MSW oerned, the same in the colony; of Y lCStiier added that if the public kept tHeirEe"^ would see a scientific glove, contest t £ uV en aiiig were any unseemly interlupnon, me, n^o*" l persons would be turned out. £JI At^ bookmaker consented to act as referee-* ■.$) minutes to 9, amidst intense exciW\ e « fight commenced. The first three row closely fought, but at the four"/ to ele^ men fought withyigou^andf emf W $ B ttu| thesi>ect?tors. Newton's leftrepeatpuw Foley's right eye. but receive^ »^. on left ear. antil close, .^ter^ g^ the seconds separatedJ f £tha . co^^ra who were carried to J'^~ in msxo, A great'deal of science was round, and up to the thirteenth ronaa^^ ing was severe and sharp. A* H^Zi. FroiJ Newton was knocked clean off men this, to the twenty-seventn WWh, a fought severely, repeatedly carried to their corners. A*^ Sthe ri»R.K the partizans of the men; rT^l^,,^! B p)tiß were put oat. About an hour.eg W t 4 37th round, Foley. foroing this round his right opticjfcpwed sjm^ ft the early-closinsr m^^^loßeiFol6^ wt oppooentSbegan to take advantage ?aajit&3 ever,fought onwithtodomtobte^ bo^M his hits were rather Qpefliandea^n^raf* appeared to be

EVENING SlAlt, TUESDAY. DECEMBER 10



THE NEW ZEALAND LAND, AND " LOAN COMPANY;,^LIMITED): '•> •.vo,-;.' The Share List for New Zealand will be closed on 7th December, 1878. ~ i . j Prospectuses and Forms of Application for Shares may be had at the Branches of the Bank of Australasia, or from the Secretary, at the offices of the Company, where the Memorandum ai:d Articles of Association may be seen. By order. W. SIEVWRIGHT, Secretary. Lloyd's Rooms, Wellington, 20thNovember, 1878,



TVTORTH BRITISH AND MERCAN :i^ TILIS INSUHANCK COMP 4 iNY. LONDON AND EDINBURGH. KSTABLISHKD ISO 9. Incorporated by Koyal Charter. Capital .. 7. ~ ~ ..£2,000,000 Rtser^eFund:: " -- ■■ „ - 1.082,768 Income of the Fire Department, Net Premiums and Interest, 1877 -. ~ 916,616 President: Hlfl Grace the Duke of Roxburghe, K.T. V iok-Presidents : Hia Grace the Duke of Sutherland, K.G.; Hifl Grace the Duke of Abercorn, K.G. EXTRAORDINABY DIREOTOBS: Right Hon. the Earl of Airlie, Right Hon. the Earl of Strathmore, Right 11 on. Sir James Fer gusson, of Kilkerran, Bart., Sir Matthew White Ridley. Bart., Right Hon. the Earl of Elgin, Right Hon. Lord Wolverton, Sir Walter James, Bart., Sir John Maiorbanks, of Lees, Bart., Sir Robert Hay, of Haystoun, Bart., David Mahony, Esq., Dublin. GENERAL COURT OF DIRECTORS. Chairman : Right Hon. Lord Lawrence, G.C.8., G.C.5.1., and P.C. Fire Risks taken on buildings and property in tho Provincial District of Auckland at lowest ■RATES H Losses promptly and liberally aealt'-with. SHERA BROS., AGENTS, IQUEEN-STRKET. /GREATEST "VARIETY of BEDSTEADS \3T in Auckland. Greatest Variety of BEDROOM Furniture Greatest Variety of Drawing-room Suites Greatest Variety of Dining-room Suites Greatest Variety of CARPETS Greatest Variety of FLOORCLOTHS CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE. Holloway, Garlick & Oranwell Have for Sale— or A 3EDSTEADS, the Handsomest in OOV Auckland. Iron, Kauri. Cedar, Rimu, and Mottled Kauri, Half Tester anfi French in all sizes. Stump and Stret chers, Wood and Iron Cots, Folding and Rocking Cots. m ROLLS of CARPET to select from Brussels, Tapestry, Velvet Pile, Kid derminster, Felt. Duch, Jute, and Stair Carpets; Hearth Rugs; Mat tings, various kinds 1 ftf\(\ CHAIRS, comprising American, 1 {JyJKf English, Austrian Bent Wood, Itahan, and Colonial, to suit all classes. Wholesale and Retail. QAfb TOILET GLASSES. Very handsome OVJyJ ones just opened; also, a large lot of Chimney Glasses, Walnut, Gilt, and Ebouized Frames. Aft CHESTS DRAWERS in various woods and styles. KA WASHSTANDS & TOILET TABLES, ** w various designs. QA SETS TOILI2T WARE, some very O" choice. BEDDING of all lands BLANKETS, QUILTS, SHEETS, &o. AOK PAIR WHITE CURTAINS, Lace, <±&O L en o, Aplique. &c. MANCHESTER DRATKUY GOODS CLOTHING, &C. Book Catalogues sent Post Free. Holloway, Garlick and Cranwell, CITY HALL ARCADtt, QUEEN AND LOHNE-STREETS, Auckland. r\ N SALE, AT THE Stores of the Undersigned : 1 two - horse mower and corn- BINDER MACHINE 1 No. 2 TAUNTON HAY-MAKER 1 No. 27 HORSE-RAKE 1 N.S.D. CHAFF-CUTTER 1 FAN MILL, for L Winnowing Seeds. The above Machines are well worth inspection. W. J. HURST & CO., 101. Queen-street. 50,000 YAKDS °* DRESS MATERIALS tar T O B E SOLD CHEAP. 10,000 YARDS OF PLAIN LUSTRES #3- TO BE SOLD CHEAP. BL Atkins Invites Inspection .'of his NEW SPRING AND SUMMER DRESS MATERIALS. The Stock thia Season is an immense one, of thr greatest variety, and the prices the lowest n the City. H.A. has alsojust received ex 'Lebu' to hia own order, a Very Largs Stock of BLACK SHjKS, same as always kept in Stock. These can be specially recommended. They always wear well, and give great! satisfaction. Also, COLOURED SlLKS—a'splendid assortment in all the nw. Colors. ;p. Also, JUST OPENED, A Cotnoleta Sbock of Long Curtains, Quilt Table Linen, Sheetings, Blankets, Calicos, and Manchester Goods. IN THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT (A Very Heavy Stori-)i SPLENDID VALUE of News flits,' Coats, Trowsers and Vests, Trowsers, &c. SPECIAL LINES in Galatea and Paget Coats, in Blue and Black Cloth, Worsted •.Coatings, Diagonal Tweed, &c, See, &c. The STOCK of Boy's and Youth's Clothing is very large this Season, and of good value. THE LARGEST STOCK OF TWEEDS IN THE COLONY. Tailors Supplied at Wholesale Prices. GOOD TWEED, for Boy's Wear, from Is lid per yard. H. A T X INS. TT-rEMPTHORNE, PROSSER & CO.'S •NEW ZEALAND DRUG COMPANY hi /:-; ';/<■ . (LIMITED). • Application for Shares will be received until SATURDAY, 21st December, at the office of MR. A. SAUNDERS, 2, Insurance Buildings, Auckland.



IJFURNITURE—For the Drawingroom BJ Dining-room, Library, Bo room, or Kitchen, on Sale at 1' & H. COOKE'S. /CARPETS—lncluding Brussels, lapes \J try, Kidderminster, Stair Felt, and Dutch, on Sale 1 & H. COOKK'S. lINOLEUM and Floorcloths, all widths, J Bath Mats, in Linoleur and Floorcloth, on Sale at T & H. COOKE'S. O EARTH RUGS, Door Mats, plain and Si. wool bordered, Matting, Wool Mats, Bed-side Rugs, on Sale at T. & H. COOKE'S. f RON BEDSTEADS. — French, Half i! Tester, Stump and FoldinK; Iron Cots, all sizes, W^od Bedsteads and Wood Cots, on Sale at T, & H. COOKE'S. BEDDING.— Hair, Wool, Spring, Cocoa Fibre, and Flax Mattresses, Feather Beds, Bolsters and Pil lows, on Sale at T. & H. COOKE'S. f^i LASSES.—Ghimney Glasses, in Gilt, VJ Walnut, and Maple Frames, Toi let Glasses Toiletware, Cano- Beated Chairs, In great variety, on gs® Sale at T. & H. COOKE'S. F RICES.—As we import direct from the English Manufacturers, we are able to sell all imported goods as low as any house in town; and, employing steam power in our Factory, are enabled to offer articles of local manufacture at a very moderate rate. T. & H. Oooke's FURNITURE and OAHPItT WARKHOU B 87. QUKEN-STRKKT. THE MANCHESTER FIRE ASSURANCE COMPANY. Established 1821. CAPITAL ONE MILLION STERLING. REVENUE. 1855 £49,762 1865 91,558 1875 196,720 1876 .. .. .. .. 224,014 1877 265,993 FIRE RISKS on all Insurable Property taken at Lowest Rates of Premium. N.B.—All Losses will be paid here with liber ality and despatoh. Agent for tho Provincial District and City of Auckland. JOHN R. RANDERSON, No. 5, Insurance Buildings, Queen-street. /TIOLONIAL INSURANCE COMPANY \y OF NEW ZEALAND. FIRE AND MARINE. Capital £2,000,000 HEAD OFFICE-WELLINGTON. NOTICE TO INSURERS. At the expiration o£ the first Financial Period Of the Company the Director-) will oiFer to persons who have insured with the Company , the right of taking up at par ono of the unalloted ' shares for every £1 of premium paid by them whether for fire or marine ris>ks. GKO. S. GRAHAM. General Manager. IVTATIONAL INSURANCE COM PANY OF NEW ZEALAND. Capital •• £1,000,000. unlimited liability. FIRE AND MARINE RISKS, of every description accepted on the most favourable terms. All funds invested in the colony. HENRY B WILLIAMS, » Mana er. ~T X I N A H U X V «* GRAND SHOW OF SUMMER DRESS GOODS! New Summer Washing Fabllc Fashionable Millinery Summer Hats Ladieß' Costuwe Girls' Costumes Maids' Costn>«* Ladies' and Children's Underclifeing Black and Coloured Uilks New Shades in Lustres Snowflake DroBS Goods Frilling*, Silk Ties Gloves, Umbrellas Linen Collars and Cuffs . Prints 1 Prints! Manchester Goods Fancy Goods Millinery, Trimmings &c, &c, See. AN INSPECTION INVITED. A, LINABURY & CO. '8, • 204 & 206, qukkn-stfucet. Auckland, rpiIORNTON SMITH, AND FIRTH'S JL PRICES CURRENT (Wholesale) Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. 50'a Brown Brand Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. £ b. d. porton 14 0 0 14 10 0 15 0 0 T.S.&F. Canterbury Brand 11 0 0 11 10 0 12 0 0 Sharps C 10 0 Bran 6 10 0 Fowl Wheat .. .. 4s. 6a. per bushel. The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terras: Cash. Auokland, 25th November, 1878,