SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HltxH WATISU-|This Afternooti, 8.3 „„„ _,_,_ ' to-morrow Morning. 8.25 SUN SBT.— This Sveninsf, 6.8 ,I^J ? r^!':--TQ-iio"row Morninflr, 6.7 \TOON P. .vniC. -Last quarter, 26th, 4.29 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

wanaka, s.s., McGillivray, from Russell Rowe.na, s.s., from Tauranga and Mercury Bay Mind Graham, schooner, Johnson, from Lyttel ton (in the Manukau) Miuaehaha, schooner. Rinks, from Oamaru Jo33pliine, schooner, McConnellv, from Lyttel ton (in tho Manukan)

DEPARTURES.

Kotorua. s.s., for the South Pretty Jan«, s.s,, Eccles, for Napier Argyle, s.s.. stephenson, for Wangarei and ulangapai Nymphe, H.M.B,'. for Thames Syren, brig, McGec, for Kaipara Taiaroa, s.s., for the South

EXPORTS.

_ Per Elizabeth Conway for Napier : bo tons railway iron, So/.00 shingles.

ENTERED INWARDS.

Adah, ketch, from Thames, in ballast.'

ENTERED OUTWARDS.

Lady of the Lake, ketch, for Oamaru, in ballast Rover, schooner, withiooa feet limber, 5 tons flour, iloo bricks, 30 drain pipes, 2 tons sugar, 3 horses, 2 tons sundries. Ruby, schooner, for Russell, in balast. Mana,_ cutter for Tairua, with general cargo of groceries, etc. Janet, cutter, for Tairua, with 103 bags lime, 8,000 bricks.

The Schooner Elizabeth has 'completed her loading, and cleared at the Customs to-day for Napier, with a cargo of railvray iron and shingles. She will leave tin ening. There was a good display of bnnting on tne vessels in harbour to-day in honor of the marriage of Mr. A. Nathae to Miss Davis.

g&H.M.S. Nymphe siiled shortly after 10 o'clock this morning- for the Thames, with the Governor, Native Minister, and Colonial Secretary, The s.s. Rowena leaves this evening for Tauranga and Mercury Bay.

Tenders are required for conveying- ioo tons builders materials to Napier.

The s.s. Wanaka, Captain McGrillivary, left RuSSell at 4 p.m. yesterday evening ; arrived in harbour at 9/30 this morning. Passengers :—Mr. and Airs. Wilkinson. Mrs. Heston, Misses Binstead and Higgins, Messrs. Foid, Broderic, Doer, Macfarlane, E. Horatere, Wilkinson, EHis, Fago, one Maori prisoner, and 9 for he South. •'

The Tongariro will leave for the Thames to morrow at 11 a.m., and. not 12 noon as announced on first page.

Messrs Cruickshank and Co. have received a cablegram stating that tho s.s. Hero will leave Melbourne on Saturday, the 23rd inst.

s|The schooner AVilliam and Julia entered outwards at he Customs yesterday for Guam, and will commence loading at once. The schooner Circe, from Kaipara, and the Lason, from AVangapoua, arrived at Lyttelton yesterday.

The schooner Maud Graham arrived ia the Manukau fiom Lyttelton yesterday.

TThe s.s. Pretty Jane left last evening for Napier, with a general cargo of merchandise. The barque Bella Mary is at present on her way from Hobartown to this port.

The brigantine Ethel is to load for Auckland,

The s.s. Argyle sailed for Whangarei and Manga pai withe the following passengers :—Mesdames Fraser, Kilpatrick, Harris, Carruth, Misses McKe'nzie (2), Mr, and Mrs. ferter, Mr. and M--,. Wren, Messrs Aubrey, McDonald (2), Brown, BedU^ton, and five steerage. The schooner Mary Conway has almost completed taking in her cargo of railway iron, and she will sail for Napier immediately.

The s.s. Rotorua left last evening for Napier and Southern ports with a general cargo and the following passengers : —Mr. and Mrs, Damely and 2 children, Mr. and Mrs. Boardman, Mrs. Smart and 3 sons, Mrs. Little and 3 children, Mrs Streel, Mr. and Mrs. James, Major Paton, Inspector Shearman, Messrs. Smythe, Turner, Laird, Hart, Lewis, Brown, Wilson, Nelson, Studhelme, Weidner, 9 steerage, and original from Sydney.

The time occupied by the second trip of the Tonga riro to the Thames, which took place yesterday, was shrs. 15mm. Thirty minutes was lost in priming.

The s.s. Rowena arrived last evening from Tauranga and Mercury Bay with a cargo consisting of 140 aacks maize, 10 -> sacks wheat, 35 sacks sacks potatoes, and the following passengers :—Mr. and Mrs. Hunter, Mrs. Brown aud son, Misses Home and Earle, Messrs. Donnelly, Cooper, Gregory, Whitehead, Howard, Douglas, Yv'arbrick, and Bell.

The schooner Josephine arrived in the Manukau from Oamaru on Monday night with 1,000 sacks wheat.

The brig Syren, Captain McGee, left for Kaipara early this morning, with a'cargo consisting of 15 coils rope, 14 casks cement, 83 pieces iron, and sundries, ' .

The schooner Minniehaha arrived in harbour yeter lay afternoon from Oamaru, with a cargo of grain a d produce, consisting of 720 sacks wheat, 428 sacks )ats, 120 sacks oatmeal.

A movement is on foot to make a suitable presentation to Capta Logan, on occasion of the next'l trip of the Hero froir Auckland, which will complete the hundred. During the time the Hero has traded between Auck land, Sydney, and Melbourne, she has always given the greatest satisfaction, both to the passengers and shippers an consignees of goods. To Captain Logan, therefore, is in a great measure due the success of the vessel, and we have no doubt but that our merchants •* will come forward liberally, and make the presentation one worthy the occasion.

The s.s. Taiaroa left the Manukau for Taranaki and Southern ports this morning. She takes the following passengers: Rev Mr and Mrs West brooke and family, Mr and Mrs Hodge, Judge and Mi-s Richmond, Mrs and Miss Courtney, Mrs and Mias Be3t, Mr and Miss Ord, Mrs Bennett. Mrs Carter, Miss Waters, Messrs. Pugh, Kelly, Bowen, Piteaira, Shera, Walker, Potter, Wrey, Andrew, Willeocks, Beaumont, Mountful, Townsend (2), Buttle, Norman, Davis, Brame, Gregory, and 4 natives.

BIRTH.

LOCKHART.—On the 18th March, at Otahuhu, the wife of William Lockhart of a daughter, both doing well.

MARRIAGE.

LUDLOW— SANDYS.—On March 19th, at the Bishop's Private Chapel, Parcell, by the Right Rev. Bishop of Auckland, Edmund Eiuilius Parsons Ludlow, only son of Captain Ludlow, late Bengal Native Infantry, of Inverness Te'race, Hyde Park, to .&jinie Hariott, daughter of the late Edwin Sandys. Esq.., Bengal Civil Service.

CLAYTON—COTTINGHAM.—At the Congre gational Church, Beresford-street. on March 12th, by the Rev. J. Robertson, M.A., Henry Richard, eldest son of the late Richard Clay ton, Esq., Wickford, Tasmania, to Louisa eldest daughter of Mr. W. Cottiugham, New ton, Auckland, and grand-daughter of the late John Cottingham, Esq., Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1878.

V-c: 'j.z \T^u,' that r.c.:<U s-:ii:.tS-'-:'-'«. ••"--. IUO iut-.r/- in lie dU*»crj.

Just as the paper Avas being prepared for press, avg received a batcli of most impor tant cable messages, which Avill be found in another column. Everything is indicative of a great European Avar. The tenor of the desrmtches indicates the existence of certain

conditions to the treaty of peace (possibly secret conditions) which England and

Austria are resolved to resist,

Long reports and telegrams have crowded out leading matter and correspondence to day. We Avould draw special attention to the successful proceedings at the opening of the WorkingJVTeri's Club, and have much pleasure in adding our congratulations to those which were freely and deservedly bestowed by the influential speakers who addressed the meeting last night.

A report of the Newmarket meeting with reference to the Counties Act last night, also the scores in the Epsom v. Papakura cricket match, a letter from Mr R. B. Lusk on Parnell Assessment, and an account of the attack on tae New Guinea mission station appear on our fourth page to-day.

The Press Agency gives currency to the fol lowingextraordinary telegram from Kuinara: "Father Henuebery, since his arrival at the West Coast, has denounced marriages between Catholics and Protestants as adul tery, the result being the separation of families and much domestic misery. He was strongly criticised by the " Kumara Times," aud he retorted by a personal attack on the editor, who has commenced an action of damages for £1000. Mo.st Catholics have withdrawn their subscription from the " Times," aud the Protestants have doubled and trebled their subscriptions. It is fearod that sectarian difficulties may take place, as the Catholics arc being incited from the pulpit." Before making any comment upon this report, we shall await its continuation. It seems incredible to us that even a priest given to such intemperate language as Father Henuebery could be guilty of so gross an outrage upon the hundreds ot of respectable men and women who, with the sanction of the Roman Catholic Church itself, have become united in the honorable bonds of wedlock. The statement is not only a libel on those who were parties to such unions, but amounts to a charge of com plicity in adultery against the clergymen who have celebrated marriages of the kind —and hundreds have been celebrated in this city alone. That Father Hennebery's visit to the West Coast may have been the means of stirring up unhappy religious differences between Catholics and Protestants who before formed part of a united and friendly community, is not improbable ; for, un happily, such differences have arisen there before. The violent character of some of his denunciations, although, perhaps, harmless, with reference to intelligent Catholics and Protestants, are apt to excite the ire of the ignorant and bigotted of both sections. It is only fair, however, to believe for the present that tiie telegram has come from a biassed source, and that when avc hear what was actually said, .it will be found that the form in which it has beea telegraphed is very much exaggerated.

Mr Charles Bright, the Free Thought lecturer, in endeavouring to estaolish a Lyceum at Diinedin for the instruction (query : destruction) of the young in Free Thought doctrines. He has now introduced a band auu operatic wejfictions during the intervals, of his lectures. VVJjat next '! Per haps the Can-can. At about 8 o'clock last evening, a lad named Thomas Evans, of Chapel-street, met with a sad accident on the wharf, by which his arm was broken. The lad, with others, was playing at see saw on a piece of timber, when he fell over, and his arm bent under him, causing the accident. His screams frightened his playmates, and the boy was taken to the shup of MrAicken, chemist, of Queen-street, who recommended his removal to the hos* pital, where the bone was set by Dr Aicken and the boy sent back to his father's resi dence in Chapel-street. He is doing as well us can bi3 expected.

The Newmarket Slaughterhouse question has culminated in a way which anyone without the gift of prophecy could have foreseen—it has driven some one mad. The some one in this case is a woman—or rather a lady—who is described as walking about in silk attire, mystic, wonderful, and with gloves of marvellous whiteness. This unfortunate female was yesterday travelling to and fro, and going up and down in the land of Newmarket, inveighing against the wickedness of the sinners whe desire to close the slaughterhouse there, and lauding its odoriferous and health-giving atmos phere in the highest terms. Who she is and wlience, are alike .shrouded in mystery; but she has created no small sensation; amongst the Knights of the Clearer, like that famous duchess of Devonshire/ who went about kissing the butchers in order to induce them to vcte for Fox; Aftel' all,, a well-dressed aud well-favoured young lady in silks and white gloves is a far more welcome canvasser than a"naVed party of the Saircy Gamp type, raiding around £pr J .,,sub- ;i scriptions in aid of the Bosjessmen, aud emphasising her charitable objurations with « gingham umbrella.

It is thought by Mr Howard that only 270 of the ova packed by Mr Buckland are likely to be hatched out.

The Native Minister has undertaken that no further actioir shall be taken in refer ence to tho Mount Kden Pond, without giving notice taithe Chairman of the Karau gahape aud adjoining districts.

The Ponsonby Baptist school anniversary was held last evening ; a plentiful tea was supplied, and a good entertainment after wards. Upwards of two hundred persons sat down to partake of the feast provided by the lady members of the Baptist Church; viz.: Mesdames Hollo way, Dunnett, James, Edwards, Bigelow, Gage, Fairchild, E. Brown, Owen, and Miss Edmiston. Rev Mr Hinton, of the Thames, presided at the entertainment. Mr Holloway, the secre tary, read the annual report, Avhich shewed an average attendance of 50 scholars and 11 teachers. The balance sheet, presented by Mr G. W. Owen, was favorable, with a small balance in hand. Speeches of a hopeful and suitable character were delivered by Revs Taylor, Runciman, Dutton, and Messrs Lavkins and Ewington. A select choir assisted with a number of Moody and Saukey's popular hymns, Mr W. Baxter juu. assisting on the har monium. The proceedings were of a pleasing character, and closed with votes of thanks to the ladies, the vocalists, the speakers, and the Chairman.

The entiies for the Easter Handicap, Autumn Handicap, and Steeplechase close on Friday.

A mis-statement accidently appeared in Mr Hubert Oram's advertisement; instead of the Prince Arthur Hotel being situated at the corner of Victoria-street; it should have been, corner of Hobson and Wellesley streets.

A concert will take place in the Town Hall, Cambridge, on Easter Monday, the 23rd of April, in aid of the Roman Catholic Church. An excellent programme is being prepared.

The London correspondent of the " Western Morning News" writes :—" One of the most interesting autographs I have over heard of—one that would be worth its weight in bank notes— belonged to the late Emperor Napoleon, and most deeply con cerned this country, It was a letter from Nana Sahib to the Emperor offering to make him master of India if he would declare war against England.' This letter Napoleon kept as a curiosity among his papers at the Tuilleries, and 1 presume it was destroyed by the Communists. But what a lesson it should be for the pamemongers. At that date Napoleon was tho bete noire of the alarmists, justasAlexanderisnow. Tempted to make Avar upon us at a time of our sore distress, he answered the tempter by allow ing our troops a free passage through France on their way to India.

The following advertisers are requested to call for their letters:—" C. C," " Russell,"

Map of Auckland," "W. W.," " B. G.," 'R.,""A. M. R.," "Cutter," "A. X.," "S. Q.," "S. X.," "N.," "Fritz," "T. Preuss," "X., Box 37.," "N. Z.," "Y.," "M. J.," "Meta," "Nemo,". US. ft." "Solicitor," "Comet," "A. B. C," "X. V.," "W. B." A meeting of the, Eden County Council to distribute funds and consider the question of adopting the Counties Act, will beheld this evening. Mr Allan K. Taylor, Chairman of the Eden County Council, Availed upon the Native and Defence Minister (.-yesterday, for the purpose of ascertaining the amount due from the gCoidnial Government to the Eden Council. Mr Taylor said that the return represented the sum of £4,000, as due to the Council, but nothing was 'stated as to deductions for various purposes from that amount. The Council were desirous that Government Avould ftupply the exact iuformation to date. The Native and Defence Minister promised Mr Taylor that he would telegraph at once to Wellington with instructions for the information to be made up aud returned as requested.

A large addition of new books has been made to the circulating library of tho Young Men's Christian Association, and some of these Avill be read with avidity, especially " Sir Gilbert Leigh", by Mr Rees, late of Auckland, recently reviewed in the Star ; the " Life of Commodore Goodenough" ; the " Life of Dr Guthrie" ; and " Nelson's Causeand Cure foi Infidelity," a prize essay, Avhich had a large number of readers on its first appearance twenty years ago.

The Premier has addressed meetings at Woodstone, Kaiapoi, and Ashburton, and was Avell received at each. At Kaiapoi he said, " Perhaps, in selecting this aud some other of his colleagues, lie had given offence to many because he had travelled out of the old beaten path of politicians ; but he rejoiced to see new blood brought into the Ministry. Again, he wan in the decline of life, and it behoved him, if he believed hcav times were comiug, to set to work to raise up a new party-i-a party combining much of the elements of energy, vigour, and quick intellect. Such an Administration he had endeavoured to form, as an example of Avhat might be done ; aud he had hoped to form the nucleus of a party Avhich, Avlicn ho Avas dead and gone, ayoulo. guido New Zealand on in the paths of progress, and in all those qualities which a young nation should shew to the rest of the Avorld."

Mr Barff, West Coast member, and a supporter of Sir George Grey, has addressed his constituents aud received a vote of con fidence.

The Norwegian^shipitHegla sailed this morning for Maiden Island where she in tends to load with guano. During her stay in port she has been supplied with pro visions etc., by Messrs Cruickshank & Co, agents.

CABLEGRAMS.

Dunville's Distillery Destroyed.

Great Distress at Shumla.

Russia Agrees to Admit Greece to Congress.

The Victorian Crisis

(Special to Melbourne Argus)

LONDON, undated,

• A disastrous fire occurred in Dunville's distillery, Belfast. The loss amounted to £80,000.

Great distress prevails at Shurnla (Bulga ria), where a large number of fugitives are reported. Russia has absented to the admission of Greece to the European Congress.

Tlic Victoria, crisis ia mentioned in the House of Lords and House §of Commons. The papers are promised on Tuesday.

Eeaii Cadogan aud Sir Michael Beach replied to questions on the subject. The Earl of Caruavon hoped the Gover nor of Victoria had conformed to the law it the widest sense regarding Imperial, not less than local objections.

LONDON, March 14 to 16. Stafford Northcote on England's

Position

Sir Statlord Northcote says England will not enter tho Congress till the full terms of the Treaty are known.

LONDON PRESS ON VICTORIAN CRISIS.

The London press strongly condemns the revolutionary excess of the Berry Ministry. The Governor's attitude is not approved. The prompt intervention of the Colonial Office is invoked. ' .. • ,- ~ » FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT AT WOOL-

WIOH.

The , victualling V r 'sfied erecting at Woolwich collapsed',.,!jurying'- 170 work men. There are., numerous dangerous injuries, but no deaths.; ': Thd San Francisco, n^fil jjs 'delivered1. ; Tit tie Gape 4& per cent, loan of a million was subscribed threefold;. ; Average,' 99h; The Bank minimum is" 'unchanged. The reserve, is better. ; [ ; • < 3. j / jj

Consols are weak andiirregujjir at 95J. Wool is more languid ifi tone. Combing contiuujaj^l^R.j; middle ' aud lower sorts,

weak. Five thousand bales were with drawn, mostly Cape. Wheat is drooping, owing to expected large arrivals.

[Reuteb's Telegbams.]

THE CONFERENCE.

England Demands all Terms of

Peace be Submitted

LONDON, March 15

Sir Stafford Northcote, in replying to a question in the House of Commons, said the negotiations on the European Congress con tinue. The British Government required, before agreeing to enter the Conference, that all the peace conditions be submitted for consideration. He added that the deci sion of the majority would not necessarily be considered binding in England, who would maintain her own views.

RUSSIA REFUSES FNGLAND'S DE-

MAND,

ST. PETERSBURG, March 15. It is semi-officially stated that Russia refuses to accept the demands of England, requiring the treaty of peace with Turkey to be submitted for the consideration of the Congress. RUSSIA REFUSES TO ADMIT GREECE.

ATHENS, March 15.

The official journal announces that Russia refuses to accede to the proposal to admit Greece to the European Congress.

Warlike Preparations in England. LONDON, March 16. Doubts exist as to Avhether Congress will meet at all.

Warlike preparations in England con tinue.

British Fleet at Gallipoli Reinforced.

LONDON, March 17. The European situation is menacing. The British ironclad squadron at Gallipol. has been reed CONSTANTINOPLE, M~rch 17. The Russians have cceupied the plateau near Fong, commanding the Black Sea entrance to the Bosphorus. The Russian troops near Bulair have been reinforced.

THE TREATY OF PEACE.

St. PETERSBURG!!, March 18.

The ratification of the Treaty of Peace has been exchanged between Russia and Turkey.

VIENNA, March 18.

It is reported that serious negotiations are proceeding between the Austrian, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the British Ambassador at this city, respecting alliance between Austria and England.

RUSSIANS ON THE SHORES OF

THE BOSPHORUS.

CONSTANTINOPLE, March 18. The Russians have arrived at Bojukdere, on the shores of the Bosphorus. Great excitement is manifested in consequence.

RUSSIAN

RE INFO RC EMENTS.

CONSTANTINOPLE, March 19th.

Reinforcements of twenty-live thou sand Russian troops have arrived at Tchalaldchi, from Tirnova.

BRITISH VIGILANCE.

LONDON, March 19.

In the House of Commons, Sir Stafford Northcote, in replying, said the British Government was justified in its vigilance in retaining the fleet in the vicinity of Constantinople,

COLLISION AT SEA.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS AGEXCY]

LONDON, March S,

The Argonaut, ship, bound from London to Adelaide, put back to London on the 2nd, to repair damages "which she received in collision with the Bombay. The latter vessel sank.

AUSTRALIAN.

(From our Special Correspondent.)

New Guinea Expedition.

SYDNEY.—THIS DAY. The New Guinea expedition leaves,, to-morrow with fifty passengers. Maize, oats, and potatoes are declining.

SYDNEY, March 19.

The Rev. William B. Clark, Government Geologist, has been stricken with paralysis, and is seriously ill.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before A. Beetham, Esq., (chair) and G. Yon Der Heydo, Esq., Justices of the Peace.

BY MOONLIGHT ALONE,

Peter Stranlea, John Melea, John Knox, Henry Williamson, and Lf.dward Lodge, pleaded guilty to being drunk, and tvero'sub jected to a fine of 5s eacli with costs.

RACHEL lIST A RAGE,

Rachel Volan, alias Codd, alias Wildfire, was charged with using indecent language, to the terror of the folk of Chancery Lave, on the 19th inst. .

Tho prisoner, a woman of short stature, pleaded guilty, it was the drink. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the woman was hunting her husband up and down Chancery Lane, using the most abominable language. Prisoner said it might be so, she had no recollection of it, she was drunk.

Fined 20s and costs, or seven days. DEFRAUDING A WIDOW.

John Casey Avas charged with obtaining the sum of £2 10s by false pretences, from Mrs Anne Lynch, of tho Clanricarde Hotel, Wyndham-etrect, on the 19th November, 1877.

Prisoner pleaded guilty

The prisoner, it appeared, lodged at the hotel, and presented an order supposed to have boon drawn by a Mr Hanson, in whose employ prisoner hud been. Mrs Lynch gave him the difference of £2 10s, deducting the' 30s due to her. On presenting the order it was valueless.

The Bench said this was a very bad case, and ordered prisoner to prison for three months with hard labour.

A WEIGHTY HATTER.

James Dixon, a youth of 18, was charged with assaulting Wm. Hyland on the 19th inst., by threatening him, with a heavy weight in hw hand. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. William Hylaud, boot-closer, of Wynd ham-street, deposed that prisoner had been some time hi his employment; but in consequence of his drunken habits and fighting pi'Opensisies, he was obliged to dismiss him. Prisoner had been a terror for two years, and yesterday he came to complainant's place, and when he desired him to go he*took up a 21b weight and gave him au awful look, but did not throw the weight. Prisoner said that Mr Hylaud first took up a knife, and threatened to give it him home.

James Hyland, son of complainant, deposed that he and prisoner were talking together, when his father came in, and ordered prisoner out ; but he did not go. He did not see him take up a weight. His father and prisoner had a few words. Prisoner had, on a previous occasion, offered to fight witness, but he knew his man, and no blows were stiuck. Prisoner said he had been on bad terms with Mr Hyland, and went back to make it up and apologise, but Mr Hyland took up a knife and ordered him out of the place. He took hold of a weight, out did not mean to threw it.

Mr Hyland said he went in fear of prisoner ;.ithe bench therefore ordered him to find sureties for his good behaviour for six months', hirnself,iu.£2b, and two others ip £10 epch. AMICABLE SRTTLEMENT. Mr Tole informed the bench that the small affair between his client, Mr Foley, and Mr Smith h«d been amicably settled

Mr Tyler, on the part of Mr Smith, ex pressed his gratification at the happy result, and consented to a withdrawal of the charge. , , , The Bench consequently announced that the charge was withdrawn. ■■, Mr Foley wishes to state that the case was settled out of Court upon Mr Smith expressing regret and paying cQßts. This was ail the business;

MR MALCOLM NICCOL'S BANK RUPTCY. —CREDITORS' MEETING.

A LARGELY attended meeting of creditors in the estate of Malcolm Niccol, a bank rupt, was held at 2 o'clock to-day, i v the large room of the Supreme Court busi.iings. About fifty creditors were present. A*" G. W. Owen in the chair. 5 Mr Hesketh appeared for the ere utors trustee, and said the meeting was culled a the desire of the debtor, but it was nc-ces sary at this meeting for the presentation of the trustee's report. Mr Pounds called upon Mr James Morton to read the report; Mr Morton then proceeded to read tiio report, which was of a voluminous char acter, complaining of tne loose manner m which the firm of Niccol, Hendry and Co. had kept their books. The debts of the firm, as near as could be ascertained, during its existence were £3,831, bad debts £1,027, a*d trade expenses £550. A mer chandize account bad not been kept; still a profit over and above the expenses must have been made during the period. A settlement, however, never ! seemed to have been arr'.ved at ; still the receipts were evidently in excess of expendi ture, laro-e debts standing against Mr Niccol. He had not been able fully to investigats the accounts, as difficulties stood in the way. The books had been kept in a very slovenly manner, and the book-keeper did not hold himself responsible, as he taid both the partners took cash without his knowledge. The bulk of the deficiencies would remain mi explained. The report stated that Mr Niccol had dealt largely in accommodation bills and promissory notes, and that he was insolvent at the time he went into partner ship with Mr Heudry ; both however were, in the trustees' opinion, chargeable with great negligence in the conduct of the business. Mr Niccol had furnished him with the assets, but not with a statement of his liabilities. Mr Niccol said that he had not been asked to supply the liabilities ; he also stated that most of the figures in the report were false, as he could shew if he had the opportunity ; he could also prove that he was not insolvent at the time of joining the new firm. Mr Pounds asked if Mr Morton had not made his report from information supplied by Mr Niccol. Mr Morton said he had, as to assets, but the particulars of liabilities he got from the creditors. .m; Mr Peacock suggested that Mr Niccol should have an opportunity of explaining at another meeting. Mr Pounds said that Mr Niccol ought to have been prepared, as every facility for so doing had been offered to him. Mr Cosgrave thought the meeting should be adjourned, in order to give Mr Niccol time to correct what he said was wrong in the report. Mr Niccol said he wished for no adjourn ment ; he could fight his own battle. Mr Binney proposed, and Mr Atkin seconded, " That the debtor forthwith be discharged, or recommended to be dis charged." Mr Hesketh expressed iiis surprise at the proposition, after such an unsatisfactory report. Mr Binney said he should oppose his own resolution; he simply advauced it for the sake of getting on with the business. Mr Hesketh then proceeded to speak upon the report. A good deal of discussion followed, and the meeting closed without passing a resolution, leaving the whole matter for hearing before Mr Justice Gillies on the day of application for the bankrupt's dis chargo.

The Government Prosecution of George Jones.

Mil. REES' ADDRESS FOR THE

DEFENCE

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

(From our own Correspondent.)

DUNEDIN, this ddy. Mr. Kees made an eloquent speech of three hours for tLe defence in Whit&ker v Jones libel suit. He spoko at sonic length upon the overruling of the -plea, of justifica tiou, whichjabsolutelyshut out all evidence, to shew the truth of the statements con tained in the article. He maintained that this' was wholly contrary to what the House of Representatives intended when the prosecution was ordered; and although the .judges had, no doubt, done quite right in striking out the defendant's pleas if they fouud them bad, the late Attorney-General—after professing such a desire- for full investigation—should not* have been found advising with the Crown Prosecutor as to the very process which would shut out investigation. He denounced iv strong terms the action of tho Crown in taking up a case like this. If a libel were alleged, and the case pro ceedod with in the ordinary way, and the jury found that there was no libel, the defendant might have turned round and demanded damages from the prosecutor; but now the country is put to great loss, and Mr Whitaker ran no risk. That seemed to be a safe rule always : to keep yoursolvea guarded to strike your oppo nent ; as you can stab him with the dagger of tho assassin, ruin him if you can, especially if you are not liable for the consequences. If any man libels you, you will prosecute him, but n6t at your owu expense—always d» it at the expense of the State. If these things were to be allowed a reign of terror would exist. One set of men, who happened to be in power at the time, would be able to wield the whole powers of the State —to crush their political opponents. That would be absolutely the result if this state of things were allowed to exist. It was customary to say that juries were no good, and that they ought to leave everything to one or two judges. With all respect to judges, to their honesty to attain and lovo of justice, he would say they would be very unwise iv giving up the time honored institution of the jury ; for the time Avould come when tho Ministry might be tyrannical, and when the Bench itself might bo venal, Jind then there would be no protection to citizens, except when twelve ordinary men were called to stand a defence and shield between the arm of power and the person sought to bo punished. If the Government were allowed to use such means as were now sought to be used in this case no man would be safe, he would be liable to be ruined by the Government using monies, a part of which he has paid into the Treasury. In this case there were no private ends to serve, and no wish o damage Mr Whitaker. It was simply intended to stop the passage of a Bill for the good of the community.

Mr Kees proceeded to argue that the article had not injured Mr. Whitaker ; tha many public men had been much mort severely handled, and the Government hae never dreamed of a prosecution ; that sued prosecutions were dangerous to the liber h of public opinion ; and concluded with ty eloquont appeal on behalf of his die nt. an

MR JUSTICE WILLIAMS ON TH LAW OF LIBEL.

|BY TELEGRAPH.]

(FROxM QUB OWN COHRESPONDKK

iaU atrt m -ivUNEDIN, tkis day. In summing, up_, His. Honor Mr Justice Williams Warned the rjury not to pay the, slightest attention: to any newspaper articles to which reference had been inadr, nor had they to consider the circumstances under which the prosecution was instituted.

They had to treat the matier precisely if it had been a private prosecution laid the ordinary way ; neither had 'they t* consider the truth or falsity, of the chartW as they must- be taken to be uutru because a proper mode ot brin<nnsi th-' truth before the Court had not been taken I On the right of the press to comment on the public acts of public men, His Honor spoke as follows :—" Comment— the freest comment—is allowed the press on the public actions of public men ; and not the west only, but every person has the fullest right to comment on the public actions of public men, and to draw what inferences he pleases from them ; and if he honestly believes in tlie comments he makes, in the inferences he draws, and if he has some not altogether unreasonable colour for drawing "these inferences and making these comments— although the inferences he may draw may be entirely erroneous, or may be contrary to the fact—yet he is privileged. But the doctrines of fair . comment so far as he had been able ta ascertain, do not extend to statements of fact containing defamato y matter which can by no possible ingenuity be said to be in the nature of comment or of cJticisim • there ia no privilege attached to such specific statements ; that is to say, if a journalist chooses to allege facts, and to make himself responsible, the privilege of free discussion does not attach to them. If the facts are themselves libellous he must shew they are true. It is not sufficient that he reasonably and honestly believea they are true; he must be nblo to shew that they are so. With comments it is otherwise. If on any matter laid fairly; before the public, or if from the public acts of public men, a journalist draws inferences on matters, the comments are privileged, even though they are libellous ; yet a journalist is not allowed to be punished for them unless it can be shewn he made them maliciously put of personal malice. Neither can a journalist wantonly assail personal character. There fore you have to consider in the present article two things : If it contains any direct statement of facts—then if these facts are libellous, if they are defamatory, tending to bring Mr Whitaker into hatred, contempt, or ridicule, they are no way privileged. Thus, as far as the article consists of comments or criticism, they are privileged, unless there is recklesness in making them. But if they are wantonly made, the defendant should be convicted. The question of the liberty of the Presa does appear to me to arise in the. present case—not so much in the matter of the case before you, but in the point'l myself reserved. So far as I see, your attention should be directed to two points. First; Is there in the article any statement tend ing to briug Mr Whitaker into hatred,, contempt, or ridicule ? If there is such a statement it is not privileged, and if it is defamatory and you-may consider that the libel consists of comments, then the ques tion for you is whether those comments go beyond the bounds of fair comment —that is to say whether they are justified by the public acts of Mr Whitaker. And in con sidering the question of fair comment, should in the first place consider the mean ing of the article itself. If in addition to attacking the political character of Mr Whitaker it imputes to him anything, of which any honest man, of whatever party he iright happen to be, should be ashamed, then def c udant could be punishable unless he could show that he had some colour for making these comments ; that they were not wan tonly and recklessly fmade. I need hardly point out the delicate nature of inquiries of this kind. You have, on the one hand, to protect the liberty of the press ; yon have to consider on the other hand, the saeredness of private characters; and ad just the boundary between the two. Youhavesotoregulateyour decision that the liberty of the press may not be checked, and at the same time reck- v lessuess of imputations on private characters shall not be allowed to go unpunished. la considering the article, you should bear, in mind that it criticised the conduct ofapublic man ; that public men must uot be too sensitive; and that they must be prepared to endure a certain amount of what may be termed journalistic horseplay ; but at the I same time the private character of public men is as sacred as the private character of the rest of Her Majesty's subjects. It a journalist, from something that is before. the public, feels it necessary to comment on the conduct of public men, and in such comments attacks their p_ublic character,he has a perfect right to do so ; but if in his comments he attacks, the private character he would be punish able, imless there were some reasonableness for his so doing. Whether his comments on the character of the men are fair or other wise ; whether any particular expressions go beyond the limits of fair comment,would not naturally depend on the public charac- '■'. ter of the person criticised. A comment or inference may be perfectly justifiable in commenting on the public character of one, and might be entirely unjustifiable in com menting on another. There can be no hard ard fast rule laid down on this point. Whether the comment is fair depends entirety on the antecedents mid public character of the person criti cised. If the jury thought there was in"th& article no imputation; nothing which could be said to affect Mr Whitaker's character other than publicly, they should acquit the defendant. They should be satisfied that the charges in the article were such that they would not only affect Mr Whitaker's public character, bat according to a fair construction they, were to place such an imputation as would render him an object of scorn or contempt, 1 not only to the members of any particular party, but to honest and upright men of all parties; there should be something,>ia short, iv the article to affect his private as. well as his mere political character.

OPENING OF THE AUCKLAND WORKING MEN'S CLUB.

This notable event took place last evening un"der the most favourable and promising circumstances, and was attended by his Excellency, the Marquis of Normauby; the Bishop of Auckland, the Mayor of the city (H. Brett Esq), the Colonial Secretary . (Hon. Colonel Whitmore), the Native aM Defence Minister (Hon. John Sheehan), Hon. Mr Justice Gillies ; the Chancellor of the New Zealand University (Mr Tancred), | Hon. G. M. Koike, and other members of the House of Kepreseutatives ; Venerable Archdeacon Mauusellj- and Eevs. Nelson, Dudley, and other clergymen of the Church of England; also, the" leading citizens of Auckland. The whole affair was a genuine uccess.

NAVAL BRIGADE FIRING.

Thk following is the result of the firing for the Cham pion Belt, presented to the Auckland Naval Brigade . by Mrs.\H. Chapman. Distance, 200, 40°. yards; five shots at each range :—Petty Officers :"•**• "; Smith, 30; M. J. Moore, 30; J. Waite, 30; J- ScuUin, 20. Seamen : Jas. Young, 25; F. Nicholson, 22; *• Pooley, 20; W. Waring, 26; E. G. Leßoy, 36r 1'- Smith, 40 ;W. Laing, 39 ;T. Allen, 43; T. Beaked 40 ; H. McDonald, 21; R. Donovan, 7 ; R. Wooder- : son, 16. Captain E. Leßoy, 31. The belt will be pre sented to the successful competitor— Seaman T. ■^"?J ra j ': on parade on Thursday evening, 21st instent, by Mrs H. Chapman.

THE TRANSIT SUNK IN WAIROA RIVER.

Information was received in town to day, to the effect that the s.s. Transit >yas-1 lying in Wairoa river-full of water.-" appears, from what we.can ascertain^!. tne particulars, that last evening the Transit Avas steaming up the Wairoa, when she ran on a sandbank. Qn the tide falling tne vessel became firmly embedded in.the£av('' and did not rise with the tide, but remainea full of water. The captain rode- overland to Fapakura, and came' down town W train this ■■■ morning. It^ is not Known whether any further damage has been done, but it is believed not. Mr Worsp, on oe half of the Insurance Companies, proceeoea to the Wairoa to-day, in order to have vet floated off.

EVENING STAR WEDNESDAY MAR 20. lffiS.



OUSHBUOOK AND J3SIDGMAN, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c JUNCTION Dit APERY WAREHOUSE (Opposite the Army nd Navy Hotel), U PPK Li QDE EN - S T It E E T, Auckland." five per cent. discount IS. IN THE £) ALLOWED ON ALL CASH PURCHASES OF 20s. AND UPWARDS. m CITY HALL -s» i^VIINISIIIING AItCAUR NEW GOODS JUST UNPACKED, AND QUITE NE^Y. CRETONNES, Large Lot New Colo aits and __^__ New Designs. (New Brussels, from 4/9 nnr>T>n"vz! j New Tapestry, from 2/1 UAKfJil,^ •< New Kidderminster, from 3/2 I New Hearthrugs, from 6/C /New Shape Walnut Suites i New Rep 3 for do. For the ' Green and Crimson Silk Rep | £«8 DRAWING--} Black and Gold do. VS'S ROOM. Fawn and Gold do. j>g New Pattern Walnut Tables USTew Inlaid Flower Stands /12 feet wide, 3/ per yard FLOOR- I 3 „ 2/ CLOTHS. ) Oil Canvas, /9 I Linoleum, all widths Handsome WhiteTwistandßullionFringes, for Bed Hangings Handsome White & Fancy Belgian Damask, for do. Turkish Towels, very large size, 1/3 and 1/9 Superior Fancy Oil Baizes, for tables Immense Variety in Ladies' Dress Buttons. Holloway, Garliok 8s Craawsll, City Hall Arcade, queen-street, auckland. CABINET FACTORY .. Lome-street ~^sl T7IIK S T SHIP;FOR X? LONDON. J^f^^^ The clipper Al ship CHILE, Francis Ward, Commander. Thft above vessel, on completing her discharg In»r. will commence loading for London. This vesael ha« unsurpassed accommodation for a few first and third-class passengers. Early applications are earnestly requested. *« f Having a quantity of -ca«o already enßagoc, this vessel will meet with quick dispatch. For freight, passage, or other particulars, apply to OWEN & GRAHAM. .Agents. Auckland, March 19,1878.



COtTSfTire EDITIONS iUBLISHED at 12.30 P.M. (Fob WAIKATO) AND AT 3.30 P.M. rrmE TOWN EDITION of the STAR is Published at the Office at 5 o'clock. /LOVER SEEDS. IyLOVER SEEDS. Jus'i- to Hand, ex ' Apiolt.es,' OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON'S CLOVER SEEDS, ' ' ■■■"■ •'■■ CONSISTING OB" White Clover Timothy Red Clover . - Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke &c, &c, &c. Turnip AND A Fine Collection o£ Farm and Garden Sekds. also, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c. &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. r /N OSGR AY E & /I 0. WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING S I.LB OF MEN'S AN L> BOYS' CLOTHING TO-MORROW. All Goods Reduced to Cost Price Inspection Invited. UNION INS Ult A NCE OOMPAN V OF NIEW ZICALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. II C X L AND B It A N 0 II : QUEEN-S T R E X T, Next the Colonial Baak. "IRK DEPARTMENT. Insura.no granted on Dwelling -housea, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, anil Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls oC Ships or Steamers, Merchandise o£ all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owkst OumtENT Katks. R. H. STKVKNSON Manager. "mHE BAY OF PLENTY TIMES," a Published at Tauranga, Bi-Weekxy, (A GAZETTE IN BANKRUPTCY), HAS THE LARGEST CIRCULATION of any Country Newspaper published in the Provincial District of Auckland. Advertisements, and Names of New Subscribers will bo received by BENJAMIN TANNER, corner of Quern and Shortland-streets. "VTEW" ZEALAND GENERAL COM IS mission agency, Norgrove Buildings, Clark's Place, BISHOPSGATE-STREET, WITUIN. CAPTAIN ASH:BY, late Marine Superinten dent in London of1; the New.. Zealand Shipping Company, anefcfor about 20 years known in con nection with the New Zealand Shipping Trade desires to inform his friends and the public, generally that he has commenced business at the above address, under the style of WILLIAiII ASHBY & CO., as General Shipping and Insurance Agents. From long experience acquired of the ocal wants of the Colony, and the London Markets, the firm are in a position to ofter special advantages to Colonists in their business relations with Great Britain, and from their intimate knowledge of the requirements of passengers on a long voyage, orders entrusted to their care will receive their very best atteD tion. London. November Ifi. 187fl. T& H. C O O X E • Havk on Salic s. one of the largest stocks of Tfurniture in the colony. Special Items:— DRAWING-ROOM SUITES WALNUT TABLES CARPE IS HEARTHRUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BEDSTEADS TOILETS LASSES CANK-SBATED CHAIRS TOILET-WARE MARBLE^TOP WASHSTANDS MATTRESSES FEATHER BEDS. A Small Shioment of CRETONNES and CASH MBHES, New Patterns. All Goods at Lowest Rates. delivered free. Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers. Furniture Show-rooms ..... ' 67. S^B^-STREET Steam Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-SI RkJL 1 HER MAJESTY'S GAOL, auckland. Matron Wanted. Apply, in person, with testimonials, at the Gaoler's Office, at 2 p.m.. on FRIDAY NEXT, the 22nd March instant. B. S. O'BRIEN, Governor. SUPERIOR SAMPLES of Sydney and New Zealand Maize, Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table Potatoes, Flour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley, Jhaff, Oilcake Coal. &c, &c, always on hand. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND BONE-DUST! BONE DU,S T ! BONEDUST 1 To Arrive, about the middle of February: , 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Boll's & inch, inch, and Boneflour. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. W. J. HURST & CO. have on sale (he under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have bson proved to produce satisfactory rosults in this district. Experience teacheu that largo and profitable returns can be relied on by a juaiciOU: and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in stiougly oommendinft thotn to every Agriculturist :— MALDUN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do BEIiLS BON 1« tCLOUR ~ Jand J-inch BONEWUHT BILL YARD'S No. 1 dr. NITRATK OF SODA SULPiiATM OF AMMONIA MURIATIC OF POTASH SUPKii-PHOSPiIATU OF lA'aV*. SALT, SUIjPJIA'L'Hi OB1 LIMIC. In addition to Uie above, W. J. H. & (iv. arc <repai'ed to supply special ChonuctU I\lunui'o~ for-stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as weli us the Potato and. Mangold mixture that for the last two soa sons has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will ho supplied on application ut the Stores. W. ,1. HURST & CO., - 101, Quoon-strcet. The value ot colce as a inel, and as a means oi economy of coal, is not appreciated sufficiently. A mixed fuel of coal aud coke is invaluable for the Ordinary purposes of heating, uud still more for those cooking aud raising steam, us it absorbs .lie smoke oi inflammable gases given oil by coal during combustion, and renders the lire brighter,dearer., and ho tier. This is much more apparent where our local coals are used; indeed, -owing ■ to*'tlie rapidity of burning, seme of these threaten to go out of .consumption .altogether.; , Coke supplies •exactly that which these coals flack—body and resistance.. Every householder .should buy coals and ,coke at the same time, and, if convenient, mix them ; amaller bills and gi eater satisfaction will be the result. The price of coke is advertised elsewhere — Alh-t.l



IVTEW BOOKS just added to the Library _Lll of the YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION :— The Catacombs of Rome The Last Four Popes, by Cardinal Wiseman The Art of Travel (Gallon) Various Forces of Nature (Faraday) Legendary Ballads of Kngland and Scotland Life of Dr. Guthrie. by his Sons The Gold Thread (Noimah McLeod) Sir Gilbert Leijrh (W. L. Rees) Robert Wreford's Daughter (Wm. Worboise) Daniel Deronda (Geo. Kliot) Cassell's Magazine, 1577 ; Leisure Hour, 1877 Sunday at Home, 1877 Memoir Commodore Goodenough With a Selection of Standard Works by the best Authors,



A flood of liquid rubbish has been placed upon the market, put up in Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schxapps bottles, the genuine contents of which have been used. Spurious labels are also often used by the scamps who seek to persuade the public that the hurtful liquors thus disguised are the same or similar to the true andpeerless medicinal cordial. Askfor the genuine and insist upon having it. " Whilo there's life there's hope." This is well said, for often poor sufferers from severe and depressing maladies have been brought so low that it seemed hopeless to hope for recovery. The new medicines introduced lately into New Zealand, have worked such wonders in many such apparently hopeless cases, that they should be tried byall suffering from Rheumatic attacks, severe Gout, Liver Complaints, &c. These medicines are pronounced to be the " wonder" of the nineteenth century, and can be had of all Chemists. Ask for "Ghollah's Great Indian Cures."