SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ct— tt v-ATirn ( Thh Afforr.oon, — H.cli \. AlKß— lTonlorrow Morning, 0.37 SHI- 3"T.—This ICvenuisr. 519 3U" HIS!I.—To-morrow Mornins?, G. 39 '4O< 'N-S A (: l>:.—Last Quarter, 24th, 5.12 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Taupo, s.s., from Hu33ell'!sS

DEPARTURES.

PItfJ.IKCTBU DEPARTUKHS. For Taranaki and South (from the Manukau)— Taiaroa.Tuesrlny, 30th inst. For Tauranga and the South—Taupo, Thursday, 25;h For Russell, Biy of Islands—lona, every Mon- Wanaka, ?uond<*y, 29th For Sfdney and Melbourne—Hero, s.s., May 3 For Sydney— llotorua, Tuesday, 30th

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Dunelm, barque (V.P.R.BT.), from London early. Coromandel, barque, (P.C.F.D.). from London Sapphire, H.M.s., from Samoa, early Arabella, barque (R.P.Q.V.), from London; sailed January 21 Spirit of the Dawn, barque (H.T.V.C.), from London : sailed February 11 Aiekshaw. barque (W.T.F.L.), from London, sailed Jan. 18 Omaha, brigantiuc, from Chatham Islands,. early Stae. barque, from Newcastle, early Leucadia. ship (J.M.T.8.), from London, early Hero, s.s., from Sydney and Melbourne; April 30 th Rotorua, from Southern ports: April 29th Helena, brteantine, from Oamaru ; 3ailed 13th Majjeppa, schooner, from Fiji, early Active, brigantine, from the Islands, early Norval, schooner, from the Islands, early Ads, brisjantinc. from the Islands, early Speedwell, barque, from Newcastle, early

IMPORTS.

Per Taupo from Kussrli: 200 tons coal, 140 sacks oysters. Per Taranakl: 1 case skates—J. Partington.

EXPORTS.

Per LaJtitia for Tonga Islands: 40 cases brandy. 40 cases geneva, 03 cases biscuits, 10 casfis flour, 253 bogs flour, 120 tins flour, 50 kegs beaf.

Per Pearl, for Rarctouga: 20 bags rice. 50 cases kerosene, 13 mats sugar, 40 tins white lead, 30 boxes soap, 150 tons biscuits, and. a large quantity of sundries, —Owen and Graham, agent 3. ' a

Bxteked Inwards.— Z-llat, ketch,' from Tar ua. with 30,000 feet timber: Fairy, schooner, from Barrier, with 57 tons firewood, 250 feet house blocks : Christina, schooner, from Russell, with 96 tons coal; Onward, schooner, from Russell, with 52 tcn=; ccal: Minne Hare, schconcr, from Russell, with SO tons coal; Ocean, schooner, from Mercury Bajr, with 19 tons gum, S empty casks, 3 hides, 3 bundles skins.

Cleared Outwakds. — Helen, cutter, for Great Barrier, in bnllast; Speedwell, ketch, for Russell, in ballast; Three Brothers, cutter, for Trhphenn. in ballast ; Gem. schooner, for Russell, in ballast; Lariy of the Lake, barque, for Mahurangi. In ballast; Fairy, schooner, for Barrier, in hallast; Sovereign of the Seas, for Whitiangi, in ballast. The scnooner Pearl cleared at : he Customs to day, for Rarotohga. in ballast, and. will sail at once. Passenger—Mrs. Burr. The barnua tSella Blary entered outwards at the Customs to-day for Hobart Town. The schooner Enerey cleared at the Customs to-day for Tonga.

The s.s. Taupo arrived in harbour this morning from Russell with the following passe-jigers :—Mrs Rodeers, Mrs Hickson, Miss Mills ; Messrs. Rusby, Ludworth, Joyce, Doiiscias, Keately, Swift, Lane, McLeod, and Flyrin. Tiie schooner Lretitia cleared at the Customs for Tonga Islands to-day, with a general cargo and the following1 passengers :—Mr and Mrs Middiemas, and three children, Mrs Froude and native servant, Messr3 Van Haghan, Mr Murphy. J. Cook, and C. Patts.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

For Thames, this day, at 5 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.; and to-n orrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, this day, at 5.30 p.m. ; and to-morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Tryphena, per Three Brothers, this day,

at 1 p.iia. For Tairua, per Mercury, this day. at i p.m. For Wangarei Heads, per Rover, this day, at For \Vaiwera, "VVafkworth, Te Arai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, par Anne Mil back, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. Per s?. Taupo, on Thursday, 25th inst, as follows :— For India. China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 2 p.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Southern Provinces, per Australian Colonies, United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letterispecially addressed), at 3 p.m. For iiondon, via, Brindisi, and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at 3.15 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 1.30 p.m. Should a latsr opportunity offer, supplemen tary mails will he forwarded. For Hobart Town, per Bella Mary, on Friday

next, at 9 a.m. For Napier, per Southern Cro33, on Friday

nest, at 4 p.m. For Whitianera, Taurauga, and Opotiki, per

Rowena, on Friday next, at i p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per

Taiaroa. on Tuesday next, at 1 p.m. p*r s.s. Australia, on Tuesday, 30th instant a3 follows: — For Sandwich Island!?, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign "West Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe 3 at 3 p.m. hoi- money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 9,30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fse of sixpence in addition to the post age will bo received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. For Australian Colonies, per Rotoiua, on Tues day next, at 1 p.m. S. B. BIBS, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

CLARKE.—On the 2-tth April, 187S, at her resi dence, Alexandra-street, Auckland. N.Z., Mrs. John Clarke of a daughter.—Dunedin papers please copy.

MARRIAGE.

NOLAN—AUGWIN.—On the 22nd instant, at St. Mark's Church, Remuera, by the Yon, Archdeacon Pritt, David Nolan, of Auckland, to Bessie Augwin, of Mudgee, N.S.W.

DEATH.

WHITE.—On tho 23rd April, 1373, at her late residence, Papakura, New Zealand, Sarah Ann, the beloved wife of David White, iunr., aged 21 years. The funeral will take place, at Papakura, to-morrow, 25th. instant, at 2 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

WEDNESDAY. APRIL 24. 1878.

£«r«fec cJmse that licks. iisl'-iAficj, Par «fee wrong thst netdj tesistKK*. Fe> the feline la th« dlis.-jrc*, Aad tfas trort &** we «oa **

To-day's cable messages state that the position of affairs from a peaceful point of view is unimproved. New difficulties have arisen in settling the points arising out of the proposed withdrawal of Russian troops and the English fleet from Constan tinople. Apparently Eussia is procrastinat ing while she accomplishes her pur poses in Roumania, where collisions have already occurred. The vacillation of Aus tria and the attitude of Germany paralyse anything like decisive action. Meanwhile the war clouds are steadily gathering, and the Indian troops hail with enthusiasm the prospect of participation in a European struggle.

Now that increased school accommodation is being furnished in several of the most im portant school districts, it becomes incum bent upon the local committees to consider their duties with respect to the compul sory clauses of the Education Act. The responsibility of enforcing; these provisions has, perhaps wisely, been left to the body which is directly controlled by tho people and elected annually, but it must not for that reason be supposed that the clauses are intended to be otherwise than an operative and integral part of the Act. Free education at the cost of the State pre-supposes that education should be universal; and so long as ignor ance and vice prevail, education to be universal must be compulsory. The system of free education, so far as it lias been tried in this part of New Zealand, has failed in the most important respect. Improving, perhaps, the average educational standard of those children who were before provided by their parents with some smattering of book knowledge, it has only very partially reached the classes among whom total ignorance and brutish vices arc continuously propagated. This experience is universal, and it has now been accepted as a maxim in all enlightened countries that without the power to enforce school attend ance, no system of national education will rectify the evils which have provoked State interference. In England, where com pulsory education is regulated by local by laws, the powers are now exercised in Lon don and 109 boroughs and 612 civil parishes, containing a population of 11,221,363. An average of 84 per cent of the borough popu lation of England and Wales, or 50 per cent of the whole population, have thus voluntarily accepted and enforced the com pulsory law, with the best possible results. In Scotland, compulsory attendance is enforced with still greater rigour; and with such good effect that the average attendance has increased from 203,054 in 1871 to 326,083 in 1876, mainly from that cause. This ia the case where scholars are subject to fees, and the system is largely supported by direct taxation and sub scriptions. The average school fees in England last year amounted to a little under threepence a week for 6006 per cent., and between threepence and sixpence for 39*55 per cent. ; the average charge in Scotland is rather higher. The fees for children, whose parents cannot pay, are defrayed by the local Boards. These difficulties in the way of compulsory schooling in England are absent in a system like that of New Zealand under which the State bears the whole cost. The English committees have likewise to con tend with a pauper and depraved element, which is only known here in a very modified form. No doubt the working of the clauses would entail more arduous and responsible duties upon local committees, but this can hardly be pleaded as an adequate excuse for shirking them. The English Boards labouring under greater disabilities have resolutely and success fully grappled with the work ; and the consequence has been a niarlted enhancement of the status and importance of these Boards among the local governing bodies, increased competition at elections, and a conspicuous growth of public interest in the great work of national education. If it were once understood in a school district that the committee were really determined to exercise their powers of compulsion, the moral effect would probably be sufficient to arouse parents to a sense of their duties, without resorting to the penal provisions of the Act. A few exemplary prosecutions would assuredly do so. And where parents are so utterly regardless of the best interests of their children as to refuse the benefits freely offered them, but i ttle compunction should be shewn in taking such measures as will, secure the community from the evil consequences of their insensate and criminal folly.

We have been by Mr W. Swanson, M. H.K., to state that the credit of the recovery of Mr Eyre's daughter is chiefly due to the courteous aid rendered by the officials of tin Telegraph, lfa/hyay, and Police departments.

A buggy accident occurred iii Newton on Monday last to Captain Elliott on his way into town. The horse became restive, and bolted, coming into violent contact with the verandah of Mr Martinson's chemist shop, which it partially demolished. The horse and buggy escaped with comparatively little damage, and we are glad to say that Captain Elliott was not injured. We learn that His Worship the Mayor has issued special invitations to all the in mates of the Home for Neglected and Desti tute Children, the Orphan Home, Parnell Orphanage, Mount St. Mary, the Hebrew School, and St. Stephen's Native School, Training School, (Kohimarama), and Old Mon and Women's Refuge, for the after noon performance at Cooper and Bailey's circus and menagerie to-morrow. The Excelsior Lodgefof Good Templars have arranged to entertain their brethren of the Wolverine and Nymphe on Thursday week, at one of those social meetings for which the order is famous. Our correspondent "Public Health," in alluding to the condition of Short-street, Official Bay, is in error, we learn, in stating that the City Council have been appealed to in vain. So far from this being the case, the surveyor wa3 some time since authorised to construct the necessary drainage, which is now being proceeded with. It would have been done ere this, but has been kept waiting for the necessary permission from the owners, it being private property.

The "Post" is rather rough on Sir Cracroft Wilson, who is a candidate for Cheviot. Our contemporary says : — " 'Nabob' Wilson has recently been stump ing the country in order to secure his return as a representative in the Assembly for the Cheviot distriet.jvice Mr Leonard Harper, re signed. ' Nabob' Wilson, is a high and dry Tory, who abhors democratic principles, and whose whole soul is up in arms against the present prevailing spirit of the times. In a recent speech at Waikari,' Nabob' Wilson explained his political views. They are about as narrow, selfish, and illiberal as any politician's views well can be. He stands aghast at the .action of Sir George Grey in having the audacity to differ in opinion with his Excellency the Governor, and he thinks " that persons of position and influence"—like himself -'should assist in upholding the honor of _ her Majesty's representative.' His ideas about llnance arc summed in the announce ment that he knows there is a deficit of £400,000, that no human being can discover any way of reducing the Customs tariff", and that an income tax, though objectionable, is a thing which he would submit to, say for three years. He detests manhood suffrage, and talks a lot of nonsense about the folly of giving votes* to " swaggers," ignoring the fact that the Government pro posals will do nothing of the sort, owing to the restrictions intended to be imposed by registration and a residence clause. As ' Nabob' Wilson is a big land owner, he is, of course, opposed to a land tax, and looks kindly upon the past system of large blocks of laud being sold privately'by the Govern ment to individuals. Altogether, ' Nabob' Wilson, in a public sense, is about as objec tionable a man to return to Parliament as can possibly be found. His opinions and sym pathies are identical with those of the run bolder, thc-landjshark, and tho capitalist ; while to him the great body of the people — the busy workers in the great hive of the industrial world—are the objects of ill-veiled suspicion, dislike, and contempt. Surely the electors of Cheviot will not be so fal3C to their own interests, and to those of the country at large, as to return 'Nabob' Wilson to Parliament. It is to be hoped that they will reject surh a candidate, and elect Mr Alfred Saunders."

The Hibernian Band excursion last night, by the s.s. Takapuna, was a great success, nearly 300 persons being on board. The boat steamed away at 8.20 with its freight of living souls. The band played a number of well-known airs in a very pleasant manner, under the efficient leadership of Mr Lonergan. At different points Mr Sullivan introduced his magic lights, fireworks, and rocket, assisted by Mr Flaherty, which had a pretty effect upon the water. On passing H.M. ship Nymphe'the bandplayed "Rule Britannia," which brought the men on deck, who gave vent to their feelings in clapping of hands and hurrahs. A few dances took place, but the young women generally were not in the mood, although the fresh air was very tempting. After playing tho " Last Rose of Summer," to the delight of the company, the steamer rounded to the wharf, the band performing the old English ballad of " Sweet Home," and finally the National Anthem. The cruise occupied two hours, and much credit is due to Messrs Dempscy and Sullivan for the treat, and the general good'management of the excursion.

The usual quadrille assembly will meet this evening in the Oddfellow's Hall, Cook street, at the usual hour ; a pleasant even ing is anticipated. Mr Donald will act as M.C. The committee of the Free Templars desire to express their thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who assisted on Monday evening at their library eutertainment. The Newcastle "Herald" assorts that scarlet fever was spread in one part of New Zealand from a box of linen belonging to the children who had died in England of the disease, and which was brought out by the parents. At Dunedin the creditors in the estate of J. Miller, R. H. Campbell, and G. C. M'Knight, have applied to the Supreme Court for permission to prosecute them for bankruptcy, and cho case will be argued on the 29th inst. The "Times" says :—" In respect of one of these cases the debtor admitted that on March I—l 9 days before his declaration of insolvoncy—he knew that his liabilities exceeded his assets by £200, and yet he gambled at the races, losing £35 ; and subsequently purchased £66 worth of goods from his creditors, £9 worth of which were received after he signed his declaration of insolvency."

From the " Man of the World," the very latest new paper started in London, we glean as follows : —" The Prince of Wales was strolling with his brother-in-law down Piccadilly one hot summer's afternoon, when the latter was seized with the pangs of thirst. ' Lot's into Spiers and Pond's and have a tankard of Bass, in default of the Lager of my native land,' he proposed. ' We shall get mobbed by a loyal British crowd,' replied H.R.H, ' Not so,' was the answer; ' there is a way out through to Jermyn street; let us chance it.' ' Almost thou persuadest me to beer, Christian/ said the Prince."

The County Councillors of Nelson absented themselves from the reception given to Sir George Grey onilanding there. A paper called "The Christian" states that Charles Heath, who had been called to serve on a Coroner's inquest on eight bodies in London, declared that four out of these were " clear cases of starvation."

For the second trial of Ryan, charged with murder, which takes place at Hoki tika, on the 29th instant, 60 jurymen have been summoned.

Professor Hennikie and Madame Stella drew large audiences at Groymouth. An " Old Emigrant," writing to a London newspaper, says that on a voyage from London to Plymouth in an immigrant ship, the magazine was under the cabin table, not fastened down or secured in any way, and passengers were constantly sitting round it smoking.

Mr J. D. Schmidt delivered au excellent and thoughtful essay last evening, before the members of the St. James' Mutual Improvement Association, _ on " Human Life, its Sin, and Responsibilities." The essay evidently was the out-come of studious reflection, and ve>y creditable to the talents of the essayist. The essay drew forth some excellent remarks from several of the lead ingmembers of this intellectual Association. The secretary, Mr Cooper, announced that the subjects of the next meeting, on the 29th instant, would be of a three-fold, but associative character, viz., " Love," by Mr G. A. King ; " Courtship," by Mr T. Haultaift ; and "Marriage," by MrW. S Pardy. As the subjects are pro mising, the attendance of visitors will be welcome.

The steamer Garonne, which arrived at Adelaide on Sunday night, had on board the following NcwZealand passengers : Dr Col lins, Messrs R. H. Smith, Hassall, Burch, Newton, and wife and family.

The " New Zealand Sun" appears to be rapidly qualifyingjitself for the title of "The NewZealandOabbager." All its recent issues have been for the most part manufactured with paste and scissors, and the leading article in its issue of the 18th, the last to hand, is simply a sub-leader extracted bodily from the "North Canterbury Standard" offthe 13th inst., and extended from brevier "into long primer type. The paragraphs and other matter, including a large portion of the sporting and theatrical article*, are similarly made up. A carpenter named Withers sustained fatal injuries at Dunedin yesterday, by falling oft" a scaffold. He leaves a widow and six children.

The Educational Institute at Duuedin, has elected Mr Stout President.

Arrangements are in progress in Mel bourne for a visit from another All-England team, to consist wholly of gentlemen. Our cousins over the water appear to have had enough of such teams as the last which visited the colonies.

The inquest at Christchurch on the body of the boy Steele shewed that the deceased was in the habit of throwing the poker at the neighbours' poultry. The medical evidence "was to the effect that the wound on the head could not have been caused by a blow with the poker given by another, or by the poker being thrown at the boy, but that the deceased must have been climbing the trees with the poker to knock down haws, and fallen with it in his hand, his head com ing violently against the point. The inquest was adjourned.

The soiree at Panmuie, for the purpose of assisting towards the liquidation of the debt on the Roman Catholic Presbytery, will be held to-morrow evening in the Panmure Hall.

We have received seventl complaints respecting the action, or alleged, inaction, of railway authorities in leaving several hundred people waiting last night at the Ellerslie Racecourse platform from half past five to half-past seven o'colck. There does not, however, appear to have been any intentional neglect, as Mr Clarke kept the last advertised special waiting at the plat form for 15 minutes, in order to give parties ample time who were desirous of catching the train. The explanation of the great discomfort experienced lies in the fact that the races were so much behind time. After the departure of the last excursion train there were two events run ofF. As the time of running the trains was fully advertised, there appears to be no fault attaching to the railway management. The misfortune lay in the fact of the racing events being delayed to such an extent m; to cause excursionists to lose their train.

An advertisement on another page notifies the rapid approach of the Bible Society's anniversary, It will be held in the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association, Wellesley-street, on Friday evening next, under the Presidency of the Eight Reverend Bishop Cowie. Reports of the yeai's pro ceedings and finance will be presented,.and the claims of the Society set forth by several ministers and gentlemen. We draw the attention of members of the Ancient Order of Foresters to an advertise ment in another column, notifying that the Auckland District Court will hold its quarterly meeting in the Primitive Metho dist School-room, Alexandra-street, to morrow (Thursday) evening, at eight o'clock sharp. In every respect the Autumn Races may be regarded as having been emmently satis factory. The gentlemen who devote their time and attention to arranging these meet ings may be complimented upon the success which has, in this instance, attended their efforts. The first day's events came off punctual to time with slight exception, but yesterday there was a failing in this respect caused by Mr Walters' jockey not being up to time. The (Stewards, however, were prompt in inflicting a fine of 2sovs., thus doing all in their power to prevent its re currence. The secretary of such an insti tution is the mainspring of its life and ex istence, and none can dispute that Mr Percival is an excellent secretary, and con tributes largely to the success and popularity of racing matters in Auckland. There was a pleasing absence ot any quarrelsome dis position, and very little for the Stewards to do in the matterof adjudicating on protests, that against Perfume being the only one, and the decision given was that the offence complained of was not proved. There "was an unpleasant ruffle in the racing; atmos phere at the close of the Selling Race in consequence of the general impression that Falcon's] jockey had done his best not touring Falcon in a winner, but this died away after the tie had been run off. It was" a pity that the large number who remained to see the Consolation run (in the dark) had to wait so long for a train. The platform was crowded, and after waiting an hour, the Waikato train en route for Auckland though exciting pleasant hopes of emancipation when seen coming from Ellerslie—did but seem to add insult to injury by dashing past the weary crowd, the engine snorting its cast-iron contempt of the hundreds of wissful eyeballs gwhich marked its approach, and viewed its phantom-like disappearance. There is an extraordinary pumpkin in the shop of Mr Wren, seedsman of Queen-street, weighing 1561b5, and grown by Mr Hender son, of Henderson's Mill, from seed sup plied by Mr Wren. The pumpkin is about the largest we have seeu in. this province, and is well worthy of observation. A number of the best-behaved children of the Howe-street "Industrial Home were treated yesterday to a trip to the North Shore, under the care of Mrs Stickley, the matron. The children were conveyed free of cost across the water, by the liberal North Shore Ferry Company. The children amused themselves in their own way with a hearty relish, and returned all the merrier for their privilege. The AucklandGravingDock will probably be opened on or about 24th May, Queen's Birthday, with some ceremony, and the time-honored British institution of a ban quet, with roast beef and champagne. It is proposed to christen the dock " Victoria," after the name of our gracious Sovereign. The boilers are all in position, and the brickwork is rapidly approaching comple ion.

The Auckland Timber Company has evidently "enterprise" for its motto. The excavation for the cellar and machinery is being rapidly and energetically pushed forward under the able superintendence of Mr W. Priestley. The foundations for the heavy machinery are being sunk to the solid' rock, and filled up with large blocks of scoria, puddled on the outside with stiff clay. A large amount of labour has been put on the work, which is being pushed on with all possible expedition. The Company will have 500 feet of water frontage, and vessels of large tonnage will be able to come alongside.

We learn that the Native Land Court a-j Maketu has been adjourned until the 30th instant, in consequence of the absence of Judge Heale. It is understood that Mr H aise will be sent up to preside over the next sitting. A children's Easter service is to be given atSt. Sepulchre's this evening,at 7. p.m.jthe address will be given by the Rev. J. Haselden. There Avill be a collection in aid of the Sunday-school. After th.3 service the Bishop will present with their prizes, those of St. Sepulchre's scholars who were successful at his Lordships recent examina tion.

A meeting of the directors of the Thames Pumping Association was held in Mr Tothill's office to-day, to consider the advisability of recommencing the com pany's drive, which has been stopped for some time. The business was of a purely private nature.

The annual meeting of the Parnell Orphan Home will be held on Monday next, when the Bishop of Auckland will preside.

The cablegrams to-day convey what will be an interesting item of news to all who take an interest in English sporting matters, viz., that Beaucleic, the favourite for the Two Thousand Guineas and Derby, has been scratched for both events. The sen sation that this event has created in Eng land, may be guessed from the fact that it has been considered a desirable item of news to wire to the colonies. The fact is. the colts chance was considered so good by many of the-best judges, that betting during the winter was completely paralysed. We have before us copies of the " Sporting Life" and " Sportsman," both of which give a long account of a visit to Malton(Beauclerc's train ing quarters), and speak very highly of his Two Thousand chance. Up to February 28th he had wintered splendidly, and was in excellent health. His price at that time was 2 to 1 for the Guineas and 5 to 1 for the Derby. Now it is clear ho must have broken down irretrievably, otherwise his owner would not have scratched him. Beauclerc is a brown colt by Rosecrucian out of Bonny Bell (half sister to Blink Bonny) and dam of Blautyre, Muscatel, &c. He was bred by Mr W. I'Anson, at whose yearling sale at Doncaster in 1576 he was purchased by his present owner, Mr C. Perkins, for 1,050 guineas. Last year he ran thrice in public, proving successful each time. At Redcar on August 9th he won the Kirkleatham Biennial, carrying Sst slbs, and beating Necklace, Golden Fleece, and four others, and at York on August 23rd he carried off the Colt Sapling Stakes, beating Cavour and another. The race, however, which made his fame was the Newmarket Middle Park Plate of £3,610, for which he started second favourite, and won, beating the Duke of Ujest's colt by Scottish Chief out of Katie, Lord Lonsdale's Pilgrimage, and 17 other crack 2-year-olds. Beauclerc's withdrawal renders the Two Thousand Guineas and Derby very open races. For the first-mentioned event, Pilgrimage (if well) should now be favourite, and Sir Joseph may head the Derby quotations. Amongst the distinguished native visitors now in Aucklandjis.llote Tamihana, a son of the late Wiremu Tamihaua Tarapipipi Te Waharoa, the Maori king-maker. Rote has come down to confer with Mr Sheehan i-elatire to N^atihaua land claims. The cost of the proposed Harbour Works at Hokitika, for which tenders have been called, is estimated at £25,000. The annual meeting of the teachers, friends, and children of the Primitive Methodist Sunday-school, Franklin Road, was held last evening. A plentiful tea was provided by the ladies of the chapel, which gave satisfaction, Mr John Ellyett occupied the chair at the meeting, and having made a few introductory remarks, called upon the Secretary—Mr Salt—to read the report and financial statement. The report shewed that the Sunday-school had made {progress, about 90 regular scholars being on the roll. The teachers, with a consciousness of the responsibility of their labours, continued to teach Scrip ture truths with unabated zeal. The balance-sheet shewed that the money re ceived during the year had been economically disbursed, leaving a small balance on the right side. The principal speakers of the evening were the Rev. D. Dutton, and the new minister of the chapel—Rev. Mr Jones, late of Wellington. The choir, under the direction of Mr Booth, pang a number of hymns from the collection of Sankey and Moody. Recitations were given by Miss Booth, "Resignation"; R. Warburton, "The Beacon"; Adam Moore, "Love of the world reproved"; Miss A. E. Stilwell, " Mary's Tears " ; Miss Clare, " Little Willie.'" The meeting throughout was very harmonious, and closed with the benedic tion.

To the Editor : Sir, —A speaker the othe evening at the Lome-street Hall made the following remarks, which surely cannot be altogether true : " The people want healthful attractions, and a Templar lodge should be interesting and elevating. The dance is necessary to the elasticity of the limbs, and the book is equally necessary to the culture of the mind. But what is a Good Templar lodge in Auckland—a mental prison, a kind of star chamber, where younger members maintain timid silence, except when singing a temperance ode, or a Moody and Sankey in moodiness of soul; dancing being stiictly prohibited, and a rustic song forbidden. A lodge should be something more than a circle of long, funereal faces, a pretty regalia, and endless discussion on the by-laws."—W.M.

The Cuuard Company's largest vessels, such gas the Russia and the Scytha, which would be placed at the disposal of the British Government in the event of a war, are each capable of bearing 12 rifled 6'4-pounder guns. Notice is given by the Union Bank of Australia that the third instalment of £15 a share on the new shares is due and payable on the 15th of May. The adjourned meeting of the special committee re Waitekauri affairs lapsed tc day from non-attendance of members. Mr Rowe was the only one present.? Mr Blezard remained in town all day to attend the meeting to evince the desire of the mortgagees.tojafford every facility for arriv ing at a suitable report for the share holders.

A correspondent sends the Christchurch " Press" the following story: "On April Ist two young men went toLe Eon's Bay pigeon shooting. Leaving their horses tethered at the outskirts of the bush, and planting their saddles and bridles, they proceeded into the thick bush, where the pigeons are to be found. While they were there, a nor'wester sprang up, re-kindling some smouldering embers. The fire soon spread to the bush, and in a short time the sportsmen found themselves surrounded with fire, from which they had the greatest difficulty in saving their lives. As it was, they lost one gun, and on returning to the place where they left their horses they found only the remains of a tether rope and some frizzled-up leather. After searching for some time they found one of the horses with nearly all the hair singed off. On resuming the search the next day they found the remains of the other horse, which had been suffocated. They in tend getting the single pigeon which they killed on tho occasion stuffed and put in a glass case, to remind them of All Fool's Day, 1878."

In the case of Messrs Smith and Co., the contractors for No. 2 section of the Thames water-race, which was remitted by the Supreme Court, by consent of both sides to arbitration, the latter, Messrs D. Graham, Errington, and Dickson, have awarded the sum of £2,250 to tke plaintiff, and ordered the Government to pay all costs. The latter will amount to a considerable sum, and on the whole the Government would have acted more wisely by settling the claim in the first instance.

While the lire at Newton was raging last night, some unmitigated rascal entered the house of Mr Burgess, expressman, and had the contemptible meanness to steal a purse containing £4, which lay in a drawer. In this enlightened and religious age, when such prodigious exertions are put forth, and so much expense is incurred in converting the heathen from the error of their ways, it is sad that such symptoms of demoralisa tion are existing in our midst. At every fire we hear of instances of scan dalous pilfering ; of vagabonds benefiting at the expense of unfortunate people who are suddenly burnt out of house and home.

Mr Abraham Warbrick, a proficient licensed Maori interpreter, and a gentleman thoroughly conversant in the manners, customs, and feelings of the natives, announces in another column that he has commenced business as an interpreter and native land agent.

NEWTON FIRES.

(Vo ttio Kditor of the Sta R.) Sir,—ln the report of the fire last evening at Newton, your morning contemporary makes some remarks about the city providing hydrants and hose. Really, sir, I think this is properly the business of the Insurance Companies or the ratepayers of that district. Well may they oppose coming: into the city while tho over-taxed ratepayers of tho town can be persuaded to find water and appliances for extinguishing fires In The suburbs." Why >iot find gas and drainage? Hnd the Insurance Companies found what was necessary they might havo saved a gooU many pounds.—Yours &c, RArrEFAV.iat..« SKB^iS

THE CIRCUS.

THE circus was again m a(Ml - c 11 patronised last night. Soon afteFirH I menagerie was crowded, and I H o'clock the whole of the enorm ?wt F with the exception of a small * a r* *%> f! five shilling Pseats, tiTgff^.fi I expectant and wondering audienl * * I programme proved to be precised • *5 I to that of Monday eveninf y f H* :; need not recapitulate every Ttem Sp * I to say that the wonderful r> er f n 11 , i; I Mr Bntchclcr and the l!££SE*.<i . thoroughly appreciated and I iipplauded. S. Lowande's nerfor™^ I really first-rate, and it is refreshingllo* & I ness the perfect confidence with w£- V^ $ tiny Martinho scales his fctW* ' balances himself without any osrW 1 the parental head while the i,n e°? l> galloping round the ring. To-day A* = will be two performances. x° ttt ;

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT KARANGA HAPE ROAD.

SERIOUS LOSS OF PROPERTY

"The cry is still they come." Sh,™ before Fthree o'clock this momin?^ peaceful citizens of Auckland Avere°aß awakened from their gentle slumbewv the noisy clanging of the fh-ebells in «? city and suburbs. A glance in the direct? of Newton was sufficient to reveal the f that a serious lire was raginc i n a*. direction. Thousands of peopie°proceaS thither, and on arrival ac the Top of pii? street it was found that the building „ fire was a small structure, formerly used a butcher's shop, but latterly as a staiif by Mr Schumaker. The buildings on tf west side were Miss Lumsdeii's dress making establishment, and the Queen? Hotel, occupied by Mr Hanson, and on «, ' east side a small shed and Mona View two-storeyed double dwelling - house occupied by Messrs Horace Dean and m£ Massey, the latter occupant being T, nearest to the fire. Further on were two cottages, and at the hai a number of dwelling - houses and two buildings used as stables Z Mr Schumaker. The Newton Fire Brigade under Superintendent Mahou, were very quickly on the ground with an en°ine which was got to work as soon as possible. When water was laid on, the small shop was almost totally consumed and the fire had spread to Miss Lumsden'a shop. Just at this time, when waterwaj so much wanted, it was found that there was not sufficient force to raise the jet higher than about 10 feet from the ground Some delay was thus caused, aud in the meantime the front corner of Mona View took fire, and it became quite evident that unless a good supply of water could be obtained quickly the building would be doomed. The Auckland Fire Brigade under Superintendent Hughes, now arrived on the ground with a hose reel, and a branch was attached to the main already turned on. It was obvious, however, that there was not sufficient water at hand, to arrest the progress of the flames, and the positions of the neighbouring houses became extremely dangerous. The roof of Mona View began to blaze rapidly, and the Queen's Hotel on the other side was speedily enveloped in flames. Two small buildings in the rear, occupied by Mr Schumaker also j took fire, and were quickly burned. Large numbers of persons were now occupied in§ removing furniture and goods from the various houses in the vicinity, and the police were very energetic in pro tecting the property. After the lapse of fully half an hour, the hose was laid on to a plug to the eastward of the burning buildings, and a good pressure of ■water was quickly obtained. This was used with good effect. One branch commenced to play on Mona House from the eastward, and another was brought to bear on the two-storied dwelling house of Mr Adam, boot and shoemaker, which appeared to be in great danger. Had this building taken fire, the destruction would have been very great, as it is a portion of a large wooden block. Although the fire had obtained a good hold on Mona View, the hose was used with such good results that in a very short time the fire appeared to have the worst of it. Two firemen, who had ascended the roof with a branch, stuck to their position bravely, notwith standing the fact that the flames were breaking out from the roof beneath them. A.lll danger of any further damage now appeared to be past, thauks to the supply of water. Ten minutes later, the flames, which had obtained a firm hold on Mona View, were extin guished, although the house was almost com pletely destroyed. Little more than the framework of the building remained stand ing, and, had it not been for the fact that the structure was divided into two parts by a brick wall, it must have succumbed. The buildings destroyed were : The Queen's Hotel, Miss Lumsden's shop, a small shed, the three buildings occupied by Mr Schu maker, and the greater portion of the Mona View.

During the progress of the fire, the Auck land Fire Brigade, under Superintendent Hughes, Newton Fire Brigade, under Superintendent Mahon, and the Salvage Corps worked bravely in arresting the pro gress of the devouring element, and iv saving goods ond furniture. The Naval Brigade, under Captain Le Roy, Lieutenant Chapman, and Sub-Lieutenant Parker also did all that lay in their power to rescue the property of the sufierers. Many private, citizens also rendered great assistance, and amongst these we may mention Messrs J- Warren, Fred, and' George Christmas, W. Priestly, Parker, Howe, and O'Brien. Mr W. Priestly is especially worthy of praise. He was one of the first on the spot, and during the whole time he worked bravely in saving property. INSURANCES. The following are the correct insurances, as nearly as we can ascertain : — National Company £250 New Zealand ~ 500 Phoenix „ ... 450 Total, £1,200 The policy of £250 in the National is Ott the hotel building, and the £500 in the New Zealand on Mona View, which is owned by Mr Caley. FURTHER PARTICULARS. The loss to Mr Massey's furniture is es timated at £50. The hotel and adjoining building were owned by Mi Seccombe. Mrs Lumsden was not insured. During the progress of the fire, Mr Kowe, of the Customs, who was assisting in re moving furniture, had his eye severely injured by a falling spark. With reference to the delay in laying.on the water, Mr Carlow, turncock, states than the hose was first attached to the standing pipes, which are laid along Karangahape Road, and are used for conveying water to the Kyber Pass reservoir. The plug « n(" intended for fire purposes. A trial there to-day gave a pressure of only three pound at this plug, while the pressure at the pro per plug on tho east side was over thirty pounds: However, a strict inquiry snouw be made into the matter.

THE LATE BISHOP SELWYN.

(To the Editor.) ■' ■ Sir,—l do not wish to enter into any con* troversy with " Nisi" in reference to pne late Dr. Sehvyn's Ritualistic proclivities,. much less do I wish to detract from we Bishop's merits, and this shall teMrJ communication on the subject. H &>*. J, Selwyn "never was a Ritualist,' aß.,^ states, it is strange that he should na>» been accused of what he Jwas not guiiW.« by the Press organs of the Evangelic party in the Church of England; M*™» stranger that such accusation^ s^o^l^.,"^ have been rebutted. The "Rock> -" true, did not charge the Bishop wth°HJg identifying himself with the . party, 'but simply denounced the 1^ tendency of his public utterances m direction of Ritualism, whereby^e weakened the cause of tjic EvangeUca , party, which had so much to contend w»

EVENIXG STAR, WEDNESDAY APBIL 34, 1878



~X"G RIC U L T URAL RISKS. THE NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY Is prepared to INSURE against FIRE— Agricultural Risks, Grain in Stook or Stack, and Steam-Threshing Machines travelling from dli c? to place. LOWEST CURRENT RATES. HENRY E. WILLIAMS, A.« LINABUPwY & C DRESSMAKERS and MILLINERS. NEW DRESS MATERIALS. A Large Assortment of New Dress Goods or tbe present Season, in e< cry fashionable shade, Just Opened up at A. LINABURY & CO.'S. NEW WINTER COSTUMES, NKVV MANTLES, NEW ULSTERS. NEW MILLINISRY, NEW HATS A Large Assortment of Paris Trimmed Hats and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also, Hosiery, Silk Ti«w, Umbrellas, Collars and Cuffs, Gloves, Chilare s Mantles and Jackets. Also, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. tssr Look in at "®» A. LINABURY &\C O. 'S, 204 &206, QUKKN-STREET, Auckland. f -f :i \ON INttUUANO E COM 1 'ANY NEW ZEALAND. B3\rniATi «2.000,000. V. CX L A rTIV BLtAN CTT (.' IT ie E N - S T REE T. Next the Colonial Bank. 711U5 OBPARTMENT. -7-Insu:; n.t: granted on Dwelling: - houses, gtoios Shot>B, Buildings in which trade is can:"'i on, Mrrcqandise, and GcoOs of every (ieson|-.!i en. MAUINK BEPAUTMEKT. lliiHm of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise or all icbuls S; t-'ue and Wool to United Kingdom, at ."OTTWST OUnURNT ItATFS. R. 11. STKVENSON Manager. BOKfIUIST! BOKEDUST BONEDUST! To Arrive, per Hero 100 TONS BONEDUST. Also, Just Landed, ex Borough Belle: / PINE SAMPLE OF BILLYARD'S No. 1 BONEDUST. \V. .1. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-stlcot.



TTNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA. ESTABLISHED 1837. Paid-up Capital £1,250,000 Reserve Funds 450,000 Notice is hereby given that the Thhrd Instal ment of £15 per Share on the New Shares issued by this Bank, under resolutions passed at the Special General Meetings of the Proprietors, held in London on the 14th and 30th January, 1878, is due and payable at this Office, on the 15th day of May, and that All Shares are liable to forfeiture, under the Bank's Deed of Settlement, if the Call be not punctually paid. JOSH. PALMER, Chief Officer for New Zealand. Chief Officer's Department, Union Bank of Australia, Christchurch, 16th March, 1878. P| Pv APERY ! T~* R APERY. <ar NEW SEASON GOODS ! ! SOMERFIELD AND LECK In taking this opportunity to address their numerous friends and the general public, desire to express thanks for liberal patronage, and beg to introduce to their notice a very Superior Selection of Goods ex Chasca, Fontenaye, and Chili, NOW OPENING, comprising Blankets, Flannels, Calicos, Shirtings, Sheetings, Tick ings, Winceys, Satin Cloths, All Wool Serges, Hosiery, &o , All Wool Shawls, &c. Men's and Boys' Clothing. Moleskins Corduroys, Tweeds, &c. This Large and Well-assorted Stock, having been Purchased for Cash in the over-stocked English Markets, is Now Offered for Salk at Prices Lower than Ever i Heard of in Auckland. Inspection Invited. IS& VERY SPECIAL LINE. HEAVY 11J FAMILY BLANKETS, at 17S Gd. Country Orders will have special attention. Hawkers Supplied at Wholesale Prices. SOMERFIELD & LECK, QU KEN-STREET, Auckland. "X MAGNIFICENT STOCK OF NEW AUTUMN AND WINTER! DRESS MATERIALS Just Opened. JET. Atkins Invites attention to his Stock of New Dress Materials, Ladies Jackets, Ulsters, Black and Coloured Silks, Velvets, Velve teens, &c, suitable for the coming Season. Now on View. Splen did Colours in New Silk Keps, Wool Reps, Wool Poplinettes, Satin Cloths, Wool SerKes.Twilled Carmelites, Estarnane Serges, French Merinos, Winseys, and Fancy Dress Goods. All splendid value. All the new shades pro curable in Stock. The selection this season is the largest and best ever shewn in the city. Good quality Black Silk at 3s lid per yard. All the new shades in Coloured Silks. Also Good Cheap Blankets, Quilts, Sheetings, Table Linen, Flannels, Calicos, and Manchester Goods. IN THE CLOTHING DEPART MjE N T New Tweed Suits. Coats, Trow sers and Vests suitable for all classes. A large Stock of Boy's and Youth's Tweed Suits, in our own make and imported. An immense stock of New Tweeds in Bannockburn, Mosgiel, Scotch, West of England, &c. Tailors can select from the largest stock in Auckland at Wholesale Prices. Cheap Tweeds suitable for Boy's wear. Good Quality Guaranteed, and Prices Lowest in Auckland for All Descriptions of Drapery and Clothing. sz? h: a T k i N s. •et r ADIES AND GENTLEMEN about to jLA FURNISH are reminded that ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS IN THE COLONY OF FURNITURE CARPETS FLOORCLOTHS BEDDING, &c, Sec, &c. Is on Sale at T. & H. Cooko's FURNISHING WAREHOUSE 67, Queen-street. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS' W. J. HURST Sfc CO. have on salo the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious andli sra use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELLS BONK FLOUR landi-inch BONttUUST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIMB. La'addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that for the last two sea sons has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, p.. and other particulars will bo iedonapp. 'ation at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101. Queen treet. TUTUMN AND WINTER, 1878' The undersigned are bringing fo ward Large Parcels of NEW GOODS *ox the Incoming Season's Trade, Comprising GENERAL DRAPERY and CLOTHING Of Every Description. Entirely New and Well Bou&ht both as regards Quality and Prick. Particulars in future issu . Inspectionlnvited, FIVE PER CKNT. (Is. in the £), ALLOWED ON ALL CASH PUR CHASES OF 203. and UPWARDS. RuSHBROOK AND BIiIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CI.OTHTERS, fee, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel), UPPER QDEEN-8 T II X X T, AUOKLAN P. I



■p|ISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. The Partnership hitherto existing between J. COSGRAVE AND W. GRAHAM, Trading under the stylo of firm of J. COSGRAVE & CO., MERCHANTS AND IMPORTERS QUEBN-STREET, AUCKLAND, Is about to be Dissolved by mutual consent; and in order to Wind-up the Partnership Accounts, the ENTIRE STOCK, Consisting of over FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS WORTH OF DRAPERY & MEN'S CLOTHING, WILL BE s^r Disposed of at Cost Peice ! "®a All Accounts owing to J. Cosgrave and Co., must be paid forthwith. No Goods will be Entered during the Sale. The Premises will be Opened TO-MORROW (WEDNESDAY), APRIL 24, When the' Sale will Commence. ' J. COSGRAVE & CO. We are counselled by the wise not to put our trust in princes; but we are also counselled that the sick need the physician. There are now so many, and all of so conflicting a tendency, that the sick are unhappily but too often bewildered, and in despair, apt to abandon all efforts to re gain the lost health. The trustworthy friend is now at hand. The most marvellous cures have been effected by "Ghollah's Great Indian Cores." Sick people, try them. Both in flavour and effect Udolpho Wolfe s Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps is the very antipodes of the cheap counterfeits of that in effable medicinal beverage which are sold in bottles in which the real elixir was previously contained. The true Schnapps confer health and strength and are palatable in the highest degree. The counterfeits are most pernicious and disagreeable.