SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

--t,._- ~-_'. ..t, (This Afternoon, 719 HIGH WATER—) To . morrow Morning, 7.37 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.6 SUN RISK.—To-morrow Morning. 5.22 MOON'S AG-.—New Moon, Feb. 2,1.17 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

lona, s.s., Farquhar. from Russell.

DEPARTURES.

_. The s.s. Rotorua will arrive alongside the Tail way wharf from Napier on Monday night, and leave for Sydney at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. The s s Wanaka is exoected to arrive along side the railway wharf about eleven o'clock to ninrrow. Sunday eveninqr. Tne s =. Taiaroa will amve at Onenun„a from New Plymouth and the South about ten o'clock on Monday morning. , „ , , . ~ , The Mariner and Golden Isle were wmdbound at Russell yesterday. The barque California, sailed for Valparaiso to-d-y in ball_-t. The wav she backed down harbour on a flood tide against an easterly wind •excited general admiiation. The barque Bella Mary sails for Hobart Town -this afternoon if she can get a slant of wind. The s.s. lona arrived from the Bay of Islands this mor nins. with several passengers, and the following cargo :—IOO bags gum. 17 packages whalebone, anri a quantity of sundries. The barque Iron Queen has cleared at tne Customs for Valparaiso in b-Hast. She. is ts _ail to-day. 4 , ... . _ n , A The useful brigantine Augusta will he sola by auction by Messrs B. Tonks and Co. on Wednesday next. ... k _ . The schooner Coronet is to sail at once tor Tahiti. She has a full general cargo. . • The s.s. Hero is due from Sydney to-morrow ni-ht or Monday morning. Mflf __ The p.s. Ham-a-i is advertised topsail trom -Onehunga for Raglan and Waitara at noon on The a barque Abbey Holme will sail about Tuesday for Valparaiso in ballast. The R.M.S. City of New Y rork left Sydney on Thursday evening, and will be due here on Tuesday morning.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr R. Arthur's sale of produce, &c, was well attended, and a fair amount of bu_ines3 done cheese and "potatoes heing brought forward in excess of demand. A good number of poultry wasl entered, and sold as follows: Fowls, Is 2d to 2s Id ; turkeys, 3s lOd ; ducks, ls 5d to Is lOd ; rabbits, 9. each ; potatoes, 23 Id to 4s 3d: onions, Id to lid: apples, Id to _A; plums, 2\d to 2.a : green gage, lid to 3id; purple gage, 2d to 2 J-d • Orleans," 2Jd; cheese, 3d to 6d: bacon and na'm_. 5d to 8_ ; half-chests tea Is 7d to?s ncr lb bo-: tea, 26.: flour. £11 to -15 ; biscuits, fancy. 6lto . _fl: sugar, crushed lump, s}d: lemon nee' Is 3d per lb; beef. .* to 2d; maize meal, _____• sharps 7_. The furniture department was fair'lv attended, and a large quantity of second hand furniture and other goods sold at satis factory prices.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under: For Thames, on Monday next, at 2 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromanael, per Argyle, on on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Wanaka, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For Whitiangi. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday next, at i p.m. Per s.s. Tairoa, on Tuesday, sth February, as follows :— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 5 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez aud Southampton, and via Brindisi, at 5 a.m. For newspapers, at 5 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, the previous evening, at 4 p.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana. per Annie Milbank, on Tuesday next, at 10 am. For New Caledonia, per Sovereign of Seas, on Tuesday next, at 9 a.m. For Australian Colodies, per Rotorua, on Tuesday next, at 1 p.m. - Per City of New York, on Tuesday, sth Febru ary, as follows :— For Sandwich Inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 1.30. Late letters bearing an . extra fee of sixpence in addition to the post age will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. For Wangarei Heads. Waipu, Wangarei, and Manganai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at 4 p.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Southern Provinces, per Wanaka, on Tuesday next, at 3 p.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

Sufferers from the late fire at Newton will find it to their advantage to visit the City Hall Arcade, for there they will find the Greatest Variety of Furniture and Carpets in Auckland wherewith to make their new homes comfortable. From 300 to •400 Bedsteads to select from, and Bedding of every description kept in stock. Drawing and Dining-room Suites ready for delivery to suite all classes. Bedroom Furniture, Washstands and Toilet Sets, Chests Drawers, Tables, Wardrobes, and a large assortment of Toilet and Pier Glasses" Blankets, Sheetings, Quilts, Curtains, unci Drapery Goods of all kinds ; Men's and Boy's Clothing ; Millinery, Ladies and Children's Underclothing ; ladies' needle work Mounted ; and all kinds of Cabinet work Executed at our Factory. Goods delivered free to all parts of the town. Furnish your House from the City Hall Arcade, Queen-street.—Hollow ay, Gar lick, & Cranwell, Proprietors.—[Advt.]

Look out for shams in the shape of poisonous mitations of the People's favourite health beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps. These detestable swindles often bear counterfeit labels or names closely approximating to that of the true article. A close scrutiny should be brought to bear upon preparations purporting to be the real Schnapps

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1878.

l-or „t_ <__— that lacks s_—tano*. for the tnoiig that nerds iesist»aei Poi- t_e fntu—: in the distance. Aa4 tb_ _ood tAx.t ■-- «__■ <_•

The late European cable news brought by steamer from Singapore to Batavia is of a most momentous character. The despatch from our special correspondent, announcing the ' resignation of Earls Derby and Carnarvon, and the warlike preparations of England, was the first intelligence that reached town, and when issued as a second edition caused a profound sensation, which was intensified by the receipt some time afterwards of the Agent-General's telegram confirming the news. The English nation is on the brink of one of the most terrible struggles it has ever been engaged in. There are happily one or two hopeful cir cumstances which may yet lead to a peaceful settlement, but it is apparent from the rupture in the Cabinet, simultaneously with a demand for war supplies, that Earl Beaconsfield's bellicose policy has at length gained the ascendancy, and that only the restraining power of parliament, and the chances of a settlement between the belligerents, stand between England and war.

The resolution of the Ponsonby ratepayers' meeting last night in favour of borrowing £5,000 to carry out much-needed works in that suburb, expresses we believe,the wishes of a very large majority of the residents. The rapid progress of the district, the character of its buildings, and the increas ing value of property of all kinds, warrant the ratepayers in drawing an instalment on the future, that the Highway Board may keep pace in improved roads with the rapid extension of building enterprise in every direction. In some localities ratepayers find difficulty in approaching their residen ces, upon which thousands of pounds have been expended. The necessity for, and the reasonableness of the proposed loan com mend it to those acquainted with the wants of the district and the impossibility of undertaking anything like the required work with the limited means at the com mand of the Board. But, nevertheless, we believe it is undeniably true that the trustees cannot proceed to negotiate the loan under the powers upon which they have been hitherto relying, and a special Act of the Assembly will be necessary before the scheme can advance beyond iia present stage. This dilemma arises out of the legislative muddle created by the sud den rupture of provincial institutions. The clause relied on by the Board forms part of the Provincial Highways Act of 1874. After reciting the steps necessary to be taken to obtain the sense of a majority of ratepayers, the Act provides : —

" Upon compliance with the conditions above specified and upon approval of the scheme of works as originally proposed or as altered as aforesaid the Superintendent may submit to the Provincial Council if then in session or if not then sitting at the next following Session a Bill to enable the District Board to borrow upon security of its rates upon the terms and conditions approved of and every such Loan Bill shall specify either on the body thereof or in the Schedule thereto the list of works proposed to be constructed out of the loan, and the proposed cost of each work."

It is contended that the power under this clause is delegated to the Governot- by clause 7 of the Abolition of Provinces Act. It is evident, however, that the clause referred to delegates no more than the Superintendent's powers under existing Provincial Acts or such powers as could only be exercised by virtue of some existing ordinance of an abolished province. If the wording of the clause did not forbid the construction, it would be foreign to the spirit of the Act and the colonial Constitu tion to suppose that the Legislative Powers of the Provincial Council have been pre served in the person of the Governor. The powers conferred upon the Superinten dent under the Highways Act are very clearly defined. He can do no more than submit the Loan Bill to the Provincial Council. That power will now descend upon the Governor. But, surely, it cannot be maintained that the Governor is empowered to perform the functions of the Provincial Council also, and pass the required Bill, or dispense with it altogether. If so, he may do a great many more things which would very much startle the colony if he were to attempt. There can be very little doubt that, in the present state of highway legislation, a special Act must be engineered through the General Assembly by Boards desirous of borrowing a few thousand pounds; and that the Ponsonby trustees will have, as a con sequence, to defer their proposal until the requisite legislation has been procured.

Sunday services are duly announced in another page ; the people's service at the theatre will be held at the usual hour. Rev. D. Dutton will commence a series of Sunday evening discourses to-morrow, at half-past six o'clock. Mr Basstian, the successful chiropodkt, has made another cure of a corn, as will "be seen by an advertisement in this journal. We understand that Mrßasstian will shortly leave Auckland for other fields where corns grow, so that those who are still suffering, and need practical sympathy with their "poor feet," should lose no time in seeking the remedy. Yorkshire is one of the healthiest and most bracing, as it is the largest of the shires of England, and within its breezy Ridings are produced some of the choicest of natural and table luxuries. The last of Yorkshire im portations is the justly-famed " Yorkshire Relish," 60 dozen of which have been received, ex " Abbey Holme," by Mr Whitehead, grocer of Victoria-street, direct from the Leeds manufactory. This excel lent condiment is rich, full-flavoured, and equal in character to the Harvey's sauce of other days.

An entertainment was held last evening at the Whau Asylum, and in which the patients were greatly interested. The farces, songs, and conundrums, by the Asylum Minstrel Troupe, afforded much enjoyment. Dr Aickin and Mr Lowry did their best towards makinsr every one comfortable. The entertainment was succeeded by dancing; the music by the Volunteer Band, whose efforts to please were thoroughly appreciated; also the courtesies of the matron, Mrs Longdill.

We acknowledge the receipt of £1 from Dr Kenderdine for the widow of the late Mr McGrachen.

The announcement of a meeting of Good Templars, to be held in the Temperance Hall, on Wednesday evening next, for the purpose of discussing an important question affecting the future of the order in this colony. Rev S. Edgar representing the English section of templary, and Mr Brook ing, the American section, have agreed to hold this necessary meeting under present circumstances, and hopes all Good Templars will be in attendance.

The race between Geo. White and E- MeGinley is fixed for 10 o'clock on Mon day mormfag at Ellerslie Gardens. * A meeting of the Indian Famine Fund Committee was held in the Mayoi's Room, City Council Chambers, this afternoon. Present:—His Worship the Mayor (H. Brett Esq.,) iv the chair, Messrs J. J. Stevenson, Waddell, Thompson, Daldy, Doonin, Cosgrave, and Ewington. The Mayor read a letter from the New Zealand Government, relating to the closing of the list, and refunding the sum of £349. After some discussions, it was agreed that a meet ing of the subscribers should be called at 2 p.m. on Friday next for the purpose of con sidering the disposal of the refund. The meeting then terminated. We are desired to correct an error which occurred in our report of the Ellerslie sports, in which it was stated that James Mahon came iv third in the walking match ; the fact was Mr Mahon was told that he was exceeding the walking pace, and immedia tely left the course. He contends that he was walking fairly at the time. The quarterly meeting of the members of the Bricklayers' Mutual Protection Society will be held in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association ou Tuesday evening Dext. The Union Bank of Australia announces its half-yearly dividend of £1 15s, together with a bonus of 5s per share ; equal to 16 per cent per annum on the paid up capital, and the sum of £25,000 was at the same time added to the reserve funds, making them in all £450,000, and the intention is to increase the reserve funds to half the paid up capital, £1,250,000, or in other words, £625,000. On 30th June last, the advances and other assets were £0,055,612. The pro fits for the year, less charge., were £335,000, and the undivided profits and reserves, £529,367. These figures require no com ment to shew the marvellous progress ot the institution. The usual parade of the members of the Victoria Volunteers will be held on Tues day evening next, in the Drill-shed, when every man of the Company is expected to be present. The Friendly Societies , (Oddfellows and Foresters), notify through our advertising columns, assemblages of various bodies to attend the funeral of the unfortunate young man, William Godwin.

pA detachment of the Artillery Company of volunteers left for the North Head with an Armstrong gun, for the purpose of tiring for Company prizes. The entries for the four-mile-steeplechase, to he run next Wednesday by the members of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club will be taken to-night at the Thames Hotel by the secretary. The course will be selected in the Domain, and thei-aee will ha visible from the cricket ground.

A woman named Annie Cueksey was arrested this morning on a charge of steal ing a diamond ring, value £10; at Stokes' Point.

A return match between the Parnell and Victoria Cricket Clubs was being played in the Domain when we went to press.

The members of the Victoria Company met at the Rifle-range, this afternoon, to fire for the ladies' prize.

CABLEGRAMS.

Russians Advancing on Gallipoli. BRITISH GOVERNMENT SUBMIT WAR VOTE- Earls Derby and Carnarvon Resigned. FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRES PONDENT.) Star Office, 1 p.m. LONDON. January 24. The Russians are rapidly nearing Gallipoli (a port commanding the entrance to the Dardanelles on the European side). January 23. The Government has informed the Tory members that they intend to protect Con stantinople and Gallipoli, and will probably ask for a war vote immediately. The Russians are within fifty miles of Gallipoli. January 24th. The Government has announced large supplementary military and naval credit. Earls Derby and Carnarvon have rc sigued. The Mediterranean fleet has been ordered to defend the Gallipoli lines. January 25. Six millions are to be asked in the House of Commons for war purposes. The orders to the fleet have been stayed in consequence of communications from Russia.

Agent-General's Telegram.

The following is the A gent-General's telegram :— LONDON. January 25, 5.10 p.m. The Government have given notice of their intention to risk asking for a supple mentary vote for war contingency. Two morning papers have announced that Lords Derby and Carnarvon have placed their resignations in Earl Beacons field's hands. I have enquired further, and believe the report true. It is said that terras of pence have been signed between the belligerents. The National Liberal Federation has in vited all associated bodies to bestir them selves for the preservation of peace.

RUMOURED SUSPENSION OF HOSTILITIES PREMATURE.

(Per Reuters Agenot.

LONDON, January 22. The announcemenr of tho suspension of hostilities in Bulgaria is premature. An insurrection has broken out in Macedonia.

Sulieman Pasha has retired on Rhodope. Sir Stafford, Northcote, in Parliament, said he was ignorant of the peace conditions proposed by the belligerents. QUEEN TELEGRAPHS TO CZAR.

The Queen has personally telegraphed to the Emperor of Russia, coucerning the Sultan's desire for peace, and has expressed a hope that every endeavour will be made to accelerate the suspension of hostilities.

The Rufsians had occupied Adrianople when the preliminary negotiations for peace had commended.

January 24, PANIC AT GALLIPOLI.

The Russians have arrived at Kishai, on the road to Gallipoli. A panic has broken out at the latter place.

A St. Petersburgh semi-official journal states that the relations between England and Russia have improved.

The Turkish Parliament has petitioned the Sultan not to agree to the conditions 'of peace if the Russians demands aro ex orbitant.

Last accounts say that Sulieman is at Katilita.

January 25. Sir Stafford Northcote will give notice of his intention on the 28th to ask for supple mentary army estimates for India. HARSH CONDITIONS—V_E VICTIS.

The Porte has received from Russia the conditions peace. Very harsh terms are proposed, including heavy, indemnity and occupation till paid. The Russians are now advancing upon Gallipoli.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY".] A special message to Press Agency from London, undated, states that the Servians cap tured Pristina on the 21st. THE WAR AT THE CAPE. Owing to the spread of the Kaffir outbreak, another regiment is leaving for the Cape. Ihe Chinese captured Kashgar, and forced the Emir to make his escape to Russian territory. Fifty thousand salmon ova were shipped per Chimboraga for New Zealand. TURKS TO RESIST TO THE LAST. The Turkish Government are preparing to resist to the utmost extremity, and appeal to support of the population of the capital. The Russian scouts reached Kaishan fiifty miles from Gallipolli. It is stated that the Sultan will retire to Broussa on the Russians reaching Checkmedgi. The lines of the defence are entrusted to bulie man Pacha. An army is expected to disem -5? COMMITTEE. An International Committee is formed to assist the refugees flocking into Constantinople. Seventy members of the House of Commons have written to request Lord Northcote that England is to take action. ...... ~ • Sir Stafford Northcote replied that the Government would require to ask for supplies if things does not alter. > The King of Spain has married his cousin Mercedes. There is great rejoicing. A new Ministry has been formed in Greece.

Australian.

(SPECIAL TO THE "STAR")

Excitement over the "War __Tews.

SYDNEY.

This day.

The Government have received a message confirming the resignation of Earls Derby and Carnarvon and the war preparations in England. There is great excitement here.

The Premier's Visit to the King.

[BY TELEGRAPH.] (Prom our Special Reporter.) ALEXANDRA. This day. The Maori Murdeiers- AN EXPEDITION BY NIGHT. Fortun_tely nomrof the murderers were present at the meeting, though they were said to have been on the ground the pre vious day. The STAR special made care ful inquiry, and learned their whereabouts. Te Kooti,"Purukutu, and Nuku, were at a settlement a considerable distance inland. The Star special secretly engaged a guide, and rode by night over a rough track to Otorohanga. He was several times interrogated on the, road, but the guide's explanation opened sesame. HE BEARDS TE KOOTI IN HIS LAIR.

He arrived about nine, and sent his guide forward to ask whether Te Kooti would see the Star special. Tho reply was Te Kooti was always willing to see Europeans, but they did not want to see him. Ho found Te Kooti in his whore with two handsome young wives. Te Kooti extended his hand, and your repre sentative, although shuddering at the remembrance of the horrors that hand had perpetrated iv Poverty Bay, had no alternative but to take it. He pointed to a seat on a mat. To Kooti is a muscular-look inc man about sft 7in ; not tatooed ; his features are rather pleasing, but in re pose shew a peculiar expression of anxiety and sternness. Has a large head- high forehead, somewhat narrow at the top. He wears his hair short; his nose is of the usual Malay type—broad at the uostrils, but comparatively well-shaped —the mouth large and sensual. He wears a moustache, and short beard, and has quite a soldierly appearance. He reclined with a handsome mat covering his lower ex tremities, but afterwards donned good trousers, almost new, and wore white socks. His Bkirt was made of vari coloured materials resembling quilting, and he had a light vest, witn gold watch (open faced), and gold chain with large green stone pendant. The watch was evidently such as officers carry, and was probably taken, in fighting. He had a black coat in tho mat and also a despatch bag, and writing materials. I saw no arms. They were probably con cealed in the fern, from which, after a while, he took out a bottle of rum, observing that, although an Hauhau, he could find a bottle to entertain his friends. I saw two other bottlo- in the basket. Te Kooti was evi dently well supplied with clothes and grog. At first, he appeared anxious lest other Europeans were coming, but the guide assured him, and he produced tumblers, and insisted on your special drinking. He then partook himself, with the usual "kaiora koe." His wives kept off, but returned alternately, evidently on tha^ alfert. He was probably afraid of being surprised. The following conversation ensued : — Te Kooti to Guide : What is this European ? Guide : Writer for STAR newspaper of Auckland.

Te Kooti (regarding special with evident interest) : Ah, I have seen that newspaper. If you are not a Government man, I am glad to Bee you. The Star special with prudent alacrity disclaimed the remotest official connecton with any Government in the world. Te Kooti:: Kapai. Special: I want to ask you a few ques tions about the war. I hope you will not be offended.

No fear ; that is all over; and I am living quietly now. I don't want to fight unless the Government begin. Special :. Did you throw one of your men overboard when escaping from Chathams in the schooner ?

Te Kooti : Yes. When I planned the escape I told the Maoris not to kill any soldiers, but to tie all up. One soldier lifted his axe and struck a Maori on the temple. (He pointed to the spot.) It only penetrated a little. Another Maori killed the soldier. On board the schooner for six days we had a head wind. The vessel could not make headway. We said, " Let us cast lots and see who committed the sin. It is not right that all should suffer for the sin of a few." The lot fell on an old man, and he confessed he killed the soldier at the Chathams. I threw him overboard because he disobeyed my orders. Immediately after he sank, the wind ceased and tho Yesel went on.

Special: What was the reason you com mitted the Poverty Bay massacre ? Te Kooti :We landed quietly. I meant to go to my own place, Turanganui. Biggs chased me. I found they intercepted me. I then tried to get to Waikato, intending to live there. They got on my path again, and then I turned off to Mawhera (Poverty Bay).

The reporter: Is it true you violated pakeha women ? Te Kooti : That is false. It is not a Maori custom. I told the men to slay all and spare none. I meant to make a clean sweep. That is Maori style of war. We buried your dead, but the pakeha soldiers tortured the Maoris, tied them with their hands to posts, and tortured them with red hot ramrods. Some were burnt in the fire. The reporter : That is not true. Te Kooti: Yes, some of our men saw it.

The reporter : That is not European style of warfare.

Te Kooti: Stop; look at the way the Turks treated the Russians. I have read it all. Look you English in India, in America, everywhere. (Te Kooti's face here was very stern.) Reporter : Tell me about your fight. Te Kooti: I had twenty men ; the Euro peans a hundred. We fought three hours on the fern hill. They ran, and we killed thirty. The Government had plenty of rifles and thirty horses, They made my men cavalry horses—good—-that is the reason we eluded pursuit.

Special: Why did you not desist from fighting afterwards ? Te Kooti : The Government would not desist I wrote several letters, and asked them to let me live quietly, but the Govern ment put them in the fire and never answered them. When Mr Mackay came up to demand Purukutu, I saw him and said I did not want to fight. Mr Mackay replied, " I won't have any talk with you ; go away." I replied, "The proof of my peaceful 'intentions is, I could kill you if 1 wished. You could not leave here alive. Mr Mackay replied, and bounced me. Some of our party wanted to kill him. 1 prevented them and protected him. Reporter : Do you want pardon from the Government now ? Te Kooti : Yes. I want to live qmetly. Reporter : Have you any land at Turan canni ? Te Kooti : My relatives had. The Gov ernment Maoris have got all now. Reporter : Have you any children ? Te Kooti: One. Perhaps the Govern ment would give him a piece of land. My sin is not his. Reporter : How did you get the name ot Te Kooti. . Te Kooti : Williams christened me that; it is a pakeha name ; probably Te Kooti is the Maori for the English name of Coates. Te Kooti himself pronounces it like Koarty. In compliance with my request, he signed his name in my reporter's book (Kookl.) Reporter : Have you any soldiers now? . _ ~_ ~ , j Te Kooti : All the men of the Waikato and Ngatimanipoto are soldiers if the Gov ernment make war.

Reporter : Do you drill them ? Te Kooti : No, they know how to fight if required. _ Reporter:—Does Tawhiao keep any sol diers, as at Ngaruawahia ?' Te Kooti: Not now. All are soldiers. Te Kooti had seen the shorthand when signing his name in the book, and seemed much Tnterested. He asked the reporter to write the Maori alphabet in shorthand, which Te Kooti immediately commenced copying.

Reporter: Do you think it possible to get the Maoris to consent to making railways, roads and telegraphs through to Taranaki ? Te Kooti: Not yet; wait; by-and-bye perhaps. ' INTERVIEW WITH PURUKUTU.

While the conversation was going on, Purukutu came and squatted down outside the door. He is an exceedingly repulsive-looking man : below middle height, and has a savage, scowling face, with the eyelids overhanging fearfully bloodshot eyes. He was dressed in European clothes. Your reporter began to feel uncomfortable. Purukutu asked : Who is this fellow ? Te Kooti: Never mind him. Purukutu then wanted some rum. Te Kooti's was all hidden under the fern. He pretended that he had none. Purukutu caught sight of the empty bottles, and persisted. Te Kooti was obdurate. Purukutu, after scowling at your reporter for some time, quietly disappeared. Reporter: Is there any danger of that man intercepting me on the road ? Te Kooti: No, but take care: he does not kill men in fight, but is a murderer in cold blood. He don't go to his whare. Your reporter, after having the outside of the whare reconnoitered by a guide, left. He did not linger on the road. Te Kooti, during the interview expressed considerable admiration for Mr. Firth. Friday, 9.50 p.m. THE FEASTING. All afternoon was spent in feasting ; the only excitement being a division of food. A great quantity of quarters of beef were drawn to various tribes iv wheeled sledges, made at Kawhia. The great supply of dried sharks, hung on poles, were the most coveted luxury. The division of these caused much excitement ; their unsavoury smell was sufficient to repel Europeans to a distance. A DAINTY DISH FOR SIR GEORGE. After the speeches, the natives brought over a great quantity of cooked pocatoes and dried mussels and pipis to the tents pitched for Sir George Grey's party. These were partaken of with great relish ; but the Commissary-General (Mr Seymour George) and Deputy Grace fortunately provided a large supply of tea, sugar, steak, bread, and butter, with plates, cups, knives, and saucers. He forgot forks, and the plates were short of requirements. Some Europeans of Sir George Crey's party were seen picturesquely reclining on the grass, eating lumps of bread and steak in their hands, with clasp knives. Sir George Grey himself preferred this fashion. After an al fresco lunch, the Europeans dispersed themselves about the encampment. Tents were pitched along the east side of the paddock. During the afternoon there were numerous battles royal between the degs and pigs over quarters of beef promiscuously scattered about on the grass. The whole scene was one of the most admired disorder, but groups of Maoris, in rare colours attired, were scattered over the encampment, and made a picturesque scene.

THE PREMIER'S GALLANTRY PUT

TO THE TEST.

During the afternoon Sir George Grey had to summon all his resolution to resist the blandishments of an aged rangitira, who yearned to rub noses with him. Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan during the afternoon saw Mrs Morgan, wife of the man killed at Ngaruawahia. They will probably make some provision for her large family. OUR CORRESPONDENT RECOUNTS

HIS CAMPAIGNS TO REWI. Your special visited Rewi, the great chief of the Ngatimaniapotos, and General during the war, whom he found with three other principal Ngatimaniapoto chiefs in small a tent. On being introduced, Rewi shook hands warmly. He is a man slightly below middle height, his face closely tattoed, and slight whiskers inclin ing to grey. His features are somewhat thin, but more regular than the average Maori's. His hair is closely cut. His countenance is shrewd and intelligent, but beginning to shew signs of advancing: age ; slightly wrinkled. He smiles good humouredly when pleased. He was attired in a fine flax mat with ornamental border. He reclined on the fern on the floor of his tent during the interview/ but kept his eye fixed sharply on. the countenance of your representative. The following conversation toolc.place :—- Reporter : I am very glad to see you in this time of peace. Rewi : Yes. It is good to- lL__e quietly in our'own places.

Reporter . Perhaps you wouldbeoffended, at the mention of the war in Taranaki, in. which you were engaged. Rewi : No. When war is over all ou_r anger dies away. Speak.

Reporter : Do you remember your at tempt to storm No. 3 redoubt at Hikurangi, Taranaki, when the sentries thought the-at tacking party were sheep .

Rewi (laughing) : Yes. Reporter : I was a soldier then. Rewi (apparently interested, again stretch ing out his hand, and shaking the reporter's cordially) _ I welcome you. You and I have fought, but this is the first time we have talked face to face. Formerly gun powder smoke obscured our eyesight. After some further conversation Rewi asked for the loan of the reporter's pipe, which,being a meerschaum,appeared *to take Rewi's fancy. It was therefore presented to him ; whereupon he remarked, "This is a proof that there is no enmity between us 4 that you have forgotten old differ ences."

When questioned regarding his views ©£" Sir George Grey's coming, Rewi im mediately became very reticent ; he said sufficient, however, to shew he did not desire to be supposed to take a very deep interest in it. When your importer suggested to him the possibility oi the present meeting resulting in the opening of the country for railways and roads be merely smiled incredulously. The whole interview was most cordial. THE OLD PRIME MINISTER. Your reporter afterwards interviewed Manuhiri (Taraati Ngapova), tho King's

Prime Minister. Mamihiri lookstoiT^ I breaking up. He is a splendid tyr,^. I old chief. His face is so closely IS '*W_\ that it is difficult to stick a■°^ I between the lines. His e y ea ■'s!- i deep set, quick, and keen. Another ate I chief, who might easily be mistaken^ ! him, sat beside him. The tattoo 1 almost exacHy the same. The latter t" the head of a pickaniny sticking out f under his mats. Manuhiri was ent> reading an old Testament, which he W^-'l the church when duly ordained a c i! '" I man of the Church of England at Man 1 near Otahuhu, and which was foujJ?- I years ago, covered with dust and cbbweK • 'a. crumbling pulpit, and was returned 3; 14 clay by one of the European visitors. I After the usual salutations, lkla__„4 I observed, "lam very old now." jj Reporter : Yes, and your old friend P, I is old too. I Manuhiri : He is not yet aa £ 1 man. _ *» 1 In course of conversation,.!-, subject of to I Firth's visit to induce theKingites to coilf I Nsaruawahia to visit Prince Alfred cr_m!S I up. Manuhiri said. "If the Princeß come.to them he would have been -well ! ceived, but they would not go tohim.'' \ also transpired that Rewi, onjthat occasjJ' ordered Mr C. O. Davis, who accomp a Jk Mr Firth, to leave the ground, hut said M Firth and his companions might sW This never tianspired before. *r Another chief remarked : What-wasyon Prince afraid of, that he did not comS. Was he afraid of being killed? We vm* have received him as a great chief. tO PROSPECT OF ROADS. Your reporter infers from his convert tions that there is no present prospect of the railway going through Waikato, or .J opening of roads. This may be wien-th. obstinate old chiefs die off. The Kingit'es have several schools of their own. No English is taught. •___.'. writing and reading is done in Maori only Your reporter was introduced to a chief who occupies the position of Maori Miniate, of Education. Manuhiri and Rewi kept very en during the day, scarcely ever going outside their tents. Mr Woods, the English sculptor, appeared to greatly admire the muscular appearance of Tawhiao, especially the arms. Sir George Grey, Messrs. Sheehan, J.Q, Erown, Seymour George, Grace (interpreter)' and Te Wheoro remain on the ground to! night. The others returned. A private intetview will probably take place to-night between Sir George Grey, the Hon. J, Sheehan, Tawhiao, Te Ngakau, and others. To-morrow may be observed as a Hauhaa Sabbath, as they make one every ten days,' but not regularly; only whenever they want to make a holiday. If it is the Hauha. Sabbath to-morrow, there will be no.talk. ing; next day being the Pakeha Sabbath, perhaps there will be no further discussion till Monday.

TO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

ALEXANDRA, 11 _^F Messrs Dignan, Wood, and Grace, left by the coach for Auckland this morning, Probably, nothing wiU be done at the. meeting to-day, as it is the Hauhau Sabbath. The Star special has just gone up to Kopua. [By mounted Messengers To Alex andra]. KOPUA, this afternoon. Sir George Grey sent a request to Mann. hiri to see him privately this morning, Manuhiri replied that whatever conveisa tion he had must take place in the presence of the people outside. About noon to-day all the natives assem bled on the ground outside, similarly to yesterday. Manuhiri had obtained an open air meeting. He addressed the assembly as follows :— " Governor Grey is ther_; Seventeen years since he was here." Sit George Grey : " We cannot help the old mistakes, but there is one here who can settle all difficulties" (looking at M| Sheehan). . Hauaran said : Welcome Hoani Nahe and his people. He is my child. Hoani Nahe replied : Stop this talk Talk to Grey and Sheehan. The talk I to-day is to them. Let them talk to Grey, I ccme to escort them. Manga (Rewi) addressing Sir George Grey said : Come here and see the faces ol the people who are dead. Come and stk the children of Potatau. Come and see all the tribes. These days are only for see ing. (Turning to the people : :This is Gov ernor Grey.) (Song.) Sir George Grey then replied : I have come to see. My stay will not cease until I have seen the faces of those who are dead. F Tapihana then stood up. and said :Do not confuse things. Let all things rest under the law. Let trouble cease. This day is for Governor Grey and Tawhiao. If you return to Alexandra I. will accompany Te Wheoro. Talk to Grey is good. Say all y<_ v have to say to Grey. He is M administrator of the law. The Chief then called: out to light the ovens, andthe women wentout to light them. Te Wheoro went down in canoes to Alexandra to get more flour.

AQUATICS.—MORE RACING.

Our " Salts " seem determined to spin out the excitement of the Regatt__ to its utmost limit. Another race was made up last night, and sailed to-day. The competitcra were five cutters of 25 tons and over, namely, the Leo, the Fannie, the Three Brothers, the Mana, and the Ness. The stakes were £15, made up by a sweepstake of. £1; a boat, and a subscription oi £10- The first boat takes tho whole of the money. The competitors were sent away to a flying start,. it being understood that any boat getting a manifest advantage should be handicapped. The s___ct took place at ten,minutes to eleven.. The Leo was well to windward on whenaß were underweight, and,it was agreed to make her concene two minutes to the Fannie,. Ness, and Mans, and two minutes and a half to the Three Brothers. In the Beat down harbour tb» Leo gained ground- For several boam the Mana was second boat, and the F_nm_ third, but the former standing too fac into Ora__ei Bay, lost her position.

(PER STAR CARRIER PIGEON.)

On the Leo, 11._9-_-H»| , The Leo tacked to windward oi Ora&a i Bay. Got a fine slant out of the Bay- Tv Leo is about a, third of a mile to w_n_vr_» : of the others.. 11.29.—Ia.tacking this time* the ■_*»? was a good hoard to leeward ofi the Left but well to. windward of the other boats The Fannie stayed in the centre of Orakei Bay, and almost one mile astern of *k£ Leo. The North head was rounded as under :- Leo, lib.. 31m. ; Fannie, llh. 36m. 305.; Ness, 3_Lh. 3S_a. ; Mana, lib. 39m. ; Three Brothers, llh 40_u. 0. 11.35s.—The Leo rounded the Heads |J miles ahead of the others. She is- lying wel up for the chequered buoy. 11.41.—The Leo ia round the buoy- Tacked at once to catch the last of the Auckland ebb. The Fannie-has apparent.} taken second place. She is a long distance astern. 4 11. 42.—The Fannie has stayed round th« chequered buoy. She seems to drop t£ leeward of the Leo.. '§. 11.43 a.m.—The Ness and Mana are bofi nonnding the busy, and standing over » Rangitoto. -,* 11.45.—The Brothers on rounding th. buoy, tacked and stood after the Le*-^ Fannie. 11.47.—Th0 Mana tacked and stoad &fte! us. 11.54.—The Fannie stayed close to Be* Rock lighthouse. The' Leo is, standinj right into the Bay to windward of Beacoi reef. 11.57.—The Leo tacked in Kohimararoa The throat hallyards of the Brothers bay carried away. Just at this; time the Ma" stayed. All are on the N starboard .tacK with tho exception of the Ness^ which. .

EVENING STAR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2. I.StB



Gr R a n d Show OF SUMMER COSTUMES. H " A. LINABURY & CO. HAVE JUS _T OPENED P MO|» rpOSTUMES Comprising— BLACK SILK COSTUMES COLOURED SILK COSTUMES JAPANESE SILK COSTUMES HOLLAND COSTUMES FRENCH BATISTE COSTUMES BRAIDED PIQUE COSTUMES FRENCH PRINT COSTUMES CAMBRIC COSTUMES BLACK SILK SKIRTS, with Body Pieces COLOURED SILK SKIRTS, with Bod Pieces HANDSOME BRAIDED LINEN COS TUMES and SKIRTS, with Body Pieces to match. The above GOODS were purchased at a Heavy off English Invoice, and will be offered to the Public at ENGLISH COST. Inspection Invited. a JINABURY& rj°M 204 &20s. quekn-street, Auckland.. TCTLOUR! -COLOUR! Anderson and Co., R. Anderson McGill, Hassell, J. T. Evans and Co In sacks, 603 and 100s. B. TONKS & CO. Southbridge Bacon Curing Company, new cure Hams and Bacon. B3T The best brand in the market. Wholesale Agents-B. TONKS & CO, Knight's K.B. Jams. New Shipment. Wholesale Agents-B. TONKS & CO. Berny's Bonedust and Glutinised Bone Manure. Wholesale Agents—B. TONKS & CO _^PECIAL /^.HEAP T INES ! IN DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. H. ATKINS Will Shew the Following Cheap Lines During the Christmas Holidays :— A Larete Lot of Rich, Bright. Black Silks at 3/11, as bright as sold at 5/6 Cheap Coloured Silks, beautiful shades Cheap Japanese Silks Cheap Dress Materials Cheap French Muslins A Job Line of Extra Quality Black Silk Jackets at one-third the original prices. Silk Umbrellas, splendid value, at 8/11 Lined Parachutes (Bought a Job) at 2/11, worth double Cashmere and Lace Fischus. Capes, &c., at Reduced Priceß Chean Lace Curtains, Table Linen, Quilts, Sheetings, and Manchester Goods, for the Christmas Holidays. In the CLOTHING DEPARTMENT Cheap Silk Dust Coats, Black Alpaoca Coats. Trousers and Vests, Tweed Suits, Paget, Galatea, and Sack Coats, Boys' and Youths' Suits, Sec. Sec, Sec. All* Marked at Low Prices for the Christmas Holiday. THE NEW PITH HELMET. Job Line of Men's Straw Hats at 1/11, half-price. Job Line of Boys Straw Hats at 1/6, half-price. A Large Stock of MOSGIEL and other TWEEDS. Cheap Tweeds for Boys' Wear. _EL Atkins. T_»AY OF ISLANDS COAL COMPANY _D (LIMITED). A Dividend of Ten Shillings per Share will be payable, at this Office, to the Shareholders in the above Company, on and after 30th January. By order of the Directors. 3 HENRY GILFILLAN, Jun.. Acting-Secretary. 10, Insurance Buildings, January 29,1878. A. L' v' ~A' NOTICE. NOTICE. A General Meeting of the Association will take place at the British Hotel, on MONDAY, at 2.30. Business : Recption of revised Rules; appointing two Auditors; and to consider the case of Mr Mann. H< FUiiLBR , Secretary. T ODGE ARA, No. 348, I.C. The Monthly Meeting of Lodge Ara, 318.1.C., will be held at the Lodge-room, Princes-street, on MONDAY next, the 4th instant, at 7.30 p.m. sharp. Visitiner Brethren are invited. ova *" w# l. MITCHELL, Secretary. THANKS— Mr and Mrs Stringfellow beg to return their sincere and heartful thanks -to all those kind friends, who have so kindly assisted them since tho late fire in Newton, in which they lost all they possesed.



OLOVER SEEDS. CIOVER SEEDS. Just to.Hand, ex 'Apelt.es.' OUR FIR-T SHIPMENT NKW SEASON'S .LOVKR SEEDS, CONSISTIXG OK White Clover Timothy Red Clovtr Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke sec, Sec, Sec. Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Fatim and Garden Seeds, also. A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded on application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye trass, Cocksfoot. Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c, &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. mWSNTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT I FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY! FANCY DRESS MATERIALS, FURNISHING GOODS, BLACK SILKS, BLANKETS, CALICOES. HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, CARPETS AND MATTING. CLOTHING OF ALL KINDS, FOR BOYS' AND MEN'S WEAR, HATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, &c, AND EVERY DESCRIPTION of GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, AT «__, TWENTY" PER CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND ALLOWED UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. Goods Entered will bf Charged Regular Prices. "OUSHBROOK AND "ORIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, UPPER QUEEN-STREE T, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel).



Shera Spot hers ANNOUNCE THE ARRIVAL, Pek " Lorraine," of their FIRST SHIPMENT FOR THE COMING SEASON. QUEEN-STREET. 26th January, 1878. SPECIAL NOTICE Ladies and Gentlemen about to furnish are invited to inspect our extensive assortment of IMPORTED and COLONIAL FURNITURE. CARPET S.—Brussels, Tapestry. Kidder minster, Dutch. Felt, and Stair, at Prices as Low as any House in Town. IRON BEDSTEADS.—HaIf Tester, French, Stamp and Folding, in great variety. New Patterns ex ' Otaki,' ' Famenoth,' and * Iron Queen.' LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTHS, MATTING, HEARTHRUGS, TOILET-WARE, TOILET .rLASSES, and an immense stock of DRAW ING, DINING, and BEDROOM SUITES, English and American CANE and WOOD CHAIRS, Meat Safes, Door Mats, &c, Sec, Sec, at LOWEST PRICES. A Liberal Discount _f> Cash Buyers. T. & H. COOKE. Furniture Showrooms 67, QUEEN-STREET. Steam-Cabinet Factory VICTORIA-STREET rj NIO N INSURANCE r COMPANY NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2,000,000. UCKLAND BRANCH: QUEEN-STREET, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Ulnßurano granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. sPHulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager.



LA DIES' UNDERCLOTHING ! CHILDREN'S UN'-ERCLOTHIN And BABYLINEN 1!! W. RATTRAY, Having bought the Whole of.. Sargood, Son and Ewen's Large und VV oil-selected Stock of LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S UNDER CLOTHING & BABYLINEN, AT A LARGE DISCOUNT, Has marked them at proportionately Low Rates. Ladies are requested to.call and inspect the Stock. -jVT X W 7KALAND XT OUS E, 66. Q,T7EE_T-STR-EET. ArT R K:r.A_-r>.