SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

_, T , ,„ . „,„„ t This Afternnon, 10.25 HIGH V/ATEiI-- iTo . morrow Morning, 10.43 SUN SET.—This Evening, 7.1S SUN RISE. —To-morrow Morning, 4.5S MOON'S AGE.-First Quarter, 12th, 6.36 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES. Australia, Pv.M.S., Cargill, for San Francisco Rotorua, s s., Macfarlane, for Sydney Taupo. s.s., Carey, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Taranaki and the South—Taranaki, s.s.,

Tuesday, 15th inst. For Tauranga and the South—Taupo, 10th mst For London—Lochfleet, ship. May Queen, ship,

early , . For Levuka—Christina, schooner, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Charybdis, schooner, from the Island?", cany Apelles, ship, from London; sailed 16th Oct. Abbey Holme, barque, from London; sailed lith September.

The s.s. Rotorua sailed for Sydney yesterday evening."Passengers:—Mesdames Foster. Full iames, Thorpe, Macdonald, Wilson; Misses McCaw and James; Messrs Shannon, Frank Schultze, O'Brien, Higgins.Cheeseman, Jackson, Helsham, Swete, Smith, Laishley, Horsbrugh, Pollard, Scrimgeon, Taffe, Edwards, Wyhe, Fairfax, Adams, McAllister, and 3 Chinamen.— Henderson and Macfarlane. agents. The island trading schooner Edith was brought alongside the Queen-street wharf this mSeveral of the passengers by the Taupo yes terday were returnins from the Christmas excursion round the colony. ,->!,„„„ The s.s. Wellington sailed from Onehunga yesterday afternoon for the South, but owing to the stiff breeze, had to anchor at the Haia, from whence she would, no doubt, take her departure this morning. Passengers :-Mr and Mrs McDonald, and 2 children. Miss Sharland, Mrs Blackie, Mrs Scott; Messrs Sharlaud, McLean Glendinning, Andrews, Watheridge, Clarkson, Townsend, Berry, Hunter, DeLias, Gardener, Capper, Gillies, Connell, Bolton, Haigh, Maitland, and 7 steerage.—Henderson and Macfarlane. acents. . , The R.M.S. Australia left last evening at eight o'clock, for Honolulu and San Francisco. The following is the full passenger list ;—Saloon; Messrs F. A. Solomon. J. W. Anderson, Steerage: Mr and Mrs Ken, Messrs A. Bute, F. Berry, Johnson, Fisher, and 18 in transit from Taupo left for Russell last night. Passengers :—Mrs Chatfleld, and 4 children, Mr and Mrs Ogilvie, Mrs Hutchison, Messrs Gilberd, Marsh, Messrs Warder, Gardener, Darling, Oalwell, Earle, Davis, Simcox, Kummer. Barber, McCaghy.—Hendersoit»nd Macfarlane, aS During the stay in port of the mail steamer Australia, Mr Gouk was employed repairing the panelling of the upper saloon, which had been partly carried away in the heavy weather en countered on the passage across from Sydney. The schooner Transit, is to leave to-day tor the Thames., where she is to load timber tor Oamaru. ■ , , The brigantine Ada C. Owen arrived at Moumea on the Bth December after a rapid run The lona sailed yesterday afternoon for Rus sell and the North, with cargo and several pas- OQTI fTPT'R The departure of the s.s. Taupo has been postponed till Friday next, at 4 p.m. The iron steamer brought from England by Mr W. Buchanan, and put together by Mr W. Niccol at the North Shore, wili be launched to-morrow at half-past ten o'clock. _ The schooner Transit cleared to-day in ballast for the Thames. , The schooner Atlantic cleared for Dunedm to day via Wanganoua, where she will load a cargo of timber. , , , The schooner Albatross is being overhauled on Messrs Sims and Brown's slip at the North Shore. There may possibly be some connexion between this and the coming regatta.

MARRIAGE.

POOLEY—GREENWOOD.—At the residence of Mr. E. Tramian, on Bth January, by the Rev R. Taylor, William Harper, youngest son of the late Major General Charles Pooley, formerly of H.M. 38th Regiment, Madras Corps, to Elizabeth Jane Hodge, eldest daughter of the late Mr. F. Greenwood, of Auckland.

DEATH.

McCRUCKEN.—On the 9th January, William McCrucken, aged 34 years. The funeral will leave his late residence, Mount Eden Road, To-morrow (Thursday), at 3.30 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1878.

jtortbe cause that lacks istii tan c«, for the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the dlstapr-f.

A CABLE dispatch from our special London correspondent, dated Bth instant, states that Earl Derby has informed Russia that England cannot remain aloof from any peace negotiations. This is directly contra dictory of the Press Agency dispatch an nouncing that, through the mediation of Germany, England had consented to stand altogether on one side, and leave the matter entirely in the hands of the two Chancellors, Gortschakoff and Bismarck. We think our special dispatch will prove to be the true version. It is not at all probable that England would bind herself to any settlement that might be arrived at by Russia and Germany, or that she would, as the Agency telegram appears to imply, allow Germany to determine wherein English interests are involved. It is, at the same time, feasible that an element of truth enters into the rumoured Russo-German adjustment, the preliminaries being left to those Powers, before the final settlement. That peace negotiations in some form will be entered upon seems now almost an accepted fact.

OUR special cable despatches from Mel bourue to-day are momentous. The rupture between the Upper aud Lower Jtlouses has resulted in very serious consequences. Its origin, as our readers will remember, lay in the land-tax forced through by Mr Berry, who represents in Victorian politics the same democratic party and principles as those led in New Zealand by Sir George Grey. The Upper House, although compelled by -strong public feeling to pass the land tax resolved upon retaliation, and as a first blow against the predominance of the popular element in the House negatived the £300 J honorarium allowed to members. The Premier tacked the vote on to the Appropriation Bill, which the Council must either adopt as a whole or reject, and without a dissentient voice the Council threw the bill out, and Parliament was prorogued without supply. The Govern ment are now without means of paying the civil service, and Mr Berry has proceeded to wholesale suspensions — the County Judges, heads of departments, and other high officials being made the first victims. In adopting this course, the Premier has doubtless taken the best means of bringing the country face to face with the conse quences of the Council's extreme action, and this will precipitate a crisis. A deadlock of the same kind occurred some years ago in Victoria, when members of the Civil Service suffered great hardship. There is very little doubt, however, that the Upper House will vozy soon find itself worsted in the struggle.

" Is Responsible Government in the colonies a failure ?" is a question which may well engage the minds of men of temperate judgment and moderate views. The Parlia ment of Great Britain has of late years been scandalised by scenes of disorder which would have excited the pious horror of our forefathers. In the colonies there has been a kind of general upheaval of political violence resembling the workings of a natural volcano. Parliaments, Minis ters, and Governors have been at direct variance on questions of constitutional privilege ; the two Chambers of Parliament have come into collision, and the Houses of Representatives have been disgraced by scenes of disorder, defiance of the Speakers' rulings, infamous recriminatory accusations, and by general Billingsgate and Babel dom. The gestures of Mr Graham Berry, the Premier of Victoria, were on a recent occasion described by a member who rose to order as those of a lunatic -whom it was necessarytoputunderrestraint. In the South Australian and Queensland Parliaments there have been scenes and language which might have characterised a prize fight, and in New South Wales the, doughty M'Elhone has outshone all competitors in Parliamen tary vituperation by scattering charges of wholesale swindling, bribery, corruption, and general dishonesty. It was this premier professor in the art of "slanging " who ex pressed a fervent wish in his place in the House that a set of men could be faund to shoot certain squatters who are obnoxious to the free selectors. One need not be reminded of disagreeable occurrences during the late session of our own Parlia ment. They are in a great measure trace able to the sweeping away of the old party landmarks in the sudden flood of abolition, the demoralisation arising from unconcealed greed of office, and the want of a capable, cool-headed leader of the Atkinson party. The concurrent instances of Parliamentary deterioration in the colonies are clearly traceable to some cause in general opera tion. By the great squatocratic, monetary, and embryo conservative rings the deterioration in English speaking deliberative assemblies has been ascribed wholly to tho rapid

growth of democratic feelings and interests and specious parallels are drawn between the political and social tone of America, and the possible future of the Colonies. We venture to believe, however, that the source of this Parliamentary degeneration in the Colonies is not attributable to a vitiated status of national intellect, but to some extent to the new awakenings of political activity under the spur of modern civilization. We do not live in a slow, deliberative age like that of our forefathers* when men had time to rub off the angularities of thought and speech, but in the days of hurry and rush, amid telegraphs, and railways, and lightning-thought, when ready skill'and promptitude of action are of moie value than nicely polished eloquence and the mincing, old-fashioned , courtesies of our grandfathers. Put there are other causes in operation which were strikingly brought out in _ a speech delivered at the winter session of the Exeter Literary Society by Sir Stafford Northcete. He thinks the great bane of modern English Parliaments is excessive vanity and loquacity. In an age when crystallized speech is difficult, speakers make long speeches merely for their con stituents when the votes have been settled beforehand in the lobbies. Sir Stafford sa y S : —"Men are much more anxious to distinguish themselves and make them selves prominent than they are to get through the work that is to be done ; and really it is very often almost avowedly the case that a man will get up and make a speech which there is not the smallest occasion to make, which not only is there no occasion to make, but which, for the sake of the very cause he is advocating, it would have been better not to make, for the mere purpose of getting his name before the public and showing that he has paid attention to the subject." What wonder, then, if Bellamy's is better attended^than the House ? Another source of deterioration in the tone of Coloni;y, Parliament is the intensely selfish spirit which influences almost all legislation. Men are not generally returned because of pre-eminent abilities, or fitness for the position of legislators, but their chauces of election are usually in proportion to their prospects of obtaining certain coveted concessions for their own particular con stituencies, utterly regardless of the general welfare of the country. Thus Parliamentary Government is reduced o a mere system of " scheming, planning, and arranging," and a Government which would retain office must calculate with mathematical nicety how to distribute its favours so as to secure the largest possible following. Men of mediocre mental calibre, but skilful in the lobbies, and well versed in all the arts of bargaining for votes—a kind of Parliamentary bookmakers, in fact —are those who stand most chance of suc cess in such circumstances, and stand most in favour with their constituents. The member who can secure a road or a bridge, or some other concession for his district, quite apart from considerations of justice, though hemay possess noother qualifications whatever, is sure to stand well with some constituencies. What is needed at present in order to make party Government more effective for good, is greater attention to the questions of the day by those who are anxious to serve the country. Hitherto in New Zealand there has been hardly any broad national policy, but this has been clearly sketched out by Sir George Grey, and will no doubt awaken the interest of the constituencies, improve the tone of our Legislature, and result in general good to the country at large.

Mr Reader Wood intends leaving for England this month for a considerable period. This will necessitate the resignation of Mr Wood's seat for Parnell. Mr F. J. Moss, we are informed, has definitely deter mined to become a candidate for the vacant seat, and the names of Mr Dargaville aud Mr Barton Ireland are also mentioned.

A commotion was caused yesterday in Queen-street by a collision between Mr Salmon's saddle horse and Mr Duffy's spring cart. Mr Salmon was laden with a heavy basket of meat, and as Mr Duffy withnis cart was comiagfrom the direction of the market, through some mistake in r»u< llnti. JM> Salmon'- Ibft o«tmo in..«ontiwt with the shaft, but as he immediately leaped off his horse, he escaped with a few bruises. It will, however, be uecessary for Mr Salmon to take a few days'rest.

Bishop Selwyn, of Melanesia, has written to the Queensland Government complaining of the quantity of arms and ammunition with which returned islanders are furnished. The Bishop says that some of them are armed with Snider carbines. The " Brisbane Courier" considers that it will be difficult for the Queensland Government to interfere in the matter.

A man summoned at Christchurch for drunkenness, asked the Bench to deal leni ently with him, pleading "I have a wife and" 20 cows at home, and she can't milk 'em." f

Mr Bowen, Member of the House of Re presentatives for Kaiapoi, did not receive a vote of confidence when he addressed his constituents. AMr Wilson, of whom Mr Bowen might well say '" Save me from my friends," in proposing a vote of thanks, re marked that he thought he might go further and propose a vote of confidence, but this elicited such a storm of "no, no's," that he did not venture to propose more than a mere formal vote of thanks.

In the advertisement announcing the sa,2 of Mrs Armstrong's cottage and grocery stock, near the Roman Catholic Church, Onehunga to take place to-morrow (Thursday), the name of the auctioneer, Mr George Sibbin was inadvertently omitted. " One of the most incorrigible specimens of political fossildom in the colony," is what the "Wanganui Herald," Mr Bal lance's paper, calls Mr Curtis, of Nelson, an opponent of the present Government, who lately addressed his constituents, and failed to elicit a vote of confidence.

A Mr R. J. P. Sullivan has been struck off the roll of barristers and solicitors of the Court at Levuka, he having surreptitiously left Fiji for Samoa while un<ier promise to appear iv answer to a summons.

A married man advertised for a servant, using the initials A. 8.C., which, however, were used in the same paper by a forlorn bachelor who advertised for a wife. The astonishment of the Benedict may be better imagined than described when he received the following reply :—" Deer sur, seeing as you have advertised for a good useful wife, having had experience as such for nigh 20 years, and being at present a widow, will be glad to meet you near the Town Hall with a red scarf 0n. —A.8.C."

The native Te Pukeroa, who is suspected by the Maoris to have caused the death of the chief Te Moananui by witchcraft, has been placed under the care of Mr Kemp, Native Commissioner. Pukeroa is the owner of a large and valuable property at Parawai, but he is afraid to reside on it, owing to the threats of the natives to put an end to his existence. He is to be sent to Wellington in the course of the next few days. Mr Charles Bright, the popular Free Thought lecturer, will deliver the first of three lectures this evening in the Albert Hall, Darby-street. Siibject: "Deathand the after-life, in the light of Nature and Spiritualism." A meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council was held on Monday night, when it was decided to exempt the Roman Catholic Convent from payment of rates.

Marshall Mood, sculptor, has left Sydney per Wakatipu, for New Zealand. A shock of earthquake was experienced at 17 minutes past 6 o'clock last evening. The inquest held on Monday before Mr Searanche, on the body of Samuel Harvey, found drowned at Ngaruawahia, resulted in a verdict of " Found Drowned." The un fortunate deceased was subject to fits, and possibly might have fallen into the river in such a condition.

The "Bruce Herald" says that an eel in the Tokomairiro river attempted to seize a fowl which a woman was washing.

The "Hawke's Bay Herald" gives the following list of absentee owners of an immense area of land in that provincial district:-Messrs T. P.Russell, C.Nairn, J. Johnston, G. Hunter, E. Towgood, Hassell, Stead, Taylor, Robert Rhodes, Carr, R. D. M'Lean, T. Tanner, Gordon, Colonel Russell, R. Curling, Carlyon, Mason, R. and M. Stokes, Roberts, F. Nelson, Peters, A'Deane, and others. In addition to the properties of these gentle men, there are a good many others the true owners of which, if the facts were known, would be found to be absentees. There were also a great many properties owned by gentlemen who do not reside on them, although they reside in the district. Messrs Ames and North, of Wellington, notify by advertisement a £1,000 sweep on tlie Wellington Cup.

As the Stella wa3 being lowered into the water, from the patent slip at Wellington, yesterday, an immense fly-wheel, seventeen feet in diameter, and five tons weightjwhich was revolving rapidly, suddenly split into fragments, and some of the pieces, weighing nearly half-a-ton, were projected a distance of between 200 and 300 feet, passing through a roof and massive walls. The engme house was much damaged, aud the engineer sustained some severe cuts and bruises. On Sunday evening Charles Codlin, of Onehunga, met with a serious accident, while riding on horseback. The animal appears to have shied suddenly, and to have fallen, breaking Codlin's leg. The injury is very severe indeed. Dr. Zinzan set the leg yesterday morning. A mining engineer, and a prospector of 16 years' experience, writes to the " Sydney Herald" that he explored New Guinea and found no gold whatever, but micacious sand of no value. Mr William Fox is as rabid as ever on the liquor question. In a recent address de livered at Timaru, he said local option was now reduced to a money question, and the publicans virtually said "will you pay us before we take :<way our bloodstained hands from our victims'' throats ?" And Mr Fox added:—"l shall bring the bill for ward again and again till it is carried, and before I will give the publicans one shilling as compensation money." And we are told by the local paper that this sort of stuff was received with a " furore of applause." To the Editor : Sir.—As the election for a City Councillor to take the place of the newly elected Major is very near at hand, and there are two nominations, I would beg to propose that twenty gentlemen, electors of the City, request the Mayor to convene a meeting to hear their views on City affairs, say at the Mechanics' Institute one evening this week. I think that this would prevent either candidate going in on false pretences, and then doing just the opposite of what the electors desire. Hoping some of the electors will think fit to do as I have sug gested.—l remain, &c, J. Scott. The fruit crops in Canterbury have been considerably damaged by a hail-storm. Some telegraph poles between Christchurch and Akaroa were struck by lightning, and split.

A very serious accident occurred at River head to a man named Robert Hogau, who has been acting as engineer for the s. s. Gemini during the last week. It appears that when the steamer was alongside the Harkiss Point Railway Wharf about seven o'clock last evening, Hogan avas engaged in lighting a fire, and in order to cause the wood to burn he pouredlsome kerosine from a can upon it. As might naturally have been expected, the stream of kerosiue communicated with the contents of the can, and an explosion took place. Hogan was enveloped in flames, and before these could be extinguished by Captain Jackson, the man was very badly burned. Mr J. A. Lamb of Riverhead, accompanied Hogan to town, and had him conveyed to the hospital. The unfortunate man is about 35 years of age, and has a wile and child. He was formerly in the employ of Messrs Fraser and Ti'nne, of the Phoenix Foundry.

Fijian " Notes of Indebtedness" have been auctioned at 16s in the £ at Levuka.

King Genge, of Tonga, is rather a smart man. The German war ship Augusta hoisted the Tonjan fla« »t tl»o nuii. ana sent a Qerman flag to the King, expecting him to return the compliment. Genge returned the flag with a polite message that it looked best on board ship. Evidently he is not yet prepared to abdicate in favour of Kaiser Wilhelm.

Mr W. F. Fagan, the winner of the amateur 600 yds. handicap at the Boxing Day Sports at Ellerslie Gardens, who was protested against as not being entitled to run as an amateur, has been disqualified, and the prize awarded to Mr E. H. Blunden, who came in second.

The " Grey lliver Argus" says that the Premier is expected to visit Greymouth about the middle of January.

Among those persons who assisted materially and vigorously at the recent fire on the wharf were the members of the Thames Naval Brigade, about twenty in number. They were among the first at the fire, and their exertions were marked by spectators, and deserve special notice.

0 A Roman Catholic hierarchy is to be established in Scotland at the beginning of the year, and it is stated that a Scotch Cardinal will be created.

The United States Ministrels gave the last but one of their excellent entertain ments last night in the Theatre Royal, every part of which was executed with their wonted ability and cleverness. The pro gramme was nearly the same as that of the previous night, consisting of "Every Day Occurences, " " Plantation Pastimes ;" by Messrs Hudson and Holly, and which excited much hilarity of feeling, "The Wandering Minstrels and Campbell's des criptive scena were among the sparkling gems of the hour." Mr Rockefeller's banjo performance was exquisite, and displayed the master's hand. The album of songs and dances, scenes at the dispensary, vocal duet, and the " Coming Man" gave variety and pleasure to a good-humoured and satis fied auditory. As this evening will be the last of the Ministrels in this city, the managers have determined upon giving the public a grand farewell treat, the programme of which appears in the present issue, and to which we direct special attention.

At a meeting of the Tradesmen's Athletic Club last evening, it was decided that the sports should be held at Elleralie on Jan. 29tk. Several of the prizes—very valuable pieces of plate—are now on view in Mr F. H. Lewisson's window. We would remind intending members of the Club that persons joining after Tuesday next cannot compete in any of the races on the 29th. They should therefore send in their names without delay.

At Mr G. W. Binney's auction rooms, to day, a family residence, at the rear of the Choral Hall, was offered for sale, but it was subsequently withdrawn.

The Port Darwin line is intenupted North of Alice Springs.

To-morrow evening there will be a Temperance meeting held in the Alexandra street school-room. The meeting will be of a special character. Many of the Ministers of the Conference will address the meeting, and the following ladies will sing some sweet and touching temperance songs :—Mrs Betteny, Miss Peace, and Miss Gribble, and the Misses Froude, will recite.

THE SPIRIT OF THE DAWN.

PUT INTO RIO JANIERO.

We learn by cable that the ship Spirit of the Dawn from Auckland, the Primera from Wellington, and the Portia from Ade laide, put into Rio Janiero in distress on (? November 6) and sailed again for London early in December. (The barque Spirit of the Dawn loaded here oh behalf of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and sailed on the 11th September. She had no passen gers.)

THE PRESBYTERY.

The usual quarterly meeting of the Auckland Presbytery was held this morning in St. Andrew's church. Present :-Rev «• *• McNicol (acting Moderator - Revs D. Bruce, B. Somuierville, Peter Mason, George Brown (clerk), J. Macky, W. Evans, A Carnck, G.. W. Monro, T. W. Kunciman, T. Nome, (klders) James Morton, J. Y. Stevenson, and. John LaraD feSMiNUTES,—The minutes of the last ordinary meeting, and of several special meetings were read and confirmed—The Olerk announced that a commission from Coromandel had appointed Mr White their elder for the current year. Widows and Orphans Fund.— Reports were stated to have been sent in on this subiect from the following :—St.James', Otahuhu, Papakura, Remuera, Ponsonby, Onehunga, Mangere. ana the Lake. _ , - Home Mission Fund.—One or two reports or collections for this fund were made. 23 Presbytery Expenses.—Several collections for this fund were reported, but they had not been made in all the churches, from bad ■weather and other causes. Assessment for Presbytery Expenses.— It was moved by Rev R. Sommerville, secouded by Rev T. Norrie, " That a committee consist ing of the Revs Monro, R. F. McNicol, and Mr J. Y. Stevensou, be appointed to see to the assessment of Presbytery expenses. Mr Monro to be Convener."—Carried. Theological Tutors.—Rev D. Bruce moved the following resolution : "' That the Presbytery take steps to appoint theological tutors for the training of theological students in Auckland^in conformity with the decision of last Assembly. — Mr Bruce in speaking to his motion, explained the isvstem he (proposed should be adopted.— Rev R. Sommerville seconded.—Rev J. Macky thought that the superintendence of the pre liminary education of young men which was included in Mr Bruce's motion would entail far too much work on the Presbytery. Speaking for himself it was far more than he could attend to in connection with his own duties.—After some discussion the motion was put and carried, with only one dissentient (Rev J. Macky.)—The Rev Mr Bruce then moved, " That the arrange ments for conducting the theological training of students embrace the following departments:— Ist. Sacred languages and Biblical criticism; 2nd. Apologetical and Historical theology; 3rd, Systematic and pastoral theology. That to the first department the Rev G. Brown be ap pointed ; to the second, the Rev D. W. Runci man; to the third, tbe Rev J. Macky. That the tutors meet the theological students four days in each week during a period of fsix weeks in each year of the course at such time as may be agreed on."—Rev R. Sommerville seconded.—The Rev G. Brown said he hoped there was no intention to make the appointments final at once.—Rev Mr Macky said he thought it would be insane to make the appointments at once.—Ultimately it was agreed that the gentlemen nominated should give their definite answer to acceptance at the next meeting —The motion, was then put and. declared carried. Resignation ov Rev. Mr Mcßae.-The Rev. D. Bruce proposed, " That the Presbytery regard the resignation as fallen through, and that leave of absence be accorded to Mr Mcßae on condition that it be availed of within six months ; and further, that a medical certificate bo forwarded to the Presbytery-"—Mr Macky seconded, and it was agreed to. Meetings.—The Rev. G. Brown moved, " That after the next April naeetinng the Presbytery shall meet on the first Wednesday in every second month, instead of every third, as hitherto."—Agreed to. Some business of an uneventful character was transacted, and the meeting separated.

POLICE COURT.—This Day

(Before A. Beetham Esq., J.P.) WILLIAM HENRYS.

William Henry Bell, and William Henry Stitt were charged with being drunk yesterday. In the case of Stitt, Mr Sub-Inspector Pardy said the prisoner was suffering from delirium tremens. He was under the impression that he had committed some horrible crime, and gave himself into custody.

At the request of Mr Pardy the case was remanded for eight days. Mr Pardy informed the Bench that the other prisoner had been in attendance at the Supreme Court for the purpose of giving evidence. He had imbibed rather freely, and consequently was locked up. A war rant had arrived from the Supreme Court this morning, and the man had been sent up. The case was then dismissed. LUNACY.

A woman named Curley was charged on the information of Detective Jeffrey with being of unsound mind, and on the medical testimony of Dr Lee was committed to the Whau Lunatic Asylum.

This concluded the business .

NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE COM PANY.

SHAREHOLDERS.

The ordinary half-yearly meeting of the shaieholders of the New Zealand Insurance Company was held this afternoon in the Company's offices, Insurance Buildings. There was not a very large attendance. The Hon. James Williamson occupied the chair. '

In moving the adoption of the report, the Chairman said they had made steady progressduringthepastyear,butat the same they had had heavy marine flosses. They would ask the shareholders to agree to the appointment of an inspector, Avho was at present engaged in the Southern provinces. He would visit the various agencies and look into all matters connected with the business of the Company. The Directors had pleasure in declaring the usual divi dend.

The following is the director's report for the half-year ending 30th November, 1877 : " The total receipts, including the balance brought forward trom last half-year, have been £150,781 13s; the total expenditure for the same period has been £19,103 17s Id: this includes £31,363 estimated as sufficient to cover all known losses and averages up to the end of the half-year. There remains at the credit of profit and loss account £24;677 15s lid, out of which your directors now declare a dividend of 15 per cent, on the paid-up capital, leaving £9,677 15s lid to be carried forward to the next half-year. The dividends Avill be payable at the head office to-morrow, and at the branches and agencies on receipt of advice. As provided by the deed of settlement, Messrs. Wil liamson, Browning, and Owen will retire from office and, being eligible, will be pro posed tor re-election. Messrs. Laurie and Fraser offer themselves for re-election as auditors."

Profit and Loss.—Dr.: To dividend, half year ending 31st May, 1877, £15,000; to commission, salaries, and other expenses, £20,463 17s 5d ; to fire and marine losses, £59,276 19s Bd, to appropriation for unpaid losses, £31,363; to balance, £24,67715s lid. Total, £150,781 13s. Cr.: By balance from last half-year, £19,665 18s lOd ; by appro priation last half-year, £35,048 ; by fire and marine premiums less re - insurances, £83,760 15s lOd ; by interest, rents, trans fer fees, &c, £9,306 18s 4d. Total, £150,781 13s. Balance-sheet.—Dr.: To capital,£2oo,ooo; to re insurance fund, £100,000 ; to ap propriatfon for unpaid losses, £31,363 ; to dividends unpaid, 18s 9d; to due bank, £20,101 18s lOd ; to deposits, £7,250; to sundry accounts owing by company £752 17s ; to balance, £24,677 15s lid. Total, £384,146 10s 6d. Cr. :By investments, £344,844 17s 5d ; by fire and marine pre miums due, £2,014 7s 5d ; by interest, rents and sundry accounts due, £2,900 17s lOd ; to bills receivable, £1,640 3s 3d; to furni ture, fire engines, &c, £1,256 10s 8d ; to branches owing, £30,302 9s; to cash in hand, £1,187 4s lid. Total, £384,146 10s 6d.—George Fraser, W. S. Laurie, auditors. ■-.Theirepo t was adopted, and ordered to be printed and circulated amongst share holders.—On the motion of Mr Robertson, secondedjby Mr Taylor, Messrs Williamson, Owen, and Browning, were re-elected Direc tors.—Mr Tonks moved, and Mr Alexander seconded, " That Messrs Laurie and Fraser be re-appointed Directors." Agreed to. A vote of thanks was given to the Directors, officers, and agents for the satis factory manner in which they had per formed their duties during the past year.— Mr J. P. Pierce returned thanks on behalf of the staff of the company.—The meeting then terminated.

ggA fifty honrs' ride match between Leon, the Mexican, and a Yorkshire amateur, was stopped two hours before the expi ration of the time, owing to the interven tion of the Society forjthe Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

THE CONDEMNATION OF THE CANTERBURY.

The following is a portion of the evidence oiven at the Naval Court recently held at Samoa to decide as to the legality of the sale of the Canterbury at Pago Pago :— Captain Robinson, sworn, stated : I was master of the Canterbury on the voyage from Apia to Pago Pago. The schooner arrived at Pago Pago harbour ; she made so much water that 1 held a protest first, which the crew signed, for her not to proceed to Savage Island, and the crew retused to "•o in her ; afterwards I called a survey on the schooner, and on my letter of advice from Mr Hunt, I was to take the advice of Mr Mair ; I sent out a report of the sale of the ship to Leone, and all the villages around ; I asked Mr Mair, at Pago Pago, as he was my legal adviser, what was the best thing to be done, and the crew all agreed to sell the vessel ; after the sale of the vessel, we temporarily stopped the leak, and agreed to go to the port of Apia ;Jyapt. Wridit, Mr S. S. Foster, and Mr D. Kcnnison, held the survey ; there were no means of advertising the sail of the vessel, so I sent notices to Leone, and the villages around ; Mr Hunt gave me written instruc tions before proceeding to sea. After the vessel was condemned Mr Mair advised me to sell her; Mr Hunt did not lead me to believe that he wished the vessel to be condemned at Pago Pago; it was a risk that we brought her to Apia; I considered I was in danger between Pago Pago and Apia ; the first and second mate left their clothes behind ; I risked my life to come down, and only came because the natives were fighting, and we had no place to live in, also owing to the report that Mr Hunkin was going to seize the vessel; I did not try to raise money to effect repairs, because there was no one there to do so ; I thought the best thing to be done under the circum stances was to sell the vassel. Mr Mair, sworn, stated : Previous to leaving Apia, about the 27th. September, Mr Hunt brought Captain Sadler to me ; I was in a house at Matautu ; Hunt took us away into one of the back houses, and told me that he was going to send the vessel to Pago Pago, to be condemned and sold, and that I was to buy her for Mr Eckford, as that was the only way by which he could clear himself of his liabilities in Auckland. That same evening, while talking the matter over, I asked him why he did not have her sold in Apia, and he said probably she Avould fetch two or three hundred pounds, and he could not raise the money to buy her; I asked him why I should not buy her for myself, and he said it would look like a swindle ; he told me that he would give me money to buy her with; then he said he would send it by Mr Foster ; he afterwards said he would give it to Captain Wright. When we went on board of the vessel before leaving Apia, some of the men refused to go to Savage Mand in her, and he told them in my presene that she was only to go to Pago Pago, and back to Apia; we proceeded to Pago Pago, arriving on the sth Oct; a few days after wards a survey was called, and the vessel was condemned; I purchased her at an auction for £21; when we arrived in Apia, Mr Hunt came on board, and I told Mm that I had bought the vessel; he appeared quite satisfied, but when I told him I had bought it for myself, he objected to it; he asked hne if we could join together, and compromise with the men to get them to take half of their wages ; he objected to the sale of the trade on board, and entered a protest in the British Consulate, I believe, which protest he afterwards withdrew. The goods were sold, and the wages were paid out of the proceeds. By the Court: Hunt requested me to buy her for Mr Eckford : I bought her for myself, as Mr Hunt had always shuffled with me ; I could never get any agreement since I left New Zealand, although I repeatedly asked him for one ; he constantly said that he had to protect himself, and that he did not care a — for the people in Auckland; under those circumstances I thought it only just that I should look after myself. I never led Hunt to believe that I would assist him in evading his liabilities in Messrs. Owen and Graham, and to others, by his own showing; Hunt said that buying her for Mr Eckford, was buying her for him; Huntnevergaveme the money life had promised; Ibougather with my own money.

Australian Cablegrams.

(SPECIAL TO "STAR.")

The Political Excitement in Melbourne.

Revolution Expected.

MELBOURNE.—THIS DAY.

There is intense political excitement in Melbourne, and a revolution is expected. In consequence of the refusal of the Legislative Council to pass the Appropria tion Bill, and the adjournment of the Legis lature without supply, the Government in tend suspending the County Judges and all the principal Civil Officers. The country is not supporting Mr Berry's tactics.

The Revolution Commenced'

114 Public Servants Discharged

Public Business Suspended.

The excitement in Victoria is tremen dous.

• A revolution has began. One hundred and fourteen judges and principal Civil Servants have been dis charged. The public business is entirely suspended.

THE GENERAL SLAUGHTER.

(PER PRESS AGENCY.)

MELBOURNE, this day. The "Gazette," issued yesterday, an nounces the dispensing with the services of several hundred classified officers, including all the County Court Judges, Police Magis trate, the Engineer -in - Chief, Railway Engineer, and the permanent heads of Lands, Public Works and Customs Depart ments.

MR. STEPHEN MASSETT.

Mr Stephen Massett, mimic, elocution ist, and songster, willgive the secoDd of his series of high-class drawing-room entertain ments this evening, in the Choral Hall. An entirely new programme lias been carefully prepared for this occasion, and we are assured that Mr Massett's well-earned popu larity as a public entertainer will have the certain effect of filling the Choral Hall to night. A glance at the items of interest to be introduced will be sufficient to attract in telligent citizens. The first part, according to rule, will consist of serious and moral selections and original ballads, such as the " Blacksmith's story," " Betterin themorn ing," and a " Bit of Humanity," also two of Mr Massett's new songs, "Open the Door," and " The Dying Boy's Prayer," and selec tions from Bret Harte and Sigourney's " Beautiful Snow." The second part will be of a lighter character, consisting of seven pieces in prose and verse. " Sally Saulter," a reading on the difficulties of the English language is most amusing in its details. By special request, Mr Massec will repeat his humorous imitation of Madam Bishop] Mr Massett should have a crowded hall to night.

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

Fngland Determined to Partici pate in Peace Negociatioas- FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON CORRESPONDENT). LONDON, January Bth. Earl Derby has informed Russia that England must participate in tt}e peace negociations. \

(REUTERS SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO PRESS AGEXCY).

Prussians Advance to Kcsaniik. Raouf Pasha Appointed. Com mander-in-chief. LONDON, December 8. Despatches received from newspaper special correspondents, announce the abandonment of the Shipka Pass, and that General Kadetzy has advanced as far as Kcsanlik. Kaouf Pasha is appointed Commander-in- Chief of the Turkish army in Roumelia.

DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND TURKEY.

RUSSIANS CROSS SCHIPKA PASS. RUSSIAN SOLDIERS FROST-BITTEN. [SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.] LONDON, January 7. A Berlin telegram states that through the friendly action of Germany, Russia gives a guarantee of non-interference with English interests, and England consents to direct negotiations between Russia and Turkey. General Radetzky has crossed Shipka Pass unopposed. A junction ol the armies under the Czarewitch and General Zimmerman is probable. Germany and Austria object to Russian Avar vessels entering the Hellespont unless other powers have the same privilege. General Touvelles' corps on the Balkans has eight hundred men frost-bitten j fifty three died. Mr Layard has been officially informed by the "Porte that Russia requires an armistice to be arranged between the opposing commanders. Turkey applied through England for an armistice. Six thousand Turks engaged the Rus sians near Erzeroum; the Russians were defeated. Scindiah's conduct in India is regarded as disaffected.

SUEZ MAIL NEW.

FENIAN PLOT AT CORK. THE AGRARIAN OUTRAGES IN IRELAND. CAPE WAR ENDED. THE FIGHTING IN INDIA. THE EGYPT ABYSSINIAN WAR. GENERAL SUMMARY. London, December 23. Much alarm is felt throughout the king dom in consequence of numerous deaths from hydrophobia. The same or a very similar disease has broken out amongst the deer in several parks. A Swedish Arctic Expedition is to start next spring, to try to force a passage along the coast of Siberia. The vessels carrying the expedition will be victualled for three years. The degree of Doctor of Laws has been conferred upon Mr Darwin in the Cambridge Senate House. The undergraduates sus pended upon a string an imitati« II7* roirk:e J r iuooc><3ci: iv acaiieiiiiciiis, iiiid swung it across the building. An Italian chemist has discovered a new process for tanning leather, greatly reducing the time required, and abolishing the nau seous effluvia prevalent near a tan yard. The Marquis of Bute has offered to build the Grand Hall in Glasgow University, at a cost of £60,000. The Supreme Court has annulled Lord Penzance's decision against Mr Tooth in the Hatchem case, on the ground that his Lord ship was not authorised, by the tenor of the Archbishop of Canterbury's direction for the trial in sitting at Lambeth. Atoipedo vessel blew up in the River Plate on the 4th October. Besides large quantities of gun cotton, there was 150,0001bs of powder on board. Te^ jaen were killed and a number injured. Great damage wasjdone on shore. Three agrarian outrages are reported from Kerry and Limerick. Mr M'Donough, clerk"of Petty Sessions, who is also a large farmer, was shot dead whilst returning home; and a woman and her daughter were brutally murdered near Killorgliu ; their house was set on fire to conceal the crime. Several arrests have been made. In a third case a lady named Weeks was shot dead just as she was retiring to rest. A Council of Russian Generals has de bated the question of advancing against Constantinople through Asia Minor, but nothing was apparently decided. The capture of Kars greatly inflamed the Russian armies in Europe, and generally stimulated Russian pretensions.

At the Guildhall banquet, the Earl of Beaconsfield declared that the policy of Eng land throughout the Russo-Turkish war would be one of UHconditional neutrality, which would, however, cease if British in terests were assailed or menaced. Turkish valour had entitled Turkey to the mainten ance of her independence. Scenes rivalling the in the Penge case occurred at the Old Bailey on the sentencing of the detectives and Mr Fraggart, all of whom made eloquent appeals to the court for mercy on account of their families and past services. The Judge ignored the recommendation of the jury to mercy in the cases of Druscovitch and Palmer, and expressed regret that the law did not allow his passing a more severe sentence than two years on all the prisoners. Inspector Clarke's acquittal was received with great cheering. Lord Aberdeen, speaking at Cardiff on the 16th instant, said he had not known the state of trade so bad for the last 45 years.

The Cape frontier war is practically at an end. The Fallkas have been defeated on several occasions with much loss, by the united forces of police, volunteers, and friendly natives ; the military being held in reserve. Kreli's Kraal was burnt, and he has fled, his tribe being driven down to the coast. Sir Bartle Frere has issued a pro clamation deposing Kreli, and announcing that his territory will henceforth be admin istered by British officers. On the 29th, Nicholson, of Stockton, beat Blackman, of Dulwiah, in a boat race on the Tyne for £200. Gale lias completed his walk of 4,000 quarter-miles in as many consecutive ten minutes.

A Fenian named C. P. O'Sullivan has been committed for trial at Cork, for sending threatening letters to some of his friends who had disclosed a plot for creating a disturbance. At a banquet given by the Mayor to the Duke of Connaught the gas was to have been turned ofl", and the hall rushed by 1500 men. Fighting has commenced on the north frontier of Indio, and a field force numbering 30,000, under General Keys, entered the Jowaki territory on the 10th to punish the Afrides for recent attacks upon British subjects. Payia was taken on the 11th. The Afrides shew no intention of supporting their countrymen.

EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1878



THE undersigned are now brin ing forward a Large Parcel of GENE AL DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &c. bought at considerably less than usual prices, to which they invite the attention of all requiring Good Value For Money. Corsets in great variety of quality and style, white and coloured, from 2/6 per pair Linen and Lace Goods, Cufts, Collar 3, and Sets, in variety Ladies' Underclothing Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, Alpacca, &c. . Lot of Flowers at very low price, quite fresh Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves, &C. A Splendid Stock of Muslin, Lace, and Lenoe Curtains, Counterpanes. Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Sheeting, Felt Squares Carpets, Floorcloth, China Matting, Ticks, &c. Large-size Huckaback Towels at /6 each New Fancy Dress Materials, Japanese Silks, Coloured Lustres, Black Lustres. Embossed, Striped, and Check Muslins, Prints, &c. Brown Holland, from /6J per yard Union, Fancy Jean, and Oxford Shirtings, very A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mixed Fancy Shirting, at 2/3, usual price 3/6 per yard "White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard gvery lark© assortment of*Gfente' Shirts, wnlte Longcloth, Union and All-wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Twill, Fancy Jean, Oxford, &c. Strong Tweed for Boys wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel at below Factory Braces, Belts, Ties. Scarfß. Collars, Cotton and Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &c. Leghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and Drill Hats, for Boys and Men, &c, &c, &c. in he & allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queen-street. auckland. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS "W J. HURST fib CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results m this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. durst & Co. in strongly commending them to eVeryMALDENri ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXIOA.N do. BEbL&^n°d Naa°B§NEDUST BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA iui^-piofpliTl^F LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIMB. In 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 last season attracted so much favourable notice. •■ Analysis, prices, and other particulars will be supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101 QUEKN-STREET, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING Just Landed, ex Columbus— 30 casks new Clovers, eousisting of Red Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand. Alsyhe, Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Rats-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-STREET. 600 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 8000 „ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour, Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake, Coal, &c, &c. Particular attention is called to 500 sacks Prime Barley at 4s per bushel o 501b. 5 tons Anderson's Fresh Jatmeal, a £21 per ton. W. J. HURST & CO., '101..QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND.* NION INSURANCE COMPANY, AUCKLAND BRANCH. Reduced Rates for Detached Dwelling Houses in the City, from 12s. upwards. In the Countryfroml3s. r R STKVBNSON , Manager. NION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. A U C X L A IS D BRANCH: QUEEN-STREET, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is •carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all .kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager.



H E A P ~OT A T S ! CHEAP HATS ! ! CHEAP CLOTHING^.! ! A Quantity of Men's and Bny's Drab and Black Felt Hats will be offered at &%• GREAT REDUCTION TO CLEAR SJAlso, a Parcel of CLOTHING, comprising Men's and Boy's Tweed Suits, Trousers and Vests, &c. These Goods are slightly soiled, and will be sold REALLY CHEAP. W. RATTRAY. ICLOTHIKR AND OUTFITTER, "VT BW yiSALAN XT OUS E, Auckland. I^TEW YEAR'S PRESENTS AT THE 1^ CITY HALL FURNITURE ARCADE. PRESENTS, for Wives and Daughters PRESENTS, for Sons and Husbands PRESENTS, Quaint and Curious PRESENTS, Useful PRESENTS, Ornamental PRESENTS, Scientific PRESENTS, Beatific PRESENTS, for all Pockets PRESENTS, for all Prices. HOLLOWAY, GARLICK, & CRANWELL, Cits- Hall Arcade. ■\TEW ZEALAND INSURANCE J3I COMPANY. REDUCED RATES FOR DETACHED DWELLING-HOUSttS:—In the City, from 12s. upwards; in the Country, from 13s. Jf&fea GEORGE P. PIERCE, General Manager.



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.



______— j E^-isgg. Stephen ' Massed V Choral Hall To-night! To-night!