SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

cit. it wriiiwn (This Afternoon, 0.33 HIUH yVAlJfill—, To-morrow Morning. 1.12 SUN SET.—This Evening. 559 SUN RIS =•:.—To-rronow Jlornine, 6.14 MOONS AGE,—2sew moon. 3:d, 5.53 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Speedy, briar, Eob?on, from Maiden Island

DEPARTURES.

Hawea. s.s.. \i ueeier, tor itussen Icna, s.s., Farquhav. tor VUisseil Rowena, s.s., Seliars, iol- Tauransa and Mercury Brty Elliotts, brig, Mcßurnej". for Newcastle Minnehaha, schooner, for Lyttelton

EXPORTS.

Per Taranaki to- the boath:— 1 cask files, 16 cases. 10 easss iro-.i. 33 casks, 6chains, 5,000 caps. 200 cartridges. 2 boses. i parcels, 67 packages, 1 case drugs, 2 boxes glass. 1 cask files—Owen and Graham. Per Acadia. for Napier : 1.300 bricks, 2,500 slates, 23 barrels cement, 20 sacks lime. EstertcdTxwards —Reward, schooner, from Russell, with 63 ror.s coal; Mercuiy, cutter, from Tairua. with 2i.000 feet timber; Spitfire, cutter, from Russell, vith 43 tons coal; Coralie, cutter, or Tairua, with 3 tons fiour and 2 tons salt.

Cleared Outwards. —Reward, schooner, for Coromandei, with 60 tons coal; Three Brothers, cutter, for Trrphena, in ballast; Ellen eatter, for the Sandspit, in ballast; CoraU*, cutter, from Tairua, with 21,000 feet sawu timber ; Avon, cutter, from MangawaT, with furniture aud eitects ; Teviot, cutter, from Thames, in ballsst. The schooner Onward, Captain Rees, cleared at the Customs to-day for the Thames, where she is to load with a cargo of timber -for Lyttelton. _ The schooner Acaflia, Captain McDoDald, cleaned outwaids it the Customs tc-iay, for Earner via Kennedy Bay with a general cargo. She will load with 20.000 feet sawn timber at the 1 Uter place. Per Onward, for Lyttelton via Thames: 13 tons flour.—G. W. Owen. The s.s. Taranaki left the Manukau for the South this afternoon with the following passengers: Misses Robinson, Gorman, Mes dames Adamson and Lawrence, Signor Bonzoni, Ocera Troupe (7), Mr and Mrs Castles and two children, and Messrs Bailey, Morri, W. Christian, Hushes, Johnston. Jenkins, C. Williams, Keith, and* Sergt. O'Connor. A schooner was signalled when we went to The schooner Christina is loading with timber, &C, at tbe Railway Wharf for Napier. The Auckland Steamship Cos. s.s. Pretty Jane left- Napier at noon yesterday for Auck land. She may therefore be expected to arrive in harbour to-morrow evening. The s.s. lona sailed last evening for Russel!, with a general carsro of merchandise, and the following passengers: Mesdames Davis and Wyr.n, Messrs. Sharp, Charles Reilly, Harrop, Hampton, Hoakins, three natives, and five in the teerage. The schooner Saxon is loading at Lyttelton for this port. The s.s. Southern Cross left Lyttelton on the 20th for Napier and Auckland with 1,300 sheep. The s.s. Rower a loft last evening for Tau ranga and Mercury Bay with a general cargo, and the following passen?ers:— Messrs West lake ana Watt; Messrs Berry, Hagan, Cousins, Preece, Howard, Craices, and 5 steerage. The brigasitine Seagull left Lyttelton on the 22nd. for the lilanukau with I,6oobags bone dust. The Saxon, schooner, from Whangapoa, and the Circe, briarantine, from Kaipara, arrived at Lyttelton on the 19th inst. The Argonant, ship, bound from London to Adelaide, put back to London on March 2nd to repair damages received in collision with the Bombay. The latter vessel sank. The barque Canmore laft London for Auck land on January 13th. The brigantiiie Lapwing has arrived at the Thames Saw-mills from this port, and is now loading wifh white pine for Lyttelton. The s.s. Hawea left last evening for Russell, taking the following passengers : Messrs. Finch, Fraser, Wilkinson, Wyatt, Irving. Cooke, Ford, Burke, Lewis, Johuson, and Edwards. The Seagull, from Lyttelton to the Manukau, lias put into Wellington, wind-bound. The schooner Sissy is taking in a cargo of timber at the Thames Saw-mills for Timaru. The bri<? which was signalled yesterday afternoon turned out to be the Speedy, Captain Robson, from Maiden Island. She left Melbourne for that place, in search of guano, in October last, and arrived on the 27th November. In company with several other vessels, the Speedy wa3 beating about for some time, unable to reach the anchorage, owing to the heavy ■weather prevailing. Fearing that provisions, &c., would run out, Capt. Robson determined to leave for Auckland, which he did on February 15th. During the passage, two cyclones were encountered, the latter carrying away the main yard and canvas attached. Since then the weather has been light, with fine breezes. The vessel is one of Messrs. Grice, Sumner & Cos. fleet, and was built at Cork in 1859. She brings as passengers Captain Brown and five of the shipwrecked crew of the barque Oriental, viz., Messrs G. H. Harris, J. Burton, A. Ross, C. Larwrence, and H. Scheruriskey. The captain reports that the Norwegian Lhip Dictator left Maiden Island on the 14th, either for Sydney or Auckland, and the barque Don Diego, would most likely follow her to obtain provisions. Information was brought to town yesterday by the brig Speedy of the wreck of Messrs. Grice, Sumner, & Cos. barque Oriental, at Maiden Island. It appears that the vessel was loading: with guano, and was made fast at the anchorage with a strong mooring chain. On the night of the 24th a violent S.W. squall set in, increasing subsequently to a gain. The vessel parted her cable, and the two anchors dragging, the barque commenced to strike heavily on the rocks. The crew immediately took to the boats, and succeeded in reaching the brig Speedy in safety. "When the gale moderated the Oriental was found to be a complete wreck, and the captain and crew were brought on to Auckland by the Speedy. They were unable to save any thing, and have therefore lost all their personal effects, ship's papers, &c. The Oriental was a wooden barque of 281 tons, her length being 117.3, breadth, 24.4; depth, 15 6. She was built at Southtown, Suffolk, in 1864, and was regis tered in Melbourne in 1873. The schooner Josephine cleared outwards at Onehunga to-day for Manukau Heads where she is to load with 45.000 feet timber for Lyttelton. The schooner Minnehaha, for Lyttelton, with timber, and the brig Elliotts, for Newcastle, N.S.W., in ballast, sailed, this afternoon.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. The s.e. Hawea arrived from Auckland at 7 o'clock this morning. Gisborne, this day. The s.s. Go-ahead arrived from Auckland last night.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to-

morrow at 0.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandei, per Argyle, on

Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarai, and Mangapai, per Argyle, this day, at 4 p,m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, and Te Arai, per Annie Milbank, on Thursday next, at 10 a.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Friday next, at 4 p.m. For Norfolk Island, per Southern Cross, on

Monday, Ist April, at 9«,.m. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on Tues

day, 2nd April, at 1 p.m. Per s-s. Hawea, on Thursday, 28th instant, as follows :— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 2 p.m. For Tauranga. Gisborne, Naper, Southern Provinces, Australian Colonies, United King dom, via Suez aud Southampton (for letters specially addressed), at 3 p.m. For London, via Brindisi, and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, at 3.15

p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 1.30 p.m. Should a later oppor tunity offer supplementary mails will be for warded.

Per s.s. City of Sydney, on Tuesday, April 2nd' as follows :—

For Sandwich Islands, 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 p.m. 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. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

RUSH BROOK.—On March 23rd, at her resi dence, Grafton Road, the wife of W. N Rushbrook of a daughter. WATKIN.-On March 26th, at the Wesleyan Manse, Onehunga, the wife of the Rev. W. J. Watkin of a son.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 1878.

f«t t&a close that lacks, assbttntt, Par de tnoag tint seeds reslSUSCfc E'er ti; ftii«KC la the distacce, Art «ta««reMfe« «*««*«•.

y The English cablegrams are again of aver menacing character, aud at length throw light upon the real occasion of the differ. ences which have sprung up between the Cabinets of England and Austria and St Petersburg. According to the despatch received this afternoon, the modific a tions of the Treaty of Peace which England and Austria chiefly insist upon, are the conditions referring to

the acquisition of territory iv Roumanian Bessarabia and Armenia. The stretch of couDtry in Europe proposed to be ceded is that part of Bessarabia, including the mouths of the Danube, which was taken from Russia as the penalty for the Crimean war, and its restoration would give the Muscovite complete command over the navigation ot the river. This is a very serious matter to Austria and Roumania, and correspondingly dangerous to Europe, by placing the Turkish Principalities and the commerce of the Black Sea almost wholly at the mercy of the Czar of Russia. No indication is afforded in the telegrams of the attitude of Germany, France, and Italy; but those countries cannot be otherwise than opposed to a pro posal which subverts all the results of the joint campaign of 1554, and completely reverses the decision of the Great Powers ratified under the Treaty of Paris.

Messrs E. and H. Isaacs will offer for sale at their mart to-morrow a number of piano fortes, harmoniums, organs, made expressly to suit the climate of New Zealand. They are excellent instruments, and worthy of public notice.

Railway communication is now complete between Dunedin and the Maori Kaik. It is expected that the through line to Christchurch will be opened in April.

The new "Wellington organ of the Ministry, the " New ZeaJander," will be issued on the 29th prox.

The Hon. J. Sheehau proceeded to the Thames last night, to arrange for the completion of certain laud purchases in that district, which were negotiated by Mr James Mackay. Mr Sheehau is accom panied by Mr Preece. A Christchurch paragraphs tells the following good story, the merit of which is that it is absolutely true :—" A good wind must ever blow somebody ill. Even Father Henneberry's praiseworthy crusade against the demon drink has rung things very low on a licensed victualler in this city. The L.V., like the man of old who made silver shrines for Diana— aud the circumstances are so very similar that I must be pardoned for such a profane illusion—felt that the Temperance Father was making things too warm. He resolved to encourage back sliding from the paths of water straight, and offered a free drink to any renegade who would produce the temperance medal and drink. The renegade was found. He drank, and bust-up his pledge ; but, alas ! he did worse : he passed his medal on to others of the cabbing interest, and not till thirty-two drivers had refreshed did the landlord suspect there was anything un genuine about the whole proceeding; and now he has lost faith in human nature to the extent of thirty-one drinks. However, that amount of credulity is soon recovered by any landlord who knows his business." Mr Ewington, in his speech last evening, in the Alexandra-street School-room, said he found it as difficult on certain occasions to collect his thoughts as it was to collect money; the latter being an extremely difficult matter just now.

The Auckland Fireßrigade has received 600 feet of new hose, manufactured by Messrs. Shand, Mason, and Co., of London. It is the intention of Superintendent Hughes to test each length separately In the course of a few days.

An attempt to burn down the " Evening Argus" office, Wellington, was discovered yesterday. The incendiary had entered the building during the night, lighted papers, and turned on the gas jets in order that when a sufficient quantity had escaped it would become ignited, and render the ex tinguishment of the fire impossible. The incendiary, however, forgot to turn on the metre, and the paper having burnt out the plan failed.

A special meeting of the Auckland Scottish Volunteers will be held in the drill-shed this evening.

The lecture on the " Life aud Times of the Celebrated Richard Baxter," by Rev. J. A. Fletcher, was listened to last evening by a large concourse of people. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Thomas Buddie, of the Three King's College, and prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Robertson. The lecture was characterised by clearness of conception, and shewed that Mr Fletcher had made himself master of his subject, entering fully into the life and religious aims of Baxter. The lecture was in two parts : the first section was devoted to Baxter's early years, conversion, and troubles, shewing that Baxter was the marked man of those Puritan times. The lecturer reviewed at some length the best known of Baxter's works, viz., "The Saint's Rest," and of his wonderful success as a popular preacher amongst the people after his separation from the Established Church; also his connection with Cromwell, and possibly Avith Bunyan, who lived in the same stirring times. Nothing of importance in connection with Baxter was omitted, and at the close the lecturer received the unani mous thanks of the large audience. The choir gave several musical selections during the evening, and the meeting closed with prayer.

Information has been received by the police of a robbery alleged to have taken place from a carter named McCaslin, who is employed by Mr Dempsey, contiactor. He says he was paid on Saturday night with a cheque for £19 ss, and on Sunday morning he cashed the cheque and paid 5s to have his- horses released from the pound. He subsequently went to a hotel, had some drink, and then went into an outhouse attached to the hotel, and went to sleep. On awakening he found that his money, amounting to £18 10s, had been stolen.

The monthly meeting ot the members aud friends of the Church of England Temperance Association was held last evening in St. Sepulchre's School-room, Symonds-street. Rev. B. T. Dudley, President of the Branch, occupied the chair, and delivered a very pleasing address. Mr Esam also spoke at some length. The remainder of the evening was devoted to singing, music, and readings, by ladies and gentlemen present. A very instructive and comfortable entertainment closed with the benediction.

At the meeting of St. James' Mutual Im Association last evening, su b the Foreign Policy^ o£ Beaconsfield worthy of Admiration, was considered. Mr Gorrie opened in the affirmative, aud Mr Schmidt replied in the negative! The following members took part in the debate :—Affirmative, S : Messrs J A. King, J. Mucky, A. Smith, Carson, W. Brigham, W. J. Geddis, Baker, and A. C. Steele. Negative, 6 : Messrs W. Cooper, J. Home, Burton, J. H. Hanna, A. Reid, aiid G. McNab. The dry weather has caused a consider' able increase in the consumption ot water- In districts where the pipes are not laid the complaints of ratepayers are very bitter at being compelled to pay rates without being able to procure the supply. In the upper part of Franklin-street and its vicinity wells are being sunk even how. The pipes to the Lunatic Asylum are being laid, and the service will soon be in working order.

The National Independent Order of Odd fellows held their usual fortnightly meeting yesterday evening. There was a large attendance of members, and over twenty initiations took place. There is an erroneous idea, prevalent that this Order is not regis tered. The real fact of the case, however, is that the Order was registered in due course under the Friendly Societies' Act, 1575.

Mr Sibbin sold to-day at the Corner Mart 100 sacks maize, ex Sovereign of the Seas, 6s 6d. Last night an instance of the extraordin ary sagacity of the Newfoundland dog was witnessed near the deep cutting in Nelson street. A man, decently dressed in black, was tight, and so much so that he could scarcely walk, and his reckless, staggering gait placed him in great danger of going over the bank. His faithful dog, perceiving the probability of his master going head first over the einbaukinent, ran and seized the sleeve of the man's coat, and pulled him away from the brink. When last seen, the faithful dog was still leading along the human form divine of his half-inebriated master. A touching instance of the intelli gence of this class oi animals, and of the opposite qualities occasionally exhibited in man.

At the meeting of the City East School Committee, held last night, the Secretary, Mr Steadman, tendered his resignation in consequence of a letter appearing which stated the Committee were not satisfied with his action respecting City East and the Central Board. It was decided not to accept such, and Mr Gray proposed, " That the member ot this Committee concide with Mr Steadman in regard to the action he has taken re the Central Board, and that he will re-consider his resolution to resign the secretaryship, and continue to conduct the business of the Committee as heretofore. Mr Brearley seconded the resolution, which was unanimously carried. We observe that in Nelson tho charges for water supply are :—Domestic supplies from 2^ to 6 per cent on assessment ; and supplies by meter, 4s per thousand gallons. For machinery purposes, 1-inch pipe, the charge is £10 ; and for 2-inch, £20 per annum. This supply, however, runs through the town, and is au inexpensive gravitation supply. A woman named Eliza Rice, whose name is familiar in the Police Court, was charged with using violent language and creating a disturbance in Baker-street, but when Constable McLennan approached the house of the woman Carroll committed for three months to-day, Eliza seeing the constable, rushed out by the baGk way, leaped the fence and gave chase to the constable. The scene was most exciting, as the woman rau towards Ponsonby, with the constable in hot pursuit. She bolted over College Hill, veered towards Home Bay, and was soon lost to the sight of Constable McLellan. It is supposed that sjie is secreted among the ti-tree scrub, but her husband, Patua Rice, fears she has destroyed herself in the waters of oblivion.

We understand that Mrs Warren has been removed to Mount Eden, Avhere bhe will bo well cared for. Very little can be discovered of her antecedents. The remainder of the stolen property has been discovered at a grocer's shop in Queen street. It is worthy of remark that Mrs Haslctt never asked' Mrs Warren for any money. B^Threc tenders for the construction of the works necessary to supply the Mount Eden Gaol with water were received by the District Engineer, viz:—George Kitchen, £722 10s 9d ; W' J. Marks, £SSO ; Branston aud Foster, £944 5s 6d. Mr Kitchen's tender being the lowest, it was accepted and the work will be commenced forth with.

Mr J. J. Utting, formerly a reporter on the " Guardian," and lately employed in a similar capacity on the "Lyttleton Times," has purchased the " Tcmuka Leader" from Mr Ivesy.

Japan papers state that Admiral Pousino, lately in command of the Russian Asiatic squadron, has been relieved by Baron Stockleberg.

Little telephones at half-a-crown a piece, for conversing between different rooms }in the same house, are among the novel toys of the present aaason in Paris. To the Editor : Sir,—Will you allow me to correct a mis-statement which appeared in this morning's " Herald," regarding ray self. It is untrue that on Sunday last I was in any public-house, that I obtained any drink in any public-house, or that 1 slept in any out-house connected with any public house as stated in the paragraph in ques tion. It is perfectly correct, however, that while asleep in a stable attached to a private dwelling house, I was robbed of a sum of money amounting to about £18 10s. Yours, &c, Geo. McCaslin. We would remind ratepayers who wish their names to appear on the Burgess Roll for 1778 —9, and Jnot upon the defaulters' list, that it is necessary that all city rates should be paid before the 31sfc inst. It is useless to growl afterwards, if disqualified from voting during the year. The following sum was collected by Mr Wilkins in aid of Mrs Dynock, £1 2s'6d. A resident of .Victoria-street wishes to call the attention of {the police to certain ill-conducted houses in that tnorough fare.

We beg to acknowledge with thanks a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Auckland Club.

"Mr Whitehead's Friume torpedo factory on the Adriatic,, supplied both the Turks and the Russians with. these dangerous weapons. The Turks received theirs from the sea, and the Russians overland."

It is stated by the Paris " Gaulois" that a committee of doctors will be asked to declare Queen Isabella insane.

We notice that Mossrs John Reid and Co., of this city, have been appointed agents for Messrs M. Bardsley aud Son, of Dunedin, soap manufacturers, whose factory, we understand, is the oldest and largest of its kind in New Zealand.

A rapidity match between members of the Artillery and Victoria Companies A.R.V. is proceeding at the range, Mount Eden, this afternoon. This match is looked upod by the Volunteers with great interest, as the competitors are to fire, in any position, at the targets for three minutes, 200 yards ranges. This will prove how many shots can be fired from the Snider rifle in that time. Corporal Duff, of the Victorias, is wearing a patent self-acting belt, which seems unfair to the other members. No doubt he will be in his usual form, and top of the list. Sergeant Forder is acting time-keeper, and Quarter- Master Seigt. Anderson umpire.

Springbank was the scene of an unusual stir yesterday, the occasion being a picnic given by Mr Smith. About 150 were present, and distributed themselves along the river banks, where music aud merry making were the order of the day. The young man who carried a portman teau on Saturday evening from Princes street to the Albert Hotel, Queen-street, is particularly requested to call at the police station.

We notice that our district corn millers have reduced the price of flour from £15 to £14 per ton.

To the Editor : Sir, —Will you give me a few lines in reply to your correspondent " Mr Bacon" who is in a hit of a fog about the gardeners' petition. The six embryo gardeners do nou want poor Kitty to go to the market every time she wants greens. They only want the business of market gardener and hawker to be kept separate, if hawking is licensed it will not be so common, and tne retail shopkeeper and consumer would both benefit by having a good article, aiid continuous supply. As the matter now stands, every one who has a few cabbages more than wanted for home consumption, is now hawking them about their neighbourhood, but they do not make a business of it, and consequently cannot keep.a constant supply like the market gardener, who makes his living by producing. ■ The casual producer spoils the trade of the regular market gardener and also injures the re tailer by not keeping up a supply during those seasons when only labour and skill can ensure production.—Yours, &c, L. H. Green.

Members of the Tradesmen's Athletic Club are requested to attend a meeting in the Charlemont Hotel, this evening, for the purpose of arranging for the forthcoming sports. A formidable notice appears on the office door of the Police Station, specially addressed to the owners of dogs, suggestive of the necessity of applying at once to Ser geant Bullford for a collar, or will be the consequence.

Mr John Symons, one of our local artists, has just completed a water-colour picture of a scene in the Kaikoura Island, intended for the Victorian Academy Exhibition in April next. The subject is " Stormy Weather." The clouds seem to be rent into countless shreds ; the horizon is bounded by heavy threatening clouds, out of which the wind is coming, indicative of a coming storm. Three vessels are running for shelter. On the left side of the picture is a headland, against which the sea is wildly dashing. The imitation of rocks, with the occasional foliage, is complete, and forms a pleasant relief to the eye. The shadow of a cloud falls on the water in the middle distance, the edges of which are

beautifully graduated towards the fore-part of the picture—the beauty of which is greatly enhanced by a gleam of sunlight introduced at some distance seaward, and through this a vessel is sailing, enlightened by the sunshine. The picture, Avhich is a study from nature, and an artistic triumph, must be seen to be thoroughly appreciated.

CLEOPATRA'S NEEDLE.

(To the Editor of the Star.)

Sir. —"M.A.11.M.C," who sought his information in a recent issue, regarding the above inter esting relic, will find the subject discussed very fully in recent numbers of the " English Mechanic" and " \VorM of Science"; also, in the "Scientific American," January 12th, which I beg to forward to you for publication, should you deem it worthy a place in your journal.— I am, &c, Chablks Williamson.

Mr John Dixon, C.E., the engineer who has undertaken the task of removing from Alexan dria and erecting in London the Cleopatra obelisk, lately gave an interesting lecture at the United Service Institution, on the subieet of his arrangements for the conveyance of the stone to England, and the plan he purposes adopting for placing it upon its pedestal, when a suitable site shall have been determined upon. Admiral Sir Erasmus Oramanney presided, in the absence of General >ir James Alexander, and. read a communication from the officer, detailing his initiatory efforts to secure the removal of the obelisk.

Mr Dixon premised his lecture by observing that, as this was his first opportunity of speak ing in public since the accomplishment of the first portion of his task, it was only meet that he Bhould place on record a warm acknowledgment of the kindness and liberality of the Khedive, who had afforded them every facility for carry ing on the work to a successful issue, and also of the assistance so readily rendered, first by the Hon. Mr Vivian, our consul general in Egypt, and then by Signor Demetrio, the owner of the land occupied by the prostrate obelisk. Cleopatra's Needle, as it has been termed, was the oldest monument existing which recorded upon its face a history dating from birth, and as some persons; had questioned the utility of taking such pains to possess it, he might, he thought, bring to their recollection a few of the principal dates with which the monolith was associated. Fifteen hundred and fifteen years before Christ. Thothmes 111, the greatest monarch of his time, caused this stone to be quarried at Syene, some seven hundred miles up the Nile, and erected in the City of On, in celebration of a high festival, and engraved upon it hieroglyphics commemorating the event. Three hundred years later Rameses 11. finding no more honorable place in which to inscribe a record of his achievements and virtues, added other lines of characters. Twelve centuries passed, and On meanwhile became the great university of the world. Joseph, and after him Moses, went there to learn and study all the wisdom and science of the ancient Egyptians; and after them Kuclid, Pythagoras, Plato, and other men illustrious in the annals of ancient history. This brought the period down to the Christian era find the time of Cleopatra, with whoso history the name of the obelisk was so intimately associated, and ,vho, no doubt, in stigated ita removal to the Alexandra site, although she was not fated to witness its erection there. For the further history of the obelisk, we were indebted to an inscription dis covered on a claw of one of the brass crabs tha formerly supported the stone on its pedestal. It related that, during the seventh year of the rnign of tho Emperor Augustus. Barbarus, the then Prefect of Egypt, caused the monument to be erected by a certain Pontius—supposed by some to have been tho grandfather of Pontius Pilate—to ornament tho water-gate of Csesars temple. How the obelisk came to be thrown down was uncertain, but possibly it might have boen for the sake of abstracting the said brass crabs. The obelisk sufFered no further vicissi tudes until the year 1801, when the French endeavoured, during their occupation of Egypt, to remove the mass to Paris, but were prevented from carrying out that intention by their defeat at the hands of the British troops. Mr Dixon then glanced at his own connection with the present fiffort to realiso Mehemet Ali's j?ift to the nation, and said that some years ago, in conjunction with General Sir James Alexander, whom he had found working in the same field, a plan of transport had been matured, and the preliminaries arranged, and there only remained the sinews of war to be provided. It was at this juncture that Mr Erasmus Wilson came forward, and if the obelisk were destined to be erected in London, it was to that gentlemen that the thanks of the nation would be primarily duo.

Such being the history of the monument, he thought no one could say that the effort 3to preserve it from destruction had been mis directed. Passing to the more scientific part of the subject, namely, the engineering appli ances adopted in connection with the transport and erection of obelisks, Mr Dixon said that the Egyptians left no decisive record of their plan; but in the erection of the St. Peter's obelisk before the "Vatican, the Romans em ployed for a month the united power of fifteen hundred men and one hundred and forty horses. The French method in 1835 was not materially different, although they economised labour better, both consisting in building up a timber framework round the obelisk, and. hauling it into an upright position. But with the advent of newer and better mechanical appliances, he thought it would not be to the credit of English engineering if he followed a similar plan in the present case. Mr Dixon then went on to des gibe the construction of the vessel built to encase the Cleopatra Needle and the calculations involved, and the incidents of the launch, which have already been made public. He argued that the voyage of the vessel had fully borne out the conclusion formed as to her perfect sea worthiness, and that they were running fno risk whatever in trusting the obelisk in such a structure. But for the unfortunate shifting of the ballast in the Bay of Biscay all would have ended well, for the ship remained perfectly sound and water-tight. She was now at Ferrol, in Spain, but they might reasonably hope before long to witness the arrival of the Needle in the Thames.

FIRE AT MOUNT EDEN.

A fire occurred about half-past eight o'clock this morning in a house occupied by Mrs King, in Auburn-street, Eden Terrace, but fortunately it was extinguished before much damage was done. It appears that a man is at present engaged effecting repairs to the house, and this morning he was heat ing a can of tar on the kitchen fire, when the can burst. The tar immediately took fire, and blazed up quickly, at the same time spreading over the floor. An alarm was raised, and a number of persons con gregated on the scene. After a great deal of trouble the fire was extinguished with the aid of Mr O'Brien, Governor of the Gaol, and his staff. Had the fire obtained a firm hold upon the building, the danger to other houses, and to the gaol, Avould have been considerable, as they are situated very closely together. _ As it was, the residents in the neighbouring houses quickly removed their furniture to places of safety. The kitchen of Mrs King's house is very much charred, and shows that had assistance arrived only a few minutes later, the build ing would have been doomed.

THEATRE ROYAL.

THE SALSBURY TROUBADOURS,

It is impossible to recall the vicissitudes through which French opera bouffe and English burlesque have passed during the last few years without being forcibly reminded of the evident applicability and truth of the stale old platitude, faciles decensus averni. This class of entertainment "has indeed descended so far, has sunk to such a dead lev-el of degradation, that it is all but on its last legs. The later opera boufics have mostly been failures, and even those which have succeeded owe their temporary popularity more to the catchy nature of the composer's music than to anything else. The quaint jokes, spark ling wit, and champagne-ey fun which (when acted by Parisian artistes) made the success of "La Belle Helene " and "La Grande Duchesse," are not to be found in such modern pro ductions as "La Marjolaine," "Rosieri d'lci," and "La Jolie Parfumeuse." Instead, we have an improper libretto and the Can-Can. So also English burlesque, which was once noted for wildly funny extravagance and exquisite fooling, is now only a vehicle for breakdowns, bad pu-is, bandy legs, and bosh. Pieces like Brough's " Field of the Cloth of Gold," and Bur nand's " Black-eyed Susan, " are never approached now-a-days. Occasionally an extravaganza flashes across the theatrical horizon of London, but it seldom reaches here, or when it does, it is so old that the point is gone. This being so, we ought to be particularly grateful when we are visited by a Company which can really amuse us without treading on our favorite corns. Tli3 Salsbury Troubadours do this almost per fectly. Their entertainment is a mixture of Palais Royal farce, Parisian opera bouffe, and English burlesque. They have, in fact, managed to collect some of the best features of all three, and to co-mingle them in a most astonishing manner. Last night the i performance commenced with a short comedietta called " Two can play at that game." This little piece, like many of its brothers and sisters manufactured for two or three characters only, is principally remarkable for the flavourless nature of its dialogue. From beginning to end there was not a witty saying or brilliant retort. Nevertheless, as piayed by Mr Salsbury, Miss Me Henry, and Mr Webster, in a broadly farcical style,it proved a success. In other hands it would probably have fallen flat. The business of the evening was, how ever, " Patchwork," which, we will venture to assert, produced longer, louder, and more inextinguishable laughter than has been heard in our theatre for many a long day. Personally our risible/faculties were excited in a most unprecedented manner, in point of fact we have seldom enjoyed a heartier laugh. To describe the plot is im possible. Ihe piece is simply and solely an incongruous mixture of inconceivable absurdities, which appear to be evolved at the moment out of the brains of the per formers. Of course this is notreally the case. " Patchwork" has evidently been very care fully worked up by degrees to its present state of perfection, indeed it is just possible that people who saw it when it was first performed would not recognise it now. Of the troupe as a whole, we may remark that they bear a strong likeness to the " VokesFamily," who are probably the only living persons who could equal them in their own line. Miss Blanche Corelli, the leading lady of the Company, ia a handsome brunette. Dressed in a costume of yellow silk and black velvet, with a train of stupendous length, which was managed perfectly, she looked superb. In the course of the evening Miss Corelli sang several songs : "It was a dream," " Dearest Papa" (from Girofle Girofla), and a charming French chanson, "Petits Oiseaux," which proved a great success. Miss Nelly McHenry danced and sang with wonderful vivacity, and her lively ditty " Pretty as a Picture " was rapturously encored. Without wishing to find fault in any way we beg to suggest that it would perhaps be as well if Miss McHenry toned down some of the rather quaint movements with which she accom panies this song. Mr Gourlay ia a most extraordinary person. Judging by his actions we should imagine his spine is made of India-rubber. Such tumbliug, and leg throwing, and twirling, and dancing are indeed seldom seen except in a professional acrobat. He was the life and soul of the piece, always intensely comic, and acting with unflagging spirit. His song " All that Glitters is not Gold " was loudly encored, and he kindly responded with "Half-past Ten," a broad comic ditty. Now we come to Mr Salsbury, who is without doubt the best histronic artist of the lot. * His imita tion of Jefferson in "Rip Van Winkle" w?.s exceedingly good, and as Hamlet a la Fechter he shewed the raciest humour. Mi^John Webster as the irrepressible Troubadour added his quota of fun to "Patchwork." We shall have another opportunity of referring! to the numerous laughable details of the performance. Suffice it to say the theatre was crowded in stalls and pit with an enthusiastic audience, and there was a fair house upstairs. All went home well pleased.

A Sensational Drive.

A MAN DRIVES A HORSE AND TRAP OVER THE ONEHUNGA WHARF.

We have received from au Onehunga cor respondent some highly sensational parti culars of an incident -which occurred "there last night at about half-past eight o'clock. Mr T. ft. Gillman and a friend were walk ing towards the Onehunga wharf, and when opposite the Post-office they met a gentle man who, in the most excited way, told them to beware of being run over by a gentleman who was mad drunk, and was driving a horse and buggy full tilt along the road, and had gone over Mangare bridge apparently under the impression that he was on the road to Auckland. The gentleman further stated that he had himself narrowly escaped being run over in the darkness, and intended to leave his friend (the driver) to take his chance. The two gentlemen proceeded on their way, meeting Nevill, the boatman, who .said that a gentleman had just driven a trap right over the end of the wharf. Mr Gillman and his friend then saw a crowd of men in the stables of the Manukau Hotel, where they appeared to be attending to a horse, while restoratives were being administered to the driver in the hotel. Some seamen belong ing to the s.s. Taranaki and the schooner Lady Don, which were moored on each side of the tee, gave our informant an account of the manner in which the furious jehu had taken a header over the extremity of the wharf. A seaman belonging to the Taranaki described the affair as follows : —I was on board, near the end of the tee, when I heard the sound of a trap coming down the wharf at a rapid rate. The horse made a sudden stop after turning the corner, when the driver commenced to flog him. I called out "What is the matter?" but received no answer. The driver continued to flog the animal, which made a spring into the air, and went over, dragging the vehicle after him into the water. There were five large mooring ropes besides the . kerbing timber, some of the rope being a foot or two above the wharf, and these broke the fall. It was also fortunately about dead low water, and there was no current, which is sometimes very strong. The fall is about 16 feet. The horse got clear of the trap, swam to the embankment of the new wharf, and so got ashore. The driver was for a few moments in great jeopardy, but he eagerly seized a life-buoy that was thrown to him by one of the crew of the Lady Don, and was picked up by Mr Neville, the waterman, who had. put off in h's boat. As to the trap, it is at the bottom. The night was very dark. The driver owes his rescue to the prompt aid rendered by the crews of the Lady Don and s.s. Taranaki.

Oar correspondent was unable to ascertain the name of the driver, -who said, however that the trap was his own, but the horse

was hired. The latteT^^T^rf 5 injury. Sergeant Greene, withVWltt°ilt vigilance, promptly instituted K1^1 but his report has not yet been rece^f ** '"

TELEGRAPHIC.

(From Our Own Correspondent

I.GRAHAMSTOWN «„• . The New Morning Star is driving cut at the 187 feet level in. S3"oß' ground, good|country. prosPecte<J The Alburnia obtained a soo a h , I specimens yesterday. *uatu cf The Cure expect "to cut No 2 week, into which many h^st-clas?^ '■ The Queen of Beauty i 8 shaping payable return. puis °a a The Kuranui Hill, James' 9n _ tribute, yielded 47 ozs 10 c'wts party Moanatairi, Moore's tribute, Lh ad , - 16 dwts. ' au <> Ozs The Don Pedro, Brown's tribute },„ 3 ozs 1 dwt. Ie- has The Inverness, Schofields'Jtribute a 7 dwts. -."iwute, 6 ozs The Government have consented to <_~ John Cooae's inspection of thp Vi? blr harbour. ae rh^fa MEETING LAST NIGHT The meeting held here last night «_«__,! condemned the Broombali plrfc Tn f y absence of. land for themselves and that it should be set aside. I 1^ was appointed to wait upon Mr SheSS? who] is expected here this evemV ' will put the matter before him, urdn. n «« him the necessity of at once obtaining* for settlement in this disS # tributers and tailings men, and a i others also spoke in favour of abolition^ the gold duty, aud resolved to ur->e _h,*f upon Mr Sheehan. ° tms COROMANDEL, this day The Bright Smile had a good fi of specimens yesterday, and more s»l expected. -*- The Harbour View had a few specimens 1 yesterday. _ They have now about W hub clred and eighty pounds in hand - The Coromandel Company "cut a W 1 leader showing gold Avith good prospected the dish. r .: The Royal Oak expect to get a shot of - gold in a few days. PUBLIC MEETING. A public meeting was held last ni _tt to consider the pesition of the District in refer 1 ence to alteration of the Highway District boundaries and its effect upon the subsidies for the financial year The Chairman of the Board, in an exhau_ tive speech, referred to Avhathad been done I by the Board, and stated he was in commu- I nication with the Government still, --with reference to their action. In cutting -the Highway District in two, they virtually blocked out the Board, and precluded i from adopting tho rates already | struck. At a meeting of ratepayers h to-day at the Court House, the1 I chairman, Mr Tiemey, stated that he had* I received legal advice which was equal to !•',' fj sheAving that anything the ratepayers might I [ do at the meeting Avould be illegal, in con- I sequence of no place wherein to hold the'if meeting haA-ing been notified by the Gov-- { ernment in their proclamation. He would :1. therefore adjourn the meeting for the _ second of April, until a deputation of the [ Highway Board Avaited on the Colonial Secretary. Mr C. A. Harris, Chairman of the Whangapona HighAvay meeting, having, been legally advised that no meeting could take place OAving to the mistake in the pro clamation did not come down here. RUSSELL, this day. SHIPPING. Arrivals :—Phoenix, Elsinore, Hawea, and lona. The HaAvea leaves at 5 p.m. Passengers for Wellington, Mr and Mre Simoox and family. For Nelson, Rer. J. . Rouse, and family and others. ti Three sailors belonging to the whaleship j Horatio attempted to desert, but were arrested by the natives, one of the deserters j dreAV a knife and stabbed a native three 1 times. The nat_A*es thereupon gave him a I* good hammering. * • [PRESSj AGENCY. ] NELSON, this day. I SUDDEN DEATH. Charles Kiernan, dentist, dropped dead If in a fit of apoplexy last night. hi. Dr Somerville is addressing crowded K audiences here. |: DUNEDIN, this day. I CENSUS RETURNS. 1 fi The census returns for the city of Dune- I din are just completed. Thepopulationwith- I in the limits of the municipaT boundaries is I 22,493; males being 11,605, femalesl 10,888. I CHRISTCHURCH, this day. i There are eighteen cri *ninal cases at the 1 Supreme Court, commencing oh Monday I The City Council have arranged terms I of agreement Avith the Tramway Company; I for tramAvays through the city. f; At a meeting of the City Council last 1 night, the division of the city into wards Wy Avas proposed, but the opinions of the I Councillors Avere so strong against it that | the proposal Avas Avithdrawn. The City Council, owing to want of fends, I are unable at present to undertake any new I works iv the city. The body found in the Avon on Sunday .Im proves to be that of James Wallace, a I native of Wanganui. He Avas unwell on jj Saturday, but had not. been drinking. I There is no clue as to how he came to be in 1 the river. ■

CABLEGRAMS.

England Still Arming.

Russia Demands Bessarabian and Armenian Territory.

(REUTERS TELEGRAMS.) Kg LONDON", March 24. . B England continues arming. I Russia insists on the expulsion from 1 the Congress of the question of Be* | sarabiaand the cession of Armenia,^ J essential modifications in the condition ■ of Treaty demanded by England ana § Austria. I

CONDITIONS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND ENGLAND CRITICAL.

[retjter's special telegrams.] I St. Petersburg, March 23. I At St. Petersbueg it is semi-offic^ j stated that owing to England persisting | m her demands in regard to the peace ■].&% Eg ditions the chances of the meeting » European Congress have decreased. ; March » | England has proposed that the oifi Jg matic communication be treated as eqt"J| f lent to a presentation. „,. S Russia refuses, and believes this e^ B munication cannot be fulfilled in view the inadmissible pretensions of Engla^ BM The relations between England 8° J Russia are in a critical condition. | "" March 2i I It is reported that Russia deraan^^ B the British ironclad squadron showtt i» | the Sea of Marmora and tfie v § danelles. . , j jl If The Russian Press is greatly v*"81 I Great Britain arming. , -• f

ENGLAND'S WAR PREPARATIONS.

[SPECIAL TO PEBSS AGENCY]. ■ LONDON, Man**| M The Admiralty have purchased » | :

EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1878.



"01/SHBROOK AND T>RIDGMAN, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE (Opposite the Army nd Navy Hotel), UPPER QUEEN- STREET, Auckland. five per cent. discount 16. IN THE &) ALLOWED ON ALL CASH PURCHASES OF 20s, AND UPWARDS.



Q. RA N D QFFER BY THE AMERICAN NOVELTY COMPANY. The following articles will be sent by Mail to any part of New Zealand on receipt of £1 :— 1 Brook's Glas3 Catter, Tin Opener, Knife and Scissors Sharpener 4/ 1 Banaza Fruit and Vegetable, Pairing, Slicing, and Coring Knife 1/6 1 Champion Nutmeg Grater. Save your fingers 1/6 1 Dish-washing and Toasting Tong .. -.2/ 1 Smoker's Pet. Meerschaum pipe eclipsed 1/ 1 Folding Lamp Shade (Patent) 1/6 1 Indelible Tablet for Marking Linen .. 2/ 1 Little Giant Tack Hammer, drives, draws, and sets 1/6 1 Little Harry's Night Lamp 1/6 1 Magic Cork Puller, Chimney Cleaner, &c. 1/ 1 Oriental Silver Polish. Great success .. 1/ 1 Pattern Copying and Tracing Wheel .. 1/6 1 Pearl Cement. Mends everything. Save the pieces 2/ 1 Puzzle Key Ring 1/ 1 Shine-Shine Starch Polish and Chinese Washing Blue 1/ 1 Slate Pencil Sharpener and Cleaner .. /6 1 Good Templar Pen, with *-pint of ink .. /6 Total 25/ Discount off 5/ Amount £1 \ GRICULTURAL RISKS. THE NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY Is prepared to INSURE against FIRE— Agricultural Risks, Grain in Stook or Stack, and Steam Threshing Machines travelling from dlace to place, LOWEST CURRENT RATES. HENRY" E. WILLIAMS, NION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. &PITAL £2,000,000. U C X L A I\ D BRANCH QUEEN-S T R E X T, Next the Colonial Bank. "IRE DEPARTMENT. Insuranc 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. 11. STEVENSON Manager. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS W. J. HURST 3c CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and If of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELLS BONE FLOUR 1 and 1-inch BONKDUST BILLYAKD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIMK. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. 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 for the last two sea sons has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bo supplied on application at the Stores. AY. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen- treet. A.. LINABUKY & Co., DRESSMAKERS AND MILLINERS. NEW DRESS MATERIALS. A Large Assortment of New Dress Goods for the present Season, in every fashionable shade, Just Opened up at A. LINABURY & CO.'S. NEW WINTER COSTUMES, NEW MANTLES, NEW ULSTERS, NEW MILLINERY, NEW HATS. A Large Assortment of Paria Trimmed Hats and Bonnets Just Opened up. Also, Hosiery, Silk Ties, Umbrellas, Collars and CnfEa, Gloves, Children's Mantles and Jackets. Also, A LARGE STOCK OF NOVELTIES, Which are Cheap, and will have quick sale. tsr Look in at "«• A. LINABURY & CO.'S, 204 & 206, quekn-street, Auckland. T pOSGKAVE & rio. WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING SALE OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING TO-MORROW. All Goods to Cost Price. Inspection Invited. SUPERIOR SAMPLES of Syd*3y and New Zealand Maize, Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table Potatoes, Flour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley, Jhaff, Oilcake Coal, &c, &c, always on hand. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND Industry of A.ll Rations AT THE 1 CITY HALL ARCADE. Light and graceful Bent Wood Furniture, Settees, Rocking, Arm and Side Chairs, Children's Chairs, from AUSTRIA. Beautifully Carved WALNUT DRAWING ROOM SUITES, direct from the Manufacturers in ITALY. Exquisitely Painted FLOWER VASES, various sizes, from BELGIUM. Superior TOILETWARE, TOILET TABLE SETS, of mediaeval and modern designs, from ENGLAND. TEXTILE FABRICS in Silk and Wool, soft, rich, and beautiful for Furniture and Curtains. SATINE CRETONNES, superior to anything imported, having Satin Finish, suitable for Drawing-rooms, from FKANCE. The Latest Designs, New Colours, and Very Handsome BRUSSELS CARPETS, and a large lot of Cheap and Good TAPESTRY Just Opened. Articles of Use and Beauty, to any design and price, from our own FURNITURE MANUFACTORY in AUCKLAND. Ladies and Gentlemen Furnishing, are invited to inspect the STOCK of Kolloway, Gariick & Cranwell, City Hall. A. r cade, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland.



Aisr Iniouitous Game is being played by cc tain flagitious scamps who put cheap and fiery liquor in bottles which have held the national medicated beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schie dam Aromatic Schnapps, for the purpose of deceiving the unwary into the belief that their vile concoctions are identical with tho great original. Demand the genuine. If Rheumatism assail you, or Gout, or Liver Complaint, or a general unhealthy tone, fly at once to your best friend—" Ghollah's Great Indian Cures," the surest medicines known. They can be had of all chemists.