SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

- „„- ,„,™n,D (This Afternoon, 0.50 HIGH WAI-iK-' \ To-morrow Morning, 1.33 SUN SET.—this Evening. 6.40 SUN RISE.—To morrow Morning, 0.10 MOON'S AGE.—NeAV Moon. lth. 2.56 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Mazeppa, schooner, Garraway, from Levuua ana Kvien-hilda. schooner. Bathurst,.from Russell Eisinore, schooner. Dawn, from Russell Champion, cutter. Lloyd, from Gisborne Ven'i" ketch. King, from Poverty Lsay. To C° rawss , to-Sthe South (intlie Manukau) Golden Is'e, schooner, Watts, from RusseiL Orpheus, sc_ oonen Daren, from Napier

DEPARTURES.

4<mes Donald, schooner, Murray, for Levuka. V?-^i_ brig rfar; is, for Caroline Islands. 0-et<u '«chobner. Rawling., for Kennedy Bay. S.e.la-Marls, schooner, for Dunedin, (from the Manukati) ..,-,.__,■ _i Emily, brig. Captain Sutherland, for Newcastle.

IMPORTS.

Per Orpheus, from Napier: 8 casks beef, 8 tons bones.

The schooner Stella Maris left the Manukau at noon to-day, Avithacargo of 110,000 feet timber for Dunedin. . ; , Tha schooner Orpheus, Captain Dmen, arrived from Napier this morning in ballast. _ The schooner Golden Isle, Captain Watt?, arrivel from Russell with a cargo of coal to-day. T;... brio- fc-niiiv AA-hich cleared at the Customs for Newcastle, on Saturday, sailed early this mor aing in balls? t. «,.,._, * The schooner Kriemhuda, Captain Bathuist, arrived yesterday from Wangaroa, vrith a cargo or gum,"timber, skins. &c. . T ; e schooner Mazer-pa and the brigantine Hel'ua commenced discharging their cargoes tbThe ls.s_' loua leaves for Russell, Wangaroa, ami Mongonui this evening, with a full general car_-o and several passengers. ,„.,--„„ The "Fiii Argus" states that the schooner Jessie Henderson may be expected in Levuka after the hurricane months. She Avas beached or the Isiand of Kio, between Rambi and Wairiki, Avhere she Avill undergo ali necessary r°Tbe schooner Agnes Donald sailed for Levuka veste-.tas- afternoon, with a general cargo and several passengers, AA-hose names appeared in our Saturday's issue. _. «. v.,.. Tru- brig Vision left the harbour for Caro.infi Inlands on Saturday. The cargo and pas-enger have already been published. The schooner Mazeppa, Captain Garraway, arrived in harbour an Saturday night, from Levuka and the Friendly Islands, after a smart run She arrived at Lev-d-a on the 26th ult., and'lpft for Auokland on the l_th instant.pas sin-- the Gre _t Barrier on the 21st. The Mazeppa bring* a cargo consisting of wool, maize, sugar, ne .run.-, bananas, and molasses, and the follOAV jne passengers—Mrs Garraway. Mrs Marshall. Messrs Joel, Onions, and Captain Wells. We are" indebted to the courtesy of Captain Gar ra wav for late tiles of Fij i papers. . The schooner Dauntless left Levuka lor New Hebrides on February 7th. The schooner Marion Renny, Captain Murray, left Fiji in the latter part of January for a cruise to Solomon and other islands, for the purpose of collecting island curios. She has been chartered by Mr A. Stevens. H M.s. Sapphire arrived at Levuka on irnday f'-om Sydney, after a passage under canvas of 16 days. "She left again for Samoa, taking the Governor and his staff to that place. The Neruianbarque Helenahas been wrecked o.i the Island of Meriki, Fiji. The s s. Wanaka. from Napier and Southerr ports had not arrived in harbour up to the time of our going to nre.s, but Avill probably get in during theevening. . Tiie trading cutter Caroline arrived, from Mahurangi to-day with a cargo of timber, gum, and f;r--Avood; and the cutter Lizzie, from Whamrapoua, -with 27,000 feet timber. . The cutter Champion, Captain Lloyd, arrived from Gisborne, Aria East Coast and Whangapoua, to-'dav. She bring 3as cargo 21,000 feet sawn timber, and a quantity of blast powder. Tho schooner Eisinore, Captain Dawn, has arrived from Russell with a cargo of coal ana hides The ketch Venus arrired to-day from Poverty Bay in ballast. „ „ ... The Spitfire arrived from Russell with a cargo of 12 tons coal on Saturday. . The ketch Maid of the Mill entered inwards to-day from Waiwera, Avith 20,000 feet timber.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Taukanga, this day. The Rowena arrived at 3 p.m. yesterday, from Auckland. The .s.s. Wanaka left'-at .8.30 this morning, for Auckland. . Gisborne, this day. The ss. Pretty Jane_ arrived from Auckland at seven o'clock last night.

COMMERCIAL.

Messks Grant and Morton sold to-day at their City Mart, the large building in the Barracks, used as the Improvement Com missioners' office, for the sum of £42 10s.' Messrs B. Tonks and Co. offered a large shipment of English furniture at their Mart to-day. The sale Avaslargely attended, and a considerable number of articles sold at good prices. _________________________

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Cr.os-,. ah Usmcß:—

For Thames, th:s day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to-

morrow, at 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, on

Friday next, at 2 30 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona this day, at 4 p.m. For WaiAvera, KaAvau, Om-ha, and Matakana,

per AnneMilbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, to-morroAV, at 10.55 a.m.

for money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters till 11.15 p.m. For Tryphena, per Three Brothei-3, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. « For Port Fitzroy, per Catherine, to-morrow, at noon. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Wanaka, to morroiv, at 3 p.m. For Noumea, per Lcetitia, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Wangarei Heads. Waipu, Wangarei, and Manganai, per Aigyle, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Wangaroa, per Kriemhilda, on Wednesday next, at 8 a.m. For Whitiangi. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Wednesday next, at 1 p.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Wanaka, on Thursday next, at 2 p.m.

For Austra'ian Colonies per Rotorua, on Tuesday, Sth March, at 1 p.m. Per s.s. Zealandia, on Tuesday, sth March, as follows :—

For Sandwich Inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia. Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 1.30. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence in addition to the post age will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing.

S. B. BISS. Chief Poitmaster.

BIRTH.

HEDLEY.—On the 23rd February, 187S, at her residence, Mount Eden Junction Store, Auck land, New Ze .land, the wife of James Hedley of a daughter. LYONS.—On the February 22, at his residence. Grey-street, the Avife of W. Lyons of a son.

DEATH

BANKS.—On the 21th February, at the resi dence of his brother, Remuera, Thomas Malcolm Banks, aged 31 years. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, at 3 o'clock. „-_-_,- NEVILLE.—On the 21th February, 1878, at Con quest Place, Parnell, the AVife of Mr. Michael NeA-ille, aged 35 years. R.I.P. The funeral Avill leave her late residence at 3.30 p.m. to-morrow (Tuesday). Friends Avill please accept this notice. MONTAGUE.—On tho 25th February, at the Hospital, Michael Montague, aged 53 years. The funeral will leave the Hospital to morrow (Tuesday), at 2 p.m.

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

MONDAY. FEBRUARY 25, 1878.

fjoriks cause that lacks._._-.!__>-*, f__ Cire wrcßjf thM needs teslsUiK*, ftdt tbe future Ib tbe distance, Aid ife.£B3_ *_u_ «s eaa-tfa.

Some time ago public expectation was placed on tip-toe by a report announcing the purchase of the Turkish fleet by Eng land. The rumour remained unconfirmed and uncontradicted. A Renter's dispatch to-day gives the first definite information respecting the future dealings Avith the fleet. A demand had been made by Russia for the cession of a portion of it, but a measure so suicidal was resisted by the Porte in its extremity, accompanied by a threat that the fleet should be destroyed rather than given up. Upon this, the Russians have withdrawn their demand, upon condition that Turkey shall hold possession of its own navy and not cede it to England Probably the condi tion affecting the fleet Avas that which induced the special Turkish mission to St. Petersburgh already reported, and it is noAV announced that, the terms of peace having been finally agreed upon on the basis of preliminaries arranged before the armistice, the conclusion of the Treaty Avas arranged for Saturday last. With the signing of the Treaty of Peace the Avar as between Russia aud Turkey will really be at au end, aud only those conditions Avhich arc considered injurious to the interests of other Powers Avill remain for ad j ustment by the Conference.

In another column Aye publish the report of a visit made to Mount Eden gaol. The investigations of the Royal Commission some time ago demonstrated the in adequacy of the present buildings for the purposes to which they arc applied. We can only contemplate Avith horror the awful consequences of a fire in the establishment, acatastrophe which, with the destruction of the brick Lunatic Asylum before our eyes, Aye cannot consider an im possible contingency. If a fire should b« eak out in one of the cells on the upper corri dors, or in. such a quarter as to destroy the stairs, no earthly aid could avail to saA-e from a shocking death the prisoners locked in their cells. The certainty of the horrible consequences to themselves may perhaps inspire such a dread in the minds of inmates as Avill induce careful precautions against fite, but it is Avrong for the Government to expose men to so terrible a risk. The gaol buildings are quite unsuitable iv other respects. The ventilation is of the most inadequate description, and proper classification has been found impossible. Considering the facilities at his command, Mr O'Brien, the governor, has done wonders; yet he is compelled to ailOAv three and four prisoners to occupy the same sleeping Avards —a system Avhich ha 3 been condemned in all English gaols, being found productive of the very worst evils, aud subversive of all reformatory discipline. The Avork shops are small, and unsuited for the carry ing out of any industrial scheme, -till, it "is creditable to the management that sufficient boots for the Gaol, Hospital, and Old Men's Refuge are made by the prisoners. Very substantial proof of the industry of the inmates at stone-breaking— the principal occupation—is afforded by the heap of small hard metal outside, valued at betAveen £1,40° and £1,.' 03. It is satisfactory to find that, Aviihal, ihe establishment is one which in it. system, carried out under great disadA-auta^es, does no discredit to our institutions ; but Aye trust that the Government will be in a position next session to bring doAvn on the estimates the sum requisite to place our gaol iv oil respects on an equality with ouj- Hos pital and neAV Asylum.

New life has been infused into the Pahi and Otamatea districts of the Kaipara by Mr Colbeck, J.P., aAvealthy and philan thropic gentleman, avlio proposes to spend a _cay years in these colonies. Since his arrival Messrs Chadwick aud Haines have found it necessary to enlarge their respective stores considerably, aud the population of the Pahi seems almost twice what it avus. Mr Colbeck is building a very handsome house in the neighbourhood, Avhere he Avill reside Avith his family, and he is also in treaty for some large blocks of land there abouts. The advent of such a rich and li .eral settler is indeed a great boon to the Kaipara. On and after to-day, the morning trains leave Hamilton at 6.46 a.m., and Newcastle at 7.30 a.m. In consequence, all trains between Hamilton and OhincAA rai will leave a feAV minutes earlier than formerly. A man named George Pennyfield, Avho has been in the employ of the Piako SAvamp Company, Avas found near Hamil ton in a state of semi-nudity, and Avas taken iuto custody as a person of unsouud mind.

We understand that efforts are being made at the North Shore to raise funds for the erection of a parsonage at that place for the Rev. C. Bates, in^ order that he may take up his residence^'permanently in the district, and thereby be enabled to pay regular ministerial visits to the Lake, Stokes' Point, and adjacent districts. Yesterday the Rev. Mr Dudley conducted divine service in the Lake School-room, and upAYards of eighty residents in that and the immediate neighbourhood attended. Afterwards a communion service was held, aud Avas attended by several communicants. The numerous atteudauce yesterday clearly indicates the need that exists for the Aveekly visits of a clergyman, and it is therefore to be hoped that the necessary funds will be provided to induce Mr Bates to take up his residence at the North Shore.

Borings Avill be made undei* the super vision of Mr Stewart at Marsden Point, in order to find a suitable site-for the proposed Avharf.

There Avere specially croAvded congrega tions at the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church yesterday. In the morning, the Rev. Gervase Smith preached to nearly 1,000 persons, every available seatbeing occupied. The collection realised £36 4s. The text iv the morning AA-as from Ephesiaiis. 2nd chap, and Ist verse: "And you hath he quickened Avho Avere dead in trespasses in sins." The reA'erend speaker delivered an earnest discourse on the doctrine of total depravity, and salvation by grace. Iv the evening, the Rev Mr Carrick, of St. AndreAv's, preached au eloquent sermon from the text :- "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear ; but noAV mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust aud ashes ;" Job 42nd chap. The offertory in the evening amounted to £12 18s 3d. Mr Harcourt Lee, avlio pre sided at the organ, played as voluntaries : " How Beautiful are The Feet," "Marche aux Flambeaux," aud "IKuoav that my Redeemer Liveth." This (Monday) even ing there will be a recognition meeting to Avelcome Dr. Smith. Tea will be provided, and the public meeting afterwards _vill be addressed by Dr Smith and others.

The neAvs that a man in Jamaica has dis covered a plant yielding an alkaloid one thousandth part of a grain of Avhich is capable of poisoning a cat, Avill be received Avith im bounded feelings of satisfaction by a large number of families Avhose midnight slumbers are disturbed by the hideous cattei'Avauliugs of innumerable amatory felines. The man who Avill import a feAV grains of extract of enpites subereeta will he a benefactor of his species, and nothing short of a monument will adequately do justice to the merits of the inventor. The "Waikato Times" denies the state ment that Mr J. L. Longbottom, avlio Avent to the Orange river, is dead. Three anniversary sermons Avere preached yesterday at the Newmarket Primitive Methodist Church, by the Revs. Messrs Dutton, Taylor, and Kirk, in favour of the ' Sunday • school. The services Avere Avell • attended, and the contributions libeial. The tea meeting and soiree Avill take place _ to morrow evening, Avhen speeches, musical selections, and recitations, Avill form parts of the programme. The children will sing a number of suitable hymns.

A Royal Arch Purple meeting of the Young Diamond Loyal Orange Lodge Avill be held this evening, in the Newton Pro testant Hall, at the usual time.

A general meeting of the Tradesmen's Athletic Club Avill be held this evening at the Chailemout Hotel.

The St. Sepulchre's concert, for which a a capital programme has been prepared, Avill take place this evening at eight o'clock, iv the East NeAvton School-room.

An illustrated memorial shield of twenty eight highly-finished photographs of mem bers of the once popular Temperance Drum and Fife Band, at Pulman's photographic rooms, has attracted much attention during the last fe>v days. This Avilling band of musicians, founded by Mr F. Jeune, and conducted by John Smith, collapsed a feAV months ago, in consequence of changing circumstances. It was therefore resolved that a memorial should be executed by the photographer, to be preserved in the Ex celsior Hall, as a memory of the past. Rca-. C. M. Nelson, of St. Paul's, pre viously to delivering an excellent sermon yesterday morning on the " Progress of Sin," from Genesis, chap. 4, v. 8, illustrated in the life of Cain, informed his congrega tion that the vestry, in order to give persons a little more time for seating them selves, had decided that in future a hymn should be sung immediately after the voluntary by the organist and the com mencement of the service; Avhich determina tion, it was hoped, Avould have the good effect of preventing frequent interruptions to devotional feeling by persons avlio seem to make it a habit of being late at church.

The half-yearly meeting of the Pride of Tokatea Goldinining Company is announced for Monday next, when the director's report and balance-sheet Avill be presented. The Waipu Library and Literary Associa tion Avas re-opened on the lSth inst. aud on the next meeting night, Mr MattheAV, the president, will give a brief lecture on " Critical periods of British History." The return match between the juvenile clubs of Parnell and Junction was played on Saturday last in the Domain. The members of the Junction Club Avere the victors by nine runs, having nine wickets to fall. The highest scorers of the Junc tion Avere : Bradley, 22; Thwaites, 12. Parnell : Brooks, 17. The lads shewed up well, and some fair play was the result. Mr J. King, the census enumerator for the counties of Rodney, Waitemata, Eden, and Manukau, informs the settlers of those counties that the census for the present year will be taken on .Sunday, the third ol March next, and should auy householder be A\'ithout a schedule he should at once com municate with Mr King, in order that the population returns should be complete. We learn from the 13th clause of the Census Act, that any occupier of a house neglecting to fill up the schedule to the best of his ability, will be liable to a penalty of £20.

Rev. W. J. Williams preached the Fraternal Home Temperance sermon yes terday in the Albert-street Hall, taking his text from Romans —chap. 14, a-. 13. The reverend gentleman made some forcible remarks on the evils ot intemperance and the importance of a sober life. There was a very good attendance, although the collec tions amounted to only 50s, which will be given to the funds of the Auckland Dis pensary. The fruit and literary entertain ment -will be held in the same place this evening, Avhen addresses Avill be given by Rev. D. Dutton, Air S. Hemus, and other friends of the cause, interspersed with readings and music.

A Press Agency telegram from Gisborne reports the sudden death of Captain Read, a very old Poverty Bay settler, Avho had amassed considerable wealth by trading with the Maoris and speculations in lands. In the early days of the district Captain Read Avas the banker of the place, and issued a paper currency, Avhich found extensive circulation. He also conferred considerable benefit upon the district by his exertions in settling the lauds, and for sometime he supplied the whole of Poverty Bay Avith goods brought from Auckland in his vessels. Captain Read Avas returned to the House of Representatives at the last general elections., but was unseated on a petition by Mr Morris, the present member, on the ground of bribery. Mr J. S. Macfarlane Avill act as executor in the estate.

Some little excitement avus caused in Onehunga on Saturday last by the report, Avhich Avas circulated throughout the town ship, to the eil'ect that a painter named Quelch, a married man with a family, had just died from injuries inflicted by his antagonist, a blacksmith, during a free fight in a local public-house on the previous night. The information so circulated fortunately proved afterwards to be incorrect, as it Avas ascertained from inquiries made at the man's residence that such Avas not the case, and that the injuries he received Avere not likely at all to prove serious. However, coarse pugilistic encounters, Avhere the boots are often too freely used, cannot be too strongly deprecated.

We understand that the Opera Company have given up all idea of playing a short season at the Thames.

Dr Jackson, of the luvercargill Hospital, has resumed, at the request of the Committee of that institution, in consequence of his having mistaken the symptoms in the case of a patient named Ellen Green, and ad ministered wrong treatment, which resulted in a miscarriage.

One of the new arrivals per Apellcs is a fiist-rate vvood-caiwer. Four very handsome' brackets, specimens of his workmanship, Avere on view in the window of the Thistle Hotel on Saturday evening, and attracted a good deal of notice. ■ Mr Keane paid the comparatively small sum of £4 for the lot.

Air Harcourt Lee, ivho avus unexpectedly detained, did not play the opening voluntary at Pitt-street yesterday morning, nor take charge of the organ until after the first hymn. His exquisite playing aud perfect command of the instrument, were much admired. Mr W. Cooper has just issued the eighth half-yearly programme of subjec-S for the St. James' Young Men's Mutual Improve ment Association, embracing a great variety of themes of general interest. The opening meeting, for which a splendid programme is in preparation, AA'ill be held in the Temperance Hall on Monday evening next.

A thousand pounds has been subscribed by the Conservative Association of Victoria for the purpose of insuring the registration of votes.

The Supreme Court judges at Melbourne have refused to grant an application for a writ of Habeas Corpus for tho purpose of testing the validity of the dismissal of the County Court Judges, on the ground that the method of proceeding Avas irregular. A no Avarranto Avill be applied for. A man named William Wearing Avas in stantaneously killed at Lyttelton by the accidental explosion of a charge on the Harbour Reclamation Works.

A labouring man named James Gamble, Avho made a pitiful appeal to the magistrate on Saturday, in the Police Court, having got ah order for the admission of his t-vo children into the Howe-street Home, repaired to the hotel and got helplessly drunk, and Avhile iv that state Avas robbed of all his money by a Avoman, as Avill be seen by our I'olice report of to-day.

Mr Meyers is so ill Avith dysentery that it has been found necessary to remove him from the gaol to the Provincial District Hospital. The usual mid-day prayer meeting Avas held in the rooms of the Young Men s Christian Association betAveen tAvelve and one to-day. Mr Kirk, Wesleyan minister, officiated. There AA-as a fair attendance.

The theatre services on Sabbath evenings are Avell attended, 500 to 700 persons assembling on these occasions. The scheme has now been in vogue for almost a year, and the Committee say that the requisite sum to pay the expenses for the night at the theatre has only been collected on three occasions during that time. Last evening there Avere nearly 500 persons, and only 23s AA-as taken at the door. This sum is far beIOAV the amount necessary for ex penses, and when there is a surplus, hymn books and other necessary things are pur chased for these services. It is to be hoped that the contributions toAvard this meri torious object Avill be more liberal. If everyone Avould only drop in a penny it Avould more than cover the expenditure.

Constable R. J. Gillies effected a smart capture in the Waikato a few days ago. He Avas shewn a horse which had been stolen about tAvo years ago fron^ Mr Sibley by a native nanied Hauri Waka, alias Sam, and finding by inquiries the whereabouts of the thief, he hastened to apprehend him. _ The prisoner was armed Avith a formidable stick, and made good his retreat to the bush', having been warned of the intended arrest by tAvo other natives. Collstable Gillies pursued him, and Mr Sibley came to his assistance. The chase lasted about twenty minutes, when seeing no possibility of escape, the Maori turned round and made a blow with the stick at the Constable's head, but a branch of a tree partly broke the force of the bioAV, and Gillies endea voured to handcuff the Maori, who, hoAV ever, got him down and tried to throttle him. The constable was quite unconscious when Mr Sibley came to the rescue, and succeeded in putting the " darbies" on the native. Constable Gillies received several severe wounds on the head. The Maori Avas brought up before Major Mair, R.M., on Thursday last, convicted of charges of horse-stealing and pig-stealing, and was committed for trial. A charge of sheep stealing! Avas abandoned, in the absence of sufficient evidence. Considerable credit is due to Constable Gillies for the courage he displayed on the occasion. The Hon. J. Sheehan has succeeded in removing the grievances of the natiA'es at Wairaiapi. The latter have agreed to sell the Lake to the Government, and to permit the construction of the Te Oreore road, and the bridge over the Ruamahunga river. We regret to notice the gdeath of Mr Malcolm Banks, known for many years in his c .modioli with Mr Alfred Buckland, and latterly engaged in the sheep trade at Nav:?r. Mr Banks had been ill for a long tinn with consumption. A Avide circle of frien-.cj will lament his early death.

Tv, little children named Middleton,— one ay of 5 and the other a girl of 4 year.'; were found wandering in Wellesley street yesterday, and taken to the police station, Avhere they were found by the their anxious mother betAveen 10 and 11 o'clock last night. Strange to say, this is the second occasion on which the children have been found Avandering by the police.

Messrs R. aud J. Buchanan are at present engaged upon a handsome and substantial tombstone, sacred to the memory of the Maori chief, Hemi Ruatara, Avhich will, Aye understand, when completed be presented to the tribe of Ko Ngapuhi by the Govern ment.

Mr Canibie desires to acknowledge through the medium ef the Star the receipt of the following subscriptions col lected by him for the widow Dymock .—Dr Kender.line, £1 ; Messrs Holland and Butler, £1 ; employes of Holland and Butler, £1 Gs; sundry amounts, £2 Ss; total, £5 11.. A feAV other small amounts have been promised. The money can be had by Mrs Dymock on application. The report of the Auckland Provincial Lunatic Asylum and old Hospital, for the Aveek ending February 23, shews the number of inmates to be :—males 123, ; females 55 ; total, 179.

OUR CRIMINALS

A VISIT TO THE GAOL,

AT a period Avlien local events of public im portance are somewhat rare, and the hcavs papers are severely put to it to iill their columns, it Avas thought that an account of a visit to the Auckland gaol might hot be Avithout interest. At first there was some idea of following thcexample of the" Vaga bond," by becoming a regular inmate of the gaol for a Aveek or tAvo in order to become acquaintedAvithits workings. Theproposal Avas that the writer "should commit some breach of prison regulations, such, for in stance, as throAving a piece of tobacco o\*<sr the wall, so as to qualify for admittance. It Avas found, hoAvever, that this might have involved three months' imprisonment, ac companied with prison fare, a cell, and the labour of rudimentary geological investiga tion—or, in common parlance of the place, " stone-napping." That planwas therefore abandoned, and as a last resource, applica tion AA*as made to R. C. Barstow, Esq., Resident Magistrate and Visiting Justice, for an order of admittance, Avhich AA-as courteously granted, and the writer AA*as per mitted to accompany■ the visiting justices ou their usual weekly inspection on Satur day last, when the prisoners Avere engaged in their avocations outside the gaol. The visit Avas necessarily of a hurried character, but every department of the place was inspected, and the Avhole system of discipline explained. THE WORKSHOPS. The exterior of-the Auckland gaol is so Avell knoAvn as to require no description. We passed through the main entrance into a large yard, which contains the ollicers' quarters and the workshops. The princi pal of these are the' carpenters' shop, where several men Avere at work making handles for tools used by the prisoners. The shoe makers' shop turns out a large amount of valuable labour—all the boots Avorn by the prisoners, by the inmates of the Provincial District Hospital, Old Men's Refuge, and other kindred institutions, being manu factured here. The boots are Avell made, exhibit considerable skill in the workman ship, aud many of the long-sentence prisoners contrive not only to acquire the trade during theii incarceration, but accumulate considerable sums _dl the way of exertion money, with, which they are enabled to make a neAV start in life on their release. The next place visited was THE PENAL WARD.

Turning to the right past the GoA-ernor's office, and a sentry, Aye Avere conducted to a long twO-ftbreycd structure of Avood, and entering through a passage enclosed by an iron door found, our..elves in along corridor, flanked ou eitiier side by a row of cells. All prisoners undergoing sentences from three years to life are lodged in these cells. Over the door of most of these might be written " alllhope abandon ye aa-lio enter here." The cell nearest the door has a ghastly history. It is the " condemned cell," the place in AA-hich prisoners conA'icted-of capital offences pass their last hours' prior to being led out to an ignominious death in the ad joining yard. It has been used for this pur pose for many years, and even during Mr O'Brien's term of office as many as six muiderers have gone out of that little cell to die ; the last having'been Curtin, who killed poor Dennis Shanaghan, at Ararimu. The place measures about six feet by eight, is strongly constructed of wood, Avell ven tilated and Avhite-washed, and sufficiently lighted to enable the prisoner to read during the daytime. Whenever a prisoner under

sentence of death occupies this cell it is always tenanted by an armed Avarder, to prevent the possibility of suicide. At the time of our visit the cell was occupied by a warder, Avho sleeps here at night. He must be a man of literary tastes, for on a rough shelf affixed to the wall were seve ral books. There is no furniture whatever. The prisoners sleep ova mattrass spread on the floor, but during the day the bedding is neatly folded up, and forms a seat. Out side each cell there is a ticket, on Avhich is written the name of the inmate, the nature of the crime of which he was convicted, the duration of the punishment, and the date of his committal. -'That one's a lifer, and that's another," remarked the head* Avarder, jerking his thumb in the direction of two cells on the right hand, and Aye found from an inspection of the tickets outside the cell-doors that there Avere several others, including some aa-lio had imbued their hands in the blood of their felloAV men, and avlio had been condemned to pass a life long existence Avithin these dreary Avails. Iv ausAver to our inquiries we Avere re minded that "it is not etiquette to publish the names of prisoners undergoing sentences." The writer Avas anxious to ex perience the sensation of being locked in the condemned cell, If only for a few minutes, and his Avish Avas readily com plied Avith. As the grating of the bolt was heard one's thoughts" dwelt on the number of condemned criminals avlio had listened to that sound for the last time. The cell was by no means inconveniently dark, but the experience of a few minutes must be entirely inadequate to enable one to even faintly realise what must have been the sensations of men Avhose last hours on earth Avere rapidly draAving to a close. When the bolt AA-as again turned, and the door swung back on its binges, one tried to realise the feelings of the men to whom that sound AA-as the signal for going out to death. Only four of the penal cells Avere vacant. The inmates Of the others Avere distinguishable amongst the hard labour gangs by their . yelloAV clothes, the livery of those con demned to penal servitude. The upper storey of this ward is also devoted to loug seutence prisoners, and in all respects resembles the loAver floor.- We next A-isited the Penal Mess-room, Avhich is remarkably clean, the long Avooden tables, the forms, and floor, being scoured to a remarkable degree of Avhiteness. Tavo prisonerr, in yellow attire saluted the inspecting justices on their entrance. The tAvo men belong to the Avell-behaved section of the crimi nals, and are employed on lighter duties in consideration of good conduct. On the Avay to THE REFRACTORY CELLS

Aye passed through the yard in Avhich capital offenders are executed. There Avere none of those ghastly indications about which are visible on the occasion of execu tions, but close to the spot which is usually selected as the site of the gallows, a small flo Aver bed, bright Avith the A'ariegated hues of geraniums and fuchsias, relieved the otherwise dreary aspect of the yard. Further on are a row of white stones, which mark the last resting-places of five Maoris, who Avere all hanged many years ago on the same morning. It is said that one of these men Avas so light that the executioner was obliged to add his weight to the pendant body, in order to dislocate the neck, lhe remains of EpAvright, Newton, and others, Avhose crimes are comparatively fresh in the minds of our readers, lie here. The bodies of McLean, Dwyer, and Curtin, were given up to their friends, and are interred outside the gaol. The only mark which selves to distinguish the individuality of the dead men buried beneath those stones are the deeply-cut initials of their surnames, but the stones are frequently whitewashed by the prisoners, aud catch the eye with startling distinctness. The dread memory of these men is, therefore, perpetuated in a manner similar to the custom by which the ancients marked important epochs in their history. Passing ou from the contempla tion of these unpleasant memorials, the visitor enters through a door into the re fractory yard, Avhere prisoners aa-lio exhibit a rebellious tendency are restored to a sub missive frame of mind. Ou the right-hand side of the yard are the refractory, cells, in one of Avhich, at the time of our visit, a prisoner avus undergoing a process of mental restoration. Entering one of these cells, aud the door being closed, Aye -were iv a darkness " which might be felt," and one could easily realize the effectual nature of the discipline. The clothing store AA-as the next place vi.ited. Here there are piled on shelves in bundles, the clothes in which prisoners are attired on their committal. There is no respect of persons. Bell-toppers of glossy exterior, are placed beside most shock ing bad hats of the " billycock " type, swell portmanteaus and suits of the latest fashion lie beside corduroys and moleskins. The bread store, in Avkioh a notorious criminal from the East Coast is employed as assis tant was the next place of interest. At the time of our visit the bread had been weighed for the evening meal, and a great array of these rations lay ready for distribution. The gaol hospital, which is in the upper floor, is a roomy apartment, furnished Avith a fireplace, and kept scrupulously cleau. There Avas only one patient in the ward. The cook-house aud other adjacent portions Avere also found in a very cleanly condition; indeed, the air of thorough discipline and cleanliness Avhich is observable throughout the goal is very creditable to the Governor, Mr O'Brien, and his subordinates. Over the hard labour portion of the gaol there are several large cells, in which the prisoners a-ie lodged in threes and fours. These are called " the associated cells," the associations probably being not of a very beneficial character. This system of associating prisoners together has been generally abandoned in Great Britain and the colonies, as having a tendency to mischievous results, aud the soouer the Go vernment provide additional cell accommo dation the more conducive it will be to the effectiveness of the reformatory discipline. At the same time no blame is attributable to the goal authorities, the accommodation being inadequate. In ansAver to general inquiries as to the con dition of the prisoners the head warder observed " They do be very comfortable," and immediately launched out into a series of panegyrics on the excellence and pleuti fulness of the diet. We learn that many of the prisoners are Avell supplied Avith books by their friends, subject to the snpervizion of the governor of the gaol, of course such standard works a._ "The LiA res of Celebrated Highwaymen " are rigidly iuterdicted. We saw iv the tread room a small circulating library, the book.? being regularly numbered. The Debtor's Prison is outside the limits of the main prison Avails, and is separated from it by an interval of nearly a hundred yards. We spent very little time in this portion of the establishment, as several friends of an impecunious unfortu nate who is " taking it out" were paying him a visit of condolence. The accommodation provided for debtors is per fectly luxurious compared Avith the criminal portion of the gaol. A spacious sitting room, elegantly furnished Avith deal table and bench, tAvo mouldy cupboards, a rusty saucepan, a gridiron, and a tank of cold Avater, complete the tout ensemble of the debtor's sitting-room and yard. The last-mentioned, however, is quite as spacious as some of the yards which are devoted to an entire class of criminals. By a flight of stairs the debtor ascends to a suite of Avhite-\A-ashed sleeping apartments, where he can repose luxu riously on an iron bedstead, Avith abundance of blankets, but no sheets. He is separated from the apartments of the female prisoners by a comparatively thin partition, through which, according to the statement' of a juvenile criminal who inhabits this portion of the goal, the debtor is enabled during the hours of repose to beguile the time Avith pleasant converse. "They do talk awful, them gals," said the youth. " The last cove as were here was a captain chap, and my Avoid he avuz a match for 'em, he avuz." The debtors fare is the usual prison diet ; but his friends are permitted to visit him, and may procure any luxuries by paying for them. The youth, who is undergoing

twelve months' for stealing a v .■ in Avhich he endeavoured ot effect h escape from the Training ship to tfe Great Barrier, is full of ancedotes resp ec tin his friends the debtors. He relates h that in bygone days some unprincinw youngsters used to " crib" the poor debtors food by unscreAving the hinges of the cub boards, and he warned the last inmate against these predatory visits to his com missariat. We did not visit the fetnal wards. Perhaps it Avas thought that them might be some dangerous fascination 0 » one side or the other Avhich Avould hay been detrimental to the preservation of" rigid discipline. i§As avc have already stated, the prisoners. Avere at Avork at the time of our visit considerable .number being engaged 'at stone-breaking, Avhile a select party of pick and shovel men Avere employed in cuttins doAvn Auburn-street, providing an easv gradient from the Kyber Pass road. This. Avork is being performed under the super vision of Mr O'Brien, by contract, for the local HigliAvay Board,

Tho above is a description of a necessarily hurried visit, during Avhich there was little ime for minute observation, and the length to which this aiticle has already extended compels us to bringit to a close.

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

(REUTERS TELEGRAMS.)

Biissia Demands Portion Tur-

kish Fleet.

__,q Abandons the Demand on Condition Fleet not Sold to ISngiand.

Bussians Ocenpy Enstcliab

Final Treaty Peace Concluded*

LONDON,. February 22. Russia demanded that a portion of the Turkish fleet should be given up to her.

The Porte refused to comply with the demand, preferring rather to destroy the fleet.

The peace conditions are not yet signed. If the signing be delayed the occupation of Constantinople by the" Russian army is expected.

The Russians have occupied the fortress of Rustchuk, on the Danube.

The Turks have eA*acuated the fortress of Erzeroum, in Armenia.

LONDON, February 23.

Russia has withdrawn her demand for a portion of the Turkish fleet, on condition of the Porte engaging not to cede- the same to England.

The conclusion of the Treaty of Peace takes place to-morrow.

[PRESS AGENCY]

ENGLAND AND RUSSIA JOINTLY AGREE NOT TO OCCUPY GALLI POLI.

LONDON, February 21

Lord Derby and Sir Stafford Northcote announced to Parliament that England and Russia agree that neither shall occupy Gallipoli or Boulair, or land troops on either side of the Hellespont.

England aatH be represented at the Con ference the same as other PoAvers.

Sulieman Pasha has been court-mar tialled.

[REUTERS SPECIAr. TELEGRAMS],

CONFERENCE TO MEET IN A. FORTNIGHT. LONDON, February 23. The European Conference on the Eastern Question assembles in a fort night.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reply to a question, said Russia had under taken not to occupy Gallipoli, and it was probable that au additional assurance Avould not be required. THE ELECTION OF THE POPE.

LONDON, February 20. The election of Cardinal Pecci is very popular. His election Avas unanimous.

AUSTRALIAN.

[SPECIAL to PRESS AGENCY],

IMPORTANT LIBEL ACTION. SYDNEY, February 23.

Arrived : Easby. The Italian Avar vessel Christofero- Columbo leaves for NeAV Zealand on Mon day. INTERCOLONIAL CRICKET MATCH.

MELBOURNE, February 23.

The Hon. Alexauder Eraser sue? the "Age" for £10,000 damages for a libellous, article. '

The Intercolonial Cricket match now stands as follows :—Victoria, first innings, 131; second inuings, 76. New South Wales, first innings, 99 ; second innings, five Avickets down for 31 runs.

CRICKET.

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND V. BANKS. We gave in our issue of Saturday part of the score in this match received- by carrier pigeon, aud noAV append the complete score : Bank of New Zealand. FIRST INNINGS. SECONn INNINGS. E. Whitaker, c Maxwell, . b Cheeseman .. ..19 cChecseman.b Paul.. .. 14 W. Tonks, c Maxwell, b Brown 5 b Cheeseman 17 Watt, b Cheeseman .. 0 runout ..21 Klter, b Cheeseman .. 0 not out .. "2 Butler, b Cheeseman .. 1 b Paul .. .. 0 Blayde3, b Cheeseman .. 6 b Cheeseman 2 Kissling, run out .. ..Ob Paul.. .. 7, Anderson, b Cheeseman.. 7 not out.. .. 7 Brookfleld, notout.. .. 3 b Burton .. 1& E. Manderson. b Brown.. 0 Dignan, b Brown .. .. 2 Extras .. .. 9 Extras .. 18 Total 51 Total ..104 Combined Banks. White, c Watt, b Anderson .. ..0 Cavanagh, c Tonks, b Anderson ..5 BroAvn, c Watt, b Anderson .. ..0 Coates, b Tonks 5 Paul, b Tonks .. 2 Macquarie, not oat 21 Barton, c Anderson, b Tonks .. .. 2 MaxAA-ell, b Anderson 2 Smyth, b Tonks .. 2 Gilflllar, run out .. - .. ... ■.. 0 Cheeseman,c Watt, b Tonks .. ..3 Extras 10 Total .. ..55 OTAHUHU V. WEST END. The folloAving are the scores in the match played at Otahuhu on Saturday last betAveen the Otahuhu Cui.ed C.C. and the West End C.C. :— Otahuhu. FIRST INNINGS. SECOND INNINGS. Martin, b McGregor .. 0 b Walker ..12 N.>Porch. b McGregor .. 3 b Coleman ..' 8 MeaL, i} Maiky .. ..0 b Gleeson ..2a Hali, b Macky .. ..0 c Taylor.b Wlkr 8 Grey, b Macky .. .. 6 runout.. .. Of McGechie, b McGregor .. 3 mnout.. .. 0 Porch,cWlker.bMcGregor 2 notout... .. 6 Grey, b McGregor.. ..17 bColeman .. * Martin, run out .. ..0 b Coleman .. 4 Porch, notout .. .. o bColeman .. 9 Bo wden. b Macky.. .. 3 cTaylor.bWlkr 0 Extras .. ..0 Extras .. 8 Total 34 Total .. 79' West End. fir.st innings. second innings. Gleesi'-i. b Porch 5 notout.. .: 2 J. Maoi. y, b Porch.. .. 1 bN. Porch ..'•_■ Coleman, b Porch .. .. 0 runout.. .. 0 T. Macky, bBo wden .. -1 notout.. .. 2 Mitchell, run out, .. ..5 b McGechie ... 1- Walker.c Grey.b BoAvden 4 Bloonifield, b Rowden .. 4 O-chard, c Hall, b BoAvden 0 Taylor, b BoAvden .. ..0 McGregor.st Porch ,b BAvdn 0 Spry, not out .. .. 0 Ext>a3 i Extras v 4 Total .. .. .. 20 Total .. U

EVENING STAR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 35. 1818



NION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. APITAL £2.000,000. UCKLA JS~D' BRANCH: -QUEEN-S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Irisurane granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores, Shop 3, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls oE Ships or Steamers, Merchandise ot all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at "owes. Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. TUST OPENED 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S REGATTA SHIRTS Of a Superior Quality of French Cambric, and the most Fashionable Patterns. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER & MEN'S MERCER, VIEW 7KALAND TTOUSK, 66, QUEEN-STREET. Auckland. T ZfT) SGRAVE & fAO. WILL HOLD A GREAT CLEARING S»LE OP MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING TO-MORROW. All Goods Reduced to Cost Price. Inspection Invited. mWSNTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY ! FANCY DRESS MATERIALS, FURNISHING GOODS, BLACK SILKS, BLANKETS, CALICOES. HOSIERY-, . HABERDASHERY, LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, CARPETS AND MATTING. CLOTHING OF ALL KINDS, FOR BOYS' AND MEN'S WEAR, HATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, &C, AND EVERY DESCRIPTION of GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, AT X&, TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN.THE POUND ALLOWED UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. good 3 entered will bb charged regular Prices. "OUSHBROOK AND ORIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &0., UPPER QUEEN-STKEET, AUCKLAND, <Oj.po.me the Army and Navy Hotel). I



T& li. COOK El « Have on Sal'_ ONE OF THE LARGEST STOCKS OF "FURNITURE IN THE COLONY. Special Item-:— DRAWING-ROOM SUITES WALNUT TABLES CARPE 1 "S HEARTHRUGS LINOLEUM FLOORCLOTH IRON BEDSTEADS TOILET-. LASSES DANK-SKATED CHAIRS TOILET-WARE DRAWERS MARBLE-TOP WASHSTANDS MATTRESSES FEATHER BEDS. A Small Shi-ment of CRETONNES and CASE MERES, New Patterns. Alt, Goods at Lowest Rates. DELIVERED FBEE. Liberal Discount to Cash Buyers. Furniture Show-rooms .... 67, QUEEN-STREET I Steam Cabinet Factory j 1C I ORIA-S1 R___-l BONEDUST! BONEDUST: BONEDUST! To Arrive, about the middle of February: 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Bell's h inch, inch, and Boneflour. •> W. J. HURST & CO., 101. Queen-street. mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS " W. J. HURST S CO. havo on salo the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to .roduce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and pro/table returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monils from leading Fanners justify W. J. xlurs&Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— „..»,_-. MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXIO AN . do. BELLe rsON E FLO U R iandf-inch BONED US BILL YARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OV LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. In addition to the above, W. J. 11. & Co. aro prepared to supply special Chemical Manure tor stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the 1 otato , and Mangold mixture that for the last tAVO sea sons has attracted such favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars Will on supplied on application at, the Stores. VV. J. liUi-bl -C C«J., 101, Queen-street. SUPERIOR SAMPLES of Sydney aud 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 T>OYAL INSURANCE COMPANY. Special Notice to Insurers. This Company. having intimated to the In surance Association their Withdrawal from Tariff Arrangements, is uoav prepared to grant Policies on all descriplions of Property at equitable rates. •___.. .. .-.^ "Concessions Aviil be made on first-class build ings and approved risks, in ToAvn and suburbs, and for water supply and other protection, where made available. Special arrangements avill be made witn Mortgagees, Solicitors, House Agents, Con tractors, and other large insurers. The policy of the Company is promptness and liberality in the settlement of claims, and strictly honourable dealing in all its transactions. The Security of Insurers is unsurpassed by that of any Company doing business in toe Colony. GEO. W. JONES, Agen Office: Short!and-3trect, Auckland, Bth February, 1878. The usual Book and Sheet Almanac 3 for IS.B can be had on application, or on information being sent to the Ofiice. .— W ANTED, . FOR DUNEDIN '30 FIRST-CLASS JOINERS, For Light and Finest Quality Work. To com petent men. six or twelve months engage ment' J. W. WALLER, Manager, Guthrie & Larnach (Limited), Onehunga. Clover seeds. Clover seeds. Just to Hand, ex ' Apelt.es.' OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON'S CLOVER SEEDS, CONSISTING OF White Clover Timothy Red Clovtr Rape Coav Grass Trefoil Alsyke &c., &c, &c. Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Fakm and Garden Seeds. also, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds Avill be forwarded on application. -. , _ „ Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c, &c, from carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. „ „ '_ W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street.



US' CITY HALL "«* Burnishing Arcade. NEW GOODS JUST UNPACKED, AND QUITE NEW. CRETONNES, Large Lot Neav Colours and _, Neav Designs. i~ New Brussels, from 4/9 New Tapestry, from 2/1 New Kidderminster, from 3/2 NeAV Hearthrugs, from 6/6 /'New Shape Walnut Suites New Reps for do. For the ' Green and Crimson Silk Rep | £• 8 DRAWING-K Black and Gold do. /-©o ROOM. FaAvn and Gold do. j>g New Pattern Walnut Tables V.New Inlaid Flower Stands ' 12 feet wide, 3/ per yard FLOOR- 3 „ 2/ CLOTHS. ' Oil Canvas, /9 .Linoleum, all widths Handsome White Twist and Bullion Fringes, for Bed Hangings Handsome White & Fancy Belgian Damask, for do. Turkish Towels, very large size, 1/3 and 1/9 Superior Fancy Oil Baizes, for tables Immense Variety in Ladies* Dress Buttons. Hoiloway, Gariick & Oranwsll, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. CABINET FACTORY .. Lome-street