SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

TT ~,,^0 (Ttaia Afternoon,'B:s3 HIGH WATER—i To _ morrow Morning, .9.7 SUN SET.—This Evening, 7.4 SUN RISE.—To morrow Morning, 5.20 MOON'S AGE. -First Quarter, Feb. 11,0.56 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

City of New York, R.M.S., Cobb.'from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

City of New York, R.M.S., Uoao, ror o»" "Francisco, via Honolulu (English and

Ro,S"S ketch, Scott, for Noumea Pretty Jane, s.s. Holmes, for Napier

EXPORTS.

Per City of New York : For Honolulu— 3 cases perfumery, 1 case stationery, Owen and Graham.

For San Francisco — 1 sacks seed. Owen and Graham. . Per Pretty Jane, for Napier:—l bale leather, 1 package do., Ireland Bros.

DEPARTURE OF THE MAIL. The R.M.s. City of New York left at 5 o clock this morning for San Francisao and Honolulu with the English and American mails, and the following passengers :—Saloon—Mr and~ Mrs Homsby, Mr and Mrs Sinclair, Messrs D. B. Thoreton, Johnson, Maguire, Caldicott. Captain F. A. Marker. Steerage—Geo. Baker, L. Hop kins, Thos. Myers, B. F. Gurney. For'Fnsco- Mr and Mrs .Tone 3 and servant. Messrs w. Hawkes, R Nicholls, Geo. Baker, T. Hopkins, Tho . Ma quire, B. F. Gurney, Dewey, Hum phrey, G. C. Swaisland, A. L. Begbie, T. Ingle son, with G saloon and.ls steerage trom aydney. One of the North Shore Ferry steamers took the passengers off to the steamer at i o clock.

The R M.S. City of New York arrived last night at 11 o'clock from Sydney, bhe had occupied a longer time than usual on the voyage, owing to the strong easterly weathei. 1 1: Sft C%«i 5: £c£l: T.'Hill, T. M. Kvans, E. A. Ampelett and son, H. Jones. S. M. Herapath, Mr and Mrsi E. W. Edox, Mesdames A. B. Wants and Fussell, Misses Wants (2), H. Griffiths, and 10 steerage. In transit for San Francisco: 6 saloon and lo steerage.—Owen and Graham, agents. The' s s Wanaka arrived from Russell early this morning, and is to leave for Tauranga and the South to-morrow at 4 p.m. Passengers from Russell -.—Mrs Bennett, Messrs Moodie, Willis, Largretta, Ben=on, W. H. Binden, Man", Miss ' O'ConneH, Mr Mil'er, and two Maoris. The s s. Pretty Jane sailed yesterday evening for Napier direct, with a full cargo and several tie Iron Cueenleft Bangitoto Channel for Valparaiso yesterday, and the schooner C^T e etcfty Tof Sydney left San Francisco for Auckland on Monday, January 21. the contract date, and brings with her the London January mail for New Zealand. r ~~A n ~ The Australia, with the mail for London, which left Auckland on Ttesday, Bth January arrived at San Francisco on Tuesday, 29th January, two days before due date. The s.s. Rotarua left for Sydney yesterday evening. Passengers: Mr and Mrs Edley, Mr and Mrs Wood, Mr and Mra McLanghhn, Mr and Mrs Wyse, Mr and Mrs Foster, Mr and Mrs Troll Mrs Ferris and 4 children, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Keils, Miss March, Miss Redford, Messrs Oilmour. Tewsley (2) Gibson. Neal, Beaver, Oliver, Zelman, Wertheim, Con way Raynes, Jackson. McGregor, Mulraine, Edwards, Harris 12) Wilson, Coupe, Fowler, Marr, Johnshon, Davis, McPhare, Seal. Giles, Montague, Methven, Dingwall, Bennett, Brown, Ah bam.— Henderson and Macfarland, agents. The barque Island City sailed from Newcastle for this port with 640 tons coal on the 2itn ult. A telegram received in Sydney announces the loss or the barque Novelty on the coast of Formosa. All hands were saved. The City of New York acted as flagship at the Sidney Regatta, and Captain Cobb received from the Regatta Committee a very handsome testimonial, in recognition of his courtesy to the visitors on the day. The testimonial is m the shape of a handsome clock, the case of which consists of an emu's, egg set in silver with a silver dial, and two silver emus on the top of it. - The schooner Agnes Donald has been brought alongside the inner western tee, and is now discharging her cargo of copra. The ship May Queen will be a full vessel by the end of this week. A great amount of cargo has been obliged to be refused. The crew were busy bending sails this morning. The schooner Energy, Captain Savory, sailed for Tauranga and Samoa this morning. |bhe takes away a full cargo of trading goods, shipped by Messrs Owen and Graham. The clipper ship Piako, belonging to the New Zealand Shipping Co., arrived at Port-Chalmers yesterday, after a splendid passage of <6 days from Rravesend. She landed her passengers m good health. Captain Boyd, who will be remembered here as chief officer of the Waitangi three years ago, is in command, and his many friends' in this city will be pleased to hear of his llOn Thursday "evening Gounod's grand chef dceuvre, "Faust1 will be performed, in which the " Soldi ers' Chorus " will be siven. The Auck land Engineers' Band will assist in giving effect to the grand march in the fourth act. The Lilla Rookh, recently engaged in the Thames trade, and purchased by Messrs Cuu nin^ham and Waller, specially for the Waiuku and Onehunga trade, with a view ultimately to ply to Raglan, has been materially improved as regards her accommodation and speed. Ihe saloon will be the whole width of the vessel, and accommodation is provided in the steerage tor 16 passengers. The cargo capacity is /0 tons.

DEATH.

GILLANDERS.—On the s!h February, at her late residence. Drake-street, Freeman s Bay, i after a lorg illness, Mary, the beloved wife of John Gillanders. aged 61 years. The funeral will leave her late residence on Thursday, the 7th instant, at 3.30 p.m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1878.

«or the cause that lacks tssktinc*, FSr the wrong that needs lesistace*. toot tie future la the distance.

A SPECIAL cablegram received from oar London correspondent at nine p clock last night, announced that the preliminaue* of an armistice had been signed. This is can firmed by Renter's despatches, winch also state that hostilities are now suspended. The unconditional surrender of Ju-zcroum mentioned in our special despatch has pro bably been one of the conditions on which Russia has consented to a .stoppage of they war in the hour of victory. That the seizure of Constantinople would never be assented to by the European Powers, we have always maintained to be so certain as to place the supposition out of the scale of possibilities, and hence tile absurdity of English alarm. The ai'bter of war is" now to bo followed by tortuous diplomacy. Past experience of this mode of settlement does not tend to raise very sanguine hopes respecting the issue. There is no little danger of a quarrel over the spoil. Russia's assent to the Vienna Conference, however, discloses a readiness on her part to listen to reason, and avoid, as she may well do, a renewal of a struggle which has already cost her nearly a hundred thousand lives. The declaration e-f war by Greece imparts a new and some what puzzling element.

The political excitement in Victoria is in tensifying ; and, tested by the ballot boxes, the balance of public opinion in the towns still support Mr Berry in the extreme measures" he has adopted. The West Mel bourne constituency was an accepted battle ground, an Opposition member resigning to allow Mr Francis —ex-Premier, and one of the most abie and popular moderate men in Victoria —to gain a seat. But Sir B. O'Loghlan. put up by the Government, has carried the day ; the electors ending with a general smashing of windows at the "Argus" and " Telegrapli" offices—papers which have vigorously assailed the revolu tionary action taken by the Govern ment. From mail advices, we learn that moderate liberals view the situa tion with extreme anxiety, and Mr Berry draws his strength mainly from the uneducated element which has come _up very prominently in Victorian politics. Admitting the principle of payment of members, a question that has been lost in the bitter warfare which it engendered, very few spectators at a distance, unin fluenced by party passions, will hold with the violent measures which the Victorian Government have taken to establish their supremacy. It is a dangerous thing fol 1 any Government to throw the whole machinery of the State out of gear, to excite the passions of the multitude against an integral and institutional section of the parliament, and countenance acts of violence for the assertion of any principle. Assuredly the payment of mem bers could have been secured by more pru dent tactics. Measures like those adopted by Mr Berry are never necessary in a colony pos sessing institutions mobile under the pressure of any strong current of public opinion, and their employment will do more to retard the progressive development of democratic principles than any device that could have been enforced by the most bureaucratic administration. If the fruits of Mr Berry's political programme are to be social and political anarchy and commercial stagna tion ; if the rule of the new regime is pro perly represented by violent and arbitrary measures, not stopping short c-ven of the Courts of Justice ; many who have earnestly upheld tli3 cause of true democracy will pause and ask whether the country is yet ripe for it; whether the constituencies arc sufficiently educated in political knowledge to exercise their privileges with a due apprehension of the serious character of their trust. There are many who will pause and ask whether the tyranny of a mob may not be a more intolerable evil, more destructive of liberty aud security for all classes, than special representation of interests. 'Men like Mr. Berry, who lack the wisdon to wield aright the "tremendous engine placed in their hands, are the bane of colonial liberalism. Not that we doubt Mr. Berry's sincerity and earnestness, but it is just those qualities which change the statesman into the zealot, and unfit him for weighing the relative importance of the considerations that should guide his judgment. In a well-governed State everything must be subordinate to the maintenance of law and order ; and the Cabinet which makes payment of members, or the status of the Legislative Council, superior to orderly government, at once demonstrates its unworthiness of the con fidence of any class or party. _ We have too much faith in the general intelligence of the people to believe that Mr Berry's indiscretion will lead to anything more distressing in the long run than his own overthrow, but it is painful to *cc a cause which is identified with modern freedom of thought, and a iirst offspring of the liberal tendencies of our age, brought into disrepute by one who mistakes his own party passions for the glow of patriotic fire, and idealizes violence as the chief weapon of a states man.

An accident occurred on Monday even ing, in Pousonby, to Constable Burke, the police constable of Freeman's Bay district. He was driving several straying cattle to the pound, when they became very play ful, aiid it was more then he could well do to keep them together. While making strenuous efforts to keep them in the straight road, his foot slipped, and lie fell to mother earth. His foot was twisted badly, and although able to move about, Constable Burke will not recover his wonted activity for some time. The meeting of Good Templars for con sultation regarding the division in the order takes place in the Temperance Hall, Albert street, this evening. The most remarkable apples and peaches, both in size and quality, that have ever been exhibited in this part of New Zealand are to be seen in the shop of Mr Robert Brewin, seedsman, of Queen-street. These magnificent fruit were grown by Mr CJeorge Parr, of Waitakerie Range. The peaches (belle chevereux) are beautiful in taste and appearance ; the apples, called the " Ken tish fill-baskets,"' having been imported from Maidstone, weigh upon an average lib 3oz, and are from li^to 15 inches in circumfer ence. At the meeting of the Wastelands Board yesterday afternoon, plaus of Parua blocks 1 and 2, Wangarei, were received from the Chief Surveyor. A report of Kamo vilkigc was attached, shewing tiie nature of the land, which was situated about four miles from Whangarei. It was agreed to sell No 2 block at once, and ascertain the cost of making a road through the forest road of No 1 block before disposing of it. Author ity was given for the sale of a number of specified sections of land in the village. A Press Agency telegram from Wellington states that the Hon. Mr Larnach will shortly proceed to England as one of the agents for raising the new loan, resigning his seat in the Assembly, and retiring from the Cabinet. The negotiations connected with raising the new loan will be entrusted to Messrs Julyan and Sargeant, Crown agents; the Agent-General and Mr Larnach directly representing the colony. It is expected that Mr Larnach will be called to the Upper House. ,

Complaints are made by Parnell rate payers that the smallness of the room in which the meetings are held practically precludes the burgesses from attending as they are entitled to do under the Act. The complaint is not without foundation, and it is woufch. 'the consideration of the Council whether, for their own comfort, a more suit able Council Chamber could not be secured.

At Ihe Waste Lands Board yesterday, per mission was given to the Chairman to offer for sale all lands not disposed of at the last land-sale.

Sir George Grey will probably address a .public meeting at Wellington on his re turn.

Mr G. Elliott Barton, now in prison for •contempt of Court, has issued an address, announcing his intention to contest the seat for Wellington against Mr Pearce. A meeting of the Committee of the Auck land Tradesmen's Athletic Club is to beheld this evening, when the prizes Avon at the recent sports will be presented. Telephone experiments were successfully tried yesterday between Mosgiel and Dunedin, a distance of fourteen miles. Mr Logan, telegraph inspector, sang several songs from the Mosgiel end, which were heard distinctly .at Dunedin. A rifle match between the Engineer and Artillery Companies is to be fired at the Mount Eden Rifle Range on Saturday afternoon next, commencing at two o'clock. A close contest is expected, although the Artillery are the favourites.' " G. S." writes expressing surprise that Mr T. Cooper did net have his name with drawn from the announcement of the Scripture Gift Association, knowing that he would not be there. Our correspondent adds that the credit of getting a choir is due solely to the exertions of Mr Caley. The Auckland Amateur Athletic Steeple chase will be run in the Domain this even ing, the start taking place at exactly half past five o'clock. The course is as follows : — From the hospital side of the cricket ground over Gundry's fence ; across the double ditch, and over the hill across the cricket ground in the hollow, round the Domain keeper's cottage over the fence into the road, re-entering the Domain close to the hay stack, and so back to the starting place through the swamp. This circuit is about a mile and three quarters and will be run twice to accomplish the distance. About a dozen competitors are likely to start.

We notice that Mr R. Laishley, solicitor, has returned from his three months' tour in Australia and Tasmania, -improved in health.

The "Blacksmith's Dream" attracted a large number of visitors last evening, and this afternoon the tent was thronged with small visitors, who were delighted with the exhibition.

The Secretary of the Thames Goldmining Company announces that the share register will be closed from noon of this day until noon on Monday, 11th instant, when a dividend of 5s will be payable. Many of our readers will remember Mi- Thomas S. (Joppock, who resided for many years in Auckland, and was for_ some time engaged in journalistic pursuits in this city. He left Auckland some years ago for Sydney, where he commenced business as a tobacco nist, and was a contributor to the "Sydney News" and "Empire." We observe from Sydney papers to hand by the Hero that the body of Mr Thomas Sidney Coppock was fouud between the rocks about 200 feet from the bottom of Jacob's Ladder, South Head. Deceased was about 34, and leaves a widow and three children. He was last employed a? a canvasser _in connection with the "Sydney Evening News." The evidence shewed that deceased was not addicted to intemperate habits, and was perfectly sober when last seen alive. There had been nothing in his manner to indicate an inten tion of committing suicide, and he could not have fallen from the cliff, neither could the waves have washed the body to that spot. Medical testimony shewed that the skull was fractured, and the left thigh broken. The Coroner pointed out that the case was a very mysterious one , and in accordance with his suggestion an open verdict was returned.

Our special reporter while at the native meeting learned that Winiata, the murderer of Packer, at Epsom, has been living at To Kuiti, under the protection of Te Kooti. Winiata is said to live in constant dread of apprehension, and his alarm has been in creased by the possibility of such an under standing being arrived at as would induce the Kingites to surrender him to justice. It is a noteworthy fact that Te Kooti has a strong antipathy to smoking. Our special reporter, during his interview with this re doubtable savage, was about to enjoy a pipe, when Te Kooti expressed his repug nance to tlie smell of the nicotian weed, and in reply to questions he said that he had never permitted his men to smoke in his presence. It is an exceedingly yvre occurrence to find a Maori who objects to tobacco smoke.

The brigantine Helena (nowatLyttelton) is announced as receiving cargo for Auck land, to sail about Saturday; fiuther particulars may be had from Messrs G. W. Owen and Co.

The Premier Goldmiuing Company invite tenders for the supply of machinery. We learn that owing*to the increasing recklessness of passengers per trains, Mr Macdonald has given orders to rigidly enforce the bye-laws bearing on the people who jump into the carriages after the train has started. On Sunday a young man from Panniure actually jumped on to the train opposttc Mr Macdonald's own office, some distance from the platform, the train at the time having attained to a considerable speed. We believe that an information has been laid in the case.

Mr Bollard, Chairman of the Whau High way District, invites tenders, receivable up to 6 p.m. on Saturday, for the supply of live hundred yards of scoria ash. A meeting of the trustees of the Auckland Savings' Bank was held at three o'clock this afternoon.

To the Editor : Sir, —I remember hearing Professor Maurice, the friend of Canon Kingsley, deliver a most interesting lecture in Southwark on the "newspaper," a sub ject which had previously engaged the muse of George Crabbe, and in the course of the Professor's remarks, he said "that advertisements were among the most attractive of newspaper items to thousands whose wants and wishes were expressed in that page, and to which to many was like their destiny 'to be, or not to be." I must confess to a weakness also in regard to advertisements, and often I lind myself smiling over some advertisement in the Star. In your last edition a singular appeal had a wonderful influence on the nerves of a lady on reading of a gentleman who wanted lodgings with a widow. (My visitor was a widow). She became im mensely excited, and pondered over the application. "Ah, he is a gentleman, that's good ; his ' requirements and habits are simple,' splendid ! I hope he does not smoke ! He ' keeps regular hours;' beauti ful , consistency I and he would like a sitting-room near the widow, of course ; oh, my ! and he would rather there should be no other lodgers in the house ; very reason able ; well, this is capital; this good, kind, considerate man evidently wants to woo. I'll write immediately to M.8." My friend arose, and wished me good evening.—C.S.

The s.s. Hero brought the new four-oared cedar string test outrigger for the Ponsonby Rowing Club. It is a handsome boat, and if, after'a trial, the Ponaoiiby boys fancy themselves in her, they are not unlikely to send a challenge to the Auckland Rowing Club. We don't think, with our contem poraiy, that she will be much use as a sculler's boat.

The work of constructing the block of brick buildings opposite the Theatre Royal, for Mr Hoffman' is being rapidly proceeded with, and will be completed in about two months.

" Looker on" writes complaining that on Monday last about 6 o'clock he heard on the Onehunga wharf some of the most obscene and" filthy language that a man could make use of, and that it was continued for about an hour in the presence of thirty persons.

A meeting of the Epsom Cricket Club was held at the Newmarket;. Hotel, on Tuesday last, Mr G. McV. Baird presiding. The following gentlemen were present- Messrs Waller, J. McV. Baird, Rees-George, H. Hoare, R. H. Rattray, H. Hayr, and C. and S. Hesketh. The existing com mittee and secretary having sent in their resignations, a cordial vote of thanks was accorded to them for their services, their resignations wore accepted, and a new committee (Messrs A. Heather, A. Mears, Waller,|and George), and secretary (Mr S. Hesketh) were appointed. A further sub scription of 2s 6d was made payable forth with, and a vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings, after which the usual practice was engaged in. Before the practice closed other members put in an appearance, and we are glad to be able to say that the fielding shewed a decided im provement, though the Club seems to be very weak in bowling.

Total abstinence from _ intoxicating liquors was imperatively enjoined by King Tawhiao and his principal advisers during the late meeting at Te Kopua. 'Never theless, a great quantity of spirits was smuggled in from Alexandra, and a fair share of it found its way into the Hauhau tents. Te Ngakau himself, albeit one of the pillars of the new temperance movement, deigned to quail" a friendly glass of P.B. with the Hon. the Native Minister, and our reporter shrewdly suspects that Tawhiao himself was not above following his example when out of sight of his people. Several persons who witnessed the assault in the Police Court this morning by the notorious Minnie Burke expressed surprise at the girl being allowed to have a bottle in her possession. The facts are those : the girl was moaning dreadfully in the cell this morning, and apparently in a dying state, when Constable Ho<,'an paid her every attention, and applied bottles of hot water to her feet, and one of these bottles she secreted in her cloak, and carried with her into the dock. The bottle was thrown with much force, and had it not struck the shoulder of Detective Jeffery, would have inflicted a far more serious injury on the head of Constable Gleeson, for whoso head it was intended. A dividend of 5 per share in the Auck land and North Shore Ferry Company is now payable at the office of Mr Heath, Wyndham-street.

CABLEGRAMS.

Activity in British Arsenals.

Proposed Joint Occupation of

Constantinople

GREhCE A^O CRETE DECLARE WAR AGAINST TURKEY.

Russia Accepts the Proposed Conference. (FRO II OUR SPECIAL LONDON CORRESPONDENT). LONDON, January 31. There is great activity in. the British arsenals and dockyards. Russian torpedoes have sunk a Turkish steamer at Batoum. Earl Derby is communicating by telegram with the various European Powers, discussiug a joint occupation of Constantinople. February 1. It is understood that armistice pre liminaries between Turkey and Russia have been signed. February 2. Greece has declared war against Turkey, and has been joined by Crete. Russia has accepted the Austrian proposal for a conference.

Surrender of Erzeroum.

Five Turkish. "War Skips at T3ie Piraeus. LONDON", Feb. 4. Erzeroum, capital of Turkey in Asia, has been surrendered unconditionally by the Turks to the Russians. The Russian public are strongly opposed to the proposed conference. Austria invites the signatories to the Treaty of Paris to a Conference of the Powers, to be held at Vienna. Admiral Hobart Pasha has been ordered to the Piraeus, with five Turkish war-ships.

The Armistice Signed.

Hostilities Suspended.

(Per Reuters Agency,

Greek Troops Eater Turkey.

LONDON, Saturday.

The " Times " announces that the Greek Chamber has passed a resolution of confidence in the Government, which is tantamount to a declaration of war. Greek troops crossed the Turkish-Grecian frontier yesterday evening. The conditions of the armistice betaYeen Russia and Turkey were to have been signed on January 31st. Mr Lowe and Mr Goshen supported an amendment to tlie special war vote. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach warmly defended it. Sunday. The preliminary protocol for an armistice is signed, and a suspension of hostilities has taken place. The European conference agreed to.

(SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY).

AGREEMENT ABOUT THE DARDA NELLES. Prince GortschakoiF, the Russian Prime Minister, agrees with Eavl Derby that the settlement of the Dardanelles navigation is a European question.? ' WAR OPERATIONS. The Russians have occupied Rodosko, Burgass Bay, and arc still advancing. The Turks have evacuated Silistria, Rustchuk, and Erzeroum. The total Russian loss up to date is 89,304 men killed. The Servians have gained several vic tories over the Turks. THE INSURRECTION IN CRETE. The Insurgent Assembly of Crete has proclaimed union Ayith Greece. Mehomet Ali has been appointed to the command of the Turkish forces in Crete. The Greek troops have been ordered to avoid an encounter with the Turkish troops. PROCEEDINGS IN ENGLAND. The Duke of Northumberland has joined the Cabinet as Lord Privy Seal (an office hitherto combined with the Premiership). Enthusiastic meGtings have been held at Sheffield. Lloyd's and the Stock Exchange are in favour of the Government policy. The Government are sure of a majority in Parliament on carrying the special vote for war purposes. There is great activity in the British arsenals and dockyard's. George Cruikshank, the caricaturist, is dead. COMMERCIAL. The market for Colonial debentures is brisk. New Zealand Five per Cents, 106% ; Four-and-half per Cents, 97k Sales of New Zealand flax at £21 10s.

NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MER CANTILE AGENCY COMPANY'S PRODUCE TELEGRAM.

LONDON, 29th January, 1878. Wools.—Market dull. The next sale will commence on 19th proximo. Up to date 70,000 bales have arrived. Both the Antwerp and Havre sales are flat. Tallow.—There is a fair trade demand. Mutton, 40s 6d ; beef 39s per cwt. Wheat. —Market quiet. Foreign arrivals heavy. Adelaide is worth 645; New Zealand 50s per 496 lbs. Leather.—Market flat. Best sides lOd. Bank of England rate, 3 per cent.

Australian.

DROUGHT BBOKEN UP.

(Special to the Star.)

SYDNEY, Tuesday.

The long-continued drought has broken up. The heat has been intense in the interior. Near Carrowbar the average was 113 degrees for twelve days and the condition of the country has been deplor able.

WEST MELBOURNE ELECTIONS.

ATTACK ON NEWSPAPER OFFICES.

[press agency]. MELBOURNE, February.sth. The West Melbourne election resulted as follows :—Sir B. O'Loghlan, 1964; Mr Francis, 1533. It passed off without dis turbance. Sir B. O'Loghlan was returned with a majority. All was quiet till after the poll, when a crowd of several thousands proceeded to the " Argus" office and broke the windows, and yelled and hooted. The crowd did thesame thing at the " Telegraph" office. Two constables on duty at the "Argus" office were much injured by road metal thrown at them.

The Assembly met to-day. Mr Murray Smith and Sir Brian O'Lo^hlan were sworn in.

Mr Berry gave notice of motion for to morrow, that in cousequence of the incon venience of the Legislative Council's rejec tion of the Appropriation Bill, the payment of moneys voted by the Assembly be made without such Bill, in conformity with the practice of 1870. Mr -Staden tabled in the Legislative Council a motion to send a telegram to . the Queen, re the Ministers' motion, which was carried.

THE LATE GEORGE CRUIKSHANK.

The humoristic artist and advocate of total abstinence, George Cruikshank, is dead, having reached the venerable age of 86. George Cruikshank was born in London, Sep. 27th 1792, and was the son of a draughtsman and caricaturist, so that he •may be said to have inherited his father's love of art, and improved upon it. He commenced his career as an artist by illustrating children's books, and subse quently the popular works of William Home, viz, the " Every Day Book," and " Everlasting Calendar." Even the mention of the works which Cruikshank illustrated would fill a pamphlet. When about fifty, Cruikshank turned his serious thoughts to the evils of the drinking customs of society, aud illustrated Charles Mack ay's poem on the " Bottle ;" and subse quently he produced his remark able " Worship of Bacchus," which did more good in promoting total abstinence than a thousand illiterate speeches on the question. The artist produced other pictures of a precautionary nature, namely, "Sunday in London," the '-Gin Trap," and the "Juggernaut." Cruikshank frequently occupied the chair at temperance meetingSj^tuid was a very fluent speaker, fond of associating anecdotes with his addresses. His brain was perpetually at work in his favourite study nearly up to the time of his decease. But as Cruik shank has written his autobiography, and which may shortly appear, the public will have the opportunity of possessing some curious Cruikshankiau records of fifty years of an artist's life in London. Some of our readers may be aware that Mr Cruikshank claimed to have originated the story of " Oliver Twist," or rather to have suggested it to Mr Dickens. The famous illustrations so well known to us all were sketched and seen by tho novolist long before a word of the story was written ; at least, so the artist used to say. There was, we be lieve, a quarrel about the matter, which pre vented Cruikshauk assisting Dickens with his other "works. Theillustiationsto "Oliver Twist" are certainly amongst the deceased artist's greatest efforts. This " Fagin in the condemned cell" once seen is not easily forgotten, and the vivid reality of the sketch in which the dog creeps away from the murderer Sykes, when he wishes to kill him, almost startles one. It is as an unequalled caricaturist andsketcher, rather than as a great painter, that Cruikshauk will be hr.own to future generations. He has worked hard for fully fifty years, and it will be a long time before the traces of his pencil fade away.

DEPUTATIONS TO MINISTERS TO DAY.—OPENING OF MOKAU.

Mr Shaw, of Mokau, who lately travelled through the King Country from that place, Avaitcd on the lion, the Native Minister this morning, to request that steps might be taken to hold a Land Court for the pur pose of investigating titles to land in that district. Some years ago the Government acquired a block of 50,000 acres at Mokau, which was surveyed by Judge Rogan ; but has not yet been passed through -the court. Mr Shaw settled in Mokau in 1859, and was kept as a prisoner by the natives for a period of three months. He afterwards got away, but returned when peace was made, and has lived there with his son ever since, engaged in pastoral pursuits. Some time ago lie obtained a promise from the Government that a Land Court should be held if tho natives consented, and not long since he got Rewi, the principal chief, to agree that the matter should be referred to the native owners of the land. Mr Shaw has, therefore, removed all difficulties to the issue of Crown Grants, and his object is to have the river proclaimed an open port so that small vessels going in would be insured by New Zealand offices. The last vessel that visited Mokau went in last Christmas Eve, and navigated the river for a distance of five miles. Mr Niccol also took a steamer up the river some years ago. The bar is not dangerous to small craft. The land near the mouth of the river is broken, but further inland is com paratively level. Mr Shaw has a store at Mokau which supplies the natives, but he finds it difficult to carry on a regular trade in consequence of the place being closed to vessels, the insurance companies refusing to accept risks on them tor Mokau. Mr Shaw was accompanied as far as Kopua by the chief Apia Korora.

j^A deputation headed by Mr Upton waited upon Ministers with reference to the Golden Pah claim.

At half-past twelve the Mayor and Coun cillors of Onehunga, waited-upon Miuisters to complain of ihe excessive tariff on the new Government wharf. The community of Quehunga regard the high trade as practically .prohibitive of trade, and injurious in particular to the importation of palings, shingles, firewood, and building materials. The Mayor was requested to put the matter into writing, Ministers promising to con sider the case on their'return to Welling ton.

Ministers also promised to recommend to the Minister of Public Works that the tariff on the wharf should be reduced to t! c same scale as on the Queen-street "Wharf Auckland.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before A. Beetham_ Es<u, and :P. Comiskev Ksq , Justices of the Peace.) J" MINNIE BURKE.—OUTRAGE m COURT. This boisterous girl was-brought up under the Vagrant Act. charged with being a rogue vagabond, and disorderly person.. - This jrirl, aged 20, is known as the " flower of Alexandra-street," and was connected with the recent robbery in that rural thoroughfare, and ' since her companions havo been convicted she has been continually drunk. As Constable Gleeson was on duty yesterdar at noon, his attention was called to a female helplessly drunk in Lome-street, who was kick ing and screaming " Screw Jack. I'll die for you oh, Jack, Jack." Finding it unsafe to take the" girl alone, who was foaming at the mouth, ha got assistance, and the girl was carefully fastened to a strotcher and conveyed to the station. The girl haviug torn her clothes offher back, appeared in the dock, wrapped in la red. shawl. , , ... Prisoner said she was drunk certainly, hut was neither a rogue nor vagabond- Constable Gleeson said he never saw such a sight, it was alarming, and turned him quite., round. ; SergeamVMaior Mason deposed that the girL was of bad repute, and most unmanageable. She had three children. The Bench: Thiee children. How old is the prisoner? Prisoner; I'm nineteen. The children are all dead. ~ ~ Detective Jeffrey said the prisoner was a pest to the neighbourhood. He caught her the other day standing on her head. She invariably went, into a fit. The Beisch said it was-very sad to see a young girl giving way to such habits. She must go to* prison for six months', with hard labour. Prisoner immediately drew a glass bottle from* beneatb her cloak, and threw it violently at the Constable, and struck Serjeant-Major Mason on the cheek. Prisoner: I moant that for Gleeson. The prisoner was immediately charged with, the assault, and sentenced to two > months with/ hard labour, mnking eight months'. OTHER MKMBEB3 OF THE CLIQUE. Molly O'Brien was charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct, and ordered to pay a. fine oi 10s and costs, or 48 hours'. Elizabeth Diedrick. alias "Black Bess," was charged, under the Vagrant Act, with being a drunken and disorderly person, g: Prisoner, with two deep black eyes, objected to being denominated a rogue, She was honest Bessie, of Alexandra-street, and never stole so* much as a kidney potatoe. Seven days' imprisonment with hard labour.. This was all the business.

NEW GUINEA.

THE RECENT EXPLORATIONS,

Mr Chester has made an official report to the Queensland Government on his recent explorations in New Guinea. The party had a narrow escape from death at the hands of the Bornpton Islanders, and the Neva was frequently attacked D3 7 hostile natives, one of the Chinese crew being wounded by an arrow. A -boat and four- Chinamen were missed, and it is supposed the men were kiiled. At Talbot Bay several natives came off with primers of the native language in English characters, and. these books the natives appeared to regard with superstitious reverence. The party ascended a river a mile wide, coming out into open country with magnificent tree ferns and bamboos. They went up the. river for two days, and bartered calico, knives, and tobacco, for arrows, bone daggers, necklaces, &c. The natives had fine aquiline features, straight hair, and a. superior physique to the Australian natives. Further on cultivations were found, with log huts. Mr Chrstei" thinks there is a deep passage between. Talbot Island and New Guinea, which could, be made available for the largest vessels.

The Wellington Races.

TIPS AND NOTES,

(BY TELEGRAPH)

[From Our Own Correspondent],

WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The course was occupied at four yesterday morning by Otupai and Tawera, who did. three miles fast with neck clothing ■■ ■•'. Lara stripped and did a mile flutter, ii •■• condition is good; better than when in.-. Auckland. Trump Card made his debut, doing a mile canter; then 2 miles fast. Legacy did two miles fast; Glenary four miles iv clothing, slowly, with about two stone up. She looked the worse for it on stopping. Grey Monus and Mufti did two miles together fast. 1 ,'tiania and Danebury did two miles ; then Kay one; Standard took the crack for another mile. Danebury went magnificently ; and Standard-Bearer won friends, but soon lost them, for his blinkers were taken off.§ and he was ;? despatched a mile, and he soon shewed temper. Chokebore and Pinfire next did a two-mile canter ; the latter having colours up. Gilligan's team arrived yesterday. They look well in their boxes. Septimus has also arrived. Jsaac "Walton was not worked this morning, although on the course. He bolted on his way home, but was not hurt. Young Walker fell yesterday in the stable yard. His wrist was put out of joint. My Cup tip is Danebury, Trump Card, and Lara. If anything stops this it will be Glenary, who, if she stays, will win the race. The following are the weights for the Jockey Club Handicap: Danebury, 9st . 41bs ; Isaac Walton, Bst 71bs ; Otupai, Bst; Titania, 7st 131bs; Tawera, 7st 6lbs; Songster, 7st 6lbs; Glenary, 7st 41bs; Ouida, 7st; Chokebore, 7st; Nectar, 6st 121bs; Pinfire, 6st 61bs ; Legacy, 6st; Stanley, 6st. WELLINGTON, this day- Yesterday morning Isaac Walton did a very good f-mile gallop. He had. been rather badly treated in the handicaps, and is not likely to start for the Cup. Lara did two miles fast, shaping veiy well, and lie must be selected to fill a place in the Cnp. Danebury did tvyo miles slow in com pany with Mufti; he did not niove quite so freely as usual, but must, I think, be con sidered the winner. Trump Card, whom I shall select for second position, went most excellently. His backers are most confident. | Glenary, whom I have looked upon as' likely to upset the pot, made such a show of bad temper this morning as to completely put her out of court; in fact, A^ithout one of the Walkers Up. she won't gallop a yard. I much doubt whether she will start at all. Otupai must thereforetake the post of most dangerous outsider; and. indeed, his friends ate backing him against Lara for places. However, he will probably try the J.C. Handicap, and that race will decide his capabilities. Both Otupai and Tawera did a slow two-miles gallop. Standard-Bearer, as regards temper, should keep Glenary company ; he would not leave the saddling paddock without a flogging, bnt once out ho went very well. This horse could, if he so pleased, win the Flying Stakes easily. Iv consequence of his bad temper, Isaac Walton and Danebury must be selected. Glenary will, if she starts, play a prominent part in the race. Shark went two miles slowly. Grey Momus and Titania did a mile and a-half at a medium pace. This mare should, I think, win the Jockey Club Handicap, Otupai or Pinfire being second. The Wairarapapa people fancy Ouida and Legacy. Chokebore and | Pinfire only cantered for two miles; the latter should, I think win the Maiden. He is rather a favourite for the Jockey Club Handicap. I think Grey Momus will go- . near pulling off the hurdle double, Te Whetu and Shark being his most formid able opponents. The Derby is considered a certainty for Trump Card, but as the Redwood Fraser stables appear according to Southern files to be slightly mixed, I . should not be surprised to see Chokebore to the fore. The Hutt Park Stakes look on paper a moral certainty for Isaac Walton, who will be fresh; whilst Danebury and the others will have a big race in them. For the Provincial Handicap, Kakapo is the favourite ; failing him, I prefer Legacy.

We understand that the Hon.fSir George Grey,|Premier, and Hon.jMr Fisher, Com missioner; of« Telegraphs and Post-offices, will leave Auckland in the Hinemoa to morrow morning, at half-past ten o'clock, proceeding direct to Taranaki, and thence to Wellington, not calling in at Nelson.

KYENIJN'G STAR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY C>. I^B



G-RandShow of SUMMER COSTUMES. A. LINABURY & CO. HAVE JUST OPENED UP 486 C OSTUME!?' Comprising— BLACK SILK COSTUMES COLOURED SILK COSTUMES JAPANESE SILK COSTUMES HOLLAND COSTUMES FRENCH BATISTE COSTUMES BRAIDED PIQUE COSTUMES FRENCH PRINT COSTUMES CAMBRIC COSTUMES BLACK SILK SKIRTS, with Body Pieces COLOURED SILK 3KIRT3, with Bod Pieces HANDSOME 3RAIDED LINEN COS TUMES and SKIRTS, with Body Pieces to match. The above GOODS were purchased at a Heavy Discount off English Invoice, and will be offered to the Public at ENGLISH COST. Inspection Invited. A -jriNABURY&jTIO., 204 &206, QUEKN-STREET, Auckland. SPECIAL /IHEAP T INES IN DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. H. ATKINS Wilt, Shew the Following Cheap Lines During the Christmas Holidays :— A Large Lot of Rich, Bright, Black Silks at 3/11, as bright as sold at 5/6 Cheap Coloured Sllk3, beautiful shades Cheap Japanese Silks Cheap Dress Materials Cheap French Muslins A Job Line of Kxtra Quality Black Silk Jackets at one-third the original prices. Silk Umbrellas, splendid value, at 8/11 Lined Parachutes <Boughta Job) at 2/11, worth double Cashmere and Lace Fischus, Capes, &c, at Reduced Prices Cheap Lace Curtains, Table Linen, Quilts, Sheetings, and Manchester Goods, for the Chrisfona3 Holidays. In the CLOTHING DEPARTMENT Cheap Silk Dust Coat?, Black Alpacca Coats, Trouser3 aud Vests, Tweed Suits, Paget, Galatea, and Sack Coats, Boys' and Youths' Suits, &c. &c, &c. All Marked at Low Prices for the Christmas Holiday. THE NEW PITH HELMET. Job Line of Men's Straw Hats at 1/11, half-price. ■ Job Line of Boysl Straw Hats at 1/6, half-price. A Large Stock of MOSQIEL and other TWEEDS. Cheap Tweeds for Boys' Wear. H. Atkins.



T> AN X H O Lil D A Y. The BANKS will be CLOSED on THURS DAY, 7th February (Inter-Colonial Cricket Match. milE INSURANCE OFFICES will be CLOSED TO-MORE GW, the 7th instant, being a PubLc Holiday. H. WORSP, Secretary Insurance Companies Association. Olover seeds. Clover seeds. JUSt TO TIAXD, EX ' APELLES, OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASONS OL'OTBR SEEDS, CONSISTING OF White Clover Timothy Red Clovtr Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke Sec, &c, &c. Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds. also, A Shipment of American Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded oh application. Poverty Bay, Canterbury, and local Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c, &c, from, carefully selected samples, at lowest mar ketrates. HURgT & 101, Queen-street. BONEDUST! BONEDUST! BONEDUST! To Arrive, about the middle of Februarys SGO TONS BONEDUST, Consisting of Billyard's No. 1, Bell's £ iiieh, 4 inch, and Boneflour. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. ; mO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS. W. J. HURST & 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 pmStablo returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monils from leading Farmers justify W. J. .jjurs & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do. BELLe xsONFCFLOUR i and i-inch BONEDUST BILLYARIVS No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPHJR-PHOSPHATB OF LIME. 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 favourablojiotice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bo supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. TJPERIOR SAMPLES of Sydney and ■ New Zealand Maize, Tartarian and Potato Oats, Table. Potatoes, Flour, Oatmeal, Bran, Sharps, Barley, Jhaff, Oilcake Coal, &c, &c, always on hand. VY. J. HURST & CO., 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND. mWSNTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT JL FOR A SHOUT 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 US, TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND ALLOWED UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. Goods Entered will be Charged Regular Prices. DUSHBROOK AND "ORIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, UPPER QUEEN- S T R E E T, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel). TUST OPENE 8 1 CASE GENTLEMEN'S REGATTA SHIRTS, Of a Superior Quality of French Cambric, and the most Fashionable Patterns. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER & MEN'S MERCER, \TEW7EALAND TTOUSK, GG, QUEEN-STREET. Auckland. A UCKLAND .GAS COMPANY (LIMITED). The price of Coke is now 20s per ton, at the Works,' for Cash; or, if so agreed, Monthly Accounts at 255, with 5s per ton discount. Cartage, within reasonable distances, at 2s 6d per ton. A ton of Coke is equal to 60 bushels, or about double the bulk of Coal. O P E C I A L NOTICE Ladies and Gentlemen about to furnish are invited to inspect our extensive assortment of IMPORTED and COLONIAL FURNITURE. CARPET S.—Brussels, Tapestry, Kidder minster, Dutch. Felt, and Stair, at Prices as Low as any Hoxise in Town. ® IRON BEDSTEADS.—HaIf Tester, French, Stamp and Folding, in great variety. New Patterns ex 'Otaki,' ' Fainenoth,' and 'Iron Queen.' LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTHS, MATTING, HEARTHRUGS, TOILET-WARE, TOILET h LASSES, and an immense stock of DRAW ING, DIKING, and BEDROOM -SUITES, English and American CANE and WOOD CHAIRS, Meat Safes, Door Mats, &c, &c, &c, at LOWEST PRICES. A Liberal Discount \o Cash Buyers. T. & H. COOKE. Furniture Showrooms : G7, QUEEN-STREET. Steam-Cabinet Factory.. „. .VICTORIA-STREET The particular attention of the public is called to the fact that without the exercise of a little caution they are likely to bo imposed upon by cheap imitations of the standard medicinal beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps. These spurious imitations are frequently put up in. second-hand bottles of the true article, and often bear false labels. We understand that the North Shore Ferry Co. have purchased the steamers Durham and Enterprise. The company have now a licet of nine boats. In our advertising column appears an address to the electors of Hamilton by Mr Thomas Jolly, in which matters relating to the town are fully discussed. The Newton fFire.S Brigade already numbers 18 members, and only two more •are required. '