SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER-{™^ o^-Xrn!ng , 11.25

SU NT SST.—Thi3 Evening, 7.1 feUX RISK.—To morrow Morning, 5.29 MOON'S AGE.- First Quarter, Feb. 11, 0.56 p.m

ARRIVALS.

I<Hli, s.s., Farquhar, from the^North. . Krievnhilda, schooner, Bathurst, from

Wn.nf'aroa _ „ Clu-istina, schooner, Edwards, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

Powcna s s., Sellars. for Tauranga Auansla, briKantine, Pullman, for Hokianga L fuka, schooner, Lombard, for Haabai Minnie Hare, schooner for Napier

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Raidan—Lalla Rookh, s.s., Thursday 14th. For London—Lochfleet, ship. May Queen, ship,

For Taranaki and th« South—s.s. Taranaki, Tv sday 12th; Taiaroa, Tuesday 19th; s.s. Taranaki. Tuesday 26th. For Tauransra and the South—Hawea, Thurs day lith; Taupo, Thursday 21st. For' Napier and the South —Rotorua. Tuesday

For Russell and North—Hawea, Monday 11th ;

Taupo, Monday 18th. For Sydney—City of Sydney, s.s., on arrival from San Francisco.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

rontentiye, barque, from London; sailed isia

December. "VTazeppa, schooner, from Levnka oarly. Ciiarybdis. schooner, from the Island*, early Omaha brigantine, from Chatham lianas,

Minnehaha, schooner, from the South, early Ljucadia ship, from London, early T^iju^nsr, brigantine. from New York Linda Weber, schooner, from Timaru. early Oceo'a. brigantine, from Adelaide, early T Chile, barque, from London ; sa led 3th .Nov. Chasca, barque, from London ; sailed 4th Nov. I=;ands, City, barque, from Newcastle, early, m City of Sjdnev, R.M.s., from 'Frisco, about

Wednesday next. Helena, brigantine, from Lyttelton, early. Island Lily, schooner, from Chatham Islands, barque, from London, sailed Dec. loth. Fontenaye, barque, from London, sailed loth

Dec. _,_ ~. . Sophia, R. "Luhrs, barque, from New York, early.

IMPORTS.

Per Elizabeth, from Lyttelton : 8 cases oacon and hams.—T. H. JHall and Co.

The Pacific Steam Navigation Co's splendid steamer Lusitania, 3525 tons register, is adver tised to leave Sydney on Friday, the 22nd Feb niai-y and Melbourne on Saturday, the 2nd March, for London via the Suez Canal. First, second, and third-class passengers are booked. All information can be obtained of Messrs Brown, Campbell, and Co. The Netherlands Steam Navigation Company Advertise through Messrs Cruickshank and Co.. that one of their splendid mail steamers will be di-nitched from Sydney for Batavia, calling at Cooktoivn, Thursday -Island, Port Darwin, .lourabaya, and Singapore, on each of the fol lowing rlates: February 13th, April 27r.h, Ju y 9th, September 20th, and' December 2nd, 1878. Passengers wishing to book by any of the Peninsular and Oriental line of steamers can obtain any information or secure passages by application to Messrs Cruiokshank. 5£ Messrs Cruickshank and Co. 5 advertise that the s.s. Hero is expected here again on or about tb.fi sth March, and will leave again for Sydney and Melbourue 3 days after srrival. The s.s. Hawea is expected to arrive alongside the Queen-street wharf from Tauranga and the South before daylight on Monday. She leaves for PLUssell at 4 p.m. on Monday, conveying excursionists to Bay of Islands Regatta. The s.s. Taranaki will probably arrive at Oaehunga on Monday morning. She will leave again on arrival of San Francisco mail, but will not wait later than 3 o'clock on Wednesday, The s.s. lona arrived early this laorning with several passengers and the following cargo :— GOO bags gum, 20 cases fruit, i tons oil. 2 horses, 15,000 shingles, and a quantity of sundries.

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

Thr following are the dates of Gold Mining nails, and when dividends are due:— Calls— New Golden Pah .. ..009 Feb. 13 New Morning Star.. ..010 Feb. 13 Tookey 010 Feb. 20 Long Tunnell 0 0 3 Feb. 28 Dividends— Alburnia .. ' 015 0 Feb. 8 Union Bank of Australia 2 0 0 Now due Bay of Islands Coal Com pany 0 10 0 Now due Auckland & North Shore Ferry Company .. 5% Now due Meetings— Crown Princess G.M. Co Feb. 15

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND.

Mails wilt. Close as Under — For Thames, this day, at 4.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.; and on Monday next, at 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Tryphena, per Three Brothers, this day, at 4 p.m. For Samoa and Tonga, per Active, on Monday next, at 11 a.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Hawea, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, immediately on arrival of City of Sydney from Honolulu. For Australian Colonies, Batavia, Singapore, China, and Japan, via Torres Straits, per s.s. City of Sydney, immediately after arrival. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, Annie Milbank, on Tuesday nex4, at 10 a.m. For Wangarei Heads. Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, Tuesday next, at 4 p.m. For Whitiangi. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Wednesday next, at 4 p.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern port 3, per Hawea, on Thursday next, at 2 p.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

FUN.—Grandson. .We cannot, however, undertake to burden bur space with answers to all these old catch questions.

The enormous sales of Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, a medicinal beverage without a peer, either as regards flavour or curative qualities, have induced a pack of law-contemning scamps to attempt the imposition of vending in genuine bottles of the Schnapps compounds of adulterated spirits and hurtful drugs. Buyers, inspect the labels closely.

DEATH.

FERGUSON.—On the 3rd February, at Wan garoa, Donald Ferguson, aged 50 years.— Wellington papers please copy.

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1878.

f- of tia auue that lacks.tssbtanca, Fttr Uic irrong thit bckSs teslstyzca. Ffii lie future !a the dlueoce.

The special cablegram from our London correspondent issued last night aa a second edition, announcing intense excite ment .in London consequent upon the publication of telegrams there announcing a Russian occupation of Constantinople, caused no little surprise here. The lirst impression was one of doubt as to the reality of the intelligence, it appearing incredible, after the recent advices of an agreement among the Powers on the ques tion of a Conference, and after the signing of an armistice wfth Turkey, that such a movement would be attempted, or if attempted, eouid be carried out without a fierce struggle. Our cablegram (special) has since received confirmation in messages to tho Pr:ss A&US)', r.iul f-oia Heater.

The news seems to rest on published state ments in London that a Russian occupation of Constantinople has been reported to the British Cabinet. This is indefinite, and it is surprising that the intelligence should not have arrived through the ordinary press j channels. It may be nothing more than one of those canards which do gaiu credence at times of great excitement ; it may have bacn circulated to test public feeling aud< iutluence the discussion on the "war vote : now before parliament ; or it may be absolutely true. If the last assumption be the right one, the entry of Russian troops into the CiipLtal without encounter ing strong resistance from the Turks at the Chekmedjes, can only be accounted for either on the theory that the Turkish defence had utterly collapsed ; that the ap proach to the capital, through a populous country, was altogether unobserved, which is most improbable,; or that an entry into Constantinople is one of the peace condit ions agreed to by Turkey—just as the entry into Paris was a condition in the terms of settlement at the close or the Franco-Prussian -war. Even if the entry were nothing more than a formal affair, carried out without force, and by the assent of the Porte, nothing could be more delibe rately devised to irritate England and pre cipitate that mo&t serious and de plorable step which the intelligent voice of the nation has determined shall only be employed as a very last resort. The consequences of Russian conquest in Turkey are very much more serious to Austria than to any other European nation ; and a Russian supremacy in the Mediterranean would operate more injuriously upon Italy, France, and Spain, than upon England. With the possession of Egypt always within grasp, it is hard to see that English^ territory or trade could be seriously menaced by any changes in the Levant. British action in holding aloof instead of playing Austria- and Ger many's game, by crippling herself and Russia for the sake of an evenly-balanced continent, will bring all tke Great Powers face to face, whether they like it, or not, with the important issues to' themselves in the present and future, arising out of the steady and inevitable decline of Turkish power, and the recent Russian successes. The creation "of strongly confederated autonomous States in North Turkey, under European guarantee, seems to be the natural solution, and the one that will carry the sympathy of the native popula tion against Russia. When England goes in with, and not against, the interests and patriotic aspirations of the vast body of people aborignal to the soil of Tin key, she will embark her power, her prestige, and resources, on the side which is sure sooner or later to triumph. We are reminded of the address issued by the reigning Prince of Roumania upon the declaration of war, in which he expressed confidence that the fruits of the sacrifices of his people, would be preserved to them by the justice of a united Europe. It is not impossible that such protection may yet be required. Most certain it is that England will not quietly i acquiesce in any conditions of settlenibiit foreign to those'most solemnly declared as the sole purpose of the campaign, and that when she does enter the field, if enter it she must—the mistaken infatua tion of Turkey that Ottoman misrule is a necessity in Europe, being effectually dis pelled—she will go in supported by the voice of an united and patriotic people, who have no reason to doubt the stability of their Empire or its ability to main tain the cause of liberty and justice.

REGISTER ! Register ! is the cry that will be heard from now onwards till March. Strange as it may appear, there are many persons, qualified to vote, who yet, year after year, neglect the simple process requisite to secure them the right of exercis ing the franchise. In times of political excitement, they deeply rue their procras tination ; ' but it is then in vain. There is nothing like immediate action. Electors may now obtain admission to the rolls, and no one should forgo his privilege as a freeman. Sound representation is the best guarantee of good government, but no Assembly, representing the true interests of thepeople, can exist where the electors them selves are indifferent. We would, therefore, again impress upon electors a sense of their duty • and remind them that now is the time, and Mr. T- V. Collins, or Hlyli-atrcet. the oincer, for registering in the city and suburbs.

Constantinople.

The Turks have remained id undisturbed possession of Constantinople since 1453. Should the reported entry by the Russians prove to be true, they are the first foreigners who have set foot within the city for 425 years as conquerors. The first siege of Constantinople by the Turks took place in 1422, when Amurath 11. appeared before the walls of the Greek capital with 20,000 of his best troops, after sack ing all the lands which Palajologus, the Greek Emperor, still retained beyond the city walls. Amurath formed a line of en.bankment which enclosed the city on the landward side, using strongmoveable towers, mines, and breaching cannon. An assault was made upon the walls, five hundred dervishes, who had stipul ated that the Christian nuns should be assigned as their share of the booty, form ing the forlorn hope. The Turks, however, were repulsed, Their defeat was attributed to the appearance of a bright apparition of a virgin robed in garments of violet hue, supposed to be the Panagia, the Holy Virgin, who had descended from heaven for the special purpose of protecting the Christian maids, of the city. The seige was soon afterwards raised.

In 1452 Mahomet H. collected his best troops at Adrianople, and the most powerful artillery that had ever been used in warfare. Urban, a renegade Hungarian, who had abandoned the scanty pay of the Greeks for the more lucrative service of the Turks, cast a monster cannon for the seige, besides smaller artillery. The Greek Emperor was only able to muster a force of 6,000 men out of a population of 100,000. The Pope sent a small body of trained troops and money, and Italy and Spain sent more. JohnGiustiniaui, a Genoese, brought two galleys with 300 men each. Altogether Constantine had about 9,000 troops to defend walls 14 miles in extent. The Turks were before the city in the spring of 1453. Mahomet formed a landward embankment from the harbour to the sea, and bombarded the weakest parts with fourteen batteries. Balista also hurled huge stones upon the battlements, while a body of miners by subterranean passages reached the outer city wall, and forced large openings. The number of Turkish troops is variously estimated at from 70,000 to 250,000, besides a fleet of 320 small vessels, to oppose which the Christians had 14 large galleons. The Turks suffered much from Greekfire thrown by the beseiged. A general assault by the Turks in moveable towers was repulsed. After various operations a broad breach was made at the gate of St. Komanus, and on the 29th May, after a refusal to surrender, the Turks made a general assault on the city, and effected an entrance. They slew all who resisted, plundered the city, seized thousands as slaves, beheaded the lifeless body of the Emperor. At a banquet Mahomet caused a number of heads of the slain to be placed in rows on the table. Mahomet was but 23 when ho took Constantinople.

The Government intend to fence the tomb of Potatau at Newcastle, from which, however, the bones were removed some years ago. The graves of the soldiers buried there are also to be enclosed with an iron railing. It is proposed to pass a Bill through the Assembly in order to remove the Waste Lands in the Waikato Delta out of the control of the Waste Lands Board, so that a sufficient portion may be sold to defray the cost of the Waipa road.

An Inter-colonial Exhibition is to be held iii Sydney in August next.

The Rev. W. Evans will be inducted to the charge of the Presbyterian chuich at Cambridge to-morrow by the Rev. T'Norrie. of Papakura. A soiree to celebrate the occasion is to be held on Tuesday evening.

A meeting of the members of the Trades men's Athletic Club, for the purpose of handing over the prizes won at the recent meeting, was held at the Charlemont Hotel fast evening. At the conclusion of "the presentation, all present sat down to an excellent spread provided by the proprietor of the hotel, and the remainder of the even ing was spent in conviviality.

A moonlight excursion in the harbour is announced to take place in connection with the Hobson Band on the evening of Thurs day next. Tickets for the occasion may be purchased at the low price of Is.

The following Grand Officers were present at the meeting of the Corinthian Lodge E. C. at the Thames on Thursday evening : —Bro. G. S. Graham, District Grand Master; Bros. W. Lodder, D. G. S Warden ; H. G. Wade, D. G. S. ; J. W. Moat, D. G. J. Deacon ; and T. Cole, D. G. Sword Bearer.

During his visit to Newcastle the Premier promised that Maori labour should be at ouce employed to construct the Raglan road.

!|glt has, we learn, been a common practice lately for travellers by the railway to_ get into carriages without a ticket. rlhis is in offence against the regulations, and several names have been taken with a view to proceedings. It is hoped that this warning will put a stop to the practice without further unpleasantness. The Thames " Star" gives an account of some primitive telephonic experiments con ducted in different parts of Grahamstown by Messrs Steward. The "apparatus" con sisted of two small tins with parchment heads, connected by a thread about SO yards long, the thread being attached to each piece of parchment, in the centre. Some portions of conversation were heard very distinctly, and the singing of "In Happy Moments" and "Johnny Comes Marching Home" were dis tinguished easily. The "Thames Adver tiser" mentions some successfulexperimeuts by Mr Bull, officer in charge of the Gra hamstown Telegraph office. A meeting was held yesterday in Mr Ring's office, Sbortiand-street, for the purpose of forming a company to work a piece of ground at Matawai, Coromandcl. Messrs Thomas (of the Kapanga), C. Ring, Wilde-Browne, Bastard, Harper, and others were present, and it was determined to form a Joint Stock Com pany. The ground tc be mined is private property, on the Tiki side. Mr F. Ring was appointed secretaiy.

We notice that a special meeting of the general committee of the Auckland Diocesian Siinday-Sclool Association will be held in St. Paul's pirsonage on Monday evening next, at halt-jast four o'clock, for the settling of importait business.

The trustees of the Pitt-street Wcsleyan church are—it would sesm—bent on making their church one of the best in the colony, both its convenience, acoustic arrangements, and other attractions. For many years the church had internal incoivcnicnces, and now these are being swept away almost at a stroke. The new and substantial gallery is now capable of giving .bout 200 extra sittings. The former nat pulpit (with its attendant above) is a thng of the past, and now replaced by a wi<c and beautiful rostrum, capable of being ; platform when public meetings are hid. The pews have all been renovate!, and . a hard " church" varnish put >n. The great attraction is thd new andliandsome organ. Its equal, we suppose, is lot to be found in New Zealand. It is almost completed. It has cost a vast sum of money The makers are Messrs Connacher and Co., Hudders field. We are now officiallvmformed that Mr Lee, deputy-organist, rom the Town Hall, Melbourne, is to oper the organ by a grand recital on or about Mtnday, the IStii inst. Mr Lee is at presett in Auckland, and is the organist for 3r Henderson's church, Melbourne.

The' " Waikato Times "says that Levy would have had ar, overflowing house at Cambridge.

It appears that a fracas took place between Major Hay's "party and the Hau haua on the Kokeko bbek cm the occasion of the seizure of the thodolite, some of the natives £refct**»S biokeu-ibs in the struggle.

l'e Awamutu is nienoraliany the Gov eminent for a oourt-hou*.

A.t Wellington yestorcay the Provincial District Plate of 125 to is] one mile and a quarter, resulted as f>]! c vs : —Kakapo, 1 ; Te Whetu, 2; Songser.3. Time, 2min. 2Gisocs. Stanley wo the Consolation Stakes of 50 soys.

Canterbury Has 405 teachers, and 15.51.3 scholars.

■far Mclntyre, of Wdngton, is suffering from blood-poisoning none of his fingers, which was accidentallyut whilst engaged in a post-mortem examation of the body of a child.

It is expected that tms will run close to Ohaupo on Wednesdiynd Thursday next on the occasion of b races there, the ballasting of the line £m Hamilton being all but complete.

There is hope for the roung Men's Chris tian Association, in as nch as the handsome sum of £500 is likelyo be forthcoming, should the conditions ovhicli the promises were made be realise: This excellent Institution has been t means of doing much good in various v?s, and we learn that its committee are Citing themselves with the view of haig a- free and unencumbered associah for the benefit of strangers and the geral community.

Yesterday afternoon »ad of scoria stones was deposited on th< crossing between Messrs Cruickshank anlillcr's and Milne and Choyce's. The pioof the dray came out, and the body tilt up. One of the blocks of stone weighenbout half a ton, and the driver Dagnall fc puzzled to know how jto get it in, and at for assistance; a vigilant policeman mjwhile pounced on the obstruction, but foij it easier to com mand than to enforce tldriver to move on with his stones. This pis intended for the dock.

Strolling Italian mij^ls swarm in England at the pi-esent tm No less than fifteen of these hurdy-gly men have recently been arrested ithe town of Huddcrsfield for beggin<*,nd on one of these beggars was found b sum of £14 4s lid.

The usual quarterly eting of the Pioneer Lodge, I.O.G.T.was held on Thursday evening, whenhe following officers were installed byjro. Coleman, assisted by Bros. Clifforjnd Fraser :— W.C.T., Bio. AndersonJV.V.T., Bio. Wilson; W.S., Bro. Bi ; W.F.S.. Bro. McTavish ; W.T.£is. Brown ;

0., Bio. Syms; M., Drta'ond ; 1.G., Nightingale; 0.G., Dine! D.M., Sis. Drummond ; R. H.S., Brojraser junr. ; L.H.S-, Sis. M?.rson. 88. J. Esani was elected D.G.W.C. in place of Bro. W. Coleman, retire The" reports received from the various cjrs were of a satisfactory nature, and shdthe Lodge to be in a progressive posit The members of the kland Fire Brigade intend to indulge l torch-light procession on the 22nd ins! in celebra tion of the anniversary of Brigade. A similar affair under the aus* of the corps took place about two yeaisi, and was a complete success. We havtidoubt there fore that this procession 11 give the utmost satisfaction to all coiied, includ ing the public of Aucklan A banquet is to take place at the clos^ the proces sion. The population of New th "Wales afc the end of 1877 was 662,2121 We have seen several files of pipe clay and brown gravel leads morning, in the office of Mr Reid, .fiance Build ings, brought from the Gdd^Point mine, situated between Tairuj a'Ohinemuri, where the discovery waanil during the present week. The aecins are of a superior character, andpai good gold. We see no reason wlij fifchllevelopment should not open a new a\ jensive field of piY-SIaWo lalourluthliAt

There is every probability that the working men of Auckland will soon have a club of their own, where they may meet and dis cuss and arrange business in connection with their trades, apart from the attractions of the public house. As soon as 100 mem bers are obtained the club will be opened and in full operation. The Working Men's Clubs in London, which were set on foot by a number of gentlemon who had the cause of the people at heart, were not uniformly successful, partly because they possessed what might be termed "jarring elements ;" they were in fact too low in character. The sound of the skittle ball below the library was not pleasant to the ear of the student of political economy, and the total abstainer objected to patronise a club where porter was quaffed in preference to coffee, and the London clubs did not pay.- The Auckland Club will be managed on principles of order and sobriety, and the library will be of a character to inform rather than lower the minds of readers. In a city like Auck land a Working Men's Club may afford innocent and elevating amusement to young men who have no home of their own, and where they will find intellectual companion ship and solid information in those hours which intervene between labour and rest. Married men, except on business occasions, and for a glance at current periodical litera ture, are not absolutely in need of such a club, as certain allurements are associated with clubs which make men dissatisfied with the quiet domestic comforts of their own homes of au evening. Judging, however, from the rules of the Auckland Working Men's Club, we are of opinion that it is a step in the right direction, and may, by judicious management, be the means of doing a large amount of good in many ways, and especially among men who earn their bread by the sweat of their brow.

Notices of Sunday services will be found elsewhere. The Sunday service will be held as usual in the Theatre Royal.

Mr Swallow having accepted the position of organist at St. Paul's, the congregation of All Saint's require a successor.

The Highway Boards of Newmarket, Epsom, and adjacent districts have peti tioned the Colonial Government to remove the Newmarket toll-bar.

The Colonial Government have allotted £11,000 to the Auckland Education Board out of the £50,000 voted for school build ings, which was considered unequal to the immediate necessities of the Auckland districts. The Board of Education yester day passed a resolution to this effect. !?§Mr Greenwood will offer for sale on Mon day next the property of Mr James Palmer, known as the township of Grey town, con sisting of 44 eligible allotments, and within an easy distance of the Whaii Railway Station, (seeadvt.)

A letter from Mr J. Odium, of the Exchange Motel, Parnell, respecting the Grammar School property, was considered by the Board of Education yesterday. Mr Odium stated that his house was rendered inaccessible by the improvements in course of progress* and asked for his convenience that it be lowered to the new level. After sumo discussion the Board recommended to t1 c favourable consideration of their successors the suggested improvements in Mr Alliight's memorandum.

We yesterday observed in the ■window of Mr Farrow, greengrocer, Queen-street, a quantity of fine rock melons, which are the first of the season. The melons arc of various sizes, the smallest being just as large as an orange. The quality of the fruit is very superior, and quite equal to any we have ever tasted. A splendid sample of luscious hot-house grapes is also on view in the same window.

We are informed that the Havelock Histronic Class is not numbered with the things that were, as stated in our last night's issue. As one .of the brothers hope fully remarks, "It is not dead, but sleepeth." A new piece of local interest, in two acts, by the author of " Mrs Brown's Gooseberry Wine" is in course of preparation, and will probably be pro duced shortly.

Settlers in this country should be thankful for good and cheap potatoes, free from disease, and which are indeed a boon to families. In many parts of England the potatoes are infected with the disease which first made its appearance in the year 1546, and which ortiftnee and chemistry liav« failed to eradicate. We learn from private sources that the potato disease has shewn itself mostly in the northern counties, especially in Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire. This epidemic broke out during the last season to a terrible extent in the farms around Goole, the centre of one of the largest potato-producing districts of York shire.

SUPPOSED FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT.

Two men named Beeson and Sinel left the wharf on Thursday afternoon in the Amy, a sailing boat belonging to Messrs Partridge and Wool lams, with the view of sailing to the Island of Motutapu, and have "not since been heard of. As the night was tempestuous and stormy, it is feared the men are lost. Every possible enquiry is being made respecting the fate of the two men, and thoir friends naturally are in a state of painful anxiety. Sinel is a married man, with one child.

Legislative Larrikins.

ASSAULT ON A TRIUMPHAL ARCH.

(From our own Correspondent.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, this clay. The following report has been drawn up by the Police, with reference to the attack on the triumphal arch which I mentioned in my telegram of yesterday : " Wilful attempt to damage triumphal arch erected for the reception of Sir George Grey and the Hon. Mr Sheehan. At about 11. 45 p.m., 7th February, IS7S, some twenty men attempted to pull and cut down the tri umphal arch erected for the reception of the Premier, Sir George Grey, and the Hon. Mr Sheehan. Constables Roche and Ryan, through great exertion, frustrated their eflbrts, and in a shoittime. Sergeant Dufrin arrived, and, with the assistance of the constables, quelled the disturbance, and dispersed the mob. The names of the prin cipals in the affair,arc as follows :—William Humphries, Edward Humphries, Wilson Hursthouse, Richmond Hursthouse, (M. H.R.), Decimus Atkinson, Josiah Hosking, Louis McDonough, William Kinc, George Newman, James B. Williamson,' William Ross, and Robert McGonagh:" A number of the inhabitants were at work throughout Thursday in erecting an arch at the entrance to Devon-street. It was com posed "of evergreens and ferns, and was handsomely decorated with Hags and the inscription "Welcome to Sir George Grey." The appearance of these decorations, and the enthusiasm of the people, excited the envy of the small remnant of the Atkin sonites, who still hold together, con sisting mostly of the ramifications of the Atkinson family and the Hursthouses, who are all inter-married, and have for many years past subsisted upon the colony.^ A regular conspiracy was got up during the afternoon, the' forces being marshalled by Mr Hursthouse M.H.R. for Motueka, the bucholic in dividual who declared lnst session that Fencing and Branding Bills were of more importance to the colony than public works or the Education Act. The small army of desperadoes had worked up a degree of Dutch courage, and had let the cat out of the bag, so that the police were on the alert. . Constables Roche and Ryan therefore took up a post of ob servation after dark. The forlorn hope was led by Decimus Atkinson Esq., brother of the late Premier; Richmond Hursthouse, M.H.R. ; and his brother, Wilson Hurst house, engineer under the General Govern ment. At about midnight they sallied out of a neighbouring hotel, accompanied by McDonnough, a bank accountant; William son, a chemist; and some other overgrown larrikins. Hursthouse, of Motueka, who carried a ropel, mounted on to tlic avch aud

was about to fasten the rope, the others beingready to give a "long pull, a strongpull, and a pull all together," when police-sergeant Dufßn came out from some mysterious hiding-place and called upon the M.H.R. to surrender in the Queen's name. "I m a member of; Parliament" replied Hurst house, "and I warn you not to interfere. " I don't care who you are," replied the gallant sergeant —" come down out o' that at once; you ought to be ashamed of your self." Wilson, Hurstli©use r Humphries, and Decimus had meanwhile made a furious attack on the posts on which the arch rested, tearing down the evergreens, and hustling the constables who had come to the aid of the sergeant. Meanwhile Richmond Hursthouse, astride of the arch, was in danger of coming down amidst the general riiu, but seeing the poles shaking he prudently descended fi;pm his perch. The whole of the mid-night marauders were ar rested and conveyed to the lock-up, but were released on their promise to return on Friday morning. Decimus has disappeared, and cannot be found ; Richmond is severely in disposed, and all the others ditto. The police are anxious to prosecute the fellows, but I believe Sir George Grey has expessred a wish that they should be let off, as the disgrace into which they have fallen is suffi cient punishment. I may add that none ci the marauders appeared at the banquet. The affair, when it became generally known, created some sensation, and had the " rol licking rains' appeared in public during the reception proceedings, they would in all likelihood have received a cold bath in the nearestlhorsepond. DEPUTATION. The Ministerial party visited Waitara yesterday, and were shewn over the principal battle-fields of the war of 1860-61. BANQUET. At four o'clock the party proceeded to the Oddfellows Hall, where a splendid banqxiet had been laid. The Hall was decorated with flags, devices, and ferns. Over 7C guests were present, the Yen. Archdeacon Gavetfc occupying the chair in the absence of the Mayor through family affliction. Sir George Grey occupied the post of honor on the right of the chairman, with Mr Carrington, M. H. R.; while on the left were the Hon. J. Sheehan, Mr Fisher, and Mr Kelly, M.H.R. Sir George Grey in responding to the toast of his health, spoke in high terms of the progress which Taranaki had made. Colonel Trimble proposed the health of the Native Minister. Mr Sheehan, in responding, said the keystone of the native policy would be that • they would suffer a great delay for the sake of peace, believing in a few years all danger of native war would be at at end. Also, they would seek to benefit the Maori as well as the European. From what he had seen of the district that day, it would be the people's own fault if the place were uot a large one iv a short space of time. The health of the Chairman and other toasts followed.

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

<;> Reported Russian Occupation of Constantinople. Intense excitement in London (FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON CORRESPONDENT). LONDON, Feb. 7. Thei"e is intense excitement here owing to the publication of telegrams announcing that, in violation of pro mises, and in defiauce of England's warning, Russia ha-s occupied Con stantinople.

CONFIRMATORY DISPATCHES.

[KEUTEK'S SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.] LONDON, Thursday. According to reports generally current here, the British Government were informed last night that the Russians have entered Constantinople.

[PRESS AGEXCY.]

ADVANCE OF GREEK TROOPS.

LONDON, Thursday evening. Notwithstanding the warnings of Eng land against an advance to Constantinople, and in violation of the promise of the Czar, the Russian troops, by rapid marching, and oombined movements, have seized Constan tinople, and now occupy the Turkish capital. LONDON, February 8. The Greek troops had captured Dhonioko> a large town of Thessaly, before their ad vance was stopped.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before R. C.gßarstow, Esq., R.M., and B. McLean, Esq., J.P.) DRUNKENNESS. Cornelius Sexton and Samuel Boyd pleaded guilty to charges of drunkenness, and were lined 5s each. UNDER THE VAGRANT ACT. Mary O'Brien, ayeung person of fair com plexion, was charged under the Vagrant Act with being a drunken and disorderly per son. Prisoner admitted that she -was drunk, but she would not consent to being called a rogue and vagabond. She was trying to persnade her brother to keep out of bad company, when her good intentions were frustrated by the intrusion of the con stable. Constable MeGilp deposed that prisoner was making a great noise, swearing aud fighting outside the Greyhound Hotel. As this was the sixth conviction in a short space of time, the prisoner was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. s The Court was then adjourned uutil ten o'clock on Monday morning, (sharp.)

EXCURSION TO WAIROA.

Mr B. Keask's excursion party, which went (town to the Wairoa on Monday morningl re turned last night. The party soj ourned in tents at night, the ladies being provided with a very commodious marquee. Their stay appears t° have.been of a most enjoyable character ihe gentlemen had abundance of sport in the shape of pig-huntinsr. boating, and other excit ing amusements. There wero a variety of amusing incidents. One night a gentleman started a young sucking pig into the ladies' tent to the immense horror of twenty or thirty sleep ing beauties, amongst whom " porky " ran and squealed. On the last night of their encamp ment the ladies turned the tables by a vigorous assault upon the srcntlemen'3 tent. The latter was placed in the position of "Pievna" The ladies (Russians) armed with scissors and knives made an irresistible attack, and aided by the darkness cut the ropes, and amid triumphant cheers it was announced that this calico Plevna had fallen The gentlemen not only evacuated fotL n™H?iffL c S0- thor™^y discomfltted as to leavp.it in its ruins, and spent the night in one end of the. marquee. Altogether, the trip £!Jf™ eh f JJ°red- an(i it is determined to endeavour to have a similar one next year Mr Keane s grounds being admirably suitable t% n S^ flan e, xf, editiou- An old Maori Pah afforded fine shelter for the tent 3, there were also abundance of peaches and other kinds of mut. in the bush was seen a monster war canoe which had been got ready for launching wnen the chief died, and the canoe was " tabued." It measures over 100 ft long and is remarkably wide. When Governor Bo wen was heie an attempt was made to launch it, but it was found too mnch decayed. The party express much gratitude to Mr Keane for his kindness in afford ing so great a treat. No accident occurred excepting a slight one experipneed by Mr C Hartley, who was bitten by a dog while giving the coup de grace" to a wild boar which had

Important Discovery.

A NEW ZEALAND MYC,ENE. REMAINS OF A MAORI SETTLff MENT OF 533 YEARS AGO. Judge Monro, who has juat returned ft Auckland from Hokianga, has been kind enough to communicate to a reporter of thi» Star some interesting particulars of an im portant archaeological discoveryatHokiansa* which, by comparing small things with great may be called the "New Zealend Mycrene " In the Hokianga district for many years past there has been a tradition amongst the native that the place was the original landing place of one)of the canoes whieh]inimigratecL to New Zealand from Hawaiki, and ifc was known that Hokianga had originally been, the dwelling-place of the great Ngatiawa tribe, but no traces of the original settle ment were discovered until a few daysa<*o~ The Ngatiawa tribe are able to shew °hy their genealogy that they lived at Hokianga. during seven generations, or about 230 years, during which period their numbers increased so rapidly, notwithstanding their frequent cannibal feasts, that the wild birds and fish became scarce, and the whole tribe migrated southwards in search of fresh woods and pastures new. The settlements which they had occupied were then abandoned for a period of three generations and were afterwards occupied by the Teaupourftribefor one generation, and were then again unoccupied for five generations. Thus in all a period of SIXTEEN GENERATIONS H4JD ELAPSED, or a period of over 500 years from the landing by the chief Ngukutawhiti, the original ancestor of the Ngatiawa. The period has been computed with the greatest possible.care, by gentlemen thoroughly con versant with the native language and customs, from Maori genealogy. Lon» ago the traces of the old settle* ments established by the Ngatiawa were entirely obliterated, and though frequent search was made for them by residents in Hokianga, they were unsuccessful. Oppo site Mr Webster's residence, on the other side of the harbour there is a great sandbank running out intoapoiut, called Ororongatea. The wind-blown sands are constantly shift ing, and so rapidly, that a European house erected ons the spot many years ago has been completely covered. It would appear that for many years, probably centuries, the prevailing winds had been in a direction which caused the sand to encroach on this point, but latterly theie has been a change which has carried the sand in an opposite direction, rapidly uncovering the ancient beach and landmarks. Messrs Webster ■ and Tinne were strolling over the place a few days ago, when they were surprised at discovering that the removal of the land had uncovered AN IMMENSE QUANTITY OF HUMAN BONES. They communicated their discovery to Judge Munro, of the Native Land's Court, whose intimate knowledge of Maori history, traditions, languagp,and customs is probably surpassed by few, if any, in New Zealand. He assisted them in further researches, which led to the di-.coveiy of further immense quantities .of human bones, in various stages of decay, indicating different intervals of time, and all scattered about in. the immediate vicinity of large Maori stone ovens, some of them of sufficient size to contain the bodies of men laid at full length. There were many hundreds of tons of stones. such as are commonly used by the natives in forming the " hangi," or Maori oven ;. besides large quantities of flint-stones of a kind which are not found in the Hokianga district, and must have been brought over from the Bay of Plenty. Theie can be no doubt that this is the site of A SERIES OF GREAT CANNIBAL [G FEASTS, ~:lZZ. 1 ranging over a long period of time. As the - sand is gradually removed fresh piles of bones and traces of ovens are disclosed, shewing that the site must have been used for a considerable period. Mr Monro discovered also several stone axes belonging to the earlier period of Maori history. Curiously enough, a lady's thimble, the remains of an axe, and some other articles of European manufacture, were discovered in the sand, and will be placed in the Auckland Institute with the other curiosities found on the spot. The time wheu these articles were left on this ancient site must date back to a very remote period, long before the settlement of the first Europeans at Hokianga. Two of]the earliest .settlers are still resident there, but until this discovery they were in total ignorance of" the fact tha^ the site of an ancient Maori settlement existed beneath the great depth of sand that had accumulated during the lapse of ages at, Ororongatea. There is, however, extant a Maori tradition that a European ship visited Hokianga some years after Captain Cook, and that several Maoris, who were never afterwards heardtr, of, went away in her. The discovery of these remains is of great interest to'the student of Maori history, as, with,- the clearly-traced genealogy of the Ngatiawa and Teaupouri, they serve to fix an import ant epoch. We believe it is intended to institute a systematic search on the spot, when doubless further relics of the past will be unearthed. The immense quantity of human bones, and the wide area of the ovens, mark a period when the native popu lation of Hokianga was far more numerous than it has ever been since, and when cannibal feasts were conducted on a scale of horrible magnitude.

NATURE'S EVENING PRAYER.

Iho soft winds rock the slumbrous rose And stir the whispering leaves of trees, On sunset beams the daylight goes To other lands beyond the seas, Rich colours mark the eve's decline Whilst round me breathes the fresh'ningairt And, hke the "still small voice" divine. Comes Xatui c's genial evening prayer. A white mist shrouds both sea and shore rhe birris fold up their dreamy wings, Ihe anvil's ring is heard no more. And thoughts of rest the twilight brings. Between the hills the sloping town, Jf.; th glittering lamps, seems free from care: Whilst over all the dark comes down, And Nature breathes her evening prayer. JOHX BLACEaiAJT. —

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

VERDI'S "AIDA." The first production of Verdi's new opera, caused an unusually brisk demand for seats, and at eight o'clock last evening the Theatre Eoyal was filled with the largest audience that lias yet greeted this popular company, lhe stylo adopted by the composer in this opera differs so widely from that of his earlier works as almost" to preclude the possibility of belief that the author or Traviata" is the author of "Aida/* I here are abundant indications of their' iiuence which the German school had over the composer ; and the invitation of Wa«Tier is manifest throughout. Verdi's chief forte ■ is his acute perception of dramatic effect. In this respect he is more than usually successful with « Aida;" but the music is remarkable rather for massiveness of orchestration than for any brightness in its melodies. Although the composer has founded his work on the " musician of the future, yet it cannot be said that there is any great resemblance between their operas Wagner (as it has been aptly remarked illustrates his music by a spectacle : Verd illustrates a spectacle by his music The story of "Aida"'is mournful and sad throughout. Hardly for a moment do any of the characters enjoy even a sensation of pleasure, except the comic dance of male slaves, more absurd in its incongruity than in anything else. --The story of the opera is as follows:— Airta an Ethiopian slave, is in love with and beloved by the Egyptian General, Radamez ; but the King's daughter. Amne ns, who also loves the General, extracts her slaves secret from her by pretending that Kadamez has been slain, the General, however, returns safe, and, as a reward for his services in war, he is offered the hand of the Princess Ainueris. But he remains

EVENING STAR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, IHIB



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