SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mnrt TF4TJTR » This Afternoon, 7.23 HIGH WAIiCK— ■) To-morrow Morning. 7.49 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.1G S!TN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 5.7 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter. 23th, 3.23 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Rotorua. s.s., Macfarlane, from Sydney lona s a., Farquhar, from Russell. «»„«, Hawea. g.a., Vv rheeler, from Tauranga and South-

em Ports. Loch Fleet, ship, Robinson, from Lyttelton. Kate McGregor, schooner, Morgan, from Timaru.

DEPARTURES.

Geelong. p.s., Kean, for Hokianga (from Manu-

kau). Venn?, ketch, for Mercury Bay. Wild Dack, ketch, for Waitara (frmi Manukau) Waiwera, schooner, for Norfolk Island.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London—Lochfleet, ship. May Queen, ship, early For LyttPlton—Fairlie, schooner, earlr For Sydney—Zealandia, R.M.s.. on arrival from 'Fri=co.

IMPORTS.

Per schooner Kate McGregor, from limaru; 590 sacks wheat. ft . Per ship Loch Fleet, from Lyttelton: 419 sacko flour, i 50 oats, 900 sacks wheat. Ex Loch Fleet: 319 sacks flour, 103 flour (lOOibs), 195 bags riour (SOlbs), 150 sacks pollard. For London: 333 sacks wheat.—New Zealand * 6 la£es'~bacori and hams, per Hawea ; 419 sacks flour, 603 ba§i do., 150 sacks sharps, per Loch Fleet.— X, Arthur. j s o ca=es fruit, ex Rotorua.—Levi \\ . baton

EXPORTS.

Per Fogoloa, for Samoa : 5 cases galvanised iron. 5 bundles ridging. 2 kegs screw 3, 60 cases ;!our. "j0 cases biscuit —Henderson & Macfarlane, ageiio.

The s s Rotorua arrived from Sydney this afternoon. She left Sydney on the 16th, and exparL-nced light easterly winds throughout the tfasaage, which was done in 4 days ISJ hours. The passage from Auckland to Sydney was done in 4 days 22 hours. Passengers :Mr Bail^v, Bishop Quin, Mr Brassey, Mr Hay, Mr Spiers. Mr and Mrs White, 2 children arid servant, Mr Clark, Mrs Olliver, Mr Marks, Mrs Blades, and-20 steerage. The R.M.s. Zealandia, with the English and American mails! may be looked for at any moment afr,er to-morrow, as she left San Fran cisco two day 3 before her proper date. The iron ship Loch Fleet, 713 tons, arrived from Lvttelton yesterday evening. She comes here with the object of loading for London, on behalf of the New Zealand Shipping Company, but she brings a part cargo of grata, fee., for this ■Dort The Loch Fleet is a ship of 713 tons, and is a' sister vessel to^ the well-known barque Loch Urr. Her voyage from Lyttelton has been rather rough, 'and prolonged in consequence. She left on the sth. and on tho Bth was off the East Cane. Beat against Westerly winds until on the :6th was off i ape Cnlville. Came m then for heavy N.W. gales, before which the ship being in no trim for heavy beating stood L-.way to sea. The weather afterwards became more settled, and the wind veering to the north enabled her to make the harbour last night. Captain Robertson i3 in command. A sail in sight is signalled as we go to press. The schooner Fogoloa cleared to-day for Apia (Samoa), with a few sundries. She is to sail at The schooner Christina, from Russell, brings 104 tons coal. ~ , ~, , The ship Loch Fleet is to take the berth lately occupied by the Abbey Holme, which vessel has been moved over to the inside western tee to make room for her. A barque, apparently bound here, was passed by the Rotorua about 100 miles the other side of the Three Kings. This is very probably the Bella Mary, which is now fully due from Hobart Town. The s s. Rotomahana was put on the gridiron this morning for the purpose of undergoing a clean. The s.s. Lalla Rookh is having her cabin en large-* by Messrs Gouk and Ingles, prior to going roGkd to t c Manukau.

COMMERCIAL.

At Mr R. C. Greenwood's sale to-day, the house at the comer of Lome and Victoria-streets sold for £7, and two others ad j pining for £3 5s each.

BIRTH.

ROBINSON.—On the ISth January, at her resi dence. College Road, the wife of J. C. Robin son of a daughter.

MARRIAGE.

LAMB—REID.—On the 16th January, 1878, at the residence of the bride's father, Epsom, by the Rev. R. F. Macnicol, Alexander Lamb, youngest son of John Lamb, Waitemata Mills, to Lizzie, eldest daughter of James Reid, Eden Ten-ace (late of Lisnoe Mills, Belfast, Ireland). —Belfast News Letter please copy.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Clostc a--. Under: For Thames, this day. at 5.30 p.m.:; and to morrow, at 4.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, on Wednesday next, at 11.30 a.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Hawca, this day, at 4 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui. per lona, this day, at 4 p.m. For Whitiangi. Tauranga and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at 4 p.m. For Samoa, per Fogoloa, this day, at o p.m. For Tairua, per Mana, to-morrow, at 9 a.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a-m. For Napier and Southern provinces, per Rotorua, on Tuesday next, at 2 p.m. For Wangarei Heads. Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangatiai. per Aigyle, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Zealandia im mediately after her arrival from Honolulu. For Tauranga, per Lancashire Lass, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. i S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING ASSOCIATION.

To-dat's quotations:— National Bank—Buyers, 71s. Colonial Bank—Sellers, §23. Auckland Gas Co.—Buyers. $10 7s 6d. South Britishlnsurance—Sellers, 78s. Union Insurance—Buyers, 123 6d. Union Sash & Door Co.—Buyers, £10 10s. Moanatairi—Bos to 85s; buyers, Sis; sellers, 87s 6d (cum div). Alburnia—Sellers, 68s. Tokatea—Buyers. 5a ; sellers, 7a. Kurunui Hill—Us 6d ; buyers, 14a 6d. o— uy^ r|kpH NEWMAN. Chairman.

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 1878.

Fot-.'j* wise tr.ut t?.ck.s aviw.xi'.-* Far the wrou* Uiat nctdi i t.si.. w. - ?c» tie fature iv tlie .ii«;j..;«.

Restored communication with Europe has brought ajbudget of most important news. Sulieman Pacha, it is reported, has been defeated before Phillippoppolis, leaving the road open to Adrianople. Ex-Colonel Baker, who, it will be remembered, Avas covering the retreat North of the Balkans, has apparently been cut off. and surrendered with thirteen thousand troops. At all points Turks are giving way, and if the telegrams fairly depict the situation, the defence shews signs ot complete collapse. The Queen's speech at opening of parliament favoured English neutrality, a policy which has been again urged by large meetings throughout the country, but the detention at Malta of troops bound to and from India, shews that British non-participation in Eastern hos tilities is still anything but assured. A joint note from England and Austria defines the Treaty of Paris as the only basis on which peace can be settled without their assent. The advance of the Russian legions into the Levaut occasions great excitement, and an unreasoning irritation prevails in the Mohammedan mind against England, be cause our nation, whose moderate counsels were contemptuously disregarded in time of peace declines now to spend blood and treasure to save Turkey from well-merited punishment for long-continued misrule. Possibly owing to the remonstrance of Eng land, Russia has re-considered the proposed reference of the question of armistice to St. Petersburg, and the Commander-in-chief has notified Turkey .that he is prepared to receive delegates to arrange the temporary cessation, without reference to any peace proposals that may ensue. Servia has likewise sent represen tatives to Kasanlik fully armed with author ity to negotiate on behalf of that principal ity.

Another of those frequently recurring land disputes which tend ho much to retard investment aud settlement in the Waikato has arisen at Hora-Hora. The dispute!! block is. situate on the left bank of the Horitui river, on the Maori side of the con fiscation boundaiy, and contains between 8,000 and 9,000 acres of excellent land. The block WES acquired about eight years ago by a Southern gentleman named Laird, and. was subsequently passed through the Native Lands Court, and a Crown grant obtained. Afterwards the property came into the possession of Major Jackson, who was associated in the purchase with five other gentlemen, and about two months ago an attempt was made to settle on it. A man was sent up to build a whare, the intention being to place cattle upon the land and establish a station. Te Ngakau, the Maori King's .Secretary, at once entered a protest against occupation, and disputed the validity of the original purchase, and|in this he was suppported by Hauhauru and some of the Ngatimania poto chiefs. During last week the dispute nearly culminated in a disturbance. Hauhauru visited|Te "Wheoro at Mercer, and endeavoured to induce him to remove Europeans from the block, but failing this he departed in hot haste for Hora-Hcra, threatening to kill the white men who were engaged in erecting the house ou the land. On his way, however, he met Rewi, the principal chief of Ngatimaniapoto, who cautioned him against committing any act which might result in bloodshed, and in consequence Hauhauru has gone to Te lvuiti to consult the Kingites. From -what we learn it appears that Major Jackson's right to occupy the land is supported by Rewi, who is of opinion that the original purchase was perfectly valid. The #and isi said to have belonged formerly to Rew

himself, who gave it to some of his rela tives, and all the owners wi: h the exception of Te Ngakau signed the deed. Te Ngakau, however, tacitly consented to the sale, and His brother signed the deed. A section of the Ngatiraukawa now put for ward a claim to the block, and threaten to use force in the expulsion of European occupants; but, on the other hand, Rewi has encouraged Major Jackson to occupy, and promised to uphold his title. The quarrel, therefore, lies between Rewi and the King party, who for some time past have been on anything but amicable terms. Indeed on more than one occasion an open rupture which' might result seriously has been imminent. On Friday last Major Te VVheoro telegraphed the facts to the Native Minister at Wellington. Mr Sheehan immediately forwarded a tele gram to Major Jackson, requesting him for the present to withdraw his men from the block, and this request has been complied with. Major Jackson has come to Auck land to consult his partners as to future action, but probably matters will remain in statu quo until the visit of the Premier and Native Minister to Tawhiao.

Last week we published a cablegram stating that 28,000 Turks had been captured at Antivari, and expressed our doubts as to the accuracy of the news. The following, from the " Sydney Herald" shews that the former cable message was muddled in transmission :—" Nisch surrendered yester day with S,OOO men, a large quantity of ■war material, and SO guns ; and Antivari

was captured on Thursday. 25.000 Turks, 1,000 horses, and 92 guns were captured by the Russians in the Schipka Pass."

We have to acknowledge the following donations towards defraying the expenses of Dr. Somerville's services in Auckland :— Mr Eaglesome, 5s ; Mrs W. White,' 10s ; Mr Murchie, 20s ; a Friend, Is ; a Friend, 5s ; Mrs Loverock, 5s ; a Friend, 10s ; An American Friend, 20s , Dr McDonald, 20s ; Mrs Blackly, 10s ; a Friend, 10s; Mr R: Bartley, 10s. We learn that Mr J. M. Dargaville has been nominated as a candidate for the Board of Education to represent country districts. It is desirable that the country should be specially represented, and Mr Dargaville would be a good member—his business enabling him to attend to the duties. The forthcoming Mayoral election is exciting considerable interest at Hamilton. The two candidates for the Mayoralty are Mr Vialou and Mr Potter. A public faceting was held at Hamilton East on Saturday, to hear addresses from the candi dates, Mr J. K. McDonald in the chair. Messrs Vialou, Potter, and Captain Steele addressed the meeting, and a nurnbor of questions were put by the burgesses. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings. An active canvass is being conducted by the supporters of the rival candidates, as well as for the gentlemen who intend to contest the offices of Coun cillors. The appointment of Town Clerk of the new Borough lies between Captain McPherson and Mr Gelling.

Touching the Eegatta programme, S.W. writes :—Sir, —I beg to call the attention of the Auckland Regatta Committee to the fact that in the coming regatta the race for open boats of 20 feet has been arranged without any provision as to time allowance for boats of less than 20 feet. I know of several owners who would enter their boats for this race, but are discou-aged from doing so by the disadvantage of having to compete with larger boats without _ the ordinary time allowance. If the committee wish to prevent some of the best boats from taking part in this race they are going the right way to work, but if they wish the race to be an interesting one, let them make the same regulation with regard to the open boats as they have with regard to the larger vessels : viz., that the smaller boats have a time allowance of 30 seconds to the foot. By doing this a much more satisfac tory competition will be secured than if no time allowance is made for difference in size."

The Waxworks Exhibition, next to the Bank of Australasia, was largely patronised on Saturday evening, and considerable interest was manifested by visitors. The models of eminent personages are nearly equal to those of the Baker-street Exhibi tion, and superior to any hitherto exhibited in Auckland. The "Sleeping Beauty" attracted much attention,*and, according to photography, Arthur Orton, alias "Sir Roger," is life-like.

A teacher and female assistant are re quired for the Tuakau School.

The Beach Road from Parnell to the city is at length within cooey of completion. For three dreary winters has this long expected, thoroughfare struggled in the difficulties of parturition, and we believe we really are justified in saying that before the present summer is over, the metal will be laid right through to Custom House-street. During the last week or two a laige quantity of rubble scoria has been laid in the cutting at Fort Britomart and along that part of the Road near the junction of Short-street. The cutting referred to is now sufficiently wide to enable vehicles to pass in safety while the excavation works are going on, and we notice that already the Parnell omnibusses sometimes go that way of a morning. The only unmetalled portion is now about 150 yards at the Custom House end, and there is no reason why this should not be made at once. When completed this road will be a most useful one, and it is a pity that its construction should be so long delayed.

There is an old saying that " fools and children should never be allowed to see any work until it is finished.' This saying applies with some appropriateness to the improvements now going on in Parnell. We have little doubt that when Mr Peach has finished his contract, Parnell Rise will be a much more sightly as well as more accessible approach to this pretty suburb than it was before. But the mess which now meets the eye and tues and befouls the foot of the wayfarer in that locality is "that awful" Byway of more speedily lowering the roadway at the top of the hill near the corner of Rutland Road, the plough has been brought into play, and a day or two ago might be seen the rare sight of the share ripping up the Queen's nighway. The depression of the main road has of course necessitated the alteration of the level of the streets running into it, and the consequence is that the residents in the neighbourhood are having a rare time of it. Some of the houses at the corners are being undermined with the object of having a lower story built under, and during the pro cess they iook very undesirable habitations. Most of them have a flight of wooden steps leading up to their doors, but here and there this luxury is not indulged in, and the approach lias to be made by a kind of Jacob's ladder cut in |the precipitous em bankment. The pathway having been re moved, the verandah posts have lost their natural support, and substitutes have been found for the upright pillars in pieces of scantling earned slantingly from the edge of the verandahs to the base of the houses. Then at the foot of the Rise confusion is worse confounded by the refusal of the Municipal authorities to raise the level of the Strand to the level agreed on by the Borough Council. The consequence of this is that the traveller to Parnell after passing under the railway arch comes suddenly on a gradient which for a few yards is far steeper than the hill was before. But we may confidently expect that in the course of a "fortnight or so we shall see a great diminution of these temporary inconveniences, and soon afterwards shall be able to appreciate the advantage which the outlay is intended to secure. We notice that the owners of the cottages on the right hand side of the rise going up are allowing the contractor to shoot the excavated soil into their front gardens. These are considerably lower than the level of iho road, and the filling ii> should raise not only the gardens, butthe value of the property.

was a large attendance of ladies and children, and several gentlemen, to-day at the Choral Hall, on the occasion of Dr. Somerville's address to the ladies of Auck land on Christian work. The mid-day prayer meeting was w.ell«attended Mr Dargaville, in another column, an nounces his intention not to stand for Parnell, and asks his supporters to vote for Mr F. J. Moss, on the grounds stated in the letter. In our advertising columns it will also be seen that the electors are asked not to pledge themselves till Mr Reader Wood has formally resigned. Mr Wood intends resigning on his departure for Eng land, which will probably be by the next mail steamer in a few days. No formal action can be taken till the resignation is sent in. If anything, should cause Mr Reader Wood to defer his visit to ths old country there is no reason whatever why he should resign the representation of the Parnell electors, whose confidence he has so long enjoyed. The tiring of the Victoria Company on Saturday, for the medal, resulted as fol low : _Volunteer Bowden, 44; Volunteer Taylor, 42 ; Volunteei Payne, 40 ; Corporal Duff, 40 ; Volunteer E. Cooper, 39 ; Corporal J. W. Leigh, 38 ; Corporal C. Cooper, 38 ; Corporal James Leigh, 38; Volunteer James Haslett, 37 ; Volunteer Fairs, 37 ; Sergeant John Haslett, 37 ; Volunteer Eady, 36 ; Sergeant Henderson, 35 ; Volun teer Putman, 32 ; Volunteer Hamilton, 27 ; Volunteer Granger, 18.

A cricket match was played in the Domain on Saturday between the Parnell and Junction Clubs, and was won easily by the former with three runs and five wickets to spare. The scores were : Parnell, first innings, 37; second innings, 58 ; Junction; first innings, 58 ; second innings, 34.

The Mammoth tent of curiosities was opened on Saturday evening on the vacant allotment opposite to the Theatre Royal, and was largely patronised. Every ticket holder was entitled to a prize, the prizes ranging from a pair of baby's shoes to a gold watch. The tent will be re-opened this evening. Mr F. Larkins, treasurer, acknowledges the receipt of the following sunis_ for defraying the expenses of Dr. Somerville's services :Mr Wiseman, 10s ; Mr Gill, 5s ; a Friend. 10s ; do. Is 6d ; do. 5s ; do. £1 ; Mr Holdship, £1 ; Mr Coombs, £1 ; Thos. Bartlett, 10s ; a Catholic, £1 Is ; collected at the Theatie on Sunday afternoon, £44 ". The expenses will be about £100.

Mr J. M. Tattersall, one of the first-class passengers by the May Queen, has been presented with a handsome testimonial by the passengers, crew, and officers of the ship,in recognition of his efforts in providing amusement for them during the passage. The address bore sixty signatures.

The monthly inspection of the Victoria company of Volunteers will be held to morrow evening in the Drill-shed when every member of the Company is requested to be present. The members of the Hobson Company are notified to assemble for inspection of arms and accoutrements to-morrow evening, for the purpose of taking the numbers. A full attendance is requested on this account.

The handsome new school house in Wellesley-street, City East will be opened on Thursday next at three o'clock. The Bishop of Auckland, sncl several other clergymen are expected to take part in the proceedings. The Regatta Committee have issued a capital programme, and there is every pro bability that the entries received next Saturday night will be more numerous than they have ever been before. Without wishing in any way to find fault we would suggest an alteration which might be adopted with advantage next year. The drawback of our Regatta is that we have no " feature" in it as newspaper people say. There is no particular race to which, like the Dunedin Cup in horse-racing, public attention is directed for months before, and in the result of which conse quently great interest is felt all over the colony. The race for schooners and trading vessels would most appropriately become such a feature if commensurate prizes were offered. At present and for some years past the Auckland built schooners have carried off the principal prizes at the leading Southern regattas, yet it is a remarkable fact that our best vessels scarcely ever come out for our own prizes. The reason of this is obviously that these are not large enough. A vessel of fifty or seventy tons would not be likely to be exactly in racing condition at the moment of entering, and a new sail here and a few new ropes there easily run into £20 or £30, and what ia the chance of winning £50 against this positive outlay. It will not do to say that this expenditure would all be required in a short time, if not exactly at the moment. We all know that n sail not good enough for racing purposeswould.be quite good enough for ordinary use for perhaps a full year longer. In proof of the reasonableness of what we say we have been told of a vessel now in harbour which is not likely to start because the Captain does not think it worth his while to go to the expense of putting his vessel into racing trim. Where more suitably than in Auckland should the Champion Schooner Race of New Zealand be sailed ? If the Regatta , Committee would act upon this hint they would find that the prestige of their Anniversary would be very much increased.

As it is imagined by some persons that Signor Rosnati, of the Levy Company, took part in some songs given to the inhabitants of Motutapu and Rangitoto on a recent occasion, he wishes us to state that such was not the case, as he was far too unwell to attempt anything of the kind, nor did any such vocal display take place. A lively scene was witnessed on Saturday evening in Shortland-strcet by at least a hundred lookers on. Words ran high, and people flocked to ascertain the cause. The central figures in the crowd w ere an artist and a black boy, named "Sam." The struggle was intense as the moon darted her disclosing beams upon the multitude. " I will," " you wont, were almost the only words that could be heard by the spectators. There was a struggle, terrible while it lasted, and a box was wrested from the arms of " Sam," who screamed out I'm done for, he's got all my property, even to my last shirt. The reply was, " pay me that thovi owest," and the door closed after him. Sam went weeping down the street, vowing he would go to the police station and lay an information against the man who had taken his last shirt.

On Saturday 44 prize exercise papers, written during the holiday weeks by schol ars belonging to several of the city and suburban public schools, were received by the Secretary of the Scripture Gift ASsocia - tion. The work done in these papers is a rather lengthy, but interesting scripture ex ercise, calling out some',thought and research, and of necessity a little originality of ex pression . Nearly all are most creditably executed, while a few specimens speak, highly either for the parents or school teachers, or both. Forty-two papers of the same kind, and nearly equally well done were received from scholars of the public schools at the Thames. The following are the Auckland names,viz, Girls :—Margaret C. Bane, Emma Carter, Emma Maria Coad, Emily Dickson, Matilda M. Ellison, Sarah Grey, Lucy J. Hailing, Sarah Froude, Louisa Joseph, Alice Leßoy, Elisabeth Maiden, Martha Murray, Mary E. McAdam, Harriet Mary Phipps, Millicent Pitts, Emma Sloan, Jessie Wilson, Edith Lilia Cole. Boys :—

Albert Edward Bailey, Frank Cullens, William Cullins, William Ernest Dalton, William John Downey, William Bruce, William Drummond, Charles Thomas Edwards, George Adam Davidson, Fred erick Ernest Green, William Harrison, Henry Folder, Harry Inman, Thomas Oliver Jenkins, James F. Kraft, Frank A. Lepine, Fdward Leßoy, Christopher Mc- Adam, Thomas McGregor, Richard F. Sankey, William Smith, Richard Ridings White, Harold W. Young, Sydney W. Dalton, William Bruce, James W. Browne. It is cxjoected that the distribution of the prizes will take place at a public meeting i at ;iu early date.

Telegrams with reference to the "Wcs leyan Conference announces that the Rev. Mr Fairclough jis fixed for the Auckland circuit by the Stationing Committee. Our correspondent at Gisborne lias neglected to send us a report of the Gisborne Races, which came off on Friday and Saturday. From private telegrams we learn that Perfume won the Ladies' Purse and Worm the Tradesmen's Plate on the first day.-

CABLEGRAMS.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON

CORRESPONDENT.)

The Peace Negotiations.

London, January 17. The Turkish envoy has arrived within the Russian lines.

An armistice is probable, and peace also. Disraeli hus denied that there is a split in the Cabinet.

The Queen's speech does not ask any money for war purposes. Its tone is pacific, and the country is peaceful.

Excitement in the Levant.

Russians Completely Invest

Erzeroum

The Armistice Negotiations.

British Troops Detained at

Malta

(PER PKESS AGENCY)

LONDON, Monday, 14th. . Constantinople telegrams announce that there is great excitement in the Levant. The Mahommedan population of Constan tinople manifest irritation against England. The Russians have completely invested Erzeroum. The Grand Duke Nicholas has notified Turkey that he is ready to receive delegates and arrange for an armistice, put he pro fesses ignorance of the peace conditions as a whole. The British troops homeward bound per Junina, and outward per Euphrates, have been detained at Malta. The Servian Namijik has been invested with full powers to treat for an armistice, and has started for Kasanlik.

Capture of Phillippopolis by Russians.

British Miisters on the War

Joint Note from Engiand and

Austria.

Colonel Baker Surrenders with

30,000 Men

Tvrks Evacuate Several Impor-

tant Towns.

Suleiman Pasha Retreating.

Terrible Railway Accident.

LONDON, Wednesday. gjThe Tanjore left Galle on the 12th. The Siam arrived from Australia on the 15th.

Advices from Constantinople state that a great battle was fought on the 14th near Phillipopolis. Fighting re-commenced the following morning. The inhabitants have been ordered to leave the city, also Tchirpare. Kaffir prospects are more cheering. A large quantity of Colonial wool is declared for sale by auction, to take place on February 19th.

LONDON.

Thunday. Austrsa and England were informed Russia and Turkey that whilst admitting an armistice they refuse to recognise a separate treaty of peace without their assent, which would be contrary to the treaty of Paris. Frequent meetings continue to be held in London in-favour of neutrality. Friday. Earl Beaconsfield in a recent speech, said that if British interests were threatened, the Government would not hesitate to defend them. Baker Pasha has surrendered with thirteen thousand men. The Turkish fleet has bombarded Eupatoiia. The Queen's speech at the opening of Parliament was pacific. Sir Stafford Northcote made a reassuring speech, and war supplies were not immediately asked for; only as a contingency. The addresses in reply in both houses was carried. The Queen has wired to the Sultan, and herself urged the Czar to conclude an honour able peace. The King of Italy was buried in the Pan theon. All foreign Courts were represented —Englann by Lord Roden. There were regretful comments on the absence of one of the Royal Family. Earl Salisbury has declared against war until the Russians approach localities defined as affecting British interests. He denies that differences exist in the Cabinet between himself and Sir Stafford Northcote. The British Government intend taking no action at present, while ignorant of Russian proposals of peace. This is approved by the Gladstone party. Saturday. The Russian loss in capturing Shipka Pass amounted to 5,464. The Russian forcks had. accupied Phillipolis, and march ing on Adrianople. A suspension of hostilties throughout Buigaria is agreed to. The funeral of Raspal at Paris was followed by sixty thousand. At a railway accident at Fall Bridge, Hert ford, Connecticut, many were killed. A fire occurred at Trache's Manchester warehouse, Walling-street, and twenty thou sand pounds' worth of damage. The money market improved. LONDON, Saturday. The Turks have appointed „ two envoys, Avho have met the Grand Duke Nicholas at Kesanlik, to arrange an armistice. It is said the Duke will not treat till the evacua tion of Adrianople, which the envoys or dered. The Turks offered to evacuate Widdin if guaranteed a safe retreat, also Erzeroum where provisions are running short. Eski Juma and Osman Bazar are evacuated, and in the hands of Russians. It is stated that Sulieman Pasha was defeated near Phillipopolis. His army is trying to gain Salonika. THE RTJSSO-TURKISH WAR. London, Jauuary 9. The Turks have obtained a victory and re-occupied Kurschumli, driving the Servians back to the frontier after two days' severe fighting. When evacuating Sophia, the Turks removed the principal Bulgarians. THE POLICY OF TBE TURKISH MINISTRY. The Turkish Chamber has passed a reso lution declaring the exposition of the Ministerial policy to be satisfactory. The Minister of Eoreign Affairs, in address ing the Turkish Chamber yesterday, declared that Turkey was isolated, and had no hope of an European alliance.

The Turks have defeated the Montenegrins at Spurz.

THE FENIAN PRISONERS.

London, January io. Fenian military prisoners have been released, but hose engaged in the Manchester murders are detained. H. M. Stanley, the South African traveller, has reached Brindisi.

PEACE AGITATION IN ENGLAND.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT,

LONDON,&Fanuary 18,

Meetings have been held thronghont the country for many days past urgmga policy of neutrality on the Government. The fac+ of the Queen's speech at the opening of Parliament being in conformity with the wifh general opinion has had a very trauquilising influence.

AUSTRALIAN CABLEGRAMS.

THE VICTORIAN DEADLOCK

MELBOURNE, January 19.

Mr Lalor, the' Commissioner of Customs, at Ararat said the question at issue in the political deadlock was not payment of members, but whether sixteen of the Council should rule. SYDNEY, January 19. Hennessy's case brandy unchanged ; bulk, 9s. Kerosene, Is 10£ dto 2s per gallon. Patna rice unchanged. New Zea land wheat, unchanged ; New Zealand oats, 4s to 4s 6d per bushel. Barrett's twist tobacco and Company's sugar un changed. Belmont sperm candles, 9§a. per Ib. ADELAIDE, January 18. Flour, £14 10s per ton ; wheat, 5s 9d to 5s lOd per bushel.

WEATHER REPORT.

ABSTRACT OF OBSERVATIONS FOR THE WEEK ENDING SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1878.

Barometer (corrected)— average, 29.806; maxi mum. 30.035, at 9.30 a.m. 19th; minimum, 29.019, at 9.30 p.m. 16th; average same week of 18//, •?9.427. ~ Temperature, day—average, 71.5 ; maximum, 75.0,17 th: minimum, 68.0, 18th; average same w-ek 1877, 71.6. Temperature, night—average, 06.6; maximum, 59.0. loth ; minmum, 53.2, 11th; average same week 1877, 59.8. Temperature, approx. mean.—average, bi.i average same week 1877,65.7. Temperature, dew point— average, oi.u; aver age same week 1877. 60.1. Humidity (scale 0-100)- average, 68; maximum, 76,17 th; minimum, 58,18 th; average same week Wind, velocity—average, 102 miles: maximum, 517 miles 13th, b.W.; minimum. 291 miles loth, W • average same week 1877, 328.6 miles. Cloud (scale 0-10)— average, 7.4: average 3ame week 1877, 7.1. „-,•■_ Rainfall, total -average, 1.280 mche3; maxi mum 1.125 inches 17th: average same weefc or 187, 3.815 inches. Number of days rain—aver age, 3; same week 1577, 4-

Barometer read twice daily, at 9.30 p.m. and at 9.30 a.m.; also occasionally in times of atmospheric disturbance. All dates refer to 10 a.m., and observations are those of the previous 24 hours. Weather mostly fair, but cool and cloudy, with steady W. and S.W. wind, bloTring fresh durins the day, but generally drop ping soon after sunset. Often very clear and bright at sunrise, clouding over rapidly between 6.0 and 7-0 a.m., clearing again an hour or two after sunset. On the night of the 16th very heavy rain with short thnn der storm (distant) ; on the 15th and 17th, slight showers ; on the 18th, a few faint showers, but no measurable amount of rain at the station on the moming of the 19th ; a lunar rainbow was, however, noticed at 9.0 p.m. Barometer below average of January for 14 years past, also temperature, which is four degrees below the average of this month.

Elwik B. Dickson. Meteorological Observer. Auckland Meteorological Station, January 19, 187 S.

NOMINATION OF COUNCILLORS AT PARNELL.

The nomination of two persons qualified to fill the positions of Councillors of the Parnell Borough Council, rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr J. M. Mitford, and the election of Mr J. W. Melton as Mayor, took place to-day. There was not much inertest evinced in the affair. Two candidates were neminated, viz., Captain D. H. McKenzie and MrW. Flood. They were declared to be elected by the Return ing Officer, and the proceedings then ter minated.

LEVY'S POPULAR CONCERTS.

The second concert of the season was given at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening. On each appearance. Levy was hailed with cheers, and after everr performance was enthusiastically encored. His own professional selections and. compositions were played in superb style, and never failed te call forth irresistible outbursts of applause. The encores were complied with by the effective rendering of some familiar airs. The audience manifested a disposition to keep the cornet going without any more extended pauses than those required to inflate the lungs of the Prince of Players. The concert opened with Signor Giorza's brilliant overture, on the pianoforte, grand lantasia on airs from " Trova tore," which was highly applauded. Miss Pitts and Signor Rosnati sang, with great effect, Tl Rammenti" (Campana), each exhibiting a thorough knowledge of the piece, and singing with such precision and effective modulation of voice as tocallforth an encore. The aria "O Mio Fernando" (Donizetti) was exceedingly well given by Miss Pitts, who had the house with her from the first note, and gained well-deserved acknowledgement at the finish. The audience insisting upon her re-appearance. Miss Pitts favoured them with another admirable selection. Signor Rosnati's song "Barcarolle," from "Masaniello" (Auber), was given with great vigour and effect, and much applauded. Mrs Levy sang "The Flower Girl" (Benignani), in excellent style, proving the possession of a highly cultivated and refined voice, together with a very correct judgment, and gaining a unanimous encore, in compliance with which was given "The Maid of Dundee." The appearance of Levy was the signal for general cheering. When it had subsided Levy com menced his "Russian air with variations" (Levy), as performed by command of his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia. The first notes given proclaimed the great excellence of the player, and the listener was at once impressed with his complete command of the instrument. The clear, ringing, clarion tones of the cornet seemed, as it were, to bid defiance to any otber instrument. As Levy proceeds the listener is astonished at the un limited volume of sound which from the instrument fills the entire building. The volumes of sound issuing from the instrument, and their rapidly changing character affect one like a sudden tempest bursting over head, and the .mind is lost in the contemplation of its grandeur and force. Suddenly this effective display is over, and soft and gentle music succeeds—peaceful as the mur muring of a brook —a soothing, almost solemn cadence, lingering with an exquisite tenderness on the air. The stillness which pervades the auditory tells how every nerve is vibrating with the same feeling, and every ear is drinking in the fluttering dulcet sounds. In response to vociferous acclamation and. recal, Levy played " Sweet Spirit, Hear my Prayer." Addio (Chur man) was given in perfect style by Mrs Levy, Miss fitt, and Signor Rosnati. The duo " Martha " (Floto) Mrs Levy and Signor Rosnati, was very successfully rendered. Mrs Levy's pleasant voice blending agreeably with the polished tenor of Signor Rosnati. The ballad, •' Sad is the parting," was Levy's second piece, given with his usual success. When repeating the air with the mute Levy astonished his hearers. The marvellous time he sustained the lone note, and the very harmonious shakes in troduced, with the dulcet air which rippled con tinuously from the cornet, and seemed never going to stop, had a most pleasing effect. The sudden resumption of full-toned play, concluding with ihe long-triumphant blast, elicited a storm of applause, which was acknowledged by Levy with " Yankee Doodle." The song by Miss Pitts, " When the quiet Moon is Beaming," was sung with that rich contralto voice for which this lady is celebrated, and was a great success. Levy's great polka, "Levy atnan." gave the opportunity of displaying to the full the powers of the great cornet player. The brilliant execution, the grant\swelling tones which he produces, and the rapid introduction of every possible change, rolled out just as if to defy anyone present to prove there was any other cornet player in the world. The very enthusiastic and unceasing cheering which followed drew from Levy a medley of the most popular of our national airs ; after which the lasc piece of the excellent prog-amme was fiven, a trio, " Dame Durden," by the vocalists Irs Levy's graceful-toned repartee. Signor. Rosnati's facetious sty c, and Miss Pitts* arch personelle and singinpr. evoked a well-deserved eucore. Signor Giorza's execution on the piano forte was one of the features of the entertain ment, only second to Levy s marvellous feats with a more diflScu.lt instrument. The piano

£or«e, however, was hardly up to the mart/H solos in so large a hall. To-night the "* ' gramme is again changed. Pro.":;,.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUU OWN CORRESPONDENT COROMANDEL, this <kv MERCURY BAY. y< 1 The Saucy Kate, Ness, and Ocean "ty av 1 have mailed. Another vessel -was sigatJ '■ coming in. The Whangapoua, Albatro^ : Rob Kny, and Leo are loading. 'f'-% CAMBRIDGE, this day I IiORAHORA LAND DISPUTE Hoarding the Horahora land question the opposition to Major Jackson's oceans' tion was raised only by Te Ngakau, who finding Major Jackson supported by K ew j' as a last resource appealed to the Govern' ment, who have telegraphed to Major Jack' son acknowledging his right to Horahora! but requesting him not to occupy fo r $. present. Rewi acknowledges that the land was fairly sold by the rightful owners, i^. 1 eluding Te Ngakau's brothers, and Nga'kan assisted in the sale. There is no danger of outbreak as stated by Te Wheoro. ° WELLINGTON, thisdav HAWKE'S BAY LANDS The case of Takamoana v. Onnond resumed on demurrer relative to the title to some lands in Hawke'sßay,occupied the Supreme Court until its rising on t Saturday. REMARKABLE WHARF ACCIDENT The ketch Reliance had a narrow escape while lying off Dorrett's wharf at Paradise Bay on" Wednesday. The Reliance was to the leeward of the wharf, on which 20,000 feet of timber was piled ready for loading. A terrific gale of wind was blowing Suddenly the wharf gave way, swayed to one side, and went o\er going with its load % of timber to the bottom of the sea. Fortunately the ketch was not y e { moored to "the wharf, but was at anchor a little distance away. Had she been moored alongside, as she woald have been a little later, the whole mass of \ timber must have been precipitated onto her decks, and certainly would have com- \ pletely stove them in, smashing the vessel and sinking her. ROW IN COURT. There was another row between Mr Barton and Chief Justice Prendergaat o» Saturday. Mr Barton was proceeding to give reasons for an application when His Honor interrupted him by a remark Mr Barton : "lam giving my reasons for • the application. If you will not hear me, I will sit down." His Honor : "If I have any of your impertinence I shall punish you in the same way as others." Mr Barton: "Threats of that kind do not affect me." His Honor : " I will suffer no impertinence from you, Mr Barton. You are—" Mr Barton : " You have no reason to say .that I—" His Honor : " Will you sit vdown Mr Barton. I say you are ex cessively impertinent." Mr Barton : I will withdraw everything which was imperfr nent." His Honor: " Si* down." (Mr Barton complied.) '•' When I was speaking to you, you said, 'If this Court will not hear me"l will sit down.' I say that was very f disrespectful—very impertinent." Mr Bar. ton: " Very well, your Honor." His Honor : " I said I would hear the grounds of your application." Mr Barton : ''Well, I have tried to place them before the Court : I have been charged with impertinence. I f. certainly do not desire to force the Courtto * hear me any longer when I see it is a hope-' less matter. If the Court will hear my argument I will proceed. If not, I will at down." His Honor: "You cansitdowif if you like. I have said several times that; IJwould hear you after hearing the argn-* ments." His Honor said he could not see I that there was sufficient grounds to justify the case being taken out of its turn. Mr Barton :" Oa the 24th.of this month the Court closes for 40 days."—His Honor : "But injunctions are always heard. —Mr Barton : " But I have an objection to the case being heard in Chambers. I de- . sire it to be heard in the presence of the public, and ot the press."—His Honor : "I pay nb attention to such an insinuation."— Mr Barton : " But Parliament has declared m that it is well that the Press should be ad mitted to exercise a wholesome effect. That open Courts are conductive to morality, in being open to public opinion."—His Honor: " I care neither for the Press nor Parlia- ; ment. We endeavour to do our duty as , judges without respect to either. I see no p\ urgency in this case. The suit has been pending six or seven months, and plaintiff will be in no worse positionif he has to wait a little longer."—Mr Barton : " That means the case must stand over until after the I vacation." —His Honor: "I can't helpu that." DUNEDIN, this day. HIGH SCHOOL DISPUTE. The High School Board of Governors on Friday night accepted all resignations of; teachers in the Girls' School sent in to j the Education Board, and asked Mrs Burt i to accept the lady principalship of the school, and in recommending assistants for t appointment to exclude any who may be her relatives. The Board agreed to request ~ Sir Julius Vogel and Mr Abbott, of the fj City of London School, and Dr Morrison/of \ Glasgow Academy, to select a rector for :1 "the Boys' High School. MR TAIAROA.—THE CUP RACK Mr Taiaroa, M.H.R., was entertained at dinner at the Maori Kaik on Friday night; ; 150 were present, fully half Maoris. The Jockey Club has referred the § question of Blues Peter's acceptance foe | the Dunedin Crip and the Publican's \ Handicap to the Australian Jockey Club. Although Swanson's letter was received in Dunedin post-office on Saturday night, the 12th inst., the Jockey Club did not obtain :| it till the Monday following. [PRESS AGENCY.] COROMANDEL, this day* I Hasard and party have just finished 43 : tons of stuff. Retorting is going on, and* I good yield is looked for. The Conquering Hero has started loading :: stuff for the battery. It is likely to|| commence crushing fo-morrow. Tokatea. —The tributers have a large. - quantity of good specimens. ssflt is reported that the Coromandel Cot pany met two very good leaders in driving in 120 feet, and expect to intersect the low in a short time. WELLINGTON, this day. I WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. The first Stationing Committee sat on < Saturday, and its recommendation to tjtt Conference was that Rev. Mr Faircloug.li be appointed to the Auckland Circuit, andtn* Rev. R. Bavin be appointed to the Nelsoft: Circuit. It is said also that the Rev. W. «wp Williams is down for Nelson. ALEXANDRA, this day. ;: MR CONNELLY'S BAGGAGE. It is not true that Tawhiao has sent K1 the natives who seized Mr Connellys property a message to return it at once- Rewi has, however, sent messengers w bring the horses, and it is believed tna* he iutends to return them to Mr Connelly- TAU RANG A, this day. I HANDICAP ENTRIES. The entrances for the Tauranga Jockey Club Handicap and Handicap Hurdle K?^.-. closed on Saturday evening. The fo^, 1^ are the Handicap entrances : —&?~ >q Gainsborough and Isleman, Crowtner| Rattling Ravan and Steel-trap, Wilkinson 8 Skylark, Peebles Moa, Dubridge's WaiW rapa and Heehan, McGee's Elsa. ~a Hurdle ]-:ace :—Kelly's Mount, Grant' Echo, Feeble's Pumice, Crowther's btej trap, Merritt's Doubtful, Durbridges «»/' rarapa, McGee's Perfume. SALE OF THE WRECK OF TH*,; NFLLIE. fl . The wreck of the Nellie was sold for *|| by auction to Wynch. ■*•■ "The fore and mainmast, winch and store* i were recovered yesterday by the Captain | /life

EVENING STAR MONDAY, JANUARY 21. IS" 8



Seera Brothers ABB CILARING-OUT THE BALANCE OF THEIR SHIPMENTS, Previous to arrival of NEW SHIPMENTS, already advised, Per' Lorraine.' 'Chasca,' 'Seatoller,' s.s. 'Stadt Amsterdam.' s.s. 'Kent.' T^XPIRATION OF "DARTNERSHIP TERM. DRAPERY AND CLOTHING AT 20 per Cent. REDUCTION ! "OUSHBROOK AND "DRIDGMAN. The abovenamed have decided (prior to Stock-taking), in order to facilitate adjustment of accounts, necessitated by the expiration of our term of partnership, to hold a f CLEARING-OUT SALE, g And will allow for a limited © — period, a © DI3Cc^ T NTUP°O F N llKaTh^ I H PURCHASES. " £j b t & 4S.'IN THE & OFF THEIJSTJAL PRICES. Q P o W Commencing on. %, g^ FRIDAY, 11th JANUARY. ~ t-H The Stock is Unusually Heavy, and 55 Well-assorted in every H £j Department. M M * < § *• ' 3 £? R. & 8., with satisfaction, direct cj attention to t'aa fact that since com- mencing business they have steadily y "* avoided all Selling Off, Cheap ._. S | j"3 REASONABLE PRICE, and "NO o S PUFF" and deem that the simple © P-J statement of the fact is sufficient to d convince their friends and the public i^ i_ ofthebona flde character of thepre- Sg sent announcement. „ Goods Entered will be Charged Usual Prices. Country Orders, accompanied by remittance,, will have prompt attention. ''^ RUSHBROOr& BRIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (opposite the Army and Navy Hotel). NEVER Have the Public had such a Choice of BED STEADS offered them as at the present time Besides our already well assorted Stock of Iron Bedsteads, and those of our own manu facture in Kauri, Rimu, Cedar, and Mottled Kauri, we ask them to bear in MIND that we have Just Opened Up, ex "Otaki,1 TWO HUNDRED IRON BEDSTEADS of the mo3t modern style, comprising French. Half Tkster, Children's, and Stomps, also Cots, at Prices to suit all classes. Having purchased for Cash from THE Best Manufacturers, we can SELL A GOOD BEDSTEAD at a Very Low Price. BEDDING of every description, kept m Stock. HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Our system is to make a large return • to insure this We Sell for Ready CASH at a Small Profit, and DELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. 9SBT Give your Furnishing Order to Holloway, GarlicJz & Oraawell, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, AND CLOTHIERS, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN & LORNE-STREETS AUCKLAND. rvN THIS DAY AND DURING THE WEEK, WE WILL SHOW PIEoS ES 10,000 PIi CES FASHIONABLE DRESS GOODS AND j»3- PRINTS. *S* REDUCED TO HALF PRICE IN ORDER TO CLEAR. J. COSGRAVE & CO., QUEEN-STREET.



•\TEW ZEALAND INSURANCE J3l COMPANY. REDUCED RATES FOR DETACHED DWELLTN'G-HOUSKS :—ln the City, from 12s. upwards ; in the Country, from 133. GEORGE P. PIERCE, Manager. NION INSURANCE COMPAiN V OF NEW ZEALAND. A.PITAL ~~ £2,000,000. UCKLA M) BRANCH: Q U E X N-S TREE T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE 'DEPARTMENT. Insuranc granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores. Shops, B u ildi"g3 in which trade is carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hull 3of Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owkst Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING ! . CHILDREN'S UNTOERCLOTHING!! AndBABYLINENM! W. RATTRAY, Having bought tbe Whole of Messrs Sargood, Son and Ewen's Large and Well-selected Stock of LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S UNDER CLOTHING & BABYLINEN, AT A LAEGE DISCOUNT, Has marked them at proportionately Low Rates. Ladies are requested to call and inspect the Stock. ■V" E"W y X ALAND TTOUSE, 66, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland.