SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER-^^^^M^rnlni! 10.33 SUN SET.—This Evening, 6.43 SUN RISK.-To-morrow Morning, 4.46 MOON'S AGK.—Last Qaarter, 18th, 5.37 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

IAST EVEXING. Caledonia, schooner, Lombard, from Tonga to-day. g liAST VENING. Elliotts, brig, Blake, for Newcastle Onward, schooner, Pankow, for Russell

TO-DAY. _ Ocean, schooner, Rawlings, for Katikati

IMPORTS.

£Per Caledonia from Tonga—27 tons copra, 105 sacks candlenuts, 2 bags f unsrus. and 600 cocoa nuts. >.-, ■;...: . :

EXPORTS.

Ex Hawea—4 tanks 2 parcels hops,—ii. ana a. Isaacs.

ARRIVAL OF THE CALEDONIA FROM

TONGA. ! . . The smart fore-and-aft schooner Caledonia' arrived from Tonga yesterday afternoon after a splendid passage of six days to the Barrier, and eight days to the harbour. The ; schooner has made a good round trip, having been absent only two months. Captain W. Lombard reports leaving Auckland on October sth. ■ Experienced fine weather on the run down, arriving at Tonga on the 17th. after a passage of twelve days. Crui3ed among3t the Group, and left Tonga on the evening of Tuesday, the 27th, with a north east breeze, which continued till reaching the Great Barrier on Monday last. Hove-to there for some time in consequence of the thick weather, and experienced light winds and calms till anchoring in the harbour shortly after four o'clock yesterday afternoon. The Caledonia brought a cargo of island produce, and the follow ing passengers:—Major J. S. Drury, Messrs Joseph Cocker. W. W. Cocker, James Brldger, D. Hamilton, J. Stevenson, and Atkin.

BRIGANTINE SIGNALLED.

Abrigantine was signalled when we went to press. Inwards Coastwise. — Morning Light, cutter, from Cabbage Bay, with 50 tons firewood. Outwards Coastwise.—Vision, brig, for Thames, in ballast; Morning Light, cutter, for Thames, with 30 head cattle; Opotiki, cutter, for Opotiki, with timber and sundries. The s.s. Roweua arrived from Tauranga this afternoon. Passengers—Mr and Mrs Foley, Mrs Spratt, Miss Costello, and Messrs. Asher. McLennan, Buchanan, Buttle, Butts, and The' brig Vision cleared at the Customs to day for the Thames, where she is to load 6 Active sailed from Vavau for Apia on the 13th, and left Samoa for Vavau &SThe barque Lebu, for London, took in a large tmantity of wool and gum to-day. The s.s. Argyle will arrive from Wangarei and Mangapai to-mo: row morning. ;

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Tatjhanga. this day. The 5.9. Hawea arrived from Auckland at 5.15 aC3 to-day, and the Royrena sailed for Auck land at five o'clock last »*%^ The s.s. Taupo arrived from New Plymouth early this morning. :

DEATHS.

NICOL.—At his residence, East-street, Newton, after a long illness, George Nicol, aged 70 yc?irs The funeral will leave his late residence on Friday, the 6th instant, at 3 o'clock p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1878.

For the cause that acks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

A special London cable message received to-day and published in another column, conveys most important intelligence les pectinp; the attitude of Persia towards Afghanistan. The suspicious conduct of the Shah compels the Ameer to maintain a strong force at Herat and in its vicinity, in view of a possible invasion from Persia, the frontier of which is not more than 60 miles distant. This news supplies the key to the apparent weak resistance of the Afghans to the British advance. They are in fact between two fires. On the one hand are three strong British corps d' arm<se, aided by the Kybarees and other powerful auxil liaries,rapid]y pushing forward upon Cabul, Ghuznee, and Kandahar, while on the other the Persians, who are the cat's-paw of Russia, are threatening Herat, The Ameer may discover when it is too late, that he has been the victim of the wily diplomacy of the Muscovite, and that he has been decoyed by treacherous promises of support into a war against England, in order to render Herat an easy prey to Persia, or in other words, Russia herself. The desire to possess herself of Herat has been the traditional policy of Persia. In 1836 an attempt was made to seize that city, and again in 1856 Persia, backed by Russia, renewed the attempt, laid siege to the city, and threatened Kandahar. The conquest of Afghanistan was then only frustrated by the despatch of an English fleet to the Persian Gulf. Herat is the gate through which a Russian army Avould pass into the quadrangular mountain citadel which forms the ramparts of North- Western India; and it is the only route avaitable for an army furnished with artillery. Military authorities of the highest competency have years ago pointed out that some day there would be a race between England and Russia for that city, and that race appears to have begun. Russia, with her characteristic cunning, is using Persia as her cat's-oaw, quietly bidiug her time to seize the spoiler and his spoils ; but England is active and resolute, and, being forewarned,is forearmed. ■ \

A St. PETERSBURG!! telegram states that the Czar, during a recent visit to Moscow, expressed a hope ,'that a definite treaty of peace would shorty »be signed. The Treaty of San Stefano, as will be remembered, was merely preliminary^ arid the subsequent Treaty of Berlin left some points untouched. The draft of a- definite Treaty was recently submitted by the Russian Ambassador to the Porte. It affirmed perpetual friend ship and alliance between Russia and

Turkey, and ] contained clauses confirming the indemnities payable by the. Porte, including ten millions of roubles to Russian subjects in Turkey. One matter left in abeyance was the amount to be, re couped for maintenance of Turkish prisoners, but- as these Had been ienlployed on re munerative work during their captivity, the amount was not expected to be large. Other articles of the treaty established the right of the inhabitants of Bulgaria to act with regard to their nationality ; the right of free emigration into the occupied provinces ; an amnesty ; and the arrangements concerning the Sulina mouth of the Daunbe. The article respecting the commercial relations of the two countries was merely a renewal of the former treaty.

While everyone must admit that the Auckland graving-dock has been a failure from first to last," there is no necessity for representing the thing as worse than it really is.§ The " Herald," of yesterday, com mentiug upon the fact that the Dock-master had been unable to put the Government steamer Hiuemoa into dock, was guilty of serious misrepresentation of the circum stances. Our contemporary stated that though the steamer only drew 13ft. 6in. there was not more than 12ft. 6ins. of water on the sill. But the fact that this was at the time of neap tides was entirely suppressed, and our contemporary more over failed to take into account the cir cumstance that the Hinemoa had only just returned from the Bay of Islands with a large quantity of coals. Had Captain Fairchild selected the period of spring tides for docking his steamer there would probably have been nearly 15ft. of water on the sill, the lowest average during these tides being from 12ft. 6ins. to 13ft. English vessels enter the dock in ballast without difficulty, and we are informed that had not the coals been on board the Hinemoa, she might have been docked also. The STAR has consistently con demned the original blunder in connection with the depth of the dock, but mis representations such as we refer to, can only do wanton injury to the port.

The work of cutting down Hobson-street has been vigorously commenced. The first step is to lower the street pipes below the permanent level, which is now being done. The cutting will extend from the crossing of Victoria and Hobson-streets to the sea ward extremity of the latter, and when the alteration has been completed vehicles will be able to drive with ease on the reclaimed laud, thus providing easy access to the wharf.

Mr Ralph Levoi, agent for the Great International Circus, arrived by the Rowena from Tauranga to complete arrangements for the company's season in Auckland. The circus is at present in Napier doing a good business.

A sensational rumour, which has been published by our contemporary, to the effect that the brigantine Oamaru was on fire last night at the Thames, is entirely without foundation. The Thames Naval Brigade went out and discovered it to be a bush fire.

The Cambridge cavalry troop has lately received the welcome addition of a Volunteer baud, consisting of many of the chief in strumentalists of the Cambridge Reedßand. The band will be mounted, and in uniform before the next parade. The following are the names :—C. Mackintosh (Bandmaster) Jas. Stewart (Secretary) James Webber, J. T. Camp, E. Constant, F. Saunders, J. Miller, Booth, J. Lamb, Brennan, W. H. Randerson, Chas. Kiug, Brown, and Thos. Hector.

A billiard match, 500 up, was played on Tuesday night between Sydney, one of the best players in Auckland and an amateur from the South ; the match being for £10 a side. It was played at the Anchor Hotel, the billiard room of which was crowded, fully 120 people being present who showered their applause impartially. At first the game was slow, only small breaks being being made, and the competitors passed the first hundred within 2of each other. In the second hundred the amateur made a good break of 34, but Sydney caught him aud passed the second hundred 16 in ad vance ; here he fell oil" considerably, and at half-time the score stood: Amateur, 256; Sydney, 207. On resuming play the ama teur still further increased his lead uutil the game seemed a certainty for him, but Sydney pulled himself wonderfully well together, passed his opponent at the fourth hundred, and, playing a dashing game, Avon by 32 points. The match was a well-con tested one, and void of dispute throughout. llewi and his family have had their photographs taken at New Plymouth. Civilization is making strides.

" Pousonby" sends a letter combatting the antiquity claimed by Father Hennebeny for certain Roman Catholic doctrines. We cannot open an endless and profitless corres pondence on such a subject, otherwise than through our advertising columns. Messrs Hoffman and Son's extensive show rooms have just been filled with a shipment of magnificent pianos from the world's best makers. The instruments arrived per Loch Fleet, and are of various styles, but all of the best character; several of them are 200-guinea pianos, are of grand tone, and probably the most elegant in ap pearance ever exhibited in Auckland. Those who require a really superior instru ment have an opportunity of choosing from a stock the equal of which is rarely met with in the colonies.

The Dovonport Bazaar and gift auction, in aid of tho parsonage fund, will' be held this evening in the Devonport Hall. The annual soiree of the Whau Presbyterian Church will bo held this evening in the district hall, A'bus will Btart from the Union Bank corner at half-past five o'olook. At the distribution of prizes in St. Mary's Boarding and Select School, the proceedings were of a very interesting nature. Tho "Very Rev. Father Fynes, V.G., and Rev. JBathor Walter Macdonald were present. A large number of prizes wero given to the most suc cessful scholars in the four cla3Bes of tho school, in the several departments of education. A special prize, given by Mr J. A. Tole, for the best specimen of composition, was awarded to Miss Hair; the flrat prize for music was obtained by Miss Flood. The productions of the young ladies generally were of the most creditable description. Very noticeable were the drawings by the Misses Flood, Lynch, Darby, Dennett, and Errington. The examina tion throughout was eminently satisfactory. The members of the Victoria Band will take their first moonlight excursion to-morrow even ing on the brieht waters of the Waitemata. As musical and other preparations have been made, and a large number of tickets sold, a successful and profitable issue is anticipated. The regular monthly meeting of the Prince of Wales Lodge, E.C., will be held in the Masonio Hotel this evening at the usual hour. The members of the No. 3 Company of Volun teers wiil meet for iparade this evening in the Drill-shed., -

RESUMED FOREIGN IMMIGRA TION.

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

(Per Press Agency.)

WELLINGTON, this day. A circular letter has been issued from the Immigration office with regard to the re sumption of foreign immigration under cer tain conditions. Foreigners must be nomi nated by their friends in the colony and pre sent themselves at the Agent General's office in London, and he will provide them with passages from Plymouth, provided they pass the necessary medical examination, and find their own way on board. They must also sign an undertaking that they will conform to all regulations in force on board during the voyage. Foreigners who are nominated, and find their way to the colony as ordinary passengers without coming through the Agent-General's Office-Department, may have their passage money refunded. Due notice however must be given to the local Immigration Officer at the port at which the foreign immigrants are to arrive, and they will be required to pass a medical officer for inspecton of immigrants arriving in the colony. Great care is to be exercised as to the eligibility of immigrants before they are certified to.

THEATRE ROYAL.—"BLACK SHEEP."

This clever drama, adapted from Mr Yate's equally clever novel, which first appeared in " All the Year Round," was performedlast night at the Theatre Royal with considerable success.

The two principal characters were those of "Harriet Routh," by Mrs Walter Hill, and "Stewart" by Mr J. B. Steele: represented with great ability and" care. Miss Kaymond took the part of "Jfillen Brooks," and Miss Lizzie Lawrence that of "Mrs Bembndge, with considerable skill. Messrs Musgrave, O'Brien, and Binmet assisted materially m the development of the plot, and altogether this " Olympic drama," as it is termed, was produced with creditable fidelity. This evening the fine comedy, entitled „__ „ 'PINK DOMINOE3," will be presented for the first time at this theatre, and will, we feel certain, be found to contain points of lively interest, as it was writtea by Jamas Albery, the companion o£ Toole. ■ --- -y -

The S.S. Taranaki Inquiry.

[BY TELEGRAPH.],

[Press Agency.] • ! TAURANGA, this day. Most of the wrecked passengers left for the South per Hawea thismorning:" The official inquiry into the wreck of the Taranaki commenced at 11 o'clock to-day, before Mr Brabant, R.M., and Captains Clayton and Ellis, Nautical Assessors. Mr McKellar, Collector of Customs, ap peared for the Marine Department, i Captain Malcolm, examined, deposed : The Taranaki left Auckland on the 28th November, at 4.30 p.m., with a ciew of 32, and passengers equai to 65 adults. At 10 p.m. the weather was thick. Eased the engines. At 11 p.m. cast lead. 11.45, anchored in 13 fathoms. " Weather very thick. At 3.30 a.m. heaved anchor, and proceeded at 4 a.m. Passed the Needles. Could see Castle Hock, and the Shoe and Slipper, and shaped our course by the bridge compass S.E. by S. J. Cleared Slipper Island by a good mile and a-half. Gave the mate instructions to set the log, and set it himself at 5.50, when he reported the weather thickening again. The north end of Slipper Island then bore S.W. ; the Shoe W. by N. JN. Gave instructions to keep the vessel S.E. by S. At 8 a.m., when the log was hove in, the distance was reported as twenty miles. Pricked the position on the chart, without making allowance for flood tide. This, left us 17 miles from Tauranga Heads, 13 miles off Karena, and 3 miles outside it. I gave the chart to the second mate, and left it on the bridge with him. At 8.30 a.m., altered the course to S.E. by S. £ S., fearing we were too far out. The weather was now very foggy. The vessel invariably made an easterly course. At 8.45, I saw a thin fringe of white water right aheadJ I thought it was a sandy beach, and gave orders to put the helm starboard and reverse engines full speed. As the vessel forged, ahead we saw rocks close under the vessel, and she ran on to the rocks at a speed of about 2 to 3£ knots an hour. She began to roll on the rock, so I stopped the engines immediately. After the engines were stepped, water was reported in the engine-room, so I turned; the telegraph "slow ahead" in case the vessel should slide off. Meanwhile I gave orders to clear away the boats. The vessel filled very rapidly, and she began to list to port. As we were launching the boats I left one man in charge of each, and gave instructions that the women and children were to be landed. I sent the chief officer .to try, and find a landing place on the lee side \ of' the island, which he did. Landed the whole of, the passengers there about 10.30, and dis patched the chief officer and boat's crew to Tauranga for assistance. The other boats were engaged landing provisions and attempting to recover luggage and mails. There was great difficulty in doing this, as the vessel leaned over at an-angle of 45 de grees ; knocked down the bulkhead leading into the mail room, and passed the bags up through the fore cabin skylight. About 4 p.m. .<two cutters came out, and afterwards the Staffa, which took passengers to Tau ranga. Myself and crew stayed on the cut ters all night, and saved what we could. At daylight I proceeded to the wreck. At 4. 45 a.m. found the ship broken in two. The after part had sunk, and the forward part was hanging on the rocks. Could do no thing, so proceeded to Tauranga. Cross-examined by Mr McKellar : Vessel went through the Hole-in-the-Wall at 4 a.m. The log was not set then. The distance from there to Slipper Island is 14 miles. Previous to the accident we were going ordinary speed, so there was no reason to alter it. The man on the look-out had orders to keep a good look out. The second officer was on the bridge at the time of the accident. Soundings would have been no use. There was nothing on the chart to check them by if soundings had been made, had a decrease from 30 to 28 or 17 fathoms shown, I should have stopped the vessel. The officers and men were sober. The compasses were in good order. Stearing by the bridge compass the vessel was last surveyed in .Nov. 1876. It was to be surveyed the first oppor tunity. S.E. by S., J-S. is the course which has usually takeu :mej 2£ to 3 miles E. of Karewa. I have never passed inside Karewa. I use the Admiralty chart. The Union Company put the latest charts on all Iheir boats. I always found the log correct before. The distance rim by the log from 8 a.m. to the time of the accident could not be ascertained. We were nnable to recover the log, as it got foul of the screw, when she struck. I saw tho breakers first myself, not the man on the look out. I could not make out for a moment where we had struck. I had no idea it was Karewa. The helm hard a starboard would have shelvedj her ofF.p^j Hadj it been a breach, aud had 1 put her helm hard a port, she might have got off, but she might also have struck outlying rocks, and gone down in deep water. The Court here adjourned for dinner.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.- This Day.

THIS DAY. (Before R. C. Barstow Esq., R.M.) George Tee v. John Greenleaf; claim £5. —This was a claim for wages.—Judgment for plaintiff; coßts 14s. Wm. Commons v. Capt. Bellars; claim £± 103, cheque.—His Worship said as defendant was in Mount EdeD, it would be useless proceeding with this case. Henry Quinn v. O. M. Quintal; claim £12 15s, money lent.— Mr Lusk for .plaintiff. —Mr S. Hesketh said that on a former occasion he appeared for defendant, but he had no instruc tions in the present instance.—Mr Lusk said that it was arranged that Mr. Buddie Bhould act as arbitrator in the case; but instead of seeing Mr Buddie he left the city. He had telegraphed to-day to say that he had left a box behind him, and wished the case adjourned until some future time. — Mr Quinn said he wished the caße settled, and gave evidence to the effect that he lent defendant £10 as a bona fide loan in March, 1875, and he had never attempted to pay the loan.—Mr David Nolan deposed that he advanced the money on account of Mr Quinn. — Judgment for plaintiff; costs Cook Bros. v. Moss De Jongh ; claim £13 8s — On the recommendation of his "Worship the case was adjourned for a week for further particulars. Joseph Craig v. Edward Croker.—Claim, £2 14s.—Mr Cooper for plaintiff.-Edward Croker, defendant, acknowledged his indebtedness to Mr Craig, but had been entirely without means He was in a hopeless condition. He was now sixty years of age, and past labour.—Mr Cooper • What have you been living upon?— Defendant My sons labour. I am not in receipt of a pension; never was. The present claim was for wood, which was supplied on order on Mr Thorne.-To His Worship : Craig's man was very fabusive. He might have had the wood back.—Joseph Craig deposed that the goods were ordered and sent, Major Croker proniisiuj' to.pay on the Saturday night. He never asked witness to take the wood back.-Thomas Craig deposed that Mrs Croker ordered the wood and coals, asking that a bill might be sent with the things, and cash would be paid for them An order was given on a solicitor for payment He forgot the lawyer's name, but he said it was no good.-Mr Cooper submitted that a fraud had been committed, and, although Major Croker did not actually commit it, ho used thegoods and abused tho plaintiff.-His Worship commented upon the case, and ordered payment on the 10th- January, with coats, 7s 9d, or imprisonment for one month. John Graham v. Joseph Draper.i-Claim^l 15s. John Graham v. Joseph W. Noble.—£2 3s — These claims were for rents.—Draper said, he had been badly off for want of employment but wouid Pay as early as possible.-Ordered jto pay by the 9th January next.—The fsecona cake was adjourned for a week. -_ , v ; >- Gorman v. Silver.-Mr W. H. KissUngj maW an application that a judgment summons might be granted in this case, to take effect at Wel lington. The defendant, Wm. Aybonn Silver formerly a newspaper proprietor, has passed through, a variety of vicissitudes, and was now in a position at Wellington, with means of payment.—The application was granted.: This was all the business.

AUCKLAND COLLEGE AND GRAMMAR SCHOOL ATHLETIC SPORTS.

The day was remarkably favourable for th^ae sports; the Bun shone with a sumnoerbrllliftnoy, and the spectators, chiefly ladies, added to the beauty of the scene. There waa a totez of ex citement among the scholars and comiietitb'rs^ although some had a decided advantage ovfeic others in size and physical strength. The masters, Messrs Anderson and Hammond, Jooji great interest in the proceedings* andactedas judges. Mr Ring acted'fas starter with'mHeh. dexterity.. The. prizes conßißted--:ofssbats and balls, inkstands, pair of carver rests;* writing case, box of paints, ipair of pads, school cup, tankard (given by'"Mr Hammond); silver pen and pencil-case (given by:Mr I; .Alexander); writing-case, photographic album (Mr, tE. Wayte), and other prizes. The best runners were Waters and Ewen; the former evidently had experience.;ont ;_his: side; whilsfr,the:latter,' a little fellow,..exhibited.agreat amount of pluck and; perseverance, which will"ba*bf service to him in the longer face ot life. The hurdle race was ■ capital.^'all the -competitora showing a litheness of limb, especially Peachy,"; who cleared happily, and won the 16g guards. The Siamese and sack races attracted much atten tion ; and in the " tug of war" of four teams of five boys each, John Webster's team were the victors. The races' throughout Were to time, and closed at 4.50, when ;Dr. Campbell dis tributed the • prizes to ■ the: snccessf al com petitors, with an encouraging word to each boy. Mr Anderson and Mr Hammond having said a few words, called for cheers for their patrons, and cheers were Riven to Dr> Campbell, who, with Colonel. Haultain and Mr Brejtt.ibad con tributed to the success of the_sport9. On the proposition of Dr. Campbell, three'cheers were given to Mr Macrae, and the company retired from the Domain cricket ground to the quietude of home.

BANKRUPTCY.

Rr George Black.—At a meeting of credi tors in the estate of Black and Co., Aberdeen Boot Manufactory, the liabilities were set down at £3,905, and assets, £2,600. Mr Thomas Mac ffarlane was appointed trustee. ' ■ " Ke George Markie.—The debtor in this instance was a carpenter and wheelwright, the principal creditors being of Utahuhu and Papatoitoi. Liabilities, £151; assotß, £69. Cer tiflotite of discharge recommended. Re Thomas Lonergan.—This insolvent was described as a tailor, of Queen-street. Liabilities, £245; assets, £110.

REV. A. CARRICK ON FATHER CHINIQUY.

(To the Editor.of the STAR.) SIR,— My attention was called this week to a slanderous' "production directed against the ex-priest Cliiuiquy. Indisposition pre vents me from, defending at some length a dear and honored veteran personally known to me, but it isnot necessary that Ishould. I think the public of Atickland have a right to expect, if not to demand, that the traducer shall confront the traduced. Any other action on the part, of the former will inevitably. cover him with well-merited obloquy ; and Chiniqtiy 3 ; I know full well, can gladly stand his ground. Few men are more widely respected, either in the States or in Canada, by liberal and intelligent Catholics, as well as Protestants, than Father Chiniquy ;'and lam persuaded that the vciy denunciations by, which it 'has been cowardly sought to prejudice Auck land against him before his arrival, will render his entrance and his work vastly more- interesting and important.—-Yours &c, A. Careick. ; :

Mr Editor,—Observing in several of the late iesues of the" Evening Star some letters fr^m correspondents who endeavour to bolster ud the cause of tha ex-Priest Chiniquy; I also beg for a corner in".vyonr journal, for the parpbse'of ex-' pressing what IknoY/,about him. It is'evident_ your correspondents are ignorant of ,ffie character of their herb,'else they wouid write in a different strain from the one they have deemed fit to adopt- .Their stories about the honour in which Ghiniqay was held by Pro testants in America, and concerning his thousands of converts, were long since ex ploded by Protestant American papers, especially by a pamphlet published by Mr William B. Court, ex - Superintendent of St. John's Presbyterian Sabbath-school, Montreal. The Sydney "Freeman's Journal," in its issue of Oct. 26th of this year has given in teresting extracts from the pamphlet just men tinned, which Chiniquy's apologists would do well to peruse. That Mr Chiniquy has been through a large portion of America appealing under false pretences to Protestant communities in favour of his Kankakee friends, who were not in need of alms from abroad, is proven by the PreßS: the "Tribune" of Chicago, the Kankakee "Gazette,"the St. Louis "Banner," and other newspapers which have published the resolu tions made by a mass meeting of the citizens of Kankakee, who denounced the misrepresenta tions of Chiniquy regarding the distressed con dition of the people of that place as false. The above-named "Freeman" has published in its issue of Nov. 7th of this year a column and-a-half of extracts from papers of the United States, proving that Chiniquy has collected under false representations large amounts ot money and valuable goods. Nothing, however, is more untenable in your correspondents' letters in favour of Chiniquy than the story of one amongst them about the Bishop of Illinois being punished by Rome at Chiniquy'a representations, and another about the priests swearing falsely against him because told in confession to do so. But the last beats all. It is that one priest was condemned to prison for 15 years because he had borne false testimony against the ex-priest. Permit me to say that all these assertions are atrocions falsehoods. Can the cause of truth and religion be ever promoted by such un pai'dpnablefabrications? I will leave the candid public to iudge. In view of all this, should not the citizens of Auckland be truly grateful to Father Henneberry for forewarning them re garding the more than doubtful character of Chiniquy's visit to this colony.—l am, &c, B. Croxin. . . .

"DION SNIP'S" REPLY TO MR. FOURNIER.

(To the Editor of the Stab.) sir,—Will yoxi kindly permit me to mildly expostulate with the passionate writer whose ill-considered remarks appear in your last night's issue over the signature of "L. Fournier." Ido not wish to presumptuously, dictate to yourself, sir, in a matter ot journalistic etiquette; but I really cannot see the utility of publishing the vehement assertions of ■ the correspondent alluded to—couched as they are in vulgar and unchastened language, and having no relevancy to the question under discussion, viz.: The veracity of Father Henneberry in speaking of Mr Pastor Chiniquy. Knowing nothing of Mr Chiniquy, and having heard very little of him self or his movements, until.a few. months ago, I am contenttcf-wait to hearibiaexplanation on hia arrival here before cforming ■ too harsh an opinion of; him; but GD .cannot-forbear from making a few observations on certain statements 1 contained in Mr Fournier's letter, on the general character andproceedinzs of the Roman Catholic Church. In the first place,: Mr Fournier says that Father Henneberry's characteristic is "to make it hot for every one '. who has intelligence enough : toperceive - the r enormities ■■ ofhis Church; and later on Mr Fournier" acknow ledges that he is a Roman Catholic, thereby proclaiming his own want of culture and intelligence. It is':-indeed strange that one who has' travelled in places • where the priest had a chance," and who was actually in carcerated by one of those formidable intriguers, should have had the temerity to use the active participle ■ in epeaking of his religious faith, thereby admitting his present subjection to the fanaticism and tyranny of the Roman Church," notwithstanding his earnest denunciations thereof. But the implication contained in the paragraph quoted above, viz., that it Only wants a certain amount of "intelligence" to discover the "enormities" of the Roman Catholic Church—which intelligence Mr Fournier, of course, possesses, as his letter amply testifies—is so amusing and so characteristic of the writer's egotism that one can have no difficulty in forming an estimate of that gentleman's mental calibre, and of the consequent worth of his com munication. On reading it, one is tempted to sar shades of Charlemagne and St. Louis, Alfred and Edward, More, and all ye literateurs, kings, and statesmen, who lived and died in the Roman Catholic faith, arise'and fling back the aspersions of this petty slanderer;" or to bring up the names of recent illustrious accessions to the Roman Church—such as Newman. Manning, Lords Ripon and Bute, and a multitude of other 3. But to attempt to confute a statement so palpably absurd would be entirely a work of supererogation and an insult to the intelligence of your readers. The remark that Catholics are neither, liberal" nor "true," as Piotestants are, immediately stamps Mr Fournier as an unreason ing bigot, unworthy of the notice of a person of the slightest culture. The other statements of his letter are so enigmatically worded, and their construction display such an extraordinary con tempt for the precepts of -Lindley Murray that it is quite impossible for me to comment upon them. In conclusion^ would simply express my opinion that Mr Fournier is more at home in his microscopical investigations of watches than he 13 in theology, notwithstanding the eminent in structors he had:, and I -would venture to suggest that if among those of his.own class he is considered a genius,? he had better not imperil his fame by-appearing" in publicrbut remember the ..proverb; of! his country that "in the Kin g-

NEWS FROM TONGA.

By;the arrival-: ofcthe schooner Caledonia ifrpm'Tipnga croe'ileam. that trade is at presentl very dull amongst the islands, and there is very little doing. There is every prospect of a large crop of cocoanuts in about j three months, and the yield of copra should'there fore be very large. It is also expected that there will be an abundant harvest of yams this season.

CABLE GRAMS.

TO-DAY'S DESPATCBJS (SPKOIAL TOF HE . • A»othex Bottle^ fti h (MOM OVB SPJIOUI-io^ LONDON t> Another battle is proceeding in l C' 3" Pass between the British and L, h "^ but the result has not Ve f f^B' graphed. yei bee* t«W ; The Afghans- arefighting de speratelv

SECOND SPECIAL DESPATCH.

Persia S^pfD^^ Ameer's Operations a»aw EafflaayiampeJll^ The suspicious attitude of Pe rs i at Afghanistan oompels the Ameer to I*** large force at Herat and elsewherti^ to be prepared to check a pro^f et The Ameer's operations againstiW are consequently hampered. 7?~V [PEESS AGENCY. 1

AMERICAN ELECTORAL FEAUDs RUSSIA HOLD^ADRIANOPLE. A message fn^ffi^^ United States promises that an Ek* «* will be held into the electoral 2^ in the Southern States. H?de£?thaud change in the existing financftfiSg*' It is generally reported thatth?£? D< ambassador at Constantinople ha/i£D| the Grand Vizier that the S,Sm^ holdAdrianople and other inSS® M until the departureof theffift P°, sts squadron from the Sea oflia^ o*^0*^ Of the Canadian new three million i per cent, loan three: milUons^t issued. Half of the loan is guaEJl6ll the British Government. mmi<*& ¥ It is rumoured that the Britisl? t>« r " ment will be dissolved in JaSrft The Viceroy's telegram of the feuatidn of Jelalabad is confirmed. No S troops are. nearer Khyber Pass than CaC V£! - S T .PETERSBURGH,D e( ,T The Emperor of Russia is Visiting Moscow In a -speech, he., stated that he hoped a shorUy y PeaCe WoUld' be conS

AUSTRALIAN CABLEGRAMS

(SPECIAL!TO,THE "STAR.") _::;..; Seriows^Anti-Chinese Eiqts. The Mob Endeavours to Burntta ,„., " Factories. Monster Deputation. SYDNEY, ?' {FROMOUR OWNCOSJtESPONDENT.) ■ This day. -DANGEROUS DEVELOPMENT : . FEARED. ■ r ;'.■•■. SYDNEY, this day. Yesternight an aEfa-Ghmese mob stormed the factories of the A. S.N. Company in which the Chinese are employed in Sydney. The mob then endeavoured to burn down the" buildings. " : ; The police were resolute and active, and prevented serious consequences. Four thousand people accompanied a deputation of the Seamen's Union tv Par liament-street, which was crowded -with many thousands of people until- after mid night. , The Seamen to-day rejected the Com pany's proposals te pay demands (?). Threeghundred Chinese, who have been engaged at Hong Kong, are reported coming to Sydney. ", The proposed compromiseanditsTejection has ended in the Seamen's Union com mencing operations, and a serious develop- ; ment Is feared. i

RIFLE MATCH.

Auckland Telegraphists v. Napieb, The following are the scores of a rifle match fired on. Tuesday—three Auckland telegraphists against three of Napier. It was won by Napier by eight points:—; .■ , -'-' Auckland. 200 yds. 400yae. 500 yds. Tl. Beale .. 44343 23334 40322 -44 Bloxsome.. .. 44433 30433 31323 -46 Grey .. .. 33443 23333/ ,04330 -41 ■ - . Napier. : Mc-gridge.. .. 44443 43434 42043 -50 Bates ... ..43333 43303 30444-44 Burr ... .. 34333 2C444 • 32334 - 45 Mr Mogridge was a carbine representative laßt year.? The Napier men had the advantage, as they fired at & a.m., while the Auckland men flredat 3.30 p.m., when there was a high wind.

FATHER HENNEBERRY ON TEMPER ANCE.

At the marquee last'evening the Eev Father "■ Henneberry delivered an. earnest and eloquent g discourse on the subject of temperance, taking as his text the words "Be sober and ■watchM; for your the devil goeth about like a ; roaring lion - seeking ''whom he may devour.■->.. There were probably not less than 4,000 persona . present. The rev gentleman-illustrated by striking examples how the intemperate man rides roughshod, as it were, over everypreoepwi divine and human; and requested all present to stand up and repeat after him the words of tne; pledge. The great mass of the people rose, ana, repeated the formula. The revFatherexpressea ; his joy at the response to his call, and informed them that there would be a procession on Sunday, in which he invitedall to join. He then referred to the education question,; ana; asked them to remove the stigma whicn^wasj attached to the Catholics of Auckland by their brethren in the South, and give a proof of tneir ;j faith in Christian education. The; whole^g gregation instantly rose to their feet. On asßng;; for dissentents, one person stood up. .<i ° mission closes on Sunday evening next, wtn a renewal of baptismal vows.- *

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before G. S. Graham, Esq., J.P.) ~ ,' - Drunkenness.—Peter McNeill was flneaos, : and Fred Kendall 10s, for this offence. . t Desertion.—Wm. Myas, charged witnaeset^ , ing from H.M. ship Dido on the 9th March, 187% ,; was again remanded for eight days.; • nM Poor Bdidset.—Bridget Lestrange, aa «'" woman, whose convictions outnumber tne qw» of the year, was again brought up wa^zl Vagrant Act, charged with using objceno language at the bar of an hotel in Highf rf^ on the night of the 4th inst.-Bridget fixed fiej sti-aightened eye upon the Bench, ana flaw u^ "blood was up." She had baen annpjej, an"J such times she was in the habit of lettll}?^n and "then you may look out." She would cm that she was drank, but that was notiußg. The Bench ordered a fine of £10, ?J®?Z- months imnrisonment with hard Biddy: Faith, and I'll go to chokeyjthe ow man's there. .

This was all the business,

Fire on the Freeman's Bay Reclamation.

DESTRUCTION OF MESSRS. ;M AND CRAW'S SHED.:

A FIRE, which fortunately was ndtattende with any considerable loss of . Ko?^' occurred on the Freeman's Baylßecia^?" tiqn'at^oon- to-day. : At that-time, # «" ; iGraw; a>;merriber of the'firm of ;itnig^ Gra^-and Co., asphalted - >as:: engage"; ■bo^lmgtar, which is thus P rePareS l *? r n ;i;n2 TheSoiler'was partially filled wfth^f tar, and'desiring to •iflcrease'the.jl^anil^ he put in some cold material. « ■ believed that there was some^waterw*" latter, as it suddenly causedjthe boig; contents of the)pot to oyerfto^J^

EVENING< : S.IAR.--IHURSUA*.-. DECEMBER 5



THE MANCHESTER FIR B ASSURANCE COMPANY.,,, Established 1821. ; CAPITAL .ONE MILLION STERLING. ■ R^UE. ; : -1865 ..'Mi- t& •■■ 91-558 1875 -■' -•• %-■: •• 196,720 #?; 1876 <*■'.. -5 •• 224,014 ,/■ s. 1877; ..-.. •• •• 265,993 FIRE RISKS on all Insurable Property taken at Lowest Ratks of Premium. N.B.—All Losses will-fee paid here with liber ality and despatch. Agent for the Provincial District and City of Auckland. . ;;-;: : john r. randerson, : " ' No. 5, Insurance Buildings, Queen-street. ]W- ATION AL INSURANCE COM PANY OF NEW ZEALAND. , Capital .. ■-.. - - .. - J51.000.000.1 UNLIMITED LIABILITY. FIRE. AND MARINE RISKS, of every description accepted on the most favourable terms. All funds invested in the colony. V HENRY B WILLIAMS, i . Mana er. TTNION INSURANCE COMFAJN V \ J OF . ■ ■ ■'' ■ NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLAND BRANCH, QUEEN STREET, next to the Colonial Bank. FIEE DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings In whioh trade le oarried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls ol Shipß or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom. AT LOWEST CURRENT RATES^ „, Manager. /GREATEST VARIETY of Bedsteads VX in Auckland. Greatest Variety of BEDROOM Furniture Greatest Variety of Drawing-room suitks Greatest Variety of Dining-room Suites Greatest Variety of CARPETS Greatest Variety of FLOORCLOTHS CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE. Kollow&y, Garlick Ss Cranwell Have for Sale — OKfi 3EDSTEADS, the Handsomest In VQU Auckland. Iron, Kauri. Cedar, Rimu, and Mottled Kami, naif Tester and . French in all sizes. Stump and btret .-. :,.:: chers; Wood and Iron Cots, Folding . I: '■ • ■" . and Rooking Cots. 1 I7K ROLLS of CARPET to select from I/O Brussels, Tapestry, Velvet Pile, Kid : : derminster, Felt, Duch, Jute, and ": :" ' Stair Carpets; Hearth Rugs; Mat- V .; '~.. tings. : various kinds ~~ innACHAIRS, comprising American, 1 \J\J\J , English, Austrian Bent Wood, Italian, and Colonial, to suit all classes. Wholesale and Retail. > qaa TOILET GLASSES. Very handsome Q\J\J ones just opened; also, a large lot or Chimney Glasses, Walnut, Gilt, and Ebonized Frames. .-.»."•»! a a CHESTS DRAWERS in various woods *v and styles. KA WASHSTANDS & TOILET TABLES, . Oy ■ various designs. qa SETS TOILET WARE, some very O" choice, BEDDING of all kinds BLANKETS, QUILTS, SHEETS, &o. aok PAIR WHITE CURTAINS, Lace, 4^b£> Leno, Aplique, &c. MANCHESTER DRAPERY GOODS CLOTHING. &C. Book Catalogues sent Post Free. Holloway, Garlick and Cranwell, CITY HALL ARCADE. QUEEN AND LORNK-STREETS, AUCKLAND. ICTORTH BRITISH AND MERC AN Jjl TILE INSURANCE COMPANY. LONDON AND EDINBURGH. Established 1809, Incorporated by Royal Charter. Capital .. .. ~ T .. .. £2,000,000 Reserve Fund 4 "■'.. 1.082,763 Income of the Fire Department, Net Premiums and Interest, 1877 ~ - 916,646 Presidents Hia Grace the Duke of Roxburghe, K.T. V iob-Presidents : His Grace the Duko of Sutherland, K.G.; His Grace the Duke of Abercorn, K.G. Extraordinary Directors: Right Hon. the Earl of Alrlle, Right Hon. the Earl of Strathmore, Right Hon. Sir James Fer gusson, of Kilkerran, Bart., Sir Matthew White Ridley. Bart., Right Hon. tho Karl of Elgin, Right Hon. Lord Wolverton, Sir Walter James, Bart., Sir John Maiorbanks, of Lees, Bart., Sir Robert Hay, of Hayetoun, Bart,, David Mahony, Esq., Dublin. GENERAL COURT OF DIRECTORS. .;- Chairman: Right Hon. Lord Lawrence, G.C.8., G.C.5.1., andP.C. Fire Risks taken on buildings and property in the Provincial District of Auckland at lowest ■ RATES B'' ■ ■' ■ '' ■ ! * Losses promptly and liberally dealt with. SHERA BROS., AGENTS, [QUEEN-STREET. vriXEY'SELACK LEAD. "Cleanliness." W. G. Nlxey*s Refined Black Lead is the cheapest and best for polishing Stoves and all kinds Of Ironwork equal to Burnished Steel, without waste or dust. In Id., 2d., and id. Blocks, and Is. Boxes. Caution.-There ar several imitations. Sold everywhere by all Shopkeepers. — Counting House : 12, Soho Square, London. ■f\ N S A L E, - ~, AT THE r Stores of the Undeksioned: - :.." 1 TWO - HORSE i MOWER SAND CORN -1 No. 2 TAUNTON HAY-MAKER j 1 No. 27 HORSE-RAKE 1 N.S.D. CHAFF-CUTTER 1 FAN MILL, for Winnowing Grain and Seeds. The above Machines are well worth inspection. W. J. HURST & CO., i 301. Queen-street.



50,000 YABDS ° F DKESS |MATERIALS fl-TO BE SOLD C|H]EJA|P. 10,000 YARDS OF PLAIN LUSTRES «3r TO BE SOLD CHEAP. H. A TKINS Invites Inspection ;of his NEW SPRING AND SUMMER DRESS MATERIALS. The1 Stock this Season is an immense one, of thr greatest variety, and the prices the lowest n the City. H.A. has also just received ex 'Lebu' to his own order, a Very Large Stock of BLACK SILKS, same as always kept in Stock. These can be specially recommended. They always wear well, and give great satisfaction. Also, COLOURKD SILKS—a splendid assortment in all the n wtColors. ALSO, JUST OPENED, AlComoleta Stock of Long Curtains, Quilt Table Linen, Sheetings, Blankets. Calicos, and Manchester Goods. IN THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT (A Very Heavy Steely SPLENDID VALUE of New Snits.lCoats, Trowserß and Vests, Trowsers, &c." SPECIAL LINES in Galatea and Paget Coats, in Blue and Black Cloth, Worsted iCoatings, Diagonal Tweed, &c, &c, &c. The STOCK of Boy's and Youth's Clothing is very large this Season, and of good value. THE LARGEST STOCK OF TWEEDS IN THE COLONY. Tailors Supplied, at Wholesale Prices. GOOD TWEED for Boy's Wear, from Is lid per yard. H. A T~IT INS. IV/TEN'S mWEED QUITS, MEN'S TROUSERS AND VESTS, BOYS' BALMORAL SUITS, BOYS' TUNIC SUITS. W. RATTRAY Has Just Received a Larze Shipment of VERY CHOICE GOODS in COLONIAL-MADE SUITS, and TROUSERS AND VESTS, Which are well worthy the inspection of Intending Purchasers. THE BOYS' SUITS Are particularly Choice, and hare been im portoa in order to supply a want long felt, viz., a nice, dressy style for little Boys. W. RATTRAY, DRAPER, 6LOTHIER, AND OUTFITTER, (Established a.d. 1853.) NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, 66, QUEEN-STIIEET, Auckland, Opposite the Bank of New Zealand. T7-EMPTHORNE, PROSSER & CO.'S NEW ZEALAND DRUG COMPANY (LIMITED). Application for Shares will be received until SATURDAY, 21st December, at the office of MR. A. SAUNDERS, 2, Insurance Buildings, Auckland. Sa" I would not give my dead son, Ossory. for any living man in Christendom," eaid the Duke of Ormond; and there is many a patient, Buffer ing creature in this world, who, drawing balm from some Gilead, would not exchange its beneficent effects for all the untried remedies of the world. It is known that thoso who have been accustomed to take " Odolpho Wolfo s Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps" are resolutely reluctant against substituting any other tonic.



FURNITURE— Foi the Drawlngroom Dining-room, Library, Be room, or Kitchen, on Sale at 1' &H. COOKE'S. ' v CARPETS— Including Brussels, lapes - try, Kidderminster, Stair Felt, and Dutch, on Sale 1: & H. COOKE'S. , lINOLEUM and Floorcloths, all widths, J Bath Mats, in Linoleur Floorcloth, on Sale at T & H. COOKE'S. , HEARTH RUGS, Door Mats, plain and wool bordered, Matting, Wool Mats, Bed-side Rugs, on Sale at T. & H. COOKE'S. !" J-; IRON BEDSTEADS. — French, Half Tester, Stump and Folding; Iron Cots, all Bizes, Wood Bedsteads and Wood Cots, on Sale at.T. & H. COOKE'S. BEDDING.— Hair, Wool, Spring, Cocoa Fibre, and Flax Mattresses, Feather Beds, Bolsters and Pil lows, on Sale at T. & H. COOKB'S. . JTi LASSES.—Ghimney Glasses, in. Gilt, \JT Walnut, and Maple Frames, Toi let Glasses, Toiletware, Cane seated Chairs, in great variety, on sw* Sale at T. & H. COOKE'S. PRICES.— As we import direct from the English Manufacturers, we are able to sell all imported goods as low as any house in town: and, employing steam powke in our Factory, are enabled to offer articles of local manufacture at a very moderate rate. T. & S. Oooke's FURNITURE AND OARPET WARKHOU E 67. QUEEN-STREET. mHE IW'EW yEA.L AN D m CLOTHING FACTORY htt EMPLOYS UPWARDS OF 600 WORKPEOPLE. BRANCHES FOR THE SALE OF OUR MANUFACTURES AT AUCKLAND napier ' '' WELLINGTON wanganui DUNEDIN oamaru TIMARTJ INVERCARGILL CHRISTCHURCH.. - \ • The Proprietors have had to flght their way inch by inch in opposition to the interests of Importers and Shippers, out the desire on the part of the Public to encourage New Zealand Industries has been manifested by the great success which has attended all the Branches of he New Ze&land Clothing Factory, j SUMMER SEASON, 1878-1879J .:'; ' Now in receipt of MEN'S, BOYS',! and \ youths' clothing, especially Manufactured fob the Auckland Market, and Superior in Style and ■*• Fit to the Imported Goods. A great ■' portion is made of the famous Mosgiel Tweeds, manufactured ofj"pure New Zealand wools. A SINGLE GARMENT SOLD AT WHOLESALE PRICE. P Xhe Largest and Choicest Stock.in New Zealand of Hats, Caps. Hosiery, Port nisnteaux. Bags, and the latest;; Nove lties in Ties, Scarfs, Collars, &c. r A SINGLE ARTICLE SOLD AT WHOLESALE PRICE. All Goods are marked in Plain F nres, for CASH ONLY. Any Article purchased and not appro ved of will be exchanged with the same courtesy with which it was sold, or, if desired, the money will be returned. J. B. ROBINSON, Manager Auckland Brandec. Agency in New Zealand for Wertheim's Celebrated Sewing Machines. mHE PARTNERSHIP hitherto sub. Jl sisting between J. Cosgkaye and W GsAHAMhas been dissolved by mutual consent,. .„. ~ JOHN COSGRAVE. (signed) WM> GRAHAM. In consequence of the Dissolution, the WHOLE of the STOCK-IN-TRADE, BOOK DEBTS,*&c, in Auckland and elsewhere, must be sold immediately, in order to realise. The SALE OF THE GOODS will,take place in Queen-street on TO-MORROW (Thursday), ■when that Enormous and Valuable Stock must be Sold Regardless of Cost !! ~ ■ .■\__^_V! ■■■■ jlrxQ J» C/OS GRAVE & Co.; Wholesale ant> Retail \ :'. Lil .;. DRAPERS iND 6L OT HIE RS, QUEBN-STREET, AUCKLAND. Tr- f :



Victoria .' Band "" ' Moonlight Excursion "" Friday"; " Horta Shore "' Steamers.