SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

(This Afternoon, 6.56 SIGH WAI Ibß—j To . morrow Morning, 7.17 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.1S SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.52 MOON'S AGE.~New Moon, 4th, 1.42 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Argyle. s.s.. Stephens, trorn wangarei Fanny Kelly, ketch, from Wangaroa Columbia, schooner, .rora Poverty Bay Albatross, schooner, Bell, from Wangapoa

DEPARTURES.

lona, s,s., for Russell Rowena s.s., Sellers, for Tauranga Ladybird, s.s,, for Tauranea and the South Rowena, s.s., Sellars, for Tauranga G-o-ahead, s.s,, Helander. 3or Gisborne Southern Cross, s,s., Holmes, for Napier For Fijis—Mazeppa, schooner, at once

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Le^mka.—Christina, schooner, early For NaDier—Southern Cross, to-day, 5 p.m. For Gisborne—Go-ahead, s.s., to-day. 5 p.m. For the South—Ladybird, s.s., Friday, 2 p.m. For San Francisco—R.M.s. Australia, Bth inst.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Taupo. s.s., from the South, early Geor?ietta, barque, from New York; sailed 2nd

October May Queen, ship, from London, sailed sth Oet s Lorraine, barque, from London: sailed 11th Oct Oharybdß schooner, from the Islands, early Anelies, ship, from London; sailed 16th Oct. Abbey Holme, barque, from London; sailed 12th

September. Loch Fleet, ship, from Lyttelton, early, Rotorua, s.s., from Sydney, to-night

Jnst before snndown last evening the signal denoting an incoming steamer was hoisted on the signal post at the North Shore, and it was generally supposed that the Rotorua from Sydney was entering the harbour. In a few minutes, however, the cone was hauled down, and the flag N (generally known as the coast wise flag) was sent up. This in our local code denotes "Vessel gone into Kawau." It would appear from this that the steamer seen was the Hinemoa, running into Kawau from Coro mandel.

The R.M.s. Australia is telegraphed a=< having left Sydney for this portyesterday evening. She may be expected on Tuesday afternoon-

The s.s. Southern Cross sailed yesterday even ingf or Napier, with an average cargo and several passengers. The s.s. Go-ahead left yesterday evening for Gisborne, vdth passengers, cargo, and five race horses. The s.s. Ladybird sailed this afternoon for Tauranga. Gisborne, and Sonthern ports. The schooner Mazeppa is now loading for Fiji. She is to leave, if possible, to-morrow. The schooner Columbia has arrived from Poverty Bay, in ballast. The schooner Ellerton, from the Thames, and the Lizzie Grey, from Kaipara, have both arrived at Lyttelton. The s s. Taupo left Lyttelton yesterday for the North. Passengers for Auckland: Messrs. Reid, Potter, Tewsley, Puddy, Combe, Hassal, Cockroft. A cablegram received to-day states the R.M.s. City of New York arrived in Sydney on Wed nesday. i

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Mr Alfred Buckland's Weekly Report.

The Remuera Yards on Thursday, January 3, were freely supplied with dairy stock, which were dull of sale. Very few store cattle yarded sold at late rates. Fat cattle in less! than average supply—7l head only yarded—' prices advanced 2s the lOOlbs., and , ranged between 27s and 29s the lOOlbs: Lambs, generally of choice Quality, were slightly lower in price. Store lamb 3 brought 23 6d and 3s each; best fat lambs, 11s to 15s; inferior, [from 7s each. Fat sheep offered in moderate pumber, but of good quality; they were in I Steady inquiry, at 2£d for ewes to 2Jd for] wethers. Store pigs in better inquiry ; fat pigs at late values.

BIRTH.

WANNOP.—On the 31st December, 1877, the wife of W. B. Wannop of a daughter.

DEATH.

BERRY.-On the 3rd January, 1878, Mr. Daniel Berry, senr., late of H.M. Custpms, Auckland, aged 80 yeara.—Tarauaki papers pleaae copy.!

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1878.

for t&a cause that lacks assistance, fiwr the wrong that needs tesistancfc Pov tlic fwtare in tile rtKtoncr.

Earl Carnarvon, in reply to a deputa tion, has declared the firm resolution of the British Cabinet to have a voice _in the settlement of the Eastern question. It was scarcely to be supposed that England would forgo the right which by virtue of her Eastern possessions she may justly claim in any final adjustment of territorial questions arising out of the present war. This right has always received recognition from the other Great Powers, to such an extent that her rejection of the Berlin memoran dum compelled its withdrawal. The state ment does not necessarily imply active interference at the present stage ; but it is indicative of the determination of England to resist any settlement that would prove prejudicial to her interests. The attitude of Austria rests on exactly the same footing.

The cable announces that a Kaffir rebellion is exciting alarm, that the troops have crossed the river, and that a regiment is to leave England immediately. The news is so unexpected that in order to understand it the position must be stated somewhat at length. Native wars are as old as the Oape Colony itself. As each tribe succumbed the frontier has been pushed forward till, from the original Dutch trading station in Cape Town, it now reaches to the Great Kei Ri\er, 600 miles away to the Eastward. In 1857 it had only reached the Keiskamma, having been pushed on from the Great Fisli River, as the result of the Kaffir war a few years before. Sir George Grey was Gover nor in 1857, and conducted the colony through the most threatening danger it had yet encountered. The Kaffirs hold it im proper that women should be engaged in tending cattle in any way. In time of war the men are therefore kept from native service in the field to do this duty. Kaffir cattle are very inferior : those of the colonists are remarkably good. The astnte chiefs induced a prophet to believe, and to make others believe, that if the Kaffirs killed their cattle on a certain day, a great wind would arise and sweep the white men into the sea; leaving tke fine colonial cattle for the happy survivors. The Kaffirs killed their wretched beasts by tens of thousands, and there were thousands of people who declared that these dead cattle were -distinctly heard bellowing under ground after the carcases were buried. The hides shorn were the only parts saved, and they were sold by the chiefs to purchase arms for a rush of the tribes—freed now from all care for their own herds—into the colony. Sir George Grey made dispositions so masterly that the rush was baulked. Every outlet was blocked, and the Kaffirs were so completely hemmed in that they became reduced to absolute starvation. Thousands congre gated round the military stations, and fought over the offal of the cattle killed for the troops. So great was their defeat, that 30,000 were allowed to cross the border, and take service in the colony. A Kaffir is a herdsman, a hunter, a cut-throat, a warrior; but manual labour is the lowest depth of degradation in his eyes, and .tillage is an occupation fit only for women. Hence the significance of their entering the colony to get work in such large numbers. Worse still, many were obliged to seek succour and employ ment from the despised Fingoes, who had been their slaves, and who, after being liberated by the English Government at the end of one of the Kaffir wars, had acquired civilized habits, and become com paratively rich. There have been no Kaffir troubles of any consequence since 1857. The power of the tribes was entirely broken. The country between the Keis kamma and the Kei, known as British Kaffraria, was settled by white men and Fingoes. Beyond the Kei, however, lies a tract of country about 120 miles in length, and extending back some 80 miles from the coast. This is inhabited by various tribes— the Amatenabris, Amapondas, Amagale kas, and Amakosas—and it is in this district the outbreak has occurred, The Chief Kreli (Amagaleka) is a very old man. His people attacked wantonly some Fingoe settlers celebrating a marriage. Several were killed on each side. The British Government was bound to defend the un prepared Fingoes who had settled peaceably in the country and had been induced to rely on the Government and not on their own arras for defence. The hot-blooded young men of the Galekas took up the quarrel, and Kreli found himself unable to restrain them. The Commissioner (Colonel Eustace) with his family, was obliged to leave. The Armed Frontier Police, with Fingoe allies, were called out, and a new Kaffir war, after nearly 20 years' peace, has begun. Several minor engagements have already taken place. The head-quarters of the Commander-in-Chief are at King William's Town in British Kaffraria, and the Governor (Sir Bartle Frere), with the Premier of the Colony, is also there. Kreli and his tribe are settled on the coast between Bhe Bashee and Kei rivers, beyond British Kaffraria. He is therefore under the jurisdiction of the Governor as High Commissioner, and his territory does not form part of the Cape Colony. On the other hand,this territory is bounded by_ the Cape Colony and Natal, and a danger arises that the rebellion may spread to the innumerable tribes in and beyond Natal and the Trans Vaal Republic recently taken possession of by the Imperial Govern ment. The tribes in these two great dis tricts are well armed, having earned money, and bought arms and ammunition, by work ing in the gold and diamond fields of the Vaal Republic and Orange River Free State. In Kaffraria proper, the only tribes likely to join Galekas are their kinsmen of. the Gaika clans. They occupy the Amor-1 tota Mountains as the only stronghold left to them, and could do much mischief. At a recent interview which their Chief Sandilli had with the Governor, he ex pressed himself anxious only to get with his mother to some place where he could not hear of war, and told the Governor all he wanted was a horse. He would also like a uniform to wear, and a hat; with a box to keep it in. Perhaps1 he was speaking in sincerity. Perhaps in irony, for these Kaffirs are a strange people. At all events the people of the colony are offering their services as volunteers in great numbers. Tioopa have endeavoured to land at Mazeppa Bay and take Kreli in the rear, but the expedition failed, and they had to land at East Lon don and march to the Kei instead. The crossing of this river is what the telegram no doubt refers to. If the trouble be con fined to Kaffraria, there can be but one end, i and that a short one, put to it. If it extend; to tribes beyond this territory, their num bers, arms, and position will make it a] much more weighty affair. At New Scot- > land, in the Trans Vaal, the Border Magis-, trate, Mr Bell, and eight of his police, have i just been killed by Kaffirs. Mr Bell was; formerly agent of the Glasgow Company's estate in the Trans Vaal. He . had since been appointed a Magistrate,; and settled on his own land. Ho went with his police to demand restitution from a Kaffir chief (who resided on this laud of Mr Bell?s) of some cattle which the chief had seized illegally from some other Kaffirs

(also residing on the land). The chief refused. The Magistrate ordered him to be seized; A tight ensued, and Mr Bell and eighc out of his ten native policemen with him were killed. New Scotland is about 800 miles from Krelis' territory. _But Kreli has a great name and a high position throughout all Kaffirdom, as the paramount chief of great clans or tribes. The danger lies therefore Jess in the direct resistance, which he and his tribe can offer, than in the influence they may exert _ over scattered and distant clans. It is this, no doubt, that has caused a rebellion, of which so little was thought, to assume new im portance in the cablegrams before us. It was the foresight of these dangers to come ihat made Sir George Grey seek confedera tionfof the colonists of British and Dutch descent with such earnestness as to cause him to persevere, despite the opposition of the Colonial Office. For this, he was in the end peremptorily recalled by the same Lord Carnarvon who is now running the col ony into terrible risks to gain what, but for the jealousy of the Colonial Office, was then within reach, and could have been peace ably obtained.

Mr Swanson, M.H.Ii., lias interested himself in the extension of the Kaipara railway, the second section of which, as our readers are aware, has not yet been placed under contract. In reply to inquiries on the subject, Mr Swanson has '-eceived, through Sir George Grey, the following information from the Colonial Secretary's Office : "Re Kaipara railway completion— the Government has only lately decided on the route to adopt. Will take three months' to complete the survey, and call for tenders.—G. S. Whitmorb."

The Pavilion of Natural Curiosities, opposite the Theatre, was visited last even ing by a number of country persons, who were surprised at what they saw, and one was witty enongh to call it " Noah's Ark," at which' the manager —Mr Doran —cracked his whip, laughed, and said, " That's good, but we beat Noah's ark, for we have a two headed calf, a six-legged sheep, and a three-legged dog, which old Noah never had." At this moment Mr Murray, the feeder, put in si word, when a groan was heard, and the poor sheep was observed to struggle for breath. The managei shouted to Henry Bell, who was passing, and asked him to run for a veterinary surgeon ; Mr Kinlock arrived, and pronounced the sheep to be in a fit. Some water was thrown over it, and presently it became calm. A dose of castor oil was poured down its throat, and it appeared to revive. In a few seconds the poor thing uttered an unusual " bah," kicked terribly, and one of its legs fell off, to the evident dismay of the manager, Avho exclaimed, ? 'another leg gone." The sheep, after panting for a few minutes, as was thought, gave up the ghost. The Hibernian Band immediately played, in a sweetly touching manner, Longfellow's dirge—

Our little lamb is dead, The favourite of our fold,

When the poor sheep, enchanted probably by the sounds of music, sprang from the ground, shook himself, stretched his re maining legs, and vociferously cried "bah!"

To-night the settling-up in connection with the races will take place. Nominations for the Papakura Handicap and Hurdle Race 3 are to be made this evening.

The subscribers for the harmonium received from the Newton Kirk are con vened by the trustees to meet in the Excelsior Hall half-an-hour before the other meeting begins, namely at 7.30.

A meeting of persons interested in the erection of a new .Presbyterian Church in the district of Newton is to be held at S p.m. on Monday next, in the Excelsior Hall, Newton.

Prizes won at the Ellerslie sports on Boxing Day will be paid over to the winners at the Thames Hotel next Monday

evening.

A quantity of very powerful turbine machinery has been lying on the wharf for some days waiting to be shipped for Christ church. It was landed from the last San Francisco mail steamer, and is destined for the irrigation works now going on round the city of the plains.

The f uueral of the late Wm. McCloughen took place yesterday from the Eden Vine Hotel, and was very largely attended. The body was interred in the Presbyterian ■' cemetery, Rev. R. F. Macnicol reading the burial service. Deceased was well known and highly respected on the goldfields.

The members of the Hayelock Histrionic Class will shortly bring out a local comedietta, entitled " Ben Clough's Christ mas goose," the leading characters by Messrs Young, Smith, and Squirrell; the heroine by Mdlle. Hay ward. The production is by a local writer ; has points of merit, and bears 3on local subjects, especially on the temperance question. The announcement that the great Ben Allah would appear last evening in the Al bert Hall, and peiform his illusionavy tricks and distribute a profusion of valuable gifts, had the effect of filling the hall with anxious spectators. Without going into detail we may add that Ben Allah's enter tainment was perfect in its way, and has not been surpassed by any similar enter tainment in this city. Not only were the sleight of hand performances complete and satisfactory, but the ventriloquism was also most amusing ; the witticisms and repartee being most provoking to modest people. Some of thel gifts which were distributed were of a substantial character' The enter tainment will be repeated at the same place this evening. Mr James Mcllroy, of Otahuhu, met with a severe accident on his return from the racecourse on Wednesday. He was riding a spirited horse, from which he fell on entering the village. Constable Graham had the sufferer conveyed home. Dr Elmsley found on examination that Mr Mcllroy's collar bone was broken.

The Ponsonby Grammar School will be opened in All Saints' School-room on Mon day morning, the 20th instant, at half-past nine o'clock. The names of the masters and teachers, and the easy terms, payable in advance, are a sufficient guarantee of the excellent character of the projected school. We notice that the mastership has been occupied hy Mr H. T. Pycrpft (late City West No. 2 and Auckland Model Training School). The singing will be taught by Mr M. Swallow (Singing Master Model Train ing School) ; the drawing by Mr K. Watkins (Drawing Master, Auckland College and Grammar School, Parnell Grammar School, Model Training School) ; French by Mr F. Peltzer (8.A., College Henri IV., Paris, French Master Modol Training School); and drill by Mr W. Scott (formerly 60th Royal Rifle Regiment, Drill Instructor Model Training School). We notice by advertisement that if sufficient inducement offer, Messrs Watkins, Swallow, Peltzer (and Dr. Hensen for German), will avail themselves ot their presence in Pon sonby to open classes in the school after school hours for the benefit of the residents in the neighbourhood. As Ponsonby is an improving neighbourhood and continually increasing in numbers, we trust the Pon sonby Grammar School will meet with adequate patronage and support.

The annual picnic of the young ladies of St. Mary's Select Boarding School took place at the Willow Grove Gardens, North Shore, yesterday. They were con veyed to the wharf in two of Messrs Quick's 'busses,which had been engaged by Mr Patrick Darby, and left for the scene of the picnic at 9.30. a.xn. in one of the North Shore Ferry steamers. A very enjoyable day was passed by the young ladies, who were tinder the charge of Rev. Father Walter McDonald, and Mr Darby. The party returned at 6 p. m, to Auckland, wharf, where 'busses were in waiting to convey them home. On arriving at the convent, Father Walter expressed hia thanks to Mr Darby for so generously provided the vehicles, and states that this was not the first occasion of the kind upon which Mi- Darby had shown his liberalty. Mr Darby replied, expressing an opinion that the pleasure of the day would have been greatly marred had Father Walter been absent.

The total amount of Customs duties, afte deducting drawbacks, collected at the port of Auckland during the quarter ending the 31st Dec. 1877, was £45,536 3s ; for the .corresponding quarter in 1876 the amount was £45,437. Us 4d. The duties collected last month amount to £13,754 15s Bd. In comparing the two quarters we find that the principal items of increase are spirits, £904 10s 3d ; and tea, £773 7s 8d ; while the principal decrease has been in ad valorem puties, which show a falling off of £1,790 9s 6d. Goods by weight show a deficiency of £501.

The value of the gold taken to London by the ship City of Auckland was £21,626 Is 3d. The! All Saints annual Sunday School meeting was held on Wednesday evening, and si very favourable report was presented by Mr Hammond, the superintendent. The library contains 22S volumes of sound literature for the scholars, and generally things are progressing. The Rev. E. N. Bree complimented the teachers for then constancy to the interests of the scholars, and paid a well-merited compliment to Mr Hammond who had laboured for six years as leader of the school, and who is retiring for a season from the active labours of the school. . An important intimation from Laptam Morrow to members of the No. 3 Co A.R.V. relative to a special meeting on Thursday next, and other urgent matters, will be found in our advertising columns.

To the Editor : Sir.- -Will you kindly in form me through the medium of your valu able columus, on what dates the Wellington and Dunedin Cups are runforthis year, and obIige.—HIPPOCAMPTHEM. [W ellington races are fixed for the 7th and Bth February, the Cup being run on the second clay. Dunedin races are fixed foj' the 28th February and the Ist and 2nd March, the Cup being set for the Ist day of the meet ing.—Ed. E.S.] Mr T. Macflarlane lately met with a rather severe accident by falling out of a plum tree in the Waikato. He has recovered his injuries, and has arrived in town not much the worse.

Mr F. S. Clark,late of the City Club, has taken the new Terminus Hotel at Helensville. and will open the house to the public at the end of next week. A feature of the hotel is the splendid billiard room.

The new dock continues to go a-head ; almost the whole of the stonework on the sea side has been completed, the coping being in position nearly the entire length. The invert, the sill, and the apron at the entrance are finished, and the caisson chamber is being got on with very satis factorily. The caisson itself will be ready to be placed in position in a short time.

Mr D. B. Cruickshauk has been appointed agent of the Scottish and New Zealand Investment Co. (Limited,) and in an advertisment elsewhere announces his readiness to make advances on good freehold and leasehold properties.^ We have received a copy of the articles of association of this Company, by which it appears that the capital is £500,000, divided into 100,000 shares of £5 each. The Directors cannot call up more than £1 per share, unless with the sanction of the shareholders at a special meeting. The monthly inspection parades of the Auckland Volunteer corps for the month of January will take place on the following dates, in undress uniform, and with arms and accoutrements. Every member having arms, &c. in their possession is directed to attend, this being the annual inspection also, by the officer commanding the district :—Wednesday, 16th, 7.30 p.m., Otahuhu Rifle Company, Otahuhu ; Thurs day, 17th, 7.30 p.m., Artillery Co., No. 3 Co., and Naval Brigade, Drill-shed ; Tues day, 22nd, 7.30 p.m.. Victoria, Hobson, and Scottish Cos., do. ; Wednesday, 23rd, 7.30 p.m., Engineer Co. and Engineer Cadet Co., do. ; Thursday, 24th, 7.30 p.m., Nixon Troop Cavalry Volunteers, with carbines and swords, do. ; Thursday, 24th, 7.30 p.m., Onehunga Rifle Co., Onehunga.

During the month ending December, 1877, there were 18 deaths registered within the city of Auckland. The number during the corresponding month ot 1876 was 17 deaths. There were three deaths in the Hospital during the month of December, si377, —Geo. Goldie, Sanitary Inspector.

Mr H. Jackson, of Otahuhu, announces in our advertising columns he has purchased the butchering business hitherto carried on by Mr Deßose, and is determined to spare no effort to give satisfaction. At a meeting of the directors of the Alburnia Gold Mining Company yesterday a dividend of 6s per scrip share was declared, payable on Thursday next. A balance of £1,300 was carried forward. Licenses of vehicles, porters, and lodging houses have expired,and if not renewed be fore Monday week, proceedings will be taken.

The regular monthly meeting of the mem bers of the Royai;Euniskillen Loyal Orange Lodge will be held this evening in the Protestant Hall, Newton, at half-past seven o'clock.

CABLEGRAMS.

Latest War News.

Determined Attitude of England

Terrible Distress in Wales.

LONDON

Wednesday

Earl Carnarvon, replying to a depu tation, said that England was deter mined to have a voice in the settlement of the Eastern question.

Terrible distress exists in South Wales in consequence of the closing of the iron works. ;

PREPARATION OF THE BRITISH FLEET.

THE KAFFIR OUTBREAK,

[reuter's special cablegrams.]

• ; LONDON, January 1. All vessels of war which are refitting are ordered to be immediately got ready for sea.

LONDON, January 1

The Kaffir troubles have been renewed, and the situation is becoming alarming. The British troops have crossed the river. The 99th Regiment has been ordered for service at the Cape.

WAR PREPARATIONS.

MELBOURNE, January 3. The general opinion, is that war between England and Russia is imminent. Colonel Anderson, of the land forces, and Captain Maunderville, of the ironclad Cerberus, have been consulted at a Cabinet meeting on the condition of the defences of the colony. Both officers are to report immediately. Mr Hugh George was presented with a silver service "by the employers of the "Argus," on severing his connection after/ twenty years, to occupy a position oa the( "Sydney Morning Herald.

[PRESS AGENCY] / SYDNEY, January 3. Arrived : Hero. Sailed : Australia. J Dr. Sornerville having completed his tour of New South Wales, left for Nei Zealand to-day.

COMMERCIAL.

Mb S. Cochk-vne offered the 5-ton yacht 'May Moon! for sale by auction at his mart to-c|ay. The vessel is a comparatively new one, having been built only two years ago. She is now lying in the intake, with new sails and gear complete, and .about two tons of iron ballast. Bidding commenced at £5, and rose rapidly to £23, at which price she £was quitted. A 15-feet pulling boat was sold for £2 103. {

CITY COUNCIL NOMINATION The nomination of a fit and proper ffiri for the position of Cit^CouncMr Auckland, rendered vacant by thodfjr 11 of H. Breit Esq., as Mayor, too^E c to-day. Very little interest seem|i':/~ c taken in the rr atter by burgesses,oofn f V,° candidates being proposed. 'No|r*~.*| however, the capabilities of both ftr "Ul f be welljand fully discussed before tW election, when a very close contesf P^ . expected. The following are tfif nations: — F ff r John Grey, Esq., nominated ll/ 1811^ Keane, and Thomas Cole. |. , . William Buchanan, Esq., by Thomas ?eacock and Gustavp 11 der Heyde. X, , The poll is announced to talrace. at

the Mechanics' Institute on Tul^3 15th inst.

OUR LONDON LETTE.

LITERARY, SOCIAL, THES» IRICAL > AND SPORTING/

LONDON, Noveix? 1' 10tb~ SOCIAL GOSSIPf People must talk, so it is pessary to manufacture good stories ev|j° llt °* a ghastly subject like the presen^'Y' lhe " World," a week or two ak toM, an amusing anecdote about aniP 11.™ the Prince of Wales brought e™n ne came from India. The dai .-gentleman settled down and patronised! jndnngham quietly till the opening of the »r wh™ n? began to get uneasy. At la|? c. c. ould rest no longer ; his warlike privities over came him, and applying for I^*! 0* at>sence he departed, and has not sis* been neard of. The Orleans Club, wh¥< was. SU(l h a great success at Twickenh^ during last season, has been transferredo London for the winter. Sir John ASf> generally known as "the mate" ie^e principal promoter of the enterprise. **■* ana OaP' tain Wombwell have worA and earth to make it populai]^™6 clec°ra; tions of the Town Housed . m extent taste. There is a ladies' W m the, Club > and I hear this novel f^ c works un commonly well. IL -I ~ Ti- • great event of 1878F< to be the Paris Exhibition. It will sul*33 anything of the kind previously al^Pted, both m size and excellence. " For* season tick^ a hundred francs must be p«'d- - 1 he musical attractions seem likely tbe nmltifanous. Mesdames Patti, and A& ni Y IU. leading prima donnas'» nd during tt^ month of July the Impe* 1 Orchestra from Vienna are to give sevefconcerts. Johann Strauss with his famon darice baud > Wlll also pay a visit top™ during the. season. I, . LITERAL &c. The quarrel betwe# Ir Edmund Yates and Mr Robt. Buchan* is assuming quite unreasonable propo£°ns- Mrs Lynn Lynton, who can hit $ d occasionally, was taxed with the objecf^able article in the " Contemporary," blamed all knowledge thereof, so it seeni quite certain Mr Buchanan was the s|ier. Still there is a geneial feeling that f Yates should not have washed his dirt^inen in public, and it is not nice of himf? taunt his adversary by referring to 1$ past favours. Mr Alfred Thesiger sO/eeds to the post of Lord Justice of Apsl>vacant by the death of Baron Amphlett/ There is some sore feeling about the, Patter. The berth is a particularly I Mug one, and the work mild. \\ would, I think, have been fairer toj>estow it on one of the old hard worked jtges yh° really require rest. A number Ifcew books will as usual see light at Chrstnas. The author _of " Alice in Wond^taad" has another sublime piece of nonsensftnthe press, and we may expect new nov^s from jjTrollope, Dutton Cook, Blackm're, and Helen Mathers. The first-nam^ polific gentleman contri butes a storyjnth the extraordinary title of "Is he Porjnj^ T to "All the Year, Round." i

The Grosveior Gallery will re-open with a choice exijbitioa of drawings, etc., next month. Nelrly all the great private col lectors are tf seni pictures and sketches by the Quefi lord Warwick and others will be on ww. ; TtiSATRES. The QueJn'sjTheatre has been re-named the i NatinaL" and a drama called " Russia " |>iodiced there. Like most of the new pfecef brought out lately it is adapted fronshe French. A new comic opera, by U&fa. W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, is portly to be played at the Opera Commie Theatre. The idea is founded on~p amusing story written by Mr Gilbert Ira Christmas number of the " Graphic. "JA village curate, in order to piomote thejappiness of his flock, takes a, supply of 'fore philloe," and spreads it amongst thei, with most lamentable results. At the Gaief a new burlesque on "Faust," by H. J. Byon, is the principal attraction. Nelly Farm, who has quite regained her health, isle life and soul of this piece ; and her scfe, " It's nice, so nice," receives several endues every evening. The Strand, Court, aa Prince of Wales's are all crowded jphtly; whilst " Our Boys " and ; ." Pink Dfeinbs " shew no signs of waning: popularity Opera-puffe does not draw nearly as well not as once upon a time. "La Marjolaip," by Lecocq, at the Royalty, though fite as good, from a musical point of view,ls " Madame Angot," is almost a failure,/ The taste for such trivialities is but tralitory. f SPORTING. The Bgitimate racing season of 1877 has "now cone to-a-close, and until March next the parting fraternity will have te solace itself with steeplechases, coursing, and billird handicaps. - ]«wniarket Houghton meeting was wofaerfully successful. The Cambridge shire drew an immense field of 34 horses tope pbst, and all the principal events of thf week were most exciting. The great h^idicap fell to the French for the third: tine within five years, Harry Jennings, the triinei of Jongleur, having carried it off in l|73With Montargis, and 1874 with Pent fitre, The time-honored Criterion Stales for two-year-olds was won by ; Lord Falmouth's invincible filly Janiette, who looks like the Oaks victrix of 287fi. The Dewhurst Plate, which is asso ciattd with the names of Kisber and Chipiant, fell to Lord Lonsdale's chesnut fill! Pilgrimage, the second in the Middle; Palk Plate. Finally the Jockey Club CuS produced an interesting contest beween those crack three-year-olds ■ Vffneuil, Belplicebe, and St. Christophe, thi first named proving successful. jWith regard to the DERBY OF 187S, Ekuclerc is favourite, S to 1 being the list offer against him. The clever people, vho fancy they can see through a mill one, point to Coixnt Lagrange's Insulaire ; s the probable winner. My own fancy is tot;the Derby hero of 1878 has not been jeen in public yet; but I fully expect feeauclerc to win the Two Thousand .Gu.neas. / THE LIVERPOOL AUTUMN CUP of five hundred soys., with a sweepstake of 25 soys. added, produced an unusually small field of only nine starters. Whiter bait (6yrs, Bst 61bs) was favonrite at 3 to 1/ next in demand being Sign Manual' Sunray, and last year's winner, Footstep The victor turned up in an Irish cojt named Arbitrator, by Solon, out of Trip Heart, who got home fourth in the Cam bridgeshire. J Up to November 9th, the champs jockey—Fred Archer—had ridden 560 tinps during the season, and won no less t|m 204 races—amongst which were .Jpl. Spencer's Plate, the City and Suburian Handicap, the Derby, the Ascot Gold Vase, and the St.. Leger. No horsefan, alive or dead, has ever equalled this supes sion of triumphs. Lord Falmouth, to<? har> made the sporting year of 1877 ndable by winning the enormous sum of iparly £36,000 in stakes alone. He hai also demonstrated the important fact th|it iss possible to race profitably without beting.. |

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

ANIMATED NATURE.

(Before R. C. Barstow Esq., K. M.)

,-William Swan, Henry Nesmyth, George Wfiddler, and Mathew Carr, were chared with being under the influence of the divine afflatus, were fined 5s each, excepting Swan, who was sent to the hospital for eight days to recover from a severe fit of delimit tremens. SUSAN'S NEGLECT Sunan Wetherell, a tall person of showy appearance, well-known at the theatre and places of public resort, was brought up on wan-ant, charged with neglecting to rcontri. Bute towards the support of her children in the Industrial Home. Arrears, £10 4s. ~ ; Prisoner, who was dressed,in white,with a fashionable hat, and a profusion of hair down her back, pleaded guilty; but had no means of paying ; .she was an unfortunate woman. It was shewn frUat the woman was utterly careless of her children, and was leading a riotous and wild life in the streets. Sub-Inspector Pardy said they were not disposed to be hard upon the woman if she would pay, but she was continually drunk, and frequently in gaol. His Worship adjourned the case for a fortnight to give the woman an opportunity of paying- something, or be sent to gaol. JTSTICAL ANQ^EROCIOUS. Robert Irwin was enSfrged with beating his wife, and threatening to floor her with an axe.

Prisoner said there waaa bit of a squabble, but there was no axing*l!! the matter.

Complainant, a re^pe r ctablc looking woman, said she did notiwish to be hard upon him if he would prdpaiss to treat her kindly. { His Worship could not tok over his con duct, and ordered him t<3 find sureties to keep the peace for six nauiths, himself in £10, and two sureties in &5 each, and to pay the costo ss. i Mrs Irwin was about to: say something about procuring sureties, 'when prisoner said no matter, I'll go to g4>l. HAPPY MRS JOiES.

Mrs Hepzibah Jones was charges with neglecting to pay towardstthe support of her children in the Industrial School, arrears £5 11s.

Mrs Jones said she coulc not pay, and there was an end out. Sub-Inspector Pardy said Mrs Jones was a person of property, and Vould not pay. She was a splendid hand st fighting and drinking, while the public supported her children. Prisoner : A lie. I profst. Constable McClennan : '.'Be quiet, Mrs Jones."

Prisoner : I won't. His Worship : You mustgo to prison for one month.

SAVAGE ASSATX/T.

George Laing, Marshall laing, and Hugh Laing, father and sons, wei charged with committing a violent assailt upon Ctesar Hasting Otway, on the 2nd inst., at Little Muddy Creek, while in his nvn house. Mr Tole appeared for cimplainant, and Mr Lusk for prisoners. Mrs Julia Otway deposefl that on Mon pay, the 31st ult., George laing, the father of the other two prisoners, wshed into her bed-roem, and pushed her i roughly on one side ; the two sons followed ; she screamed loudly, and when Mr Otmy came in the elder prisoner knocked hin down, and all three began kicking him and beating him while on the floor.

*To Mr Lusk : She dis&ctly saw what she had stated. The elder Liing came in by the back door into the hichen, and then into her bed-room. The toor was closed. He had his hand abac his head, was in a very excitd state, and cried " Otway, Otway.' He had a paper in his hand, {he was greatly frightened. Mr Otway seued Laing by the collar, when Laing struck tier husband in the face. The two sons of Laing rushed in at the front door, and thers was a general scrimmage. They were fighting in all directions. A gentleman staving with them came to her husband's asastance, and put out the younger prisoners. The fight was not resumed outside, bat one of the prisoners pointed a pitchfork at the honse. She should certainly be afraid to return home without some protection. Mr Otway gave evidenc|| He was sitt ing on the verandah abow half-past six, reading au English paper,-when he heard Mrs Otway scream, and tie results were as Mrs Otway had stated; he was scratched and pummeled. To Mr Lusk: There is a civil matter ending. Ibx*Tole objected to ani reference of the kind to any civil proceedhgs between the parties. Mr Otway: Laing hal endeavoured to see him about a fence, but he positively refused to see him ; he bjdia paper in his hand, ot course he kne^ what the paper was about, because ho pcked it up in the room after the assault. !

To Mr Lusk : He puked Laing over a table, and afterwards strjck him; just gave him a dig and floored hm. Subsequently he shoved Laing out of tje house. To Mr Tole : He hada, black eye, and his meerschaum was kncked nearly down his throat, and his moua was cut by the

pipe. Alfred Edward Capp; was in the house at the time, and;heariij the row got up and went to see what yp the matter. They were all on the floor, fjhting and straggl ing. .He immediately ollared the lads and put them out of the hoise, "V George-Duff Laing son of the elder defendant, deposed tc accompanying his father and two brothei, for the purpose of serving Mr Otway wth a summons. It was arranged that t\\> should go to the front and two to the hekof the house, in order to make sure offrr Otway. He saw his father meet Mr Gway, and hold out the summons, when ttr Otway returned his father ?a heavy blo^on his mouth. He and his brothers imrikdiately rushed to rescue their father- "Vfeen they were, put out, he picked up thfnitchfork, thinking that Mr Otway might fstickJiis father if he got hold of it. > I _, To MrTole: He ould riot see round a corner any more; tha any other man. (laughter). , George Laingj one of the accused, gave his version of the iffair; affirming that when he presented tfe summons Mr Otway up with his fist am knocked one of his teeth out. ,; Counsel having atjressed the Court, his Worship said that George Laing had com mitted a most unjuiifiable act in entering a man's house for tlfserying of a summons. He must pay afinep £5 and costs, or be committed for't-ffojmoriths; also, to nnd sureties to lce| the peace ..for six months, himselfin £50,. and two others in £25. Hugh laag was ordered to pay 203 or be committ| for seven days, and Marshall Laing wa| discharged. CHARGE OF fesCUINa CATTLE. . James Jackson 4,s#pharged with rescuing ]6 head of cattle fifni the lawful possession jif Joachim Chrkopher, at the Ihree Kings, on the 22nl ult., but on the appli cation of Mr Tyle| the case was remanded until the 11th inst

The Nottiagljkm Castle Bolrtwiy John McMahoifand John Coughlan were charged with stealing a box from the Nottingham Castle Hotel, containing the sum of £170, Cc property of Michael Flynn. Sub-Inspectoi-Bardy stated the particulars, \vhi6a have been |iready published. Prisoners werofcndefended. Michael Flynn|i a adlord of the Notting ham Castle Hotel Abercrombie-stieet^ ae posed that on thei evening of Boxing -Uayv he placed hismoaeyiua cash box. pro duced.) Altog% e r there were £170, con sisting of five pofhd" notes of the banJis ci New Zealand a%'Australasia, one pouna notes and go|. The cash _ box w* inside a !&>e box, m whicn ye c 5 fc, and other clothing described. Theses were safe mhis bed room at half-pas§ eight in the evening, but on retiring at on; 6 o'Slock on the following morning fhebo^s were gone. Onexamm

TRVETWG STAR, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1878



FjjrfHE undersigned are now brin ing I forward a Large Parcel of GENE AL DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &c..-bought at considerably less than usual prices, to which they invite the attention of all requiring Good Value For Money. Corsets in great variety of quality and style, rcY-s1 white and coloured, from 2/6 per pair Linen and_ Lace Goods, Cuffs, Collars, and Sets, in variety Ladies' Underclothing Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, Alpacca, &c. Lot of Flowers at very low price, quite fresh Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves, &c. A Splendid Stock of Muslin, Lace, and Lenoe Curtains, Counterpanes. Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Sheeting, Felt Squares Carpets, Floorcloth, China Matting, Ticks, &c. Large-size Huckaback Towels at /6 each New Fancy Dress Materials, Japanese Silks, Coloured Lustres, Black Lustres. Embossed, Striped, and Check Muslins, Prints, &c. Brown Holland, from /6J per yard Union, Fancy Jean, and Oxford Shirtings, very cheap A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mixed Fancy Shirting, at 2/3, usual price 3/6 per yard White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard Also, very large assortment of Gents' Shirts, White Longcloth, Union and All-wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Twill, Fancy Jean, Oxford, &c. Strong Tweed for Boys wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel at below Factory prices Braces, Belt?, Ties. Scarfs, Collars, Cotton and Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &c. Leghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and Drill Hats, for Boys and Men, &c, &c, Sec. H Sin he & allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. rushbrook & bridgman, Junction Drapery Warehouse, Upper Queejst-street, auckland. CARPETS, hearthrugs, linoleum, floorcloth. t. & hTcooke Beg to inform their friends and the public that they have imported a large assortment of the above, which will render their FURNISHING ESTABLISHMENT one of the most complete and extensive in Auckland, having purchased these Goods of the Manufacturers direct, for cash, they are enabled to ofer them at VERY LOW PRICES. ' New Patterns in Carpets and Linoleum. AST 'S H O W R O O MS: 67, Queen-street. Steam Cabinet Factory Victoria-street. C\ HEAP TJ ATS! CHEAP HATS ! ! CHEAP CLOTHING!! A Quantity of Men's and Boy's Drab and Black Felt Hats will be offered at m- GREAT REDUCTION TO CLEAR. "Also, a Parcel of CLOTHING, comprising Men's and Boy's Tweed Suits, Trousers and Vests, &c. These Goods are slightly soiled, and will be sold REALLY CHEAP. W. RATTRAY, CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, |JEW yEALAN HOUSE, Auckland. TO AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS ggW. J. HURST Ss CO. have on sale the under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and pro Stable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The nattering Testi monials from leading Farmers justify W. J. durst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist :— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do- BEliLc xjONEFLOUR ~ i and Hnch BONED OST ', , BILLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME. ■^In addition to the above, W. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. Analysis, prices, and other particulars will bf> supplied on application at the Stores. W' W. J. HURST & CO., 101 QUEEN-STREET, CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING Just Landed, bx Columbus— 30 casks new Clovers, eousisting of Red Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand. Alsyhe, Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Rats-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot, &c, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEKN-STREET. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) 8000 „ Oats First-class Tartars for Seed, also 800 sacks of 1875 crop hard feed, surpassing any of last season's growth 1200 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes < Flour, Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake,1 Coal, &c, &c. Particular attention ia called to aOO sacks Prime Barley at Is per bushel o pOt!?. 5 tonsAnde^Bpn'sFresh Oatmeal* a ■■:*■•.,' £21 per ton. '' ''"■^Vv.■;.■•.■.-.; •.,.-,.,.,■ '-■" W, J. HURST & CO., JOLIQUEBN-STREBT. AUCKLAND. r- V.. '. t , --■ \ ;;'■■-«-.-:.'*/■■■-.., '■'i \: ' ■*.'£. ,* T-"- j \ ■'■'> '.. .."-';■■...,



TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY, U AUCKLAND BRANCH. Reduced Hat as for Detached Dwelling Housrs in the City, from 12s. upwards. In the Country from 13s. R. H. STEVENSON. Manager. TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY %J OF NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLAND B R A N C H : QUEEN-S T R E E T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT, gvlnsurances granted on - lioixses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, Merchandise, and Goods of every description. , ■, MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls o£ Ships or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. Gtßand Show OP SUMMER COSTUMES. A. LINABURY & CO. HAVE JUST OPENED UP 486 C OSTUMES> Comprising— BLACK SILK COSTUMES COLOURED SILK COSTUMES JAPANESE SILK COSTUMES HOLLAND COSTUMES FRENCH BATISTE COSTUMES BRAIDED PIQUE COSTUMES FRENCH PRINT COSTUMES CAMBRIC COSTUMES BLACK SILK SKIRTS, with Body Pieces COLOURED SILK SKIRTS, with Bod Pieces HANDSOME BRAIDED LINEN COS TUMES and SKIRTS, with Body Pieces to matcb. The aboVe GOODS were purchased at a Heavy Discount off English Invoice, and will be offered to the Public at ENGLISH COST. Inspection Invited. A.. L INA~^RY & C° 20i & 206, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. "VTEW YEAR'S PRESENTS AT THE i_^ CITY HALL FURNITURE ARCADE. PRESENTS, for Wives and Daughters PRESENTS, for Sons and Husbands PRESENTS, Quaint and Curious PRESENTS, Useful PRESENTS, Ornamental PRESENTS, Scientific PRESENTS, Beatific PRESENTS, for all Pockets PRESENTS, for all Prices. HOLLOWLY, GARLICK, & CRANWELL, City Hall Arcade. . '" 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, Rimet, Cedar, and Mottled Kauri, we ask them to bear in MIND that we have Just Opened Up, ex -'Otaki,' TWO HUNDRED IRON BEDSTEADS of the mo3t modern style, comprising French, Half Tester, Children's, and Stamps, 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 in Stock. HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Our system is to make a large return ; to insure this We Sell tor Ready CASH at a Small Profit, and DELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. J2T Give your Furnishing Order to Holloway, G-arlicls & Oraawell, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, AND CLOTHIERS, ity Hall Arcade, QUEEN & LORNE-STREETS AUCKLAND. f\m THIS DAY AND DURING THE WEEK, W B W I L"L SHOW PIEoS ES 10,000 PII CBS FASHIONABLE DRESS GOODS AND m- prints, -m REDUCED TO HALF PRICE IN ORDER TO CLEAR. ggp J. COSGRAVE & CO., QUEEN-STREET. CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND. Mails will Close as Under: : For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m; and to morrow, at 3 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m. . For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Ladybird, this day.at & p.m. ~ For Waiheke, per Spey, to-morrow, at 8 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Waipu, Mangawai, Wangareir and Mangapai, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Levuka, per Mazeppa, to-morrow, at 2 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday next, at & p.m. For Russell and Kawa Kawa, per Taupo, on Tuesday ucxO, at & p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipa, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at Ip.m. Per s.s. WeHington,";on Tuesday, Bth instant, as l follows:— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 7 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus-1 tralian Colonies* and United' Kingdom, via' Suez and Southampton (for letters specially so; addressed), at 8 ajfu_l_ For United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and latej letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne1 at 8.20 a.m. For newspapers, at 6 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, the previous evening, at 4 p.m. Per s.s. Australia, on Tuesday, Bth January, 1878, as follows:- For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent] of Europe, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 1.30 p.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent onboard the steamer up to the time of sailing. For Australian Colonies, per Rotorua, on Tues day, Bth inst., at 11 a.m. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.



DoN'Tbe hoodwinked by imitators of Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, who inclose vile spirits in bottles which contained i the Simon Pure Schnapps and put bogus labels thereon. Repudiate these nostrums. Scruti nize the labels, and if they are deficient in exe cution or the ear-marks of authenticity, don't buy. .. .