SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„,,,„ ~r»-ptti> (This Afternoon, 6.37 HIGH WATER--, To . morrow Morning. 6.5S SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.7 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Mormner. 5.21 MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, Feb. 2, 1.47 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Agnes Donald, schooner, J. Murray, from tne Marshall Group -_, -Minnie Hare, schooner, from Poverty _t_ay.

DEPARTURES.

Colonist, schooner, for WaDganm (from tne

Taupo.'&s.fcarey, for East Coast and Southern ports

IMPORTS.

Per Agues Donal, £roal Ma^naii -.roup . t* tins CO u-a, 2 tanks "', m ot , a quantity ol old ri -ing.-L. D.. 1 hag sugar,. Per Minnie Har Nathan & Go wool, 72 sacks grass seed, 60£ssa c : U9 bales bags fungus,— blaster, agent. ks maize, 30

i The little steam launch AA'hich has been built for Mr Firth by Mr Carr is furnished with ensrincs designer!, modelled, and constructed by ■Messrs. S. and W. Firth, the sons of the owner. They are capable of Avorking up to S h.0., and are very neat and servieabit. piecesof machinery. The launch is intended for snagging the Upper Thames, fer Avhich stream she will leave at once, in charge of Captain Tizard. The s.s. Taupo left for Tauranga and Southern ports ve-terday evening:—Passengers: Mr ana Mrs B-rker and 5 chiHren, Mr and Mrs Hill and 3 children. Captain and Mrs Paterson, Mr and \'rs Howe, Mrs Brissenoon and family, ■Mrs Rees. family, and servant, Mrs and Miss CaV-nth. Mrs Mcintosh, Mr* Reidl. Mrs Mornin Miss l h-uce. Miss Morris. Misses White (2), Rev D.Bruce; Messrs Thomas Krrington, Ludlow, Carruth, Roche, Cain, Nation, Little, Duncan Gedrles Taylor, Sceats, Lessond, McCarthey, Brook. Thruckeld (2). O'Brien, ane 27 steerage. —Henderson and Macfarlane, agents. ~„.,„ The ship Apelles was brought alongside the wharf to-day, and will commence discharging at one*-. She has taken the outside berth astern of the California. ~-,.-. _ The barque Lorraine started to discharge her cargo this morning. . The barque -.eorgietta is discharging her cargo in first-class condition. She avill begin shortly to take in kauri gum on behalf ot Arnold, Mines, and Co. . The ketch Pearl arrived at Apia, Samoa, on the 31st December, af t«r a fair passage of 11 days. The clipper fore and aft schooner Astnes Donald arrived from the Marshall Group yes terday afternoon, after Aye had gone to press. She brings a cargo of copra, *-c. Her absence has extended over a period of 16 months, and she has be m found well adapted for the Island " trade. Capt. Murray, Avhois in charge, returns weil and hearty, and reports as follows -—Left A.rhO'i Island on December-27th, at noon, with strong N.K. trades, which carried the vessel to sde°\ south, crossing the Equator in L9deg. west Ion"'. From thertce to 11 deg. south had light baffling winds all round the compass when the S X trades Avere met, AVhich carried the vessel to 23deg. south, when Aye had light winds and calms until January 30th. Sighted the inland of oavai, one of the Navigators, distant 25 miles, on 17th January. Saw n > vessel on the pos^a^e ) Sighted the Great Barrier Isla ad at 6.30 p?m. of that day, but coming on to blow hard and rain, had to heave-to outside for the ni-'ht; kept away at daylight, and arrived in harbour at Ip.m.. on the 31st January. . . The bai-que California cleared tor Sydney this afternoon Avith part of her original cargo from San Francisco. She is to leaA'e to-morrow niorn '■The brigantine Active has entered out for Tonga and Samoa. Tha schooners Energy and Coronet have en tered out for the islands, and avill sail about Monday next. .__.__._= The schooner Minnie Hare arrived to-day from Gisborne, with a cargo of wool, grass seed, and maize.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

MR -LFRED BUCKLAND'S WEEKLY REPORT. *^At the Haymarket on Friday, January 2oth. hides were in less than average supply. slwmtly better Avorth. Good sound hides brought 3Jd to 3id the lb. Skins and pelts in usual number and demand; they brought from Id to 2s 7d each. Wool, in small quantity; locks and fleeces, od andod-: lambSAVOol, 9d to 9}A; half-bred wool, Sd and"BAd the lb. At the horse sale bidding was alow, and at the auction not many sales were effected: afterwards several were sold. Heavy draught in low condition, £31 to £11; light harness, £17 to £21. Fodder was offered in larger quantities than previous week, and m-icss were loAver. Meadow hay, from 3s 3d; oaten hay, from 33 6d to Is 6d the cwt.; a small parcel of maize, os 3d the bushel. At Remuera on Thursday, store cattle were plentiful, and at loAver prices; fat cat.tle in full numbers, 111 head yarded, generally of plain quality; prices very irregular, varying from 21s to 30s the 1001b3. No store sheep yarded. lat sheep in moderate numbers, and at late values: ewes, 2d; Avethers, 2Ad the lb. Lambs were of good quality, but in less than usual numbers. They brought from 7s to 13s 6d each. A few Avell-bred fat pigs brought extreme prices, and a large number of well-bred ..store pigs -were freely competed for, and satisfactory prices obtained.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as under: For Thames, this day. at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow at 11.03 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, per Rover, this day, at i a.m. , . . For Tairua, per Alana. this day, at 4 p.m. For Tryphena, per Three Brothers, this day at For Valparaiso, per Iron Queen, to-morrow, at 9.30 a.m, ',-,_. -„ For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, iilanga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, Mangapai, per Anne Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 am. For Rarotonga. per Energy, to-morroAV. at 3 For Tonga, per Energy, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, to morrow at 11.30 a.m. For Russell and KaAvakawa, per Wanaka, on Monday, at 3 p.m. For Russell, KaAvakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui. per lona, on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on Monday next, at 4 pma. Per s.s. Tairoa, on Tuesday, Sth Febrnary, as follows:— „ . For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, ana Continent of Europe, at 5 a.m. _ For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton, and via Brmdisi, a. 5 a.m. For newspapers, at o a.m. For money orders and registered letters, the previous evening, at 4 p.m. For Australian Colodies, per Rotorua, on Tuesday next, at 1 p.m. . Per City of New York, on Tuesday, oth Febru ary, as follows:— _-~-,_-_. _ _J For Sandwich Inlands, 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 ot Europe, at 3 p.m. ,' , For money orders, registered letters and newspapers,-at 1.30. Late letters hearing an extra fee of sixpence in addition to the post age Avill be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

DAWSOf.'.-On the 22nd January, at her resi sidence, 44, Wellesley-street, the wife of Dr. F. W. E. Dawson of a son.

LYON.—On the 28th instant, at Cambridge, Waikato. the Avife of Lieut.-Colouel Lyon of twins—son and daughter.

DEATH.

WATERS.—On the Ist February, at his resi dence, Franklyn Road, Daniel Waters, aged 44 years. The funeral will take place on Sunday after noon, at 3 o'clock. Friends are invited to attend.

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1878.

for the came that lacks-S-S-stai-c*, Par the wrong th»t needs «esi_t__c«. ?«. the future In the distance, A____ tbe _o-- tfcftt ■-« «_a <*•-

The school-committees' nomination of can didates for the Board of Education has resulted in a list of forty-six gentlemen, Avho have signified in writing their readiness to undertake the duties, if chosen. The number is largo enough to ensure a good choice, but still only represents the nomina ting poAver of 23 committees out of the 145 in tiie Auckland district, each being em powered to nominate tAvo. Even now, ho>v ever, it is probably too large to take a fair sense of the committees throughout the province with reference to the nine who are to constitute the iicav Board. The total number of votes that may be recorded, each committee exercising its full power, is 1,305. Assuming that the votes Avere equally divided among the 46 gentle men, they would have an average of a fraction over 28 votes each. Of course this is not likely to happen, but Aye may suppose that all the gentlemen Avho have been nominated will receive some support, and the consequence must be that the votes recorded for those elected to the Board avill bear an extremely small proportion indeed to the 145 votes Avhich might be recorded iv favour of each member of the neAV Board. It is difficult, under the novel system of voting provided by the Act, to point out any course which will secure an expression of the wishes of a majority of the constituency. Indeed there is no certain method by which even a fair representation of town and country mem bers on the Board may be secured. If, ou the one hand, the country committees were to give a compact vote in favour ot country men, they Avould inevitably swamp the town ; on the other hand, there is a greater risk that the country section of the constitu ency, being scattered and Avithout any J common centre of unity, may be left together in the cold. The only means by which the election could be guided so as to develop some clearly-de fined plan, would be by a conference of toAvn and country committees, but this is almost impracticable. The election should, as far as possible, be directed towards tAro objects—the infusion of new blood into the Board, and an equal division of the members between town and country. And the to>vn committees which have already discussed the subject, might, by acting with rigid impartiality on this basis, and then appealing to the country, greatly assist the scattered constituency iv giving something like an intelligent vote.

The Rev. Dr. Sommerville wi.ll preach at WaiAvera (Hot Springs) on Sunday first, 3rd February, 1375.

The committee of the Working Men's Club have resolved to commence operations so soon as a hundred members are enrolled, and as the list is rapidly filling up the new institution should soon be in Avorking order. By joining during the first three months members save entrance fee. Mi Hislop, at the fitting shop, Victoria-street, wiil furnish any information. The report on the Cure mine sent by the "Herald" Thames correspondent in this morning's issue contains an erroneous state ment which may mislead shareholders and the public. It states that the supply for the last Cure crushing, Avhich yielded _ 400 ozs, or 4 ozs to the ton, has been obtained from the No. 1 reef, Whereas it came from the No. 7 reef. The No. 1 reef dips out of this Company's ground at about 200 . feet from the surface, whereas the No. 7 will not dip out until it reaches 800 or 1,000 feet from the surface. A mis-statement like the foregoing makes a very material dill'er ence to the value of the mine.

A letter on prison labour is unavoidably held over until to-morrow.

An advertisement, signed by the Mayor, appears in our columns tills evening con vening a meeting of the subscribers to the Indian Famine Relief Fund for Saturday (to-morrow), at 11 a.m., at the Mayor's office.

The Victoria Company will fire for the Ladies' Prize at the Mount Eden Range to-morroAV afternoon at 2 o'clock sharp. The attendance of every member is re quested for parade on Tuesday night.

The "World"says :—"That great blaze of animosity, which broke out at Constan tinople last Aveek against Hobart Pasha, was caused by his distinct refusal to bom bard the peaceful town on the enemy's coast. The Turkish Government is naturally indignant at the destruction of its merchant vessels by the gßussians, but is even more wroth at Hobart's refusal to retaliate. " Let them fire but one shot, and the case is altered. I Avill do my duty then ; but bombard peaceful villages and destroy innocent people, I won't !" said the Admiral sturdily, and he has kept his Avord. All right-minded Englishmen can not fail to honour their countryman, Avho refuses to practise reprisals on innocent and peaceful people." In a lecture in Auckland, Mr Charles Bright stated what he should have knoAvn to be untrue, that the annual value of Eng lish bishoprics were as follow : Canterbury, £56,000 ; York. £32,000 ; Durham, £35,000 ; London, £70,000, Westminster, £57,000; Ely, £42,000; Salisbury, £27,000, and the rest about £10,000 each. We observe that he has repeated the statement, and Archdeacon Stock has taken the trouble to contradict it in a letter to the '' Post." The Archdeacon gives the actual incomes of the various bishops thus : —" Canterbury, £15,000 ; York, £10,000 ; London, £10,000; Durham, £8,000; Winchester, £7,000. All the others average about £4,500, except Sodor and Man, £2,000." The exhibition of the "Blacksmith's Dream" is one of the most remarkable mechanical exhibitions that has appeared in this city and Avill be on vieAV this even ing at seven o'clock and to-morroAV at three o'clock for children and ladies.

Messrs B. Tonks Co. sold to-day the booths, cards, etc, for the forthcoming cricket match in the Domain. The com petition avus very limited. No. 1 booth Avas purchased by Mr Kean for £26, Avith right to license vendors of fruit, avlio will be prohibited from selling ginger beer, lemonade, etc. No. 2, publicans' booth, for the match, Avas also purchased by Mr Kean for £20; and the committee's cards found a purchaser ia Mr Wm. Adams, for 50s.

An Australian telegram of last week in formed us that a Avoman had been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping the Potts' child and that bloodstained clothes bad been found in her possession. The following are the particulars of the case referred to :—On Dec. 22nd, a baby, about six weeks old, the father of whom Avas Edward Elford Potts, a draper, residing in Brunswick-street, Fitzroy, was entrusted to an elaer sister to mind, Avhen a Avoman accosted the girl, aud asked her to show her die way to King William street. The giil did so, and accompanied her to that portion of Fitzroy. When she got there the Avoman gave her Gd.. and asked her to go to a shop at the corner of Moor and Fitzroy street, to inquire whether some children had recovered from the whooping cough. The woman undertook to mind tho baby, and the little girl went with the mes sage. The woman obtained the child and ran away Avith it in the directon of the Carlton Gardens, and has never been heard of since.

To the Editor: Sir,--I am glad to see the Government Sheep Inspector has made a move to stop the importation of sheep from Turanganui district, it being ~a •notorious fact that they are more or less infected, and fanners ought to be protected. —I am &c, Farmer. Tbe Pet, since the Wellington regatta, has challenged the creivof the St. Leonard's to another sailing race over the same course as on the Regatta Day, for any sum be tAveen £1 and £100. The Pet started about tAventy minutes after tho other boat, but she yet managed to come in first. Because she did not comply with the starting regu lations she Avas, however, disqualified, and hence this challenge. The dense ignorance of banking matters displayed by some depositors is very amusing. One day recently (says the " Ballarat Star") a cheque for £5 Avas pre sented to he cashed at a bank here by a tradesman avlio had obtained the cheque from the draAver. It was handed back marked "not sufficient funds," and the tradesman promptly called on the person Avho had drawu it for an explanation as to hoAV he had given the cheque Avhile his banking account Avas in such a state. The drawer merely looked at it, and murmured faintly, " Well, I'm bloAved ; the bank not to have sufficient funds to pay that amount!"

The *case of the brothers Fitzpatrick v. Hugh Mcllhoue, in Avhich the plaintiffs claimed for wrongful seizure of cattle at the North Shore, resulted in a judgment for plaintiffs, Avith costs, £7 lis. A number of Nvitncsses Avere examined on both sides, defendant allegirigthat the claim for which he sued the elder Fitzpatrick five years ago Avas for rent due on certain lands at the North Shore, but in consequence of au arrangement AA'ith the Roman Catholic Bishop, the debt Avas transferred to him (defendant). He got judgment against Fitz patrick, but did not get the money; he also understood that the cattle belonged to the father. Mr Tole appeared for plaintiffs, and Mr Armstrong for the defendant. The Grand Lodge of Good Templars in session at Wellington resolved to remain under the English jurisdiction. The dis cussion was ot a rather lively character, the Wellington representatives being almost unanimous iv favour of returning to the American allegiance. Rumours are afloat that several lodges Avill not submit to be ruled from England, consequently con siderable changes may be on the eve of taking place in the Order. The public of Auckland will be pleased to learn that the first edition of Mr W. L. Rees' neAV novel " Sir Gilbert Lei^h " has arrived by the barque Lorraine, and will be for sale' at tho booksellers' in a few days. To lhe Editor : Sir,—What is tho mean ing of £9 7s Cd for payment of a saddle for Woollield? lam in an inquiring humour, and Avant to know the Avhy and wherefore of this peculiar item of the Council's expenses, therefore : What does Woolfield want a saddle for ? Why should the ratepayers be saddled with this payment? And Avhy £9 7s 6d? And cannot he have got a cheaper saddle ? And is that saddle to bo used in the interests of the townspeople?— Yours, in haste, Miles. Messrs Buller and Lewis, solicitors to Mr W. H. Farnall, have commenced a suit in the Supreme Court to recover compensation for his services as an immigration agent in Ireland. " Owing to an informality in his appointment, says the Wellington " Post" Mr Farnall has hitheito Avaitcd in A*ain for a i OAvard for lii is services, and he is even some hundredsof poundsoutof pocket. An amount placed on the supplementary estimates as satisfaction for his claim was la**t session struck out by a small majority ; but the Government, recognising the value of the Avork done by Mr Farnall, have allowed him to take proceedings in the Supremo Court, promising to raise no legal point, but to let the case be decided on its merits."

The next quarterly licensing meeting for the city and suburbs will be hold on Tuesday next, the sth inst, in the Court House, High-street, at tAYelve o'clock. Mr Walters has stopped at Wellington with Isaac Walton, and has sent French on to Dunedin with Hippocampus and Venus Transit.

The perfumes of the Empire City have proved too much for His Excellency the Governor, and he ha 3 resolved to pack up his baggage, and leave on the 7th inst. for the purer atmosphere of Auckland, where lie Avill remain two months. During his absence, a staff of workmen is to be placed on the drains in the vicinity of the guberna torial mansion, Avith thelobject of making, if possible, one Bweet sequestered spot in tli£ city of match-boxes.

Discoveries have lately been made itiNew fouudland which shew that an organised system of murdering shipwrecked crews has prevailed for years in a locality knoAvn as Boiiue Bay." Several arrests have been made.

The old Melbourne residents, Messrs Spiers and Pond, have opened a magnificent new hotel on theHolborn Viaduct, alongside the terminus of the London, Chatham, and Dover Raihvay. It is a most luxurious establishment, and the universal acknoAV ledgment in the Press is that it is unsur passed in London. A public meeting of the Scripture Gift Association "will be held on Tuesday even ing, the sth instant, in the Wellesley-street lecture room, when the forty-three prizes to the boys and girls avlio answered Scripture biographical questions most satisfactorily will be aAvarded by Dr Maunsell. A very interesting meeting was held last evening in St. Paul's Schoolroom for the purpose of aAyarding prizes to the choristers and scholars of the Sunday-school. Rev. C. M. Nelson presided, and expressed the pleasure he felt in performing the pleasing duty of recognising the merits of the young people under his charge. He Avas glad to notice that considerable progress had been made during the last six months in the Sunday-school, the scholars now number ing 170 —at least 20 more than on any pre vious occasion during the last seA ren years. He believed that their numbers would be further increased if they could procure the assistance of more teachers, Avhich the school greatly needed. The children sang several hymns in an efficient manner, after which the prizes Avere given. The foiloAving choristers received prizes : 1, G. W. Lepiiie; 2, Frank Pulmau ; 3, W. C. Speight; 4, Frederick Hard wick. ReAvards : 1, A. Robertson ; 2, Frederick Pulnian ; 3, H. Sanders; 4, J. Lecky; 5, E, Hardwick; and a special reward to Frederick Clark for his good conduct, regularity, and useful ness. Eighty A'olumes of more or less value Avere given to the Sunday-school scholars : 58 prizes and 27 reAvards.

The evidence of the several Avitnesses on the inquiry into the cause of the recent fire on Mr Francis' premises in Elliot-street Avas given in the Star of last evening, Avith the exception of that of Mr R. F. Webster, Avho got the key from Mrs Francis, and opened the premises.. The jury, having briefly considered the facts of the several Avitnesses, returned an open verdict. The Avaxworks exhibition received a fair share of patronage last evening, and visitors Avere amused by the music ot the Hibernian Band.

The regular monthly meeting of the Euniskillen Loyal Orange Lodge will be held in the Newton Hall this evening at half-past seven^o'clock. The return cricket match between the parncll and Victoria Cricket Clubs will be commenced in the Domain to-morrow afternoon at two o'clock. Mr J. B. Favis, the secretary, has furnished us with the names of the Victoria eleven, viz. Messrs Arniel, Cromwell, Cook (2), Done, Favis, James Biden, H. and J. Hutson, aud Moginie. Should the Aveather. proA*e favour able a good and clone contest may be safely anticipated. • The ratepavera of the Ponsonby High way District Avill hold a special meeting this evening in the Ponsonby Hall, for the purpose of considering the advisability of raising money by Avay of loan on the security of the rates of the district, under the authority and by virtue of part three of tho HigliAvays Act, 1874, for the purpose of constructing public works in the district. It is proposed to borrow the sum of £5,000, Avhich Avill be expended in forming, cutting, metalling, and otherwise improving, no less than 67 streets. £500 Avill be "spent on the road from tha junction of Franklin Road to College hill, about 550 feet. £1,652 will be reserved for Avorks to be carried out on the main aud boundary roads. The subject is an important one, and there should be a good attendance of ratepayers.

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce Avaited on the Hon. J. Sheehan, Minister of Justice, and represented the unfair ness of paying a special juror £1 a case, irrespective of its length. Mr Sheehan sug gested the increase of the special jurors' list as a partial remedy for the hardship of the present system. Great preparations are being made in con nection with the cricket match betAveen the Anglo-Australian eleven and twenty two of Auckland, which takes place at the Domain on the7th, Sth, and 9th of February. The committee are doing all iv their poAver to make the affair a success, and Aye be lieve the players who have been chosen to represent the fair province of Auckland are practising more frequently than on previous occasions. " Practice makes perfect," and if our cricketers really Avish to prove the Auckland cricketers superior to the Australians, they must prac tise assiduously. The first day of the match has been declared a public holiday, and as the entrance fee has been fixed at ls, there •should be a large attendance.

Serjeant Gamble has just returned from a tour of inspection in the Wade district, the business resnlt of his travels Avill be disclosed in the course of next Aveek. The "unstamped" trophies A\*ere not Aveighty, as the people of the Wade seem to respect the sacred proverb. " Ajfalse balance is an abomination to the Lord; but a justAveight is His delight."

We learn that the new school of City East is inadequate to the Avants of the people, taere not being room for the numerous applicants for admission. An addition to the building is therefore contem plated by the Board of Education, and Avill most likely be carried into effect. The local committee, viz, Messrs Burns, Stead man, Grey, and Lincoln, visited the school yesterday and expressed their satisfaction at the order which prevailed • throughout, and observ-ecL the necessity for more room.

The annular eclipse of the sun takes place to-morroAV, but will bo invisible here, commencing about sunset. It will be observed iv" tho Western parts of Australia, The next total eclipse of the sun A'isible in these parts of the earth will take place on the morning of September 9, 1885. The eclipse in New Zealand begins about a quarter of an hour after sunrise, totality commences shortly before eight o'clock, but continues • only about 40sec ; iv 175° 3' E., and 40° 34' S. on the central line, the duration of totality is l mm. 54 sec. A total eclipse of the sun visible in North America will tako place on July 30th of the present year, but it will be invisible in Auckland.

Messrs Maclean and Co., the well-knoAvn sheep and cattle breeders, have purchased at the Colac sale (New South Wales) three valuable bead of stock. Ist. The Hereford stud bull " University," red, Avith white face, calved 7th July, 1075 ; out of Princess Royal, by Student, 4,162. 2nd. Hereford coav, "Graceful," calved 7th August, 1870; out of Daisy, by Master Benjamin. 3rd. Hereford coat, " Ouida," calved sth November, 1574; out of Fancy, by Student (4,162). The above purchase is a most important addition to our Auckland ilocks. Already these gentlemen haA-e attained considerable reputation for the care and extent of their bre.ding operations. The following letter is evidence of the opinion held by one of the many visitors from tbe South who have inspected the fiocks of Messrs McLean and Co. :— " Gentlemen, —According to promise I have found time to view your stock of choice Lincoln ewes and rams, and the short homed cattle, and I must say I feel Avell repaid for so doing ; and although I see in Rome of the former as much difference as I do in the best of our Ncav Zealand stocks, still there is a distinctness of breeding running through the Avhole, which cannot be seen in the best provincial sheep. This may be accounted for by the fact of the length of time some of the Ilocks have been building up, in the hands of the best master builders. But there are a number of ewes second to none in these islands, a pick of Avhich I made, and Avhich, I have uo doubt, you will see. I don't say that ewes may not be brought before the public in grander form ; but in the hands of skilled judges they could uot be mistaken, as they combine all the very best points that go to make up the perfect sheep. Now, re the cattle : They are a choice lot of animals, Avhich anyone should be proud of. I first vieAved the two white bulls, one of which I should be glad to be the owner of, to take South. I now come to the Duke (I mean the oldest). He is a large, massive, avcll formed bull, which must prove a great acquisition in any herd. Turning from him, I am led to the pick of the bulls, to my mind, though he lacks one or tAvo points the older bull has got. He is rich fashioned, and has what the other bull has not, nor ever Avill havo : He will be all the gentleman one likes to see in a bull of such high-class breeding ; his head being perfect, the horns being free from dark tips, Avhich, to my mind, is one of the finest signs of high' breeding.—Hoping you Avill not be displeased at my plain-speaking, for I like tojbe candid, I am, Yours, Sec, W. M."

The Regatta Committee have fonvarded to Captain Smith a note of thanks for his kindness in alloAving his vessel the Iron Queen to be used as flag-ship on Wednes day.

A parish meeting in connection AA'ith All Saint's Church Avas held on Wednesday, to consider the question of adopting " Hymns Ancient and Modern." After the question, pro and con, had been fully and fairly discussed, the motion .in favour of the hymns avus carried by 36 against 16.

FOOT-RACE.

A foot-race Avhich is likely to pro\*oke con siderable interest is to be run on Monday morning nt Ellerslie Gardens, between George White, of the Mercury Bay crew, and the wellknoAvn Aucklaidpedestrian, Ned McGinley. The race is to be for £20, and the distance 600 yards.

IMPORTANT LAND AUCTION.

Mr A. Buoklaxd offered at auction to-day, at the Haymarket, the Araluable estate called the Canto Company's estate, in the valley of Whakatane, near Tauranga. The estate com prises 4,1)00 acres of freehold laud on the banks of the Whakatane, together with the leasehold of 21,000 acres of land adjoining. On the estate are a well-built dwelling house, about 1,000 head of cattle, 1,500 sheep, and 20 horses. There were a good many persons present when the property Avas put up, but the bidding Avai of a summary description. Mr W. Aitken bid £10.000, upon which Mr Patrick Comiskey bid £15 000, There was" no response from Mr Aitken nor any one else, and the hammer fell to Mr Comiskey's bid. It is deemed very cheap. The property at Kohimarama advertised for sale was not sold, there being no advance on £15 per acre.

The Premier's Visit to the King.

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

(From our Special Reporter.)

ALEXANDRA

Thuksday, 3.5 p.m. Twocanoes infullfeatherhave just arrived from Point Russell. Thelargerone ispaddled by thirty natives, and named Teataire hia. It received an ovation from the Maoris and Europeans, numbering a hundred, on the bank of the river. The canoes go on to the junction of the Waipa and Punui, McLean's starting point by Avater at the meeting of 1876. Thursday Night. KIN G'S PROCLAMATION. — EURO PEANS TO BE EXCLUDED. Shortly after seven o'clock to-night, the Chief of the Ngatimahuta, named Huiaina, said to be a relative of Tawhiao, rode into the toAvnship and stopped in front ot the Alexandra Hotel. In a loud voice he pro claimed that no Europeans betAveen the Waikato and Waipa rivers, except those in Sir George Grey's party, should be alloAved across the confiscated boundary, and he solemnly Avarned them not to come. Mr Grace, the Government interpreter, translated to your representative, avlio aftei-Avards interviewed Huiaina, and in quired by Avhose order this Avas done. Huiaina replied : " By all Waikato." Reporter : Was it by TaAvhiao's Council ? Huiaina : By Te Ngakau. Your • representative afterwards inter vicAved the Native Minister, and asked Avhether the King's panui (proclamation) applied to him. Mr Sheehan replied in the affirmative. Your reporter not being on. the stall* of Ministers may experience great difficulty in obtaining permission to be present at the meeting. He aa'Hl, hoAvever, prove equal to the occasion. Friday, 10 a.m. A MAORI PHRENOLOGIST. Considerable amusement Avas created by TeAvhare, a relative of Tawhiaos, feeling the . Hon. J.- Sheehan's bumps. TaAvhare, nick named Dicky Diamond, Avas exhibited throughout Great Britain, India and Amer ica by Mr Dickson, In the course of his travels, TaAvhari acquired a smattering^ of phrenology. He expressed much admira tion of Mr Sheehan's head, but oaviis that his most prominent bump is philoprogeni tiveness. Sir George Grey, Avith a small party, has just left for the King. 10.30 a.m. The difficulty regarding the admittance of our special reporter has been settled by the Premier taking bini as belonging to his party. He will be chaperoned to the place of meeting by Te Wheoro, proceeding over land, as the oanoe is not large enough to take all, being heavily loaded AA'ith pro visions. Sir George Grey is being conveyed in a large canoe belonging to Te Wheoro, Avhich arrived yesterday. The natives who came from Te Kopua yesterday state that about 700 natives are there. RepresentatiA_es of the tribes are present from Napior, Wanga nui, and Taranaki. TaAvhiao says the kai is spoiling, and is anxious for the meeting to commence. Some natives yesterday Avere A*ery im patient at the delay, being tired with the long attendance at tin; recent tangi over tho remains of Takeri Te Rau. They threatened to return home, but Avere in duced to stay. The natives have onlya few tents. Many last night rode long distances to their settlements, but Avill return to-day. In addition to the seven hundred already assembled, hundreds more are on the road from Tamahere. THE REFUGE MURDERERS. Purukutu, Sullivan's murderer, and the redoubtable Te Kooti, Avere at the place ot meetiug yestereay, haA'ing come from Te Kuiti. It is not knoAvn Avhether they will be present at the meeting to day, but they are not likely to take any prominent part in the proceedings. It is not yet known Avhether Te Kooti will be present, but pro bably not, or if j so, he will lie perdu. Te Kooti got very drunk yesterday. He mounted a horse and talked Avar, and at tempted to ride over some natives. MISCHIEF-MAKERS AT WORK. It is .aid some Europeans interested in land speculations have been inciting the natives to hostile speeches. Several chiefs living beyond the boundary desired to sell large blocks of land, and are expected to claim the right to sell. Te Ngakau had heard that se\*eral land speculators accom panied Ministers, ergo the proclamation yesterday. MANNER OF THE RECEPTION. It is not yet knoAvn hoAV the natives will receive Sir George Grey. At the meeting of the chiefs yesterday, Te Nagkau advised that Sir George Grey should not be received Avith the usual pouwhiri on invitation from the women at the entrance to the settle ment, Avhich begins " Come here, the gue3t, etc," but that they should Avelcome him thus: "Come here, Governor, your coming s your OAvn Avork." I The meaning of this is understood to bethat they Avill expect Sir George Grey to state the object of his meeting; taking the initiative himself in the speeches. They Avill probably not make any demand for the restoration of Waikato. REWI'S ATTITUDE. ReAvi has been induced to remain Avith the greatest difficulty. Yesterday he again threatened to leave. The story that he has a difference with TaA\hiao is substantially correct. Rewi regards him as a mere puppet of the Ngatihaua chiefs. The folloAving conversation between ReAvi and a settler took place the other day :— Settler : Are you not suhject to TaAvhiao ? Rewi : No. The NgatiAvaupoto has only one chief. The Ngatihaua has a hundred. Settler : Then if TaAvhiao asked you to go .to Avar? Rewi (laughing): He asked me three times, and I refused. The meeting Avill probably be over to night) Sir George Grey remains at the settlement to-night Avith four others. The other Europeans return. There is no doAvn mail till to-morroAV morning.

TE KOPUA, 1 o'clock.

[By Mounted Messenger to Alexandra.] Sir George Grey, Messrs Sheehan, Dignan, J. C. BroAvn, and Wood, proceeded up the river in Te Wheoro's Avar canoe, paddled by forty-three Te Wheoro's natives. f hey arrived at Te Kopua at tea minutes to eleven o'clock. Meantime Te Wheoro Avas conducted overland. The Hon. Mr Fisher, Messrs Seymour George, Grace, HoaniNahe, ReAvitoßaikato, your Special, the Rev Wi Barton, Waraua, Hoane Te One,. Ta Awaitaig,, Henu Neiro, Te Kui, Makariri, Te Kaihi, Hargreave, Mohi, Hanu Ngaropi, Tautari, Eta, Hohaia, Avent overland. They reached Te Kopua shortly before the arrival of Sir George Grey's canoe at the junction of the Waipa and Mangakarua and Ngakaohia rivers ; the party had a fine A'iew of the exciting scene. The canoe Avas roAA*ed at great speed against the rapids, chiefs giving time. ThcfolloAving chiefs Avere in the canoe :—Nene Kukutai, Hori Kukutai Ratima, Here Wini, Te Wharepu, Te Ta\vhara, Hohoputu, Te Mapuenuhu, NgaAvharau. Here Sir George Grey and party landed. The horses were taken charge'of by natives, aud Aye walked on some distance, until Aye came in sight of the native camp. A great number.of tents AYeie pitched on the grass plain. RECEPTION OF SIR GEORGE GREY AT KOPUA. Sir George Grey AA*as received by Taki- Avaru in peacocks feathers as he entered the village, and Avelcomed by the Avonien, Avho called out, " Haere mai ekara." The natives Avere formed in dense line on the south side of the plain, extending several hundred yards. Quite 3,000 Avere present, including Avomen and children. Sir George Grey and party were accommodated Avith chairs. Before taking their seats the Europeans stood in groups, and Avere re ceived by the Avomen and men in a

TANGI WHICH LASTED SEVERAL MINUTES.

a very mouinrui scene. Then «, -?f sat down. The tangi continu? par. £ Avomen exclaimed "Sere i s gg *' % 1 Grey and those who have cone w tte °r?a W allusion to the spirits of tiie depart I present. Then the Tariaos com ' "-'if 1 prayers; invoked God to p ro £+N f eulighten them, and all the Lit a». " THE MAORI KING ' I TaAvhiao was dressed iv Maori f r Avith fern on his head, a »ig n 0 f m „ silS, his arms oare. He stood a lono- ti '".; ing on his Taiha, Avith bowed head" 1616*1-- Te Ngakau looked greyer thim Am ! Donald McLean's meeting. Rewi!_- of sight. TutaAvhiao, the kin^s Pt out in front, Avith bowed head, Avhirk **- dressed in mourning, in token of death *** Sir George Grey followed, then * I Ngakau sooke. The w*hole cremon c concluded by noon. It was merely f The natives then dispersed to airan^ 0?-1- A DEAD SILENCE 8 to°i TaAvhiao remained silent nearly a qu of an hour. Perfect silence and still' 1' 6- Avas observed by the natives. j a !? and Tapihana made speeches of avpiJ^*- FRATERNISING. ■*• At tho present time of writinc— n j one o'clock—the Europeans are fratern^*" I Avith the natives, who are dispersed the ground in most picturesque dLstorT 1 ' some women are tanging over lou» nkj. . relatives. ° aD *ci* I

SECOND SPECIAL DESPATCH.

(By Mountj-d Messenger.) TE KOPUA, 1,30 p| The following speeches Avere made attlt first meeting :— le TaAvhiao said : " Welcome, welcomn Avelcome. Come to those Avho have call i you many times. Come bringing Arithv-o ' your_ rules, come and see what oui-g \} The inevitable must be endured. Tiiinknn. of the alterations that have taken pW Como and see. Come, oh, father. Come •• come, Come, oh Grey. You bring healin? * Avith you. Listen ! Oh ! Listen ! This I i G ivernor Grey. (Turning his head towards > dispeople.) Oh, come, father of the peopk Salutations to you. A very long pause folloAved Tapihana then stood up and said: "Wei. coine,Avelcome. Come to Waihingatu, coni» to my relatives. Come andsee yourpeople- ' my elder brother, my fatner, my parent Come! Come! Come! Lift up your eyes and look around. Come to Waihingatu the place of abode of Ucmiku. Comewer the sea, sailing on the great oceaa of Kiwa ; over the great sea of TaAva", until you haA'e reached the lands-of Tawhiao ■ come ashore, welcome, come to me ! Come to your father, Potatau ! Come ! Greetings to you. (Turning to the tribes). This is Sir George Grey. Here he is come to the place of our abode, and here he sits, fl. has come to our village. Oh friend come to me, come to your village. The speaker then sat doAvn. Tawhiao remained standing. The Premier, after some minutes, stood up. The natives immediately all attention. He spoke in Maori as follows : "Oh ! My friends, I greet you all. I sym pathise Avith you all. Greetings to TaAvhiao and all the descendants of Patatau, my friend Avho is dead. I greet you all, the chiefs and tribes of Waikato andNgatimania poto. the representatives of my friends Avho have departed this life. I greet yon; chiefs and all the people of Ngatimaniapoto and Waikato. g I greet you all, also the. representati.es .offall my friends Avho have departed this life. 1 fgreet you all.". The Premier- then sat doAvn. Te Ngakau said : Welcome, Avelcome to Waikato. Come and see the troubles1 that surround us. Come that Aye may see each other face to face. The faces that have been loft by those Avho have gone into darkness. Come and see your father." Come that Aye may look into each other's eyes; that ate may look at you, and you may look at us. Come to me and the rep resentatives of your friends. Come and bring great thoughts (song), Avelcome. Come with your friends.' That is all now; it is ended. The speaking then ended. This part of the proceedings ended about noon. The people then rose up. The Kings sister and another came and shook hands with Sir George Grey. Tents are now being: pitched, and food is preparing.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before R. C. BarstOAV Esq., R.M.) . THE EDEN BAKBEB. John Thakaberry, knoAvn as the " Tonsor of Eden," Avas again brought up on a charge of drunkenness. John nodded, but uttered not a word. As this was the fourth offence Avithin a few Aveeks, John Avaß committed for sever! days. John : But there's no shaving in the gaol noAV ; my occupation's gone. Constable McLellan : Come along. WINDOW-SMASHING. Joseph Tattersall Avas charged with breaking ar pane of glass, value 10s 9d, tha property of Bridget MungreAv, this morning; the prisoner Avas also charged Avith drunken-: ness. Mrs Mungrew was not desirous of; pressing the glass case. Fined 10s and costs, or 4S hours. WILLIAM AND HIS MOTHER. William Kelly was charged Avith failing to contribute toAvards the support of his infirm mother, aged 75, according to an order of the Court; arrears £2. Sub-Inspector Pardy said that defendant had sent the amount; the case Avas there*, fore Avithdrawu. STOPPING. THE WAX". William J. Parker was charged with leaving his cart in the footpath of Nelson street on the 25th ultimo. Mr Parker said he Avould plead guilt* but it Avas done by his man, aud it slippet his memory. Fined 2s 6d, costs 5s 6d. A FLAKE UP. George CampbeU Avas charged with per" mitting his chimney in Parnell to be on fire on the 25th instant. Mr CampbeU was cooking a goose, ana Avas not aAvare that the chimney Avas foul J the sweep had evidently not made a cleaa SAA'eep on the last occasion. John Gilpin and James Ryan saw the out burst of the flames, othenvise there avoul have been a conflagration. His Worship said it Avas necessary to keep chimnies clean at this time of the year, and he must pay for his neglect. Fined ss, costs 15s. ASSAULT. :. I William McLean Avas charged Avith striking Henry McGill, a lad "of eight years, on the 26th ult. Defendant said he should like to speak on the subject. His Honor said he Avould have an opportunity. Marion McGill deposed to seeing defen dant run away from the lad, and strike him on the face ; she did not know the cause. The lad's father addressed the Court on the case ; his son did not knoAV the nature of an oath. , William McLean, labourer, deposed that it had been a constant practice Avith the boys to torment and tease his goat, and the lad before the Court especially. He had often cautioned the boy against sun practices, and on the evening iv question he suav young McGiil and young Teesdaje in his paddock, and after kicking the goat, one got hold of- the goat's cars, and the. other of his tail, and they Avere pulling i*l opposition to each other; Teesdale ran aAvay, and he gave McGill a cuff on the ear. On a previous evening, the boy had a pa*n' pot, aud painted the poor goat red, nearly all over. ~ His Worship said that defendant should have informed the father, Avho might have chastised the urchin. The case was dismissed Avithout costs, -

EVENING STAR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1. 1878



G-Rand Show OF SUMMER COSTUMES. m A. LINABURY & CO. HAVE JUST OPENED P AQf* ./COSTUMES COMPRISING! — BLACK SILK COSTUMES COLOURED SILK COSTUMES JAPANESE SILK COSTUxMES. 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 match. The above GOODS were purchased at a Heavy [KiSDiscoir^T off English Invoice, and Avill be offered to the Public at ENGLISH COST. Inspection Invited. A. l in^~-^ry "& C°" 201 &20g, quewn-street, Auckland. TTfILOUR! jpiLOUR. Anderson and Co., R. Anderson McGrill, Hassell, J. T. Evan3 and Co In sacks, 50s and 100s. B. TONKS & CO. Southbridge Bacon Curing Company, new cure Hams _.ni. Bacon. &_T The best brand in the market. Wholesale Agents-B. TONKS & CO, Knight's K.B. Jams. New Shipment. Wholesale Agents-B. TONKS & CO. Berny's Bonedust and Glutinised Bone Manure. Wholesale Agents—B. TONKS & CO I



Clover seeds. Clover seeds. Jus-- to Hand, ex ' Apei,t.ks.' OUR FIRST SHIPMENT NEW SEASON'S OLOVWR SEEDS, CONSISTING O*' White Clover Timothy Red Clover Rape Cow Grass Trefoil Alsyke «r.c., &c, Sec Turnip AND A Fine Collection of Farm and Garden Seeds, also, A Shipment of AMERICAN Timothy. Samples of the above Seeds will be forwarded on application. _, , - „ Poverty Bay, Canterbury, andlocal Rye Grass, Cocksfoot, Ratstail, Poas Fescues, &c, tac, from carerully selected samples, at lowest mar ket rates. W. J. HUB ST & CO., 101. Queen-street. bONEDUS T ! BONEDUST! JL> BONEDUST! To ArriA-e, about the middle of February: 500 TONS BONEDUST, Consisting ..of Billyard's No. 1, Bell's i inch, i inch, and Bonefiour. W. J. HURST & CO., 101, Queen-street. QP EC iXL £IHE A P T IN E S IN DRAPERY AND CLOTHING for the CHRIST .VI AS HOLIDAYS. H. ATKINS Will Shew the Following Cheap Lines During the Christmas Holidays :— A Large Lot of Rich, Bright. Black Silks at 3/11, as bright as sold at 5/6 Cheap Coloured Silks, beautiful shades Cheap Japanese Silks Cheap Dress Materials Cheap French Muslins A Job Line of Extra Quality Black Sill- Jackets at one-tUird the original prices. j Silk Umbrellas, splendid value, at 8/11 , Lined Parachutes (Bought a Job) at 2/11, worth | double I Cashmere and Lace Fischus, Capes, &c, at I Reduced Prices I Cheap Lace Curtains, Table Linen, Quilts, Sheetings, and Manchester Goods, for the Christmas Holidays. In the CLOTHING DEPARTMENT Cheap Silk Dust Coats, Black Mpacca Coats, Trousers and Vests, Tweed Suits, Paget, Galatea, and Sack Coats, Boys' and Youths' Suits, Sec, Sec, Sec. All Marked at Low Prices for the Christmas Holiday. THE NEW PITH HELMET. Job Line of Men's Straw Hats at 1/11, half-price. Job Line of Boys Straw Hats at 1/6, half-price. A Large Stock of MOSGIEL and other TWEEDS. Cheap Tweeds for Boys' Wear. Ho Atkins.



mWSNTY PER CENT. DIS UNT FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY! FANCY DRESS MATERIALS, FURNISHING GOODS, BLACK SILKS, BLANKETS, CALICOES. HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, CARPETS AND MATTING. CLOTHING OF ALL KINDS, FOR BOYS' AND MEN'S WEAR, HATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, &C, AND EVERY DESCRIPTION of GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, AT SS, TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND ALLOWED UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. Goods Entered avit_l 4 b_- Charged Regular Prices. OUSHBROOK AND "ORIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c, UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel). «._».:_--__-_-l_---_■_*__*-■• ■ - Shera Brothers ANNOUNCE THE ARRIVAL, Per " Lorraine," op their FIRST SHIPMENT FOR THE COMING SEASON. QUEEN-STREET. 26th January, 1878. NEVER Have the Public had such a Choice of BED STEADS offered them as at the present time Besides our already well assorted Stock of Iron Bedsteads, and those of our own manu facture in Kauri, Rimu, Cedar, and Mottled Kauri, we ask.them to bear in MIND that we have Just Opened Up, ex "Otaki," TWO HUNDRED IRON BEDSTEADS of the most modern style, comprising French, Half Tester, Children's, and Stumps, 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 FURNISH ED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Our system is to make a large return ; to insure this We Sell tor Ready joGJiSS Fc™Bj CASH at a Small Profit, and DELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. ft3T Give your Furnishing Order to Holloway. Garlicls & Oranwell, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, AND CLOTHIERS, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN & LORNE-STREETS AUCKLAND. (SPECIAL NOTICE Ladies and Gentlemen about to furnish are invited to inspect our extensive assortment of IMPORTED and COLONIAL FURNITURE. C A R P E T S.— Bruss°ls, Tapestry. Kidder minster, Dutch, Felt, and Stair, at Prices as Low as any House in Town. IRON BEDSTEADS.—HaIf Tester, French, Stamp and Folding, in great variety. New Patterns ex 'Otaki,' 'Famenoth,' and 'Iron Queen.' LINOLEUM, FLOORCLOTHS. MATTING, HEARTHRUGS, TOILET-WARE. TOILET t-LASSES, and an immense stock of DRAW ING, DINING, and BEDROOM SUITES, English and American CANE and WOOD CHAIRS, Meat Safes, Door Mats, &c, &c, &c, at LOWEST PRICES. A Liberal Discount io Cash Buyers. T. & H. COOKE. Furniture SJwwrooms 67. QUEEN-STREET. Steam-Cabinet Factory .VICTORIA-STREET



_- At) IES' UND IiRCLOTHING ! MA ■ CHILDREN'S Utf'»kRCLOTHIN AndBAKYLINENH! W. HATTI.AY, Having bought the Whole of ... Sargood, Son and E wen's Largo nnd VV cil-selected . Stock of LADIES' AND CHILD KEN'S UNDER CLOTHING & BABYLINEN, AT A LARGE DISCOUNT, Has marked them at proportionately Low Rates. Ladies are requested to call and inspect the Stock. TVT I- W nr KAL AN D XT OU 8 IC, 66. QUEEN-STREET. A hot, land.