SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIWH WATER-{^ o^.X^f gl 5.12 SUN SET.—This Evening. 7.3 SUN RISK.—To morrow Morning. 5.7 MOONS AGE.—New Moon, Feb. 2,1.4 1 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Gael, schooner. Urquhart, from Levuka. Rowena. s.s., Sellers, from Tauranga Ruby, schooner, from Russell Augusta, brigantine, Puhuan.irom Levuka.

DEPARTURES.

Taranaki. s.s.. Malcolm, for the South Tanpo. s.s.. Carey, for Russell lona, s.s., Farouhar, for Kussell

3"The s.s. Taranaki sailed for New Plymouth and the South yesterday. Passengers—Mesdames Cleehorn. J)alin, Arthur, O'Sullivan, Choyce, andilirfiu. Misses Bedgtrood and Milne, Messrs R. B. Shalders, E. W, Marks, Riggall, fcribbs, Ellis, Colson, Thomas, Carder. Stannaway, Mathieson, Butler, Pharland. Devenish, Gra ham. Pe-rrian, Dalin, Massett, Malcolm, Wishart, Moore, Henman, Fowler and 2 children, ana 7 steerage.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents. The s s. Taupo and the s.s. lona sailed for Russell last night. The Taupo is expected back on Thur-day morning, and will sail tor me South at Ip.m. the s»me day. The schooner Gael arrived from Levuka this morninf early, after a passage of 16 days, tone left on Monday the 14th inst., and had fine northerly weather for 24 hours. The wind then fell, aud a calm lasted for 12 hours. Light breezes from The eastward and calms nave been experienced during the rest of the voyage. The Gaol brings a cargo of sugar, maize, wool, hWe?, molasses, and benns. The briu-an me Augusta left Levuka for Auck land two hours before the Gael. EThebrigantino Augusta arrived from Levuka this morning with a cargo of maize, cotton, augar, &c.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under : For Thames, this day. at 5.30 p.m. ; and to morrow at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Argyle, on

Friday next, at 2.30 p.m. ForTairua, per Mara, this day, at 4 p.m. For Wangiirei, per Ilrgyle, this day, at i p.m. For Samoa, per Matafele, to-morJow, at 8 a.m. For Waiwera, Warkworth, and Te Aral, per AuneMilbank, to-morrow, at 10 a m. Fo'" Tryphena, pe.- Three Brothers, to-morrow,

at i p.m. _ , , For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Southern Provinces, per Taupo, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 2 p.m. Late letters till 3.20 p.m. Per s.s; Tairoa, on Tuesday, sth February, as For India, Uhina.sMediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe; at 5 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, Aus tralian Colonies, and Unitp.d Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton, and via Brmdisi, a^ 5 a.m. For newspapers, at 5 a.m. !„«.„„ For money orders and registered letters, the previous evening, at 4 p.m. For Australian Colodies,, per ROtorna, on

Tuesday next, at 1 p.m. Peri City of New York,|on JTuesday, sth Febru aiForSSandwich Inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign •West IndiPS, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent or Europe, at 3 p.m. ■ , For money orders, registered letters and newspapers, at 1.30. Late letters bearing an extra f«e of sixpence in addition to the post age will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

IRELAND.—On the 28th instant, at Hulme Court, Parnell, Mrs. Ireland of a son.

MARRIAGE.

MORLEY—HARVfIJY/.—On the Ist January, at the residence of Mrs. Dennett, Parnell, by the Rev. W. Kirk, Frank Marriott, youngest son of Mr. William Morley, to Unica Ann, second daughter of the late Mr. Chas. Harvey, Auck land. ,

SPRAGG.—NEAL.—On the 29th instant, by the Rev. W. J. Watkin, at the residence of the bride's father. Wesley Spragg to Henrietta, eldest daughter of Robert Neal, Epsom.

DEATH.

JEFFERY.—On the 29th January, at Onehunga, Richard Jeffery/aged A3 years. The funeral will leave his late residence on Thursday, 31st instant, at 4 o'clock. Friends please accept this invitation. COPPELL.—On the 28th January, at Mount street, Margaret, relict of the late Captain Coppell, and mother of Mr. Coppell, engineer, aged 76 years. The faneral will leave her daughter's resi dence (Mrs. Pearson's), to-morrow (Thursday), at 5.30 p.m. Friends will please accept, this invitation.

HOLDSHIP.—On 27th January, John Charles,

infant son of G-. Holdship. JAGGAR.—At the residence of her parents, Grahame-street, on the 30th instant. Bertha Mildred, infant daughter of Edwin and Sarah Jaggar, aged 12 months.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1878.

tor-tbe cause that lacks-Ssristanc*. For (be wrong that needs resistance, F«w the fnture la the distance. Ami <be gsmi (bat m «ea-d*

A LETTER in our last night's issue, with respect to the Union Beach and Golden Pah Companies, raises a question of very considerable moment, and at the same time treats it in a way to mislead the public, and those'more immediately concerned, as to the real facts. Our correspondent sets out with a fallacy, and proceeds to base thereon a series of false positions. He says, in brief, that a series of disasters to the companies [named, and to mining in

general, have resulted from a decision by Judge Fentou, which awarded the gold lields foreshore to the native owners. As a matter of fact, however, no such judgment was ever given; nor is it true that the Coro maudel natives have any legal title to the foreshore bordering upon the mines under notice. We have taken the trouble to in quire into the bearing of the judgment which our correspondent indicates as the foundation of all the troubles between these two mines, and what we now state is on the very best authority. The evidence adduced before the Chief Judge of the Native Lands Court proved that, from time imme morial in Maori tradition, certain beaches had been used by particular tribes for fishing— a most important consideration in the Maori commissariat. For this purpose, walls had in some instances been built, and other con trivances devised at specially favourable spots; and year after year, from a period dating before the acquisition of the colony by the Crown, beaches had in this way been occupied. The Chief Judge, therefore, while holding that the inherent right of the Crown to all beaches was absolute, recognised the existence of an easement in the shape of a declared right to fish by stake nets or other contrivances over the surface of the foreshore on beaches with respect to which it could be shewn such rights had been exercised by a tribe continuously since a period prior to the treaty of Waitangi. The ease ment thus allowed did not stand in the nature of a title to the beach, except for the purposes for which it had been ex ercised ; and it in no lespect extended beyond the actiial surface of the beach. The ground below the beach remained, under this judgment, absolutely and indis putably the property of the Crown. In the case of the Coromandel foreshore the right to an easement for fishing purposes has, we believe, never been established, and its proof would be a matter of evidence. But for the purposes of the case dealt with by our correspondent it is a matter of no consequence whatever, inas much as the natives, though possessing a right to fish on the surface of the beach to the exclusion of all trespassers, could not grant the privilege of mining below the surface in land belonging to the Crown. The question, then, naturally arises, in what position does land below the high water mark stand in relation to the adjoining goldtields? It seems hardly open to doubt that such lands will be sub ject to the same laws as any other Crown lands, and that the discoverers of gold thereon will be entitled to such rights as are granted under the Goldnelds Act to discoverers of gold on-other Crown property. They would, in point of fact, be entitled to apply for an area as prospectors on a new goldfield. We are not aware to what extent the Golden Pah Company may be in a position to avail themselves of this course of procedure, but we believe the remarks of our correspondent upon the objectionable character of any action taken with the object of depriving that Company of the legitimate fruits of its enterprise will meet with the endorsement of a unanimous public opinion.

We call attention to a challenge in our advertising columns of to-day, especially directing our volunteers readers to make a note of it, for it appears to us nearly time something was done in this direction. Wo know enough of the science of musketry to be aware that as the bullet travels on a curved line" the greatest skill at the targets (such as that displayed at Mount Eden on Monday last) with a measured distance, would be comparatively useless without the ability of knowing distance in the field of action. We also know that the acquisition of this ability has been entirely ignored up to the present time. From what we have been able to learn, this arises from the amount of time and num ber of drills required as per army system making good the naive report of Col. Moule to the General Assembly, July 29, 1874 : That musketry instruction had not been carried out amongst the volunteers of the colony simply 'because the men could not afford the time required by the army system. Thus presenting a spectacle of ac tual inefficiency to the whole colony, for which it is called upon to pay some £20,000 a year. When we consider this, we are in clined to say in the words of Hamlet, " Oh reform it altogether."

At the meeting of creditors in the estate of William A. Kelly, of Waitakui, farmer, insolvent, advertised to be held in Mr Macfarlane's office, Supreme Court Buildings at 11 o'clock this day, the statement submitted shewed : Liabilities, unsecured £41 ss; do., secured £161 3s 2d; total, £202 8s 2d ; ..asset?, £182 10s ; deficiency, £19 18s 2d. There being no creditor present, Mr Thomas Macfarlane was appointed Trustee.

A Canterbury crew has left to take part in|the Wanganui Regatta.

The Girl's Training and High School will commence the new session to-morrow.

The Thames Scottish team returned home by the Rotomahana last evening. A large number of Auckland volunteers and the Hobson Band, assemble*! on the wharf to bid them farewell. As the steamer moved away from the wharf, cheers were given for the two teams, the band playing " Auld Lang Syne." ■

An inquest on the outbreak of fire in Mi- Francis' store, |EUiott-street, is to be held at the Victoria Hotel to-morrow.

The seats in the dress-circle and orchestra stalls are fast being taken up for the ap proaching Italian opera season. As the list positively closes on Friday next, and will not be re-opened after that date, those who desire to take advantage of the privilege afforded by the season tickets will do well to secure their seats at once.

Last summer the orchards of Epsom, like many nearer the city, were subject to wholesale depredation. We learn that, in anticipation of a like annoyance thia year several owners, particularly one who suffered very much before, have set man traps of a description that will firmly secure the capture of trespassers. The Resident Magistrate will, we trust, make an example of the first offender brought before him.

The annual festival of the children attend ing All Saints Sunday-school was held yesterday. A large number of scholars assembled at the schoolroom, and proceeded to the residence of Mr T. T. Maseneld, Home Bay, in charge of Mrs Hall, Miss Kenny, and Messrs. Hall, Heath, Ashton, Oswald, Lambert, and King. Here the children enjoyed themselves immensely, playing the games usual on such occasions. The pleasure was greatly enhanced by the singing of the choir, under Mr M. J. Lambert. The harmonium, which had been brought down from the schoolroom, was found to be very useful in accompanying the singers. Alarge outhouse afforded shelter during the showers. In the afternoon, a pro gramme of races was gone Jthrough Jvery . successfully, and prizes of a suitable nature Avere given to the winners. During the day the children were supplied with unlimited quantities of fruit, cakes, lollies, &c., and luncheon was provided for the teachers and friends by Mr Maseneld. Previous to the younger children leaving for home, cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Masefield, Rev. E. N. Bree, Mr W. F. Hammond (late superintendent) and teachers, elder scholars, and a number of friends amused themselves until half-past 8 o'clock, when further cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Maseneld, and' Mr Lambert. One verse of the National Anthem having been sung, the party dispersed, after spend iujr a very enjoyable day. The Scottishßand,under the direction of Bandmaster Shanaghan, was inadvertently omitted to be mentioned in our notice of the church parade on Sunday. This band, which has made great strides since its formation, interested the school children in the Domain yesterday with a number of lively airs.

The "Blacksmith's Dream" was again well patronized last evening, and the visitois were greatly pleased with the exhibition.

The right to erect publicans' refreshment booths and vend fruit at the forthcoming cricket match, Australia v. Auckland, will be sold by Messrs Tonks and Co., on Friday at 12 o'clock. The very fast time made on the Melbourne Racecourse in some of the principal races during the present season (says the "Argus") has led many persons to imagine that the measurement of the course was not correct. In order to set the matter at rest, the course was measured recently by v competent sur veyor at the request of several gentlemen who take an interest in the matter. The distance round, measured at 3ft. from the posts, was ascertained to be 116 chains 54 links, or 3 chains 95 links less than a mile and a half, This makes the distance just one liuk more than the official measurement, so that we must attribute the good time made to the improvement of our racehorses and not to any error in the distance.

There are now three private tramway companies constructing lines to the suburbs of | Adelaide and the shares are at a premium before they have even completed laying their roads. These tramway lines are in addition to a private railway of seven miles in length, which pays at the rate of 30 per cent. Mr Sothern terminated his engagement in Sydney a week or two ago, when he appeared in "Our American Cousin" for the last time, having played in " Romeo and Juliet" on the previous Saturday. His route now lies for New Zealand (says the " Sydney Morning Herald,") and as a light comedian we are losing one whom the colonial stage can ill spare. Whatever may be said against Mr Sothern's slightly 'gushing' style of acting, he has, at least in such parts as many actors haye filled before him on colonial boards, avoided the vulgarity which too many have invested them with, and in this light his example is worth copying.

We regret to learn that Mr Wiliiam Godwin, the young man) who was so badly injured by the upsetting of the Salvage Corps drag on the morning of the recent fire at Newton, has suffered a relapse, and this afternoon was lying in a dangerous condition; the medical attendant considering that he would not live through the after noon.

A number of Mr Varley's followers (says the Melbourne " Herald") have organised street-preaching about the suburbs of Mel bourne, and taking a leaf out ,of Mr V's book, a practice is usual which does not fail to attract the larrikins, and afford con siderable exercise for their wit. The preacher calls for a " brother" to narrate his experiences, after' the style of a Wes leyan class meeting, and a dialogue ensues, which appears to have been rehearsed beforehand. The street youths join in after a style which is anything but conducive to feelingß of reverence. "Brother, are you saved ?" "No fear." " Give him a prize. 5' " Hold out your hand," and so forth. The new idea is attractive, but whether it be useful is another question.

The Rev Dr Somervilles lecture in aid of the Young Men's Christian Association will be delivered to-morrow evening in the Choral Hall (not the Lome-street Hall, as erroneously printed last night.) The sub ject, as we have already said, is an attrac tive one—" The Firey Furnace," and will, we have no doubt, realise those high expec tations which past experience of the rev. gentleman's eloquence has aroused. We have been requested to state for information of parents of children attending the City East district schools that all children under eight years should be sent to the High-street school. Miss Warm, late head-teacher of the Alexandra-street school, lias been appointed to take charge of the same.

A correspondent writing from Waiheke says : " Civilization is at all times a dubious word. The exact stage it has reached on the island of Waiheke takes the form of an application for a public-house. Diggers say that a church, a school, and a public-house constitute a township. On Waiheke they are wiser; having neither church nor school, their first petition is for the public-house. Time was when the working bullocks on this remarkable island were reputed tn vote for provincial members : it may be that, according to Evolution, the intelligence if not the habits of the former voters have been transmitted, and that an advanced stage has been arrived at, of having church, school, and public-house, and a fireplace in it.—Yours, &c, Nga Tutuku."

A Newmarket correspondent writes :—At a meeting of the trustees of the Newmarket Hall, held on Saturday, the 26th inst. it was decided to arrange about getting up a course of lectures for the winter months. It was decided to have musical selections at the opening, and during the intervals be tween the lecture, so as to make them as attractive as possible. The Committee are also about to arrange for the annual concert, the -proceeds of which are to be applied to the reduction of the debt of £100, which still remains on the building. Although this use ful Institution has been languishing a little lately it is by no means dead, as the number of its subscribers will shew. They are : Life members, 20 ; quarterly subscribers, 20; annual do., Tne number of volumes in the library is 382. The papers and periodicals are: Home News, Illustrated London News, Scientific American, and London Journal. Also the daily papers and parliamentary blue books, and the various Acts and gazettes, &c. Chess., dominoes, and drafts, are all patronised, but alas ! when I visit the room of an evening, I am tempted to exclaim, " Ichabod! Ichabod!" and I lean upon the mantle-shelf and wipe away a tear, and think upon the days when politics ran high, and essays, readings, and reci tations were all the rage.—Yours truly, J. M.

Messrs C. A. Harris, G. Holdship and B. Ireland have been gazetted Justices of the Peace for the colany.

The Kaipara railway returns for the month of December showed an increase of £79 over the corresponding period of 1576. The Waikato railway shows an increase of £1,197.

The teachers and Bible classes of St. James' Presbyterian teachers held their picnic at Stokes' Point yesterday. Mr Howard kindly allowed the use of his grounds for the occasion. Despite of the rain, a very pleasant day was passed, and the party returned to town shortly after seven o clock, well pleased with their holiday.

We are glad to learn from a Press Agency cable message that the prohibition on New Zealand stock in New South Wales has been removerl.

The children belonging to the Devenport Wesleyan Sunday-school celebrated their annual fe"te yesterday, which should have been held at Brick Bay, but in consequence of the uncertainty of the weather, it was decided to remain on the chapel grounds. Games were improvised and heartily entered intoi A horse and trap wa§ engaged, and the little ones taken for short drives between the showers. Dingies kindly lent by Messrs Duder and Reynolds were much enjoyed by the elder boys. Refreshments were Liberally dispensed, and the. youngsters dis missed to their homes at 7 o'clock, well pleased with the day's entertainment.

The'great waxworks exhibition was well patronised last evening, and will be open for the reception of visitors to-night. A special meeting of the ratepayers of the Ponsonby Highway District will be held in the Ponsonby Hall, on the evening of Friday next, for the purpose of considering the advisability of borrowing money with which to' construct public works in the district.

We understand that arrangements are now being made for another rine match be tween the Victoria Company, A.R.V., and Thames Scottish Company, to be fired at the Thames on Queen's Birthday. The Otahuhu School Committee have om mated Mr H. H. Lusk and Mr Samuel Luke, of Otahuhu, to be members of the new Board ot Education.

It was too bad. Sho lent him her album to write some verses in it. He took it home to his rooms, ami after much cogitation, hammered out the lines :

You are fair, dearest girl.as the beautiful roso, I adore you, oli, sweet little saint. And then the inspiration failed him, and he gave up in despair and went out aud dined. He visited the theatre afterward, and forgot all about the album till the next morning, when he looked round for it to finish the verse. It was not to be found, and no wonder, for his rival had called,and, seeing the album open, had read the lines, finished the quatrain, and sent it off to the lady, signed with the poet's initials. The worst of it was the enemy had con cluded the stanza as follows :

And it is'ntyour fault you've the ugliest nose, But, oh, why the deuce do you paint ? At Dunedin the other night, a little girl aged two years, was attacked and bitten on both cheeks by a large rat. The child's screams brought her parents to the rescue, when they found her pillow covered with blood.

The Grey County Council offers rewards, ranging from £150 to £500, for the discovery of new gold-fields, or any gold-bearing quartz reefs within the Grey County.

Those ot our readers who are acquainted with the rustic poetry of Edward Capern, the Devonshire postman-poet, will be in terested in learning that the poet's only son, Charles Capern, has been appointed manager to the Solihull Bank. This young man inherits much of his father's love of nature, and in November last the members of Saltley Horticultural Society, of which Mr C. Capern was president, and which had been chiefly under his fostering care, pre sented to him a beautifully illuminated address, expressive of their sentiments of esteem and good wishes. We ma/ add that the poet has some time since resigned his postmanship at Bideford, and has pur chased Harborne cottage, near Birmingham, where he at present resides.

A little story told by the Austrian corres pondenti of the " London Times" is worth repeating. It seems that at Plevna there have been repeated communications, not only between headquarters, but between the com manders at the front. " Indeed, if we may trust a letter of the 14th inst. in the "|Augsburger Allgemeine Zeitung," f rom De mirkoi, noitk of Plevna, this mutual inter course must have assumed quite a chivalrous character. According to this writer, General Gourko sent a most courteous letter to the gallant defender of Plevna, accom panied by several numbers of the " Times," containing reflections on the inevit able fall of the town, and on the nessessary surrender of the beleaguered army. The brave Osman, on his part, while re turning his best thanks for the favour, acknowledged the importance of being made acqua,nted with the peril of Plevna by a journal of such widcrenownasthe" Times," "adding that if he were not too much engaged, the copious matter contained in its columns would afford him welcome reading for the long winter evenings." In many things Turkey is a wonderful country, and some of its institutions are marvellous. The law of divorce, for instance, is a choice bit of jurisprudence. Should a lady have good reason to suspect her lord of infidelity, she has but to summon him be fore her household and make an oath that, " May I cease to be a Moslem, if ever I re ceive him again." He is dismissed a mensa et thoro. But should she repent of her vow, or should her penitent husband find means to mollify her anger, through the in tervention of friends, or by any other ot the thousand-and-one ways which lead to a re conciliation, and should a condonation be agreed to, the law runs that there must be a re-marriage, and this cannot be unless both parties admit that they are equally guilty. Since the ex-husband's infidelity was the primary cause of the divorce, it is necessary that at least one such chai'ge be proven against the ex-wife. A society of blind men exists for this purpose. One of them is solemnly deputed to take on himself the part of co-respondent, two witnesses make affidavits and justice is satisfied. A cause celebre is privately talked of just now, which illustrates this curious custom. A person of very high position in the house hold of the Sultan, during the demenage ment, which took place after the decease of Abdul Aziz, managed, through his great influence in the palace, and by the con uivance of some of the chiefs of the " neutral gentry "to become the happy possessor of three beautiful Georgain slaves, whom he estab lished with all privacy in a konak at Stam boul. Some kind friend, or disappointed demander of bakshish, conveyed to His Excellency's legal wife intelligence of the fact. She is a royal personage, and as such has the right of being the sole possessor of her husband. He was brought up before her, proved to be unfaithful, aud dismissed. Friends interfered, a reconciliation was effected according to law, and an interval of repose succeeded. But he could not behave Eroperly; a few weeks saw him return to is " Paphian bowers" at Stamboul, and he is once more pronounced a " divorce" by his twice-aggrieved spouse. WSSi

Australian Cablegrams.

(SPECIAL TO THE "STAR.")

WOOL FRAUDS,

REDUCTION OF AMERICAN

DUTY.

SYDNEY, this day.

Further wool frauds are attracting atten tion. Inferior wool is packed in the centre of bales, purporting to be all washed. This practice it is shown has been long in existence.

A cable message received says the American Revision Tariff has passed Com mittee, reducing the duty on wool to forty cents.

The Premier's Visit to the King.

GREAT PREPARATIONS.

A THOUSAND NATIVES EXPECTED,

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

(From our Special Reporter. )|

ALEXANDRA, this day. Rewi came over from his settlement beyond Orakau, yesterday, by special invitation of Sir George Grey, to attend the Te Kopua meeting. Reihana Rata, Chief of the Nga timaniapoto, accompanied. Te Ngakau went specially to escort them over.

Tamihana, Hori Whare Tonowhea, Wiremu Nikora Te Rau, Oruna Taraura-. rauke, Henare Te Pukeatua, and other chiefs of the Ngatskana tribe, came from Wharepapa.

Tawhiao is at Kopua with four hundred natives. There are great preparations here. Three triumphal arches designed with " cead mille falthea" will be erected over the Alexandra Hotel.

Ministers will be met at the turn of the road from Hamilton to Alexandra by Mr Sloaue, chairman of the Te Awamutu Highway Board, and members, who will present an address.

Two hundred Ngatimaniapotos arrived at Te Kopua yesterday. Altogether a thousand are expected to be present.

2.10 p.m. King Tawhiap has published a Eoyal edict, prohibiting Europeans going beyond Reynold's place at Te Kopua. Tawhiao was at Hopu yesterday, between Te Kopua and Hikuraugi. Natives pouring in from all places, remote as Kawhia. All the native people from Hikurangi have arrived. Eight head of cattle for the feast were presented by the Ngatihaua, so that the Premier and Mr Sheehan will have lump steaks. The natives will pitch tents for the meeting, which will be at Kamarawapo. Ministers will come here direct this evening. The ladies here are exerting themselves in superintending the decorations, especially Misses Hooper and Finch. There are two

arches ; one at Mangapfko, with the motto " Welcome." and the other at the Exchange Hotel, with the same motto. There is also a festoon across the road from the telegraph office to the trees, near Finch's, with the motto " CeadMille Faltha."

Immigrant Scandal at Napier.

(BY TELEGRAPH)

(From Our Own Correspondent).

NAPIER, this day. THE Resident Magistrate has been occupied two days listening to interesting cases with reference to the conduct of immigrants by the Renfrewshire, when on the voyage to Napier. A charge wa3 made by Dr Dale against the steward of the ship far assault, and another for larceny of a coat. Mr Rees asked yesterday for a remand in the latter case, so as to get female witnesses again in the box, who, he said, had been tampered with on the previous day by the defendant. The Magistrate (Mrßeetham) refused to grant the request, whereupon Mr Rees threatened to report his conduct to the Government. In the assault case one immigrant girl gave information that Dr Dale had permitted four girls to talk at night on deck with the young men. There was no mistake about that. Another girl said she saw the steward with a large knife pursuing the doctor, who had to run into the married apartment, and slept there all night. Another said seven girls fainted during the quarrel, to whom the cook attended, and also some of the Irish immigrants gave a helping hand. A male immigrant stated that on the evening of the Bth November there Avas no rough weather. The captain said his glass indi cated a storm. The single men burst open the hatches. The captain took out his revolver and said he would fire if they did not obey orders. He saw the captain threaten to fire at Dr. Dale, because the doctor wanted the hatches taken off. The doctor offered to allow him to fire, rather than see the immigrant girls fainting. There was a great commotion on board. — The Magistrate fined the steward in this case £5, including costs. Owing to the evidence being of a conflicting nature, the case against the captain of the ship for attempting to shoot Dr. Dale will be heard to-morrow.

SCHOOL ELECTIONS. The general public hare taken very little interest in the school elections.

THEATRE ROYAL.

The reduced prices of admission to Levy's high class concerts had the effect last evening of attracting a very large number of holiday keepers to the Theatre. The performances throughout wei c o * a most satisfactory charac ter, opening withT lalborg' abeautiful pianoforte solo, " Sonnambula," by Signor Giorza, who also accompanied tne vocalists. "Sweet is my Dream," by Miss Pitts and Signor Rosnati, and "Dermot Asthore,"br the lady, .were unexcep tionally good. Mrs Levy was vpry pleasing in her pretty song "It was a dream." ■Mr Levy, on the cornet, flayed admirably. The " Irish Medley," his own composition, was received ■with thrilling applause, and elicited a courteous response. Th*» trio of the "Rose of Castile," from Balfe, was exquisitely rendered by Mrs Levy, Miss Pitts, and Signor Rosnati. -A. new programme has been specially prepared for this evening, and to-morrow will be the final concert of the bevy series in this city.

RAILWAY EMPLOYEES EXCURSION.

(To the Editor.) SIR,—I don't think that it was quite straight towards me the way your reporter has described the pleasure ground at Pokeno, or rather Queen's Redoubt. He says the exertions ot Mr R. Woodcock were visible, (perhaps he will tell me in what way). He then goes on to say he had the duty of laying out the ground, erecting booths, etc., and it true looked well. True, it did look well, and everyone was taken quite aback with the appearance of the place but; I beg to inform you and your readers that neither Mr.Woodcock nor any one else belonging to the railway ever put a hand to anything con nected with the sports until the arrival of the excursion train with your reporter, when the Committee found everything ready for them. The whole thing was done by me and my men, whom I paid out of my own pocket. It is true Mr Woodcock told me to employ one man and charge it to the Committee, to assist me. The flags, or rather part of them, were sent from Auck land, as also the tent, but everything was erected by me, which I paid for to the tune of about five pounds ; besides having my horse something like twelve hours in the roller rolling the course. I do not know where your reporter got his information from; surely it could not be from Mr Woodcock or any of the committee, for they all knew very well that it was I, and I only who did it, and not Mr Wood cock. Moreover, Mr Woodcock himself asked me what I would charge the com mittee for clearing the course, pegging it out, &c, and I answered him "Nothing at all." With that he said " You had better put a man on to assist you, and I will see the committee about pay for him." The swing for the girls and children the committee never thought of; I put that up on my own hook, and it got well patronized, and gave great satisfaction to both girls and children, and some pretty old children some of them. Also on Monday morning we helped the man, who was left behind to look after the tent, &c, to get everything belonging to him on the summit to the line, and put them in the truck.— W. H. Potter, Queens' Hotel, Queens Redoubt.

Dr. Home's garden is noted as one of the most carefully-kept in Auckland, and hisproduce—both fruit and vegetables—have long been famous. A sample of peaches grown by the doctor came to hand this morning, and we shall adhere to our opinion that they are the finest and sweetest in the place until, some one sends a better sample.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Albert Beetham, Esq., (chair), and P. Comiskey, Esq., Justices of the Peace).

i THE COMMON ERROS. Four men. all new churns, spared the holiday, And took too much of brandy by the way ;

We spare their names, being fresh upon the shore, And hope they will not get drunk any more. Fined ss. each, or 24 hours. POOR LUCY NEAL.

This young person of colour was brought up on a charge of being drunk and dis orderly yesterday in Vulcan Lane. f^Lucy held down her head, and tried to blush through her dark skin, but nature would not permit such a display of modesty. Sub - Inspector Pardy deposed that prisoner was well-known in the vicinity of the Court, and was singing loudly, " I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls," by which means a crowd gatheied round. The Bench took a lenient view of the case, and imposed a fine of 5s and costs. WILD CHARLEY. Charles Petersen was brought up under a certain Act with misbehaving himself in Albert Barracks, with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. Prisoner pleaded guilty. It was stated that prisoner, who was a sailor, created a great row yesterday, and created a disturbance all through the barracks, in consequence of which Mr Brophy was compelled to seek the protec tion of the police; the language used by prisoner towards the female immigrants was of the most abominable description. The Bench said such conduct could not possibly be permitted without severe punishment. Ordered to pay £10, or three months' imprisonment with hard labour. ALICE, OR THE MYSTERIES. Alice Hoskins, alias the window smasher, was brought up on a charge of breaking panes of glass, value £1, the property of Mr John Meuzies, ot the Auckland Hotel, This woman, who had only left Mount Eden a few hours, where she had been immured on a similar charge, pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy said he believed the unhappy woman, who led a miserable and

dissipated life, broke the windows win view of being sent back to prison. % Prisoner ; I bav'e no home; I am a able creature. ' ""%. Sentenced to two months' imnp;.. a with hard labour. P"***^: " DUNN" IT. William Dunn, an elderly man a n of Connaught, "*was brought up on a e charges. (1) Billy was "dunn" bro^ 6? 1 being drunk ; (2) Billy "duun" v^to & striking Constable Boair'ke in the evp I kicking Constable Kelly in the le« •gl ?^ 1 by destroying Bourko's uniform 0 vain I 15s, in consequence of which it was "&* ® § too. | Prisoner : I was so blind drunk Worships, that I don't know wheth t I dunnit or not. r * | Constable Bourke deposed to hearin great noise, first singing and then fiahf^ 3 I in prisoner's house in Freeraan'sT Ba*" § Presently prisoner rushed out with alo I knife, swearing he would do for' M r j o ?<> | Benstead, who ran in-doors and! bolted th I door after him. He also struck Conotali Kelly with a bottle. table . John Benstead, who gave his evidenpn with much difficulty, stated that he heard fearful row, and made himself scarce. ft* secured his own door, and Mrs BenfrtnJ hid herself, under the bed. tead Sub-Inapector Pardy asked if Mrs Ben stead was present.- Witness : She is not, you know. Constable Kelly was called; he went to assist Constable Bourke, who appeared in dangerous predicament. The old man I swore that he would smash Bourke's head with the brandy-bottle if he dared to enter I " Dunn" Castle. They went round the J back way and got in. _ Dunn then aimed a bottle of brandy at his head, but ■which struck him on the shoulder; the liquor : showered his tunic. Constable Bourke then described ho\r 1 the old man made an onslaught upon his- 1 uniform, and completely destroyed his outer $ garment, worth £2 15s. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the old rnanhaifr 1 been in Auckland a good many years; he I was generall quiet, but when drunk was as- 1 mad as the maddest of performers at I Donnybrook fair. : By faith, your worships, look i at my arms, see how I've suffered; talk t? about the policeman, why look at Bill I Dunn, and the constable " dunn it." Sentenced to 14 days for the assaults ou i the constables, Is and the damage £2 15s 1 for the tunic, and costs, or in default J i days, making 21 days. Frisones : Thank ye, your worships, 1 Billy Dunn will do it. LARCENY OF iA COAT. William Elger, a young man, was 1 charged with stealing a coat, value £2 2s 6d, I the property of Thomas McMasters, of * Queen-street, ou the 26th inst. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sen- ' tenced to one months' imprisonment with hard labour. MICHAEL'S AVOWED MISTAKE. Mike aimed a blow, struck Edith on the arm, And hoped his fist had done the girl no harm. Michael Fitzpatrick -was charged with j committing an assault upon Edith "Will mott, a young woman, on Saturday last, bj j knocking her down and dragging her acroa; ; the road. Mr Tyler appeared for defendant, a man j of property in the New North Road, and \ who had mistaken the girl for his wife, who was out drinking. Edith Wilmott, 17, servant to Eev J. Robertson, of Ponsonby, deposed to the circumstances. On the evening of the 26th she had been to see her friends in Russell street, North Road. The night was very dark, and she saw the figure of the prisoner dodging near her in the gloom. Presently prisoner caught her by the arm, and said "You are my wife." She told him she was a servant going back to her situation at Ponsonby. He took her round the waist and hurt her arm very much. A person came out with a candle, and he let her go." To the Bench : Prisoner was a stranger to her. Margaret Harding, a married woman, deposed to hearing the noise and goingj out with the candle, when she saw prisoner ;; pulling the girl away from her gate, to'| which she was clutching. She spoke to him, i ; when he said it was his wife, and afterwards;. that he was wrong. She said "surely you* might have known the voice to be not that I of your wife." Mrs Baxter and Mr Wm. E. Baxter, | heard the screams of the girl, and heard;; the defendant say that he had made a I mistake, and was willing to make com-1 pensation. Mr Tyler addressed the Court, and urged I that it was all a mistake. Defendant had I goneghome, and found the place in disorder, 1 no supper ready, and he went out to hunt I for his wife, who was given to drink, and I mistook the girl for his absent partner. Mrs Fitzpatrick and Miss Willmott stood up, and the difference between them "was I remarkable, one being stout and pudgy, and . the other thin and tall, while the one spoke | the Irish tongue broadly, and the other sim- I pie English. The Bench considered that a mistake had I been made in consequence of mistaken c identity, and fined the prisoner Is and costs; I also, the damage done to the parasoL

TRADESMEN'S ATHLETIC SPORTS AT ELLERSLIE.

The wet weather had an unfavourable effect upon these Sports, and in con sequence of the paucity of return trains we were unable to give full particulars last evening. Our feathered friends, the STAR pigeons, were all engaged in other fields in flying messages. Quoit Match.—This match was started about twelve o'clock, and was not finished at three o'clock. The competitors were Messrs. J. Prior, George Smith, W. Ster ling, David Grubb, and Wm. Cunlitte. There was some vigorous old-fashioned play, and the most successful men were Smith, Grubb, and Sterling. Three Hundred Yards Handicap.— P. Jones, 27 yards, 1. R. Hutton, scratch, 2; F. Ellis, 30 yards, 3; J. Martin, 9 yards, 4. Walking Race Handicap. — J#i = Hendry, scratch, 1 ; R. Ellis, 80 yards,^} J. Mahon, scratch, 3.. " Six Hundred Yards Handicap.— Carpenter, 36 yards, 1; J. Porter, 30 yards, 2;W.S. Fagan, 15 yards, 3. Two Hundred Yards Hurdle Race. —A. Good, 9 yards, .1 ;R. Hutton, scratch, 2; T. Joughin, scratch, 3. Mile Race Handicap.—Donovan, 95 yards, 1; J. Carpenter, 45 yards, 2; J. Hendry, 50 yards, 3. Consolation Race.—W. Mettam, 1 ; E. O'Hare, 2; Cutler, 3. The Bell in the Ring and the Wrestling Match did not come off, there being no entries. THE ENTERTAINMENT. There Avas a good attendance at Lome street Hall in the evening, but much disappointment Avas caused by the non-appearance of several singers who had promised to be in attendance, viz., Messrs. Teague, G. White, and especially of Mr John Reid, Avho had pro mised to sing the "Village Blacksmith" and " Rocked in the cradle of the Deep." Loud complaints Avere made at the absence oi Mr Reid. Mr Carl Butschkow played several selections of . music. ■ Messrs. Beriie and Rice gave one of their capital speciality acts, the " Gens d'Armcs," and received well-deserved applause. Mettara Brothers. gaA re two double songs and dances in splendid style,and Hoggard and Heighton a clog dance, Mr Sceats two songs, and Mr Alexander Smith the " Fall of Wofeey," in. a masterly manner. Mr O'Hare's song "P see- her in my Dreams," Avas one <j£ the best songs of the evening. At the close of the entertainment the prizes AVon at the sports during the day Avere distributed by MrlA. Smith. The whole concluded; Avitb. a dance.

THE HERO.

MESSRS Cruickshank and Co. this morning received a cablegram stating that the s.s. Hero sailed from Sydney for this port yes»

EVENING STAR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30. 1818



Gr R a n d Show OF SUMMER COSTUMES. A. LINABURY & CO. HAVE JUS IT OPENED P 6J_o/» rpoSTUMES 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 3KIRTB, with Bod Pieces HANDSOME BRAIDED LINEN COS TUMES and SKIRTS, with Body Pieces to matcb. The above GOODS were purohased at a Heavy Discount off English Invoice, and will be offered to the Public at ENGLISH COST. Inspection Invited. 4 TINAB UR V & QO, 204 & 206. QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. ADIES' UNDERCLOTHING I CHILDREN'S UNOERCLOTHIN ! And BABYLINENI!! W. RATTRAY, Having bought the Whole of .- Sargood, Son and Ewen's Large and Wall-selecied Stock of LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S UNDER CLOTHING & BABYLINEN, AT A LARGE DISCOUNT, Has marked them at proportionately Low Rates. Ladies are requested to call and inspect the Stock. YEW 7BALAND "JJOUSE, 66, QUEEN-STREET. Attcexand. Shera Brothers announce the arrival, Per "Lorraine," OF THE'R FIRST SHIPMENT FOR THE COMING SEASON. QUEEN-S T'R E E T. 26th January, 1878. NEVER Have the Public had such a Choice of BED STEADS offered them as at the present tame Besides our already well assorted Stock of Iron Bedsteads, and those of our own manu facture in Kaurt, Rimu, Cedar, and Mottled Kauri, we ask them to bear in MIND that we have Just Openwd Up, ex "Otaki." TWO HUNDRED IRON BEDSTEADS of the most modern style, comprising French. Half Tester, Children's, and Stwmps, 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 ia Stock. HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Our system is to make a large return ; to insure this We Sell for Ready •j3483 ft£j CASH at a Small Profit, and BELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. O" Give your Furnishing Order to Eolloway, Garlick & Cranwell, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, AND CLOTHIERS, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN & LORNE-STREETS AUCKLAND. rrf~o b v i l i) c r s. Tenders will be received up to noon of WEDNESDAY, the 6th instant, for the Erec tion of Additions to a Factory in Albert-street. Plans. &c, at my office. Queen-street. EDWARD MAHONEY, Architect. rp~O~~ BR I C KLAYEKS. Tenders will be received until noon of Satur day. February 9th, for the Erection of Sulphur Works, Stokes 1 Point. Plans, &c, at my office, Albert-street. TED WARD B4.RTLEY, Architect. mo builders. Tenders will be received until noon of the 2nd February, for sundry works to Brick Ware house in Elliott-street, damaged by late fire. R. KEALS & SON. Architects. LOST, between All Saint's Church and Mount St. Mary, Ponsonby, on Sunday morning, a Sealskin Purse Finder will oblige Tby leaving same at the Royal Insurance office, Shortland-street.



X ri OSGK AY E & /"10. WILL HOLD THEIR ANNUAL CLEARING-OUT SALE OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, THIS DAi" (WEDNESDAY), Prior to Stock-taking. 30th January. The GOODS will be SOLD at COST PRICE, including their Large Shipment by the 'Iron Queen.' UNION INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZBALAND. A.PITAL £2,000,000. U C X L A N I) BRANCH: QUE,EN-S T H E X T, Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE 'DEPARTMENT. Insuranc granted on Dwelling-houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on, M-ercwandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Sbips or Steamers, Merchandise of all kinds, Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at OWEST CORRKNT KATES. R. H. STEVENSON Manager. SPECIAL /iHEAP T INES IN DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOR THE CHRISTMAS 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/C Cheap Coloured Silks, beautiful shades Cheap Japanese Silks Cheap Dress Materials Cheap French Muslins A Job Line of Kxtra Quality Black Silk Jackets at one-third the original prices. Silk Umbrellas, splendid value, at 8/11 Lined Parachutes (Bought a Job) at 2/11, worth double Cashmere and Lace Fischus, Capes, &c, at Reduced Prices Cheap Lace Curtains, Table Linen, Quilts, Sheetings, and Manchester Goods, for the Christmas Holidays. In the CLOTHING DEPARTMENT Cheap Silk Dust Coats, Black Alpacca Coats, Trousers and "Vests, Tweed Suits, Paget, Galatea, and Sack Coats, Boys' and Youths' Suits, &c, &c, &c. 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. Ht Atkins. npWSNTY PER CENT. DISCOUNT 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 «&. TWENTY PER CENT, REDUCTION. FOUR SHILLINGS IN THE POUND ALLOWED UPON ALL CASH PURCHASES. Goods Entered will be Charged Regular Prices. T>USHBROOK AND "ORIDGMAN, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &C, UPPER QUEEN-STREET, Auckland, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel).



The vilest rogues are those who impose on the sick. There is a class of imposters now engaged in vending imitations of that health-promoting beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps, put up in bottles which pre viously held the real article, and often bearing counterfeit labels. Purchasers should ask for and take none but the genuine.