SHIPPING.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

ARRIVALS

Margaret Campbell, three-masted schooner, 122 tons, J. W. Cumming, from Oamaru.

Tis.iiranga, s.s., 67 tons, Bolder, from

Tauranga. Flirt, brigantine, 190 tons, D. H. McKen zie, from Lyttelton. Colonist, schooner, 22 tons, Jones, from Ertsl; Coast. Slav of the South, s s., 167 TOns, W. Bendall, from Napier.

CLEARED OUTWARDS.

Alice, barque, 627 tons, Windemer, for New castle, in ballast. Sea Gull, brigantine, 122 tons, Laurie, for K&ipara.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Fob London.—Mallard, May 23 ; Inflexible,

early. Sydney.—Constance, Saturday. Newcastle. —Alice, to-day. SotrTnERN Posts. —Pkcebe, Saturday. Bay oe Islands. - Tauranga, s.s., Satur day. Napiek.—Star of the South, s.s., to-day.

IMPORTS.

Per Margaret Campbell, from Oamaru : - 1625 sacks oats, order; 350 bags flour, 35 sacks oatmeal, Criuckshank, Smart and Co.; 35 bags oatmeal, G. W. Binney. - Samson, Frnscr and Co., agents. P.r schooner Flirt, from Lyttelton: —l,ol2 sacks wheat, 405 sacks oats, Low and Motion. —Crnickshank, Smart, & Co., agents. Per s.s. Wanganui, from Wanganui: —46 head cattle, 302 sheep, 3 bales wool, Alfred Bucklandj 2 bags bacon, 2 cases lard, Binney. Per s.s. Star of the South, from Napier : — 1,200 sheep, Carey, Gilles, Hunter k Co.—J. S. Macfarlanc, agent.

The Star of the South steamed over to tho North Shore this morning. She will be placed on the slip for a thorough overhaul. Colonist. —The schooner Colonist arrived in harbour this morning, from the East Coast, with a cargo of produce. Woodstock, —The cutter Woodstock, Capt. Baker, is hourly expected from Opotiki with 200 bags wheat, and 100 bags potatoes. The Government s.s. St. Kilda called at Opotiki on Tuesday last, and arrived at Tauranga on Thursday. She will probably come on to Auckland.

The Rosabio bob Auckland. —We learn by the arrival of the s.s. Tauranga this morn that H.M. s.s. Kosario, Capt. Palmer, was to leave Tauranga for this port on Friday (to day). She may be expected in harbour to morrow afternoon.

Tub Wavebley.—This fine brig, we see by advertisement, is advertisad for freight or charter. The Waverley carries a very large cargo, and is a, smart sailer. The schooner Seagull cleared at the Customs yesterday for Kaipara, and will sail this morning, with a few cases of sundries, shipped by Messrs. Brown, Campbell, and Co.

The fin** schooner Fiery Cross, after dis charging her cargo from Oamaru, will load for the Fijis. She will leave for Tonga direct on Thursday next. This vessel has very comfortable accommodation for a few passen gers, and is one of tho fastest vessels sailing out of this port.

ARRIVAL OF THE TAURANGA.

The s.s. Tauranga, Captain Bolger, left Tauranga on Thursday evening, at 8.30 p.m., and arrived in harbour at 10 a.m. yesterday, after a very rough passage. She brings a few packages of cargo, and the following pas sengers :—Mr. Chadwick, Mr. and Mrs. Do Thierry, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Foley, Mr. Buddie, and ten others.

The cutter Bella and two other vessels were laying at Tauranga, and the St. Kilda had arrived from Napier.

ARRIVAL OF THE MARGARET CAMPBELL.

The Margaret Campbell, a powerful three masted schooner, in command of Captain Gumming, arrived in harbour this morning from Oamaru, bringing a full cargo of wheat, oats, &c. Messrs. Sanson, Fraser and Co. are agents for the vessel.

ARRIVAL OF THE FLIRT.

The fine schooner Flirt, Captain D. H. McKenzie, arrived in harbour this morning from Lyttelton, after a capital passage. She brings a full cargo of grain for Messrs. Low and Motion.

ARRIVAL OP THE WANGANUI.

The s.s. Wanganui, Captain A. Linklater, arrived in the Manukau last evening, bringing a full cargo of cattle and sheep for Mr. Buckland. She left Wanganui at 12.30 p.m. on Wednesday, and experienced fine weather throughout. Passengers : —Saloon : Mrs. Bound, Messrs. Blair, Hughes, Russell, Gotty, Kenhaze, and Gibson. The Wanganui will take her departure again for Wanganui direct this evening.

ARRIVAL OF THE STAR OF THE SOUTH.

'The favorite cattle steamer Star of the South, Capt. W. Bendall, arrived in harbour yesterday afternoon, from Napier, bringing a full cargo of sheep, consigned to Messrs. Carey, Gilles, Hunter and Co. The Star left Auckland at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 27th ult. Experienced fresh head winds, and arrived at Tauranga at 11 a.m. on 28th. Landed about 12 ton cargo and 8 passengers, and left again at 5 p.m. the same day. After clearing the heads, proceeded under easy steam'to Awanui, tli-^Bay of Plenty, where she arrived at day lightS-n the 9th. Landed 15 natives, and pro ceeded on the yoyage at 8 a.m. Rounded the East Cape at 4 p.m. the same day, and arrived in Ahurh-i roads at 9.30 a.m. on the 30th, entering the Iron Pot at 4 p.m. Left Napier on Tuesday, the 3rd instant, at 6 p.m. Bounded the East Cape at 11 a.m. on Wed nesday, and arrived at Kohimarama on Thurs day at 230 p.m. Experienced moderate winds and fine weather throughout. Passed the brigantine Elirt and schooner Colonist off Cape Ranaway at 3 pm. Wednesday (be calmed), but a fair wind having sprung up shortly after, both vessels may bo looked for hourly.

Passengebs. — Cabin : Messrs. Stobo, Adams, and Burns. Four males and two females in the steerage.

PORT OF ONEHNUGA.

ARRIVED.— May 5

Wanganui, s.s., 164 tons, Linklater, from Wanganui. Clyde, schooner, 34 tons, Wilson, from Greymouth, with 47 tons coals.

BIRTHS.

Tisdall.—On May sth, at Albert Barracks, the wife of Major Tisdall, of a daughter. Simmons. —At her residence, Queen-street, on May sth, the wife of Mr. L. Simmons of a daughter. Bbown.—At her residence, Cincent-street, on May 4th, Mrs. Samuel Brown, of a son.

MARRIAGES.

Caibns —Matthew. -On the 2nd May, 1870, at Argyle Farm, Wairoa, Auckland, N.Z., by the Rev. T. Norrie, Mr. Dougald Cairns, "late of Argylcshire, Scotland, to Jane eldest daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Matthew, merchant, Aberdeen, Scotland. Home papers please copy. Stone—Httme. —On the 28th April, at Ngaruawahia, Waikato, N.Z., by the Rev. Mr. Pritt, James Robert, second son of C. J. Stone, Esq., of this city, to Helen, second daughter of the late Henry Hume, Esq., of Selkirk, Scotland.

DEATH.

Gboter. —On the 4th inst., at Drury, Wil liam George, eldest son of Mr. Thomas Grover, Piltown, England, and nephew of Mrs. Geo. G. Walter, aged 20 years.

The Evening Star. FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1870.

Few are disposed in theory to ques tion the principle of Volunteering, or its advantages, and even necessity in our circumstances ; but it is to be re gretted that so little practical sympa thy is shown for it in New Zealand. The intention in instituting an inter provincial championship was good, but we fear that without auxiliary means, its results will be practically nil. The " Tir federal" of Switzerland, the pride of the republic, and cherished equally by the cantonal governments, pro duced a nation of marksmen whose silent power was treated with respect amid the convulsions of surrounding nations ; but, if the residents and Governments of other provinces do as little as Auckland to popu larise our " Tir federal," and gene ralise its advantages, we fear that the body of the people will profit little. The results of the recent shoot ing in Otago are in the highest degree creditable to our province; and the high score obtained by Messrs. Haz ard and -Boardman should be regarded as of provincial concern. The mare so when we consider the disadvantages under which our Volunteers have been labouring in acquiring skill in the use of the rifle, and the fact that nothing but enthusiasm and self denial, such as cannot be expected generally, could have overcome those disadvantages. The position of our rifle butts is such as to be practically prohibitive to general rifle practice. That our Volunteers, who nobly devote themselves to preparation for the defence of their country, should sacrifice time and pains to practise drill is [reasonable; but that men who have their every day duties to attend, and their daily bread to win, should have ten miles to march for a shooting practice at Point Chevalier, is not to •be expected; and it is simply in tacit contempt for volunteering that such a state of things should have been allowed to exist. The indifference manifested in this particular by those in whose hands the matter rests is a disgrace. But the distance is not the worst point in this indifference. The shooting range is so adjusted as to re flect the highest credit on the stupidity of its designer. On a reef projecting from south to north into the river, exposed to the force of the wind from every quarter, the butts are placed with water as a background, and the sun shining full in the face of the shooter. The glare and glitter of the water, and the force of the wind combined, produce such satisfactory results as must pleasantly recompense the Volunteer for wearily trudging so many miles for the enjoy ment. It is a state of things emi nently characteristic of that stolid in difference to things in general which pervades the public spirit of x4tuck land.

Promises have been held out that this evil should be rectified, and an admirable site for a rifle range within an easy distar C 3 of the city, at the side of Mount Eden, has been indicated ; but it haa, for we know not how long, rested at that well known stage, " being talked of." The Rifle Volun teers themselves, at their own expense, have made a sort of clearing, and erected a target, but this is not the way in which a matter of such national importance should be treated. What, we ask, has become of the £150 voted by the Provincial Council for volun teering purposes ? Or in what way

could a portion of it be more usefully devoted than to the fixing of a proper rifle range in the vicinity of the city ? We believe that it will only require an earnest representation from the Volun teers themselves of the true state of the case to effect a remedy. We have a Superintendent, hap pily not imbued with the spirit of the place, but who seems the incarmation of activity. Let the Volunteers try a deputation; let the case be fairly stated, and we venture to say that neither the entanglements of red tape, nor yet depreciation of the value of the citizen soldiei', will appear in the response. The want of a proper rifle range, and the conse quent absence of a spirit of compe tition, must prove one of the greatest obstacles to the spread of a volunteer ing spirit, and we hold that it is the duty of every well-wisher to New Zealand to labour in removing every " stone of stumbling" in the way ; for never till we have a local military spirit, and a national guard, of which we are proud, shall we see the end of this cringing and whining for English soldiers, and be imbued with the manliness of self-reliance so sadly wanting in New Zealand.

Me. Blake, Inspector of Telegraph Works, arrived at Tauranga on Thurs from Wellington, in the s.s. St. Kilda. The St. Kilda also brought a quantity of telegraph wire. !j ___ cuicket match, we believe, is to be played to-morrow in the Albert Barracks, between eleven of the Albert Cricket Club and eleven of the Press. Wickets to be pitched at 12 sharp. This morning in the Police Court, two persons were charged with exposing hen pheasants for sale, and during the case T. Beckham, Esq., the presiding magis trate, called particular attention to the 30th clause to the Protection to Animals Act, 1867. We publish it for the benefit of our readers: —" Every person who shall, within three years from the passing of this Act, sell, offer for sale, or expose for sale any dead hen pheasant shall, on conviction, forfeit and pay for every such act a sum uot exceeding £20, and if such person hold any license to kill or sell game under this Act, such license shall become on the conviction ipsi facto void.

In yesterday's issue of our contempo rary the Morning Advertiser or News of the Day there is a species of sub-leader on the "Amenities of Journalism." Any thing of the kind coming from such a source must be authoritative. The subject motive to this utterance is the charge brought by the Wellington Evening dPost against the Advertiser, for having appro priated his leader without acknowledge ment, and tried to palm it off on the people of Auckland as an original. As our local contemporary has a habit of falling into these errors, having been recently " bowled out" by the Southern Cross for " cribbing" two articles in their entirety from Lloyd's Weekly News, credence was naturally given at oiice to the charge of the Evening Post. The Advertiser yesterday gave to the Evening Post in express terms the lie direct, and refers to his files. As we are confident nobody in Auckland files the Advertiser, the .challenge will be temporarily effective ; and, we presume, by the time a reply comes to us from the Wellington Evening Post, it will be all one to our local con temporary, and even we shall feel impelled to hush unkind criticism. At the same time, we cannot fail to remember that the | charge has been distinctly made by the Post, one of the most independent and best conducted journals in New Zealand, and well able to hold his own position. As for the homily delivered by the Ad vertiser to the journals of Auckland on •their inexperience and ignorance of right journalism, we can only say for ourselves, should the dim foreshadow ings of futurity tell us that a lengthened experience of the profession may make us be looked upon as the thief among the journals of New Zealand, may a kind heaven remove the Star in its early dawn, to shine in another and better world.

There was a pretty good attendance at the Prince of Wales Theatre last night, when Tom Taylor's comedy, entitled " An Unequal Match," wa. produced for the second time. Mrs. Walter Mill was par ticularly good in her impersonation of Hester Grazebrook, the daughter of the Village Black, mill), and after she has married a baronet, and has to conform to the rules of society, Mrs. Hill very faith fully shows how hard it is for a poor couutry eirl to turn a wife of the period. We have not spare to individualise the actors and actresses, but the whole piece shows careful study, and wa3 well put on the stage. In the Police Court to-day there was a rather numerous* attendance at the drunkards' hvee. The irrepressible Mr. Edwin La3_elles, whose mania for the excitement of law seems to oscillate be tween prosecuting and defending, had a fellow-citizen up for " wilful and corrupt perjury," on an information on which neither Court nor bar could discover either wilfulness, corruption, or perjury. A city rate case was contested with the usual vigour, and a citizen was brought up for having illegally suspended a bird— to wit, a pheasant—at his door. Another bird - one that has flown—occupied a good deal of the attention of the Court and bar. Mr. Fe Hirsch, against whom a very silly charge of libel was being pressed with unwonted determina tioa, thought the simplest way was to cut the Gordian-knot; and so, setting his fojt on board the City of Melbourne, he has quietly waived to law and lawyers a fond farewell. It is pretty generally

known that a large sura of money had fallen to this gentleman by inheritance in his native land, and that his absence for a few months longer would hare con stituted him an alien, and entailed the forfieiture of the property ; and it was fancied that this prosecution was scarcely fair. The public generally takes the side of the weak, and there is a broad grin of fun today on Auckland s countenance at the discomfiture of the lawyers. The annirersary services m connection with the Grafton Road Wesleyan Church will be held on Sunday next. The Rev. Mr. Berry will preach in the morning, and the Rev. Mr. Harper in the evening. The anniversary services in connection with the Albert-street Congregational Church will be held on Sunday next. The Rev. John Macky, of Otahuhu, will preach io the morning, and the Rev. Warlow Davies, M.A., in the evening. A meeting, of No. 3 Company A.B.V. will be held at the Alexandra Hotel, Parnell, on Monday evening next, at 7 o'clock.

A public meeting of the ratepayers of" the Mount Albert Highway District will be held at the Whau Road School on Monday next, at 6 p.m., for the purpose of discussing the proposed new Highway Bill.

ARRIVAL OF THE 'TAURANGA.'

IMPORTANT NEWS EEOM

OPOTIKI

EXPEDITION CLOSE ON THE TEA-CKS OE TE KOOTI.

SPEEDY CAPTUEE EXPECTED

By the s.s. Tauranga we have just received intelligence of great importance from the East Coast. One of Te Kooti's party had come in and given himself up to William King, the friendly native chief of the Ngatia tribe. He states that all remaining now with Te Kooti are 30 men and about 150 women and children, and his position appears desperate. An expedition was immediately or ganised at Opotiki, consisting of 150 Europeans and natives, under the com mand of Colonel St. John, and was to stait on Friday (to-day), for Maraiti, where Te Kooti and his party are. The native that came in has offered to act as guide, and under takes to lead the expedition so as to surround

the rebels before Te Koeti js aware of its approach. The fullest confidence is felt at Opotiki that the expedition will be successful, and that a day or two will suffice to annihilate the last of the murderous gang.

FREEMASONRY.

We have been favored by an imspection of a Masonic Testimonial which has been com pleted for forwarding to Past Master Golds bro of Melbourne (brother to Dr. Qoldsbro of Parnell), in recognition of his services to Masonry during his stay in this city. It is beautifully written and illuminated by Mr. E. F. Jones, and empaneled and glazed in mottled kauri by Mr. W. R. Hayvrard, from a design furnished by Mr. Jenkins, Architect, of Symonds-street. The memorial is really artiste and tasteful in the extreme. The following are the words of th« testi monial : — To Brother E. H. Goddsbbo, P.M. Waitemata Lodge of Instruction, Auckland, New Zealand. Dear Sir and Brother, —The brethern at tending this Lodge of Instruction connot help expressing their regret at losing your valuable assistance in their labours; but they avail themselvas of the opportunity afforded in thus communicating with you of placing on record their sincere thanks for the valuable and interesting information respecting the early history and progress of Free Masonry and its prototypes during the past ages, con veyed in the very interesting lectures you were so kind to give them during your short i sojourn amongst them. Heartily wishing that the Great Architest of the Universe may continue to support you in all your under takings is the sincere wish of, Dear Sir, and Brother, yours faithfully and fraternally. Signed by a number of the members of the Lodge comprising members of the English and Irish Constitutions.

SUPREME COURT.—In Banco.

FRIDAY, MAY 6th.

(Before his Honor Sir G. A. Arney, Knight,

Chief Justice.)

His Honor took his seat on the Bench at 11 o'clock.

O'BBIEN V. CABTBE—INJUNCTION.

Mr. Whitaker, on behalf the plaintiff, applied for an injunction to restrain the de fendant from committing waste on certaiu land (section 23 and 24, of the suburbs of Auck land), by quarrying and digging out scoria. Mr. Whitaker said that Mr Laughlin O'Brien was mortgagee of certain property belonging to Mr. John Williamson. He brought an action against the defendant under direction of the Supreme Court, claiming damages of £500 for waste committed upon the land so included in the mortgage security. The declaration set out that the plaintiff was mort gagee in fee simple, and that the defendant, at divers times, had quarried and dug stone out of the land, &c. An affidavit by Mr. H. Ashton was read to the effect that he saw certain men at work there up to the sth of May, and be lieved they were still working there. A provisional injunction was granted in accordance with the terms of the application.

IN THE ESTATE OF NATHANIAL GTFFOBD, DECEASED —BEOBATE O .' WILL. Mr. Whitaker applied for probate of will of deceased. There was a slight peculiarity in the case. The will had been properly made and duly attested. The testator died in 1864, leaving a son, who was at that time a minor. The executors did not ask lor probate at this time, but determined to wait until the son attained his majority. The peculiarity in the case was that the affidavits, instead of being sworn within the last six months, were sworn

six years ago. His Honor thought that the affidavit of the fact could be accepted, assuming that every thing else had been regularly done. Probate decreed.

POLICE COURT.— Friday.

(Before T. Beckham, Esq., R.M.) DBTTNKBNNESS.

R. Rowland, N. Murray, Margaret Condron, John McKenna, Ellis Jones, Patrick Farnell, and Margaret Sainsbury, charged with the above offence, were each fined ss. and costs, or to be imprisoned for 48 hours, with hard labor. Mary Hill, a very aged person, alter a, strong admonition from the Bench, was fined 205., or to be imprisoned 38 hours. John Johnston, for second offence, was fined 10s., or to be imprisoned 48 hour..

LIBEL.—WHITAKER V. DE HIBSCH,

This case was resumed. James De flirsch was again called, charged by Frederick Alex. Whitaker with the publish ing false and malicious statements regarding him.

Messrs. Rees and Joy for the prosecution. Mr. Wynn for the defence The defendant having been called, and not appearing, Mr. Rees informed the Court that he understood the defendant had left the co lony, counsel for the prosecution was prepared to go on with the case and had all witnesses , present, but in the possibility of defendant not having left tho colony he would ask that a warrant should be issued for his appearance. Mr. Wynn had no doubt in his mind that defendant" was at present beyond the jurisdic tion of the Court, unless perchance the City of Melbourne had got stranded on the coast; in point of fact he had gone on a visit to Eu rope and intended returning in the course of eight or nine months. Mr. Rees stated that had he known of the intention of defendant to leave the colony, he should have taken means to prevent him. His Worship thought he could scarcely have been prevented, seeing that he had been only charged on summons. Had he bean on bail it would have been different. However, if he returned inside of six yeai-s the ease could be taken up civilly. Mr. Rees then applied that the case should not be dismissed, but remain standing on the books. The Court suggested that it should be withdrawn for the present, which would not prevent its resumption in the same Court, or the removal of proceedings to the Supreme Court. Mr. Wynn applied that the case be dismissed. The Court held that the case, if dismissed on its merits, could not be again taken. In this case it could not be desmissed on its merits, for its merits could not be known, owing to the absence of one of the parties. At the present nothing could be done but dismiss the case. The case was then dismissed. BEBJUBY. William Smith appeared, charged by Edwin Lascelles with wilful and corrupt perjury. His Worship, in looking at the informa tion, stated that there was really no charge of perjury in it, and dismissed the case. BBBACH OF CITY BOABD ACT. Robert Haywood was charged with refusing to pay the sum of £7 10s., alleged to be due for city rates. Mr. Wynn appeared for the complainant, and Mr. Joy with Mr. ftees for dafsndant. Mr. Joy applied for an adjournment, in order to enable Mr. Bces^to be present. The case proceeded. J. W. Diddams deposed : I am Collector of Rates for the City Board. I produce the Assessment Book for the first half .of 1870. Find the name of defendant here for property situated in Queen-street, estimated value, £200. The rate due at 9d. in the pound is £7 10s. I have demanded this, and it has been refused. To Mr. Joy: I have been a long time in this business ; I know the house in question ; remember seeing rats before Mr. Hayward came into possession ; I then had two separate assessments, one for High-street and one for Queen street. Since his possession I do not recollect if Mr. Haywood has paid in one rate for these two properties; always knew that I was claiming two separate assessments ; the full description, as given in the book, is the " Auckland Hotel entrance, Queen street." I know that this entrance is the iron gate leading to the back of the hotel; have also assessed the Auckland Hotel abutting on High-street. I know that this entrance, from Queen-etreet is not a public entrance. I-am claiming for that property occupied by Mr. Haywood, which abuts on Queen-street; it consists of an entrance and upper rooms, also fronting Queen-street; also portion of build ing occupied as a bar; I think these ro .ms fronting Queen-street is occupied as a biiliard room. We are bound to take cognizanre of the houses abutting on each street. The £450 is the annual value of the Auckland Hotel, High street; £200 is the value of the Auck land Hotel, Queen-street. . I am the assessor I have assessed the property on its annual value. It is done by no clause that I am aware of. The aggregate value of the build ings is £650. This closed the case for the complainant. Mr. Joy addressed the Bench for the defendants, saying he would call witnesses, with the Bench's permission, to prove that several houses in Queen-street, the Grey hound and Exchange, which were exceptions to this rate, charged to the defendants. Mr. Wynn replied at some length for the plaintiff. Judgment deferred for a few days. BALSE PBETBNOES. John McGill was charged with obtaining 7s. 6d. by false pretences, and was remanded until Monday, in order to get the principal witness, who was at Onehunga. BBEACH OK PBOTECTION OF ANIMALS ACTS. A. Dornwell was charged with a breach of the above Act, by exposing, in his shop, one hen pheasant contiary to the provisions of the Act. Mr. Wynn appeared for the defendant, for whom he pleaded guilty, but stated that the bird was hung up in the shop in Mr. Dorn well's absence, and on being told it was against the law it was immediately taken down, and he would therefore ask the Bench

to dismiss the case, giving the defendant ai caution. T Mr. Naughton would object to anything but a dismissal, as the Act was a very stringent one. ,•;£ His Worship quite agreed with Mr. Naugh ton as to the stringency of the Act. Hia ; Worship hoped the clause of the Act would be published. H. Perkins was also charged with the same offence, and on the application of Mr. Naughton i both cases were adjourned until next Fri i aa J' The Court then rose.

DANGEROUS GOODS ACT.

The following important communications have passed between the City Board of Commissioners and his Honor the Supei. intendent. The subject is one of deep in. terest, and we have no doubt will not stop here: —

City Board of Commissioners' Office, Auckland, April 29, 1870.

Sir, —I have the honor to inform you that I am directed by the_ Chairman to state that considerable inconvenience is experienced by merchants and others being precluded, under the Dangerous Goods Act, 1869, ship, ping even a single case of kerosene. The Chairman begs respectfully to suggest that, subject to your Honor's approval, instruction should be given to the Wharfinger to permib duly licensed holders to ship to the extent of six cases, or forty gallons. —I have, &c, (Signed) I. W. Habbop, Secretary. To His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Auckland.

Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 4th May, 1870. Sir, —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your secretary's letter, dated the 29 th ultimo, suggesting that instruction should be given the Wharfinger to permit the ship ment of six cases or fifty gallons of kerosene by merchants licensed under " The Dangerous Goods Act, 1869," and to inform you in reply that I have no power to override the provi» sions of an Act of the General Assembly.—l am, &c, (Signed) Thomas B. Gillies, Spuerinteudent. The Chairman of the City Boaid of Commissioners, Auckland.

FIRE IN NELSON STREET.

About 11 o'clock last night the fire bell was heard ringing out its notes of warning ; and as the streets were pretty full of people at that hour, a very few minutes sufficed 1 1 form small crowds at the various corners. The reflection of a fire was ebservcd in the direo tion of Nelson-street, and a ru.h was at once made for .the scene—every street converging towards the centre being filled with numbers of people, all bearing in full speed towards the fire. A fire has been of so rare an occurrence in our midst of late, that the warning notes ot the ball appeared to produce a mora than ordi nary effect, for so large a number of people in such a state of excitement, and brought together in so short a time, we have seldom seen of late. Amongst this number were, of coui'se, representatives from the various news* papers, and on our reporter arriving at the scene of the fire, within five minutes of the alarm being given, the cause of the general excitement had almost burned itself out. A stable at the back of a house in Nelson-street was on fire, but the fire was nearly over, only the uprights were left standing, and these were blazing furiously. The house was an empty one, the property of a Mr. Williams, and the stable stood behind it at the distance of a few yards. Fortunately there was not much wind, or the house must inevitably have caught alight. As it was, there was considerable danger of it, but by a plentiful supply of water which hap pened to be handy the sides of the house were kept from actually catching, although the house itself was much scorched and blackened. The credit of saving it from destruction is due to the members of the Fire Brigade, several of whom were upon the spot in uniform almost as soon as the alarm was given, and these worked with a will. To them Mr. Williams is indebted for. the salvation of his property. All one time it was actually proposed by one of the bystanders to pull the house down; but why this should have been done, even had the house been doomed, we do not know, seeing that it was not contiguous to any other dwellings. After the fire was out the "parish engine" was seen approaching the extinguished fire with commendable promptitude in charge if a couple of men, and drawn by a large grey horse, which appeared to be in anything but a good temper at being so unnecessarily turned out from its warm stable. Fortunately the services of the engine were not required. How the fire origi nated is a mystery. The stable has not been used for some time past. It is possible that some person might have taken up his quarters in it during the evening, and left an ignited match behind him, or it may kave been wil fully set on fire by some 'evil-disposed person. We understand that there was no insurance upon it. We may say, in conclusion, that a number- of police were upon the spot soon after the alarm being given, and that both Mr. Naughtou and Mr. Asher were present to look after their men had there been any serious occasion for their services.

ARRIVAL OF THE WANGANUI.

THi? LAND SALE AT PA.TEA. By the arrival of the s.s. Wanganui in th# Manukau we are placed in possession of files of the Chronicle to the 3rd hißtant, which paper, we understand, has passed into the hands of Mr. Henry Anderson, late editor of the Wellington Independent. -°r. Patea, Monday, 7.55 p.m. Land sale to-d\v was finished about four o'clock. Two hundred and fifty sections were offered, of which about one hundred and ten were sold, realizing close upon £2,070. Suburban lots realized about £3,000. Competition was brisk in some cases. All improved sections were bought by their present owners at the upset prices. Suburban lots went off particularly well; some of them running as high as ten pounds per acre.

THE EVENING STAK, MAY 6, 1870.