SHIPPING.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

ARRIVALS

Samson, s.s., Captain Mundle, from Bay of Islands. Huntress, schooner, 75 tons, A. Chambers, from the Thames.

DEPARTURES.

.Alice, barque, 627 ton 3, Wiudemer, for Newcastle. Sea Gull, brigantine, 122 tons, Laurie, for Kaipara.

EXPORTS.

Per barque Constance, for Sydney : 42 cases chicory, H. B. Morton; 3 casks flocks, J. Roberton and Oo.; 10 cases preserved fish, Bucholz and Co.; 56 bags coffee, Owen and Graham ; 77 hides, B. Gittos; 47 bales flax, J. R. Roberts ; 2 boxes gold, Bank of New Zealand ; 27 cases gum, Owen and G-raham ; 200 bales flax, 100 bales tow, 10 cases old r»e fal, J. $• Maslarlane; 25 bales old canvas, 80 ingots lead, F. Winter ; 20 doors, 40 pkgs. sashes, ISO bundles mouldings, Union Sash nnd Door Company.—Henderson and Muc farlane, agents.

The schooner Flirt is announced to sail for Lyl telton during the present week.

'I he barque Alice took her departure for Newcastle at noon to-day.

The barque Kate Waters, from London, was brought alongside the wharf this inoi'ning, taking the berth vacated by the Alice.

The s.s. Wanganui, Captain Linklater, took her departure from the Matmkau for Wanga nui yesterday morning.

The s.s. Tauranga took her departure for the Bny of Islands at three o'clock yesterday afternoon with 26 passengers, and a quantity of general cargo.

ARRIVAL OF THE ONWARD AT THE BAY OF ISLANDS.

By the p.a.| Samson we learn that the schooner Onward arrived at Russell on Thurs day last, in a crippled condition. About a week before she arrived at the Bay she en countered a fearful gale, during which she lost her foremast. The schooner is 27 days out from Tahiti, and brings a full cargo of cotton and cotton-seed for transhipment to England.

ARRIVAL OF THE SAMSON.

The p.s. Samson, Captain Mundle, returned from her maiden trip to the North this morn ing, having been detained at the Bay of Islands during the recent storm. She left Russell on Saturday, at 5 p.m., and arrived at Wangarei on Sunday morning, Left again at 4 o'clock this morning, and arrived in harbour ut noon. She' brings a few packages of cargo and the following passengers :—Dr. Stratford, Mr. Lane, Mr. Waddell, Mr. Turnbull, Mr. j'irshnm, Mr. Ryburn, Captain Mundle re ports the following vessels at thejßay :—Mary Thompson, Onward, Argo, Aurora, and Mariner.

CLEARANCE OF THE CONSTANCE.

The Circular Saw clipper Constance, Capt. Gibbon, cleared at the Customs today, for Sydney, and will take her departure to-mor row morning. The Constance has a large quantity of cargo (as per exports), and will be the bearer of over 2000 ounces of gold, shipped by the Bank of New Zealand.

PAS3ENGKK3.—Mr. J. P. Seccombe, Mr .T. Smith, Mr. Smithers, Mr. Koyal, Mr. Sid dons. Steerage—Mr. and Mrs. Young and three children ; Messrs. W. J. Chapman, Charles Henslen, Waltei Lewis, C. Dike, Or. Smith, A. Field, J. Field.

DEPARTURE OF THE PHCEBE.

The Circular Saw Company's s.s. Phoebe, •which has been detained since Saturday by the Government, awaiting the arrival of the Wonga Wonga, took her departure from the Manukau at 3 o'clock this afternoon. The following following is a corrected list of pas sengers : —Saloon—Miss Chrisp, Messrs. T. Henderson, Hislop, Richardson, Chamberlin Brannigan, Sherrard, VViremu te Kopa, VVaihi Parnone, F. Power. Steerage—J. Caramons, Jno. Fenning, Miss Walter, K. Cox, J. McDonald, J. Speine, R. Ilarcus, Jas. Hent ing Mahan, Kington, J. Canning, and eight of the Aimed Constabulary.

WHALERS' REPORT.

The following whalers hare arrived at the Bay of Island : —Cleone, 374 tons, Luce, 59(J barrels sperm eil ; Petrel, 257 tons, Worth, 450 barrels sperm oil ; lonia, 291 tons, Morton, 680 barrels sperm and 930 whale oil.

DEATH BY DROWNING.

A melancholy accident occurred on Saturday afternoon, which resulted in the death of a middle-aged man, named William Eannie. The deceased was in the employ of Captain M. T. Clayton, of Hobson's Bay. Captain Clayton has a small cutter, which was lying at anchor in the bay, at some little distance from, the shore. The wind wag blowing very hard at the time, and the cutter was in great clanger of being swamped, there being a heavy sea on when Rennie put ofl from the shore in a small dingy for the purpose of bailing the cutter out, and otherwise making her snug. When near the side of the cutter, a heavy wave caught the dingy, dashed her against the side of the cutter, immediately capsizing her and throwing Eennie into the water. A man named Fred erick Lavidson and his son were on the beach, and, observing the accident, at once hastened off for a boat to rescue Bennie—who was clinging to the upturned dingy—from his peri lous situation. Before, however, a boat could be got to his assistance he was washed from the dingy, and after a brief struggle went down. A search was immediately made for tiie body by dragging for it, but without success. Information of the accident arrived at the Polico Station about four o'clock, and Constables Carrigan and Harnett were de spatched to the spot with the police boat. They at once commenced dragging for the body, and continued their labours until dark, but without avail. The search was also con tinued during yesterday, but without success.'

COMMERCIAL.

At G-. Sibbin's auction mart, on Saturday, there was a very good attendance, and a fair quantity of goods sold at prices as follows :— Maize, 4s 9d to 5s lOd per bushel; oatmeal, from 2jd to 3d per lb ; spiced mutton, 4^d to 6d per lb ; tea, lO^d to 2s per lb, duty paid ; cheese, 7d to 9d per lb ; flour, 12s Gd per cwt; sugar, from 4|d to s£d ; port wino, inferior, 17s ; case ale, 8s 6d per dozen ; soap, 20s. Mr. B. Tonks sold by auction on Saturday : Potatoes, 2s 9d per cwt ; kumeras, 3s Gd: candles, lid to ll§d ; sugar, 4^d ; cheese, 6i to 7d ; hams, 7,kl ; maize, 5s 6d.

Messrs. C. Arthur and Son's sale of poultry on Saturday was follows :—Fowls, Is 3d to 2s 8d ; ducks, Is to 2s 8d ; turkeys, 8s M ; ring doves, 3s 6d to 4s each ; oniona, l-£d to 2id ; cheese, 5d to 8d ; butter, 9d to Is 6d per lb.

BIRTHS.

Goldwater.—On May the Bth, at her re sidence, in Hobson-street, of a daughter.

Cetjicksiiank. —At Papatoitoi, on the 7th May, the wife of George Cruickshank, Esq., of a daughter.

GouiiLAY.---At North Shore, May 6tb, the wife of William Gourlay of a daughter.

Stevenson.—At Remuera, on the 7th May, the v/ii'e of J. T. Stevonson of a son.

MARRIAGES.

Turner—McKekzii;.—On the 18th March, 1870, at Haveloek, in the province of Marl borough, (by the Registrar there), Charles Turner, of the Pelorns Valley, surveyor, seven son of William Henry Turner, of Mava tai, solicitor, to Matilda, G., youngest daughter of James McKenzio ; also of Maratai, farmer.

Buopht—Makek.—On the 4th May, in Ft. Patrick's Cathedral, by the Rev. Father O'Havn, Patrick, second son of Mulmel Erophy, County Kilkenny, to Joanna, fifth daughter of' Daniel Maher, County Tipperary, Ireland.

Blake — Suckling.—On May sth, at the residence of the bride's stepfather, Waiuku, by the Rev. John Law, Charles Blake, of the Hutts, Wellington, to Mavy Ann Suckling, late of Steeple Bavnpstead, Essex, England.

DEATH.

Walter. —At Drnry, on Sunday, Bth hist., Mary Ann Middlemas, the eldest and beloved daughter of Mrs. G-eorge G-. Walter, aged 20 years, beloved by all who knew her.

The funeral wf]l leave her late rssidence at 2 o'clock to-morrow (Tuesday). Friends will please accept this invitation.

The Evening Star. MONDA Y, MAY 9, 1870.

tTEANGEBS often remark the indifter euce manifested by the general public in New Zealand regarding the discus-

sions and enactments of the General Assembly. The minor questions dis cussed in Provincial Councils better suit the general capacity, and are of paramount interest; but we question if the provisions of the Dangerous Goods Act of 1869 will not soon

engage the attention of all the house keepers in the province. Our domestic friend kerosene hns got into bad com pany, and, as a consequence, into great

difficulties. By the wisdom of our legislators, and by Act of Parliament,

its fortunes have been bound up with those of gunpowder, nitro-glycerine, and other highly objectionable sub stances, and where they are, there it must dwell. The matter is really a serious one, and the dilemma pecu liarly perplexing. The Act con-

templates regulations fixing the moor ing ground and landing place for vessels carrying dangerous goods, and, accordingly such places have been set apart by proclamation of the Superin tendent, which declares that "no " gunpowder or other explosive sub " stances shall be landed or shipped " at any wharf, pier or 'landing place " on the south shore of the said har " bour, except between Point Brito " mart and hden-street, Official Bay." By the fifth clause of the Dangerous Goods Act, it is enacted, " Every " vessel carrying a cargo consisting " wholly, or in part, of goods which " are specially dangerous, or of petro " leum (interpreted as including kero " sene), on entering any harbour " within New Zealand, shall conform " to such regulations in respect to " the place at which she is to be " moored, as may from time to time be " issued by the Grovernor hi Council " (or Superintendent by delegation), " with respect to such harbour. If any " vessel is moored in any place in. " contravention of such regulations, " the owner or master of such vessel " shall incur a penalty not exceeding " twenty pounds for each day during '■ which the vessel remains moored ; " and it shall be lawful, for the " harbour-master or any other person " acting under his orders, to cause " such vessel to be removed, at the " expense of the owner thereof, to " such place as may be in conformity ;' with tbe said regulations ; and all ex !t penses incurred in such removal may ' be recovered in a summary way." The combined effect of the proclamation and enactment is, that a steamer bringing a single case of kerosene at, cargo from Sydney, Melbourne,

or any port, must stop in mideliaimel, and land the cases in Official Bay before proceeding to the wharf with passengers and mails. A steamer going to the Thames or liiver head, if taking a tin of kerosene must, after leaving the wharf, pause to com plete the loading from the same place. Anything more absurd as a result of legislation it is hardly possible to con ceive. The natural consequence has been the total stoppage of the import and exportof kerosene by tlie steamers; the enhancing of the freight by sail ing craft from the inconvenience which, it causes, however small in quantity, and an increase in price to consumers which has already been severely felt. We know as a fact that within the past few days, a simple tin of kerosene, carefully packed, was presented on the Queen-street wharf for transmission to Kaipara, when the captain of the steamer recoiled from it as if it had contained nitro glycerine or gun-cotton ; and why ? — because bad he taken it once on board his vessel should have been " carrying " a cargo consisting wholly, or in part, " of dangerous goods,"—to wit, a tin of kerosene ; incurring thereby a penalty of £20 ; while by lifting the tin of oil from his vessel to the wharf, he should have contravened the Superintendent's proclamation, and nolens volens, it should have been the immediate duty of tlie Harbour Master to have re moved the steamer containing this fearful cargo to the mooring ground for danger-laden ships oxF Judge's Bay.

That such a public inconvenience is absolutely unendurable, we need not say ; but whence deliverance is to come would be hard to tell. The City Board has cried for help to the Buper intendent, and he has sent them back the Act of Parliament. They have asked permission to manipulate fifty gallons of kerosene on the Queen-street Wharf. His (rlonor has no such power; he might as well be asked for fifty gallons of nitro-glycerine. The Parlia ment of New Zealand has bound their fates together, and together these two substances must stand or fall. It is true his Honor could repeal his pro clamation ; but if so, he repeals it also for all explosives, and gunpowder and glonoiue oil must take their places on the wharf by the side of kerosene. Scarcely any other substance could have aa embargo on it producing so general inconvenience. Used in al most every home, the cheapest, bright est, best substitute for gas, kerosene oil is almost regarded as a necessary of life ; and should its movements to and fro be placed so under surveil lance, the very dangers which we seek to check will be produced ; for, failing to receive the pure American oil, round from Melbourne by the steamers, we shall have rubbish, with all the dangerous properties unex tracted, which have caused the finest of oils to be viewed with suspicion. Pure kerosene is no more dangerous than rum or cognac, and it can only be from the terrible effects that have resulted from crude petroleum that our legisla tors could have classed it with glonoine.

For one accident caused by kerosene, as at present manufactured and in common use, a hundred have been caused by lucifer matches, Avhich are shipped and landed and stored with out restriction. The Parliament of South Australia have shown more discrimination in absolutely prohibit ing the importation of the common lucifers, admitting only those called " patent safeties," which ignite on pre pared surfaces ; our legislators have strained at a gnat aud swallowed a camel, and either from mistaking crude petroleum for its harmless extract, or from an excess of caution, more credit able to the heart than head, have perpetrated a gross public annoyance. We trust that some way will be found out of the dilemma. Mr. Gillies could not resiist the temptation of poking fun at the City Board; but the public inconvenience is really great, and though an able aud energetic Super intendent cannot, as he says, " over " ride the Act," of Parliament, we think he can act as a " fender" and prevent it from bumping so severely against the people of this city and province.

"No signs of the Wonga Wonga." Such has been the common remark to day, and the burthen of almost every conversation, and shows the general interest felt for the success of the new line. There are so many ways for ac counting for the absence of the Won^a Wonga that there cannot be said to be any anxiety on her account, but a general feeling ol impatience to hear of her success, and to experience the novel feelings produced by reading tho first news per the favourite route. The boats of tho China and San Francisco Mail Line ruay have been, fall, or inadequate to meet the new sirain on their capacity, or there may have been a mistiming of the arrival and departure of the boats of the China line, or a pardonable miscalculation in the timing of the first trip of our own boat, —" a miss being as bad as a mile," and so the

Wonga Wonga may have gone on to the American coast. It may even be that the overtime in her arrival may be due to the actual length of the voyage. Tlie interest in the subject is Very great, and there has been many an eye and oft directed this day to tlie signal-mast on the Flagstaff Hill. This is jioi tlie only time that people must feel the want of telegraph line to Tiri Tiri. Be the Wonga Won»a, however, where she may, we hear that her absence will not interrupt the con tinuity of despatch of mails, as it is understood the City of Adelaide, another fine boat, will be in waiting at Sydney, should the pioneer steamer have failed to appear iv time. We hear a movement is on foot among several amateurs and professionals to get up a benefit to Mr. W. H. Newton, who has been so long prevented from following any occupation, by the late assault upon Mm by Mr. O'i3rien. We believe that it is contemplated to produce an extensive programme, and in such a cause we need not fear but that a bumper house <vill be the result, as Mr. JNewton has been uni versally a favorite both, in his professional and private career.

The Police Court to-day was particu larly lively, no less than eight votaries nt the shrine of .Bacchus having appeared to pay the accustomed dues ; two other/?, whose hearts misgave them, forfeiting bail. A lady aiipng the number had evidently been provocative in her cups, for she exhibited an eye so blackened and bunged up, as to give her an aspect irresistibly ludicrous. Another tippler of the opposite sex bore the same murk of distinction ; another had a great gash across his forehead, which appeared to have been caused by the ground rising up sud denly, and striking him, while another had his bowsprit considerably damaged, in fact almost knocked away by a rude encounter with a fellow-being's hand —propelled with much force against the centre of his lace. Altogether, it would appear, from the company that filed before their worships this morning that there must have been something belli gerent in the atmosphere, or in the cups during the past two days. The rest of the business was unimportant. A man was fined for not having his name on his carfc. A mariner, overcome by fumes in his head, had been disorderly on board, and feeling the impulses of "liberty, equality, and frater nity"—or, in other words, that Jack was as good as his master —had declined his services to constituted authority. For this he was sent a week to Mount Eden, remarking, as he left the Court, that he was "thankful to their Worships, prefer ring. a week there to one ou board ship." A den of infamy off Chancery-street was rooted out, to be established in some other place, according to the enlightened principles of English law, which winks hard and speaks in whispers, but refuses to acknowledge the evil as one to be re strained within bounds, instead of spread ing its ulcerous stench among the whole people.

The anniversary soiree in connection with, the Albert street Congregational Church will take place to-morrow evening. Among other gentleman who will deliver addresses after tea, we observe the names of W. L. Kees, Esq., Her. Dr. Wallace, J. 0. Firth i-.sq., and the Jiev. P. H. Cornford. The subject of these addres ses will be of more than ordinary in terest. The annual tea meeting in connection with the Grafton Road Wesleyan Metho dist Sunday School, will take place at 6 o'clock, on Wednesday evening next. The anniversary services in connection with the Albert-street Congregational Chapel were held yesterday, when the services were conducted in the morning by the Her. John. Alackay of Otahuhu; in the afternoon by the JRov. J. li. Jenkias, and in the evening by the Ilev. Warlow Davies. Collections were made in aid of the funds after each service. We understand that the Hon. Julius Yogtfl, Treasurer and Postmaster-General, will ue entertained at a dinner at the Northern, this evening, at 7 o'clock, at which our leading citizens will be present. Just before dark on Saturday evening a lad, named Kirk, was found lying near ' the edge of the gravel-pit, Mount lCden, in a very exhausted condition. The settler who found him asked him what was the mutter, but the boy appeared to be in such a weak state that he was hardly able to answer. The settler under stood him to say that ho had been eating berries which iuui mado him very ill, and seeing by Kick's looks that something serious had occurred he at once conveyed him to his own house closo by, and gave him some warm water as an emetic. Directly upon taking the water it had the desired effect, for the boy brought up a large quantity of crimson matter intermixed with the skins of berries. ' The settler then sent to the Newfcon police station, and Con stable Green went up to his house, when he recognised the boy as a half-witted lad who is usually employed to look after cows on Mount Jiden, but who has frequently come under the notice of the police for the many strange freaks he has played. H is mother is a poor old bed ridden women, and his father is at present at the Thames, so that no restraint has been placed upon Kirk of late.' He w.ts stiii very ill when Green arrived at the cottage, but sufficiently recovered to slate that he had eaten about a capful of the wild berries which grow upon the mountain, and which, when taken in such ii quantity, are decidedly poisonous in their nature. About ten o'clock, the boy [laving apparently recovered, Green brougut hmi into town to the Police Suard-room. lie was brought up this morning in the .Police Court after the i jonclusion of the business, and on the medical testimony of Doctors Lee and Hooper was sent to the Lunatic -Asylum.

DISTRICT COURT. —Monday.

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., District Judge.) Tire usual bi-monthly sitting of this Court was held yesterday. SECCOJIBE V. WOOLLEY. This was a ciaim for goods sold and de livered. Mr. Brookfield appeared for plaintiff. John James, book-keeper to Seccombe and Son, said tlie defendant was indebted to the plaintiff £25. Since the issue of the summons defendant had paid £23 55.; the balance, £1 55., was still due. Judgment for plaintiff for £1 55., and costs, £4 ss. GILLIES V. FORD SVT> OTHEES. Claim, £32. Mr. Richmond appeared for plaintiff. This was an action upon an immigration bond: Mr. Moginie proved the execution of the bond, and judgment was given for plaintiff. GILLIES V. CONNELL, HAEEIS AND OTHERS. Claim, £24. The cause of action in these eases was simi lar to that in the preceding. In each case bis Honor gave judgment for the plaintiff. WAYTE V. CENTEAL STAB G. M. C. Mr. MacCormick appeared for the plaintiff. There was no appearance by the defendant. The proceeding was in the form of a petition by the plaintiff for a winding up order. The plaintiff had obtained judgment on the 11th of March for an amount due to him. The prayer of the petition was granted. COELETT AND WILKINSON V. DAISY HILL G. M. C Mr. Beveridge for the plaintiffs. This was also a petition for a winding-up order upon a judgment obtained in the Resi dent Magistrate's Court, Shortland. Applica tion granted. THE SAME V. CLYDESDALE G. M. 0. This was a case precisely similar, and the application was granted. There were several other similar cases by the same and other plaintiffs against gold mining companies, viz. : The Southern Interest, The Colonial Hope, Compass aud Square, General St. Ruth, Great Reliance, Polynesia, Wild Missouri Extended. The respondents did not appear, and in each case a winding-up order was issued in terms of tke Act. EICHAEDS V. ATLANTIC GOLD MINING COM PANY AND THE LOED PALMEBSTON. '1 his was a petition of the same class. The first case was struck-out, aud the usual order was made in the other case. JOEDAN V. THE BON ACCOED. A similar order was made in this case, as as also in Jordan v. Prince Alfred. SIATEE V. THE LOED NELSON GOLD MINING COMPANY. In this case also, there was no appearance by the respondents, and the order for the winding-up of the company was ordered to be made Out. NEW ZEALAND GOLD MINING COMPANY V. HEWIN. Mr. Richmond appeared for the plaintiff; Mr. MacCormick for the defendant. Claim, £41 Bs. ; 138 shares at 6s. a share. This was an action to compel payment of calls. The defence included tke innumerable difficulties which have sprung up in these cases—whether the Act was in all respects complied with. Frederick Hewin, examined by Mr. Rich mond, said ke knew Mr. M'Kellar, who had applied to him for calls on behalf of the com pany. Witness did not pay them ;i§ he should have had scrip upon which there was no liability. They have refused to give me scrip, and lam not in possession of any scrip. My objection was that I got no scrip. Witnes* nerer asked for the ordinary scrip of the company. Witness was in the German claim, and his interest was "jumped" by a person named Ferguson, who applied for the lease. Witness sued Ferguson, and got judgment against them, and applied for the lease. That witness shouid not oppose the lease, he was to hare scrip without any liability iii the New Zealand Gold Mining Company, but witness never had the scrip. A document was produced which set out that plaintiff had accepted 138 shares in the company in satisfaction of all claims, but it was not stated that the shares were free of liabiliy. Mr. MacCormick objected to the document being received, not haring a stamp. If that objection should not be allowed, he would object to the admission of it on the ground that it is a " transfer " of shares. The objection that the agreement could not be received without a stamp was allowed, and the plaintiff was nonsuited.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before J. O'Neill, Esq., and H. M. Jervis,

Esq., J.P.s.) DRUNKENNESS

Jane G-oldsniitli, 1\ L. Shaw, J. Kelly, J. H. Coulfchui'sb, H. Edye, and S. Farley, being charged with drunkenness, were each fined ss. and costs, or to be imprisoned for 24 hours, with hard labour. F. James not appearing, forfeited bail. J. Me All en, charged with drunkenness for the second time, was fined 10s. and costs, or to be imprisoned 48 hours, with hard labour. J. Campbell, for same offence, not appearing, forfeited bail. DBUNK AND DISOBDERLY. D. Mackie was charged witk being drmale and disorderly, and, pleading guilty, was fined 40s. and costs, or to be imprisoned 48 hours. BKEACH OF MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT, 1854. James Xitney was charged by Captain Lyell, of the ship Inflexible, with having, on the Bth of May, wilfully disobeyed orders on beard that Teasel. W. Lyell deposed : I am master of the ship Inflexible. Prisoner was an able seaman on board. (Articles produced.) Yesterday afternoon he was going about the deck drunk, and using profane language. I told the mate to send him to bed. He was repeatedly told to go to his bunk and would not; this was in my presence; a crowd gathered, and in consequence of his conduct I was obliged to give him in charge; placed him previously in the forecabin and he burst open tke door. To prisoner : I called you aft and put you into the cabin. Sentenced to be imprisoned for one week in Mount Eden gaol with hard labour. BREACH 01? MUNICIPAL POLICE ACT, 1866. ■ Barnett O'Donnell was charged with a breich of this Act in driving a cart in Queen street Auckland, on May 3rd, without having the name of the owner legibly painted or writ ten thereon. Fined 5s and costs.

KEEPING A HOUSE OF 11/r, TAME. ' Bridget Curtis was charged with kee'pu*A house of ill fame in Chancery-street. ™ a Mr. Bennett for the defence. Detective Robert Ternahan, deposed • T a detective in the aimed police; know tu* prisoner, and where she resides in a lane f Chancery-street, her house in common! suspected to be one of ill f a Had been in the habit of visiting the hous ' had found it frequented by people known t'" be of ill repute. The witness deposed to ad missions made by prisoner, and persons resid ing and found on the premises, clearly showing the character of the house. B By advice of Counsel, the prisoner pleaded guilty. " ' w Counsel stated she was a married woma with five little children, and her husband w now in Court, and asked that the Bench should view the case leniently. Ordered to find security for goad bood be haviour for three months, in two sureties f £10 each. THREATENING- LANGUAGE. Margaret McCann being called uyon to answer the above charge, did nob appear. Constable Murphy deposed to havbtr'^uly served the summons, to appear on the. °6th of May, and a warrant was ordered to issue for her arrest. PALSE PRETENCES. John MeG-ill was charged by Richard Dyer with having, on the Ist of May, obtained from him the sum of 7s 6d, by falso representatives. Prosecutor desired to withdraw the charge •' and no evidence having been adduced, the case was dismissed. The Court then rose.

THE LATE GALE AT THE BAY OF ISLANDS.

By the arrival of the steamer Samson, from the Bay of Islands, this morning, we learn that there has been a fearful gale at the Bay of Islands. Mr, Bateman's house has been blown down, and two small yachts lying in the Bay broke from their anchors and -were dashed to pieces. Fences have been every where blown down, and very considerable

damage generally done in the district.

AUCKLAND RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

There was a parade of the Auckland Rifle Volunteers at the Albert Barracks this morn ning at half-past six. There were present: Adjutant Tisdall, Captain Derrom, Captain Batger, Lieutenant Thompson, Ensign Bat tley, and Ensign Hassan. We are sorry to say that owing to the state of the weather there was a very meagre attendance of mem bers ; companies No. 1 and 3 not haying put in an appearance even by a solitary represen tative. To a certain extent this is excusable in the case of the Parnell company (No. 3), from the distance, weather, and want of due notice, by advertisement, but we think the other absent company should have been forth coming.

The Volunteers went through skirmishing anp company drill. The next meeting will be on Thursday, and there will be a parade every Monday till the Queen's birthday. We sin cerely trust that, in the general apathy of the public, the volunteer* themselves will not ex hibit marks of indifference regarding their pro fession, that they will not merit the fame of being " fine weather soldiers." but by their skill in going through the various military movements, and by their soldier-like appearance at parade on the Queen's birthday, do much to popularise a movement so neces sary to New Zealand,,and of which we ought all be proud. y

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.

Anotheb accident occurred yesterday after noon, to a lad, whose name we hare not learned, ■which, was nearly haying a . fatal termination, but which, thanks to the bravery of two men who happened to be upon the wharf at the time, resulted in no worse con sequences to the sufferer than a thorough good soaking, and a few mouthfuls of sea water. The lad in question was standing near the edge of the wharf, close to the Queen's warehouse, when by some means or other he fell over into the water. A cry was immediately raised, which drew a orowd to the spot, and almost at the same moment two men sprang off to the assistance of the boy, who was wildly buffeting with the waves, being apparently quite unable to swim. The men who had gone to his help—both good swimmers—very soon succeeded in rescuing him from his perilous situation. When landed upon the wharf he was found to be in a somewhat exhausted condition. Ho was taken on board the ship Inflexible, where he was immediately attended to, and in a very few minutes he was quite recovered from the effects of his recent immersion.

Mb. "Reader Wood, the candidate fo? Parnell, will address the electors at the Parnell Hall, at 8 o'clock, to-morrow (Tuesday) evening. The cricket match which was to have taken place between the Albert Club and the members of the Press, on Saturday afternoon, did not come off, in conse quence of the unfavourable state of the weather.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE.

S HOETt AKD -STBEET. Mails will close as under : — For Thames, and Coromandel, this day, at 4.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10 a.m., and 5.30 p.m. For Sydney and Brisbane, per Constancy to-morrow, at 9 a.m. For Russell, and Kawatawa, per Samson, p.s., to-morrow, at 3.30 p.m. \ For Tauranga, per s.s. Tauranga, on ll_Ji inst., at 3.30 p.m. Mails for the Australian Colonies, India, China, Mediteraneon Ports, and United Kingdom, via Suez, (for letters specially so addressed), will close at this office, per s.s. Wonga Wonga, six hours after arrival of that steamer from Wellington. Mails for Napier, and Southern Provinces, will close at this office per s.s. Lord Ashly, six hours after arrival of the Wonga Won^a. S. B. Biss, , Chief Postmaster.

THE EVENING STAK, MAY 9, 1870.



WAN T E D—A STEAM ENGINE and BOILER, equal to 10 ov 12 horse power, Apply to Charles Tothill, Shortland- street.