SHIPPING.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

ARRIVALS

Tnuranga, s.s., 67 tons, Cellem, from Bay of Island?. . , Aquila, cutter, 40 tons, from Bay ot Islands.

DEPARTURES.

Speedwell, ketch, Eewieke, for Wangaroa.

IMPORTS.

Per ss. Wansanui, from Wanganui : 4a head cattle, 350 sheep, 20 pigs, A. Buckland.— Cruickshank, Smart and Co., agents. Per s.s. Lord Ashley, from Wellington : bb ba R s bones, 37 head cattle, Henderson and MaSfarlane. From Taranaki :10 bales flax, 4 ditto tow, Cruickshank, Smart and Co., ; 7 pacKages, Buckland.

The s s. Ahuriri arrived at Wellington from the Manukau on the 7th inst., and left for Lyttelton on the following day. The schooner Mariner, bound in, was passed on the coast by the s.s. Tauranga. The fine barque Seatoller will take her departure for London on the 20th instant. She has accommodution for a few more saloon passengers. . Tatjbanga.—The s.s. Tauranga, Captain Cellem, left the Bay of Islands on Wednes day at 5 p.m, and arrived in harbour this morning. She brings 260 sheep, A. Buckland; 4, tons fum, W. J. Hurst and Co.; 40 cases fruit, L. W. Eaton. Passengers—Messrs. Hickton, Jamieson, Williams, and four others.

ARRIVAL OF THE LORD ASHLEY.

The Circular Saw s.s. Lord Ashley, Captain H E Wheeler, arrived in the Manukau this morning from the Southern Ports, bince her last visit to this port she has undergone the usual half-yearly overhaul, in addition to re pairs to engines and boilers (by E. W. Mills, of Wellington) ; the saloon has been re-pamted, decorated, and fitted up afresh. The Ashley sailed from Wellington on 9th at 4 40 p.m. ; passed Jackson's Head at 10.40 p.m.; rounded Stevens' Island at 2.10 a.m., Sunday ; anchored outside the Boulder Bank, Nelson, 7.40 a.m.; blowing a gale from north east, heavy sea running in the Bay ; at 1 p.m. entered the harbour. Left Nelson on 11th at 4.10 p.m.; had fresh easterly winds to New Plymouth, off which she anchored at 10.40 am. of 12th. Sailed again same afternoon at 3.15. Eased the engines at 3 a.m. this morn ing ; crossed the Manukau at 6.15 a.m.; had S.E. winds and fine weather. We are indebted to Mr. B. B. Pnngle, pur ser, for our Southern files.

ARRIVAL OF THE WANGANUI.

The s 3. Wanganui, Captain Linklater, ar rived in the Manukau at 8 o'clock this morn ing, having left Wanganui early yesterday m PAsaIirGEES :—Mesws. Ashfort, E. S. Goin, Gorth, Hughe3. . , The "Wanganui brings a cargo of cattle (a3 per imports). She leaves again for Wanganui hi 3 evening.

THE S.S. GO-AHEAD.

This pretty little vessel has lately been undergoing a thorough overhaul alongside the breakwater, and yesterday shipped her new boiler. She was always a model on which the eyes of a seaman dwelt with approbation, and from a casual glance one would have thought she was a rapid sailer. But there was a deficiency about her which materially detracted from her value, and that was her want of speed — she was not such a rapid sailer as she ought to have been from the appearance and general build; soon after our enterprising townsman, Mr. S. H. Smith, purchased her he determined, if pos sible, to rectify her shortcoming. Her boiler was found to be not nearly large enough for the engine, which, in consequence, exhausted the whole thus rendering the working of the screw weak and irregular. Her new boiler, made by Mr. Yoeman, of Albert-street, is double the capacity of the old one; and, from its appearance, will make a good head of steam. It ia of first-class workmanship, and it is now hoped that the speed of this favourite little ■teamer will be much augmented, and she will no doubt be a great favourite with visitors and settlers having occasion to go to the Waikato and Kaipara, for which trade she ia intended. The rig of the G-o-Ahead hss, we understand, been considerably modified. For merly she carried three masts —she will in future carry but two, being rigged like the s.s. Sturt, which is perhaps the most ser viceable rig afloat The bulwarks, which were before only about a foot and eight inches high, have now been heightened to four feet; and many other little alterations have been made, which will have the effect of consider ably improving her. In the centre of the vessel a circular deck house, embracing the whole breadth of the vessel—twenty feet, and twenty feet long, is being built by Mr. Bartley, who has the contract for fitting it up as a saloon. At the entrance of i this are two berths, one for the captain and the other for the engineer. The cabin itself is to be hand somely and substantially fitted up with mottled kauri, and when completed, will be a most comfortable apartment, and afford accommodation for a large number of passen gers. Jhe captain's cabin that was, is to be altered, and transformed into a ladies' saloon ; while forward, the steerage will be enlarged and greatly improved. As formerly, she will be commanded by Captain Watson, and, as mentioned before, is intended fur the Kaipara and Waikato trade. Mr. Smith deserves well of the public for the enterprising spirit he has ■hown on all occasions as the owner of passen ger boats, and we feel quite sure that the ex pense which he has been put to in undertaking »uch extensive improvements in the steamer Go-Ahead, will not be overlooked by the travelling public, who may have occasion to visit either the Kaipara or the Waikato; and who, we doubt not, on such occasions, will invariably give the, steamer in question a fair •hare of their patrpnage. , , -,

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

AEEIVALS Apbil 13.

Lord Ashley, s.s., 296 tons, E. Wheeler, from Wellington and Nelson. Wariganui, s.e., 174 tons, Linklater, from Wanganui and the South-

COMMERCIAL.

Evenixg State Office, Thursday afternoon,

Mi-. ft. Sibbin sold by auction to-day : — Maize, 6s 6d ; potatoes, 2s to 3s ; cheese, 6|d to 7d per lb.; mustard, 6£d ; sugar, 5d ; tea, Is B^d to 2s 6d ; raisins, inferior, 3s per box ; kerosine, 2s 6d to 3s 3d ; ale, 5s 6d; porter, 7s6d ; biscuit, 4Jd; candles, ll|d ; butter, Is; beef, £5 ; paper, 3£d. Mr. C. Davis sold, today, by order of the trustee in the estate of Samuel Lepstine, the following: — Conipfein brandy, 18s 6d ; Ten nant's ale, 8s 6d ; St. Elmo £ lb tobacco, 5s ; Sir Robert Peel's cigars, 3s Id; Espanola cigars, 40s; cheerots, 12s; ruby ilb tobacco, Is Id ; iEgidius] tea, Is 2d; Rachael's tea, Is 4d; gunpowder tea, Is 5d ; casks associated brandy, 5s 6d; R.A.M. sherry, 7s; casks Dunville whiskey, 4s Id; cask * Jamieson whiskey, 5s ; Burgundy, 9s; bitters, 21s; associated brandy, 10s ; Martell's brandy, 23s 9d; Hcnnessy's brandy, 255: Keillor's as sorted confectionery, 9|d; i lb mustard, Coleman, 5s 9d ; 1 lb mustard, Coleman, 9-J-d; red herrings, 26s ; baking powder, 2s 6d ; assorted spices, 10£ d ; salt, £3.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE.

SHOETIiAND-STREET,

Maiis will close as under :— For the Thames and Coromandel, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow at 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Taranald, and the Southern Pro vinces of New Zealand, and for Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, per s.s. Phoebe, to-morrow, at 5 p.m. Supplementary mails for the Southern Pro vinces of New Zealand will be ir ade up on Friday, the 15th inst., at 7 a.m. Late letters will be received till 7.30 a.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

The Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1870.

One of the most interesting projects shadowed forth in the ministerial scheme, as submitted at the late session of the Provincial Council, was that for connecting the Kaipara and Waikato districts more closely with the metropo lis. The completion of the railway to the banks of the largest of New Zea land's rivers, and its subsequent ex tension up the magnificent basin of the Waikato, would be equally valu able for commercial as strategical pur poses ; whilst a tramway crossing the portage between the heads of the waters of the Waitemata and Kai para would be the best means of de veloping the resources of a district, in it's importance to this city, second only to the Waikato. Whether these two schemes are near or far off in realization, it will be a subject of interest to many, and sincere cou gratulation, that a means of develop ing the resources of these two districts, next best, is about to be presented ; for we are glad to learn that the fine little steamer ' Go-Ahead,' after hav ing undergone a complete overhaul and renovation, is about to enter on this dual trade. But there is another reason why we should rejoice at this re-opening of these districts. Diffi culty of communication has un doubtedly retarded the progress of the districts ; but, on the other hand, the depressed and uuprogressive state of the districts, especially in the case of Kaipara, has been the cause of inter ruption to regularity of communica tion. And, in the opening of steam boat communication between these districts and the west end of the port of Auckland, we have unniistakeable signs of the times, and evidence of the vigour of our rising industries. The boundless extent of our flax lands, the large number of mills starting every day, and the population settling down to progressive and remunerative industry, will soon make the laying a steamer on our western waters a matter hardly to be noted; but we cannot pass without notice the pluck of our enterprising townsman Mr. S. H. Smith, in fearlessly opening the trade. When we look at that noble inlet, the Kaipara, with its singular ramifications, its hundreds of miles of coast line, surrounded .by plains and hills of richest fertility a-nd picturesque beauty ; and when we think of its necessary future, when thousands of homesteads will be nestling among its hills, and towns and villages be scattered over its plains, and sails will be seen in hundreds flitting on the inland sea, we cannot help thinking that the appearance of the little ' Go-Ahead in its waters, wiJl be the harbinger of prosperity. We sincerely wish success to the new enterprise ; and may this re-opening of the trade bring not only a merited re turn to the projector, but make the districts of Kaipara and Waikato in all their agricultural and commercial interests indeed go-ahead.

A meeting of Mr. Joseph's creditors was held to day, in the Supreme Court. Liabilities, £6087; assets, £2598. Mr. Sherra was appointed trustee, and Messrs.. MeCosh .Clark and McMillan were appointed supervisers.

Complaints have reached town of the burning of large quantities of flax, at Mangawai and Mangapai, to the extent of several thousand acres. This is a most wanton and inexcusible waste of property.

We like Volunteers and volunteering, and it is with the most friendly intentions to the cause that we ask the sensible members to speak to their brothers in arms about last night at the Prince of Wales. Waiting till the play had com menced, a brigade came thundering along in the dress circle, to the total stoppage of the acting, and the consternation of all beholders, and tumbling the chairs about with much noise, eventually took their seats, magnificent to behold. We do not object to the military right to wear the pretty cap so jauntily over the ear, and retain it even in the presence of ladies, but we can assure our military friends that it is these little vagaries that do injury to volunteering, and cause that scoffing that is so often meted out to the citizen soldiers. This a work-a-day world, and display is generally unpopular; and, if magnificence was intended, it was not enhanced by going into the ladies' cloak room and smoking cigars there. This is simple rudeness, and we are confident would be condemned by none more than by the main body of the Volunteers them selves. To our citizen soldiers we must look for the defence in future of our hearths and homes. We are proud of our Volunteer corps, and should regret that any little vagaries should give room to the silly sneer that is so often the recompense of volunteering.

That vanity is not the mere product of civilisation was this morning exempli fied in a shaving saloon in Lower Queen street. A Maori whose hairs had began to show a slight sprinkling of the snow of years, entering, requested the proprietor, Mr. Symonds, to restore the haii*s to the hue of youth. For the sum of " ten herring," which he paid like a man and a brother, the Maori's locks speedily assumed a raven tint, and he weut upon his way rejoicing.

On yesterday evening, about half-past four, a picture was presented in Lower Queen-street, that, we venture to say, in some respects, could not be surpassed in any other city of equal population. A man somewhat inebriated was scuffling a little with the police, when a crowd ga thered around, containing various repre sentations of the six daily newspapers of Auckland, all in quest of a miserable " local." The outskirts of the crowd consisted mainly of a throng of city Arabs, each with a large pile of penny papers under his arm; and the whole scene constituted a tableau viuant strongly expressive of the intellectual variety of the people of Auckland.

A man named Martin, a drill instructor, has been arrested, at Wellington, on a charge of criminal assault on a girl 11 years of age.

We have been informed by a gentleman who feels deeply interested in the matter, that all the circumstances connected with the lamented death of the late Mr. Lawrence Lazard, will be brought before the first session of the House of Repre sentatives.

Auckland Rifle Volunteees.—ln order to get the members of Nos. 1, 4, and 5 Companies into form by the Queen's Birthday, a parade will take place in the Albert Barrack Square to morrow morning at 6.30 sharp, when all members are particularly requested to attend.

We perceive by advertisement which appears in our columns, that Mr. F. G. Kwington purposes reading publicly in the Weslejan Chapel, Mount Albert, on Thursday evening next, an original essay on " Earthquakes and Volcnnoes." We would remind our readers that the lists of claimants to be put on the Electoral Itoll will be posted at the various polling places during this week. All objections must be lodged with the Registration Officer, on or before the 30th instant. It is notified that the Banks will be closed on Monday next. This being Easter Monday, no doubt most other mercantile establishments will follow the same rule. The members of No 3. 1 and 5 Com panies A.K.Y., will parade for company drill in the Albert Barrack square, at half-past 6 o'clock on Thursday morning.. The price of the excursion tickets, issued for the steamer Williams, for Waiwera and the Hawaii has been re duced from seven shillings to five shillings.

The old lamp-post which stood at the first turn of the descent on Constitution Hill came to grief the other day through sheer rottenness, and remained prostrate close by the pathway until Monday even ing, when some miscreants —for whom the pillory and the cart-tail would be far too mild a punishment —placed the post right across the path, one end resting upon the lower rail of the fence. A more diabolical act of mischief could hardly have been perpetrated, for the spar was placed ex actly in such a position as to trip up-any person descending the hill, and a fall under such circumstances would almost certainly have been attended with fracture of arms or legs. Luckily the obstacle was discovered and at once removed before mischief could ensue. The authors of the deed must surely be of the stuff of which cowards are made.

We have been favoured by Mr. Knaggs, of Omaha, with a view of a quantity of dried hops, grown and cured by him. These hops seem to be of first rate quality, their aroma being delicious. A sample is left at our office for inspec tion. Mr. Knaggs informs us that he is convinced that ihe cultivation °ot hops

will prove a paying business, and that it is his intention to prosecute the thing more fully. We would call public attention to the notification in our advertising columns by the Collector of Customs with regard to the registration of arms. Mr. McKellar is Licensing Officer for Auckland, Mr. Brewer for Onehunga, Mr. Lundon for the Thames, and the clerks to the Bench at all other places within the district. It must not be forgotten that a severe penalty attaches to the neglect of proper registration of all firearms. The Hibernia Hotel would appear to have been the scene of some rather dis agreeable family misunderstandings lately; yesterday they were made the subject of investigation at the Police Court, when Mary Steele charged her step-father with having threatened her life ; defendant was bound over for three months. The only case of importance was that of George Holdship, who was charged by the Inspector of Buildings, with having commenced an edifice in Custom House-street without having given due notice. The Bench considered the case proved, and fined defendant 10s. and costs ; defendant's counsel at once gave notice of appeal. In the Shorfcland Police Court yester day, James Dyer, alias Brown, was charged with assaulting William Nicholls. Mr. Macgregor appeared for complain ant, and Mr. Dodd for defendant. Com plainant deposed, that on the 11th, he went down on the beach at Grahamstown to seize the vessel Elizabeth, that be longed to him. He saw they were ready to go away, and he took a man named Charles Waring to take possession. Complainant was standing on the shore, when defendant jumped into a boat, and threatened him if he touched the vessel. Complainant put his hand on the vessel, and defendant then seized the tiller and struck complainant a severe blow on the back of the head. He did nothing to provoke the assault.—Charles Waring was examined for the complainant, and Thos. Hume and Daniel Keys for defen dant. — Defendant was fined £5 and costs, or to undergo one month's im prisonment.

ARRIVAL OF THE 'LORD ASHLEY' FROM THE SOUTH.

lATEST TELEGEAMS

The Circular Saw s.s. Lord Ashley and s.s Wanganui arrived in the Manukau this morn ing from the South, bringing later papers. WELLINGTON, April 8. The Tricker Enquiry cauie to an end to-day. The result is not yet known, but it is stated on good authority that the evidence as to Tricker's confessions in prison broke down , completely, and consequently it is confidently anticipated that the action of the G-overninent ! will be favourable to the release of Tricker. We do not see how it can be otherwise. DUNEDIN, April 5. The Times publishes a letter from Mr. Fox 1 to the United States Government, on the 1 subject of the introduction of New Zealand • wools, duty free. ; Logan's claim, Cromwell, has crushed 120 ■ ounces, equal to 5 ounces to the ton. i We make the following extracts from the i Wellington Independent of the 9th inst : — 1 The Teickeb Case.—Mr. F>x and Mr. 1 Gisborne continued the Tricker investigation • at the Gaol, yesterday, and brought it to a . close shortly after mid-day. Mr. Allen, as be ' fore, appeared for the Release Committee, and the Attorney-General for the Government. The evidence was entirely directed towards Tricker's alleged confessions some years ago. The proceedings being of a private character we cannot of course speculate on the probable result, but it is probable that the Executive will inform the committee of its determination prior to Mr. Fox's departure for the South, which, it is expected, will take place next week. The New Steam Company.—We are glad to learn that the efforts now being made to form a company to purehnse the plant and continue the business of the N.Z.S.N. Com pany are likely to meet with the most com plete success. A meeting of intending share holders and others interested in the project is to be held in the Athenaeum on Monday afternoon next, at half-past four o'clock, when the chair will be occupied by W. B. Ehodes, Esq.

Tidal Disturbance. -■- Some speculation was occasioned on Thursday morning by the discovery that the waters of the harbor were repeating, on a small scale, the irregularities which were so remarkbly developed at the time the great earthquake of 1868 occurred in South America and the West Indies. The water was as smooth as glass on Thursday, but at frequent intervals, a heavy ripple was observed some distance from shore, and the water would then rush in twenty or tliirty yards, and as rapidly recede, in some cases quite as far below the proper water line. The perpendicular rise and fall was probably never more than from six inches to a foot, but the alterations wera exceedingly rapid and con tinued during the whole day. Some indi viduals atternptjjto account for the phenomena by attributing it to a heavy southerly sea setting in at the heads, but the idea scarcely affords a sufficient or satisfactory explanation. Others ascribe the disturbance to the occur rence of. another tidal wave somewhere, and news from the localities exposed to such dis agreeable visitations will be awaited with some interest.

Dating Robbery.—On Tuesday night or early on Wednesday morning the public pound at Marton was entered, and a valuable dark bay filly, branded F.R., solen. It had been impounded for trespass by Messrs. Allsworth and MchoUs. The natives had much admired the 'animaL daring the day, and it is supnosed they opened the pound with a false key, as the lock was not broken. Mr. Colemun, the pound-keeper, on discovering the loss, tele graphed the particulars to Wangaivui and Napier, but it is to be feared the natives have

carried off the animal into the interior, from which pkee there is little chance of recovery. The Cabandini Concerts.—On Thursday evening the performances were under the patronage of Commodore Lambert, C.±5., ana the officers of H.M.S. Challenger. On Thurs day and Friday evenings it is announced that concerts will be given in Greytown. Death of Me. Wm. Luxfobd.—We regret to notice in our obituary of to-day thedemise of an old and respected settler, Mr. William Luxford, who died at Berhampore Farm on the 7th inst., at the advanced age of 74. Mr. Luxford arrived in the Adelaide in the year 1840, and has since that time been a resident in the city of Wellington. IiTTBGLABY. —Yesterday afternoon on Mr. E. Bannister, Secretary ot the Loyal Antipo dean Lodge, -going into his office, in the lodge room, he discovered the window broken and open, and the box containing the cash-box broken open. The articles were thrown about, and the cash-box was opened. The object of the thief must have been to search for money, but fortunately the receipts of Wednesday were contained in a cheque, which was left in the cash box, and their object was defeated.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

DRTTNKENNEPS. Bernard Reynolds and Harry Bolen, charged with the above offence, were each fined ss. and costs, or to be imprisoned 48 hours.

HOTJSE OF ILL FAME. Harriett Smith, Margaret Campbell, and Louisa Chester were charged with having been the keepers of a house of common bawdry in Edwards-street, on the 27th March, 1870. Pleaded guilty. Mr. Naughton explained that they had been summoned some time ago, but had failed to appear ; and having gone to the Thames, had come in contact with the police. He only asked that they be bound over to good beha viour, as they were single women. Sentenced to find two sureties in £10 each to be of good behaviour for three months. ALLEGED LARCENY. John McClintock and Thomas Brown alias John Robson was charged by James Johnston with stealing from the shop of Messrs. Coombes and Johnston on Tuesday last, six shirts value 18s. Remanded till to-morrow. DESERTION OF FAMILY. George Clune, a member of the Armed Constabulary, was charged on summons by Margaret Clune, his wife, with aßreach of the Destitute Persons Relief Ordinance by desert ing her and their six children without means of support. Being called he did not appear. Constable Jackson proved the service of the summons on Tuesday last, and a warrant was ordered to issue for his apprhension. LARCENY. Frederick Cox, a boy 17 years of age, was charged by Simon Conway, with having, on the 10th inst., stolen from prosecutor's trou sers pocket, at Titiranga, one £10 note and eight one pound notes. Simon Conway deposed : I am employed by Mr. Parr, of Titirangi; prisoner was also employed by Mr. Parr, and we slept in the same room. Both went to bed between 9 and 10 on Saturday night last. We slept in the same bed. I had placed my trousers on a sack of wheat behind the bed. I had a pocket-book in my pocket, containing one £10 and eight £1 notes. Got up about half-past six. The prisoner gone, and my pocket-book containing the money also gone. The trousers were still on the sack. I followed the boy and found him at Mr. Henderson's mill, at Titirangi, last night about six o'clock.. Mr. Parr, now in Court, took hold of the boy and asked him for the money. The boy put his "hand in his pocket and produced the pocket-book, and gave ibe it. It then contained one £10 note and six one pound notes. He afterwards put his hand in his pocket and gave me eight shil lings. It now contains £15. I gave a pound to the man that gave me information about the boy. Took him into custody, and handed him over this morning to the police. The pocket-book how produced is that stolen by prisoner, and which was handed to me by the

prisoner. Edward John Parr: I am a settler at Titirangi. Know prosecutor and prisoner; they were both in my employment, and slept in the same room. Prosecutor told me on Sunday morning he had lost his pocket-book and money. The boy could not be found. Prose cutor and I went last night to Henderson's Mill A little after six we found the prisoner there. I took hold of him by the arm; the prosecutor asked him for the money ; the prisoner gave him the pocket book produced. We took him to my father's house for the night, and to the police station this morning. The boy acknowledged that he was a run away from the Barossa, and said that he was 17 years old. Committed to take his trial at the Supreme Court. The Court then rose.

SHIPMENT OF GOLD.

T'HEBauk of New Zealand, Grahamstown sent up, yesterday, per Duke of Edin burgh, 1785 ozs.

We find, on reference to our shipping columns, that this bunk alone has for warded from the Thames, since Ist Janu ary last, 33,779 ozs., viz :—

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

This theatre was well filled last night to see Madame Duret in her really magnificent im personation of Miami, ill the beautiful drama of " Green Bushes." The wild, tumulb of the passions of revenge a\id fondness, in the haif liidian girl, conveyed in the elocution and action of Madame Duret, is a representation to be remembered; while the closing scene, with its total absence of the usual rant or whining, and bo like the way a princess ought to die, with tenderness and dignity blended, is indeed full of true pathos.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

[From To-day's " Advebtiseb."]

IHE BATTERIES. I The crushing mills continue steadily eni ployed this week, and the slight fall of § which fell on Monday enables many of the I batteries to crush with increased power. 1 Vickery's machine is employed on tU I Golden Spur stuff. Bull's macliine is crushing with five head of I stampers a lot of Btone from the Last Hit • There are several other lots at the machine waiting a turn of crushing. The Una Company's mill is again in full work for the company. One of the batteries > was employed for a couple of days crushing a lot for the Ruby, the result of which we gi Te j elsewhere. Perry's battery is now crushing for the Never too-late-to-Mend. Souter's battery is crushing a .fine lot of quartz from the Flying Cloud. , The Hauraki battery is now crushing solely for the Mariners' Keef, |whicli occupies the whole of the new plant. The Waiotahi battery has ten head of stampers going for the Waitemata,and fiy B head for the Mariners' Reef. . The Criterion battery is crushing sandstone and cement from the Shamrock. The Thames Crushing Company's battery has thirty head of stampers now constantly employed ; ten of 'those are crushing for the Long Drive, ten for the Whau, and ten for Dixon's No. 1. There yet remains ten unem ployed stampers at this fine mill. Goodall's Prince Alfred battery is now steadily working, all the connections with the reservoir having been completed, arid a per manent supply of water available. There is a ! large paddock of stone down from the Shoot ing Star, and portions of the machine are now crushing for the Young American and fop the Poverty and Charleston. The "Victoria Co.'b battery is only working with half force this week, the other half being stopped for some necessary repairs to the ina chinery and to the floor of the battery houte. There are stil] 12 head of stampers at work for the Moanatairi Company. The Whau Co.'s battery is crushing for its owners. The Pioneer battery for the Success. The Kuranui Company is in full work j 30 head of stampers for the company, and 10 head for the Long Drive. The old battery is ' crushing for the City of Glasgow. L The Deep Lead battery is crushing for the company. Partington's battery is still crushing for the Dauntless and Sink to-Rise. Russell's battery in Tararu is now crushing j for the City of Dunedin and for the William I the Conqueror. ',','• <", i : .a

AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

The Choral Society gave another of their per formances last evening; 2 the audience was large and fashionable, and must have been & sou ice of gratification to i.he committee, con' eidering the difficulties they had to contend with in arranging a programme to suit the season—the second part having to be altered from a secular miscellaiy to a sacred one since Monday. Beethoven's beautiful and sacred " Mass in C," was chosen for the first rmrt, and a selection from Handel's "Messiah" —descriptive of the season—for the second. We cannot say much for or against the first part as a whole, but the rendering of the solo parts may be considered as a set-off for the unsteadiness and want of expression discern able in the chorus. A want of colouring in all the performances of the Society is ft. point we cannot two strongly urge on their notice; a much greater effect would have been pro duced last evening had the "piano's" and " forte's" been strictly adhere)!, to. With reference to the second part, we need only say that owing td the want of rehearsal, there was not as much decision in the chorus as might have been expected from a subject so familiar to every one ; but, as we mentioned in regard to Beethoven's Mass, the solos made up for any defects. We may mention more particularly the solos " I kEow that my Kedeemer liveth," and " He was deßpißed, &c." The former being beautifully rey dered by a lady amateur, notwithstanding the not very perfect accompaniment. " He was despised, &c," was well and feelingly ren dered by Mr. Austin. In conclusion, we cannot too strongly condemn the conductor a certain portion of the audience in showing their want of breeding in hissing, and other wise showing thei»' disapprobation of any singer, or piece of music. If they so far forget the rules of common decency, not to say of society, and cannot remain quiet during a performance of sacred music, it would be much better for them to stay away, and not mar the pleasure of those who can appreciate fine music and good singing. *

AUCKLAND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

A meeting of the committee and other sup porters of the above society was heldi'lafefci eveniug at the Museum, Princes-street, Thos. Macfarlane, Esq., in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. A few l'sts containing the names of intending' subscribers were handed in, but owing to the canvass for members not having been completed,' I thß election of office bearers was postponed I until a future meeting. It was the opinion^ of the majority of those present that to inak^:j the society successful, it should have the couri-> tenance and support of the leading men pi' Auckland, from whom a general committee.! might be formed, in addition to an executive t of practical men. In order to obtain the i, desired aid, the meeting was adjourned unnl;) Wednesday evening, the 27th instant.

There will bo a service in St. Pw.?;i Church on Good Friday, morning W*L evening. On Easter Day the Holy SM" 1" ment will be celebrated at 8 a.m. and a* t mid-day, and in the afternoon the Sacra ment of Baptism. The quarterly general meeting of tw Chami or of Commerce will bo held at the Mechanics' Institute, on Thursday next, at 3 o'clock in the ofternoon. & A breach of promise case in Detroit turns upon the question whether the defendant in tended, by enclosing a leaf of rose gera-^*ttJn-'. to tho lady, to use the language of flowers., W n which case the, innocent leaf Avould hare SfU«» " Thou art nay choice."

THE EVENING STAK, APRIL 13, 1870



On 1 Janunvy » 5 „ „ 21 „ 1 February „ 9 » » 14 ,. 21 „ 1 March. „ 7 » 21 „ 1 April ... » 5 „ » 12

ozs. owl ... 3374 0 ... 2087 0 ... 2987 0 ... 3767 0 ... 1019 8 ... 2745 15 ... 1635 0 ... 3457 0 ... 2149 7 ... 3494 9 ... 2719 13 ... 2558 13 ... 1785 0

t.

Total

... 33779 5



RUNNERS WANTED.—Good Wages gi ven , —Apply at the Evening Stab Office. WANTED— A BEDEOOM andSITTING EOOM, Furnished, for two young men, in the vicinity of Symond-street North. —Apply by letter, E.S., ofßce of this paper.