SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 5.4.>. HIGH WATER : This afternoon, 4.13.

STEAMER TO THE THAMES. Lady Bowen, G o'clock this evening.

DEPARTURES.

Star of the South, s.s., Ffolmes, for Napier. Duke of Edinburgh, p.s., Farquhar, for Wangarei. Comerang, p-s., Chrisp, for Russell. ARRIVAL OE THE WILD DUCK. The ship Wild Duck, from England, anchored oft Kohimarama last evening, and waited the arrival of the Health Officer (Dr. Philson). This gentleman boarded her within an hour and a-half of her rounding the North Head, the "blue peter" /lying from her main. The act was one of precaution only, as no sickness had occurred during the passage out. Dr. Philson after making a few enquiries gave a clean bill of health, and the occupants of a number of boats alongside were allowed to go en board to welcome their friends. Captain Bailie reports leaving hast India Docks on" the 9th December ; landed pilot off Teignmouth, in Devonshire on the ; 12th. Experienced strong W. and W.N. W. winds until the -20th. On the 21st and 22nd, whilst crossing the Lay of Biscay,' encountered a strong N.N. W. gale and shipped a deal of water. Caught the N.E. trades on the 30th in 2fi deg. N., and crossed the line on January 10 Picked up the S.E. trades in 10 deg. S., and carried then down to -29 deg. Passed the meridian of the Cape on February 1, thence variable winds to Tasmania. Run down her eastings as far as 47 degs. S. Rounded Tasmania on March 10, from thence ex perienced a succession of heavy gales from the E. and NE ■ until sighting the Three Kings. Rounded the North Cape on the 2nd inst. at 3 p.m., and moderate winds and thick dirty weather down the coast, the ship comes into harbour in a good and clean condition. \. very flattering testimonial was last evening pre sented by the passengers to Captain Bailie. The fol lowing is a list of the passengers :— ~r„„,.a Saxook :—Mr. and Mrs. Ewen, Mr. and Mrs. W care, Mr W V Richards, and Miss Thompson. Steerage : Richard and Annie Wright, Elizabeth McGowan, Elizabeth Gilmore, Win. Robinson, John Taylor, Ettv Ernest, John, and Sarah Lawrence, U. b Saunders W. ft. Dawson, Fanny Dawson, C. Kimbeily Phoebe Kimberlv, Wm. Saddler, Frank Rlaydes Wm Henwood, John Webster, John Beswick, Edwin Bevemis,' 11. Leese, and Annie Fitzpatrick. PROJECTED DEPARTURES. For Sydney and Melbourne : City of Melbourne, on arrival of Nevada ; Hero, s.s., 24th instant. Eor Tahiti: Edith, schooner, to-day. For London : Caducous, ship, early ; Ka Moi, barque, early. For Kaipara : Mary Eliza, to-day. For Levuka : Julia Price, schooner, to-day. For Napier and the South : Nevada, p.s., to-morrow. For Norfolk Island: Success, schooner, to-day. Southern Cross, mission schooner, April 10. For New Bedford : Naomi, ship, early. For Honolulu : Nevada, mail steamer, April IS. For Levuka : Nukulau, schooner, to-day. For Tauranga: Tauranga, schooner, to-day. For Hokiangi: Herald, schooner, to-day. For Southern ports : Taranaki, s.s., 6th mst. For Wangarei, Clyde, schooner, to-day.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Wellington, s.s , from Southern ports. Hero, s.s., from Sydney. Nevada, mail steamer, from Honolulu, due Magellan Cloud, schooner, from Chatham Islands jflefenslee, ship, from London (sailed Jan. 11). Amherst, schooner, from Sydney. Cleopatra, schooner, from Lyttelton Alpha, schooner, from Newcastle Belle, schooner, from Newcastle W. C. Wentworth, barque, from Newcastle H.M.S. Rosario, from Sydney Stanley, schooner, from Melbourne Amphitrite, schooner, from Sydney Australia, brig, from Sydney Ayr, barque, from Adelaide Briton, barque, from Newcastle Union, brig, from Newcastle. The schooner Tauranga cleared at the Customs this morning for Tauranga. The ship Naomi has cleared for Russell en route for New Bedford. t> The schoooner Colonist entered at the Customs this morning with the 'following cargo : — 100 boxes gum, ISS sacks do, 1 iron safe, 2 empty kegs, Must and Co. ; 13 bales wool, Murdoch ; 49 bales flax, J. C. Morrin ; 24 bags gum, Stone Brothers ; 1 dray, Cook ; 1 case tobacco, Sibbin, 1 case, L. D. Nathan.—M. Niccol, agent. Several schooners are in harbour waiting a change of wind to take their departures to their respective destinations.

COMMERCIAL.

MINING. The following are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below :— DIVIDENDS.

MEETINGS TO COME. Coromandel Beach, Coromandel, April 7. Point Kussell, Company's office, Shorthand street, 2 p.m. April 3 City of Dunedin, Grahamstown, April 9 Neptune, Coromandel, April 10 Highland Chief, Grahamstown, April 11 John Bull, Coromandel, April 11 Flying Cloud, Grahamstown, April 12 George Stephenson, Grahamstown, April 10 Golden Spur, Grahamstown, April 10 Laura, Clrahamstown, April 17 Van, Vaile's Buildings, Auckland, 3 p.m. April 17

POST OFFICE, SHORTLAND-STREET.

Mints wra. Close as Under For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p m. For Kapanga, etc, per Royal Alfred, to-morrow, at 11 30 a.m. ; and per Challenger, at 0.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Russell, Kawa Kawa, etc., per p.s. Duke of Edinburgh, to-morrow at For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki to-morrow at 5 p.m. For the Australian Colonies, India, China, Mauritius, Continent of Europe, and United Kingdom, via Brindisi and Suez, per City of Melbourne, imme diately after arrival of p.s. Nevada. For Napier and the Southern Provinces, per p.s. Nevada, six hours after her arrival from Honolulu. S. B. Biss, Postmaster.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, and the Morning News

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 1872.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For tho future in the distance, And the good that we can do."

We hold over till to-morrow a most extraor dinary statement of tho case of Henry Cowan till lately a confine in tho Lunatic Asylum.

A " Ratepayer" writes to us in commenda tion of tho idea of building a respectable Town Hall, but as he has not furnished us with his name, and hislettor does not throw any new light on the subject, it is withheld. Another correspondent, "Excelsior," is funny, and goes in for honors all round. He suggests "a State Barge for the President of tho Harbour Board, his Worship the Mayor being already provided with a State Carriage which is the admiration of all the burgesses ; and the Super intendent having tho ' Black Elephant.'' " Fiat Justitia" appears to decline the challenge of "One Who Loves Fair Play," as contained in our issue of yesterday. He says he " professed to give only current rumour with reference to the permission given by certain City Councillors " for shooting dray-loads of potatoes into the intake. He admits that tho offensive nuisance has been suppressed, and pays a tribute of respect to Inspector Goldie as "a most painstaking and impartial servant of the public." But we would recommend " Fiat Justitia " to be in future a little less reckless in making statements which he cannot substantiate ; for if we acted on the injunction conveyed in his motto, we should publish his name, and so get him pelted (figuratively) with rotten potatoes. j

We have received a letter signed "J.D.," and we are pained to make the humiliating confession that our most oxcruciating montal efforts have failed in fathoming its meaning and intent. It may be supposed that our powers of comprehension should not be the test of the fitness of a communication to benefit our fellow-men ; but as we have a quaking fear of Internationalism, Mormonism, Spiritism, and various other heresies, we have a fixed rule that if we can discover no intelligible meaning in a letter we set it down as a secret stab at civil liberty, and dangerous to the State. On this account we must exclude it. But we make the following extract in fearand trembling but in the humble hope 'that it may contain no covert danger: — "That dear Old Name Samuel. Samuel! Samuel! and he Said here Am I lord ! At The Mention of that Name, it acts With Magic effect: upon the the Retentive powers of our Memory. Carry ing us back to the days When We Were Young : When We Listened attentively, to the Narrative and goodly Admonitions : of that devout Sage : Which often touched the Chord Strings of our Heart: leaving An Everlasting Impression Not to be Irradicatod : No ! Not even Amidst all the Vissisitudes of this transitory life! or the Wreck of Matte r or the Crush of World e ."

We have received an ungraminatical and impertinent letter with reference to our Supreme Court report. The writer, who signs himself " A Subscriber," judiciously conceals his identity. We feel an exceeding curiosity tingliug in our knuckles to know who ho is. Will a "Subscriber" kindly do us the favour of calling at our office.

The case against Mary Kenny at the Supreme Court, yesterday, for illegally pawn, ing certain articles, resulted in a verdict of "Guilty/ with a recommendation to mercy, in which the prosecutor joined. The Court sentenced her to six weeks' imprisonment with hard labor. —The Grand Jury ignored the bills against Eliza Ann Powell for stealing from the person, and against Pani, a native, for horse-stealing, and both prisoners were consequently discharged.—Eobert E. Colcord was arraigned for larceny as a bailee. The sum of £3 had been entrusted the prisoner by John H. Cornish to deliver to his wife in a letter. Tho defence was that prisoner had given the letter to another person to deliver. The jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to five months hard labor.—Anne Sidey, alias Mary Smith, was arrainged upon an indictment charging her with stealing from the dwolling house of Edward Pearson, of Grahams town, the sum £29 in gold. The prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to nine months' imprisonment with hard labor. True bills were found against Cyrus Haley on all the charges named in the indictment?. The trial of this prisoner will commence on Monday next. Edward William*, alias Edward James Williams, was brought up and pleaded guilty to a robbery at Grahamstown of money to the value of £66, the property of Simeon Full. Sentence was deferred. A grand amateur-professional performance was given at the Prince of Wales Theatre last evening in aid of the Royal Band Fund. Both professionally and pecuniarily the affair was a great success. Tne hou.e was crowdedj and the performance of the drama of "Tho Old Chateau" was well applauded through* out. The amateurs acted their parts ex ceedingly well. A highly amusing farce by tho company, preceded by a dance in cos tume by Mr. Whitelaw, brought a very suc cessful evening's entertainment to a close. This evening tho programme will consist of the sensational drama " Under tho Gaslight." The endeavours of the management of the theatre to produce novelties, and tho efficient manner in which the pieces are placed upon the stage and carried through by the stock company, deserve both praise and patronage. This morning at the Supreme Court Mr. Elliott Meyer (formerly with Mr. Wynn and Mr. Bevendge) and Mr. Charles Madden (formerly with Mr. S. E. Hughes and Mr. C C. IT. Joy, L.L.8.) passed as barristers and solicitor.". The examination of these gentlemen took place on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd ultimo. We regret that we cannot insert the verses written by a lady on " Tho Cross." Tho sentiment does credit to her heart; but the rhythmical cadeocc-s are too irregular and doversitled to pass muster with the genoral reader. A transfer of license was granted from Alfred Lynibourne to Mary Brown, of tho Masonic Hotel, North Shore, by the Bench of Magistrates at the Police Court this morning. The Government branding officer has paid a visit to the Police Courl, and left the imprint of the Government stamp behind on the furniture belonging to that building. Notice has been given that Mr. and Madame Winter-'s educational establishment has com menced a second quarter, and pupils were to re-assemble to-day. A grand entertainment at the Parnell Hall is announced to tako place on Monday next in aid of the Orphan Home, Parnell. An entertaining programme is promised. Miss Turner has announced that she will in future conduct tho Auckland Educational Society's Ladies' School in Wellcslcy street on her own responsibility. The second term will commence on the 11th inst. Tho transfer-books of tho Bismarck and French Republic Gold Mining Company will bo closed from the morning of tho 9th instant until the 12th, when a dividend will be pay able. Tenders are required for tho performance of certain works in tho Archill Highway District. Daniel Pollen, Esq., has been appointed Immigration Officer for carrying out the regulations of Ist March 1872, for tho intro duction of immigrants on tho nomination of resident!" in tho colony. The Racing Committee have decided tho protest in the Maiden Plate agai _t Eclipse, on account of a false description of ago. Tho prize consequently goes to Slim Jim. A proposal is made to re-model tho Whau Gold Mining Company, with a capital of 25,000, of which £20,000 is to be paid up with a view to purchase and work the Whau claim. The ninth call of one shilling per share has been made in the Otago Company, payable on the 22nd inst. Notice is given that unless a call of on e shilling in tho Royal Oak Gold Mining Com pany is paid by the 13th April a forfeiture of shares will be made.

Persons are cautioned by advertisement not to remove the fire ladders stationed in town except in cases of emergency.

The Press of a late date says:—" It would appear that there is now every pro bability of our colony being stocked with hares, and as it is likely that ere long a pack of hounds will be introduced into the province, we feel sure that the news we give will rejoice the hearts of all true sportsmen. To Mr. Gordon Holmes must be accorded the credit of successfully introducing what, we trust, will turn out to be a fine breed of these animals. This gentleman has jast arrived from Melbourne in the Alhambra, and has brought out with bim four hares, two of which are jacks. They aro full grown aud in splendid condition. Wo are informed that Mr. Holmes intends turning them adrift on his property at Pigeon Bay, and we trust they will increase and multiply."

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS

THIS DAY

(Before His Honor Sir George A. Arney, Chief Justice, and a common jury). The Chief Justice entered Court this morning punctually at 10 o'clock. The following business was brought for ward :— SENTENCE PRONOUNCED. Edward Williams, alias Edward James Williams, (sailor, aged 21, single, committed at Shortlaud for stealing from the dwelling), was brought up for sentence. When asked if he had anything to say why sentence should not bo passed upon him, ho pleaded no intention of keeping the money — he was drunk at tho time it was taken. His Honor in giving judgment commented very severely on the false pleas prisoner had made of having been drunk at the time of committing the offence. Sentence : 3 years' penal servitude. LARCENY. John Syuionds, alias John Williams, (labourer, ugod 29, single, committed at Opotiki), wasarraingcd on a charge of larceny. Mr. Brookfield conducted the prosecution. Prisoner pleaded not guilty ; and a common jury wa3 consequently empannelled. John Farley, baker, residing at Opotiki, stated that about 9 o'clock in the evening of Sunday, 28th January, he left off his best clothes, putting them on the end of the counter in the front shop, ready to put away. He went to the bake-house for half an-hour. On his return, leaving the doors of the shop all locked, ho rotired to bed. The waistcoat contained a watch, value £6 ; chain £i; locket, £1; piece of greenstone, 10s. The waistcoat itself was worth about 10a. Heard a noise at the back of the house as if made by the feet of a man. Wont out by the front door and round to the back to see what it was, but .aw no one. He roturned by the samo way, and then saw the arm of a man whom he believed to be the prisoner, as he recognised the coat by its colour. Witness then went back into the bake _ousc. He did not at that time miss anything, as he sup« posed his nieco (who kept house for him) had removed the clothing, &c. He missed the clothci on the following Sunday, the 28th. They were found under a peach tree, about 100 yards from the housp. To jn'isoner : The man's arm, when I first saw it, was turning the corner of Mr. Kelly's house, about five yards oil. I think it was the right arm I saw ; could toll it from the colour of the coat. That was the colour of the coat you had worn the few days you were at Opotiki. lam not mistaken in the colour of the coat. Saw you ssme time after the oc currence, but did not give you in charge as I had not up to that time missed my property. Other strangers were knocking about at tho time. To the Court : Could see Kelly's house from tho door ; it is on a level with mine. Thero is no regular sired formod. Constable George Evans, stationed- at Opotiki, deposed to the fact that prisoner had offered him tho watch and chain for sale. Constable Christopher Joseph Naylin , sworn, said : On the 2/th January ho re ceived information of the robbery. On the following morning he came up with the prisoner on the Rotorua track, about soventccn miles from Tauranga. He told prisoner he was charged with stealing a watch and chain from Opotiki, and asked him if he had tho articles on him. He replied in the nega tive. Witness then searched prisoner, and after some difficulty felt something like a watch in prisoner's trousers pocket. The accused then handed out the watch, saying, "Take it; it', no use resisting," or words to that effect. (Watch produced.) He then stated to witness that he found tho watch lying concealed in fern near Opotiki, tied up in a handkerchief. There was no chain attached to tho watch. The Crown Prosecutor (Mr. Brookfield) did not address the Court. He simply tendered the statement made by prisoner. Prisoner was :isked what he had to say in answer to the charge; he replied that all he had to say was that it was not very likely he would offer the watch for .ale to " a Con stabulary man." His Honor summed.up the evidenoe taken. The jury retired. GRAND JURY. The Grand Jury were ushered into Court at ten minutes to twelve o'clock. No bill was returned against John Sawyer, sailor, committed at Tauranga on a charge of stealingkaurigum.Henasthereforodiseharged. True bills were presented against the fol lowing prisoners :—-Cyrus Haley, arson ; Win. Beadle, stealing from the premises ; • and Richard Phillips and Ann Poulgrain, stealing from the premises. His Honor then thanked the Grand Jury and discharged them from further attendance. STEALING ERoM THE PREMISES. Richard Phillips (58) and Ann Poulgrain (33) were arraigned on an indictment charging thorn with stealing on the 26th Feb , a watch, a chain, and a locket, tho goods and chattels of Hugh McCracken, baker. Both prisoners pleaded not guilty. A fresh jury was emp..nelled, David Ander son being chosen foreman. Mr. Brookfield stated the case, and called prosecutor, whoso evidence was followed by the testimony of detectives Jeffrey and Ternahan. The jury retired at twenty minutes past ono o'clock, returning at half-past ono with a verdict of guilty against both prisoners.—lt was added that the jury regretted Carpenter was not also in the dock with the prisoners. Sentence: Richard Phillips 18 calendar months' imprisonment,- Ann Poulgrain, 12 months' hard labour. The Court adjourned for half-an-hour. RETURN OP JURY TO COURT. The jury in tho case of the Queen r. John Symonds, alias John Williams, gave a verdict (at 2 o'clock) of " not guilty." His Honor discharged the prisoner, and said tho jury had taken a very lenient view of the case, expressing a hope that he would not again be placed in such a position. PLEA OP GUILTY. William Beaton, arraigned for stealing from the dwelling of Frederick Wallace, suburbs of Auckland, on the 16th February, the sum of £44 17s. Plea, " guilty." He ascribed drink as the cause of his crime. Sentence: 'J 1 wo years' imprisonment with hard labour. [Left sitting.]

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY. Before Thomas Eitchie and J. Holt, Esqs., J. P.B. DBr/NKENNESS. Four inebriates were punishod for their offences in the usual manner. A DESERTING- SEAMAN. Thomas Whittle was charged with a breach of the Merchant Shipping Act by deserting from the schooner Herald, now lying in the port of Auckland. Mr. Brock appeared for the prosecutor, and stated that there was no wish on behalf of the captain to send the man to prison if these ■ proceedings would act as a caution.

Tho prisoner was discharged on condition that ho roturned to his vessel forthwith. UNLAWFUL ASSAULT. William Webb was charged with unlaw fully assaulting Sarah Hart, in Chapel-street, on the 3rd inst., by catching her round the waist, pushing her against a fence, and putting her in bodily fear. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and urged that he had a .ittle droji too much at the time. Fined 20s. and costs, or to be imprisoned for 48 hours' hard labor. Tiff! CATTLE NUISANCE. Edward McKeon was charged with a breach of the Municipal Police Act by allowing one cow to stray on the Ponsonby road, on the 26th March, tho same being his property. Tho dofendant complained that some one had opened hi? gate and let the cow out. Fined ton shillings and costs. James Rvau was then charged with a breach of the Municipal Corporation Act by allowing two cows to wander at large on Barrack Hill within tho precincts of the city. The defendant did not appear, but his mother stated that he was away and that she attended for him. This was not allowed by the Court, as she was not prepared to plead guilty or to pay a fine. Subsequently on hear ing that a warrant would bo granted sho consented to pay the fine if sho was able. The service of the summons was proved and the case stood over. QUARRELSOME NEIGHBOURS. Susan Conolly was chargod on remand Avith using threatening and abusive language to wards Catherine Cope on tho 27th ultimo. Mr. Joy appeared for the prosecutrix ; Mr. Beveridge defended. The ovilence was of the usual conflicting character in such cases ; the offence appeared to be witnossed by a man nicknamed " Gari baldi," probably from the f.ct of his bearing a great resemblance to that hero. A witne33 called for the defence h.ped that she would not be cross-questioned. Her request was not acceded to, and in cross examination she said sho was no surveyor, but would think the distance betw.cn hei - self and the parties was further than from the Court to the Auckland hotel; she should think it waa as far as the Occidental ; sho did not know Low and Motion's store, but knew the Queensferry hotel. She was not a teetotaller, but drank all sho could get, and she paid for it too. Other witnesses were then called, both pro and con, and all contra dicted both themselves and each Other. The hearing of the case, which arose out of a trumpery quarrel between two women, oc* cupied tlie time of the Court n.arly tho whole morning. The Bench decided to dismiss the case, each party paving their own costs. Mr. Joy applied that both parties might be bound over to keep tho peace. Mr. Beveridge consonted to Mr. Joy's client being bound, but objected to his own. No response was made by the Bench aud the parties left the Court. THE CATTLE STRAYING CASE. The ca?c against, James Ryan was called on again, and proved in tho defendant's absence, and he was fined twenty shillings each animal and costs, amounting in all to £3 Os. 6d^, a request for time being refused. This concluded tho business.

COROMANDEL.

(l'Ro_l OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) April 3. The _N*il Desperandum battery cleaned up to-dajr for Murphy's Hiil Gold Mining Company. The amalgam had just been put in the retort a few minutes before my visit, and I had not time to wait for the result; the mining manager of the com pany, however, informed me that it would run two ounces to tho ton, and my own opinion is that this is below the mark. A lot of inferior stuff (5 tons) is to be put through to-morrow on trial, and if it yields half an ounce to the ton the value of the scrip will rise, as there is any amount of the same kind already to grass. The New Zealand Company is still putting through stone for the Tokatea Company, the actual result cannot be arrived at for some days; but a good approximation may be come to by the fact of 5 lbs. of amalgam having been cleared from the plates every six hours since the present crushing commenced on the 18th ult.; to this is of course to be added the accumulated amount in the stamper boxes, and between the two a very satisfactory result is likely to accrue. The Whakaroa battery was tohave com menced to-day on 90 tons from the Royal Oak, and as the company has never sent a lot to the mill without a satisfactory return, the present I believe will not be a solitary exception. There have not been to my knowledge any extraordinary finds to-day cither on bills or beach, so your readers must be content with a mild statement of facts.

From the Coromandel Mail.

I A few weeks ago the lower township of | Kapanga was nothing more than a village, j with scarcely a decent-sized building in it. It may now justly claim to be called a town. Houses, somo of them of a very substantial character, are goir.g up in all directions ; in fact, it is quite a millennium for the carpenters. Building sites are eagerly sought after ; and for land which in January could be rented at 7s 6d or 10s a foot, frontage, 15s and £1 is now asked. All the choice spots wore taken up long ago, and are either occupied by buildings, or are being held by the fortunate lessees in the expectation of fabulous rentals. Every clay brings people from Auckland and the Thames who have come to try their luck at Coromandel, and there is a general feeling of confidence in the continuing prosperity of the district. We understand that the directors of the Bank of New Zealand have purchased the vacant plot of ground at the junction of the Kapanga and Tiki roads, with the view of erecting a bank building thereon. The site is one of the best in town for business purposes, and if the directors erect a handsome edifice, as no doubt they will, it will form one of the most conspicuous features in the town of ' Kapanga. We arc sure that we are only . echoing public sentiment in expressing a hope that no time may be lost in building the premises, and thus saving pesplo the necessity of taking a Sabbath day's journey whenever they want to get a cheque cashed. The building for the Lynch's Flat battery is being fitted up at Grrahamstown, and will be sent hero for orectiou. Most of the machinery is already on the ground. It is a mistake to suppose that it encroaches in any way upon the John Bull Company's lease. We are informed by good authority that it is to be erected solely on land belonging to the Lynch's Flat Gold Mining and Quartz Crushing Cdm pany.

A Cincinnati paper tells us of a charitable mauin that oitywho keeps a pair of dogs chained a* the door, so that poor people who stop to "getabiti" can be accommodated without taking the trouble to get into the house.

EXTRAORDINARY DOUBLE SUICIDE

OF A SYDNEY MAN AND HIS PARAMOUR,

Br the arrival of the Go-Ahead we arc placed in possession of the particulars of a most extraordinary suicide committed on Friday last at Wanganni bridge, and for the benefit of our readers extract the following from the Wanganni Evening Herald, of the 30th ult. :— The Wanganui bridge has soon obtained an unenviable notoriety pertaining to well known and favorite pl_.ee. for suicide. The quiet of the town was disturbed on Friday night by a rumour that soon gained ground that a double suicide, or a crime of even deeper dye, had been committed on the bridge. A crowd soon gathered, and the facts of the case, very meagre in their details, soon became known. It appears that a lad named James was coming across the bridge, from the Campbell town side, and on getting a third of the way over he saw a man and a womau standing talking on the carriage way near to the iron work dividing it from the footpath. When within a few yards he saw them walk across the bridge to the other side of the carriage way, and there continue their conversation. There being nothing in what the lad had seen to attract his attention, he walked over. On arriving near the toll-house he hoard a heavy splash in the water. Ho told the col lector that ho had seen a couple standing on the bridge, and described their appearance as well as he could. The splash was also hoard from the s.s. Gto-aheid, lying at the Govern ! ment wharf, and a boat was put off to find out the cause. ' n arriving underneath tho bridge, a gentleman's white hat, of the " bell topper" shape, and a lady's white straw hat with brown gossamar on, were found floating on tho water. The police were immediately communicated with, and they instituted a search for the bodies. Two boats with drags wore used for several hours, but without success. The men on the steamer who heard tho splash in the water state that they also heard a second or two afterwards two weak cries apparently from sonic persons in the water. A sound described as a moan, shortly after the fall, was also heard by Mrs. Blair, on the other 3ide of the river. At tho time of this tragic affair the tide had begun to flow, so that the bodies may have been carried away some distance up tho river, and on the ebbing of tho tide, down again. The hats found were identified as belonging to a man named Richard Crossing and his wife. They had lately arrived from Sydney, an 1 were in treaty for some land. A transaction had taken place, I Crossing having bought Mr. Townsend's farm oa the Brunswick line. A variety of ruuiour3 were soon afloat as to the cause of the suicide, one being that the unfortunate man had received a letter on Thursday from Sydney containing news of the failure of tho firm in whose hands he left the money. The loss preying upon his mind might have induced depression of spirits, ending in the commission of the fatal act. Whether the female was a willing participator in the suicide or not is open to question, but they fell into tho water together as but one splash was heard. The police upon making enquiries found a man of the name of Robert. Luscombe, a servant of the deceased couple. lie states that Crossing came from Sydney, where he has left a wife and family, and brought the female with him, passing her off as his wife, lie does not know whether his master knew of any failure, but tint lately he had been in a desponding state,and yester day afternoon he gave him (Luscombe) a watch and pocket b.iok to keep for him, and later still a roll of notes. In a pocket book was 'found a letter bidding farewell to his friends, and intimating contemplated suicide. Tho couple were seen about 8 30 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel, where they had called for some refreshment, partaking of hot brandy aud water. The man was a stout elderly individual, ap parently about 55 years of ago, the female being only about 20.

CORRESPONDENCE

THE REV. MR. LEWIS ON GOVERN MENT SYSTEM OF EDUCATION.

To the Editor of the Evening Stae. Sib, — a numerously attended annual soiree in connection with the Wesleyan Chapel, Parnell, on Ea3ter Monday, the Rev. J.J. Lewis denounced as '"'iniquitous and perilous" the attempt now being made to replace denominational teaching by a comprehensive Government schome which was to exclude the Bible from amongst the books read in the school. He promised to return to the subject at an early date, and treat it more fully and argumentatively. When he does this it is to bo hoped ho will toll us if according to his view every denominational school must of necessity introduce the Bible into it as a com mon class book. I go intfor denominational schools no less than the Rev. Mr. Lewis, and I will not yield to him in my reverence for the sacred Scriptures, but I should not like to see them introduced into schools as a common class-book, and they will never be so intro duced into Roman Catholic schools, which assuredly are denominational no less than those of the Wesleyan or Church of England communion. Ina mixed community of various creeds such as ours all schools canuot possibly be deno minational ; but the introduction of the Bible into them all would make them all denomina tional jor at least would be an attempt to make them so. If the Rev. Mr. Lewis speaks the sentiments of the Wesleyan body generally, and if they wish to be just and logical they ought to petition Government to subsidise all denominational schools of every sort, Wes leyan, Church of England, Roman Catholic, and Presbyterian. Then each could deal with the Bible and religion as they chose ; but from all new denominational school the Bible should be excluded. It is a somewhat remarkable fact that though an Education Bill was introduced into the House of Representatives last session none of the Protestant denominations in this pro vince jointly expressed their views on that Bill to Government. The Roman Catholics did so unanimously. If the Rev. Mr. Lewis speaks the sentiments of the We.ieyan clergy and laity generally, how comes it that Mr. J. Sheehan was elected member for Rodney without any sort of public protest being made against his views on the education question by the Rev. Mr. Worker and his Wesleyan friends? Mr. Sheehan avosved himself'an advocate of that comprehensive new religious of Government education which the Rev. Mr. Lowi3 denounces as "iniquitous and perilous," and as I think justly denouuees. It is to be hoped that all these mysteries will be cleared up when the Rev. Mr. Lewis favours his \ people with his promised full and argumenta tive lecture on this interesting topic. The newspapers will no doubt report it faith fully. How Mi\ J. Sheehan, being a Roman Catholic,can reconcile it with his sense of duty to support a system of non-religious Govern ment schools is also a mystery which requires solution, seeing that such a system if fully carried out would swamp all denominational j schools, those of the Catholics excluded. J, Wood. 3rd April, 1872.

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Moanatairi. —Heavy Return Expected.

Caledonian.—JSTo. 2 P .of

Struck.

Sons of Freedom Crushing.

(F RO-.I OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

CrRAIIAMSTOWN, April 4>, 3 p.in

The Unicorn tributers have just finished a crushing of G tons, which it is expected will average about ten ounces. The Eed White and Blue tributers have crushed 15 tons, and the result is 10 ounces retorted gold. The Sons of Freedom are now re. torting after three weeks' crushing. It is expected to yield about 300 ozs. gold. The Caledonian has struck No. 2 reef in the bottom cross-cut this morn ing, 40 feet from the specimen leader. No gold is visible yet as they have only touched the reef. The manager now believes it was _S"o. 2 reef, which ha 3 been followed iv the north drive to wards the Otago. The Moanatairi are taking out very good gold daily- They are crush ing at the mill, and a very heavy return is looked for this fortnight.

THE SOUTH.

Via Hikutaia and Kati Kati.

[from our own correspondent.] (SPECIAL TO THE STAE.)

COLONIAL PRIZE FIRING AT

OHRISTOHURCH.

FIRST DAT.

Discovery of a Band of High waymen.

Arrival of tlie Albion.

Paramatta Murder.

" "Fire at Melbourne.

Market and Shipping.

CHRISTCHUJJCH. Thursday morning. The colonial prixe firing commenced yesterday. Large numbers on the ground. In the match at 300 yards the result was as follows :—

Skirmishing Match. Hoskius, Thames, Ist prize. Brown, Otago, 2nd prize. Splendid shooting; highest score 69. Cavalry —First Match. Locket, Wanganui, Ist prize. Cummins, 2nd prize. Second Match (Cavalry). Judge, Canterbury, Ist prize. Kohn, Canterbury, 2nd prize. It is rumoured that a band of high waymen has been formed at Otaki, with a son of a G-overnment official at their head. Some arms, masks, &c, have been found. The scene of operations appears to be ac Paikakariki Hill. A Maori has divulged the matter, and the police are investigating the affair. BLTTEF. Wednesday. The s.s. Albion has arrived from Melbourne. MELBOUBNE. March 29. Mr. Vogel is visiting Greelong, Ballarat, and other places. Mrs. Vogel and family are passengers by the Albion. The coffee dam of the Alfred Vic toria dock burst at high tide. Miller's rope-works have been de stroyed by fire j loss estimated at £12,000. Markets.—Elour, £12 10s. Wheat, 5s 3d. Tookey'a shares enquired for at £8. ADELAIDE. I March 28j Country flour, £12 55.; wheat, fes. Od. ' i Sailed: Lady Emma for Aucklaiid. SYDNEY. March 29. It is rumoured that Lester has con fessed to having taken part in the Paramatta murders. Nicholls and Les ter have been found guilty.

THE SHARE MARKET.

MB. J. M. IENNOX'S BEI-BX. The sharemarkct is rather unsettled. Cale donian shares have a slightly upward tendency. My sales comprise—Caledonians, £20, *-''•' Thames, £5 10s.; Moanatairis, £1; Red Queen, 5s Closing sellers—Caledonian, £21 { Thames, £5 15s. ; Moanatairi, £4. Buyers- Caledonian, £20 5 Thames, £5 ss.

THE EVENING STAU, THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 1872.

2



Moanataiari .. ..050 Bismarck and French Republic .. .. CALLS Christchurch .. ..003 Harbour View .. ..010 John Bull .. ..000 Golden Pah .. ..010 Peep o' Day and Day Dawn 0 0 0 Itavenstock .. ..003 Moanataiari Union .. 0 10 Queen of May .. ..004 Felix 0 10 Laura 0 10 Evening Star 0 10 Vulcan 0 0 0 Ruby 0 0 0 Sea View 0 0 2 St. Lawrence .. .. 0 C 0 Abraham Lincoln .. 0 0 0 Albion Quartz .. ..100 Crown Prince .. ..000 Coromandel Excelsior.. 0 0 G

Apl 9 Apl 12 Apl. 0 Apl 0 Apl. 0 Apl 0 Apl 0 Apl 7 Apl 8 Apl 10 Apl 8 Apl 0 Apl 0 Apl 1» Apl 15 Apl 15 Apl 18 Apl 18 Apl 20 Apl 20 Apl 20



Dixon (Otago) ... Brown (Otago) ... Wales (Otago) ... Blotch (Otago) ... teuton (Thames)...

-trize. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th



RELINQUISHING BUSINESS. ggp° FINAL NOTICE. .Jgfl R. HOBBS WILL offer for the next EIGHT WEEKS (unless disposed of during that time), the whole of his very large Stock of GENE RAL and HOUSEHOLD DRAPERY, and MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING, at very low prices. Also (now opening) ex 'NAOMI,' a Large Assortment of Ladies' and Girls' WATERPROOF TWEED JACKETS and MANTLES from the same House in London as those which EH, had last season, and which gave such universal satisfaction. A Largo ar.d Choice lot at 12s. 6d. each, and Girls ditto at low prices, as the whole must be cleared out within the next few weeks. French Merinoes, Flannels, Blankets, and all WINTER GOODS at clearing-out prices. Country orders promptly attended to. March 12, 1872. jgg, WANTED KNOWN.-Just opened, ex Naomi, a Choice Selection of Gentle man's Undershirts in Merino, Silk, &o. ; also, New Hats.—S. Coombes' City CJotljing Mart, 80, Queen street,



QLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. The immense success attending the introduction of this new local industry will alone testify to the high estimation in which it is held. During the last year the proprietor was scarcely able to supply the j large demand, and has in consequence made extensive i alterations and additions to his Factory, so as to be ! enabled to keep the market well supplied. No one I who values health and appetite should be without a j supply of this really health-restoring and agreeable ■ condiment. ! Sold everywhere in Bottles with the name of H. ! OLSON on wrapper and stamped on bottle and ! stopper. ; Auckland, 10th February, 1872. I T CATER, (late Cromliie's) ROYAL :It • FIXE ART PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, . Queen street, Auckland, has much pleasure in Inform j ing his friends and the public generally that he has ! purchased the Photographic Business so long carried j on by Mr. Crombie : and having secured the services j of M.. C.'s late Manager, he feels warranted in stating that they will receive" every civility and attention, as I well as "first-class and artistic portraits at his hands, j and that no pains will be spared to give entire satis faction. J.C. begs to announce that his arrangements for taking Instantaneous Portraits of Children are now complete. T. COS G-RAVE & CO.'S If MOXSTF.II SALE of DRAPERY and CLOTHING is now on. They have a tremendous lot of Bargains to offer to the public. The Largest Stock in New Zealand to choose from. NEW~ ZEAL AND EERNS, at T. CRANWELL'S, Domain Road, Parnell, where may be obtained some choice collections of the above, carefully fixed, and preserved to retain their natural form and colour. " For a drawing room table no more tasteful ornament could be found. Especially suited for presents to English friends."— Southern Cross, November Ist, IS7I. "The mounting of the specimens of ferns is ex tremely careful and effective, and the book itself is exactly the kind of thing to chose for a present."— New Zealand Herald, November Ist, 1871. May be had also at the principal Stationers in town. THE THAMES ADVERTISER, PUBLISHED DAILY, IS the oldest established Journal on the Thames tioldlields, and having the largest circulation is the best medium for advertising. PRICE TWOPENCE. Advertisements and Subscriptions received at the Evening Star Office. TRI-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER. PRICE TWOPENCE. THE COROMANDEL MAIL WILL S 110 RT L V B E PUB L 1 SIIE1) THREE TIMES A WEEK in an enlarged and improved form, and under a new proprietary. The MAIL will be found an excellent medium for advertising. Advertisements will be received in Auckland by Messrs. Reed and Brett, lian'uuj Star Office, and at the Thames by Mr, Wilkinson, Adocrtiscr Office. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. TT is requested that all advertisements, except those of only a few lines, will be sent in not later than 2.30 p.m., and short advertisements, " Wanteds," Sfc, not later than 3 p.m.