SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 7.8 HIGH "WATER: This afternoon, 4.26 ; to-morrow, morning, 4.49

STEAM TO THE THAMES.

This evening, Enterprise No 2, at seven o'clock ; to morrow morning, Golden Grown, at eleven' o'cleck

ARRIVALS

Amateur, barque, Hughes, from Sydney Comerang, p.s,, Chrisp, from Northern ports "Wonga Wonga, s.s.. Brown, from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

Edith, schooner, Trayte, for the South Sea Islands Frowning Beauty, barque, for Newcastle Coronilla, barque, Mossop, for New York

IMPORTS

Per 5.3. Wonga Wonga, from Melbourne : 1 box tobacco and 1 case cigars, Meyers ; 3 do do and 3 boxes tobacco, Williamson ; 3 bags, 1 keg, 1 case, 1 bdle, McC'aul; 2 cases glass, Kempthorne and Co ; 50 rolls matting, McArthur, Shera and Co ; G bales, Reed and Brett; 1 parcel, Gledhill; 1 case, Union Bant ; 1 bale, order; 1 case, H. Wilson and Co; 3 cases acid, 1 case merchandise ; 4 piece iron, A. Dornnell ; 110 half-chests tea, Owen and Graham; 158 boxes do, Brown and Barrett; 1 bale, Minnie and Day ; 5 boxes, 15 cases, 50 boxes, 10 do, 16 cases, J. C. Morrin; 2 do wine, J. Robertson ; 1 case, Cosgrave and Co; 50 rolls matting, McArthur, Shera and Co.; 20 cases tobacco, Lewis Bios, ; 38 lengths galvanised iron, 1 pkg. hose, Bronston and Foster ; 15 cases tobacco, Williamson; 1 do, cigars, and 2 boxes, Adams; 1 case, J. Samuels: 20 > boxes tobacco, E. Ellingham; 13 do, do, Owen and Graham ; 6 cases, E. and H. Isaacs ; 1 do, Griffith j 3 do, Baruett and Levy; 8 do, and 1 case cocoa, Brown, Barrett and Co. ; 6 kegs nails, 30 do spikes, 4 eases, 1 pkg., Belting; 7 ignots tin, E. Porter and Co. ; 2 cases Leighton ; 1 bale, 1 truss, 6 cases, Holland and Butler; 1 parcel, Coakson; 65 half-chests tea, 120 bags rice, L D. Nathan; 1 parcel, J. C. Doris ; 11 ingots tin, 1 case, A. Smart; 1 cask, D. Bloom; 1 cask, 1 pkg., Quick ; 1 case, 2 casks, Collins ; 3 cases boots, R. Lusk; 1 case, W. C. Wilson ; 4pkg., Hernet; case, Tour : 1 pkg., Gittos ;■ 31 ingots tin, 2G boxes lead, Roberton ; 1 cask crucibles, 4 ingots tin, Price ; 1 parcel, 1 case, Sharland j 4 pkgs grinde.ty, Hoare ; 2 cases boots, Stewart; 3 do do, Gittos ; 4 do, Cosgrave and Co. ; 3 do, Burns ; 1 do, Ellison; 1 do, Brookes ; 1 case, Cotter; 1 do mouldings, G. Thome ; 1 case cordials, Bell and Co. ; 2 cases, Beale ; 1 case, Philips ; 2 do, 1 cask, Shorland; 1 do, Smallfield ; 35 half-chests tea, order; 1 case, Stewart and Co. ; 1 do, McArthur, Shera and Co. ; 2 pkgs, Beale ; 1 case, D. Collins ; 2 cases, Upton and Co. ; 2 do, Wayte ; 1 do, Turrell; 20 qr. -casks brandy, Brown and Campbell; 50 bags walnuts, Jones and Co.; 23 pkgs, A.S. Co.; 4 boxes boots, Hoare; 2 cases Shorland; 1 case, Fleming ; 1 do Hodgson ; 1 do, Troul ; 4 do Montague; 1 do, McPherson; 200 sugar, Roberston and Co; 1 case, order ; 14 pi»gs machinery, Ireland Bros ; 1 case, Brown ; 1 do, Shapere ; 6 pkgs, Porter ; 4 oases machinery, 2 do, 3 boxes, 5 pkgs, Hymon ; 2 cases, Walker; 2 pkgs pipes, Williamson ; 5 kegs, Kinrose; 4 cases, Mon tague ; 30 bags walnuts, Harrison and Co ; 1 parcel, Daly ; 1 do, Wilson; 2 cases, New South Wales Bank; 1 do, Turrell; 1 do, Hill . 84 pkgs, 1 case, Young ; 100 bags maize, f order; 1 pkgs, McArthur; 3 case, Fleming ; 1 case plants, Hay ;: 65 cases fruit, Marshall; 58 do, Arthur; 3 parcels, J. Buchanan; 3 eases, Macready; 1 case, Bartlett; 1 cask, Smallfield; 5 eases, Harris, 110 tons coal, 1 letter, Jervis.—H. M. Jervis, agent. Per barque Amateur, from Sydney: 139 bags maize, J. Hay; 45 half-chests tea, 35 casks whiting, H. B. Morton; 21 cedar boards, 9 rolls matting, H. and S. Cook ; 200 spokes, 100 felloes, 9 pairs shafts, order ; 20 pieces timber, 30 pairs shafts, 110 cedar boards, 2,000 spokes, 200 felloes, G. Hold ship ; 200 eases schnapps, L. D. Nathan and Co. ; 525 bags maize, W. J. Hurst; 872 bags sugary 520 bags rice, order; 439 bags bone dust, 3 barrels, 6 kegs, 2 cases preserved meats, S. Jones ; 9 cases scenery, 1 package, 2 bundles bamboos and fittings, C. B. Charles; 393 bags maize, order ; 32 cases acids, Bank of New Zealand; 103 cases merchandise, Owen and Graham ; 103 bags maize, G. W. Binney, For Grahamstown—3 qr.-casks whiskey, 1 qr.-cask brandy, A. Anthony.— G. W. Binney, agent.

ARRIVAL OF THE WONGA WONGA.

The s.s. Wonga Wonga, J. W. Brown commander, arrived in harbour this afternoon from Sydney. She reports having left at 2 p.m. on the sth inst. ; passed the Three Kings at 1 p.m. on the 10th ; rounded the North Cape at 6.30' p.m. on the same day, and arrived in Auckland at 2 p.m. on the 11th. Experienced strong head wind until noon of the 7th ; from that time until 3 a.m. on the 10th had light winds and favourable weather; since then light head winds with : fine weather. The following are the list of passengers :—Mrs E,. Peacocke, Mrs Thur burn, Miss Rose, Miss Williams, Mrs George, Messrs Kandall, Derby, W. M. Marter, R. Peacoke, C. B. Warren, McDonald, Gillion, Captain Braund, Mrs Overton, Mrs Boynes, Mr Allum, Master Browne, and thirty in the steerage.

The barque Amateur arrived last night Sydney with the Australian portion of the English mail for transmission via San Fran cisco, which should have been here in time foi the Nebraska.

The s.s. "Wanganui will leave the Manukau for Southern ports on Friday next. The schooner Charybdis will leave on Saturday for Levuka.

We learn by the Christehurch Times that the barque Ayr, Lyttelton to Mauritius, arrived on the 11th October, and was to leave with sugars for Lyttelton direct on 25th October. The barque Queen of the South,: Captain. Adair, had arrived from Algoa Bay, at which place she had been detained upwards of two months, and Avas loading sugars for Dunedin and Lyttelton. She was appointed to sail on the 24th Oct.

The barque Amateur arrived last night from Sydney, and reported at the Customs this morning with one passenger, Mr Chaa. Johnston.

The new ferry steamer Takapuna was brought over yesterday to receive her machi nery from the schooner Coronet. This was transhipped, and the steamer now lies along side the wharf.

The barque Coronilla took her departure for New York at daylight this morning with a cargo of gum, wool, and flax, valued at £18,194. She took as passengers Mrs Mary t Mansett and Son .

The p.s. Comerang arrived in harbour this morning and put into Kohimarama to dis charge her cattle. The'barque Frowning Beauty left .at five o'clock this morning for Newcastle. The schooner Prince of Wales, Captain Sainty, ia loading at .Sydney for Auckland, also the Lion, barque, Captain Nearing.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Maiis, WU/L Close ah Under :— For Thames, on Monday, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m., and />.30 p.m. For Cpromandel, on Friday, at 1.30 p.m. Fpr Russell, AVangaroa, and Mongonui, per C'omerang, on Friday, jit.noon. For Napier and Southern provinces, per Nevada, six hours after her arrival. .. For Wangaroa, per Sunbeam, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. (Signed) S. ?. Piss, Chief Postmaster.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1872.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance. For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

The question as to the possession of the building at present occupied by the Destitute Children's Asylum is pending in the Provincial Council. We can hardly conceive how any member of Council can have a doubt as to the path, of duty in this matter. This asylum wants a permanent location; the building is admirably adapted for the purpose ; it is occupied by the asylum now ; it has been fitted specially and improved at the cost of the asylum; it is not particularly wanted for any other purpose, and it is in the gift of the Council. The friends of the institution merely ask that it should be vested in any person for this use, so that their labdurs may not be thrown away from their being at some time ordered to vacate. We have said that mean and paltry motives have prompted to opposition. These, perhaps, the public ought to know; and a stern sense of public duty, ir respective of feelings or party, may possibly, compel this—if occasion re quires. We do not hesitate to say that no philanthropic and humane in : stitution in New Zealand more appeals, to the best feelings of our nature. The children are not orphans, but the greatest earthly blessing to most of them would be that they were. The jnost powerful influence that moulds human nature—namely, the parental, is, in their case, on the side of badness. Example, associations, even precept— eyerything that makes home a power over young minds would inclme.to make these poor children pests to society, and a misery and infamy to themselves. They are indeed brands plucked from the burning, just as the fire was be-1

ginning to catch, and if the Council wearies the hearts of the earnest friends and supporters of this best of causes by declining this small boon it may be remembered among the closing acts of provincialism, and will not tend to make its memory blest. That the Grammar School, the greatest abuse of the province—an exclusive, class institution—showering its bene fits only on the rich, should seek to lay its paw on this building and drag it from the wretched and the destitute, should require to be merely mentioned to be scouted. We believe, however, that this is but a subterfuge and a cloak to cover the real motives. The Destitute Children's Home contrasts with almost all the other institutions in the cheapness with which it is officered and conducted. A master, matron, and one teacher have the en tire oversight and attendance of some sixty children gathered from the wilderness of society, and the work is done faithfully and well. We sincerely hope, in the name of these poor out cast children, and for the welfare of society, that a building so calculated to attract the interest of these little Arabs, and to attract them to it as their home, and so admirably adapted for the purposes intended, will be con firmed in the possession of the institu tion by the Provincial Couucil.

A committee meeting will be held this evening at 44 Queen-street for the purpose of arranging the programme of the forthcoming Caledonian games.

An extraordinary meeting of the share holders of the Sons of Justice Gold Mining Company will be held on the 3rd of January next, in Mr Home's office, Shortland-street, 'for the purpose of making rules for the management of the company, and to elect directors and .auditors for the ensuing year.

A general meeting of the members of the Seamen's Mutual Benefit and Protection Society will take place to-morrow evening, at the Thames Hotel, to which the public are invited to attend. The business will be the re-consideration of the society's rules.

All properties held under agreement of the Harbour Board for the past year will be let by public auction for the ensuing year at the end of the present month.

The Parnell Ethiopian Troupe will give another of their unique performances to morrow evening in the Parnell Hall, the proceeds to be given to the St. Mary's Organ Fund. The programme is varied in order to meet the varieties of taste and the demands of patrons. The entei-tainment will consist of two parts, with a judicious admixture of the comic and the serious ; to conclude with the comedietta, "The Music Lesson," which gave such satisfaction, and evoked so much laughter on a previous occasion. We hope this talented troupe will strive to retain their good name in these localities.

The Working Miners' crushing is still going on favourably, and hopes are enter tained that the result will be satisfactory, and that confidence in the working of the mine will be restored.

A Bill to bring into operation the Muni cipal Corporation Waterworks Act was read •for the first time yesterday, and will be read a second time to-morrow.

The extraordinary meeting of shareholders of the Pride of the Tiki Gold Mining Com pany lapsed yesterday, there being only two shareholders present. The object of the proposed meeting was to consider the advisa bility of winding up the company or allowing it to reman intact. A meeting of directors was subsequently held, when Mr Breton re signed his post as secretary to the company.

A meeting of the shai-eholders in the Paul's Creek Gold Mining Company was held yesterday afternoon, at 44, Queen-street, to take into consideration the position of the company. A quorum being constituted, Mr Thomas Bray took the chair. The balance sheet was read and adopted, from which it appeared that the liabilities of the company are about £41, and the assets £87. .Some discussion ensued upon the position and prospects of the company, when the meeting was adjourned until Tuesday next.

Last night four prisoners were brought in from Papakura by Constable Gamble to await their trial on a charge of burglary at Papatoitoi.

We are tempted to give two illustrations of the unconscious use of the names of authors in common life ; the first instance is that of Miss D , who was paiting from her lover in Pitt-street at the time of the breaking out of the Fort-street fire, when she exclaimed, Dickens, Howitt, Burns ; the other instance is that of a young sighing bachelor pouring over "Proverbial Philo sophy " on board the Golden Crown by moonlight on the Waitemata, when he whispered to a fair one beside him, " Watts Tupper's Wordsworth ?" when she replied, half-a-guinea the octavo edition, Frederick !

The Waikato Times speaks thus encourag ingly of farming operations :—" The hay crop is now being harvested. Cutting has com menced on most of the farms around Cam bridge. The crop is expected to be*'a very fair one. There is a great scarcity of laboxirers, and many additional men could find ready employment at good wages."

The obliging captain of the Sea Gull has again fiirnished the Herald with a statement concerning his vessel, to which we would add a few words. lie says, " That shortly after the vesselhad left the Auckland harbour, and cleared the heads, on. her way to the Fijis, she was boarded by six men, each of whom was armed with a revolver. They requested to know the rates of passage to Levuka, and assumed a very determined attitude. These men were the Green Harp conspirators. They were informed that the fare was £8 for each passenger. They then made themselves at home, and were taken on to the Fijis." Why does not Captain Oakes say that five of these were the Green Harp conspirators, ajid the sixth Mr Green, part owner of the Sea Gull ? Of course he made himself at home, and his example would be quickly followed by his friends and guests. -i-

The Advertiser expects that Sir George Grey will pay his first visit to the Thames goldfield on the occasion of St. John's Day celebration, and the laying of the Masonic Hall foundation stone, on the 27th inst. His Honor the Superintendent is ■ likewise to be present, and many Masonic brethfsn from Auckland.

To gentlemen requiring first-class tobacco and cigars, if they would only visit Mrs Sharpe's neat little American Tobacco and Cigar Divan (next Bank New Zealand) they may purchase the same cheaper than in any other house in the city. No inferior goods kept in aiQck ; would ajot purchase such for the public at \an^ Pricei One trial is suffi" cient to guara«ilee a con*muance °f custom.

An accident occurred yesterday at Drunken Bay, Rangitoto Island, to a man named James McKenzie. The man was in the employ of Mr Ireland, and was engaged in the quarry taking out stone for the new sea-wall in Cusfcom-liouse-street. While thus employed the windlass suddenly became loose, and flew round at a feai'ful speed, striking the poor man on the head with such force that he fell senseless on the ground. His mates did their best in binding iip the wound, and then placed him in a boat, and brought him over to Wynyard pier. Dr. Hooper was soon in attendance, and pronounced the wound to be a very serious one. We are glad to learn this morning that McKenzie progressing favourably, although he will of necessity be confined to his bed for several weeks.

The Regatta Committee held a meeting last evening at the Thames Hotel, Mr Yon cler Heyde in the chair. No business of im portance was transacted.

The monthly inspection of the Scottish Company and Royal Company of Volunteers was held last evening at the Drill-shed, and passed oft' creditably.

The Naval Volunteers and Cadets will meet this evening at Fort Britomart, and a march out will follow the parade.

The Wa'ilcalo Times says: " Captain W. Steele, on Saturday last, met witli an acci dent that might have proved fatal. It ap pears that this gentleman was riding between the Hamilton Hotel and the punt when his horse slipped into an excavation that had been made for the purpose of obtaining gravel. The horse fell on top .of the rider, the animal's head striking him in the pit of the stomach. Although much shaken we are glad to learn that no serious consequences need be anticipated."

A general antipathy to toll-gates is arising in surrounding localities. Toll-gates are now being considered as wooden impediments to physical progress, and if petitions are not listened to by our legislators it is feared that •' Rebecca and her daughters " may lay their lawless hands upon them.

We would call the special attention of persons interested in the purchasing of free hold property to Mr R. Arthur's extensive sale of splendid building sites for villa resi dences ; also, two or three substantially -built cottages and freehold property, to be offered to-morrow, at the auction|rooms, at twelvet o'clock noon. Tin's is an opportunity no often occurring for the safe investment of capital.

We learn from the Advertiser, that Captain Fernandez, of the p.s. Lalla Rookh, discovered on Monday morning that his box had been opened, and that about £!.'{ in money was abstracted therefrom. He gave information to the police, and the case was taken in hand by Detective Murphy, who succeeded in tracing the money to the cook of the steamer, a man named William Bridget*. The man was arrested, and the greater portion of the money recovered.

THE NORHAM CASTLE

Some time ago we had occasion to find fault with the inferior class of vessels sent out to this port by Messrs Shaw, Saville and Co. of London. We are glad to see that our re marks, together with the action of the Freight Company, have not been without good results, as any one can satisfy himself by inspecting the Norham Castle, lately ar rived from London. If Shaw, Saville and Co. will continue to send out vessels of a similar class there will not be such an out cry against them as has formerly arisen. We have inspected the Norham Castle, and can without hesitation pronounce her as the finest specimen of marine architecture that has ever entered the Port of Auckland. She is of 1200 tons burden, with a regis tered tonnage of G9B ; was built in 1809 by Alexander Stephens and Co., of Dundee, for the celebrated ship-owners Messrs Skinner and Co., of Glasgow. She was built under special survey, and under the superintendence of Captain Andrew Smith, of Glasgow, who has super intended the building of no less than 15 first class ships and five steamers for this firm alone, and his large experience has enabled him to model a vessel to perfection. Messrs Stevens and Co. are noted for having been the builders of so many fine composite ships, also of the celebrated "Ocean Monarch," "Empress of India," '• Dalhousie," and many of the noble fleet of Indiamen owned by George Smith and Sons. The vessel was built under a roof, and occupied four months in construction ; she is composite built—that is of iron frame and wooden planking, which latter is of the finest teak. Her length is 177 feet 4in., breadth 32 feet, and depth 18 feet; is copper fastened, and sheathed with best yellow metal. She has all the qualifications of a first class ship, being strong, staunch, light, well built, handsome model, fitted with all the latest improvements, splendid cabin fittings, replete with every comfort; roomy 'tween decks, a first-class sailer under all circumstances—in fact in every way one of the finest ships afloat. Her spars are lofty, as may be gathered from the following facts : Length of foremast, G4ft. Gin. ; foretopmast, 48ft. ; foretop-gallantmast, 40ft. ; total, from heel to truck, 142 ft. Gin. : mainmast, 68ft. ; main-topmast, 48 ft. ; main - topgallantmast and royal, 52ft. j or, from deck to skysail masthead, 168 ft. : mizenmast, 61ft.; topmast, 41ft. ; top-gallantmast, 27ft. 3in. ; royal, 13ft. ; total, 142 ft. Her lower fore and mainyards measure 70ft. ; lower topsail-yard, 55ft. ; upper ditto, 53ft. ; topgallantsail yards, 40ft. ; royals, 29ft., and skysail-yards, 22ft. Her crossjack-yard is 53ft. long, and others in proportion. Her jibboom from fore castlehead to jibboom end is 45 teet. Shecarries one of Walker's patient windlasses, of which Captain Marshall speaks very highly. Her boats are fitted on the skids, keel* down ; and so arranged that by knocking out a pin they will slide into the water of their own accord. The ship was built especially for the China tea trade, and has made some remarkable quick passages, having made four voyages between Liverpool and Singapore and back in 29 months, including detentions abroad. On her second voyage she left the Mersey at 9 p.m. on the 26th April, 1870, for Singapore, and was again in the Huskisson Dock, Liverpool, on her return at 3 a.m. on the 20th November of the same year, the double voyage only occupying 6 months 26 days 6 hours. Her last passage occupied 7 months 8 days. On this occasion she won the tea race from Singapore to Liverpool with the new season's teas, beat ing sucli ships as the Bothwell Castle by 30 days, Eoslyn Castle 25 days, Schleswig Bride, 21 days, and Chrisolight 15 days, and her Captain carried off the handsome pre mium of £1500 for winning the race. The Norham Castle is classed at Lloyd's as AI for 17 years, dating from October, 1871, which is the very highest class allowed. We believe there are only three other ships afloat that shai'e the honour of so high a class with the Norham Castle. No ex pense has been spared in fitting the vessel out, and her jiassonger accommodation for comfort and elegance is unequalled. We observe that Captain Marshall, who is a com mander of groat experience, is provided with an armoury as a precaution against piracy in the China seas —a very exoollcnt and neces sary jprecaution. The vessel commenced yesterday to discharge, which is being turned out in exactly the same condition aa when

shipped at the East India Docks nearly three j months ago, and none the worse for the voy age while the qnality of the wines and spirits would be improved. ' The Norham Castle was only 82 days in making the coast, and but . for the adverse winds encountered in the I vicinity of the coast would have made one of : the fastest passages on record. On discharge I of her cago the Norham Castle will proceed to Newcastle to load coal for Shanghai, from whence she will clear for London with the new season teas. We hope this vessel and others like her will henceforth be kept in the Auckland trade, and that a new era is dawn ing on the shipping trade of the port.

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

THIS DAY. NOTICES OV MOTION. 1. Mr Philips to move, that it is desirable that a portion of that allotment known as the "Old Supreme Court-house" be set aside as a site for a Free Public Library and Working Men's Club. . 2. Mr Hamlin to move, that this Council will take his Honor's message, No. 13, into consideration relative to the distribution of the Road Board Grant, receivable from the General Government, for the year 1872-3. OBDfiBS OK THK BAY. 1, Onehunga School Endowment Bill— second reading. 2. Representation Bill—to be further con sidered in Committee. H. Adjourned debate on the question that the Industrial School Bill, 1872, be now read a second time. 4. Hanraki District Highway Rate Bill—to be further considered in Committee. NOTICE OF CONTINGENT MOTIONS. 1. Dr Nicholson to move, on the order for the third reading of the Education Bill being called on, that the Bill be recommitted to allow of his moving that the following clause be added :—"lt shall be lawful for the Board at its discretion to establish and maintain Industrial Schools for the instruction of children in handicraft trades in addition to the ordinary branches of education in this Act hereinbefore provided to appoint and define the duties of instructors in the various handicraft trades to make regulations for the conduct of such school and for the hours of instruction and to defray the cost of esta blishing and maintaining such schools out of the Public School Fund." 2. Major Stoney to move, on the order for the third reading of the Education Bill being called on, that the Bill be recommitted to allow of his moving that the following clause be added : —"That the Board of Education may have power to introduce miliiary training in all or any school under their control as they may think advisable."

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY,

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M.) DRUNKENNESS. » Four topers were mulcted in appropriate fines and inflictions. One of these named Ann Finn also came under the category of rogues, vagabonds, habitual drunkards, &c., "and as such stood in peril of twelve months' incarceration. The Court in the plenitude of its mercy, however, acted with judicial mildness, and only sent the old lady to gaol for three months. A KM AM. THIEF. A little boy whose head did not reach as high as the top of the dock was charged with feloniously stealing a cash-box containing ten shillings from the shop of Mr Bretton, in Shortland-street. He pleaded not guilty, and was remanded till next Friday. THE CASE OF HOTEL ROBBERY. John A. Abbott was charged on remand with stealing two gold watches, a gold chain, and £32 in cash, the property of Mr D. J. O'Keefe, from the Waitemata Hotel, on the 14th November last. Mr Joy and Mr Hesketh appeared for the accused.

Mr Hesketh stated that he had just been informed that it was not the wish of the party who had suffered by the alleged theft to proceed further, as he considered that the end of justice would be satisfied if the boy at the bar be discharged and a resti tution of property made. Mr Hesketh then went on to make an eloquent appeal on the accused's behalf, and urged that the youth of the boy was such that to send him to Mount Eden to herd with criminals would only be to make the lad worse, whereas at the present moment he was so far brought to a sense of his position as to be heartily ashamed of himself, and the incident would be a lesson to him for the remainder of his life. Learned counsel then quoted from high authority in support of his argument, and alleged that public justice would not be attained by sending the boy to gaol, where, at the expiration of his sentence he would be turned out worse than he went in.

Inspector Broham would be very glad to have an intimation //from the Bench xe commending him to withdraw from the case, without which he must decline. The circumstances of. the case were perfectly clear, and he held in his hand at that mo ment a letter written by the accxised con fessing his guilt. The Court had no power to make such suggestion and the case proceeded. Mr O'Keefe [was then put in the box, and deposed that he was an auctioneer residing at the Thames, and was at the date of the alleged robbery staying at the Waitemata Hotel. He retired to bed at about half past eleven on that evening, and did not close the chamber door. At that time he had two gold watches in his possession and a heavy albert chain. One of these watches was a centre second stop watch, and the other was his wife's pro perty. (Two watches were produced, and the witness after examining them minutely for some minutes admitted they were his property). He had in addition to the jewellery named a sum of money in his trowser's pocket, amounting to about £38 in gold and about a pound in silver. His own watch he laid on the table. On awakening next morning he missed the watch. The trowsers had also been moved, and the money ab stracted. Witness went and informed the landlord of his loss, who sent for the police. His own watch and chain he valued at L4sf and his wife's .at L3O. The accused was boarding at the hotel, and they conversed afterwards about the loss, prisoner asking him if had heard of any trace of the articles.

Mr C. Edwards proved that both the prosecutor and accused were staying at his liotelatjthe time in question, when Mi- O'Keefe reported his loss to him. David Marks, pawnbroker, of Queen-street, deposed that, on the 26th November last, prisoner pledged with him the albert link chain produced in the name of Harris. He returned to witnesses' shop last Saturday, and offered to pledge for £8 the gold duplex centre second-watch, now produced. Witness found that the number corresponded with one on the list furnished by the detectives. He therefore asked him where he obtained it He said he had bought from a sailor for £6. Witness told him that he was very sorry, but the watch was a stolen one, and he would have to give him into custody. Witness sent for the detectives, but they were both away ; and he then sent out for a constable, when Constable Donovan arrived and apprehended the prisoner,

Lewis Henry Neumegan, pawnbroker, proved that the prisoner on the. 26th November last sent for him to come to the shooting gallery opposite, and asked him to advance some money on a watch and diamond pin. Witness lent him £6 on both. He gave the name of ■" Brown, Parnell." The lady's watch produced is the one. Witness had since handed the watch to Constable Donovan. Constable Donovan proved apprehending the prisoner in Mr D. Mark's shop on Saturday afternoon last. He gave the name of Harris. He seemed very anxious to be taken to his father in Parnell, whom he said would make it all right. On bringing him to the station Sergeant Pardy cautioned him, and witness charged him with the pre sent offence. He denied the charge, and asked them to prove it against him. He was then searched. He afterwards made a statement, and admitted that he had pawned the second watch and a diamond pin, which latter he had bought from Mr Lewisson. He had a set of diamond studs, which he said he bought of Mr Beck. He then acknowledged the whole affair, and said Mr O'Keefe would not prosecute him, as his father would make up the money. Sergeant Pardy was then examined, and stated that he remembered the prisoner being brought to the station in the custody of Constable Donovan, with the watch and chain, when he stated that he purchased them of a man named Parker, about three weeks ago. Thinking that prisoner might be telling the truth, Sergeant Pardy questioned him, but, before doing so, he cautioned him, saying that he intended to find the man Parker, if possible. He did not find Parker, and after making other enquiries about the prisoner, he told Constable Donovan he had better charge the prisoner with the offence. He then wished to write a note to his father, which he did. Prisoner was then asked if he wished to say anything before being committed for trial. Mr Joy said he would reserve his defence. Prisoner was then committed for trial. Bail was accepted—his father in £200, and two sureties of £100 each.

MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS IN THE GOLDEN EAGLE G.M.Co. (REG ISTERED).

The first half-yearly general meeting of the shareholders of this Company was held at the Star hotel, Newton, yesterday. After Mr Salt was duly elected to the chair, the Legal Manager read|the Directors' report, which showed that a main adit had been driven 249 feet, and very substantially timbered. The prospects of the mine were favourable, several leaders having been cut running (towards a large reef, which the Mine Manager expects to reach in about thirty feet, which, from present indications, is likely to prove payable. From the balance sheet audited by Mr Samuel Wells, it ap pears that about £300 had been received on calls, and expended on working the mine. The report and balance-sheet were adopted on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Walker. Mr Harvey, the mine manager, also read a very satisfactory report, showing that twenty-five tons of quartz were paddocked awaiting crushing. After the usual vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting closed. Before the above took place an extraordi nary meeting was held, at which the rules were altered, and provision made enabling the Directors to dispose of forfeited shares.

TELEGRAPHIC.

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

This day, 3 p.m.

The Alburnia is getting some nice gold to-day. The crushing is going on well. The Black Angel has yielded another parcel of nice specimens. William Bridger was charged this morning with stealing £12 10s, the property of Capt. Fernandez, from the cabin of the Lalla Rookh, and has been committed for trial. A meeting is to be held to-night to take measures for getting a road or railway to connect the Upper Waikato with Graham town via Thames Valley.

TAURANGA

11.30 a.m

The Southern Cross arrived from Opotiki at niiclnight, and will sail for Auckland at four o'clock to-day.

The man Pane is committed for trial far

horse stealing.

Commissioner Clarke and Captains Turner and Mair have gone to Rotorua to inspect the schools.

COROMANDEL.

This day. 201b. of specimens were obtained from No. 5 top level of the Royal Oak last night. It is rumoured that the Bismarck mine will be forfeited in consequence of the claim being inadequately worked during the last five weeks.

ARRIVAL OF THE WONGA WONGA.

CABLE MESSAGES.

Grand Intercolonial Gig Race

Crew English Amateur Oarsmen to Visit Sydney.

London Rowing Club Decline Invitation-

In reply to the invitation from the Balmain Regatta committee to visit the colony to coutest for the £700 prize, the London Rowing Club declines to visit Sydney nex£. year, the members having decided thiafe "tLllv?s^ club they cannot accede to the propos^l^^T/^fß *' Mr. F. S. Gulston, however, has takeff^l up the matter very warmly, and proposes to «<> make arrangements for participating in the Balmain Ilegatta for 1873 with a crew of English amateurs, consisting of leading oarsmen from the two Universities.

LONDON.

December 3

Sir Alexander Cock burn'has received from the Queen an autograph letter, in which. Her Majesty thanks him for his distinguished services in connection with the Geneva arbitration. •

M. Thiers has informed the National Assembly of France that though discoiiraged by the action of the Chamber he will not abandon his position, but renew his efforts to govern the country. The Eiriperor Frederick William of Ger many has created twenty-five new peers. The Bill for the Reorganization of Counties in Germany and the better administration of their affairs, as amended by the Chamber of Deputies, is likely to pass the "Herren haus" [House of Lords], the Conservatives having declined to vote against it.

2-45 p.m. The Government of the United States is sounding the British Government in regard to the maintenance of the Pacific mail fine. The desire of the American ministers appears to be that it should be subsidised jointly by England and A merica.

Arrived : Dunbar Castle, from Sydney, 3rd September.

The steamship Atrato, formerly a paddle wheel West India mail steamer, and lately sold out of that company's service, converted into a screw, and despatched to Melbourne with 450 Government emigrants and valuable live stock, and which had to return to Ply mouth twice after narrow escapes in conse quence of breaking the blades of her screw, and defects in her shaft and cranks, having been a second time refitted, will sail again immediately, for Melbourne, with all her original cargo and passengers. Her sheep have all been transhipped to the Thermopylae A cable message to Commodore Sterling, from the Lords of the Admiralty, reached Sydney at 9 a.m. yesterday, ordering the returh of H.M.S. Cossack to England.

AUSTRALIA.

MELBOURNE

Lecember 3.

• A. larrikin's club is to be established at Collingwood for the reformation of street boys. A fine Arab entire has arrived from Cal cutta. Mr. Fellows refuses to accept the judge ship unless a higher salary be given. The Government ai-e disposed to comply, and also to raise the salaries of the other Supreme Court Judgss: Argus Scandal has been seriously injured. For the Ballarat Cup the Ace is in request at £60 to. £40. The Melbourne Herald threatens proceed ings against the provincial papers for pirating their English telegrams. Sugar sales have improved. Wheat, os ; country flour, £15 15s. Hennessy's case brandy, 15s 9d.

SYDNEY

The sentence of death passed upon the prisoners Heapy, Quin, and Thynne for rape has been commuted to ten years. A shocking murder was committed last night at Wooloomooloo by a butcher named McCrow, by cutting the head off another butehet's wife, named Ward. He then cut his own throat. Jealousy is supposed to be the cause.

ADELAIDE.

December 3.

Mr. Ayers, the Chief Secretary, has received official intimation from Earl Kirn« berley, that the honor of knighthood has been conferred on him. Wheat and flour easier;, i

December 4.

Clode, a clerk in the District Court, was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment, for the embezzlement of Government funds.

Patterson's Expedition have presented him with a letter, denying there was any disorganization amongst the party when Todd arrived.

The Governor has declined to receive testimonials.

Subscriptions are to be appropriated to purchasing a portrait of Sir James Ferguson. Breadstuff's quiet.

PRESBYTERY OF AUCKLAND.

!A. pro. re iiata meeting of Presbytery was ■ held to-day, at 11 o'clock, in St. Andrew's Church, for the purpose of considering a call from the Presbyterians of Coromanael, in i favor of Rev. Mr. Tait. Messrs McGreggor I and Davies apeared as commissioners from > the. congregation, and addressed the Pres ! bytery in support of the call. Mr. Tait, who had presented certificates from the Presbytery of Ottawa, in Canada, which had been received, accepted the call, which was sustained by the Presbytery; and it was resolved that the edict should be served on the congregation on Sunday, the 22nd ins&. and that Rev. James Hill, of the Thr " ! should perform the induction services ~j£ 1 Sabbath to be subsequently fixed. *d Iwf:

We understand that a number of Mr MacMillan's friends at the, Thames are taking steps to provide for his defence in the Supreme Court in consideration of the cir cumstance of his committal, with which they express sympathy. "■■ ■. A gentleman lying on his death-bed called to his coachman, who had been an old servant, and said. " Ah! Tom; I'm going a long and rugged journey, worse than ever you drove me." " Oy^aear sir," replied the fellow •• never let thit discour age you, for it is all down hill." The Paris Journal reports the following conversation between two young girls: ' If you^only knew hew badly papa treats, mamma and me;" —"Indeed ?"—" Ye«, indeed! You can judge for yourself. When I was ready to be f brougnt out' in society, he might have gone with me, might he not?. Well instead of that, when mamma.and I went to his room to find him, we discovered he had been absent from the house a whole year.

WELLINGTON.

The Independent states that it is favored to-day by the Government with an abstract of a telegraphic despatch from the Agent-General, dated 23rd November, announcing that 1566 eminigrants had left the United Kingdom since the 19th Sept., and promising to send to Otago 720 ; Can terbury, 1,600 ; Marlborough, 140 ; Auck land, 750 ; Napier, direct, 850 ; Wellington and adjacent provinces, 1450. Total, 6510. Composed of as follows : —English, 3750 ; Scotch, 570 ; Foreigners, 1340. The Dis patch states that the Immigration Regula tions are working admirably.

DUNEDIN.

The cargo of sugars by the Bertha was yesterday auctioned. Low to middling whites realized 355. to 375. ; line yellow crystals, 345. f)d. ; counters, 345. ; pale yellow, for brewing, and crystals scarce, 395. Cargill's and McLean's first, woollen season, greasy, Is. to Is. $d.

NELSON.

1.17 pm. Mr Murray, a fireman on board the Tararua, was attacked by Vaughan, a sea man, with a knife yesterday. Vaughan drew a revolver and shot him through the leg— wound not serious. The case was brought before the Court and remanded till to-day.

CHRISTCHURCH.

A ball is to be given to the Governor and Lady Bowen this evening in the...Council Chambers.

Preparations for the Exhibition are pro gressing. The Presbyterian Assembly is postponed till to-day in consequence of the non-arrival of Northern vessels.

ffii mffists& S*A&, WBBNfeSBAf, BICIMBM 11, i&W.



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