SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUN-SKT: TWs owning, 7.17 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 4.4S HIGH WATT?K : This evening, 3.10 ; to-morrow morning, 3.f>fi . .

ARRIVALS.

Hindustan, ship. Peek, from London ; 10G days out Naworth, barque, Miller, from Liverpool Southern Cross, ss, from Tauranga Mata, schooner, from Korotonga Colonist, schooner, from .Napier and East Coast

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London: City of Auckland, ship, eariy

. VESSELS EXPECTED. Albion, bng, and Drover, brig, from Newcastle, early freetrader, barque, from Port Chalmers Wentworlh, s s, from Sydney, about the 25th Beatrice, barque, fran TV Tew York, via Adelaide Amateur, barque, from Oamaru

IMPORTS.

Per barque Naworth, from Liverpool—2 boxes machinery, C, Spragg ; 240 bundles wire, 201 cases merchandise, 72 bales ditto, Wall Bros. ; 1 case books, G. Chapman ; a quantity of pig iron,'2ol bundles hoop iron, 20,200 slates, 90 cases stout, 100 barrels ditto, order ; 2 barrek; whiskey, 40 cases ditto, G. W. Binney; 1 ease merchandise, G. Chapman ; 16 cases ditto, 3,035 bars iron, 314= plates ditto. 445 bundles merchandise, 401 boxes ditto, 125 drums ditto, 17 casks ditto, 50 bundles wire, 21 barrels paint, T. & S. Morriu ; 2S crates earthenware, 6 casks ditto, Lewis Bros. ; 20 cases merchan dise, S drums ditto, 40 boxes ditto, 13 crates ditto, 10 casks ditto, 100 barrels beer, Owen and Graham.—T. and S. Morrin, agents.

The Alice Cameron has entered outwards for Sydney.

' The ship Hindostan reported at the Customs this afternoon.

The barque Naworth, of 350 tons register, in command of 'Captain Wilber, arrived in harbour this morning at seven o'clock, after a passage of 140 days. The Captain obliges us with the following report :—Left Liver pool on 12th August ; had fine light weather at starting with W. winds ; picked up N.E. trades in 25deg. N., very light ; crossed the equator, 42 days out, on the 24th September ; lost the N.E. trades about lOdeg. E. ; picked up S.E. in about 2deg S., carried them down to 28 or 29deg. S. ; passed the meridian of the Cape in 37cleg ; S. on the 28th October ; ran down the easting in an average of 40deg S. ; sighted St. Paul's Island on the 10th November"; had light baffling winds for the gr-eater pai-t of the easting; sighted Tasmania on the SlSth. December ; passed Three Kings on Christinas day ; had light winds and calms down Coast; arrived as above. Captain Wilber reports haying spoken the barque Beatrice, from New "Tork to Adelaide.—T. and S; Morrin, agents. , The new schooner Pacific, built by Messrs

Vnderson and Sjjraggon for Captains Clay *\and Crisp.c, and ■ launched on Saturday, 3S at anchor off the builders' yards, an<*'s a very smart looking craft. She is sure , prove a good and fast sailer. Her des ™^ s t^ie coasting trade. • v^fiw Zealand Shipping Company's iron sbipEjindostan, Captain Peelc, arrived in harbov yesterd.ay rooming after a fine passage otioc days. The Hindostan is a clipper ship.f SS o tons register, and comes into port m first-class condition with a general cargo', nf i a large number of Go vernment imnv irants j) r philson, the Health Officer,--went on board yesterday morning, and. hhey. cv carefully inspecting the vessel gave her a clean bill of health. Later in \ io day his Honor the Superintendent and \ e Provincial Secretary also went on board, an\ C arefully investigated her state of cleanliness and the appearance of the immigrants. Tl c passengers had no complaints to make, and a ll spoke well of their treatment on boardi. Captain Peek thus reports of the voyage •-_" Left London September 12th, and landed, the pilo* off Dartmouth, 22nd. Had Sj]. wim« till picking up the N.E. trades hi lat- SOdeg. N. Carried them to ' lai. rdeg. N. Crossed the Equator October 2. >:srd, and took the S.E. trades in lat. 4deg. S., they proved •.•cry light, and vero lost in 20deg. S. Had light variable winds till crossing the meridian of the C;pe» November Bth, thence fresh E and N.E. breezes. Made the eastings between /he parallels of 47 and 48deg. S. On December 11th ex perienced a very heavy westerly gale with high confused sea, the /ale lasted about fourteen hours. On the i9th rounded Tas mania and encountered mother severe gale same day. A heavy sea broke on board and stove in the deck-house, and carried away the sheep-pens and otner movable articles. Prom thence moderately fair weather pre vailed. Eounded the Three Kings on the morning of 25th. Down the Coast S.E. and S. winds were met ivith.

The schooner Mata, fromßorotonga, arrived on Saturday evening- Captain Burr reports having left on the 13th inst., and had fine weather to Sunday Island, thence light airs and calms ; Cape Brett was made on Friday last, thence Southerly winds into port. By, the arrival of the Mata we learn that the schooner Edith, Captain Trayte, left Eoro-i tonga for Anck'wd, via Aitutake on December 7th., and that the cutter Prince of* Wales was totally wrecked on the coral reefs, of Manguea Island on 7th October, all hands being saved. ' The Colonist brings a cargo of sheep from' Napier via East Coast ports. The barque Glenhuntly, which "we announced as having arrived on Saturday afternoon, brings a large and varied cargo of merchandise, consigned to Messrs Cruick shank and Co. Captain Large reports having left London on September 13th. Sighted St. Antonio (De Verde Islands) on the 11th October; and on the 15th spoke the barque Saratoga. Crossed the Equator October 24th, 41 clays out; took S.E. trades in 4.20 N., and lost them in 18 S. Passed meridian of Cape in lat. 43, 45 S., Novem ber 21st. Ean down easting between 45 and 46. Rounded Tasmania December 15th. On 20th instant experienced a heavy gale from the northward, with high confused sea. On 23rd met with another gale from same quarter. Passed Three; Kings on 24th, and had easterly winds down the coast. The Glenhuntly brings the following passengers : Mrs Large, Mr and Mrs Bax and child, Mr Keary, Mr and Mrs Glue, Messrs Woolgar, Jenson, Hill, Goodsworth, Mr and Mrs Condell.

COMMERCIAL.

Calls. £ s. d. Date. Now Zealand Shipping Co. .. 010 a Jan. 6 Albion Coal Co 015 0 Feb. 1

MARRIAGE.

Wright—Motion.—At Napier, on 15th.Dot amber. Ib7B, by the llev. 1) Pirtcy, William Jc.-hn, third son of Mi- John Wright, Freeman's l.ay. Anc' 'and, to Jane Mtitlileson, tlr'-rt daughter of Mr John Motion. Point Chevalier, Richmond Auclf'vud.

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1873.

For the cause that lacks assistance, Kor the wrong that needs resistance. For the future in the distance, And +ii (> that we can do

We would direct attention to the very im portant telegram in another column respect ing the new Trans-Pacific Mail Service. It will be seen that the arrangements are of the

most satisfactory kind, and that we are on

the eve of having a steam mail service pro bably unsurpassed in the world.

That our new railway will have its bap

tisra of blood shortly may be fairly antici pated. In fact short though the lime has been since the trains began to run, the wonder is that this event has not already transpired. In the matter of responsibility it will probably be difficult to discover under which thimble the pea is, but this will pro bably be a cardinal point in the enquiry in a day or two, when "appalling accident on the railway" will herald an investigation over the fragments of .some poor unfortunate

cut to pieces on the line. We do not refer to what may or may not take place on other

portions of the line ; but we ask any one to take a look at what proceeds on that portion of the line between the tunnel and the tor-

minus at Fort Uritomart, and tell us how it is that we have nut already announced a death under the wheels of the locomotive. This portion of line doubtless affords a very

great convenience to foot passengers, and so long as ;i thoroughfare is allowed so long will men, women, and little children make a highway of tlio line. When the small standing ''""in afl'orded on the aide of the embankment in some places is considered, and also the feeling of excitement and almost tu/i'or inspired in woinc by the roar of a loco motive swooping pa.-.t-, it may be expected that not many days ■will elapse till" attention is directed to this matter in a more striking manner than through tbia our paragraph. As the law is distinct on the subject it but requires prompt firm action on the part of those in charge of the line, and ancxample being made by jiroaecuting two or three offenders, and enforcing the full penalties the dangerous practice will very speedily cease. IE this course is not taken then the blood of manslaughter will be on somebody '« head, and somebody may rest assured that such criminal disregard of human life will be

followed by howls of public execration

We notice that the Thames A.d>;■■;■! ■'«■/■, j after a week's hard literary labour ■•mil ! various consultations with the man behind • the scones, has, pivon .birth ton paragraph in reply to our remarks on its ire.-itment of Volunteer .Skinner. Tin; main scope of the reply is a repudiation of the charge of wilfully altering the amount stated in that journal as having been won by Mr Skinner. Tills is their explanation :"As a matti r of fa<;l we published the list of prizuu cx.-i:1 ly as they wero handed to uh by Mr Walker, the captain of the team ; rind we have since been Mr Walker, who holds the prize money won by the Auckland men, and who has only received £2 on Mr Skinner's behalf. We therefore say that he only won £2 in the Intercolonial matches, and not £G 5s Gd, as stupidly asserted hy our contemporary." Is it really necessary to point out where the stupidity lies. It matters not that Volunteer Skinner has in his pocket £3 5s Gd won at the intercolonial matches, and expects a £3 prize which ho won at the GOO yard range in the Intercolonial Military Rifle Match ; it is useless to refer the Advertiser to the scores published in the Melbourne Argus and Age ; useless' to state what is capable of proof by indisputable facts ; Mr Walker has told the Advertiser that he "has only received £2 on Mr Skin ner's behalf," and "we therefore say that ho only won £2." How Mr Walker comes to have even £2, and having it has not handed it over to its rightful owner, is a matter for greater surprise than his having only il'2. Volunteer Skinner assures us that he was not aware of Mr Walker having any of his prize money. The very questionable posi-J tion of Mr Walker'as captain of the taa'nii should make that gentleman extremely cau-' tiousoiparading his honours. Itseemsevident' from the' admissions of tho Advertiser that; lie is the man who has misled the Advertiser in its figures, and has made statements in directly damaging to a member of the Auck land team. Mr Walker was nominated by the Thames men only as Captain, without , consultation with any of their other rep ve- ' sentatives, and was merely acknowledged by the others so long as he kept in his place out of a fooling of courtesy and a desire not ■to.have any.disagreement or unpleasantness. So far as having "threatened that he would order Mr (skinner to' fall out" i.-j concerned lie neither did so nor had he tho power to carry such'a threat into execution. It is creditable to. the representatives that they even endured' 0 the officious interference of this person who did not qualify himself as a representative, was not' recognised by any of the Rifld Associations under whose a'uspidea "tine oaVen-were sent, the ■ Thames alone excepted, and never fired a shot i'rt" any 'of : the Melbourne matches. To his bungling, in all probability is attributable " the low place held by New Zealand in the Inter-colonial Match. Ten men were picked "by him to compete in that match, tho rej-st being left to lire for places', and of these chosen ten, Hicks, one of the Thames men, completely failed; in nearly all the matches, winning only one trifling money prize. Volunteer Skinner's score in this plaee'-firing equalled the scores of two of the.men selected by Mr Walker, and 'exceeded by five points the score of one of the ex-champions. Mr Walker had better air his talents quietly for the benefit of his circle of admirers at the Thames, the less he comes forward into public over his late ex ploits the better for his reputation as an -organiser of markhinen. Let him rest on his old laurels. The Advertiser is indignant that so respectable a journal should have been accused of falsifying statements. It was only when every claim to fairness and respectability

had been forfeited by its disrepittdtable I treatiiuut of Mr Skinner, and positive re- UtaA to give him cither justice or fair play, that wo took tha ease up. It has denied the charge of wilful irmstatemont, and must therefore plead guilty to our other charge of total ignorance of the subject it was becom ing bo oracular upon. It now gives currency , to further inisfstatemelvfcs by insinuating that Volunteer Skinner supplied the Stat* on liia , return with scores iavourable to himself. , We simply state in reply to this that the scores published by us were clipped from the Argus and Aye, and Volunteer Skinner had no more to do with them than the Advertiser had. Mr Skinner, it is true, did send a telegram for transmission specially to the S/nr, l)nt by error it was sent to all the journals in the colony* A dnerf ite-i*. included, and he has furnished us since his retiirii with other information about the contest ; but the scores as before stated were taken from the Melbourne papers as being the most impartial source. If the Advertiser desires to maintain its reputation for respectability \6 most tell the truth and not throw its columns open to siandero\is statements prompted by petty jealousies. The Lome-street Hall "Uras crowded in every part on Saturday evening by inter ested listeners to the excellent entertain ment of the Lynch family of bell-ringers. The proceedings as usual opened with an overture by the pianists—Messrs Seymour and Gullimore —in their best niatmeri The programme was pleasantly varied from those of formal1 evenings, and comprised several .Scottish strains on the bells in imitation of the bagpipes. These were all admirably performed, and gave the utmost aatisfact ion, especially the beautiful and time-honored "Blue Bells of Scotland," which is always received with acclamations of pleasure. The " Changes " were well given, and called up many old associations connected with th« the village bells of other years. The ballads and performances of Mr Verton met with universal favour ; and the farce of " Dr Brown's Dispensary " created roars of laughter. Wo are glad to notice that the proprietor has consented to continue to in terest the people of this city for one week longer, and we would say 10 all who have, not yet done so, (Jo and see the celebrated Australian Bcl!-ringer.M and you will ex perience a musical treat of no ordinary character. In consequence of the great sue- O'iSH of their entertainments the troupe have decided to prolong their season for three nights longer, commencing this evening, and we have no doubt that fxm the large audiences lln«y have drawn that they will iiul by any rnuaus repent so doing. To-night an attractive programme is promised, includ ing the new comic quartette, "The Halle lujah Hand," with its localisms ; and con cluding with ,-i laughable farce. The Sir George Grey Cadets fired the third i and deciding match with the Thames J liugiiiectr and Scottish cadets on Boxing Day, | when the Thames boys scored 2(>'J and the dreys 'J.'iiJ. The Thames has thus won by a ■ very narrow majority two out of the three ■ matches, but in the aggregate of points the Sir George Grey Cadets beat their opponents, the totals being T-J;! ; I Greys, 7">''>. The very steady liring of the ! lads on both sides shows the advantage of i early training with the rifle as with all other things. The Cadets will supply our Volun tecr corps years hence with efficient men thoroughly acquainted with their work in ! the Held or at the target. Mr Taylor, i Captain of the Sir George Grey Cadets, de- I serves credit for having initiated a series of i friendly interprovincial contests, which

must induce a healthy spirit of emulation ami lead to systematic practice and conse quent proficiency.

Two stu<!ont3 of chemistry under Mr .Severn, at tii*■ Thames, proceeded to Te Aroha mountain to .spend their Christmas holidays. Tlu.'v proposed burning the magne sium li^l't on the summit of Te Aroha at eleven p.m. on Saturday, yesterday, or to night. If the: night proved clear the light would probably In: visible from Auckland. it was intended to exhibit it for three minutes if iho weather was favourable.

The Golden Crown made a moonlight trip on the waters of the Waitetnata on Saturday evening with neatly 200 persons on board. The trip was most enjuyablu in the presence of the bright moon. The Temperance Drum and Fift: hand played some lively airs. The 1 loyal Exhibition in the City Hall still ranks among the first of holiday amuse ments. The remarkable features of the Gourlay entertainments are the many curi osities of nature and art, the outlines of human character traceable in forms and faces, the beautiful on land and sea, and pictures of marvels of the deep and gather ings from the'recesses of nature ; also music in its varieties of sound, and ballads illus trative of tradition and history. The Scotch dwarf lias now been added to the other attractions of the Gourlay exhibition, which must be considered one of the most perfect and novel of our city shows.

The annual entertainment in the Whau Public Hall will take place this evening, when a variety of songs, duets, glees, and dances willbe performed by leading amateurs. Ward's celebrated troupe of original min strels will also be in attendance, so that a lively night may be anticipated. After the close of the musical and ballad entertain ment dancing in accordance with the orthodox fashion of the day will wilo away the hours of the night.

The Prince of Wales Theatre was well attended on Saturday evening by a large and respectable gathering'of the people, and the performances were of a first-class character. The Queen's Star Variety Troupe is gaining ground, and stands second to none of its peculiar type in point of merry talent. The i exteivaganza entitled " Pygmalion and his Gal-a-dear" was the subject of much mirth. Tfc is" of course a burlesque of certainchai'acters of the long, long ago, but capitally rendered, the actors being Miss Lizzie Watson, Messrs. Riley, Braham, and Baker. The overtures by the band, ledbyMr Spiller, weregivencorrectly and truthfully. Mat Ililey was loudly applauded in his Irish ballads. Mr Baker, in his song and dance, was highly entertain ing. Mr Henry Braham as the noisy swell was true to life, as was Alick O'Brien in his song and accompanying dance. The serio comic ballad in character, " Where's Peta ? "1 was comically rendered by Miss Watson. The second part consisted of the trapeze, an overture and dance, and Monsieur Hamew1 and Madame Blanche deserved the. thrilling applause which they received at the close of the trapeze . The Star Variety Troupe ex hibit superior talents —without coarseness— musical and spirit-stirring, and calculated in its many phases to enhance the inoffensive pleasures of the community. A cricket match will come off on Wednes day next in the Barrack-field between eleven gentlemen of the theatrical profession and an equal number of gentlemen connected with the Auckland press if they can be pressed into the field. The theatrical pro fession have fixed upon the following mem bers of their order who have consented to play, viz. :—Messrs Henry Lynch, junr., Frank Verten, Harry Seymour, [Robert Lynch, C. Culljmorc, C. Williamson, M. Corbet, A. O'Brien, H. Baker, M. Riley, M. Hegatty. The match being a novel one will attract a good deal of attention. The Auckland Pioneer Good Templars will meet to-morrow evening in the Temperauco Hall, Albert-street, at 7-30 for the initiation of new members and other busineßS,

As will be seen from advertisement ill an; other column •' Heed sind Brett's Auckland ; Almanac and Provincial Handbook for 1874" ! j has to-day issued from the piesa, It becomes < us not to speak in its favour, but we Caimot < refrain from referring to the lengthened and ! detailed description of all the districts in_ the province compiled from information derived ; from the Chairmen of all the Highway IDiStrictSj and from the labours arid travels of a special eo'mttiissicfner; The work contains all that is usual in almanafsj rind a £reat deal besides. Of this, however, ottr rfe'adets can judge for themselves. His Honor the Superintendent, accom panied by Mr Sheehan, Provincial Secretary, paid a visit to the Hindostan on the arrival of that vessel on Saturday and inspected the immigrants. The new comers are ap ■feareiitiy industrious, sober people, pre pared for hard wdfk j. I nit they certainly do not, as a whole, represent exactly the class of population which this province requires. There are five farm labourers among the number, and several of the other men have a knowledge of trades which should secure for them immediate employment. The immigrants were landed to-day, and havo taken up their quarters m the barracks, where those desirous oi securing their services should apply at once. To the Editor of the Evening Star: . Sir, —The present hairless hoise now exhibiting is not the only one that has been known, as i the following extract from the Savannah Reporter of September ISSI will show : — "A horae without ha;r !—An extraordinary phenomenon in the way of ' horso fiesh' warf brought to town yesterday afternoon by the steamer Gordon. It is a mare captured on the plains of Venezuela by a party of American hunters, headed by the well known traveller Juan Percy and Captain Hall. She is 15.J hands high, of great beauty and symmetry, and without one particle of hair on any part of her body. The skin resembles india rubber, and is as soft almost as velvet." —I am, &c, A Con stant Rkadkii. Tim drawing of Mr C. Burton's great Christmas gift enterprise came off on Christmas eve, and was as provocative of amusement as it was of good cheer. /Considerable speculation was indulged in regarding the happy winner of the wedding ring that lay imbedded in the sweet folds of one of the cakes, its where abouts wa.s disclosed by the following note received by Mr Burton a day or two after wards: —" Princes-street, Auckland, Decem ber •_'?, 1573. Dear Sir, — Lust night in finishing the cake won by me at your annual Christmas drawing I found a gold wedding ring, jvliich 1 shall have much pleasure in wearing. Truly yours, Thomas Fjsii. P.S. —J'll wear the above ling until 1 put it on the finyer of a Parnell young lady." Those who took part in the drawing therefore will be glad to loam that the sacred circle has fallen into such excellent hands. An exciting scene occurred on Saturday evening :it Freeman's B;iy which attracted the presence of the majority of the juveniles of thu neighbouring districts, viz., thelaunch | ing of the boys' yacht named the <; Mystery." This yacht was built and rigged by three lads, Carlo and the brothers Martin, and as the neighbours said it was a mystery to them how boys could be so clever it was agreed to name the boys' yacht the " Mystery." 1 Peter Reid, who was committed to the Lunatic Asylum about four months ago, and who has since gradually declined in health, i died this morning. An inquest will be held ' on his body to-morrow before Dr. (roldsbro1, , Coroner.

We are glad to observe that Uie new steam feny service to Stokes' I'i.mt— we keg it.s pardon, " Woudside" —Las quite " taken" during these holiday times, and the crowds <»f people who have thronged thither on picnic pleasures bent dining the past week have greatly enlivened the erst while monotonous life of the dwellers in those regions. This fresh outlet for Auck land panting after fresh air appears to pre sent many attractions for Sunday-school and other children, to whom and to whose parents and fnends the presence of shelter from the .scorching sun is no small addition to the pleasures of fresh sea breezes and new scenes for at fresco enjojment. We understand that on Thursday (New Year's Day) the children and teachers of St. James' Presbyterian Church Sabbath-school to the number of some two hundred and fifty or threa hundred are to be taken in the Takapuna feiry steamer- to Woodside, Stokes' Point, and that preparations on an extensive scale are being made in one of the shady retreats of that region to make the day one of genuine enjoy ment to the little people. YYe are requested to intimate that the Takapuna, with the Sabbath-school on board, will leave the Queen-street wharf at niue o'clock sharp, but any stragglers will, we presume, be ac commodated by the steamers running every hour during the day. The Takapuna will return for the party at an hour in the after noon to be arranged, biit any deshious of returning at an earlier hour can do so by any of the hourly trips. We understand that on the day following another large Sablmth school is to rendezvous at the same place, but of this further intimation will be made.

As will be seen from another column applications will be received for unallotted shares in the. A\ickland and North Shore Steam Ferry Company (Lunited). As there is not in the province a Company in a sounder position than this, and but a small number of shares are now unallotted, and the Company will within a few weeks not owe a fraction of debt on their steamers, we can confidently recommend the notice to the attention of investors.

The employes of Messrs Philcex and Bartlcy, the contractors for re building the Post-office and Custom-house, had a picnic at the North Shore on Saturday, and a dinner at the Flagstaff hotel in the evening., The day was spent very pleasantly. Such gatheiings as these do much to promote good feeling between employers and their work men.

The children belonging to the Home, for, the Neglocted and Destitute'of their order spent a merry and enjoyable Christmas through the generous gifts of a number of friends, and the children numbered about seventy. A spacious marquee Tras erected on the west side of the building, decorated with flags of allnatiouß, kindly lent for the occasion by Captain Kails, of the City of Auckland, where 3weets and strawberries were strewn in profusion, and where the children richly enjoyed themselves. A Christmas tree laden with toys added greatly to the entertainment. In the evening the child ten sang a number of carols and hymns in a pleasing manner, including, "One by one we cross the river," "The village bells," and similar productions. Among the donors to the children's treat we may mention Miss Bell, and Miss Haultain, Mason Bros., Mr G. W. Binney, Mr Teasdale, Messrs Mark Somer ville, Major, A. Clark and Sons, Mrs E. Beck, Dr Kenderdine, Captain and Mrs Rails, Mr Upton, Mr G. M. Main, and a number of other ladies and gentlemen. We went over the establishment and found every thing in excellent order, suited to health and convenience. Great credit is due to Mr Stickley and the matron for the interest they take in promoting the health and comfort of the many destitute children under their oaro,

The new building at the corner of Vincent atid Mtt-street, belonging to the Umted Methodic* Ffee Church, was opened yester acted by the Eev. CC & Tnrnor ; the Uev , £j Biinfc P *eSct«ctsn the afternoon,-and the Eev A Koei in the evening. The col lections amounted to £3(3 Ids i<W. The open ng tea meeting and Christmas Tre«3 tajea; place to- I morrow (Tuesday evening), at half-past at O'clock in the new church. The arrange- ' mentS already made by the committee are on a lai'ge scale, no that nothing may be wtintifla to complete the pleasure of the evening. Alter a flumptabßfl tea addresses will be given by the {/opttlar preachers ami laymen of the city, Us p'«r programme, m another column. The gathering Uttl doubt less be a very large and successful one. The Auckland Scottish Volunteer Com- I pany's Ball will be held in the Choral Hall, Hvmonds-street, on Thursday, January Ist, 1574. D*noing to commence at 9 p.m.—A. I P. Hoknk, Hon. See—[Adv.]

FREEMASONRY.

In accordance with their usual customs the I two Irish lodges of Freemasons met in the Lodge-room at the Masonic Hotel on Satur- | cky last, being the Feast of St John the j Evangelist, to itistal their officers for the en suing half-year The Afa Lodge was opened shortly after "high twelve " by Bro, Jen kins, W.M., assisted by the Pro. G.M., Br<?< G. P. Pierce, .Bros. Asher, Rees and Russell, P.M.'a, Bro. Sloane, W.M., of the United Service, Jjto. Wade, L.P.M., of the Waite matii, Bro. Nieol, VV.M., of tne St. Andrew's, Bro. Brodie, P.M., of the Sir Water Scott Lodge, and a numerous assemblage of brethren. The W.M. then invited Bro. Russell to "thechair," when Bro. Rees was presented as W.M. elect. A board of Installed Masters was then opened in ancient form, and Brother Rees duly installed W.M. of the Ara Lodge, and saluted accordingly. The officers pree,ent were also presented aiul installed, afier Which Brother Sloane, W.M., opened the United Service Lodge, and Brother .James presented and installed in a second Board of Installed Masters as W.M. of that Lodge. The ancient and interesting ceremonies connected with the installations were marked and carried out in a very able and correct manner by Brothers Russell and Sloane, assisted by Brother Jenkins as director of ceremonies and the rest of the past masters. Before closing the lodge Brother Heslop, after a congratula tory address, presented Brother Sloane with a splendid and valuable P.M.'a jewel, bearing the following inscrip tion—"Presented to Bro. Sloane, W.M., of the United Service Lodge, 421, 1.C., as a token of esteem by the Brethren of the Lodge. Auckland, December 27th, 5573, A.L." The jewell is of solid gold, represent ing the well-known square and compass, enclosing a blazing star with the letter G in the centre,' and ornamented with diamonds, and is suspended by a masonic blue ribbon, secured by three gold clasps, the Avhole beautifully chased and mounted, and does great credit to one of our colonial artists, Mr Cookson, of Grahainstown. The labours of the day being ended the brethren adjourned to refreshment, prepared in Bro. Avcj 's usual liberal and excellent style, to which full justice was done, and the proceedings of the day closed at an early hour.

CITY COUNCIL.—This Day.

A meeting of the City Council was held this afternoon. —An application from Mr .1. Lamb for permission to stand a 'bus in front ot Mr Aicken's shop was refused. — A letter from Mr Joy claiming damages on account of the loss of Messrs Gibbons's horse was re ferred to the Council's solicitor. —The watar cart question was referred to the City Sur veyor. - The City Surveyor reported that owing to the opposition of property holders in the City lload there was no prospect of widening that thoroughfare.— On a paragraph in the report stating that a horse bought by the Council had turned out a duffer, and been sold at a loss of about £20, Councillor Holdship thought that if the Council could not judge a horse better they should not buy any horses v lmt hire them.—• Councillor Macready explained that the horse in question was not a bad one, but had gone to sleep in the street while waiting for his grub, and tumbled down. — The matter

was referred to the Streets Committee.— Certain plans prepared by Mr Ring, for new buildings in Upper Queen-street, were ap proved of. The tender of Mr T. Faulder was accepted for carting road-metal, gravel, &c, for the city.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

DBUNKENSTESS. (Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., E.M.)

J. George was fined 10s, ThosJMarnock2os, Benjamin Pelow 20s, and John Holland 10s, for being drunk on Saturday evening, and Edward Burns was committed to prison for seven days for the same offence, being the third within a few weeks.

KATE M'PHEESOX.

Thia unhappy woman was again brought up charged under the Vagrancy Act with, being a rogue and vagabond, and having no visible lawful means of obtaining a liveli hood. Prisoner said he had only just come out of the hospital and wished to go to the Waikato.

His Worship remanded the case till to morrow in order to see what conld be done for the woman.

ASSAULT. James Green was charged with, assaulting: Margaret Barstow on the evening of the 27th by hammering her head with a boot. Prisoner said that the woman struck him. with a brick first; but as his solicitor, Mr Joy, was not present, he should be glad if His Worship would remand the csse unt.'l to-morrow.

Remanded accordingly. LUNACY.

Hugh Muir was charged with being of un sound mind ; and upon the evidence of Dr J. R. Nicholson and Dr Lee was committed I to the Whau Lunatic Asylum. I A THOUGHTLESS PAREMT. ; An order of six shillings weekly was made i upon George Williams who had been sum- j mooed on a charge of refusing to contribute ] towards the support of his daughter, j Elizabeth Williams, an inmate of the Newton r Industrial School. ] Detective Ternahan proved the serving of the summons, and that defendant, now away in the country, was able to contribute. THE PORTMANTEAU CASE. I Dennis Daly, on remand, was charged with stealing a portmanteau containing pro perty, value £30, the property of Joseph Morton, in November last. The pros did not appear, as he was obliged to go to the Thames this morning by the Golden Crown with the Masons. I His Worship said he wonld remand the case until to-morrow, and prosecutor's name should be called exactly at half-past ten, and if he was not present a warrant would be immediately issued for his apprehension.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM WAIKATO.

THE NATIVE LANDS COUIIT,

SERIOUS ROW BETWEEN CONTPtor, ING TRIBES. >IMI)-

CAMBRIDGE.

This day There was a great row here on Saturday evening between the Ngatiraukawa a i Ngatihaua. Both sides were stripped and armed with sticks. They danced a w dance and were about to attack when \f* Mackay with a guard got on the bridge whic' divided them. By his firmness he prevented , lighting. It is reported that another dipute between them is certain. About five kundred native are assembled here.'

THE THAMES ANNUAL REGATTA.

THIS DAY,

[By Tki.f.gravh.]

[From our own P v eporter.]

Patron: FisHonor John Williamson, M.H.R, Umpire : Captain_ Eraser, II.M. Starter : Captain McLec»d. Treasurer : W. Dayies, Esq. Flagship : P.s. Enterprise.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

This day. To-day is observed as a general holiday, all places of business being cloaed with the «• oeption of the banks, which, remain open. The day ia fine for the regatta, only too calm for the sailing races. A fresh breeze prevailed in the morning, but died away to wards noon, and a dead calm ensued. -.

All the people are holidaying, and the streets of Grahanistown are thickly thronged ■with pleasure seekers. The Golden Crown arrived at half-pasfc twelve, with a large number of visitors from Auckland, including his Honor the Superin tendent and family, Mr Sheehan, Provincial Secretary and Mr Beve ridge, Provincial Solicitor. There were also many ladies among the company. The following were the events :— Pair-oared Watermen's Boats capable of carrying seven passengers. Entrance, ss. Ist prize, £3; 2nd, £1 10s. For this race there were no entries and it consequently lapsed.

Four-oared Gig Race—To be pulled and steered by Amateur Members of recognised clubs. No outriggers. Entrance, 15a. Ist prize, £9 ; 2nd, £3. Thames Naval Brigade Rowing Club, Nonpareil... .... ••• •• ... 1 Auckland flowing Club gig, Colonist ... 2 Lucks All, owned by Mr Cook 3 The Nonpareil crew won easily. The following are names of the Auckland crew :—Dacre, Marshall, Dunnett, and T. Henderson (stroke).

P»ir-oared Itace. Open to all comers. No outri"gers. Entrance, 7s Cd. Jst prize, £3 ; 2nd, 11 10s. True Blue (Goldsworthy) I Smoker (Dalton) ... 2 The race was won by a length after a very good contest.

Sailing llace, for Yachts or Boats not to ex ceed ten tons, to be sailed under the Auckland Yacht Club rules (centre-boards allowed to be sealed up or down.) En trance £1. Ist prize, £12 ; 2nd, £3. Fleetwing, Oxley ... ... ,*. "... 1 Energy, \Vaymouth ... ... ... 2 There were seven entries for this race, A fresh breeze had sprung up shortly before the start, and a capital race ensued. The

chief interest lay in the contest between the two old rivals- the Fleetwing and Energy — but the former was, ike favourite. After a verj' good race, in which both yacths shewed their sailing qualities, the Fleetwing came in winner with three minutes to spare. The Energy distanced all the other competitors. [A telegram was received in Auckland this morning by Messrs J. & D. Oxley stating that the Regatta authorities at the Thames had at the last moment allowed the com peting vessels in the yacht race to use "fins." Neither of the Auckland vessels were able to take advantage of this permission, and as the use of a " tin" enables a yacht to sail much closer to the wind the changed conditions were considered most unfair.] The following races remain to be contested: t Amateur Scullers' Race. No outrigger*. | Entrance, ss. Ist prize, £3 ; 2nd, £110s. I Sailing Race, for open or half-decVed Boats not exceeding 25-feet keel. No centre boardsor tins allowed, Entrance, 12s 6d. Ist prize, £S ; 2nd, £3. Scullers' Race, open to all comers. No out riggers allowed. Entrance, ss. Ist prize, £3 ; 2nd, £1 10s. Amateur Pair-oared Race. No outriggers. Entrance, ss. Ist prize, £3 ; 2»d, £11O». Dingy Race, for boys under 15 years. Boats not to exceed 12 feet over all. Entrance, 2s 6d. Ist prize, £2 •; 2nd, £1. Duck Hunt. Flagship subscriptions.

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

(Per Anglo-Australian Telegram Company.)

THE CALIFORNIAN SERVICE,

IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

DUNEDIN,

This day. The papers this marning publish interest ing particulars regarding the California service, evidently furnished by Mr Vogel. Mr Hail has connected himself with S.Forbes (senior partner in the wealthy Chiua house,} Russell and Co., and also with Mr De Busch who is extensively connected with steam shipping between England and China, und part owner of the Tartar and Mongol. Mr Forbes is known in Enghnd and America as a man of great wealth and high refutation. They will be joined by others in their undwr taking, and will endeavour to employ the finest boats in the Pacific. They have con tracted for building four new boats on the Clyde and tv oat Sunderland. The two mU. be 350 feet long, and their gross tonnage 2780 tons; guaranteed 12 knot speed. The other two will be 360 feet long, 3130 gross tonnage, also guaranteed 12 knots speed. Messrs Forbes and De Busch are the owners of the screw line, which is successfully opposing the Pacific Mail Company between San Francisco and China and Japan, -the Tartar will leave Sydney on January 15. The Cyuthenes leaves Auckland in time to reach Kandavu by February 21st, connect ing there with the Nukado from Sydney. Mr Hall wanted to have 24 hours at Auck land, but twelve hours was considered suffi cient. This is- not yet settled. A stoppage at Napier of 5 hours ; Wellington "%&&%. Lyttetton J2 hours has been Auckland will be the coaling pIo7S«Er **<>* Zealand. Mr Thomas Russell had been very ill, and just before the mail leaving was ordered by the doctor to the Continent. Altogether the question of the contract was very completely considered, and r«ew Zealand is likely to Imve steam power superior to anything seen & the Australian Colonies.

fHE BYENITO BTATt, MONDAY, DECjBMBjjB 29 187S



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