SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET: This evening, 5.50 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 6.15 HIGH "WATER: This afternoon, 5.52; to-morrow morning, C.13 f ■'

ARRIVAL.

Tarrnaki, s.s., "Wheeler, from Southern ports Go-ahead, s.s., McGillivray, from "Waitara Derwent brig, from Newcastle Agnes, cutter, from the Kaipara Fairy, schooner, from "Wangaroa Lady Bowen, p.s. (put back)

DEPARTURES.

Rowena, s.s., McGregor, for Northern ports Southern Cross, s.s., for Tauranea ■Wellington, s.s., Carey, for Southern ports Sunbeam, schooner, for Wangaroa

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

±or JNapier : .Esther, schooner, to-day For Honolulu and San Francisco Nebraska, mail

steamer, 17th April For Northern ports: Rowena, s.s., Tuesday next For Sydney and Melbourne: Wonga Wonga, S.S.,

early For Hobart Town : Bella Mary, barque, early For Cork : Moss Glen, barque, early For Newcastle : Briton, barque, to-morrow For Rorotonga : Mata, schooner, to-day For Opunaki and AVellington: Go-ahead, to morrow

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Edinburgh Castle, ship, from London. Sailed 29th

December Parsee, ship, from London. Sailed 12th January Zanga, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed Corido. barque, from Newcastle. Sailed 28th February Dauntless, schooner, from South Sea Islands Satellite, cutter, from Levuka Thames, barque, from New York, via Sydney. Loading Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney Mariner, schooner, from Lyttelton. Sailed 20th March Moss Glen, barque, from Nelson. Sailed 20th March Agra, ship, from London. Sailed Nebraska, mail steamer, from Honolulu East Lothian, barque, from New Ycck. Sailed 20th December

IMPORTS.

"Per Taranaki, from Southern ports :—1 plough, McLean ; 20 bags malt, Ehrenfreid ; 2 casks, Lewis Bros.; 2 bales, Anderson ; 130 sacks malt, order; 11 eases bacon, Coupland ; 10 do do, Reed ; 50 sacks grass seed, Jakins ; 40 do do, Morton ; 10 cases bacon, Binney; 5 do, Buchanan; 13 cases cheese, Coupland ; 58 sacks grass seed, Cox ; 6 cases, Montague ; 1 parcel, Upton; 150 pkgs, Telegraph De partment ; 4 boxes gold, Bank of New Zealand; 56 cases fruit, Nathan; ,2 drums, 6 casks, order; 2 cases, Barnes ; 2 pkgs, Lewis ; 2 cases, Bennett; 10 do, Hood.— Combes and Daldy, agents.

The'S.Si Taranaki left' Dunedin 17th at at 4 p.m., arrived at Lyttelton 11.15 a.m. on 28th ; left at 6 p.m. on the 19th, arrived in "Wellington at 11 a.m. on 20th ; left at noon on 22nd, arrived at Picton 6 p.m., left at 5 p.m. on 23rd, arrived at Nelson same day at 2p.m. ; left Nelson 4 p.m. on 24th, arrived at Taranaki 9 a.m' on 28th ; left at 5 p.m., arrived at Onehunga wharf at 8 a.m. to-day. Passengers :—Saloon : Mrs Powell, Mrs Smith, Dr Tucker, Messrs' Reed, Bruce, Cox, Pole, Limon, Adam, Doiset, Wood, Cooke, Sroup, Young, Clarkson, Brown, Whitmore, Cheary, Malcolm, Adnam, Horsfard, and eight in the- steerage. We have to thank Mr C. J. Edmiston, purser, for our files. The T.S.N. Co.'s s.s. Go-Ahead, Captain McGillivray, arrived here this morning at 9 o'clock. She left Wanganui at 5, p.m. on the 24th, and crossed the bar at 6 p.m. ; slowed engines at 2 a.m. this morning, and crossed the bar at 6.30 a.m., arriving as above. Experienced fresh head winds with smooth water throughout. Passengers : Mr Earles and Master Walker. Cargo :25 head cattle, 430 sheep, J. W. Brewer; 9 kegs butter, Arthur. We are indebted to Mr Wm. L. Newman, purser, for report and files.

The Fairy schooner from Warigaroa brings 2,000 feet timber and 2,000 pailings. _ The Government steamer Luna will leave for Wellington on Friday next, in order to convey his Excellency the acting-Governor to the seat of Government. The hon. Julius Vogel and the hon. Donald McLean will also be passengers by her. The Government steamer Luna returned ; lastevening;from the Kawau, whither she had been with a number of officers from H.M.S. Eosario and the Italian' corvette Vettor Pisani. Tenders are required for the purchase -of the s.s. Wanganui. The s.s. Go-Ahead is announced to leave Onehunga at ten o'clock to-morrow for Opu naki and Wellington. The brig Derwent arrived in harbour this morning from Newcastle with a cargo of coal. She left Newcastle on the 3rd inst ; and encountered baffling winds on the passage across. Her cargo consists of 336 tons coal consigned to , order. She also brings the j following passengers: Mr and Mrs Brown, Mr and Mrs George Brown, James Brown andM. A. Phillips. - :r :.; w.;. > The p.s: Lady Bdwen left last evening for j Wan^arei. In consequence of the heavy' N.E.°weather she was unable to proceed, farther than Tiri Tiri. She, therefore, j-etarned, and tried the Eastern passage, but | found the sea as high. .After several, in- \ effectual attempts to .gain, an offing,.the steamer was forced to return to harbour, j which she did about' 'half^past eleven,this morning, and anchored" "to the westward of the wharf. - Captain Casey was on board. n. i ' 'The three-masted schooner Margaret Camp- j bell,. from the Bay pf Islands, .was towed up; on Saturday afternoon. She is a smart-; looking little craft, and was originally in; the China trade. Captain Bowman reports' leaving the Bay of. Islands on the 24thj February- with a light S.E. breeze, which; continued for the first three days. On thej 28th, inlat. 35.39 long. ,177, met wvijE/; aj heavy gale, with .high seas, which, lasted till the second of March ; since then- havej had principally easterly winds, -with moderate! She arrived off, the Hpads- on> Wednesday, but had to stand off .owing: to the thick and foggy, weather, , j A number of whales were seen. off. Moerah,—Dunedin! Morning Star., '{\;i\\ V ■/.,'!', •/.■'„' ;.•: ', "

COMMERCIAL.

MINING, i lilif; . ■ I tin:! i The following are the current call and dividends oarable in the companies named below :— ihiii . , • ■ ■ ■£■*' A ■... ', , ",■ i

MEETINGS. Queen of the Thames, Mr Hunter's office, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 3 p.m., 27th March Unicorn, Grahamstown, 27th March h El Dorado, Mr P. A. White s office, Shortland street, Auckland, 3 p.m. 27th Ma'ifnh. A ~ , I Golden Crown, Mr Tothill's office, Auckland, 11 a.m.;

28th March • ' ££ ' . John o'Groats. Mr F. A. .White's office, Auckland; 3 p.m., 31st March ,",.'- ft : Golden Age, Compiny's-office, ■ Shortland.mireetj Auckland, 2 p.m., 31st March Yoii Voltke, Coromandel, 2nd April Lucky Diggers, Messrs Russell and Devore's office, Shortland street, Auckland, at 11 a. m., Bth April Moanatairi Union, Mr F. A. White's office, Shortland land street, Auckland, 3 p.m., BthJAprll Daughters of Freedom, Grahamstown, 14th April Bee, Grahamstown, 15th April Margaretta, Mr A. A. Browne's office, Wjndham street, Auckland, 3 p.m.-, 23rd April Bank of New Zealand, Bank, noon, 24th April

BIRTH.

Salter.—At her residence, Baker street, Auckland, on the 26th March, the wife of Edmund James Salter, of a daughter. .

DEATH.

Murphy.—At Albert street, Auckland, on 26th March, John Murphy ; aged 50 years. The funeral will leave Mrs Cavanagh's residence, Albert street, to-morrow, at 3p. m. Friends will please accept this invitation.—Dublin papers please copy.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1873.

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

We observe that our contemporary the Southern Cross denies our statement in yes terday's issue to the effect that our contem porary had authoritatively denied that any arrangement has been come to respecting the Cabinet. It is not for us to say whether our contemporary does or does not speak with authority, but if not, he should be more intel ligible and explicit. Our contemporary stated "What was the fact before the departure of Sir George Bowen, and was notified' on authority, is we' believe the fact still, 'and that is, &c." If this is not calculated to con vey the impression that the statement made is "authoritative" we fail to understand the force of language. Besides, as the "rumours" to which we gave currency came by telegram from Wellington, and we believe were based on the authority of a minister at the seat of Government, how does our contemporary presume to give them contradiction on mere surmise, and without the "authority" which he now disclaims. But whether ".authority"' does or does not

pertain to! bur contemporary, we here desire specially to draw attention to the presumption with which the Cross refers to our state ments as "rumours." This stilted style is not unusual to our contemporary when speaking of the Evening Star, a journal which has considerably more than double the. circulation of the Cross, is con ducted with incomparably n«re. ability and vigour, has better and far &^pre reliable telegrams than the worthless stuff received by our contemporary from the "Press Association," and in every way exercises ah influence over the people of the province more extensive and more practical than that exerted by the Cross. It may seem merely laughable to observe our would-be dignified contemporary referring to superior journalism not by name, but as the utterer of telegraphic "rumours," but as the custom is becoming established by usage, we feel it due to recognise the discourtesy which we believe has not its parallel in any other part of New Zealand. Let a, word for the wise be enough, ancl let that courtesy and respect /which we have, .never wittingly ,withholden from bur-contemporaries be reciprocal,•> or wei shall challenge our contemporary to the bar■ of public opinion to prove whether the Cross: or tbef 'Star ; is entitled to be regarded asi exercising the more extensive influence over; public opinion.

The curiosity of the public has. been aroused lately by placards and handbills ex tolling the excellence, of, Steane's Tonic Wine and Aromatic Bitters. It is said thati some of our hotel-keepers have been besieged by applicants desirous of testing the new tonic, but beyond the fact that Steane was con nected with certain excellent bitters, which it would be for the benefit of humanity to patronise liberally, nothing was at all certain^ the announcements not affording any clue as to where this unequalled stimulant could be .obtained. We now learn from an advertiise ment.in: another column that Messrs Cruick shant and Co. have been appointed agents forthebitters, and the public will know where to. apply. ~ ; ..,' ; '

The examination of candidates for certificates of competency as teachers commenced this "pijorn^ng \&% ten o'clock in the offices of the Education Board, Wyndham-street'.', jTlfere were sixteen candidates, - namely nine ladies and.sevep. gentlemen. The examinaj tion will, it is expected, last, r thre^ days.: In all schools established by jhe Board* , except infant schools, the following branches of instruction will be required t6 be taught: reading, writing, spelling, arith metic, geography, history, English grammar, and English composition. These are the branches of elementary education to be taught,by both classes of certificated teachers. The extra, subjects open to first and second candidates include Latin, French, German, and other modern languages, as the Board may direct; also music, drawing, first four and sixth books of Euclid, algebra, natural science, and philosophy. The examination t is expected will close on Friday.

In Hobson-street last night, between twelve and one o'clock, a number of young persons of both sexes paraded the street singing. and v shouting in the most boisterous manner> and disturbing the rest of quieter people in their beds. It is supposed that the marauders are of the widely-spreading "Larrikin family," as among other of their tricks they tore up Mr Green's door-step and flung it a distance from the house over a fence. We hoped|that they had turned their attention to the uprooting of the docks, but such work does not come within the meaning of the "Larrikin's Act."

"We have been requested by Mr Joseph Noyer, waterman, to correct an expression in our yesterday's report of Petty Sessions. Therein our reporter has described Mr Noyer as "Joe, the Portuguese man-o'-war's man," who feels aggrieved. We certainly do not see any thing disparaging in the charge of of having served imder his Lusitanian Majesty ; but as Mr Noyer did not so serve, and as he comes from the Western Isles, and not the Mainland, he objects to bearing honors to which he does not lay claim. The expression " Portuguese man-o'-war's man," therefore, was improper, and was applied by our reporter, we believe, without supposing that it could be regarded as objectionable.

The erection of the telegraph between Manukau Heads and Drury is proceeding satisfactorily. Mr Archard (of the firm of Archard & Brown), the contractor, has been superintending the work for some time past. The heaviest portion of the job ccnsists of the erection of atelegraph station on Manukau Heads, the whole of the timber and material having to be drawn on sleighs a distance of seven miles. The Taranaki arrived this morning in the Manukau, with a large quantity of material, which will enable the contractors to proceed with the work with out delay, so that before many weeks telegraphic communication with the Manukau heads will be accomplished.

The following is an official return of the nationalities of officers now serving in the British Army in different arms of the service : — Household Cavalry, 64 English; 11 Scotch ; 15 Irish. Cavalry of the line, 605 English,; 81 Scotch ; 161 Irish. Royal Horse Artillery, 212 English; 30 Scotch ; 27 Irish. Royal Artillery, 1,088. English; 104 Scotch; 196 Irish." Royal Engineers, 424' English; 52 Scotch; 124 Irish; Foot Guards, 201 Eng lish ;30 Scotch ;15 Irish. Infantry of the Line, 3,357 English • GOS Scotch; 1,163 Irish. Army Service Corps—no returns. Army Hospital Corps, 1 English. Total, 5,932 English ; 813 Scotch ; 1,711 Irish.

The Wanganui Chronicle of the 24th in stant says :—The continued drought is being severely felt all over the country, and more especially in the Rantikei district, where the cattle are beginning to show unmis-

takably the want of water. As an instance of one of the effects, of which we have been informed, a day or two since a flock of some 400 sheep were met going at full speed along the main line of road in search of water, and were with difficulty driven back to their owner's station. We hear of water being so scarce at Marton that it is fetching Is a bucket, and that one settler is paying no less than 50 shillings a day for the necessary supply for domestic purposes and for the uce of his home stock. Mr Bevaen, who has a large underground tank at Marton, has hitherto liberally allowed his friends and neighbours access to it, but has at last been compelled to place it under lock and key to protect himself against the effects of the famine.

We (Dunedin Star) have received a sample of the Bay of Islands coal brought by the Margaret Campbell. From the slight experi ment we have been able to make upon its quantities we should think it superior to any thing yet produced in quantity in New Zealand. It burns readily, is bitumaos, and forms a cinder. We are glad to see that pressure has caused so much attention to be given to our coal fields.

A deputation, consisting of His Worship the Mayor and Councillor Prime, waited on His Honor the Superintendent on behalf of the City Council this morning with reference to the Ligar Canal nuisance, and the en forcing of tolls from the Council when procuring road metal-from Mount Eden. The subject of the disputed ownership 'of the old Supreme Court property, and the liability to rectify the nuisance arising from the canal at this spot, was discucsed. The Mayor suggested that some arrangement should be entered into for the transfer of the property to the city. The interview ter minated, however, without any definite result. The Wanganui Chronicle of the 24th inst. has the following particulars of the fire at Mr Lethbridge's woolshed : We regret to announce that a most destructive fire broke out in Mr Lethbridge's woolshed on Sunday. The shed, in which was, a large quantity, of lambs' wool, a valuable theshing and winnowing machine, a large quantity of oats and potatoes, a new wool-press valued at £150, and other farm implements, was totally destroyed,' together with its valuable contents, which are said to have been fully worth £2,000. The fire is supposed to be the work of an incendiary, and the Turakina police have arrosted a-; man named James Dunkley on suspicion of having had some thing to, do , with,"it. Mr Lethbridge was not insured, ancl the' loss will therefore fall heavily upon him. The building was nearly Consumed before Mr .'Lethbridge) became aware of its' being on fire, so that nothing could done to save either it or its contents. We .believe, that. >the tracks of a man were traced up to the building and then away from it in a circuitous direction, as if the ! person making them had been anxious to avoid observation. Dunkley, whojhad been! knocking about drinking, submitted very; ■quietly to, arrest, at the same time stajting he was .perfectly, innocent of the crime laid jr>| his charge. It is to be hoped that whoever the, guilty party may be1 he will be brought to'justice and severely punished, as the crnnei is one of the most henious on the statute-book. We sincerely sympathise with/Mr Lethbridge, j who by his unfortunate disaster has lost as! above stated £2,000.

The Wellington Independent,^ of the 11th! instant, says'that the rate of juvenile mor-j tality in Wellington duringthe last few weeks; has been unusually heavy, and that nothing! but a wholesome and decided change of weather;: will be likely to counteract the1, tendency of low fever, which is now so' prevalent. In one street alone, on Te' Aro Flat, there have been five deaths during a few days, and there is much reason' to believe that contaminated wells i and filth' and cesspools have been the cause. The Independent urges the City Councillors td take action, and asks that body "Are they ' waiting to see ; the beach blocked with funerals before they take the hint to attend what they ought to have attended to ere this?" The sporting editor ofgthe Leader gives the Dunedin Jockey Club some advice. He remarks, " Those going from Victoria would have to submit to one drawback : that of not knowing their handicap weights before they had incurred the expense of the voyage, which would do more to deter those inclined to a spec than any other thing. If the Dunedin Jockey Club really wantj us they must rectify this another time."

,At the Board of Education, yesterday, Mr King waited on the Board to urge the estab lishment of a superior kind of school for the Newmarket and Remuera districts". The members of the Board decided that they could only provide elementary education. Parents desiring superior education for their children could pay for it. It was agreed to grant £100 for a male teacher and £50 for a female teacher for the Parnell school. Regarding the application for teachers for the Newton district, it was determined to grant £175 a year for each teacher until the 30th of June. The Eev. Dr. Wallis stated that two school-houses could be obtained for a nominal, rental of £2G a year, from the Rev. Dr. Bruce and Mr Aitken. A sum of £200 was appropriated for the Tararu dis trict. It was agreed that only first-class certificated teachers be employed for schools containing over 100 children, and second class teachers shall only be employed subject to their obtaining first-class certificates in twelve months.

During the December quarter of 1872 137,515 telegrams were forwarded through the department, the cash revenue received for their transmission being £9,762 7s Gd. This shows an increase of 39,871 telegrams, and £2,952 15s in the receipts upon the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

The curtain at the City Hall will rise this evening at a quarter to eight o'clock, when the newly-constituted company of Serenaders will appear in full costume, duly equipped and toned for the entertainment.

■ The subscription, amounting to £1 10s, towards the Ponsonby road bugle, has been handed over by Mr W. F. Hammond to the treasurer of the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children, as the embryo juvenile Cadet Corps for which it was intended died ere it reached maturity.

I The lumpers held their first financial quarterly meeting at the Thames Hotel last evening, Mr J. S. Niccol in the chair. The balance-sheet for the quarter ending March 25 was read and adopted. The Association has received during the quarter in subscriptions, &c, £S1 16s fid ; and expended in the same period for printing, &c, £10 Is, leaving a balance in hand of £65 15s 6d. Several new members were proposed,' when a vote pi thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting. !

i The rebuilding of the Government build ings, Shortland -street and Fort-street, is proceeding under the direction of Mecsrs Philcox and Bartley, contractors. The contract price, is £10,820, with extras allowed for stone work. The work is to be com •pleted in seventeen months.

The Auckland Amateur Serenaders will make' their first appearance' before sin Auckland public to-night, at the City Hall The performance will be for the benefit of

the widow of the late G. L. Low, and will consist of prologue, chair performance, dances, ballads, character song 3, negro-

sketches, jigs, songs and dances, and a farce. The entertainment is under the dis tinguished patronage of the Odd Fellows of the' Auckland district, and we hope to see a good attendance. The object is a worthy one.

We observe that Messrs Fred Loverock and Co. will finally close their drapery establish ment on the sth proximo, previous to which they are holding a clearing out sale. Their stock is being disposed of at an, "alarming sacrifice." It is notified that on and after the 31st instant Messrs Hill and Fenton, hat manu facturers, will patronise the early closing movement by closing their establishment at six o'clock each evening, except Saturday.

The Wellington correspondent of a Christ church paper writes :—By the way, I may mention that Sir George Bowen has recom mended Mr Vogrl to the Home Government for knighthood, and as such reccommenda tions are usually complied with, I suppose in due time we shall have to speak of Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., unless indeed the Home Government deem it right to wait until the fruits of the Public Works policy and Mr Vogel's system of finance are developed.

The Coromandel Mutual Improvement Society shewed signs of life o.n Monday evening, and several friends gave readings from Macaulay and other poets. On the next meeting night Mr Whitaker will open the question in the afJirmati%re, "Is it desirable to introduce Chinese labour into the colony of New Zealand ? " The Thames ! Debating Class, it appears, closed with Mr ; Smith's abundant essay on "The Origin of Creation." The Onehunga Institute is languishing for the want of intellectual aliment. The members have had nothing since the "Poetry of Common Life." The Auckland debaters are about to rise from their summer slumbers, like Phrenix from i the ashes, and deal finally with the Educa tion Act.

It appears we are not to have the pleasure of Mr Hoskins and Miss Colville's society for some time to come. These artists have been staying at Napier, and contemplated coming on to Auckland, but have since come to the conclusion, and we think rightfully so, that in order to appear before the public success fully they must be supported by other talent. As there is nothing beyond amateur talent now available in this city they have determined to forgo their visit, at least for the present. '■ ! Mi" Hoskins has made arrrtnge ments to appear with Miss Florence Colville, at the Theatre Royal, Wellington, in con junction with Miss, Clara Stephenson, and other well-known artistes. A succession of comedies, burlesques, and sensational dramas will be produced during a season of one month, the subscription for which is : Drees circle three guineas, and stalls two guineas. It is not unlikely that the dramatic bomp'any may eventually pay Auckland a visit " should sufficient inducement offer." ,

The 'Post says that there arrived by the Forfarshire from England a confirmed lunatic, one of whose fancies is for a straight waist coat, which he says is a most comfortable garment,; and whenever he is violent putting it on him soothes him at once, and he grate fally informs, his keeper that he 'had placed a; million to his credit at. the, bank., From his conduct there is a: little doubt .that he hasj been under restraint on board the ship, and) in .all probability he was mad when he em barked. , ... . ,

The sanitary condition of ; Colonial bank-; notes is again the subject of remark. Says! the Fimaru Herald ,:-r-It would be well, wej thinks for the,,, convenience ,and for the; noses of the public if the various banks doing business in the colony, would make, a more frequent issue of notes than that which now obtains. At present, having to dej much duty, some of the notes get exceedingly worn, and from numerous pockets they from time to time find a resting place in get an odour the reverse of pleasant. !

The Provincial Government of Canterbury seemsfto|use a digger's phrase, to be "making its pile." Recently it invited tenders from the banks at Christchuroh for the privilege of keeping its account, and the tender of the Bank of New Zealand was accepted. :_ Con! sequently a few day ago the provincial accont was removed thither from the Bank of Australasia. The account, says the Lyttelton Times, amounted in round number^ to £225,000.

The anniversary of the Mount Eden Sunday-school was held last evening in the school-room. There was a very good attend ance. The Rev.' Mr Cornford spoke upon the importance and responsibility of the teachers' work, and called upon Mr Brooks to- read the report, which shewed that the average number of children attending the Sunday-school was fifty-nine, that the library contains thiee hundred and forty-one vols., and the balance-sheet shewed a small amount in favour of the school. Addresses were given by the Rev. G. H. Turner, Messrs Glanville, Ewington, Hemus, and Wood. The choir sang several anthems under the able leader ship of Mr Bloomfield, and a pleasant evening was passed.

The Carandinis were announced to play at Nelson on Monday last. Miss Aitken is giving readings in Nelson.

The members of the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Edwardes-street, held their twenty second anniversary last evening. A good tea was pi-ovided, which gave ample satisfac tion to 255 persons of various sizes. At the conclusion of this agreeable repast the friends adjourned to the Chapel, where the meeting was held, the Eev. C. Waters presiding. Addresses were delivered by the rev. Chair man, and Messrs Smith, McKerras, and Booth, on matters connected with the Church. Between the speeches several hymns were sung, and the general business closed with the bendiction.

The workmen are proceeding rapidly with the outer alterations of St. Matthew's Church; the shingling is finished, the tower framed, and the ° bell is in its true position. The minister—the Eev. David Jones —is slowly recovering from his protracted indisposition, and we trust by the time the repairs are completed that the rev. gentleman will be able to resume his ministerial duties.

Mr Mathews concluded a very successful management at the Gaiety Theatre, London, and, on the evening of his last performance, he addressed the audience as follows : — "Ladies and gentlemen, —It is so long that I have been deprived of the pleasure _of addressing you that I have not been willing to forego the privilege of saying a few words on the'last night of my present engagement. I have a thorisand things I should like to tell you, but it would take too long. Since wo parted I have played before, the gold diggers of Australia, the diamond miners of California, the buffalo hunters of the Far West, and the darkies of the Sandwich Islands. At the latter place I played one night by command, and in the presence of bis Majesty Kame-hame-ha, King of the Cannibal—l beg his pardon—of the Sandwich Islands (I was mixing him up with Hoky Poky Wonky Fong); a sable potentate weighing, 'about seventeen stone, before a black, brown, and whitey-brown multitude till lately cannibals, who showed their white teeth, grinning and enjoying ' Patter versus Clatter.' And, after all these feats, here I am once more, safe and sound, in our old jos-trot world, or, as I believe it is the right thing to say, 'on my native heath.' (Cheers.) "But I must confine myself at present to the expression of my cordial thanks.for the brilliant .attendance, I have been favoured with night after night for the last ten weeks, and,the, warm and friendly reception I have experienced. It is worth a trip round the world to be honoured by so hearty a welcome .on one's return. (Cheers.) I have been three years away from England —time enough to have been easily forgotten —and it is gratifying to find that I am still remembered, and, what is better still, capable of eliciting the same old tokens of approbation from the public. (Applause.) Were that public the same that witnessed my first appearance on the stage I might attribute their applause? to ,their kindly feelings of old associations, and conclude that they looked upon my present efforts indulgently in consideration of our long acquaintanceship. But it is no longer the same public ; another generation has sprung up since I made my debut, and it is therefore most agreeable to me to believe that any amusement the more youthful portion of the audience may derive from my personations is afforded by my present powers, and not caused by the revival of old associations. (Hear, hear.) To find myself within a stone's throw of seventy years of age, permitted still to assume .characters of twenty-five, and tolerated in the same lively parts I played nearly forty years ago, I cbn sider'not only a srreat compliment to myself indi vidually, but to the vitality of the comedies it has been my aim to interpret. (Great cheering.) In this age of sensation it is con soling to find that these slight pieces are still attractive in spite of the total absence of scenic effects, break-downs, topical songs, or a display of legs. (Laughter.) When I see fashionable young swells and elegant girls of j the period sitting quietly and attentively for three hours enjoing a hearty laugh, I confess I feel nattered. (Hear, hear.) With my ! own contemporaries,, many of whom I am happy to see, are still faithful adherents, it is a different thing. We have grown old together, and look with mutual, indulgence at our respective bald heads; but my new and younger friends have no such considera tions, and are swayed only'by their present impressions, and, not • influenced by kindly recollections. They look upon me, I hope, as a Irving reality, and not merely as a curious old fossil, dug up from> some, Chaldrean ruin —(great laughter)—while myearlier acquaint ances are able, I trust, to say, 'There is life in the old horse still.' (Cheers.) I will only add, ladies and geutlemen, tliat as long as I continue to afford you amusement so long will I endeavour to promote it; but, I pro-< mise you, that the moment I feel conscious 1 of decay I will at once retire from the stage, and will not inflict upon you the Tnelancholy spectacle of a light comedian upon crutches; (Hear, hear, and cries of ' May yoii for ever have a leg of your own.') This is a purely egotistical speech, I am aware ; but I couldn't help it—l drifted into it without premedita tion ; and, as I have for so many years been in the habit of telling you all my joys and sorrows, I have ~ merely resumed, my old : gossiping practice. I have, chosen this occasion; to express to you my sincere gratitude for ] the brilliant engagement I have just con- i eluded. Allow me, therefore, ladies and \ gentleme'nj to thJahkyou a thousand times! for your many kindness, and to say au revoir." I The occupiers of, pit, stalls, and. boxes here! stood up, ■ and ,Mr Mathew's Retired with I thunders of applause, cheering, and waving j of handkerchiefs.— JEra, December 15. : . The Nelson of the sth, in a witty | leading1 article, " chaffs" Mr Joseph'Shephardj in a merciless fashion upon his, present awk ward predicament, swinging about between the two sides in politj.es, and unable tp grasp ;th'e golden fruit. T8.9 Exavtine'r begins its! remarks . thus :—" Mr Joseph , ShephardJ member for the Waimea district, has attained] a position of great distinction in our politics i we may say a perfectly unique position.] Within.a period of about six months he haaj be'en a principal agent in destroying the Ministries, and can almost boast with Coriolanus, ' Alone I did it !' This great feat has not been accomplished,by the power of scorching eloquence, nor by the production of any' masterly policy of his own, but by a clear perception of the commanding value of a central position on the political see-saw, and a felm but modest resolve to adopt and use that position—always, of course, for the ' good of mankind and his constituents."

The proposed meeting of the shareholders of the Vulcan Gold Mining Company (limited), which was announced to take place to-day, lapsed for want of a quorum.

During the year 1873, 79,944 gallons of spirits distilled in New Zealand were received into bonded warehouses. 34,606 gallons were taken out of bond, 27 gallons for expor tation, and remainder for home comsumption. 56,153 gallons remained in bond on the 31st December.

The promotion of Mr Benzoni in the Civil Service, reported by telegragh a few days ago, is thus alluded to by the Wellington Independent: — "A separate department having been created for lands, and immi gration, Mr Elliott, formerly chief clerk of the Public Works office, was appointed to the new office. The vacancy thus created should, and indeed might very properly, have been supplied from amongst the perma nent officers of the staff. But by some occult process a person was appointed over the heads of the whole of the stafr who had no possible claim to the office. Mr Benzoni —that, we believe, is the name of the fortunate individual referred to —was a clerk in that extraordinary department pre sided over by Mr—or, as he is now known, Colonel Gorton—a department which we have no hesitation in saying could be well managed by a quartermaster-sergeant at a salary of half that paid to the officer who now employs his time in stamping the broad arrow upon all and sundry of the goods and chattels the property of the Government of New Zealand. Mr Benzoni was an assistant to the store-keeper, but it shortly became evident that the only work that the Brander-in-Chief—Colonel Gorton had to do could not possibly be considered of so much importance as to make it necessary that he should have an assistant. And the irons were put in the fire accordingly, and the result is that a flagrant breach of faith has been committed by the Government in its relations to its servants, which can have no other effect than that of promoting dis organization throughout the whole Civil Service. Of course this matter must be brought before the Assembly, and it is likely that it will provoke an enquiry as to the necessity of preserving an office which could be very well managed by a common police man, but which at present demands, the Service of a live colonel, and Heaven knows how many more subordinates.

W<i(Otago Daily Times) understand that theEngineer-in-Chief, Mr Carruthers, accom panied by Messrs Blair and Brunton, District Engineers, made a tour of inspection yester day along the Clutha line of railway. The works, we are informed, are progressing very fairly, and 360 men are at present employed. Great exertions are required to push on the Chain Hills section, connecting with the tunnel, simultaneously with the other por tions. This important part of the line presents many obstacles, which, however, it is expected will soon be overcome. Prepara tions are being made for an early start on the Moeraki line. Plant is being sent up, and within ten days the work will be opened up. Mr Carruthers has also given instructions to carry on vigorously the work on the Wood lands section of the Mataura line.

A London correspondent writes :—Sir Roger is still before the public, but in the eyes of the respectables he is daily losing cast ; yet on the whole he has not much to complain of, and no doubt finds Harley Lodge and a good income a better claim than his old quarters at Wagga Waggu. Eoger does not get on well with his friends, and only that, perhaps, I believe in him, I might hint that the people he gets mixed np with are not exactly the people to be proud of. A short time since he was in difficulties at Bow-street with a cigar dealer, who had undertaken the part of judicious showman ; the latter did not figure to advantage when questioned. Then there was a dispute about money boxes. Then the secretary to his fund collapses, and seeks that refuge of the shady ones, the Insolvency Court. But in spite of all Eoger is irrepressible, and the aid of no less a person than the Vice-Chancellor is in voked to restrain the corpulent claimant from breaking a contract with one Nugent. Eoger agreed with Nugent that in considera tion of £60 a week to be paid to the defence fund, £25 a week to Roger, and all travelling and hotel expenses paid, Roger was to attend meetings promoted by Nugent. All went well for a time ; but at length "Roger went on what vulgar people call his own hook. Nugent went to to the Vice-Chancellor, whose usually quiet coiirt was scandaliced by a shouting mob, dismissed the application for an injunc tion. Next to being the real, undoubted, and genuine "Roger," it appears to be next best to live in clover for years, with a clear £25 a week to travel about the country and I all expenses paid. The settlement of the dis puted estates seems as far off as ever, and Roger, if he plays his cards moderately well, lis free of all charge for board and lodging for ;the term of his natural life. Another com plication in his tangled skein is brought : about by the death of the hon. Lady Doughty, the mother of Mrs, Radcliffe. The dyjng ! depositions of this poor old lady were takjen, and she was subjected to crocs-examination by Mr Sergeant Sleigh and Mr,, Horace Brown. These proceedings occupied fully three hours, and they will, when produced at the forthcoming trial, only serve to increase confusion. One thing Lady Doughty was clear about—she denies that the claimant is the true Sir Roger. Mr Whalley and Mr Onslow, are still faithful to the claimant, and Mr Onslow, at a meeting recently held, pro duced a collar received from a person who found it in New South Wales in 1862, marked with Tichborne's name in permanent ink— size 16, and alleged to be the identical collar ih: which Tichborne was saved from the Bella: Now that collar business may be all right, and I have too good an opinion of New South Wales to doubt the genuineness of any com munication from that quarter—but what wag has done this. It is really a very good joke ; but I fear, to use a 'commonplace saying, it won't wash. Could somebody send us a bacca-box marked with his name. The same collar he had when he left the Bela? and a 16. • The joke is overdone, and there we will leave it. .: ;

Montague Cooksori— : in a remarkable article on " The Morality of Married Life," publisWd" in the Fortnightly Review of October .Ist, 1872—has expressed an un favorable opinion on the hotbed system of education for children, which he declares to be " little short of ruinous. " Can any thing, 1' he says,; "be more baneful to boys of ten or twelve'years of age than to compel tkem to endure competitive examinations, in 1 all sorts of subjects, with, which it is impossible' that they can have any real acquaintance ? Yet this is what is required in nearly all Qur public schools before a boy can enter there; and every year scores of mere children are turned away overwhelmed with surprise at the exceeding bitterness of their first .rebuff in life. It is strange that a boy should, have to be crammed before he is taught, but; this is now the recognised plan ; and as complete an organisation exists for the one purpose as for the other. 'No wonder that the double process of mauufacture is found to injure the raw material; and that whilst prigs and pedants are turned out by the gross, thick|with honours in more senses thaja, one, the rest are treated as of no account, or else cast aside as failures, like Beau Brummel's crimpled cravats,"

SUPREME COURT.-THIS DAY.

SITTINGS IN BAlfC 0'

(Before His Honor Judge Job 0*5

AXfiUS V. HEWIK. . This was an application for t& nisi tor a neMr trmitaW, instructed ft^ ott Meyer, appeared in support cf *he.*pplu» 10The case arose out of the displ^ boun daries of a piece of land at Kawaetanga. It was claimed by the plaintiff that* certain 'piece of land, upon which defeat had built a house, was comprised Wit1 ™i a lease held by him, and that the defend** should therefore be ejected. The whol< question turned upon the correctness of snfeys. At , the first trial the jury brought if verdict for the defendant. Mr Whitaker now applied for anew trial, on the ground that the verdict ** against the weight of evidence. He ad*ssed the Court at considerable length, that the alleged discrepancy be^een the evidence of Mr Allen, the surveor, called on behalf of the plaintiff, and Mr Dudley Eyre, called for the defiant, was cleared up by another portion ojtus testi mony, and that the evidence of botlmirveyors was all one way With reg*< to the alteration of the deed a new trial for on three grounds. Firstly, »t it trie alteration to the deed was materU to tne estate having been once vested the detraction of the deed by alteration would noteffect the possession of the estate itself. Secodly, that the alteration was not material; aa thirdly, that the deed was not under tWßontrol of the plaintiff when the alteration IAB made. His Honor reserved judgment urtl Friday, intimating that in the meantime he would ascertain whether the Chief Jfice, whq tried the case, was satisfied with He verdict of the jury. , WHITAKER AND LUKDON y./SAHAM.'^ This was'an argument on demurer, arising out of the" disputed title to ftnwaeranga\ No 14. ' -/ • "^ '- Mr Whitaker appeared for MesssWhitaker andLundon, and Mr MacCormi'k and Mr Hesketh for Mr Graham. [Left sitting.] [81 ' ■ <

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before Thomas Beckham, W-> xl.ivi.j ! DRUNKENNESS. Three persons were chargec with this offence, and dealt with as usuaL LARCENY. John Hughes was charged nth stealing two Cadets jackets and one sMi, value £3, from the Greyhound Hotel on tb 18th inst., the property of Anne Crawford. The prisoner pleaded guilty.but said he must have taken the things whie in a state of unconsciousness. He had hem drinking. The Court sentenced the prisoner to four months' imprisonment with hard labour. SAILORS. Joseph Pira and Frank indrews, on remand, were charged under the Foreign Merchant Shipping Act wife continual disobedience of lawful command on board the American ship Polar Star now lying in the Auckland harbour.

Thomas E. 'Stetson stated that he was commander of the Polar Star, ad the accused had no advance, which he would candidly acknowledge. After starting to. the voyage he was obliged to put back* Tie men went on shore without leave on Friday evening, and on Monday leturned to to the side of the ship, and reused to work until they were paid. He«told them he could not pay them until he kjsw what was to be done with the ship. Out of the men drew his knife, and witl threatening grimaces stuck it into the wood. He then, being afraid, of his life, had th^i arrested on the wharf by the police on Tu«day morning. The prisoners said the capfein refused to give them proper clothes according to agree ment.

Captain Stetson said he had offered every necessary to the men, but liey refused to take them.

His Worship said they coald not claim their discharge nor their money until the end of the yoyage, but if the ship should be condemned, they would be paid off and a passage found for them to the United States. But his Worship urged upon them the, propriety of goilg back to the Polar Star at once and woik, and they would be well-treated; if the vssel proceed? on her voyage they will be bouni to go with her. : i • 3 r , .- -■

Mr White stated that the veael would be surveyed in the course of four, weeks, and nothing would be definitely Inown until then. He thought- from the coiduct of the prisoners that it would not besafe for the i captain to take them on board; Capt. Stetson said he should* afraid of his life if he took" them on bbid, as they I had so often ithreatened him. , r •-,... - i I George Williams, chief officer <f the Polar i Star, said he gave* the pri^pners two hours' i leave on' Friday, but they did not return until Monday, when they refused to work. j His Worship asked the priso n<rs, through jan interpreter, what' they- had ti say to the I charge. ; The prisoners replied that the Polar Star I was a bad ship, and they were worked too | hard. They would like to be discharged. j Mr White said if they were' discharged i the. .master would have to pay thiee months' wages tb them in advance.- -*-* ' vfJ JE£is Worship said he should be obliged to, : commit them to prison for four -weeks yriiK hard labour. tJ' ' ir '•"'"'

This was all the business

LAND SALE.

An extensive land, sale was held this day at the auction rooms of Messrs S. Cochraiie & Son, the whole consisting of city and sub urban freehold properties belonging to Mr Patrick Darby. The lot 3 were sold without reserve. There was a very large attendanceof in vestors and land speculators showing the keen interest taken in the disposal of landed pro perty in Auckland. Previous to the commencement of the sale the intending purchasers were invited to partake of a champagne luncheon provided in a side room of -the establishment, while to those who preferred a more humble repast bread and:;cheese and a barrel of Whitson's besjfc biwwere, provided ad libitum. Bidding yas slow,, and most of the lots were knocked down as decided bargains to the purchasers. ■The following prices were realized:— Onehfnga, farm of 40 acres, bought by Mrs Boyd, for £8 per acre; Queen-street and Karangahape road, corner allotment, 73 feet frontage, bought by Mr Richer for £4 2s 6d per foot. Queen and Marmion-streets corner allotment, 48 feet 9 uitthes frontage, bought by Mr Walsh for fd 10s per foot.. Hobson-street, allotmeut lacing Governor Browne Hotel, 23 feet fron tage sold to Mr Byguire at £45 per foot. Wellesley-street, allotment at junction of Drake-street, 49 feet frontage, sold to MrE. bhortland at £4 2s 6d per foot. Sale-street, tour original allotments, 59 feet 5 inches in Montage, lot 23, bought by K. Melville, 30s per foot; lot 24, bought by J. McGrath, ,g» per foot; lot 25, bought by Mr Grace, 20s per foot; lot 26, bought by Mr Greenway, per foot • allotments in Dublin-street. 14s 25s 27a per foot j allotments in St Mary' 9

STAK, WEDNESDAY, MARC& 26,1873

THE EVENIN



DIVIDEND. :.!,;,.. Tokatea .. ■..■... .-,.—; —r . CAiLS . , . , . ,'..•■■ -,)■ i Flagship & Golden Anchor 10 Golden Calf .. .. ;0 l <?■■ Vulcan .. .. 0 1.0, El Dorado .. .. 0 10 Aurora .. .. 0 10 Golden Spur.. .. 0 0 3 VonMoltke.. ,. 0 0 3 Sappo.. .. •• 0 0 1 Key of Tokatea .. 0 0 3 Van ,J 0 6

MrcH 28 ; April 9: : ! April 9 April ,9. Aj;rU 9 April 9 April 9 April 9 ' April 9 \ ; April 9 April 12



JJ" LSON T-WIID IBCDSIS 15s. 6d. Per Paib, AT THE CITY CLOTHING MAPvT, AND AT No. 180, QUEEN STREET. SAMUEL COOMBES. GREAT REDUCTIONS FOB THREE MONTHS ONLY AT THE AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPANY, 194, queen street, Next Door to Savings' Bank. Cartes-de-visite reduced from 16s per dozen to 13s 6d. Maori Celebrities flargest stock in New Zealand to select from), reduced from 12s per dozen to 6s. Views from all parts of New Zealand reduced from 12s per dozen to 6s. Enlargements from Cartes-de-visite to Life-size, plain or beautifully finished in Oil or Water Colors, also reduced in price. Large Stock of Photographic Goods and Apparatus, Magic Lantern Slides, Stereoscopic Slides, &c, greatly reduced. J. MoGARRIGLE, Manager.