SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

morning, 0.57 !3 SV6liJlia' 955 ; to-mowo*'

ARRIVALS.

P . m ~ DEPARTURES. Governor Blackall, s B , for Kandavu Hehooner, for Wangarei The s.s. Governor Blackall took her de parture for Kandavu at G. 45 p.m. yesterday. Uie steamer was delayed till that hour owing to the Taranaki from the South, which arrived at the Manukau Heads at mid-day, not being able to get up to the Onehunga wharf till late in the afternoon. J.he barque Alice Cameron has hauled alongside one of the coal baulks in the stream to discharge her cargo of coals. The following is the list of passengers who im! vetl by the ss- Taranaki, Captain V\ heeler, from the South last evening :— ■Hon. Dr. Pollen, Mr McKelar, Mr ancTMrs Mclntosh. Mr and Mrs Glover. Mr and Mrs ■Baddley, Mrs Solomon, Mrs Cooper, Misses J-yler, Jones; Captain Jones; Messrs Anprew, Eees, Halliwell, DeVallev, Pender S7W' CamPbel1> Wri^. Digby, Hairies tH W,i? ltlj3V.Bennett, Troloop, Williamson W, George, Wilson, Spiller, Morrow feamnels, Barron, Munro, Williams, Geary, lait, Gallop, Baker; Mr and Mrs Mcßae ; and twelve in the steerage.—Combes and find Daldy, agents. _ Mr Niceol, the ownerjof the cutter Undine is not satisfied with his defeat, as the phrase runs._ pew men are satisfied with defeat, but m this case there is much reason to be lieve that the race was not decided on the merits of the boats. Under these circum stances by all means let Captain Lewis either admit that his boat won by a fluke, or else accept the challenge. The schooner Clyde left for Wangarei to daj with a general cargo and a large number ot passengers,

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs B. Tonks and Co. sold at Bruns wick Mart to-day, three allotments in Victoria-street, at L 7 ss, L 8 and LI2 per foot; 200 acres Te Eori at 10s per acre ; 120 acres Pukeki, at Gs per acre ; three acres, V\hau, at Lo per acres'; and 276 acres, Mongonui, for L2l.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING EEPOHT.

REPORT. Business done this day :— Bank of New Zealand- Buyers, £16 12s Gd. k National Bank, 53s Gd. National Insurance—Buyers, 21s; sellers, E%Aw.udnd. Gas—Buyers, £10. Sash and Door—Sellers, £S 10s. Caledonian, £11, £10 ; buyers, £10 10s. City of London, 23s ; sellers, 235. Royal Oak—Sellers, 10s. Bismarck—Sellers, 32s Gd. Tookey (double)— Buyers, £5 ss. eureka Hill—Buyers, ss. Red Queen—Sellers, Is.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mail* wilt. Closk as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5 30 p m , and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5 30p.m. For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 9.30 a.m. For Fiji, per Star of the South, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Russell, per Ocean, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per laranaki, on Monday next, at 2 p.m. (Signed) S. Is. Brss. Chiel Po>tuiastc-r.

BIRTH.

Potji.otiain".— On December IS, at her residence Union sheet, the wife (if Mr It. Roulgraiu of a son

DEATH.

Ai/nr.Y. —At Sprinff Villa, Dertwonrt, on Dec. -2'A, Marion Rhoda I!e;itrice, Infant daughter of W. ,T. W. and M. Addey.

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

TUESDAY. DECEMBER 23, 1873.

For tho cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance For the future in the distance.

And *hn enod that wo can do

Already indications of approaching Christ mas are manifesting themselves in our streets, Christmas fruit, Christmas cake, Christmas presents, and a profusion of ever greens distinguish many of the establish ments in town. According to our usual custom we shall suspend the issues of tho Star on Thursday (Christmas), and Friday (Boxing Day), in order that all our employes may participate in the general rejoicing. Advertisers desirous of securing for their announcements the wide publicity afforded by the Star must send them in to-morrow. The pressure of advertisements on our columns is so great at present that announcements intended for insertion to morrow night should be sent in at as early a period of the day as possible in order to pre vent disappointment to advertisers by the non-publication of their notices.

The important efforts now being made to improve and extend New Zealand's steam services are worthy of attention, and, although started in the South, the companies whose prospectuses are before the public should not be neglected by our captalists. The New Zealand Steam Shipping Com pany, which has hitherto supplied the coastal trade of the colony, announces its intention to increase its capital to £150,030 in order to purchase other first-class steamers, and it is reported that the directors are ne gotiating for the purchase of McMeckan, Blackwood and Co.s fine fleet. This step would secure to the colony a very large trade which has hitherto been held by Mel bourne merchants, and would greatly enhance the mercantile status of the colony. The Union Steamship Company, initiated in Dunedin, contemplates the establishment of additional coastal faci lities, and already arrangements have been made for taking over .one or two minor services, including the Dunedin Harbour Company's business, the Local Com pany having agreed to accept 7,500 shares in payment for the steamers compos ing their present fleet. The manager of that company is also to assume the direction of the Union. These enterprizes point to a way in which Aucklarld capital might be profitably employed in supplying existing trades. Steam communication between this port and Australia and other places beyond the limits of the province is wholly supplied by foreign capital, while money lies idle in our banks, and its possessors complain of the limited field for investment. There is an utter lack of commercial enterprise among the majority of our capitalists, who would rather bury their money than invest in anything except mortgages and land, per sistently closing their eyes to the many fields which commercial men of other co lonies develope with magnificent profit to themselves.

The Maori boy, Wynyard, who had his arm torn off by the machinery at Messrs Fraser and Tinne's flax mill, Kaihu, died at the hospital to-day. He had been playing during the dinner hour with, one of the machines when his arm became entangled, and was wrenched completely off near the shoulder. The wound was at once bandaged up, and the boy brought into the hospital without loss of time. Yesterday it was found necessary to amputate the shattered limb dose to the shouder. The operation was performed, but proved too much for the feeble condition of the suffering boy. He gradually sank and died yesterday evening. The lad bore his frightful sufferings with great fortitude and patience. At the inquest, which was conducted before the coroner, Dr Philson, to-day, several persons gave evi dence, and a verdict of " Accidental Death" was returned.

The committee and secretary.' of the Mechanics' Institute exhibition have been most indefatigable in their exertions to moke it a great success, and with the view of having the hall in. perfect order for the opening on Boxing Day they m'ge upon intending exhibitors to send in their ex hibits not later than Wednesday evening. His Worship the Mayor has kindly consented to preside at the opening, and his Honor the Superintendent will lend his countenance and support to this laudable undertaking We learn that invitations have been sent to the founders of the Mechanics' Institute and to other leading citizens who have shewn by their actions that they are not indifferent to the moral and social progress of the people of this city and. pro vince. A catalogue of the exhibits will be prepared and sold at a price within the reach of the many. Among the various mechanical improvements to be shown will be some symmetrical donkey-engines ; also some samples of cast-iron ore, with fire clays— these latter from the Miranda mines, in the possession of Messrs Eraser and Tinne. The General Government will also contribute a telegraphic apparatus, models of boats and yachts will moreover be brought over from the slumbrous shores of the Waitemata, and possibly some of our local artists may consent to adorn the walls with .reflec tions of local scenery. A model steam-engine has been presented by Captain Balls, of the City of Auckland. Not the least interesting portion of the exhibition will be the large and curious collection of photographs of natives and scenery of the islands of the Pacific, belonging to Mr Wood, and taken from life and nature during a cruise in the yacht Jessie Nieeol. We need Say no more at present than express our con viction that the Mechanics' Institute exhibi tion will be pleasing and elevating, and show that the Ancklanders are not only a pleasure loving, but a practical and progressive people.

The moral results to the province of the late cricketers' tou? to the South have un doubtedly been grc.it. The wide-spread opinion in the Southern. Island that Auck land was a kind of Ultima, Thule of the colony has been rudely disturbed. The Otagans and Ganterbuiyans, not to mention the Wellingtonians and Nolsonites, have, ac tually realised the fact that the "province "with a climate and nothing else " can bestir herself on an emergency and do something. The saying runs that a man has only to be called a fool often enough to believe he is one. Tn like manner the good people of Auck land before the departure of the team could not bring themselves to the belief than an eleven of their own province could bo of any use. It was the old thing can any good thing come out of Nazareth '.' The difference which i.s now observable in the degree of self-respect which Auckland provincial possess is re markable. 11 is satisfactory to perceive that honor i.s being done to the game that has brought honor to the province. Jn witness to the higher estimation in which the game i.s now held throughout the country districts we may take the letter of " Settler," Dairy Flat, which appears in the Cross this morning. The writer, after starting by saying that tho district was beginning to rouse itself from the monotony which had aurrounded it, goes on to say that lately the settlers have " decided to meet together and conduct public worship among themselves," and have also started a crickeb club. The letter then proceeds to refer to politics and other minor matters, such as roads, &c, Church, cricket, politics, roads. Cricket evidently ranks high down in Dairy Flat. May it always do ho. While on this subject we see that a work is shortly to be published by one of the team embodying the trip and its attendant incidents. The volume will be looked for eagerly, and read «ith interest.

The members of the Auckland Stock and Mining Association have agreed to close their offices from the 2uth hist, to the 3rd January, inclusive.

We have a curiosity hi tailoring at our office the equal of which we defy Mr Samuel Cooinbes or any other city tailor to produce. The article has done duty as trousers, and the original material of which they were com posed is distinguishable here and there like an oasis amid a desert of rags. Joseph's coat had scarcely, wo should imagine, so many pieces, and certainly did not exjiibit such a peculiarly ingenious species of dovetailing as this garment does. It has been constantly worn for twenty-four years by the owner, a Portuguese, who lives, or rather exists, on the island of Waiheke. This man is a kind of hermit, cut off by las habits from all his kind. He has a little plotof ground near the seashore, on which he principally grows beans. Unfortunately his stock of this nutritive but not particularly delicate food has run short this season, and the old recluse is likely to die of starvation. A kind hearted person who saw the miser able plight of f.his wretched being has given him a pair of trousers, and brought liis old ones to the Star, where they are now on view. As rents were made, and the material suc cumbed to constant wear, patches chiefly of canvass were substituted, and the trousers are now the most extraordinary article in the bush millinery line that wo have ever seen. The donor of the new trousers is anxious to obtain a blanket and one or two other necessary articles for the poor old Portu guese, and he solicits small subscriptions towards that object, which may be left at the Star office. A pound or two will set the unfortunate man in a more comfortable way, and will remove what is at present a disgrace to civilization and Christianity.

Our contemporary the Herald this morn ing has got the bull by the tail. It is about the Empowei'ing Act passed last week. The intention is good, but the writer has evi dently forgotten the story as told him by the Mayor, and has got things wrong-side up. What Mr Philips asked him for a puff about was the Mechanics' Institute Site Sale Act, but in the multitude of business he has substituted the Empowering Act, which was for a grant in aid of the Education Board. The writer meaning evidently the Sale Act says "the thanks of the members of the Mechanics' Institute are due to their presi dent, his Worship the Mayor, for the prompt measures taken by him in securing the passing of the Bill.'" We should be thankful for small mercies always, but in this case the thankfulness may with safety be as his Worship the Mayor had nothing to do with the Bill. Surely the < Mayoral nostrils must be hungering for incense when material such ag the Sale Act must be used up for the purpose of supply.

Caoutchouc, the hairless horse, attracted a large number of visitors again yesterday, including a goodly number of the "knowing ones," who were most minute in their examination of the animal. There can be no doubt, however, that the peculiar appearance presented is a freak of nature. Caoutchouc is one of the most extraordinary freaks of nature ever witnessed. He will likely prove a great attraction at the forthcoming races, where he will be exhibited in a large marquee. Ho will remain on exhibition to-day and to morrow in Victoria-street, close to Queen-

street,

On and after the first of January the Arms Licensing Department will be under the management of Mr Inspector Thomson, of the Armed Constabulary, who has been ap pointed licensing officer. v

The Auckland Rowing Club met last night, and elected Mr T. Henderson, juur., cap* tain, vice Mr B. Provo, resigned. Two crews', were also selected to compete in the Thames regatta on Monday next. As yet little has been done in aquatic matters this season, and we hope the Rowing and Yacht Clubs will initiate some movement with the object of infusing new life into this branch of sport. Cricket and the turf have each shewn increased activity this season, and the amount of success that has rewarded their efforts proves that the public are not so destitute of the love of good English sport as they have been charged with. There is, we believe, a greater readiness on the part of the people of Auckland to respond to anything nautical than to sport of j any other class, and a boating revival would j doubtless be secured if the people were appealed to in the right way, and yachting and boating really popularised, which they arc not at present. The Canterbury inter provincial regatta should not again pass by without Auckland being represented at it. As in the late cricket torn1, Auckland and the rJ bames .should unite in securing the best men of the province, and in defraying the necessary cost of the ex pedition. That petty spirit of jealousy ■ which for a time manifested itself between j the two chief centres of population in this ■ province has happily been sunk in eonnec j tion with several sporting movements lately, ; and boating is one of those matters in which each district can well afford to lay aside all rivalry in order to maintain the'reputation j of the province against all opponents. ; Clourlay's new curiosity shop and exhibi ; tion of wonders of art and nature received a t goodly share of public patronage in the I course of yesterday. We have so often re foiral to this unique and picturesque collect ! tion in the City Hall that we need do little ■ more than state that the time is near at j hand when the opportunity for enjoying a : very rare treat will have passed away." A great number of persons visited the I hairless horse yesterday, and evinced much i interest in this remarkable animal. We ; learn that this line specimen of a horse will be shewn at Ellerslie during the races, where I no doubt he will meet with a very favorable i reception. His present quarters are more ! adapted for the display of his magnificent i proportions than his former place at the coiner of West Queen-street. The Bell-ringers in the Lorne-.street Hall last night met with an enthusiastic reception, and Hie ballads and melodies were of a choice description. The "Copenhagen Waltz/ "Campbells are Coming,'' "Home, Sweet Home," and other representative airs were performed with clearness and precision. Mr Vcrten was agairr successful with his songs. The humourous and sentimental are judici ously blended in the boll-ringers admirable entertainment, and is continually winning popular favor. The petty robberies of the season have commenced at Dedwood, and within the last seven or eight days gardens have been reft of roses and pea*s. One clothes-lino was found to contain one lady's under garment less in the evening than it held at midday. A cottage chest of drawers was not stable enough to secure twelve notes from the tint'crs 'if the wily thief who took them. A cupboard (ouside) was broken open and. seven pounds of bacon and two pots of Tasmanian jam disappeared. We hope Detective Jeff rey will .soon be able to take his walks abroad among the solitudes of picturesque Dedwood. A meeting was held at the Occidental Hotel last night for the purpose of forming 'a Tattercall's Club for Auckland. Mr W. J. Marks occupied llie chair. The idea met with general favour, and oflicers Mere at once appointed. Mr K. .J. Ellis was elected secretary, and Mr Perkins treasurer of the new Chili. The subscription was fixed at half-a-guinea, ami the Victorian Tattersall's rules were adopted. The shoemaker's shop belonging to Mr Campbell had a narrow escape from destruc tion last night. Between eight and nine Mr Gardner's maid discovered from the Wharf Dining-rooms a quantity of smoke issuing from Mr Campbell's shop. She at once gave j the alarm, and Fire .Superintendent Asher ; and Sergeant Baker, with their usual vigi | lance, were promptly on the spot. The door j was immediately burst open, and one corner ;of the shop found to be on fire. With the aid of the people and a quantity of buckets j of water the fire was extinguished before it j had got too much hold on the building. Search was made as to the cause of the fire but without effect. Owing to the timely cry of the little maid, and the prompt action of Superintendent Asher and Sergeant Baker, a large amount of damage has been averted. The Electric Star Variety Troupe give a performance to-morrow (Wednesday) even ing at Onehunga, when a first-class enter tainment will be provided. The manager (Mr W. H. Sewell) in his selection has very judiciously consulted all tastes, so that young and old may be equally satisfied. One of the passengers who arrived by the Taranaki yesterday is Mr McKellar, the late Collector of Customs here in Auckland. Mr Mc.Kellar will resume his old post for a few weeks till the arrival of Mr Hill, the new collector from Dunedin. On Christmas eve the Diamond combina tion company will give a grand Christmas entertainment in Papakura Hall. A host of other talent has been engaged, and a first class band provided for the occasion. We see by the announcement that Messrs Montague and Fox, names which have an historical reputation, will appear. These gentlemen are known as the " Glogographi calists and Dancemen." (See Billings' Diet. Vol. 6.) The renowned Willy Armstrong, vocalist and negro delineator, and the Brothers Hunter, cornet duetists ; Horace and Morton will also invade Papakura Hall on Christmas eve, and assist in convulsing ; the whole settlements with fits of laughter, and restoring the senses to their sober func tions by the sweet powers of music and song, and a quadrille party. The share-list of the Standard Insurance Company will close to-morrow, the 24th hist. It will be seen by advertisement that Mr |R, S. Rooche, so well-known in Auckland, has taken the Royal George Hotel, New market, and offers his services as vendor of pure wines and spirits, and solicits the patronage of the public.

THE MESSIAH.

We would again remind our readers of the performance at the Choral Hall this evening. It is scarcely necessary to add anything to our notice of yesterday in order to indicate the nature of. the effort which the combined musical talent of Auckland has put forth in order to make to-night's concert a complete success. The admission of the public contrary to the usual rule of the Choral Society will, we doubt not, ,be appreciated and taken advantage of by many persons who would otherwise have, been precluded from attending. The brilliant performance of this magnificient oratorio forms a fitting prelude to the enjoyments of the Christmas season.

VINDICTIVE LITIGATION.

We have frequently alluded to the practice of making our criminal courts the instrument of vindictiveness. A fresh illustration "was afforded to-day in the case brought against the master of the Takapuna ferry steamer for neglecting to place a gangway between the paddle-box and the wharf. It is need less to remark on the triviality of such a charge. Despite the dicta of harbour authorities, or the decisions of judicial solons when a paddle-box is level with a wharf, and so close that a hat could not fall between them, peoyjle will not wait for gang ways. The case of course was only seized on for the purpose, cei'tain of the harbour autho rities being only too ready to minster to private spite against a company.which has used every effort to promote the comfort and convenience of passen gers. These idle charges were not taken up so readily in other days against the ferry service, and the eyes winked very hard at gross infractions of Harbour regula tions, which now are preternaturally keen in the detection of neglected gangways and other small fry. The insolence and abuse to which the men on board the ferry steamers are subjected have now reached such a pitch that the directors will make a stand. It has now become simple persecution, and while every case of incivility or neglect when reported to the directors is investi gated and treated on its merits the public will have no sympathy frith the oppression of ■ men who are working hard for an honest living. Mr J. B. Russell, solicitor, 'who shows so keen alacrity in taking up every case against these men and the company, has, it should be known, a standing feud. He was refused a family ticket by the boats, a thing that is given to no one in the province, <"nd on being refused he said "Well, then, I shall have it out of the company in another way." And this is the way in which he is "having it out.'" Although, in Court today he stated lhat he had "met with nothing but the utmost civility from every officer of the company except the manager—who refused the family ticket —lie has for months past been trying through the diiectors to have Captain Macdougal removed, heartlessly ignoring the f;icfc that this man has a houseful of little children dependent solely upon him, and that he is disabled from accepting any other employment. Having purchased some shares in the company in order that he may be able in Court to make a virtue of his dis interestedness, parading the fact incessantly before the Magistrates that he (theprosecutor) is himself a shareholder, Mr J. B. Russell will we presume continue to "have it out of the Company " until the Company yields to his will, and poor Macdougal the object of his special dislike, is flung into the "Home for the Aged and Destitute." For the pre sent we do not wish to say further on the vindictive persecution to which this Company md its oflicers are sub jected. But the story does not end here. That Company orignated and con ducted mainly on public grounds and for the public good, has afforded a ferry ser vice that for comfort and convenience is not surpassed in the Southern hemisphere. It has contemplated connecting every point of settlement and traffic on the harbour, and yet it has been subjected to continual i and paltry annoyance from the harbour au thorities themselves, and from various people inclined to make themselves disagreeable when not provided with family tickets, und { other little indulgences. As we believe | public sympathy is awaked at the sight of every attempt at oppression and paltry spite, we do not hesitate to direct attention to the vindictiveness in this repented and apparently organised system for worrying the Ferry Company. And we shall return to the sub ject.

AUCKLAND JOCKEY CLUB SUMMER MEETING.

Yesterday evening at eight c'olock was the time for closing the general entrances for the races at the Auckland Jockey Club Summer Meeting ; also for receiving acceptances for the Auckland Summer and Ellerslie Handi caps. The following is a list of the entries and acceptances : — Maiden Plate.—E. Perkins' br f Batter, 3 yrs. ; 0. McGee's eh g Golden Crown, 5 yrs. ; H. C. Young's b c Bedouin, 3 yrs. ; J. Walter's b f Perfume, 3 yrs. Katlvay Stakes. —E. Perkins'bcKapapo, 3 yrs. ; E. Perkins' eh c Papapa, 3 yrs. ; J. Watt's eh ni Calumny, 4 yrs. ; J. Watt's bra Hatred, G yrs. Auckland Summer Handicap. — J. Watt's eh m Calumny, 4yrs, Ost 41b; J. Watt's b m Hatred, 4yrs, Sst 11 lbs ; J. Walter's b m Yatterina, aged, Sst 41bs ;O. McGee's eh m Moonbeam, aged, Gst lOlbs. Ladies' Puese.—E. Perkins' b c Kakapo, 3yrs ; Gwynne's b g Flying Jib, aged ; J. Watt's b g Parawhenua, 4yrs. Novel Handicap.—E. Perkins' bf Batter, 3yrs ;J. Walters' b g Ben Nevis, aged : H. C. Young's g c Tattler, 3yrs ; J. Watt's bg Never Miss, 4yrs. Auckland Plate.--E. Perkins' be Kaka po, 4yrs ; J. Watt's eh m Calunmy, 4yrs. Provincial Maiden Produce.—J. Wal ters' br c Kingfisher, 3 yrs ; 0. McGee's o g Golden Crown, syrs ; J. Watt's b f Perfume, 3yrs. Thames Plate.—E. Perkins' eh c Papapa, 3yrs ; J. Watt's b m Hatred, 6yrs ;' J. AYatt's eh m Calumny, 4yrs. Selling Race.—E. Perkins' b g Mira, 4yrs ; J. Walters' b g Ben Nevis, aged ; Gwynne's b g Flying Jib, aged : J. Watt's b f Perfume, 3yrs. Handicap Hurdle Race.—Munn's b g Sky sail, 4yrs ; Kirkwood's blk g Sultan, aged ; McGeehan, b g Nero, aged. Selling Hurdle Race.—Wynyard's b h Sam, aged ; Kirkwood's blk g Sultan, aged ; McGeehan's br g Nero, aged. The following are the weights for the Turf Club Drapers' Purse, l\- miles, run on the 26th inst. : —Calumny 9st. ; Slander Sst. lOlbs. ; Never Miss 7st. 51bs : Kakapo 7st. 31bs. Ellerslik Handicap,—Acceptances.— J. Walter's Slander, aged, 9st ; J. Walter's b m Yatterina, aged, Sst 1 libs ; J. Watt's b g Parawhenua, 4 yrs, Sst Gibs ; J. Watt's b g Never Miss, 4 yrs, 7st 41bs ; H. C. Young's b c Bedouin, 3 yrs, Gst 51bs. A Calcutta sweepstake took place last night at Mr J. Boulter's Auckland Hotel, on the Auckland Slimmer Handicap. The sweep was divided as follows :—lst horse, £61 15s : 2nd £28 ; 3rd, £14. The following prices were realised on sale of horses :—Hatred £25 • Yatterina, £22 j Calumny, £10 ; Moonbeam' £5 10s j Batter, £5.

GRANTS TO ROAD BOARDS.

The following is the scheme for distribution of the Road Board grant 1873-74 :— Total amount allocated to the province, L 11,954 ; less about one-tenth to be received for new boards and outlying districts, Ll.100; balance, 1,10,850. Divisable among Boards in proportion to the amount of rates and voluntary subscrip tions raised by each Board during the year ending 30th June, 1fe.73, as follows : — Class I. —Amount of rates and voluntary subscriptions, L 1,410 Is Gd ; ratio, 4s 7d per £ ; amount of grant, L 324 9s. . Class ll.—Amount of rates and voluntary j subscriptions, L 5,303 15s 6&d ; ratio, 9s 2d per £ ; amount of grant, L 2.430 10s. i Class 111. —Amount of rates and voluntary '. subscriptions, L' 2,442 lls 7-kl; ratio, 18s 4(1; amount of grant, L2,23S 4s. Class IV.—Amount of rates and voluntary | subscriptions, L.3,201 0s 7M ; ratio, 3Gs Sd ; | amount of grant, L 5,560 17s. The following are, the several amounts allocated to each district, and will be paid in three instalments ir. the months December, February, and April :— Class I.— Grafton road, LG7 8s ; Karanga hape, LO4 3s ; Parnell, LIG2 18s. Class ll.—Settled districts within areason able distance from town: —JDevonport, L 75 7s ; East Tamaki, LSI 16s ; Kaueranga, L3SB 8s ; Mangarei, LSC 12s ; Mount Albert, LG4 17s; Mount Eden, L 133 lls; Mount Wellington, LGB Is ; Newmarket, L72 13s ; Newton, LOG 9s ; One-Tree Hill, LlO3 7s ; Otahuhu, L32 Gs ; Pan mure Township, L 5 us; Parawai, LI 18 8s; Ponsonby or Dedwood, LlGij 3s ; Reniuera, LIB 7 lls; Tamaki (west), L7O 7s ; Tararn, LBS ; Town of Onehunga, LlO4 14s; Waiotahi, L 520 15s. Class 111. —Poorer and more distant dis tricts : Arch Hill, L 52 ; Cambridge, L 122 ; Cambridge North, L2O 8s ; Hamilton, LISS 17s ; Hamilton East, LlB 17s ; Hamilton West, L4O 13 s; Howick, L 29 ; Hunua, LBS lGs ; Karaka, L79 4s ; Kirikiriroa, LISS 12a; Lake, L697s ; Manku, LSO 13s; Mount Roskill. L1443s ; Newcastle, LGO 17s ; North Shore, L 52 ; Pakuranga, L 79 Cs ; Papakura, LI 07 7s; Papatoitoi, L2B 18s; Pukekohe East, LI 19 Ss; Pukekohe Wesb, L 72 4s; Eangiawhia, LI7I 9s ; Tauranga North, LSO lls ; Town of Ngaruawahia, L 32 2s ; Town of Raglan, L2G 2s ; Waipipi, L9G 4s ; Wai roa, Ll4B 13s; Waiuku, L96 13s ; Whau, L 37. Total, L 2238 4s. Class IV.—Outlying, partially settled, and poor districts : Ahipara, L 139 17s ; Albert laad, (north) LC2 19s ; Albertland South, L54 3s ; Alexandra township, LB4 12s ; Arai, L44 15s; Ararimu, (north) Lsl lls; Ararimu, (south) Lsl lls ; Eastern Mahurangi, L43 4s ; Hikuranga, L3B 17s; Kaio, Ll4O IGs ; Karioi. L 94 9s; Kaukapakapa, L 99 2s; Kaurihohore, L55 lls ; Ivomokoriki, L39 Ss ; Maketu, LI 1G 14s ; Mauaia, LSB 6s ; Mangapai, L59 6s ; Mangapiko, L 435 10s ; Mangawai, LIOG 16s; Matakana, (east) L42 ; Matakana, (west) L 49 10s; Matakohi, LSG 10s; Maungakaramea, L 42 10s; Maungatawhiri, L3B 18s; Mongonui, LSI 19s; Mongonui Township, L34 4s ; Okahu, L 95 1 7s ; Omaha, L4G Gs ; Opotiki, Ll4O IGs ; Paparata, L 43 5s Paporoa, Lll4 10s ; Pawa (Pakuranga), L 59 13s ; Parua, L 53 14s; Puongia, L77 18s ; Pokeno, LlO5 13s ; Pollock Settlement, L 29 10s ; Poverty Bay, LS3O 10s; Pakeatuw, L 59 19s: Pakakura, L 257 0s ; Rangitopuni, L37 2s ; Rurangi, L4O 7s; Ruatangato, LI 35 Ss ; Russell, jL 59 4s ; Tamahere, LSO Ss ; Tauranga, \ LB9 2s ; Tifcirangi, LGS 12s ; Turanga, '■■ L 156 13s ; Upper Mahurangi, Ll5O Gs ; Wai kiekie, L3O 2s ; Waiksmite, L73 lls ; | Wainui, L 127 10s ; Wairau, Ll2; Wai takerie East, LG4 lls; Waitakerie j South, LBG 14s ; Waitakerei West, L 144 5s ; Wangarel, L 207 15s ; Wangaroa North, L42 4s ; Weiti, L3O 15s; Waingaroa, L2B 19s; Whakapaka,, LSO 19s; Whnnga paraoa, L 5 19s ; Wharehine, L35 3; Wha reora, LS9 4s ; Whau Whau, L 6 14s. Total, L 5,860 17s.

PETTY SESSIONS.—This Day.

(Before Dr. J. R. Nicholson (Chairman), - Messrs A. K. Taylor and Thomas Cheese man, Justices of the Peace). DRUNKENNESS. Patiick Heggon, John Shiers, William Chandler, and John Gilogly were severally charged with being drunk, and fined ao cordingly, excepting Shiers, who was sentenced to seven days' impi isonment. BREACHES OF BY-LAWS. Hector McKeimon was charged with driving a horse and dray on the wrong side of the Parnell road on the 13th inst. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Dr Goldsbro' proved the case. McKennon was driving a load of stones by the Parnell Brewery, and would not get out of the way for the doctor to pass. Fined 20s and costs, or seven days1 im prisonment. Andrew Cunningham was charged with allowing his cow Daisy to stray among the shades of Parnell on the 13th inst. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 5s and costs. James McComickie was charged with placing building material in the way of the people in Upper Queen-street without keep ing a light burning in the dim hours of the night, through which neglect certain persons stumbled. Defendant said he had a night-watchman whom he paid to look after the light; but of course he must plead guilty. Mr Broham said that defendant had been cautioned • the light had been out on the previous night. Fined 10s and costs. George Holdship was charged with allow ing his chimney to take fire in Karangahape road on the 17th inst., and fined 5s and costs. NORTH SHORE FERRY. John McDougall was charged with a breach of the Ferry .Regulations Act on the 15th December, 1573. Mr Joy, who appeared for the defence, pleaded not guilty. Mr J. B. Russell appeared on on behalf of the Harbour Board, and Mr Hesketh to watch the case for the Ferry Company. Mr J. B. Russell opened the case, and called Mrs Mays to give evidence. Mary Jane Mays deposed that she resided at the North Shore. That she knew the steamer Takapuna, and on the 15th inst. Mr McDougall was in charge of her. At half past eight on that morning she wished to cross in the steamer from the Victoria wharf. She waited a while, but there was no gangway put out for passengers. The steamer was close beside the wharf. The mate was calling out to the people to make haste. She managed to get' on the paddle box, but her little girl full, and had it not been for a gentleman she might have been drowned. To Air Joy: Mr Harp was standing on the paddle box helping some of the passengers across. She had to jump some dis tance, perhaps a foot and a-half. It was blow ing at the time. Her little girl had lost her sight. Jhe' passengers were about five , minutes getting on board, but she could not i positively say as she was so much troubled I about her child. To the Bench : She would not undertake to say that there was not a gangway put across before the steamer started. Edward Atkin wished to know if he was to be paid for appearing in this case as a wit ness, and upon being assured by Mr J. B. Russell that he should be paid he was sworn,

and deposed that he remembered the ch-ciir i stances referred to by Mrs Mays TT«>o A that lady and hex.daughter altemptfng^ get on board, but there was no gangway, InF had he not assisted the child she might W been drowned. ye Captain Burgess, chief Harbour Master nf the port of Auckland, deposed that this com plaint had been laid at the instigation, f the Harbour Board. He spoke to°the car tain of the Takapuna about his neglect in not putting out the gangway, when he replied that he y?&n behind time, and through the crowding on of the passengers ft could not he done, or was neglected. Mr Hesketh rose to speak, but Mr Russell objected, as Mr Joy was quite capable of all that was necessary. ; The Bench decided to hear Mr Hesketr who contended that the Victoria wharf ™£ not within the limits of the port of Auck i land. | Mr Russel protested against the appear arice of Mj Hesketh aa a matter of fairness and right, and should not be allowed. Counsel addressed the Bench, when the Bench remarked that after considering the evidence it was clear that an offence against the regulations had been committed ; but as this was the first offence of the kind, and as the passengers by their crowding contributed to the neglect, the Bench would inflict but a nominal fine, which would be 20s and costs- Oliver Mays, of the North Shore, was then charged with using abusive language to wards James John Harp, master of the Takapuna ferry steamer, by calling him a liar and white-livered scoundrel on the 20th instant. Mr Joy appeared for the prosecutor, and Mr J E. Russell for the defence. Mr Russell was instructed to plead guilty on the the part of his client who, in using the language had violated the law, and he would say, on behalf of Mr Mays, that there would not be a repetition of the sentiments, and he Mas willing to find sureties. The Bench ordered Mr Maya to enter into his own bond of £10 to keep the peace for three months. BREACHES OF BY-UWS, Thomas William Marsh was charged with erecting a building contrary to regulation on loth December —contrary to by-law No. 1. Defendant pleaded guilty. The Town Clerk said that it was neces sary always before building a house to give notice of the same to the City Surveyor. Mr Marsh had failed to do so; but he \?ould not press for a heavy penalty. Fined 5s and costs. (Before Thomas Beckham. Esq., E..M ) CHARGE AGAINST THE' DOCTOR-OF THE SHIP CHILE. Millen Coughtry, surgeon of the ship Chile, again appeared in answer to the charge of ill treating Ann Vesey on the 3rd October. Mr Brook field for the prosecution, and Mr Hesketh for the defence. Mr Hesketh, in addressing the Court, ex plained that there can be no doubt that the captain of a passenger ship has a right in cases of necessity to place persons under restraint, and to exercise control over Biicb. passengers ; and one fact in the present case was apparent that the passengers had come on to New Zealand under the rules of the Regulation Act, and he, Mr Hesketh, would submit that the surgeon had the power to put into effect such rules and regulations, in order to maintain order and discipline. Bridget Hunter, the first witness for the defence, deposed that she was a passenger in the Chile, next to Mrs Vesey, and often attended her when anything was the matter ( with her ; she was the mother of six children Mrs Vesey was ill occasionally. She re membered when she was fixed to the capstan on the 2nd October. There had been a dis turbance that morning between Mr Vesey and Mrs Wall. Mrs Vesey was present. It was about a mess-cloth. He wanted the cloth at once, when Mrs Wall said she could not let him have it then. Mrs Vesey immediately jumped off her bed and ex claimed, "You d—n trollop, what are you talking to my husband for! If you have anything to say, say it to me." (Left sitting.)

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

CHARGE OF AESON.

CRUSHING RETURNS.

GRAHAMSTOWN,

This day. John Albert Nicholas was committed for trial to-day on three charges of burning three Maori wh ares on an island at the mouth of the Hikutaia river. He was admitted bail, him self in £ICO, and two sureties of £50. The Queen of Beauty has lodged 35ozs. 6dwts. 12grs. gold, making the total yield for the fortnight sS9ozs. Sdwts 12 grs. The No Name, Karaka, has yielded 3 ozs. 17 dwts. 6 grains gold. Ladybird Tribute.—The yield from the last crushing is 29 ozs. 17 dwts. 12 grains. Point Russell Tribute.—ll4 ozs. 12 dwts. have been obtained. O'Brien, hurt yesterday in the Queen of Beauty, is progressing well. The injuries are not dangerous, although serious. The market is very quiet.

LATEST FROM COROMANDEL.

COROMANDEL,

This day,

The Royal Oak crushing gave 176 ounces gold. Twenty men in the mine received their discharge to-day. The Tokatea men are looking for a similar weeding.

TAURANGA.

' This day. The Luna is expected to sail for Napier this evening. Astonishment and indignation are expressed at the conduct, of the Magistrates yesterday refusing to hear the defendant in a criminal charge, who pleaded not guilty, in not per mitting him to call a witness, and. adjourn ing the Court to consult the prosecutor.

THE DISPENSARY.

We observe that the annual subscription lists are going round for the Auckland Dis pensary, and we have enquired from some of the bearers'and we have found that the re sponses received to the appeal tell some strange tales. It is very far from apparent that the possession of wealth softens the,: heart and makes it susceptible to the impulses of compassion and generosity ; and really it would be an instructive picture, if the names were published, not of those who give; but of those who refuse any aid to this institution, which more perhaps than any other ministers to the comfort of the most afflicted and sorrowful in the,city. Hard enouyh it is to. have to bear with waiii.; but when to poverty, sickness is supe'^j ' * we have a condition of sufferii!?V i» ! , T V^ might melt the hardest heart; *&*xnirr yet there are among our well-to do and even wealthy fellow citizenS 3 and we know their names, those who turn a deaf ear to an appeal for the Dispensary: It is true they are few, ami we are glad to learn that Auckland, true to its character.

|THE WEHIH& BTAB., TUESDAY, BECBMBBH 23 1878



Q A U T 1 0 N. OLSON'S "TOMATO SAUCE. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the BEST for general use in households,-and, in con sequence of its high reputation, som» unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon and pass the same off as "Olson's Universal Tomato bauce. The proprietor has in consequences cause-! his IBADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act,, 1866," ard proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are , cautioned to ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE, ana see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and stopper, and wrapped round with his well-known label. J^T O W OP E■ 3T ,E:D EX HYDASPES, A MAGNIFICENT ASSORTMENT OP . CHILDREN'S, GIRLS' AND LADIES' TUSCAN, LEGHORN, & STRAW HATS, MEN'S & EOYS, DITTO DITTO, VERY CHEAP. SILK SUNSHADES. MUSLIN COLLARETTES LACE TIES Etc., Etc., Etc. GENTLEMEN'S SUMMER CLOTHING, BOYS' & YOUTHS' DITTO. A CHOICE LOT 01? BOYS' KNICKERBOCKER SUITS IN VARIOUS MATERIALS & STYLES, ALPACCA COATS (BLACK & COLORED), WHITE DRESS SHIRTS, Etc., Etc., Etc. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, ■Wholesale and Retail Dkapxrs, Clothiers &o JUNCTION DRAPERY ■WAREHOUSE,' (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-street, Auckland. tar n.b. . Parties in the country favouring R. & B. with their orders may depend upon their receiving Careful atten tion and despatch. Patterns, &c, forwarded post ree. [Established 1864.] BSTEPHENSON & CO. 'S • CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" " EAGLTS BRAND " "CROWN BRAN D," Are to be procured at all respectable Grocers and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auck and. . '"..' D. STEPHENS ON & CO. ' wyndham street ■ Auckland p. H EIS TMA S PEESE NT S AND NEW TEAE'S; GIFTS, FROM FIVE TO TWENTY-FIVE PER CENT DISCOUNT. R. BECK, JEWELLER AND WATCHMAKER, Will supply JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS, &c, FOR CHEISTMAS PEESENTS AND NEW YEAE'S GIFTS, At a Seduction op 5 to 25 per cent. Discount. N.B.—All Goods marked in plain figures, and guaranteed. m 198, QUEEN-STREET. !



AIKA TO COALS (the beat in' use for IToHsehoVl purposes). For Sale in ots to suit buyers at the Timber Yard Government Wharf, Onelrunga. Orders can lie left at the oflice. JAMES W. WALLER, Custom [Jousc-strcet, Auckland. jp IT ft 1 STM A S H 0 LI'DA V S. J. CO;S GRAVE & CO. Arc now holding") heir visual C H E A P S A L E OK DPvAPEPvjY & CLOTHING At their Premises CANADA BUILDINGS. T U E SA L E IS NOW ON, And will continue during the C H EISTMAS HOLIDAYS. J. COSGIIAVE & CO. Queen street. 11ST SURA NC E. THE NATIONAL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND PROTECTS Insurers against Loss from either Fire or Sea disasters at Lowtst Bates op Premium. Advantageous arrangements can be made whereby "Wool-growers and others can have their Clips covered from Sheep's back through to London. Open Policies are issued by this Company covering Merchandise to any amount to Few Zealand and Australian ports, savii:g both trouble -and expense to insurers. By a simple plan also Importers can Insure in Auckland Merchandise coming to them from United Kingdom, and ;ill settlements in event of loss can be made with the office here, thus avoiding the vexatious delay attending adjustments in England. Auckland Branch Offices: 25, Queen street. ANDREW G. MILLAR, Local Manager.



Coffee—Brown, Barrett, & Co.'s Standard Coffee is both delicious and strong. Brown, Barrett, & Co's Jixcelsior Coffee deserves preference to any coffee on account of purity and distinctness of flavour. Note he brands. Sold at almost every grocer? establish ment m town and province.—[Advt ] First Prize Ovens, First Prize Ranges — Jd. H. Smith wishes to inform the ladies of Auckland that having sold a large number of his Improved Patent Portable Ovens, which have given so much satisfaction he has reduced them nearly 20 per cent The Portable Ovens are 355, original price 42s ; also First-prize Ranges, either portable or for setting-in • also, First-prize Colonial Ovens reduced. HHS has also on hand several large and small second-hand Leaminßton Ranges, Colbrookdale Stoves, &c. also