SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUN-SET: Thla evening, 7.1S BUN-RISE': To morrow morning, '4 49 HIGH WATER : This evening, 5.17 ; to-roomm morning, 5.45

ARRIVALS.

Ladybird, s s, from tho South Wenlworth, ss, from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

v T -i^ROJECTED ' DEPARTURES. For Lcmuon City of Auckland, ship, ear!/

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Wentworth, from Melbourne : 6 pkgs. drapery, S. Howard ; 1 case cigars, R. Grattan; 1 ditto, M. Sullivan; 1 ditto, H. Abbott.; 2 ditto, Soloman and Margetts; 1 case, 1 pore., G. Williamson ; 2 ditto, 3 cases, G. Waller ; 75 braids, order ; 2 cables, Stone Brothers; 1 cask, 10 firkins white lead, 1 cask paint, 1 bale paper, 1 parcel, Holland and Bolton ; 10 bales hops, order ; 1 case, Upton Brothers ; 67 pgs., 30 kegs nails, order ; 100 half-chests tea, Owen and Graham ; 140 half-chests tea, 28* boxes, Brown, Barrett and Co. ; 15 boxes, order; 25 boxes tea, order ; 1 case, J. C. Morrin ; 1 ditto, Barnett and Levy ; 199 boxes, B. Tonks and Co. ; 5 cases tobacco J. O. Morrin ; 1 ditto cigars, L. D. Nathan & Co. ; 2 ditto ditto, 1 ditto tobacco, G. Williarn son;|2o boxes tin'plates, Brown, Barrett, and Co. ; 2 cases, 3 casks, J. Smart; 2 cases, jr. & J. Dickey ; 10 ditto, A. F. Anderson and Co. ; 1 case, Bennett and Rogan; 1 ditto, Kempthorne and Co. ; 1 ditto, Holland and Butler; .186 train rails, 60 bars iron, 24 lengths gas pipes,' 37 kegs nails, 2 cases, 1 cask, 2 case 3 T plates, 2 boxes ditto, 11' kegs copper, 10 bdls ,H. iron, 6 churns, 1 cask zinc, E. Porter and Co. ; 1 truss, M. Murdock; 1 case, 30 tins white lead, A. Smart; 32 train, rails, Renshaw; 2 cases, Bank of New Zealand ; 135 rails, 1 case zinc, T. and S. Morrin ; 2 cases, Owen and Graham ; 10 boiler tubes, 12 bundles sheet iron, 1 sheet ditto, 10 plates ditto, 3S bars ditto, Hawkswood ; 20 tea, G. Gibbon ; 4 cases tobacco, E. and H. Isaacs ; 150 bags rice, Stone Bros. ; 200 bags rice, J. Buchannah; 2 6 cases brandy, 2 J-casks ditto, Hancock; 1 trunk, T. S. Compton; 2 casks salt, 5 cases castor oil, 4 bags sugar, 1 case, J. '0. Shar- Jand ; 22 cases merchandise, B. Tonks;-20 cases merchandise, T. Stephenson and C 0..; 21 cases milk, Osborne-Bros.; 25 do. do., Combes and Daldy; 5 boxes tea, Close Bros.; 48 pgs. sugar, 2 hhds treacle, 4 kegs do., 1 parcel, J. Reid ; 2 cases nails, 4 kegs d 0.% P. A. Philips. From Sydney : 1 box grat ings, J. Webb ; 5 half-chests tea, SO bags sugar, J. Buchanan ; 1 box, J. Hamilton ; 1 ca^e, J. Cosgrave ; 1 case, Lewis Bros.; 3 do., A. Clark and Son ; 1 do., J.-Thomas ; 1 do., 1 parcel, G. Hales ; 200 bags maize, order; 1 case, order; 1 parcel, M. Mon tague ; 2 cases, T. Turroll"; 1 do., R. Beck; 3 do., Upton and Co.; I do., Way to ; 1 do., H. Gilfillan; 2 do., 1 do. grindery, J. W. Hoare ;' 5 hhds, rum, H. Meyers and Co.; 5 cases, 2pgs.,McArthur, Shera, and Co.; 1 box, I.parcel, Quintal; 1 case sundries, Edson ; 41 pfegs Manilla- rope, 25 coils ditto, J. R. Roberts ; 30 bags maize, W. Hogg; 1 parcel, 2 J casks t.teacle, 121 gunnies Sugar, J. Buchanan ; 2 cases, A. S. N. Co. ; 1 case, 1 ditto gloves, L. D. Nathan ; 1 package, J. W. Ht>are; 2 ditto Globe Parcel Co ; 4 ditto, Agent A. S. N. Co. ; 1 parcel, H. Braham; 142 bags maize, Hurst; 56 cases fruit, Eaton; 114bagsmaize, order; GO cases fruit, Binney ; 168 ditto ditto, Arthur ; 111 ditto ditto, W. Marshall; 2 bundles, W. Wilson ; 1. parcel, T. Waters ;22 cases fruit, Eaton.—H. M. Jervis, Agent.

Per St. Kilda, from Wanganui: 70 head cattle, 456 sheep, 4 horses, Brewer; 13 kegs butter, Eaton ; 1 case, 1 bale, A. C. Force.

Per s.s. Ladybird from the South : 1 bug gie, Kerwood ; 6 bottles quicksilver, Ren shaw ; 4 cases brandy, Hancock ; 1 truss, order; 3 cases, 1 cask, Kempthorne and Co.; 1 case, Williams. . From Lyttelton : 42 bundles, Asher ; 10 cases bacon, Jakins and Co. f 7 ,do. cheese, Morton ; 3 do. bacon, Townshend ; 3 do. do., Gibbins; 1 box, Vance. From Wellington: 1 case, Morton ; 3 bales, 1 bundle, - p Major Tisdall. From Nelson: 1 case fruit, Gibbons; 1 case fruit, Brewer; 1 ditto ditto, Pike. From New Plymouth : 1 box fruit, Mynott; 20 hides, Gittos ; 40 cases butter, J. Veale ; 6 ditto, Brand ; 7 ditto, A. Barnes ; 1 box, 1 bale, Owen and Graham; 19 cases butter, Hood ; 7 ditto, J. Veale. """"

The fine ship City of Auckland, for London, will be detained till after the holidays. She •will in all probability sail about Tuesday next.

The s.s. Ladybird, '.Captain Andrew, »arrived in the Manukau at 10.30 a.m. this morning. Reports leaving Port Chalmers at 7 p.m. on the 23rd, arrived at Lyttelton at 5 p.m.. on the,24th. ; sailed at midnight same night, arrived in Wellington at 8 p.m. on the 26th; sailed at 6 p.m. on the 27th, arrived in Picton at midnight, same night; V sailed at 1-p.rn. on the 28th, arrived at Nelson at 2 a.m. on the 29fch ; sailed at 6 i p.m. Same day, arrived at New Plymouth a£ 10 a.m. on the 30th; left at 6 p.m. same day, and arrived here as above. Experienced " ,4 fine weather throughout the passage.^ Pas sengers—Saloon :. Misses Russell, Miss Old ham ;Mr Mrs and Miss Guilfojd'and two ' children, Miss Craine ; Mrs Beach and two children, Mrs Kirk, Miss.: :iDavies, Miss Bagley, Mrs Crompton, Colonel Moule, Capt. i*. Blakes, Dr. Tuck ; Messrs Isaacs, Wells, Hughes, Pugh, Paris, Boyd, Standish, Cholwell, Sharland, Cook, Salmons, Beaver, ■ ~V Ruddock, Brassy, Francis, Walker, Kiss ill, Thompson, O'Halloran, Cummins, Owen, Jacobs, Dawsori, Edwards, Hales, Cavenhill, Mncfarlane and Marshall, ; * ; The steamer built by Captain Cunningham and Mr Waller has been launched at. Orie hunga, arid will be ready in a fortnight or so forfse'ryice. Messrs Fraser and Tinne will ' have ncr engines placed in a shorbthne, and special attention will "be bestowed on the • ' accommodation and fittings for the passenger traffic. We are justified in saying that her owners will (To everything in their power to promote the comfort of those who may take , a trip in her either for business or pleasure. ■n It is intended to make two trips per week to . Waiiiku, calling at,. the vario.us settlements en route. She is just the thing -for pleasure ' * parties, and surely.'now that we have rail to Onehunga, atrip down the Manakauto the bar and back-will become one of the best and most fashionable trips for those who are * fond of fresh sea breezes and splendid ncenery. * .; ;>>■ '■: \'.. .'; ' The new schooner Pacific will sail for Rus- i sell this evening under command of Captain \ ' .Jfa Chrisp, late of the s.s". Star of the South. The barque Freetrader hauled alongside the wharf yes: erday evening aud commenced * « vy discharging her tfargo of breadstuffif early this morning. She is turning out in fine ..•ondition. .The"brig. Byron, Captain Llewellen ar rived at Sydney from Z<Aian£?a, via New *& ■ castle, on the 21st instant. X v TliG. s c s" ? ero ia anQounced to leave Mel m .bourne for Sydney and Aucklaiia on'the 30fch m bf December. The s.s. Gothenburg was to ■ leavo the samo day for the South - ■ . The barquo Briton, hence, via Wanearna M ,«rrivedatMelbourne orithe 11thins? '

The A.S.N. Co.'s steamship Wentworth, 950 tons, J. W. Brown, Commander, arrived from Melbourne and Sydney at 10.30 a.m. to-day. The Wentworth cleared Sydney Heads on Wednesday, December 24, at 6.30 a.m. ; passed the Three Kings on the SOfch, at 6.30 a.m., and hauled alongside the wharf at 11 a.m. on the 31st. Experienced strong N.E. and N. winds with moderate sea, ac companied with heavy squalls of l-ain till the 27th, thence fresh easterly winds and heavy head sea the remainder of the passage. Passengers: Mr and Mrs Ansenne, Mr and Mrs J. B. Brown, Mr and Mrs Moriarby, Miss Scott, Rev. W. Allen, Dr. Rosenthal, Messrs G. S. Graham, W. Stone, J. Hicks, M. E. Robinson, F. Pepys, and twelve in the steerage.

The s.e; St. Kilda, Captain Flowerday, left Wanganui on the 29th at six p.m., and arrived at Onehunga to-day at eight a.m. Fine weather prevailed throughout. Pas sengers : Mrs Webb and family (5) ;|Messrs Bre-vyer, Campbell, Cleghorn, Beere and

Earle,

MARRIAGE.

Bandetcson— Low—On December 30, by the Rev Alexander Reid, John Kichard, second son of the Jie.v. John Rnnrierson, Wesleyan Minister, Great Yarmouth, England, to Harriet Hannah Garfcy, granddaughter of the lite Josoph Low, Esq., of this city.

Martin—Bevkob.—On December 30, at St. Patrick' Cathedra], by the Rev Father Walter McDonald, Matthew Martin, eldest son of Antonia Martin, to Clara Bevege, second oldest daughter of Mr James Bevege; both of Auckland.—English and Sydney ■papeiß plerse copy. '

DEATHS.

Chapman—-At her late, residence, St. Stephen's fßoad, Parnell, this morning, Mary Jane, the beloved wife of the Rev Thomas Chapman; aged 53.

The funeral will leeve her late residence at 4 p m., for St. Stephen's Cemetery, to-morrow (New Year's Day).

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1873.

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

And *Hft wood that'we can do

If prudence actuated the conduct of the friends of Dr Ooughfcrey wo should hear no more of the Chile case. The least said on the subject the easiest mended. We would recommend that a shroud should be drawn over the affair. Dr Coughtrey has s^ot out of it very nicely. His amiable and agree able bearing, and his unpleasant position have won him sympathy and friends in this strange land, and we aro glad of it. But we would recommend both him and them that we ahould have no

gushing. Gushing i 3 becoming and good in certain circumstances, but those circum stances arc not those of triumph over a weak woman who has appealed unsuccessfully to our law courts from the absolute autocracy aboard ship. We have said Dr Coughtrcy has got nicely through, very nicely, but let there bo no gushing. We should have made no further reference to a caso that is, in its every bearing, a blot on our immigration, but that a howl has been raised against our local immigration authorities and our Crown Prosecutor for what is held forth as nothing less than conspiracy for criminal prosecution. What motive these gontlumen could have had in entering into such con spiracy it would be somewhat difficult to imagine. We can understand how people of certain dispositions can fawn on respectability and position ; but what selfish purposes could Major Green and Mr Brookfield hope to serve by "con spiring" to let light into this case and afford opportunity to. a weak and friendless wretched woman to lift up her voice in appeal to the protection of our laws ? . That she has failed in establishing her case in no way reflects on those who. felt that the case was one that should not be smothered up. Any ono that knows anything of life on board ship knows the absolute power — and rightly so — placed in the hands of the. ship's officers for the time. That theso irresistible powors aro safely lodged in humane hands is of ten—wo would say generally—true. But if there is a brute in the form of a man cursing lifo with his presence it is tho tyrant on board ship that does not properly appreciate his position, and intemperately asserts his right to implicit subjection. That some such brutes.will be in charge of [immigrants, if immigration on an extensive scale is continued .to our shores, is certain. And it ia exceed ingly impolitic to say a word that would damp tho zeal of our local autho rities or make them reluctant to institute the fullest investigation of every case of alleged tyranny. Considering the three or four months of irresponsible rule enjoyed by the ship's officers at sea we should almost go so

far as assume that instances of over-bearing authority and tyranny have occurred. It is so human for a man to assert his power when none dares gainsay, that on the arrival of a ship there are ten chances to one that the officers have done acts during the voyage which they would not dare to do on land. Our local authorities should be prepared therefore to lend a very patient ear to the cry for redress; and while we shonld'be ready to make all possible allowance for the" difficulty of the position," we should bear in mmd the months of absolute rule enjoyed by the officers and the countless opportunities they have had for making life unendurable to those that have incurred' their displeasure. This Chile case had an exceedingly bad appearance; and the immigration authorities would have been culpable in the extreme if they had allowed it to be hushed up, as was evidently desired ; and we do. not hesitate to say that the thanks of all those who cherish a love of civil > freedom and legal rights are due to Major Green and Mr Brookfield for what they have done in this affair. The Crown Prosecutor is censured forsooth be causo he zealously did his utmost for his client, the Crown. What are we coming to ? Must a public officer be unfaithful to his trust, merely to spare the "gentlemanly feelings" of the accused ?. Confound Dr. Coughtrey's "gentlemanly feelings." What are his feelings compared with the, wrongs that may be perpetrated on the weak by ships' officers, and can be so readily smothered up by friendly influences. Nay. we trust, in the interests of the weak, that Mr Brookfield will receive as he deserves the thanks of tho community for faithfully discharging -his duty and searching this matter to the bottom ; and ■no trust that the immigration officer in the port will in the treatment of every charge with ereu half th«

suspicious features of the Chile case with equal fearlessness honestly do his duty despite tho gushing twaddle that has been caused by tho "gentlemanly feelings" of this Doctor. The evidence has been very conflicting, and there has been hard swearing on oil.sides alike, showing the wild social

disorganization under Dr Coughtrey's regime on the Chile. "But making all allowances most people.will picture to themselves the scene of the capstan pretty much as described by one witness, '' She was hung up like a sheep or a bit of beef, and was insen sible about six hours during the time." Dr. Coiightrey and his friends should take note of it that in the ebb and flow of popular feeling the strong indignation which the announcement of his conduct at first evoked has been modi_ fied by subsequent revelations as to tho con duct and character of his victim. But we would tell him and his unwise friends that they should not tamper with public feeling ; and if he will take our impartial and dis interested advice ho will quietly put his "gentlemanly feelings" in his pocket, and —slither.

The Australian news por Wentworth to day has been mostly anticipated by "the full telegrams per Claud Hamilton, which arrived at the Bluff yesterday. We give in another column various interesting items of news via Suez.

Over six hundred copiesof Piced and Brett's Auckland Almanac have already been sold. Tho demand surpasses the publishers' most sanguine expectations.

Truly we are an erratic people ! The One hunga railway has been opened with a flourish of trumpets and mutual congratula tions of provincial and colonial dignitaries of very high rank, while the public have been indulging in the fond idea that at length the tediousness of the journey and delay in carriage of mails ami goods between Auckland and Onohunga had for ever been removed. In the meantime our English and Southern mnila, after vexa tious delay in transmission from the Bluff, are sent into town by a one-horse dray. This was really tho case to-day, the Suez mail, per Ladybird, occupying some hours in conveyance f»om Onehunga to the Auckland Post-office. Before the railway was opnned tho mails were delivered by 'bus within a reasonable time, but now, it would appear, for somo reason or other, the postal authorities contemplate a revival of tho modes of conveyance prevalent when Onehunga was a wilderness and Auckland a very Bmallvillagc. At this rato Mr Harding ton will bo able to run his 'busses ngainst the railway and beat it.

The shoe qualification for admission to public schools has again been raised—this time at the Thames by a correspondent signing himself " Amicus Pouperis," who alleged that a child had been furnad away from the Kaiiwaorangi Girls' School by the teacher, MrsM. A. Cololough, in consequence of attending without boots. The complaint seems to have rested on better foundation than the charge brought some time ago against City West, No. 1 School, made, it will be remembered, the subject of a semi judicial inquiry by Mr Beckham, the result of which, by the wa>, wo have never yot heard. Such complaints, however, ought in all cases to be directed in the first instance to the Local School Committee, and not to the Press ; and vtixen this has not been done we are always ii)c"lned to Buspect some underlying motive, fy jho anonymous correspondent in the preside instance were identified he would in otFprobability prove to be either an enemy of the present school system, or animated* by personal animosity against the teacher of the Kauwaerangi School. Mrs Colclough openly admits the charge, justifying herself chiefly on the ground that the girl had shoes to put O n if her parents hitd chosen to allow her to use them when attending school, and she adds her opinion that in Shortland all parents can afford to provide their children with boots if they choose to do so, the want of boots indicating a censurable lack of attention to the neces sities of their offspring. The presence of a child without shoe 3in a school where all others are well clothed lowers the self-respect of all the children, while the unfortunate victim of neglect is placed in a most unenviable posi» tion. Mrs Colclough says the girl in question felt ashamed to come into school, and lingered around the door in consequenco of her bare feet. There is a good deal of force in Mrs Colclough's arguments. It is absolutely necessary that cleanliness and a general,, tidy ness of person should be strictly enforced in our schools, and the lack »f boots and shoes in this country is too often associated with wilful and general neglect. While it is due to the poor that their children, should participate in the advantages conferred by the Education Act, it is also duo to the large number? of respectable mechanics and artizans who3e children are properly availing themselves of the public schools that they shall not be contaminated by association with children whoso parent have neglected to employ all the mean 3of cleanliness within their reach. A mere want of boots, however, where honest poverty is the cause, and when a child is in other respects clean and decently clothed, is ho disgrace, and would not justify expulsion from a public school. We can scarcely be lieve, that any teacher would refuse admission to a child on such a ground, unless the want of boots were combined with a general untidyness, which is inexcusable in the poorest, and coiild not be tolerated in school. gFor these reasons the propriety of refusing children without shoes must always depend in a great measure on the special circumstances attend ing every dismissal, and it rests with school committees to inquire carefully upon its merits into every case of "the kind brought under their notice. As ex parte statements such as those made by ■ ".Amicus Pauperis" are calculated to damage the public school system upon which a largo amouat of un deserved odium has already been cast, and also to. injure the teacher immediately con cerned, journalists should, we think, direct their correspondents to the proper quarter before they allow unverified charges to go forth to the public. The now burlesque at the Prince of Wales Theatre, "Pygmalion and his Gal-a-dear," sontinues to attract a very large number of the lovers of pleasant sights and songs, ,and last night there was no falling off in number. The acting of Miss Lizzie Watson was all that could be desired, and the characteristic figures of Messrs Alick O'Brien in the original Dutchman, and Harry Braham aa Gal-a-dear were eminently attractive. Messrs Baker and Riley received rap turous applause. Mademoiselle Blanche, on the trapeze, snd Mons. Hamew as the flying beetle of Ceylon, were felicitous and exciting. The house continues to draw hundreds, and is likely to do so for some time to come. The ballads and dances are performed with cleverness, and are exceed ingly agreeable to visitors. \

We have received our usual letter from. London, and shall publish it at the earliest opportunity. The Queen of the Age was to be despatched from London by the New Zealand Shipping Company on October 8.

The inquiry touching the death of Eliza Jane Martin was commenced this afternoon at four o'clock before Dr Philson, coroner, and a jury, at the Alexandra Hotel, Newton. We shall give the result to-morrow.

The s.s. Wentworth will leave for Sydney and Melbourne on Saturday next at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

i A social gathering and concert will take place this evening in the Otahuhu Public Hall to consist of music, song, story, and dancing. Tea will be on the table at half past five, concert will begin at half-past seven, and dancing until the crowning of chanticleer at half-past night. The people of Otahuhu have resolved right merrily AVith song and dance, and noddles clear, To welcome in the glad New Year.

F. H. Lewisson's Christmas gift will be drawn for on the return of Mr Lewisson from the South in a week or ten days.

Sir, —I see by the Herald almanac for 1874 that Queen Victoria was married February lltb, 1870, which implies that Her Majesty has entered the marriage state a second time, as she was married to Prince Albert on the lOthFebuary, ]540.—1 am, &c, Loyal.

The cuisine arrangements at the late (rood Templar demonstration in the Domain do not appear to have given satisfaction. We have received the following letter from one of the brotherhood :—Sir, —l should not be at all surprised to find you have been in undated with letters on the same subject I am now taking up my pen about if so it will only shew that it is a matter that calls aloud for a searching investigation. It was decided by the members of the various lodges of Good Templars in Auckland to invite their brethren at the Thames, Coromandel and elsewhere to come to Auckland and join in a procession from the Queen-street wharf to the Domain. This invitation was heartily ac cepted, lii the interim several meetings of the Order were convened, and at length it was decided that two tickets should be handed to each of our visitors immediately on their stepping ashore from the vessel they arrived by, such tickets representing a substantial dinner and tea. So far so good. On the arrival of our brethren this pro gramme was to a limited extent carried out, but the "lord of misrule" got somehow amongst tho committee of management, and caused a regular muddle in the arrange ments. Tliis tangled state of affairs was however in part unravelled by the prompt action of a few "right men in the right place." The procession was formed, our guests taking the lead, headed by their splendid . brass baud. On reachiug the Domain we were marched direct to an immense square structure, on each sido of which was displayed in gigantic letters brothers Brown and Bettany, the former gentlemen I am unacquainted with, (al though that we were all " done brown " in a matter entirely beyond dispute). Sir, qf all the disgraceful chicanery i ever witnessed in my life (and I have seen a pretty tolerable amount in my passage through the world) this beat the lot. Now, sir, lam not going into a long tirade of abuse, but will briefly give you the plain unvarnished facts. We were marshalled round the outside standing ,(seats there were hone), and each of U3 Avere required to produce a ticket. (I may in passing inform you that each ticket repre sented eighteen-pence). Should any one be so verdant as to ask for a bottle of ginger beer a glassful was drawn from a cask like flat, warm sugar and wyter. There was an end to ticket No. 1. Getting wiseV, and desirous of having some value for ticket No. 2, he would ask for a dinner, and the follow ing would be placed before him :—Three Binall sandwiches, the bread three-quarters of an inch thick, no butter, and one thin piece of beef placed between two of them ; no. knives, forks, plates—nothing but the bare, unplaned boards. How they tasted I cannot toll, for I fortunately saw some of them put together. A woman stood inside with the filthiest hands I ever clapped my eyes on. She presided over an enormous mess of cut-up meat; took up the pieces one by one in her ringers, "and flattened it down on the bread with her palm ; then smudged over it some mustard with a spoon, but oftentimes with her digits popped on the top piece of bread, and behold! the sandwich!! This with a small quantity of currant cake, and a cup of villianous tea, sweetened with brown sugar, already mixed and dipped out of the copper, was all you had for three shillings. No doubt the caterers have reaped a golden harvest, and much good may it do them.—l am, Sir,Jyours respectfully, As Indignant Good Templar.

The Gourlay Exhibition was well attended yesterday, and the varied entertainment gave satisfaction to the risitora. This exhi bition continues to maintain its position among city amusements. To-night the Scotch dwarf will sing Brown's celebrated, " Willie brewed a peck o' lnaut.".

The Australian Bell-ringers wore again suc cessful last evening in having a good house, and in executing their bell melodies with satisfaction to themselves and their audience. The proceedings opened in tho usual way with an overture on the piano by Messrs Sey mour and Cullimore. The minstrelsperformed several choice selections from " Norma," "La Sonnambula," "Maiitana," and other world-renowned compositions from the great German and English composers. The beau tiful melodies of "Sweet Home," "Eing the Bell Watchman," "Auld Lang Syne," and similar genuiiio fire-side tunes were sounded forth with' that gentle force and meaning which has won for the talented Lynch family colonial fame. We can verily believe that the exquisite sensations which sweet sounds!excite are by reason of associa tion. A strain such as " Sweet Home," or " Auld Laug Syne," which delighted us in early life, whenever it again meets the ear will in some measure restore to the. heart the sunshine and the fresh breathing verdure of youth.- The chain of association is struck— the electric touch is felt through the whole frame—and^thoughts that had long slumbered start at the magic sound into vivid existence. Tho sentimental and comic representations of Mr Verten were again welcomed in the most satisfactory manner, anl tho '*'Doctor's Dispensary " closed another interesting even ing with the Australian Ballringers. There will be a change of programme this evening, and, as is customary with the Lynch family on the eve of a new year, " Auld Lang Sync," of Burns, will be sung, the verses by Mr Eeid, and the chorus by tho. company.

It is because of the prerailing weakness among young colonial people when they get married of announcing themselves as persona of great importance that we notice the simple marriage of a young couple at the Thames. It i 3 customary to advertise the fact or non-fact that the lovely Angelina was the^ fourth daughter of Sergeant - Major Smith, and grand-danghter of the Hon Vicesimus Smith, who gallantly knocked off the cap of a Russian soldier while on H.. M. service in the Crimea; but the loving couple, who were made one flesh by Rev. J. Hill, simply tell the world that Frederick an d Sarah were married without refereuce to|their noble line of ancestors.

A mong the passengers who arrived by the Wentworth this morning were Mr and Mrs Moriarty. Mr Moriarty is the Government Harbour Engineer of New South Wales, and comes at the invitation of the Auckland Harbour Board to express his opinion of the proposed site of the new dock.- He will also visit the various proposed water supply sources, and pronounce his verdict in favour of that which he thinks best adapted for the purpose.

A largely attended tea-meeting wa3 held last evening in the new Chapel of the United Free Methodists, Mr C. J. Stone in the.chair. A very substantial tea was provided by the ladies connected with Mr Turner's- Church, and gave the utmost satisfaction. Mr Ban bury read a very interesting report, which showed that the new Church had cost £725, including timber, laying on gas &c, that about £505 had been derived from the bazaar and collections, leaving a deficit of £220. The Rev. Wm. Tinsley then delivered an eloquent address, followed by R,ev. Dr. Wallis on the "Future of New Zealand," on "Essentials of Success" by Rev. P. H. Cornfordjon "Free Metho "dism," by Rev. A. Reid ; and speeches by B,ev. G. H. Turner and other gentlemen. Mr Robert Bartley was complimented on the exertions he had made on behalf of the Church, for which he received a presenta tion of a silver tea and coffee service. The choir enlivened the proceedings with choice selections of music and sacred song, and a vote of thanks to the chairman closed a pleasant meeting.

A cUftespondent at Woodside writes:— " A large number of persons availed them selves of the new steam ferry service to Woodside during the holidays. There were three trap 3 engaged on the several days for the purpose of conveying parties and their good things to the gardens in the neighbour hood and adjacent nooks and shady places,: where a plentiful supply of fruits and natural luxuries were provided. Some of the persons settled uuder the trees along the beach, near the commodious bathing-place. One enterprising settler erected a booth on the soft, green grass, near lo the resi dence of Mr Hall, and in accordance with tho wishes of excursionists fprovided straw berries and cream, tea and other refreshments, after which many of the visitors tripped it on the light fantastic toe to tho strains' of .the violin. The people generally expressed the pleasure they felt among the rural Bcenes and productions of Woodside, and spoke in highest terms of the splendid views from the road leading to the Nortli, and of the land and fruit gardens by the wayside. We learn that several schools have arranged to visit Woodside on New Year's Day, and we hope many others will follow suit and have a thorough summer day's enjoyment. The cost by steamer is small to thia place, which is rapidly impro ving, and Woodsido bids fair to become a favourite resort for citizens who may feel the importance of fresh air, and how exhilirating to the spirits are the calm and beautiful influence of nature."

A cricket match will be played in the Barracks ou Friday, the 2nd January, be tween an eleven of the Auckland Early Closing Club and an eleven selected from Messrs Clarke and Son, and McArthur, Shera and Co., wholesale warehousemen. Wickets are to be pitched at -ten o'clock.

The Royal Mail Coache9 will run to and from Onehunga as usual during the last two days of the races.

The scholars of Syrnonds-street and Par nell Sunday-schools in connection with St. Andrew's Church will assemble, the former at ten minutes to* nine o'clock, in the school room, Symonds-street, and the latter at a quarter to nine at the school-room, Parnell. They will join in the procession and start at a quarter-past nine o'clock from Symonds street to Mr Aitken's grounds, Avhich have been kindly placed at their disposal. Vans will be provided for the little ones. " A pleasant day's recreation is anticipated. We have received a' letter from Mr Angus, of Newmarket, complaining of the unsuit ableness of Mount Eden as the scene of the intended treat, but it is too late now to make other arrangements.

The North Shore players are going in for cricket in a very energetic way. Mr Rees, who acts as mentor, is sparing no pains to bring his pupils forward. Scratch matches are almost of daily occurrence, and no small improvement has already been made by the members of the club. The ground used is very prettily situated, close to the beach on the north side of the peninsula. It is rumoured that a member of the legal profession has undertaken to purchase the site for the purpose of making a first-class cricket-field. If this turns out to be reliable the already brightening prospects of cricket in Auckland will be materially improved. The ground at present is far more lively than pleasant. Our contemporary the Cross speaks of it being in "superb" condition. It may be so, but tho battered condition of Messrs Garland, Dufaur, Blundell, Cotton and others after a few hours play on it on Saturday leads me tt> a different opinion. We might indeed go so far in agreement with the Cross as to say "With the French gentle man in speaking of the charge of Balaclava, e'est superhe, e'est magnifice mais cc n'ast pas la cricketi

Mr J. F. Saunders, tailor and clothier, has removed to premises opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Queen-street. , With lightsome hoart, on pleasure bent, To Ellerslie by rail I went, To see the honest races ; The day was beuitiful and fair, *■"' And hundreds had assembled thero, With smiles upon their faces. I'm not disposed to actions rash, * Bat as I had a little cash, And as the noon was sunny, i I bet upon my favorite horso That gently walked around tho courso, And so I lost my money. Thus life is full of ups and downs, - Thus fortune smiles or grimly frowns, And trots at various paces ; .i And we may win or we may lose. And some mischance or hapless fuse ; May make us curse the races. ■ i »

CRIMINAL CALENDER.

Tiiere are twenty prisoners for trial at the Criminal Sessions of the Supreme Court, which commence on Monday next. The following are the charges :—Larceny as bailee 1 ; breaches of Arms Act, 2 ; cattle stealing, 2 ; false pretences, 5; attempting suicide, 1 ; sheep- stealing, 1 ; personation, G ; stealing from a mine, 5 j attempt to murder, 1; larceny,

SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT FORT BRITO MART.

A very serious accident occurred at the rail way works, Fort Britomart, this morning. A man named Cook was engaged at the excavat ing work when a quantity of earth fell upon him from above, nearly smothering him. He was at once extricated and removed to the hospital, when it was found that his collar bone was broken, and his leg had sustained. a compound fracture, ■ and was so severely crushed as to necessitate immediate amputation; The operation was performed by Drs Philsori and Goldsbro,' and the man now lies in a very dangerous* state owing to the number and serious nature of his injuries. , .

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

• (Before Thomas "Beckham, E Sf . v, f , \ E. W. Birmingham was charged to?-V' offence and iined 10s and costs pNB

DISOfIDEB LV. Arthur Herbert was charged win. , drunk and disorderly fc Prisoner said ho was drunk W orderly; at least he did not g&£ anv \?' about it. ■ . The constable proved that prisoner dancing and shouting in Queeni^'?^ day at noon. pester- Fined 20s and costs, or forty-eioM i, n , imprisonment. gM hou rs' William Cox wus charged with tft» offence in Eden Crescent, and upon Jf *v** guilty was ordered to pay 20a, or enflnr • g pnsonment for forty-eight hours. lm"

LUNACY. James McDonnell -was charged with h ■ of unsound mind, but as his lunacy wnYS 8 result of drunkenness he was remanded f few days. • r a Catherine Heridegan was charged with v, same misfortune, brought on through f> -i troubles, not through drink, aad unoi , «y testimony of Dr Mark. E. B. Nicholson i Dr Kenderdine was ordered to theT,™7 Asylum. lunatic

This was all the business.

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE EXHI BITION.

Considerable interest was felt l as fc evening by visitors to the exhibition when the fact was known that Mr John Goodall Civ] Engineer, would deliver a lecture on his magnificent apparatus, with experiments illustrative of- the power of electricity Large numbers of visitors, gathered around the lecturer and expressed great f-atisfaction at the results, and especially on the illumi nation of Geisslcr's vacuum tubes, -which had a pretty effect. The lecturer was remark ably successful in showing an electric licht and the decomposition of water by electri city. The induction coil wag the subject of general admiration. Mr Goodall announced his intention of delivering a second lecture on a future evening.

NEW YEAR SPORTS, NORTH SHORE.

As will be seen from anotte column, ath letic sports, with valuable prizes, will take place at the North Shore to-morrow, New Year's Day. The scene of operations will ba the twenty-acre paddock, about five minutes' walk from either the Flagstaff or Devonport -wharves, and right in front of the now cele brated " Maze-/' which will afford additional means of recreation. For intricacy and be wilderment this Maze is really remarkable. The Hobson Bine Band will be in attendance on a raised platform, and enliven the pro ceedings by discoursing music during the day. The programme, as it appears in another column, will be carried out under the management of an efficient committee of gentlemen. It should be added that in the lower portion of the paddock there is abun dance of shelter from the sun, go that picnic parties can have their "spreads" in close proximity to the sports.. \Ye believe that the games, a3 carried out, will be a great success. ■'

ADDITIONAL CABLEGRAMS.

MARSHAL BAZAINE'S SENTENCE.

December 12,

Marshal MacMahon has«commuted the sentence of death passed! upon Marshal Bazaine to twenty years'.[seclusion. The military degradation is, toweyer, to be carried out, bat Bazaine will be spared the ceremony.

SPAIN.

MADRID, Dec. 12. Carthagena still holds out, but the bom bardment is languid. December 13. The bombardment is suspended.

SWITZERLAND AND THE POPE.

Dec. 13,

Switzerland has decided to send the nun (? Nuncio) passports to leavethe country in consequence of the Papal Encyclical.

THE PERSIAN CONCESSION.

• • London, Dec. 12. Eeports of a contrary nature are current asserting that the Persian concession to Baron Renter has been annulled because tho conditions have not been fulfiilled. Baron Reuter declares that he has strictly fulfilled all the engagements of the concession, and only refused to comply with a certain modi fication demanded by the Persian Govern ment. '

AMERICA.

New York, December 13. Congress has voted §4,000,000 for the re construction of the navy.

THE SUEZ MAIL.

INDIA AND THE EAST.

Colombo, Nov. 22. Within three years it is expected that a breakwater will protect Colombo Harbour." The canal steamers Bellona and Hindoo came into collision, off Galle, and sustained' some, though, not serious, injury. The Ceylon Budget for 1574 shows an ex pected revenue of 12 millions, rupees. An unusually large amount is to be.spent on roads, bridges, and railway extension. The Ceylon coffee crop for. the current season 1573-4 is expected be 'half of last. Prices are unpecedentedly high-^I2Q3 now per cwt. for plantation, and expected to be 150s. There is great speculation hi the local market, LIOO,OOO worth of coffee, changing hands often daily. Purchases are being made of Ceylon coffee for the Australian Market. • *

Ceylon is likely to be a great tea country. It is said to be better suited for tea than coffee in consequence of the great rainfall. Madame,, Arabella Goddard -was attacked by dysentery in Colombo, and after adver tising for a fortnight she was unable to play- She proceeds to-morrow on a sea!y;()y?oe *° India. She is still very weak. • Lord Ashburton is expected to visit Ceylon in a few weeks. t

Vernacular education is being abtively ex tended in Ceylon as well as in India. The Government generally is withdrawing its in terference in the higher branchesof education. Governor Sir Arthur Gordon has returned to Mauritius. The Royal Commissioners had left the island for England.. Their re port is not yet published. A threatened scarcity of food in Bengal* amounting to a famine, is the great object of attention in India. There has been a general failure of the crops throughout y- Bengal, but good crops in Rangoon ana .^ Madras. The Governor-General | and Sir * George Campbell are adopting very ener' | getic measures, and every hope jis enter- J tamed that the scarcity of food will be greatly mitigated. The Durbar and some .' camps of exercise have been postponed in view of the threatened famine.

Mr Melvill, a junior ciyiiiaD, has become aperveittoMahommedanism, apparently in

Efflft ITBNIH© B^AB, WEDNESDAY, BECJffIBiE -81 18**



p A U T I O N. OLSO N'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 Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 1866," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned to .ASK*FOB. OLSON'S SAUCE, and see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and stopper, Bud wrappod round with his well-known label. INSURANCE. THE NATIONAL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND PEOTECTS Insurers against, Loss from either Fire or Sea disasters at Lowust Rates op Pwemiusi. * Advantageous arrangements can be made whereby Wool-growers and others enn have their Clips covered from Sheep's back through to London. Open Policies are issued by 'this Company covering Merchandise to any amount to Xew Zealand and Australian ports, saving 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 cun be made with the office here, thus avoiding tho vexatious delay attending adjustments in England. Auckland Branch Offices: 25, Queen street. ANDREW^ G. MILLAR, Local Manager. ri HIFI S-T M, A S ';& 6 LIDAYS J. COSGRAVE & CO. Aro now holding their usual CHEAP SALE OF DRAPERY & CLOTHING At their Premises CANADA BUILDINGS. THE SJA. L E IS JIOW OK, And will continue during th« CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. QcTTCEX STREET. p.HBISSTMAS PKESENTS AND NEW YEAE'S GIFTS, .. FROM FIVE TOUTWENTY-FIVE PER CENT DISCOUNT. R. BhiC X, BWELLER AND WATCHMAKER, Will supply JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS, &c, FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS AND NEW YEAR'S GIFTS, At a Reduction of 5 to 25 per cent. Discount. .B.—All .Good* marked in plain figures, and r ranteod. , 198,« QUEEN-STREET. UMIOM BAMK OF AUSTRALIA i [Established 1837.] PAID-UP CAPITAL.. .. .. £1,250,000 RESERVE FUND .. •• „■• £400,000. ' ABEGISTES of Shares in this J3ank Is now Open at the CHRISTCfIURCH BRANCH, and every facility is afforded by the Bank for the purchase of Shares in London for transfer to the said Register. The terms upon which Money can be transmitted for this purpose can. be ascertained on application to the Manager, at the Bank's Offices, QUEEN STREET ■AUCKLAND. The last Dividend was at "the rate of 13 per cent, per annum, and was paid in the Colonies on receipt of telegraphic advice of its declaration. JOSH. PALMER, Chief Officer fer New Zealand. ■ Christchurch, 6th October, 1873. THE BANKS , . 'wiijij be Closed on FRIDAY, 2fd JANUARY. , CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND. .ilaixs will Close as Under:— For Rorotonga, to-day, at 5 p.m. * For Thames, to-day, at 5.30 p.m., and on Friday, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. for Coromaudel, on Friday, at 5 30 p.m. For Taurarcga, per Vincent, this day, at 5 p.m. For Kawau, per Golden Crown, this day, at 5 pirn, tor Wanganui, Westport, and Greymouth, per St. Kilda, on Friday, at 10 a.m. For the Australian Colonies, per Wentworth, at 1 p.m. Late letters for Sydney a^d Melbourne, at 1.30 p.m. Money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at noon For Taranaki nd Southern provinces, per Ladybird on Monday next, at 9 a.m. N.B.—The receiving letter-box'at the Southern Cross office is Closed. (Signed) S. B. Bias, Chiof Postmaster.