SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET: This nvening, 4.44 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 7.1C HIGH WATER: This ovening, 5.6; to-morrow morning, 8.23

ARRIVALS. Bonnie Lass, schooner, from Waitara

DEPARTURES. Morning Light, catter, for Russell Undine, cutter, for Hokianga

• PROJECTED DEPARTURES. For Napier and (Msborno : Comerang, p.s., early For Lyttelton : Rhino, briorantine, Saturday For Poverty Bay : EIHo Moikla and Fairy, schooners, to-morrow For Levuka: Vivid, cutter, about Saturday '

IMPORTS.

Per p.s. Paterson, from the South : From Ihmedin—l case, Sargood ; 7 cases drugs, 1 pkg, Kempthorne; 1 case, order; 1 case, Phillips. From Lyttelton : 2 cases bacon, Owen and Co.; 2 cases bacon, Sibbin ; 10 oases bacon, Buchanan; 10 cases bacon, Jakins »nd Co.; 60 sacks wheat, Bycroft; 8 cases •hicOry, Stephenson. From Wellington— 5 boxes tobacco, Nathan ; 1 gun, order ; 250 boxes candles, order ; 4 cases, Collector of

Customs ; 2 pkgs. effects, Esdaile ; 2 coach fittings, Quick ; 1 case, Bank of New South Wales ; 100 sacks bonedust, Roberton. From Wanganni— 2 trunks boots, Owen & Co.; 10 pelts; Uittos; 1 case, Montague; IS kegs butter, Eaton ; 18 cases Combes 4c Co.; 1400 »heep, Brewer.—M. Jones, agent.

The p.s. Paterson, A. Kennedy, Esq., Commander, arrived in the Manukan thia morning. She left Port Chalmers on 29th May, anchored off there early next day, remained tilLSlstdischargingrailwaymaterial. Strong S.W. wind and high following sea to Lyttelton, reached there Ist June; sailed from thence on the 2nd, at 7.35 p.m. ; strong north-west gale and heavy sea throughout. At noon of the 3rd stopped offKikorangi, and took a passenger on beard. Arrived at Wel lington on the 3rd at 5.40 p.m.; proceeded again on the 6th, at 00.30 a.m.; reached Pic ton at 6.30 same morning; sailed again at 8 a.m., arrived at Nelsun at 5.30 p.m.; left on the 7th at 2.30 p,m., and arrived alongside the wharf at Waaganui on Sun day at 9 a.m. ; discharged an£ took on board a full cargo of sheep, and proceeded on the

10th at 9.30 p.m. ; anchored iff New Ply mouth next day, and sailed fron thence at four p.m. Light variable winda and fine weather throughout the passage frcm Nelson. Passengers (Saloon): Mrs Hamilton md child, Mrs Smith, Miss Smith,- Mrs Websior, Mas ter Webster, Messrs Thompson, Coates, Cuff, Mrs McArthur, Mr Kilgour, Mr Walker, and three in the steerage. We are ind«bted to

l^t R. B. Pringle, purser, for files. The following vessels have arrived it New castle from Auckland. —29th May, 'Baton '; Ist June, Wm. Ackers; 3rd June, Jane, The schooner Hercules arrived at Sfdney

from this port on the 31st nit. The passengers by the Wellington yster day all speak in eulogistic terms of the -.our t«ay shews them by Captain Carey,;the oinamander of the steamer, and also acord a word of praise ta Mr Cairns, the ohief steward

•f the boat, for his assiduous attention to tieir

Wants and comforts. Mr Cairns thoroujhly understands his business, and it is the engage ment of such men as him, that help to fcop Sthe popularity of a passenger vesiet bse who have travelled in the American nail steamer Nebraska, when Mr Cairns tos steward, will endorse these remarks. ' , The Union cleared yesterday at Lytteltn for Auckland with 590 sacks wheat, 38 woks oaia, 200 sacks bran, 30 tons flour, 51 tons potatoes, 2 tons oatmeal, 10 cases bacoi, 10 casks provisions. The Forfarshire cleared ai Lyttelton yes terday for London with 10 passengers 19,005 sacks wheat, 424 bales phormium and 143 bales wool.

The schooner Dauntless arrived at Mel bourne from Auckland on the 31st ult., and the Agnes Jessie from Kaipara on the 3rd of June.

The p.s. Comerang expected from Napier Will leave again for the name port shortly after arrival.

COMMERCIAL.

. j, HUNTER AND XOLAN's RETORT. Horses were in both better supply and demand than the previous week, and . ■•twithatanding that above the average ■umber ware disposed of an unsatisfied • demand remains l for those of a good stamp, and more particularly for plough horses, good Uflht horses and hacks. The entries for sale W amotion on Friday last were numerous. Tne bidding was steady throughout the •ale, and although at the commencement the reserves for some few could not be obtained,

eventually nearly all were disposed of. We , Mote haoks from £8 to £12; light-harness, from £11 to £19.

Cattle.—Of dairy cows there was a good supply at Newmarket on Tuesday. There was a spirited demand, and an advance of folly 10s per head ruled. Stores offered in moderate numbers, and prices showed firm ness, a marked preference being given tp steers displaying breeding and in fresh con dition,: while dry cows requiring to be kept •rer the winter were heavy of sale. The number of fat beasts penned was inadequate, and there was an unsatisfied demand and prices advanced fully 2s per lOOlbs. on last week's quotations. : Sh^.—There was but a limited supply of sheep, and an urgent want, consequently extreme rates ruled 3s. per 8 lbs. having been given for best pens. Store merino ewes in poor condition, sold at from lis to 15s.

Pigs were brought forward |in unusually large numbers, but there was brisk demand at from 2d to 3d per lb.

PROVISION MARKET. COLONIAL PRODUCE.

...Broiff PitlOßS, COKBEOTKD BT AUCKIAND DEALERS. j ' ",, a. d. s. d. s d. b. d Buiter, »c» lb. 1 B—o 0 Duck* .. .. 3 6—B 0 Cheese (new) 0 6—o ti Geeae .. .. 4 C—6 0 Kffi, perdoz. 2 o—o 0 Turkeys .. 4 o—s 0 fcrd, per lb. 0 7—o 0 Canterbury Bacon Jowls, pair.. 3 0-4 6 (out of cloth) 8-0 8J Good Saltßutter, 7—o 111 Auckland do 0 5-98 Hams, ls 2d Ebtail Pbioes, Faem and Dairy Pkoduoe. v.. s. d. s. d. a. d s. d Milk, per qt 0 OtoO 5 I Ducks, per pr. 5 0-6 0 »«tter (fresh) 1 6-0 6 J Geese, each 6 0-60 t*eese(new) 0 B—l 0 I Turkeys, each 5 o—7 0 3gga, per doa. 2 B—o 0 J Bacon, per lb. 1 o^s 0 lard, per lb. 0 9—o 0 I Hams .. ..12-14 lowta, pair.. 0 0-0 0| Salt Butter.. 0 10—1 0 Bwkjhkks" Meat. Bwf.perlb. G 4-0 7 I Pork, per lb. • Mvttoa ~ 0 4—o 6 j Veal.. t b& AI c) *'" BBBADSTUPPa ■'' ■•■ I ' KLpUB. .. ' ' ■ ItUta™'Price, per ton—lst quality.; ~. v. .. £16 Kdm Plour—household .. .. .... '.. .. £14 Seconds, £12. Sharps, £7. Bakers' Price, per lb ... .. { 3d. Brax, Is 6d per busheL Bukak, per 21b. loaf, 4d to 4Jd. BISCUIT.

~0 6

0 6

Origin Biscuit, per 1001b Eetall. 22s ""■'• MAIZE, OATS, POTATOES, ETO. __ , WHOLESALE. Make, Os per bushel (very scarce). Oats, 6a 8d per bushel. Potatoes, £6 to £5 10s per tonj Hay, £fi to £0 per ton. Ittraw, £4 por ton. Chaff, £0 io,i per ton.

BOBTAIL Maize, Cs 3d to 0s 0d per bushel; crushed, (Is Gd, Oats, 5s Sri to 5s Od per bushel. Potatoes, 0s Gd per cwt. Hay, cwt., 63 to 7s. Straw. 4s to 5s por cwt. Chaff, 7s^6d to 8s per cwt.

KAURI GUM AND FLAX MARKET. The following are the prices in the Auckland market :— Gum—Well scraped, best quality

Ordinary sorts Flax.— Finest quality Second ditto Tow

£20 to £2S £19 to £20 £23

£18 to £21 £7 to £8.

BUILDING MATERIALS.

TfirnKß.— Boards and scantling, 100 ft, Ss to 13s planed, tongued, and grooved, lis to 15s.

New Zealand palings, 5-feet, 10s ; 0-feet, 12s ; ti treo rails, £2155t0£3 per 100 ;puririposts,£sperloo shingles, 8s to 13s per 1000; IloDart Town palings -sft., 16s; fift., 18s : Hobartown rails, 70s , COAL AND FIREWOOD MARKET.

Coal.—Newcastle, 40s per ton : Bay of Islands on board ships in port, 26s por ton, delivered 35s ; ditto at the mines, 10s per ton. Firewood. — Uncut, 143 por ton, delivered ; cut, 10s per ton, delivered.

At Messrs B. Tonks and Co. the American ship Polar Star was sold for £2650. The bidding was very spirited, and nearly five hundred persons were present. Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane were the pur chasers.

At tho great boot sale at Messrs Grant and Morton's, to-day, the whole of the packages were sold, and realized fair prices.

The sale of allotments in Mechanics' Bay, at the offices of the Harbour Board, by Mr G. Sibbin, auctioneer, took place to-day, and the following leases of allotments were dis posed of, viz., No. 3, £32, to Sash and Door Company ; No. 11, £30, to Captain Daldy ; Nos. 12 and 13, at £30 each, and No. 14, £40, to Messrs Fraser and Tinne.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow,

at 10.30 a.m. and 5 SO p.m. . For Coromandel. to-morrow, at 10 30 a.m., For Mahurangi, Matakana, Mangawai. &c., per Lady

Bowen, on' Saturday, 14th inst., at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Welling

ton, on Monday, 16th inst., at 11 a.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Rowena, on Monday, 16th inst., at S p.m. (Signed) S. B. Biss. Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

MoMtllan.—On Sunday last, in his TSrd year, at the r<sidence of his son (Thomas McMillan), William NcMiUan, who at the age of eighteen eilistod in 1513 in the 26th Cameronians ; he served his country fiithfully for 21 years, and then volunteered his srvlces for New Zealand, and arrived here in 1847.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 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.

Howwer it may be in the South, Aucklmd at least will be brought to an earnes; conviction of the importance of regulai mail communication, and per conseqienee to a longing for the restor ation o? the trans-Pacific mail service. The total neglect shown in relation to the Suez mail during the collapse of the San Irancisco service may or may not be intended for this object, but it is certainlr at least irritating in the extreme. Our readers are aware of what occuned on last arrival of the Suez mails ia the colonies. For about three weeks after the reception of the letters in the South of New Zealand we in Auckland were tantalised and heartsick fiom hope deferred; and now on the second occasion of the arrival of the Suez mails in the colonies a similar stateof things isaboutto be experienced. Yesterday the Suez mails arrived in the South. The boat brought none of the northern mails which are to be sent to us by the Victoria, which will arrive here about a fortnight later. It was understood that in case of a boat from Sydney to Auckland not suiting, arrangements had been made by the Government that our mails should come by the Melbourne boats to the South. Yet when the Albion left it was known in Melbourne that the Victoria, the first steamer from Sydney to Auckland, would not start for eleven days, viz., till the 16th of June. There is in thia an amount of indifference to our inter ests that iB positively insulting, and we would urge that really some steps should be taken to bring very pointedly before the attention of the Govern ment the sense of injustice felt in rela tion to it. It is indeed in the highest degree desirable that we should ulti- i mately secure a magnificent ocean | service all to ourselves, but in the meantime it shows a very unbecoming

indifference to the practical necessi ties oi' commerce anrl the public in relation to correspondence, when the simple steps required for taking ad vantage ef the Suez service have been neglected. Why should we receive 1 our letters by the South ? And if it ; must be so, why is provision not made j that no such bungling should occur ? i There is an obtuseness in the ordinary 1 official mind that is absolutely im ! penetrable to the simple light of ■ reason; and as it would have re quired a little more than the ! mechanical action of routine at the j hands of the Melbourne Post Office people to have weighed the claims of the Albion and Victoria, the New Zea land Government should have made the path of duty so clear in black and white that the most dunderheaded ; clerk could have understood. The J San Erancisco service is the offspring lof the present Ministry, despite the ! various changes of front in the j Government. Eor its collapse they are held responsible, and it is | not too much to expect that j they should have spared neither ex ! pense nor trouble in preventing that rude shock which such a misfortune was likely to give to commercial and ordinary correspondence. The Go vernment have not clone this, and in not doing it have shown that political eclat rather than the general welfare must have been the moving principle in our ! postal negotiations.

WATERMEN'S FARES.

The Wharf Committee of the Harbour Board have recommended the following scale of charges and fares for watermen, to como into operation on the Ist July next: —

From the wharves on the south side of tho harbour to vessels lying in tlie stream at the usual anchorage, single fare, Ib each way ; two or three passengers, 9d each ; four or more do, Gd each.

To vessels lying off Freeman's Bay or Mechanics' Bay, single fare, ls Gd each way ; two or three passengers, Is each ; four or more, 9d each.

To Stokes' Point Wharf or Flagstaff Wharf, single fare, 4s each way ; two or three passengers, 2s 0d each; four or more, 2s eaoh. • •' :': ' ' " All other distances as per agreement, not exceeding ls Od per mile ; single fare, ls per mile for two or three passengers, 9d per mile for four or more.

The rate for hire to be charged; for one man and boat for one hour is 2s ; two men and boat for one hour, 3s.

Where boats are plying to vessels at the j usual anchorage they may be detained 15 minutes, and at other planes 30 minutes. If detained longer the proportionate rates at j per hour may be charged. Between sunset and sunrise double fare' may bo charged. When the red ball is hoisted on Queen-street Wharf one-half extra fare may be charged.

We observe that some irate publican has lashed himself into a fury against us, and "written to the papers." There are some people so obtuse in intellect that to place a joke before them is "throwing pearls before swine." "A Licensed Victualler, Auckland Wednesday," who writes to yesterday morning's Cross, is one of them. Wo spoke of "liquid fire and distilled damnation" which we thought was known by every one as a phrase current with the extreme section of teetotallers, and wo spoko of stringing up all the publicans as an extreme act which wo at loast did not commend, but which we have no doubt suggests itself to some as a summary means of putting a stopper on tho traffic. In writing for a varied public it is really difficult to suit every capacity. We take for granted that the vast majority aro gifted with so much intel ligence as to bo able to see tho point of a joke without our writing under it "This is a goak," but there are some dunderheads whoso intellectacan only be brightened by pounding their heads against a wall. Wo recommend tho "Licensed Victualler, Auckland, Wed nesday" to try this course; let him punch his own head against tho front wall of our offioe, and then by tho aid of tho " starlight" so produced let him re-peruso the article in question.

That juvenile complaint, the whooping cough, ia rapidly going tho round of tho city and suburbs, and, like tho tax-collector, calling at every homo, and audibly influencing the younger members of every circlo.

In tho Resident Magistrate's Court to-mor row a case of considerable interest to some will be tried, namely an action for damages alleged to have been caused to tho ferry steamer Enterprise from the Takapuna hav ing collided with her. Able counsel and an army of witnesses are to appear on both sides.

An "At Home," by the Choral Society, will be given this evoning in the Choral Hall. An excellent programmo is provided, and a rare musical treat in store for tho lovers of true harmony.

A special meeting of tho Auckland Good Templar's Society will be held this evoning in the Cook-street Hall to discuss business of importanco.

The friends of the Primitivo Methodist Chapel in Sheridan-street will tako tea to gether this evoning in the chapel, and subse quently pass the hours in social and litorary enjoyment. The choir will lend its aid, ac companied by music, and several readings from favorite authors will pleasantly vary the entertainment.

The half-yearly reports of the great rail way companies i n England show that the running of third-class carriages by all the trains has led to a large falling off in the number of second-class passengers, and to a still greater increase of third-class ones. On the great Northern line alone, there was a decrease in the number of second-class travellers of 755,398, and an increase in the number of third-class passengers of 1,584,030. The Lancashire and Yorkshiro

Railway report shows an increase in third elasa travellers of 2,809,090.

The adopted plan of the new City Park has been very neatly photographed by Miss Pullman of Shortland-street, and is in viow in her window.

Tenders are invited by tho Telegraph department for the erection of a turret to raise the telegraph wires over tho Maketu River, Maketu, at Bay of Plenty.

Madame Cora, the magicienne, is an nounced to make her first appearance at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Monday evening next. .

L.G. writes us from Howick a very graphic account of the sensation caused in that quiet village by the advent of two legal gentlemen and their arguments in the local Court. He says one of these gentlemen " proved to my satisfaction that a rate-book was an assess ment list, and that a chairman of a High way Board might have lost books, &c, and bo all powerful." Tho rate cases appeared to have oaused great interest hi the settlement. The grounds of objections in Mr Roberts's case were—lst, because he considered he was rated too high ; 2nd, that the assessment list was not kept in a place that it could be seen at all reason able times by the ratepayers, it being lockod up in the school-room ; 3rd, that there was no assessment list, but only the rate-book ; 4th ; that at the meeting to hear objections he was told by the trustees that no objection could bo entertained ; sth, because the col lector was not appointed at a meeting of the trustees,;but merely by order of the chair man—MrKells. The Chairman, in'reply to the sth objection; stated that at a full meet ing of the trustees, held at a certain corner, be was authorised to have work done, and appoint any offioer he thought proper. After that they adjourned to an hoteh and had a glass of colonial champagne. The evidence was very voluminous and conflicting, and Mr Joy was heard for the plaintiff, and Mr Kissling for the defendant, which occupied the <3ourt from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Bench gave judgment for plaintiff.

The late Mr John Hoop, with that thought fulness which appears to have been a charac teristic of his nature, gave ten pounds to the Orphan Home for the piirpose of aiding in the support of a Mason orphan child should admission be sought for one into that excel lent institution at any future period.

The Auckland Harmonic Society meet for practice this evening in tho Young Men's Christian Association Booms. The pieces selected are :—"I will sing unto the Lord," "Lift up your heads" (Messiah); "From Oberon in Fairy Land," glee. Those who intend to join the society should not delay as the term is advancing.

A practice for the promenade concert to be held at the opening of the new Market house will take place at the Choral Hall to morrow evening at half - past seven. The pieces to be rehearsed are " Tramp Chorus," Chough and Crow," "Market Chorus from Massaneillo," and "Judas Maccabeus." It is desired, as the above pieces are very scarce, that all members Avho can will provide them selves with the music, and will take them to the hall to-morrow ni«ht.

Amongst our Southern telegrams appears an account of the festivities in honor, of the inauguration of the Brunner railway. The affair appears to have been a great success. This railway will open up an immense tract of coal bearing country. The district has been designated the Newcastle of New Zealand, and greater facilities for bringing the mineral to market will no doubt tend greatly to cheapening coal in the colony.

AYe are requested to correct an inaccuracy that occurred in our local yesterday referring to tho establishment of a Primitive Methodist Free Church at the North Shore. The facts of the case are that some of tho denomina tions living at the North Shore requested that a branch Church be formed at that place. The Rev. |Mr Turner preached there last Tuesday, and after the service a de putation consisting of Messrs Turner, W. Graham and Atkin met the North Shore adherents, when the following resolu tion was agreed to: "That the Primi tive Methodist Free Church send a local preacher for three Sabbaths to preach at the North Shore, and that tho week follow ing Mr Turner shall preach there, after which the congregation is to meet the deputation and come to a decision upon the future course of procedure."

Tho Christian World reports that a short time ago a gentleman left with the secretary of St. Peter's Hospital, Bernors-streot, an anonymous donation of £10,000 in £1,000 notes.

Tho meeting of the British and Foreign Bible Society was largely attended last night at tlie WeUesley-street Young Men's rooms. The chair was occupied by Col. Haul tain, supported by tlie Right Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland, Yen. Archdea con Maunsoll, Revs. Messrs Macnicol, Bunn, and Waters, and Messrs Firth, "Woodward, and other gentlemen. The Chair man introduced tlie object of the meeting, and mado somo excellent remarks on the authenticity and general character of the Bible, and recommended a constant reference to its publimo payes. Rev. Mr Lawry then read the twenty-soventh annual roport of tho society's proceedings which was of a most encouraging, character. The balance was next read by Mr Firth, the treasurer, which shetvod that the society's receipts from sale of Bibles and subscriptions amounted to £410 7s 7d, whilst remittances and expenses amounted to £408 13s, leaving a balance of £1 14s 7d to tho credit of tho society. The report and balance - sheet in detail is most interesting, but as it will bo published in tho course of a fow dayu there is no necessity to refer more particularly to it at present. Tlie Bight Rev. Dr. Cowie, in a neat speoeh, proposed tho adoption of tho report aud balance-sheet, congratulated th* society on their progress and prospects, aqtl said he folt proud to bo associated with it in the capacity of vice-president. Mr Barton, in seconding tho Bishop's proposition, dwelt at length on tho stability of tho Bible in withstanding scientific and other attacks. Yon. Archdeacon Maunsell supported the resolution with somo encouraging words, and it was carried unanimously. The Boy. Mr Macnicol moved, "That this meeting desires to express its devout thankfulness to Almighty Clod for the blessings vouchsafed to the operations of the British and Foreign Biblo Society during tho past year, and appeals to christians of all denominations for the exercise of faithful prayer, generous sympathy, aud liberal support on behalf of tlie important work of disseminating tho Sorip turos throughout tlie world." The resolu tion being seconded by tho Bey. Mr Bunn, was carried. Mr James Couplaiid moved a vote of thanks to the lady collectors who had greatly assisted the Society's operations, and read the names of a number of gentlomen to form tho committee for the coming year, which was duly seoonded and passed. The choir attended and gave several choice musical solectioDS at intervals during the proceedings under Mr Joseph Browne. The meeting terminated in the usual way.

Wo have received a letter from Mr L. Haslemayer, tho premier wizard, who is now travelling In Australia. He moves about in in regal style with three waggons, and seven horses, He has had .very successful seasons in Melbourne and Adelaide, and intended shortly af ber the date of his letter to travel overland from Adelaide to Melbourne, per forming at the towns on the road, and ship from the latter placo to Tasmania and from thenco to Sydney, proceeding overland back to Melbourne. This sketch of his contem-, plated toUr gives a glimpse of a wizard's life in the colomes.

The complimentary dinner given by thej Auckland Troop of Royal Cavalry Volunteers: to their officer in command—Lieut. Isaacs—: will take place this evening. The cloth; will be spread in the new dining-room of tho Masonic Hotel, and dinner will be on the table at half-past seven preoisely. j It was stated at the last meeting of the Mansion-house Northfleet Relief Committee that one of the survivors alleged that a con spiracy existed among forty 'or fifty of the " navvies " to throw the captain overboard during the voyage in consequence of the short ness of the provisions. One of the members said the communication only proved what the committee had long suspected, that the male emigrants were a wortliless set of fel lows.

To illustrate the position which servant girls are able to take in this city. Wo were told by a friend the other day that in reply to an application for a "help," he was in-, formed that "it was too far to walk to tho top of Symonds-street for an engagement, would Mrs mind coming down to meet her."

Mrj Severn, of the Thames, the popular scientific lecturer, will give one of his dls-i courses this evening, at the Wellesley-street, rooms on magnetism, eleotricity,, and the mariner's compass. These topics will form a most interesting lecture, especially for young men who have not hitherto thought upon such matters.

jgTonders are required by the City Council for the supply of trees and shrubs for the new City Park.

A poor woman named Mary Hawker was seized with an epileptic fit yesterday while on her way from Auckland to Onehunga. She was assisted into a house by the road side, where she received kindly attention, and after the lapse of half-an-hour she was so far restored as to be able to proceed to her destination.

Our telegrams state that the steamer Victoria would not leave Sydney for this port before the 10th instant, and cannot therefore lie expected before the 22nd or 23rd.

It is a matter of surprise to us that after the cry raised by Auckland mistresses for servants, housemaids, and nursemaids, a young woman who has left her home to try her fortune in New Zealand, and who has for the past six years been housemaid in a gentleman's family, should be left in the Immigrant Home without an applicant for her services. The Agent-General at Home informed her that she could scarcely land before sho would be engaged as housemaid at excellent wages.

Some interpreter must have been hoaxing our friend Tupara, the Tauranga chief. It will be remembered that about a week ago we gave insertion to a letter of his, and com mented favourably upon the spirit of loyalty it displayed. We remarked that opportui nity might might soon be afforded Tupara for evincing his loyalty otherwise than in mere words. It seems from the telegrams of our Tauranga correspondent that his honour has however been injured, and he talks about taking proceedings against us. What kind of proceedings does not appear, but it may be presumed Tupara, being a, loyal native, that he will have recourse to the law. We fear Tupara must be given to bounce. Let him him rely, on his good name and loyalty, and refrain from mixing with his deceiving pakeha friends, who are evidently bent on cracking their jokes at his expense.

We call special attention to the announce ment of the first of a series of Saturday even ing concerts to be gived by Madame Winter, at the City Hall, assisted by Mrs Mitchell and several favorite amateurs. The parti cular view which has ,induced Madame Winter to venture on this undertaking is the laudable one of providing rational and elevat ing music for the people. The general esti mation in which Madame Winter is held as a first-class pianist, and the excellent idea about to be realised, must meet with much consideration by those who have the people's interest at heart.

Among other typographical errors in our yesterday's local respecting Dr Maunsell's1 lecture at North Shore the name of Captain Daldy was given in mistake for that of Capt. Fielder as tho mover of the vote of thanks to the lecturer.

Wo havo been moved by several residents, at North Shore to make known to all whom it may concern that pebty depredations have been frequently committed at night in",that district within the past eight days. In some oases turkeys and other feathered bipeds have disappeared, in others clothes lines have been lightened, and the depredator, who is asserted to not belong to that suburb, did not even respect "the bridge that carried him over," for the un grateful individual went on board the Enter prise ferry steamer, and in the absence of the Captain entered his cabin and helped him self to change. But there is a remnant of honesty, or some othor sentiment in the fellow, for although there were twenty shil lings of change he took only twelve aud six pence as sufficient for his pressing wants, leaving seven and sixpence to the skipper. But notwithstanding this discriminating taste several residents have expressed the determination to nab the prowler. One says he will placo "salt on his tail," as people catch tho swallows, and that he will, do it in this wise Ho says ho has shotted a gun with salt, and that if he observes tho man during tho night-watches prowling about;his verandah or his outhouses he " will pepper his bottom," and he asks us to ask others to go and do likewise. Tho Idea is certainly an excellent one, and wo recommend our friends at North Shore to think of salt.

LAUNCH OF THE MANAWATU.

■■):..' The paddle steamer Manawatu, built by Messrs H. Niccol and Sons, North Shore, to the order of the New Zealand Steam Ship ping Company, was successfully launched this morning from Messrs! iNicbol's ship building yard. Tho weather was unpropi tious, a thick fog and drizzling rain, having sot in shortly before the time announced for the ceremony. This, and the early hour of the morning (eight o'clock), pre vented, many from turning out to witness the interesting ceremony. The christening was most, grace fully performed by Miss Bertha Combes, who. having raised the bottle of champagne, dashed it against the steamer's ,bows, which at 8.15 a.m. was duly baptised amid the cheers of the spectators. The Mauawatu glided easily from her slips into the Waitemata, stemming as it were the tide like » thing of life, and was subsequently brought to her moorings by a strong anchor oft the Flagstaff wharf. She was not permitted to remain here long idle, for shortly after, the Devonport, with steam up, ran alongside, and took her in tow, and she was safely brought over to the south Bide of of the harbour, notwith standing the fog prevailing, and was moored alongside the Gore-street jetty, where she will be fitted and made ready for sea. Soon after the ceremony a dejeuner was provided at the Flagstaff hotel, at which a number of guests satjdown. TheManuwatn hasbeenbuilt expressly for trading between Wellington, Manawatu, and Wanganui, and will be fitted up with spacious passenger accoinm'odation of both classes. It is intended to fit her up in an elegant manner, and provide suitable accommodation for ladies. The steamer is about 200 tons builders' measurement. Her dimensions are—length of keel, 120 feet; beam, 18 feet; depth of hold, 7 feet; draught, 5 feet 6 inches. Her engines, of 45 horse power, were brought from Wellington, and are already fitted into her. The boiler has been made by Mr S. Yeoman, and will be shipped in a few days. The Manawatu irof composite build, and rigged as a fore-and-aft

schooner. She has been five months on the stocks. She will be commanded by Captain Griffiths, late chief officer of the Taranaki, and Mr Watson is her engineer. Mr Hart mann, the manager of the N.Z.S S. Company, having arrived from Wellington yesterday, was present at the launch, and expressed great satisfaction at her appearance. She is certainly a pretty model, and a credit to both her modeller and builder.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM WAIKATO.

A Messenger of Mr Mackay's

Captured

Threats to Murder him

Reported Weakening of Manuhiri's

Influence

Paul, of Orakei, at Te Kuiti

Tupara's Honour not Satisfied

ALEXANDRA,

This day.

Mr Mackay arrived here late last night. A messenger of his named Pari, with let ters, was made prisoner at Wharepapa, and a guard of four men placed over him. This morning he managed to escape and recover his horse.

On the road he was met by armed natives who presented guns and again made him prisoner, tying him up. A great number of the natives wished to kill him, but others begged him off. He was eventually allowed to return,but his horse had been much ill-used. tig

He succeeded in hiding his letters so cleverly that they were not discovered.

Mr Mackay has just gone off for Cam bridge, via the Ford redoubt.

He holds a meeting with the natives at Waota to-morrow.

Intelligence from Te Kuiti reports that another meeting of kingites will be held on the*2Bth instant.

Report says that Manuhiri is losing much of his influence, and that the forthcoming meeting will discuss the advisability of de posing him as King's adviser, and appointing a younger man to the position. The intro duction of some new ceremonies in. the Hauhau religion is also.contemplated.

Paora Tuahero has had several friendly in terviews with the King, and it is thought his advice will have great weight with Tawhiao and the leading kingites.

COROMANDEL.

This day. Excelsior. —The tributers have obtained 17 i lbs of good specimens,

Tokatea. —37 ozs. 4 dwts. gold, the result of the clearing up from the Nil Deaperandum battery, have been lodged.

Eiiily.—The result of the late crushing is 104 qk. amalgam.

TAURANGA.

This day. The Southern Cross arrived at six o'clock last night

Tupara procured a translation of the article in the Star, quoted in the Bay of Plenty Times, and says he will take proceedings. ■The Swallow sailed to-day for Mercury Bay. Mr Lusk addresses the electors to-night.

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

Great Rejoicings at Greymouth

Catholic-Masonic Controversy in

Wellington

WELLINGTON.

This day. Governor Fergusson is coming here in the Claud Hamilton, and is expeoted on Sunday next.

The reception arrangements include a grand procession, fireworks, and torch-fight procession, &c. The steamer with the new Governor comes directly here without calling at Nelson. A difficulty has arisenfbetwoen the Free masons and the Catholics regarding the procession on the arrival of the new Governor. The Catholics decline to take any part in the procession if Freemasons are to march in re galia. There is a warm correspondence on the subject in the Press. The Catholic clergy refuse to permit children to attend the cere mony unless Freemasons abstain.

GREYMOUTH.

This day. The inauguration of the Brumner Railway was an enormous success. There was a grand procession of friendly societies, rifle and fire companies and Corporation bodies from Greymouth and Hokitika. Six hundred children were present, and* about three thousand ©f the public.

Mr Harrison turned the first sod, and made a speech referring to his own efforts to carry out the work. He eulogised the policy of the Fox-Vogel Government. After the ceremony a free lunch to the gene ral public and to the children was spread in the Town Hall. Two hundred were present atthe lunch given by _the committee. The toasts of Messrs Harrison and Vogel were enthusiastically received. It was the greatest demonstration ever held in Greymouth.

Mr Harrison addresses his constituents on Friday;

PORT CHALMERS.

This day. A brown sea trout has been caught. Sailed : Lutterworth, for London.

CHRISTCHURCH.

This day.

The Government placed £5,000 on esti mates for the present Mechanics' Institute upon its being turned into a free library.

NELSON.

This day,

The proposed amendment in the Education Act providing for the reading of the Bible in Government schools was rejected by the Pro vincial Council.

DUNEDIN.

This day. Sailed : ' Lutterworth.' for London, with a full cargo and five passengers. Mr MeDermid .tvas returned for Port Chalmers unopposed ; Mr McLeanfor Oamaru. For Tokomairiro, Mr Gillies waß returned by a majority of fifteen.

LYTTELTON.

Sailed: 'Taranaki.'

This day.

BLUFF.

This day. The steamer Victoria was advertised to leave Sydney fo* Auckland on the 10th inst.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M.)

A COMMENDABLE APPLICATION,

Mr J- B. Russell, on behalf of the Execu tive Committeo of the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children, applied for per mission to put a box in the Police Court to receive contributions towards the Home. Ho said that a large number of children were sent to the Home by the Court, and the in stitution was wholly unsectarian. He knew in his own practice many persons who would be willing to settle disputes by giving con tributions towards some charitable institu tion, and no institution could be more deserving of support than the Home. He knew of his own knowledge that the institu tion was very short of funds.

His Worship said he had often seen poor boxes in police courts, and the idea of placing such a box in our local Court had more than once occurred to him, and he had mentioned it to Mr Cunningham. The Home for Neglected Children conferred a great benefit on-all classes of the community, lie should order that tho box suggested by Mr Russell be put up and attended to by the officers of the Court.

Mr Russell said he had never seen a better managed institution, and he hoped the gentlemen of the press would call the atten tion of the public to the fact of its being short of funds.

DRUNKENNESS. One drunkard was fined 10s. A FOWL PROCEEDING

John Grange was charged with stealing nine fowls, valued at 13s Cd, the property of Richard Corns, on board the p.s. Lady Bowen, in Auckland harbour, on the 10th inst.

The prisoner pleaded guilty, but said it was a mistake ; the fowls were stolen from him.

Sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour.

LARCENY,

John Thos. Binney was charged with steal ing a number of articles of clothing, etc., valued at £12 10s, in conjunction with ano ther person already in custody, the property of John Burrows.

The prisoner had been apprehended in the Waitakerei by Detective Jeffries, after a three days' chase, and brought down to Auckland. All the articles stolen had been recovered by the detective. Inspector Broham asked for a remand until to-morrow, so that the two prisoners could be brought up together.

Remanded till to-morrow. ALLEGED BREACH OF THE HIGHWAY'S ACT.

The case against Mr J. H. Hansen for an alleged breach of the Highway Act was called on, but the complaintant, Wm. Pugh, was not in attendance.

A letter from Mr Pugh was read stating that he had withdrawn from the case.

Mr J. B. Russell appeared for Mr Hansen, and said that the defendant had received no intimation of the withdrawal. Costs to the defendant were allowed, and the case waa dismissed.

ALLEGED CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD.

Messrs John Lamb, of Riverhead, and Thomas Macffarlane, Provisional Trustee in Bankruptcy, were charged on the informa tion of Thomas Milne Machattie as follows : —That they did on or about the 3rd Novem ber, IS7O, unlawfully, wickedly, falsely and maliciously conspire, combine, confederate and agree together.to make and prove a falqe and fraudulent proof of debt against the estate of the said T. M. Machattie, well knowing the same to be false and fraudulent, for the pur pose of defrauding the said T. M. Machattie and his creditors against the peace, &c.

Mr W. L. Rees appeared for the prosecu tion.

Mr Hesketh appeared for ; Mr Lamb, and Mr Weston for Mr Macffarlane.

Mr Lamb, when called on did not appear, and Mr Hesketh stated that he would be down by the steamer this morning. Shortly afterwards the defendant entered the Court, and the information was read over. ,

Mr Rees opened the case at length. He alluded to what constituted the crime of con spiracy. It might arise from an attempt to effect a legal purpose by unlawful means, or to effect an unlawful purpose either by legal or illegal means. In the present case the informant, Mr Machattie, was an old settler who had become bankrupt. He was formerly a partner in the firm of J. S. Macfarlane and Co. In 18G8 he became bankrupt; and in 1870 Thomas Macfiarlane, as provisional trustee in bankruptcy, became trustee in the estate. Prior to the insolvency large business tran sactions' tookplace between Machattie, Lamb, and Thomas Macffarlane (who was then a member of the firm of Henderson and Macffarlane, but now provisional trustee in bankruptcy). The present charge of conspiracy arose out of those tran sactions. In order to substantiate the charge of conspiracy he would have to prove that an agreement was made between the defendants, and that acts were committed by them to effect the common object. He would perhaps not be able to prove an actual agreement, but would prove acts jointly done by the defen dants of a fraudulent character, which amounted to an agreement between them? The act upon which the charge rested was that the defendants combined to make and prove a false debt against Maohattie's estate both knowing that suoh debt was false and fraudur lent. He would prove this in three ways: First, that proof of debt was made ; second, that it was made by agreement between the def, fendants ; and third, that the proof was false and fraudulent, and that.theyknewittobeso. He would show that at the time the proof of debt was made to the knowledge of both the defendants no debt whatever existed hy Machattie to Lamb. He would first put in evidence the proof of debt, and show that it was the proof of a debt made by John Lamb against tho estate of T. M. Machattie, and sworn to before Thomas Macffarlane, as a justice Of the peace, who was then also trus tee iv Machattie's estate. This proof was sworn on the 3rd November, IS7O. He would then prove that both the defendants were well aware that no debt existed, by the following facts :—ln 1867 a certain settlement of accounts was made between three parties by agreement dated the 23rd of January, 1567, [The agreement was then read.] This agree ment was made between John.Lamb, Thos. Milne Machattie, and Thomas Macffarlane (as a member of the firm of Henderson and Macffarlane). The agreement is in the de fendant Macffarlahe's 'hand-writing, and was made at the time when] Machattie rer. tired from all business transactions with the firmof Henderson & Macfarlane. It sets forth^ that John Lamb then owed Machattie £3758$ and that Machattie was indebted to Hender son' & Macfarlane in the sum of £2999 4s lOd. It was thereby agreed that Henderson and Macfarlane should retire all the current bills between Machattie and Henderson and Macfarlane, as they fell due (as per annexed statement), and that they should receive all money due from Lamb to Machattie. Also that Henderson and Macfarlane should settle all open .accounts as per statement. 2a.q.; That -Machattie having granted certain security to' Henderson and Macfarlane for Lamb's debt, the latter agreed to restore those securities except the land on which the mill-dam is situated, and which Machattie was. to convey an fee simple to Henderwn and Maofarfone, .3rd. That Maohattie »WW

ctb wmmm war, frHtmspAY, Jttra i% im.



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