SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

--N-SET: This evening, 6.23 STJN.RKHE. t c . T v/ morning, 5.0 ™_. T4 TER! Thls evening ' 3'lß 5 to _or.o*

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES, den Isle, schooner, for Russell Vincent, cutter, for Tauranga Whynot, ketch, for Wairoa Swallow schooner, for Whangaparapara Mary Ellen, schooner, for Mercury Bay Sunbeam, schooner, for Waipu

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

7 x.unemn : tsaliella, ketch, early For Oisborne : Tawera, schooner, early. For Newcastle : Koh-i-noor, barque, early £Or J^vtika : Herald, schooner, immediately a or {southern ports : Ladybird, s.s., NovemW 3

VESSELS EXPECTED.

hKimmer of the Wave, ship, from New York Lily, brig, from Adelaide Ferndale barque, from London. Sailed August 12 Ryr,p, schooner, from Lyttelton. Sailed Sept. 27 Pow ' Shi .' from Lond°n- bailed September 26 Paterson, p.s., from Southern ports Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney

It is very gratifying to notice the great demand for vessels that has grown out of our increasing trade. Mr John Eeid, merchant ? i!.m Clty' lias tllis week Purchased on behalf of Southern firms three \-essels • the Zior, Isabella, and Cambria ; all boats of large carrying- capacity, with light draught, and eminently suited for the trade it is intended to place them on. As will be seen by advertisement in another column Mr Reid requmea another schooner, and will be glad to enter into negotiations for the purchase of a suitable vessel.

The cargoes of sugar from the Hazel Holm and the Magellan Cloud are being turned out in capital condition. TheStLconardshauled into the stream this morning preparatory to sailing for Lyttelton.

COMMERCIAL.

CALLS. Albion Coal Company, 10s ; November 1 New Pacific G.M.C., Nov 10 Windfall G.M.C., 6d ; Nov 12 Van Tempksy G M C, 3d ; November 12 Golden Calf G.M.C., Is; November 12 Queen of the Thames G.M.C., Is ; November 15

Mr John Reid reports :—Flour, dull of sale at reduced prices, inconsequene of large unreserved at auction sales. Kauri timber has again advanced Is per hundred on the East Coast.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under •— F«lTno!? es' this dajr' at 530 P-m- and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. For Newcastle, N.S.AV., per Velocidade, to-morrow at 9 a.m. ' For Mahurangi, Matakana, Mangawai, Waipu, &c per Lady Bowen, to-morrow, at 10 a m For Wangarei Heads, Wangarei, and Mangapai per Sovereign of the Sees, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Wbitianga, per Saucy Lass, to-morrow, at 2 p m For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Australian Colonies, per s.s. Ladybird on Monday next, at 11 am. ' For Russell, Wangaroa, Mongonui, &c, per Rowena on Monday next, at 3 p.m. Mails for Australian Colonies and United Kingdom, via Melbourne, will close at Greymouth this day, at 5 p.m. ' A Post-office has been opened at Ohiheiiiut i, near Tauranga. " (Signed) S, B. Diss. Chief Postmaster,

MARRIAGES.

SL ATER-MOTION.- a riy R ev , J AValPs MD Mr Wm. Slater to Miss Maggie Motion?both'oiP______ 11 °C, tober B0> at t,,e residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. Dr. Wallis Alexander, eldest son of Mr Thomas Campbell of _™_- pT; to, ,Ma, ry' yol'ngest daughter of Mr James Hill, Auckland.

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

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1873.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that wo can do

There is not a movement yet originated in Aucklaud more deserving of a generous sympathy than that of the Early Closing Association. Against great diflioultio they have battled successfully, and now when they havo almost attained to the con summation so devoutly wished, through the perverseness of tAvo very small shopkeepers the whole thing is imperilled. All the clothiers, drapers, hatters, and milliners have given in their adhesion with the excep tion of two. One is Mr Pearce, the draper, and the other Mr Levy, a clothier, both in Queen street. We are exceedingly reluctant to counsel or countenance anything of the character of compulsion. But Avhen wo see

that these two, who arc of the smallest class of employers and business men, intend virtu ally to compel all the respectable traders and all their many assistants to endure a needless

slavery, we do not hesitate to say that un usual and severe measures should be taken to compel these tAvo traders to yield ; and we do most cordially and cheerfully offer our columns and our best aid to the members of the Association and to tho employers avlio have sogenerously befriended this movement, and we are prepared to go to any extreme to assist in preventing this noble movement from collapsing. We are informed,—but Aye do trust for the honor of our business-men that it is untrue- -that these two shop-keepers are secretly encouraged in the opposition by certain other traders who arc already keeping the rules of the Association, so that by their persistence the early closing movement may be burst up. We do not think so meanly of any business

man in Auckland, as to suppose that any thing so cowardly would be attempted in secret, and we do trust that a few weeks at least will be afforded so that Messrs Pearce and Levy may be brought to see that it is their interest to no longer seek to subject all the young men and women in our business establishments to needless drudgery. Feel ing that this is a cause that lacks assistance we mean to go into it; and if the members of the Association will kindly inform us Avhat part wo can effectively play, wo aro here. We understand that an appeal is printed, and will be circulated, intreat ing a merciful and kind-hearted con sideration of the case of the Association, and asking that housekeepers, and purchasers generally, will refrain from buying from these two establishments. No doubt there may be something actionable in such a course, but the Association may roly upon it that no jury will give beyond a farthing damages, and we shaU be prepared to assist in starting a public subscription to pay tho costs of the defence. For ourselves we are prepared to bear the racket, and not only do we appeal to all to refrain from purchasing a halfpenny's worth of thread from Messrs Levy and Pearce, but if the members of the Association will find us the

names of any persons so purchasing it will afford us the utmost pleasure to hold up the names for public edification, together with any little items of personal history or character in such purchasers as may tend to illustrate a bias towards meanness or absence of public spirit. We feel that the cause of the Early Closing Association appeals to our common humanity, and when we see so much decency and worth allied on its side we feel additionally impelled to give our entire aid for the consummation of objects so nearly attained.

We are requested to state in the most positive manner, on the part of Mr Lusk and his supporters, that on no consideration what ever will he withdraw from the election.

We are glad to learn that through the in defatigable efforts of Mr J. B. Russellarrange ments have been completed according to which the " City Band" will play every Saturday afternoon at the North Shore during the next five months, beginning to-morrow. This has been effected partly by private subscriptions collected by Mr Russtill, and partly by a grant from the Ferry Company, whose re ceipts will naturally benefit by everything that tends to lend attractiveness to the other side of the water. The band will play to morrow afternoon from, we believe, two o'clock, at the cricket ground near the outer beach, which, if generally acceptable, will be the place at which it will also play on succeeding Saturdays. Of course it may be anticipated that on very wet evenings the perforrnaace will be omitted.

We have been requested to state that Mr Dargaville will on no consideration AvithdraAV from the present Superintendency contest. He feels confidential of being returned.

The Cross of this morning refers to "certain charges against priest and parson" as being " assertions from a quarter so utterly unreliable that they cannot be noticed here." We shall go into this business to-morroAV.

The second annual meeting of the share holders of the Bismarck and French Repub lic Gold Mining Company was held in the large room of the Insurance Company's buildings this afternoon, Mr W. Earl in the chair. A large number of shareholders Were present, The report and balance-sheet Averc read and ficlopted. Mr Bennett informed the faceting that the battery would cost £9,500 instead of £7,500 as stated in the directors' report. Messrs Stone, Wilson, Wardrop and Russell, the retiringdirectors, Were re-elecfccdj and the name of Mr Thomas Motrin added to the directory. Messrs ilarlick and Alexan der w.re again elected auditors for the ensu ing year. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

( The only business transacted at the Police Com t tin's morning Avas the remanding by the Mayor till Wednesday ne*t of two men, John Dalton and. William Good, accused with George Martin, already remanded, of (stealing a valuable cow belonging to Mr John Lamb, of Riverhead, on the 15th October. The two prisoners were arrested by Detective Jeffries at Riverhead yesterday, and were brought up in the steamer last night. Tho remand was a.nked for by the police to enable them to supply a link iii the evidence against the prisoners which is wanting.

For the second morning in succession there were no drunkards brought up at the Police Court to-day. This is a decided improve ment, and Avhether it is to be attributed to the spread of Good Teinplarism or not is a matter of congratulation. The extent to Avhich excessive drinking has been carried hitherto in Auckland has long bean a svbjeet of reproach, and it is a pleasure to had any signs of a better state of things. The domestic and every other kind of misery which almost daily has been shown in our reports of the Police Court as the result of intemperance may have acted as a deteirent in prevent-'ng others following to the same ruin. Let us trust that the ritera tion will be p.imanent.

A correspondent writes:—"At Mangapai on Saturday evening s.me forty settlers assembled to hear Mr Dargavillo's address. He spoke fully an hour, and during his speech made certain local allusions which showed that he had been well posted up. Ho was received Avith great favour, and at the close of his speech was closely questioned by Mr Orniiston and one or two others. A vote of entiie confidence in the candidate was proposed by Mr Wintlo, seconded by Mr Lee, senior, and cai ricil by an overwhelm ing majority, only two, Mr Oimiston and another, being dissentients. A vote of thanks to the chairman, Mr E. Carter, teiminated the proceedings. Mr Dargavillc then pro ceeded to Waipu, Avhere he held a satis factory meeting.

"Aurora Floyd" Avas reproduced at the Prince of Wales Theatre last night. The attendance was only moderate, but those who were present evinced unmistakable satisfaction at the manner in which the com pany portalmed the piece. The very prononce character of tho heroine Avas veiy carefully undertaken by Mrs Hill. Mr Collier, as " Softy," Avas very effective. The tarcc of " The Widow's Victim" concluded the per formance. " Lost in London," and " Handy Andy," are announced for this evening. Mr Collier's company deserve great credit for the pains they have been at to present an ever varied bid of fare to their patrons. We should like to see their exertions more sub stantially repaid.

The folloAving sensible letter on secular education, from the pen of a well-known lady, appears in the Thames Star :—Sir, — " Crux Mild Anchora," is in error when ho says that in the present Common Schools children are taught "to ascribe everything to ceitain laws without the name of God being mentioned." Tho three school series in use in these schools—Nelson Ordinary School series, Nelson's Royal series, and the Irish National School series—all contain re verent mention of God and an acknowledg ment of Him as the source of all good teach ing. Such as "Crux Mihi Anchora" describes would not be tolerated in any country in Christendon ; nor could teachers be found sufficiently >ieked and mercenary to lend themselves to a repudiation of the Deity. A few infidels might, perhaps, offer them selves ; but as a rule teachers arc posscsssed of at least as much conscientious ness and consistency as other professing christians, and though they may be will ing to sink religious differences in school as they would in any other sphere of business, they are not prepared to repudiate God in their teaching, nor is it raked of them to do so. Whether the system is good or bad remains to be proved. At present it appears a success, but it lira only had a short trial, Nor do I wish to enter into the political aspect of the matter. My object is solely to remonstrate against people for electioneering motives stating not only Avhat is not true but a deep insult to the teachers. If our teachings is infidel we must all either bo infidels or prepared to sell our Christianity at a few hundreds per annum or less, and the Board of Education must issue an infidel seiies of school books. Such sweep ing charges can hardly be excused, even by electioneering excitement, and I therefore enter into the arena of controversy and give the statements that he present schools are infidel and godless an unqualified denial.

The following extract is made from an encouraging article in the Coromamlel Mail :

—" Election matters are very well in their way, but we must not foiget that mining, not electioneering, is the staple industry of Coromandel. The month's yield, published elsewhere, is a fair one, and as usual testifies to the richness of Coromandel quartz, the yield giving an average of over .two ounces to the ton. Thanks to the excellent manage ment which has characterised the Avorkingof the Tokatea mine, and the outlay Avhich for the past year has been expended in opening out the Kapanga mine, the district has been able with the working and yields of claims of lesser note to hold its own. The local expenditure on the above two claims alone has not been less than £1,500 per month during the past year, and the greater portion of .he dividends from the Tokatea have circulated in Coromandel. We may, hoAvever, confidently look forward at an early date to a better state of things than that of merely being able to hold our own. Tho Tokatea mine is already opened out to such an extent as to ensure several years more working with the same successful results as have characterised the past. By the close of the year the Bismarck, an equally rich mine which has been merely waiting till the completion of Bennet's battery, will be getting into full SAving, employing its fifty or sixty men, and contributing largely to our gold returns. The Pride of Tokatea, too, a very valuable piece of property in the same group of mines, and containing some thirty acres of ground, is commencing extensive operations, so that even as regards the hill district itself wo may faily look for an early and very considerable improvement.

We referred a few days ago to the estab lishment in Auckland of a new Cricket Club to be_ called "The Auckland Cricket Club." This institution has now taken definite shape, the formal organisation having been effected at a meeting held yesterday evening at the Thames hotel. A large number of gentle men wore present. Mr James Russell was Voted to the chair, and commenced the proceedings by reading a list of seventy-live names of gentlemen who Avere anxious to become members. Mr J. Bennett proposed, and Mr Bell seconded, a resolution that the Club be formed) and that it he called by the above name. Rules Avere adopted, and the subscription fixed at £1 Is., Avith an entrance fee of the same amount. Ihe following list of officers was submitted and approved of subject to the consent of the gentlemen appointed ; Patron, Ins Excellency Sir James Kergussoii. ; presi dent, Sir G. A. Arhey; Vibe presidents, Messas James Watt and P. ]). Kenton; Mr Cotton was appointed hon. Secretary'; Mr J. 0. Davies, treasurer; while Messrs Jas. Russell, Osborne, Rice, Bell, Coates, and J. Bennett arc to form the working; committee. A match was arranged to be played at the new Fllerslie ground on Saturday, the Bth November. It was intimated that it was probable tho teams which are to be selected by Messrs Jas. Russell and J. Bennett, would be conveyed out to Ellerslie by train. The possibility of arranging for a visit from the All England team was discussed, but nothing definitely settled. The establishment of this club is good evidence that the impor tance of fostering a love of this manly and healthful game is more widely recognised than hitherto, and avo Avish the new venture every success. We notice that the date fixed for the first match is the same as that chosen some time ago an the date on Avliieh a trial match is to be played by the eleven going South. This, of course, has been overlooked, for Aye cannot believe the ncAV club intends to inaugurate its career by such an antagonistic fixture. The inhabitants of the rural outlying districts of Stokes' Point on the other side of the Waitemata, Avhose habitations shine like the tents of Israel among the sloping hills, are determined, if possible, to have a steam ferry service for the purpose of intercom munication Avith tho people of Auckland. Mr George Staines, a considerable land owner in Stokes' Point, and chairman of the North Shore Highway Board, has, by request, convened a public meeting to be held at Mr Smith's new Kerry Hotel to-mor row, with a view to the opening of the much needed steam accommodation.

To the Editor : Sir,—A great deal has been written and said about nuisances existing in this city, both at the wharf and other parts of the town. Some short time since the valu able time of our City Council was taken up in ventilating the general utility of tho earth closets, but the public has waited in vain to see this most excellent idea earned out. In my opinion, which is probably a very poor one, if this system were properly carried out Aye should very shortly find a very great diminution in the amount of sickness in and about Auckland. At the pre sent time the whole of the water-closets drain into the main sewer, and not only this but several of the leading butchers in town are known to constantly kill upon the pre mises, the blood and offal being thrown into the scAvcr. I need not point out to you that the oases arising from these caus-s are dis tributed about the town by the various era tings, and death and sickness thus dealt around. You Avill doubtless have seen from the notice now going the round of the news papers that the health officer of Sydney assigned the large mortality in various parts of that city to this cause, and also to the proximity of the Avater closets to the Avells, from which the water for the household is drawn. Let the Good Templars look out for this, and get pure water, or they Avill find that their abstinence Avill do them infinitely more harm than their swiping friends. If this system were thoroughly carried out \ venture to say that the nuisance at the end of the wharf would have been done away with without the silt basins now being formed at the end of Queen street, which I feel sure will be utterly use less as long as the present state of things exist. With reference to our Inspector of Nuisances I beg leave to add a fcAV words. flow he puts in his time T cannot make out, as I still see and feel the same nuisances existing day after day. Perhaps he has so much work to do that very little impression is made. In such event I think it would be well for the City Council to appoint him an assistant, and let the reproach under which Auckland has laboured so long be at last wiped away, and let us have a sweet and, as a matter of course, a healthy toAvn.—Yours, &c, Health.

A correspondent Avritcs thus under the heading "Rampant Snobbery":—"Sir,—As one of those who did honour to the Governor by forming one of the guard of honour at the ball on last Tuesday evening I must protest against the reckless driving and insolent snobbery of some of the Parneil toast-and-water aristocrats. After the com panies piresent on that occasion had gone through the ceremony of a vice-regal recep tion—to do Avhich they had been kept Avait ing, through the Avant of punctuality of some in high places, under the steady doAvn-pour of a Scotch mist—they Avere marched back to their private parade ground, headed by tho splendid band of the Hobson Company. About a hundred yards from the hall they were nearly run down by a vehicle, Avhich was on the Avrong side, the occupants of Avhich used language such as would have procured for them a mighty warm hiding on that wot night had they been on foot. These mushroom sAvells ought to know that Volun teers are not like their friends, the London costermongers, made to be run doAvn, but as citizens are entitled to the protection the IaAV gives from such recklessness, and as gentlemen are superior in every respect to the _ ' haw haAv' rubbish who filled that vehicle. If the police do not look more sharply after those gentry in future, and should such disrespect bo shown again to any of the Volunteers, especially to the com panies thus insulted, I for one Avill present some one Avith a touching compliment, and give generally a good account of a Bold Volunteer,"

Late advices from Liberia state that hos tilities have been commenced among the tribes occupying the Ashantce province in Western Africa. Ashantce is located between Liberia and Dahomoy, and is in some Avay under the guardianship of England. About the middle of June one of the native vil lages, called Elmina, Avas burned by the English, and its population, some ten thousands, rendered destitute. The Ashantee tribe has also burned several villages belong ing to the Fantee tribe. In the last engage ment the Ashantees were victorious and the Fantees fled in confusion to Cape Coast, and were greatly harassed dur ing their retreat, especially by a band of Ashantees, which had been harbored by the Elminas. The toAvn of Cape Coast is now inundated Avith Fantee fugitives, over thirty thousand people having sought refuge there. Great distress exists among them from scarcity of food and water. These tribes will- probably keep fighting till one has destroyed the property of the other, and the defeated are reduced to slavery. Two British steamers, laden with supplies and troops for the seat of war, were Avrecked on approach ing the African coast.

The annual meeting of shareholders in the Imperial Crown Goldmining Company (Limi ted) took place to-day at Mr Tothill's office. Mr P. Whitaker, the chairman of the com pany, presided, and a large representation of the shareholders attended. The report, which was read, stated that the expectation of the company's shaft intersecting the Caledonian lode had not been realised. The expense of the mining operations had almost exhausted the funds, and a fresh supply was needed. It was for the shareholders to say lioav that AVas to be done. The profit and loss account for the past year showed a debit balance of £378 18s 8(1,' On the motion of the chair man the report and balance-sheet Avere adopted. Messrs Whitaker and Parle, the retiring directors, Avere re-elected.

A rather amusing .circumstance occurred last night at the, soiree given to Rev Mr Mackenzie at theDevonport Hall, it appears that the lire to boil the Avater and prepare tea had as usual been lighted outside on an allotment belonging to Mr Duder, and at least four times as far away from the build ing as on any previous occasion of similar soirees. But the owner of the hail, Mr I David Burn, believing that the smoke, | Avaftcd by the Avind which Avas bloAving very gently would injure the paint on Lis hcav \ house, some rods aAvay, kicked away | the fire, and danced a pan fteul in j the emboi^, to the amusement of a ! large number of small boys who Avere looking on. Subsequently having got out of 1 the tantrums he Avas persuaded by several gentlemen to let the matter proceed quietly, I which he did till the Avater had reached the boiling point, Avhen the fit coming again he | kicked away a loo;, and overthrew the boilers ; then, taking a jug, he poured Avater on the embers The consternation among the fair sex waiting for tea, and anxious to i do the honors of the occasion, may be im- i agined, but the old man whose language j was' {of the most forcible character, j making reference to things hotter than even boiling Avater, stalked to and fro in the darkness a picture of impotent and ludicrous rnge that was a sight to behold. Wo understand that this morning the tan trums being over, Mr Burn is on the stool of repentance, asserting that the affair Avas his misfortune, not his fault.

After being detained inside the heads since Wednesday morning the Luna, with his Ex cellency the Governor and suite, left the Manukau for Wellington this morning at five o'clock.

A meeting of the Cattle Show Committee of the New Zealand Agricultural Society was held to-day at Sceats' British hotel. Mr Joseph May took the chair, and Messrs T. Morrin, Buttle, W. Woodward, Bovey, R. Bent, M. Taylor, Shepherd, and Bainbridge were present. The selection of judges for the different classes of stock to be exhibited Avas proceeded with. Mr Archard agreed to contract for building the yards for the com mittee at a cost of £00. Several letters Avere read, including one from Mr Kirk, of the Horticultural Society. Five tenders were opened for the right of charging admission, and Mr McGarry's tender, £11C, Avas accepted conditionally that the charge be only Is, and 150 tickets be reserved for the Society. The Secretary was instructed to engage a hand.

The Harmonic Musicrl Society was avc'H attended last evening at the Young Men's Christian Association. The class is hoav established on a first-class footing. Mr Graham announces that the share list of the Mosgiel Wooden Factory Company vl 1' positively close to-morrow (Saturday). Mr H. Jf. Lusk will address the electors of New con jthis evening at half-past seven o'clock.

The Hawaiian Gazette makes the folloAv ing appeal to the inhabitants of those islands : — Friends of Hawaiian?, let there be no vaeilliation on the question of alloAvlng the distillation of rum on our shore 3 ! Look at the aboriginesof Australia and Tasmania, and ask Avhat has destroyed them ? Turn to New Zealand, and inquire Avliat is the cause of the decrease of that noble race of Maories ? and of the constant Avars with the whites ? In Fiji, in Samoa, and other groups, free rum is the cause of nearly all the internecine wars. It was the same here thirty to forty years ago, when rum distillation and rum drinking were free, and the poulationdecreased nearly fifty THOUSAND IN EIGHTEEN YEARS J License it again, and it .Avill diminish another fifty thousand in eighteen years ! And what then ?

The second of the silt-basins has hoav been well begun. Already the preliminary pile dr.A'ing has been effected, and the process of closing in will proceed at once. The pump ing-enginc has been slightly shifted in posi tion, and is ready to be used for the new basin. Ihe basin already finished will be in use in a few days. The alteration in position of the engine-shed takes the traffic directly over the roof of the basin.

A paragraph relative to the movement for the establishment of a Catholic Temperance Society, in yesterday's issue, Avas based on eu-oneous infoimation. The meeting was merely adjourned OAving to the inclemency of the Aveather, and in order that Bishop Crokc might preside.

The members of the Royal Company, A.R.V. will assemble at the Fire-bell, foot of Grey-street, on Sunday morning, at ten o'clock, to attend Divine serA'ice. It is to bo hoped that other corps will attend in large numbers.

An affair which onco occurred to one of the Judges on the Western Circuit has been the subject of much mirth. It appears that having finished his labours and cast off his forensic Avig at at his lodgings, he had retired into tho next room to wait for his brother Judge, whom he Avas about to accompany to meet some of the loerd aristocrats at dinner. The female servant of the house had entered the bed-chamber by a side door, and, not knowing that the Judge Avas in the next room, in her frolic arrayed herself in his wig. Just at the moment when the fair Mopsy Avas admirino herself in the looking-glass, the Judge une_T pectedly entered the room ; and poor Mopsy, catchiug sight of the stern countenance look ing over her shoulder in the glass, Avas so alarmed that she fa inted, and Avould have fa^.en to the ground if the learned Judge, impelled by humanity, had not caught her in his arms. At this critic?! moment his brother Judge arrived, and on opening the dressing-room door with a view to see if he Avas ready, discovered his learned brother with the fainting maid in his arms. The in truder quickly attempted to withdraw, when his brother Judge vociferated, " Por heaven's sake, stop and hear the matter ex plained !" "Never mind, my dear brother —the matter explains itself;" and he left the learned brother to bring the fainting maid to as best ho could. ~ °

A Napier paper complains that the Col lector of Customs at Port Ahuriri uoav insists on importers taking oath as to the value of imported goods ; the declaration of a Custom House agent is not deemed sufficient, and the bed-sides of half dying men are invaded, and Avidows compelled to go to the Port to solemnly affirm to the truth of their in voices. Mr Williamson's address to the electors at the Thames is postponed until Monday next and at NeAvton till Weduesday. Any of our readers Avho may still be in doubt as to whom they should give their vote for the Superintendency Avould do well to consult Punch's tip on that event, pub lished to-morrow.

We.-have to acknowledge receipt of a copy of the proposed Coal Mining Bill, copies of which have been distributed by the Superin tendent at the request of the Hon. Colonial Secretary among the coal-owneis in the pro vince. The Rev. Mr Edger's usual Snnday ser vices Avill be held in the Choral Hall instead of the City Hall, which is at present occupied by Mr Gourlay's exhibition.

ROYAL EXHIBITION.

Tins very attractive and superior exhibition drew large numbers of citizens to the City tlV 1 last n'ght, Avho appeared to take much interest in Mr Gourlay's remarkable co v'eotiou of curiosities. " Rig Ben," not of Westminster, but of Queensland, the monster alligator, excited much attention from the bystanders, who examined most minutely the bones, fossils, petr:factions, and teeth of the alligator ; also a number of eggs. It is noticeable that, in the wise provisions and economy of Nature, only a few of the alligator's eggs are productive, the larger portion evidently being intended as food for the young, The crocodile, which Avas shot :n Northern Queensland at the commencement of the present year, was another object of special interest, and the remarkable embalmed body of a New Grinea chief was the theme of general wonderment. We observed that numbers of young ladies lingered with pleasurable feelings around the blossoming hawthorn-tree, pointing their pretty fingers to the birds and silver foun tain. The cosmoramic and magnified views of scenes of the Franco-Prussian Avar, and the magnificentfallsof Niagara arrested theardent gaze of groups of young persons. We would c."U attention especially to the splendid Scrip tural group representing the Holy Family iv their hot, sandy pilgrimage from Nazareth to the land of the Nile ; also the figure of Father Chrisimas, in artistic style, with all the natural emblems of an English Christmas about him ; not a-; he appears in New Zealand, amid sandflies and mosquitos. basking in the sunshine. We may simply state that Gour lay's Royal Exhibition presents something for eA'ery taste, and with _ the charmed circle of its choice paintings, wax models, natural and artificial museum, the senses and the in tellect will alike be satisfied, and the ear charmed by sweet strains of music from the excellent band in attendance.

(To the Editor of tho Evening Star.) Sin, —I sh?ll be prepared to break a lance with Mr Gillies upon my return to toAvn, but it is important that I should at once re ply through your columns to that part of his remarks made on Tuesday evening, Avhich refer in a more personal manner to myself. Mr Gillies is reported to have said that either myself or my agent at Hokianga continued to cut timber without a license after it hid been notified to us that the said timber was situate on Government land, Avhilo Mr Webster of the same place ceased to do so after he had receiA'ed similar intimation. This is Avholly untrue so far rs I am concerned, and that there may be no misunderstanding or evasion I noAv say that neither myself nor any agent of mine, nor any per on in my em ployment ever with my knowledge or con sent, cut timber on any Government land, General or Provincirl, either a\ ith or without a license. I have an agent in Hokianga to purchase timber for me on commission. He also trades on his own account. Ceilain natives had cut timber, which they agreed to sell to my agent, and he, out of his own store, advanced them provisions, blankets, &C, on account of tho timber. Before de livery of the timber it turned out to be on Provincial Government land, and the chief native, as I am irtaimeel. applied to the Superintendent for a license and was refused. Upon hearing from my agent the position he Avas in Avith the natives I too applied for a license so as to have the logs removed, and was at first refused. Mr Webster, it appears, had also made adA'ances to the same natives against a portion at least of the timber, and subsequently my agent wrote to me stating that Mr Webster had obtained a license, and was remoA'ing the logs. Upon hearing this T called upon Mr Gillies, Avho agreed to five my agent tho same privilege that he had given Mr Webster, which was, that he might remove the logs already squared for him by the native., and for Avhich payment had been made to the natives. Upon this authority reaching Hokianga, hoAvever, it Avas found that Mr Webster had already removed the Avhole of his logs, and ultimately upon appeal being made by Mr Webster and myself to MrGiPiesto arbitrate between us, he (Mr Gillies) decided that Mr Webster should pay me the value of my agent's portion of the logs. Mr Webster at once paid me the amount, and there -_as an end of the matter until it was recently raked up, and the facts grossly misrepresented for electioneering purposes. This statement, so far as it concerns myself, is tiue in every particular, and as a part of our programme when I meet Mr Gillies in public I challenge him Avith all his forensic skill to disprove it. —I am, yours, &c, J. M. Dargaville.

Mangapai, 25th October, 1573

EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN NEWS.

Further reports are received of the success of Sir Samuel Baker's African expedition. It is said that the discovery has been made that Lakes Tanganyika, and Nyauzaare one, and form a body of water seven hundred miles in length. ' THE PERSIAN RAILROAD. The surveys for Renter's Railroad from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf have already been commenced, and as tools for grading are on the Avay, appearances indicate that° the time is not far distant Avhen Hindostau Avill be accessible from Europe by a route cooler than that of Suez. The Red Sea and its approaches noAv occupy about 3COO miles of the hottest and most unpleasant portion of the steam trip round the Avorld, Avhereas the new route from Southern Russia to Bushire will be cool and attractive. The new road has an interest not only for Persia, and its neighbours, Russia and Hindostan, but also for all the countries which, like California, derive a profit from the circumterraneous steam communication, and Avill derive still more as travel increases with the increase of comfort and the reduction of expense. Paris, July 25.—The Journal de Paris says : —The project of placing a Prince of the House of Hohenzollen upon the throne of Spain has not been abandoned. A number of discontented Carlists and former Liberal Unionists are said to favour the same. The Journal also says the Cure of Santa Cruz Avas proclaimed a rebel by Don Carlos for being concerned in this intrigue.

AMERICAN NEWS

catholic clergy and the common schools,

Neav York, July 25th. —The Times publishes an article this morning to show that the Catholic clergy are just now making extraordinary efforts to establish sectarian schools, and notes it as a part of a plan to destroy the present public school system. The chief source of support of public schools is the payment of 10 dol. per capita on tho Avhole number of children taught, and it is thought that by establishing Catholic schools and attracting Catholic children the public schools in some districts will be closed for Avant of scholars and vhe per capita allowance, '

KIIOCKINCi i»ROOI_D7Xf!S ATJUV^ -V Nvvv York, August Ist.—lsidore X, Hp / of New Jersey, got drunk whileholdin« ay J-- /' over the body of his newly born infant k ) brutally bent his wife, who was lying ; u ' v, / sick Irom the effects of which she i S X onklc has be en arrested. ' ENFORCING TIIK LIQUOR LAW IN at__. CHUSETTS. ' Boston, July 20th.-The number of Stat, constables who have been requested to S is twelve, all located in Suffwlk county )? . movals m other sections of the State are __ contemp ated if the officers faithfully enW the i rohibitory Liquor Law. The ?S Commissioners declare that they intend? have the IaAY enforced in the highest as Jn as the lowest places, and see no reason why oven with the present small force, nun sell jng cannot be made to slink from the rmbli' gaze as wed as gambling and other crime, against which the constabulary force _m f.ted successfully. The liquor dealers in Br-ton are excited over the matter UNTIMELY END OK AN IXC RATEFCL KBHH W Frederick Monks, a young German who had ran away with his uncle's wife, on bein. discovered by his uncle in his hiding-place at 40 Ludlow-street, New York, yesterday shot bimse?* and died instantly. .The wife threatened suicide and dre%v a pistol, and in a scullle for its possession it ww discharged wounding her seriously. ' '

SHE PROSPECTS UV PRESIDENT GRANT SERVtNO

A THIRD TERM".

It appear:; that a movement of office holder 3 to secure the renomination of General Grant for a third term has already culminated It is stated that preliminaries Avere arranged* at Long Beach several days a«o, pnditis not denied that the Piesident is cognizant of it. Those having the matter in charge count largely upon divisions supposed to exist in the ranks of the opposition, and upon their aV'ify to vohe the moneyed interests of the country to support their scheme. Under their scheme, and under the head of moneyed -stcrests, they include all the National Banks, lailroad corporations and the large capitehsts. These, they aP.ege, are a l' for Grant, because under his ad ministration,it is not likely that any legisla tion should be enacted hostile to ifi.se ;nsti tutiors. Another argument used is that there is no man in the Republican party who hrs developed greater popular strengh than Grant, and it is hardly probable that within the next thice yean he wi'l have any dangerous rival. Of course the official patronage of the Administration wi'i be used for manipulating political conven tions and in securing delegates. Some of the President's friends think it too soon to agitate the question of succession, hut the matter has been kept veiy quiet, and was not expected to be made public until at least a year hence. If Grant should fail to set the norr'nation his fi.ends assert that he Avill be able at least to no me his successor.

SOIREE AT DEVONPORT.

The valedictory soiree announced for last eveningbeing complimentary to theßey. P. P. MacKeuzie prior to his departure for Aus tralia, came off last night at the Devon port Hall. Notwithstanding the unsettled character of the weather there was a very large attendance, the building being quite, full. A very ample and elegant tea was pro vided by a number of the ladies of Mi- Mackenzie's late congregation, tables bciug spread by Mrs H. Niccol, Mrs Buchanan, Mrs Sibbin, Mrs M. Niccol, Mrs Wylde, Mi- Landers, Miss Webster and Mrs G. M. heed. Some delay occurred in consequence of the capsizing of the boilers, owing to Mr David Burn's foot having accideutly removed their support, and the rives -being extinguished by sundry jugs of water beingalso accidentally poured fiver the fires by the baud of the same gentleman. At about eight, however, the important business of refreshment Was completed, and Mr H. Niccol, as the oldest member of the congregation having taken the chair, introduced the proceedings by a few remarks. Madame Winter, who presided at the piano, then, in company with Miss Winter,, rendered very beautifully the piano duet " William Tell." The songs "Should he Upbraid," and ''KatejO'Sliano were very prettily and feelingly sung by Miss Duder. " Friend of the Brave" and " The Wbl_ by Mr Brett, Avere received with prolonged applause. Miss Winter, who is rapidly rising to the position of our most popular vocal amateur sang "Jessie's Dream" in such a manneras elicited an irresistible encore, when she sang '' Jessie, the Flower of Dumblane" with exceeding sweetness and expression. Her third song, " Esmeralda," was equally beauti fully rendered, and Avas received with equally fervid applause. Mr Wareham sang the " Garland" and "Bay of Biscay" with good effect, and received an encore. " Fair Dove, fond Dove," Avas sung by Madame Winter with that lady's usual excellence, and "Hear me Norma," a duet, sung by Madame and Miss Winter was exquisitely rendered, and elicited great applause. Perhaps the most striking performance of the evening Was that of two very little girls, Mis. Annie and Miss Jessie Hayles, two little mites, that one would expect to be stumbling through d-o-g dog, and c-a-t cat; yet their performance of the Gipsy quadrilles and other pieces and encores Avas marked by a precision and finish and beauty of execution that coupled with the tiny forms of the little instrumentalists were really remarkable in the extreme, and threw tho audience into raptures. The entertain ment being intended rather as a soiree musical, there Avas but little speaking, the brief ad dresses being confined to the expression }of kindly feelings towards Mr Mackenzie and his reply. Rev. Mr Macuicol spoke in very warm and kindly terms of his co presbyter, and the difficulties he had en countered, expressing the warmest Avishes for bis happiness and success in after life. Rev. Mr Bates, the English Church clergyman of the North Shore, spoke of the kindly relations that had always subsisted between him and Mr Mackenzie, and ih his own name and that of his people bade him a kind fareAvell. Mr Buchanan being deputed by the congregation at the late annual meet ing, expressed the kind sentiments of his late flock towards Mr Mackenzie, who re plied at some length and with great feeling, bidding farewell to the North Shore, and all friends there and elsewhere. The proceed ings of a very successful soiree were brought to a close Avith the National Anthem.

MR WILLIAMSON AND HIS EMI GRATION.

To the Editor of the Evening Star.

Sir,—lf lam not mistaken Mr William son lays great stress upon the fact that ho instituted that great colonizing scheme Avhich attracted a large number of hn"1 *" grants to this piovince in the years 1359, 1860, and 1861, under the forty-acre-grant system. Noav, sir, I think that if I were Mr Williamson I should have said very, little upon that subject, for the reason that it notorious fact that it Avas a most lamentable" failure, so much so that for emigration pur-| poses this province Avas damned for ' V^M afterwards, and is even to this present day —hence the great difficulty in obtaining a steady stream of respectable emigrants with. each a small capital—the most desirable oi all emigrants. Why was Mr Williamson s emigration scheme a failure ? Because when the unfortunate emigrant arrived he tovm

_ns Hvmnw star, frtday ootobbr si 1873



IMPORTANT! "DUSHBEOOK & BRIDGMAN -*-*' (Successors to R. Hobbs), Reg to announce the arrival, per City of Auckland and St. Leonards, of the FIRST SHIPMENTS OF DRAPERY (GOODS to their order, direct from the Fins. London and Manchester Houses and Mauutacturtrs ; to be followed by a Choice Lot of Goods per Hydaspes and succeeding vessels. NOW OPENING: A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF FURNISHING GOODS, Marsolla and Toilet Quilts, Toilet Covers, Chintzes, Plain and Twill Sheetings, Grey Sheetings, Cotton, Union, and Linen Ticks, Window Curtains, Black and Colored Lustres, Moreens, Plain and Fancy Gambrocn, Tweed, Ladies', Maids', and Children's Hosiery, in great variety. Ladies' and Maids' Corsets. A Choice Lot of New Cricket Belts, Braces, Fancy Ties, &c. Merino and Cotton Shirts and Pants, Men's and Boys Summer Hosiery. Also, A MAGNIFICENT STOCK OF NEW DRESS GOODS, MUSLIN, PRINTS, &c, _c. R. & 8., BEING THEIR OWN IMPORTERS, are in a position to supply their customers with GOODS AS LOAV AS ANY OTHER HOUSE IN TOWN. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, "Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers,&o JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-street, Auckland. _sr 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 free d 8250 EEf AED. Constabulary Office, Auckland, 29th October, 1873. WHEREAS on the night of the 6th ult. a Fire broke out in the premises of Thomas Powley, Draper, Queen street; on the night of the 14th inst. a Fire occurred in the premises of J. S. Macfarlane & Co., Merchants, Queen straet ; on the night of the 24th inst. a Fire was dis covered in the Ropeworks of Neil Lload & Co., Ponsonby Road,—and whereas there is reason to believe that each of the premises referred were wilfully and maliciously set on fire, this is to certify that the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds will be given for such information as will lead to the con viction of the offender or offenders in each case. THOMAS BROHAM, Inspector A. C. FIRST-CLASS BOARD AND RESIDENCE. TH E Proprietor of the Private Boarding Estab"shment known as the "St. Leonards House," Parnell Rise, offers superior accom modation to visitors and others. The house is one of the best in the province, being conducted upon Home p-inciples by an efficient lady lately arrived from Fngland. The situation is one of the pleasant ost in the district, commanding the entire scenery of the place. The rooms are spacious and airy, and re plete with every comfort. The cuisine of the house is first-class, everything being prepared in first] style, and scrupulously clean. The terms are . reasonable and may be known upon application. £5T Address :— " ST. LEONARDS' HOUSE," PARNELL RISE. NATIONAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND (Limited). A BRANCH of this Bank has been opened at Tauranga, under the temporary charge of'Mr Thomas Little john. ADAM BURNER Inspector and General Manager. 29th October, 1873. "VX7AIKATO COALS (the best in * use for Household purposes). For Sale in lots to suit buyers at the Timber Yard Government Wharf, Onehunga. Orders can be left at the office. JAMES W. WALLER, Custom Hoiwe-street/Auckteßi.