SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

POST OF AUCKLAND.

SUN-SjST * This evening, 7,3 SUitr-RISE: To morrow morning-, 4.38 HiGH WATER : This evening, S.IG ; to-morrow morning, 8.32

ARRIVALS.

Rowena, s.s., McGregor, from Northern ports

DEPARTURES.

Hydaspes, ship, Babot, for Sydney

The schooners William and Julia and Rose were loading coals yesterday at Russell for Auckland, and the Magellan Cloud was loading timber. The schooners Golden Isle and Queen sailed from Eussell yesterday with ISO tons coal. The ship Hydaspes dropped down the harbour this morning. A new fore-and-aft schooner, the Fanny .Kelly, arrived in harbour last evening from Opotiki. She was built-by Mr White (of Mercury Bay) at Opotiki, and will be em ployed in the trade between Opotiki and this port She was built to the order of Mr W. Kelly. The vessel is about 61 feet keel and IS feet beam, .and apparently well adapted for the trade in which she is to be engaged.

The Rowena reports the American whaling hip Addison, Capt. Sinclair, at Mongonui, with 1300 barrels sperm oil,: and the follow ing vessels at Wangaroa loading timber : Barque Lalla llookh ; schooners Ivanhoe and Ruby, and the cutter Dido.

The s.s. Rowena arrived from Russell and Northern ports this morning with the follow ing passengers and cargo:—Bishop of Waipu, Mrs and Miss Williams, Mrs C. Davies, Mr J. Williams, Mr Revburn, Capt. Barker, Mr J. Atkin, C.E., Mr Sloan, T. Williams, J. Williams, Mrs Parsons and family, Mr Jackson, Mr Snowdon, Miss Snowdon, Miss Downs, one f emalelprisoner and three steerage. 10 bales wool, Loan Company ; 10 do Buck land ; 5 hides, Gittos ; 2 bundles sheepskins, 10 hides, Buckland ; 26bgsgum, Thompson ; 28 do, Stone Bros. ; 76 do, Walker ; 8 do, H. B. Moreton ; 176 sheep, Buckland.

COMMERCIAL.

Calls. _ £ 3. d. • Date. Peep o Day and Daydawn .. 0 1 0 Dec. 10 C.own Prince 0 0 6 De* 10 Christchurch 0 0 3 Dec. 10 Golden Calf (2nd issue).. .. ' 0 1 0 Dec. 10 Hope of Coromandel .. ..010 Dec. 10 Van 0 6 G Dec. 12 South British Insurance .. 0 5 0 Dec. IG New Zealand Shipping Co. .. 010 3 Jan. 7 .A'Dion Coal Co 015 0 Feb. 1

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails -will Close as Under :—

For Thames, an Monday next, at 10 30 a ra. and 6.30 p.m. ' ' For Coromandel, on Monday next, at 12.30 p.m. For Waipu, per Sunbeam, .this <lay^ at 4 30 p.m. For Tauranga, per Vincent, this day, at 5 p.m. For Tairua, per Janet Grey, on Monday next, at 8 am. For Taranaki and Southern provinces,' per Taranaki, on Monday next, at 9 a.m. For Gisborne, Naiier, and Wellington, per Paterson, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Wliangaroa, and Mongonui, per 80-vena on Monda** next, at 3 p.m. For New Caledonia, per Mariner, on Tuesday next, at 11 a. m. For \viiitianga, Tfirua, Tauranga, Opotiki, and Napier, %_ Tauranga, per Southern Cross on Tuesday next, at 8 p.m. Per s.s. Fhcebe, on Saturday, 13th inst., as under: - For Australian Colonies, at 8 p.m. For Fiji, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, Biitish Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign AVest Indies, at 8 p.m.

For the United Kingdom and Continent oi Europe, via Fan Francisco, at 8 p.m.

For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 6 p.m.

Mails for Australian Colonies, via Molbourne, will close at Hokitika this day, at 7 p.m. (Signed) S. B. Bibs. Chief Postmaster.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Charles Reed.—Your letter with reference to the Chile is held over for the present, pending the inquiry. A letter vindicating the 'passengers' appears in another column.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, The Morning News.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1873.

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

And the good that we can do

Rev. Samuel Edger says in a letter to a contemporary this morning "1 never on any occasion, see the Eveniny Slur." This affords the key to much which before was a mystery to us. We had wondered at that gentle man's persistence in continuing to hold him self up as a model of goodness and worth. We see it now. He had been wilfully closing his eyes to the light. Like the hunted ostrich he had buried his head in the sands. We had ashed him many pertinent questions and wc had received no answer. It was because he "never on any occasion" sees the Slur. We had asked him one day about somebody sending over on a Sunday and buying wine at the Anchor Hotel for com munion purposes, and he had not deigned an answer. It was because lie never sets the Star. We notice he is valiant in the defence of buying milk on Sunday, but how about tlie wine in the Anchor Hotel. " The milk man he says is a benefactor to both cattle and human beings ; the licpuor-seller is un rivalled among all the ciuel enemies of humanity ;" but how about the liquor-seller who provided that wine to the deroons. AVc have put a great many other pel uinent questions to Mr Edger, and we would re commend him to take iv the Star in future. It wißj&erve to fulfil in Irs case the prayer ofthi«d •frj|fOh, wad some god the giftie qic us, -.."'f^To see om.iels '-s others see us ; yo& ''-'^lt wad frae mony an error free us, , ■'_ An foolish notion We shsH however in future send lum gratui tously a copy of any issue.containing any thing that we may consider beiielicisl to b'.ni, and in the meantime, as we shall send him this day's S/ar, we would transmit him a little advice, which will be of benefit to him. And first let him mark us. We do not think Mr Edger a bad man. Although doubtless he thinks ua tlie devil ; but dear sir there is a good deal of humbug about you. , Your great fault is an ovor-weenuig conceit, or what is called spiritual pride. You think yourself better than any other minister of religion in the city. You are not. In your constant vicious attacks on other ministers you show a spiteful jealousy which is exceedingly unchristian, aud al though it pleases your own people, who .ire rather adullamite iv their disposition yet it lowers you in the estimation of all others. The consequence is that none of the ministers of the city will work with you in any thmg, and their people naturally sympathise with their min isters. The consequence is, dear sir, that you damn any cause you touch, and you are the worst enemy that t-jctotalism and (rood Templansm have in Auckland. Don't be oD'ended with us, dear sir, for speak ing the truth in love. But if you could be induced to sacrifice yourself on the altar of your country, and abandon the cause of Cood Templarism, or better still to join the Licensed Victuallers, Good Templarism would be strengthened by all the worth of the city. For example you are one of the great causes why we do not go in heart and .hand with Good Templarism. Of course you say we are Apollyon, and that the tee totallers are well rid of us. Still we wield a great power, second to none in the pro vince, ?nd that would be at the service of those who bewail the vice and misery that flow direct from drunkenness. But we are offended by such as you. Yours is a zeal without knowledge. You go like a mad bull at a post. You make a great show of earnestness, but its practical results are nothing, .and then when other people, Seeing your absurdity, declino to make simi lar fools of themselves, you abuse them as being unfaithful. Auckland contains as faith ful ministers of religion as there are in the colonies, and your vicious assaults on them only recoil on your own head. Now, dear sir, take our advice. Take in the Star. It will do you good. If you don't like the cost we'll place you on the free list. You will think we have a spite at you. We have not indeed. We like you, although we fondle you roughly sometimes as a bear does her cubs. But we only want to do you good. We want you to let the other ministers alone, and mind the business of your own congrega tion. And as for your zeal for teetotalism, a cause which we love as fondly as you do, act with more discretion, and with an eye rather to practicable results than sound and- fury signifying, or rather producing, nothing. If you do this you will never have cause to dislike the Star. .We know that you are pained by our strictures. We see this from your saying that you ••never on any occasion see the Star." This is the thing people always say about a newspaper when they stand in dread of it; and thbn they take it in and read it on the ' sly.'. We don't' wish to be a terror to j you. It is pleasanter to us to commend than blame, especially in a case where we have been severe before. It is to us hateful |to be returning to attack. But you bring it on yourself. Take the few advices we hay« given above, primarily that relating to your treatment of those who differ from you—es pecially your clerical brethren—and you will find you will'not again feel inclined to cover over the wounds inflicted by us, saying "I never on any occasion see the Star."

" The hairless horse will be open for exhi bition to-day." So says the Herald of this morning^ and we are exceedingly sorry,to hear it. Our contemporary adds that it will be "positively the last time," a piece of information which it was quite unnecessary to convey. It is a sad ending this to acs reer of honor on which we really thought this wonderful animal had entered. What has induced his owners to slay the animal for the sake of a post.mortem examination we cannot conceive. It seems to us like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. We believe had Caoutchouc been taken alive to America he would have been regarded as one of the most remarkable exhibitions in that wonder-loving country. Now if he visits that land of " notions " it can only be as a stuffed specimen, and the people will ho auro to regard him as a wooden nutmeg. We know that little boys, when they have got a toy, arc exceedingly impelled to analytical studies, and it is the delight of their hearts to break up a toy to see the mechanicism in tho insido. We have no doubt that there arc multitudes of people in Auckland who would almost give their eyes out to see the under side of • Jaoutchouo's skin to examine if there are even the roots of haira which have failed to sprout and grow above the surface. If the Herald is correct in his information we have no doubt this opportunity will now be afforded, and as the animal will be to-day "open" for •xhibition we trust that some of our

histological students will make stringent : microscopic observation of the under side of tlie skin and report. Wc observe that. ' Caoutchouc, according to tho Herald-; ■or , ■ rather, we presume, .his corpse, "proceeds to : the Thames on Monday next." We think , this is altogether too hurried, and regard it j as a greatfepity§i"hat the veterinary science of j Auckland should not be enriched by full de tails of the animal's internal economy, after his having thus been laid "open for exhibi tion " under the irresistible pressure of Auck land sightseers.—Since writing the above we have been informed that the animal is not dead, neither going to be killed. We sigh a sigh of relief. We had misunderstood our contemporary. He did not mean that the animal would be "open," but only tho doors of the exhibition room. We are ■so glad. Poor brute, it would have been such a pity to have "opened" him when just entering on a career of honor and dis tinction. We are no glad.

Mr H. S. Andrews, of Mangare, farmer, Was arrested on warrant this afternoon by Dcteetivo Ternahan, at the British ] fotel, on a criminal information for libel against |Mr John Wallace, of Flat Bush. The libel .complained of is contained in a ily-sheet published (without imprint) by J. H. Field, job-printer, Albert-street, and arises out of matter connected with the Pakuranga elec tion. In the course of the day Mr Andrews was bailed out to answer the charge on Monday, Mr John Sceats and Mr Richard li'eltus entering into the necessary sureties.

The following letter was posted on a boai'd outside the British Hotel to-day :—"Hob son's buildings, Shortlnnd-strect, 6th Decem ber, 1873.—Sir,—Mr T. B. Hannafotd, of High-street, has called upon me and given me instructions to inform you that if the abusive language to which he has been sub jected recently and heretofore by you is con tinued or repeated he will be under the necessity (much as he may dislike doing so) of appealing to the Court for protection. I have been instructed to give you this inti mation for the purpose of preventing further unpleasantness.—Your obedient servant, 0. E. Madden', solicitor. To Mr John Sceats, British Hotel, Queen-stroet."

With reference to tho deputation which yesterday waited en the Honorable Mr O'Borko we have to remark that these things should not be done in a corner. Wo observe that no paper but the Cross had intimation of it, one of the employes of that paper having been the introducer of the deputation evidently adroitly arranged that it should be kept secret from the Herald and the Star. As this journal has been the first and firmest in urging this matter of the neglected East Coast service on public attention we resent the impertinence.

We learn that prospectuses and forms of application for shares in the Union Steam ship Company, started in Dunedin with a capital of £2.')0,(.'03 in ClO shares, have been received by the National Bank, and may be obtained there by intending applicants.

A masonic picnic is arranged for Monday next at the breezy island of Motu Tapu. The brethren will start from the Queen-street wharf exactly at the hour of nine by the clock, by the steamer Dcvonport. A good band will be in attendance, and ample pro visions, luxuries, strawberries and cream, and cooling draughts of every de scription wi-1 be provided by Brother Macready. The steamer will leave the island for the city at six o'clock in the even ing, thus allowing at least eight hours for ruralising among the summer scenes of this lovely ocean-circled isle. Should the weather prove propitious the excursion will be cheering and healthful in its inilu ance. The exhibition at the City Hall was un usually crowded yesterday with holiday keepers, and the scenes were'observed with much interest. Numbers of young persons from different schoo's and families have attended this afternoon, and to-night the riromenade concert will be resumed. On Monday ovening Mr Gourlay will appear in one of Ids favourite characters.

Discourses will be delivered to-morrow at the following places of worship, viz :—At Newton Kirk (by Rev. Dr. Wallis) —morn- ing, "Waiting upon the Lord;" evening, Lectures on the Apostles, No. 3, " .lames the Less." At Lorne-strcet Hall (by Samuel Etlger, B.A.) —morning, " The.Religion of Love;" evening, "Israel wrndering in tlie Desert." At Wellesley-street Baptist Church (P. A. Cornford, pastor) —morning, "Joy for the Joyless *'.' evening, " Power for.^. tbe Powerless." St. Paul's Church—sermons morring and evening by Rev. G. H. Turner. Cook-street ChristianI*'1 *' Meeting-house—dis courses on tho "Breaking of the Bread; and the gospel. Services at tho usual hours at Edw£irdes-street Chapel (Rev. C. Waters). Primitive Methodists, Sheridan-street (Mr Booth), and at Newton Hall. North Shore— morning, Rev. J. Galloway ; evening, Rev, J. Wallace. St. Andrew's—morning, Rev. R. McKinney ; afternoon (in Gaelic), Rer. J. Roas ; evening. Rev. J. Elmslie.

Numberless are the arguments in favour of early closing to be found in the realm of nature if we look for them. The birds re tire to the shadow of the trees at the slumbrous hour of eve, and the flowers, most of them, hang their heads in a kind of dreaminess, and others silently close their eyes. We are not aware that the slave drivers of society—the petty tyrants of trade | —can gather any apology in the fields" for their jthorough worldliness. In turning over ;the pages of the Ettrick' shepherd we came upon a truism of this sort in some verses on tho blawort, a wild flower known to Scotch men, which forms one of the many pleas for the Early Closing movement amid draperies of beauty—

When the blawort turn* a pearl, And the daisy turns a pea, ' And tho bonnie lueken gowan Has fauldit up her e'e ; Then the laverock frae the blue lift Draps down, and thinks nao shame To woo his bonnie la-sie . When the kye comes hame.

The Queen's Variety Troupe of actors and minstrels made a great sensation last night at the Prince of Wales Theatre, and received the plaudits of a full house. Lizzie Watson was charming in her melodious songs, and Harry Braham promises by his unique per formances to sustain the fame of the Brahams to another generation, when the name will be perpetuated in song by some future Braham. A host of other talent received in succession tho well-merited cheers of the people. We need only mention their names : Blanche, the active gymnast; Mons. Hainew, the flying monarch of the air ; Mat Riley, the Hiber nian vocalist, with his intensely comic ditty tho "Private Still;" "Alick," tho original ' India-rubber man, also had a great reception last night, and who will repeat " Salamander Ham" again this evening. Wo should advise some of our solemn - visaged sorenaders to learn of Alick O'Brien how to sing this remarkable and mirth-creating song. Then littlo Charley Baker made his appear ance in the character of a negro, and not the house in a roar ; and Charley, according to tho advertisement, will ning his represen tation song again to-night.' The Queen's Variety Troupe is exceedingly happy in com bination, and judging from tho 'aplonclid achievement's of its gifted inarobora in tho-' ---characteristic molodies wo i ntieipato lor them the prolonged patronage of tho musical I publio of Auoklaitd. I

Tliere was a, fair muster ]ast night of the Scottish Volunteers and Navals in the Drill- i shed. Captain Mowbray cornmnnded the I Scottish, and the Rifle Brigade Cadet-; were I under the eye of Sergeant-Major llaslem. i The members of the two companies went I through their drill in a very soldier-like I manner.

The moonlight trip by the p.s. Golden Crown, which afforded so much pleasure to numbers of persons last season, will be com menced this evening. The steamer will lea ye the wharf at eight o'clock and cruise about until ten. An excellent band will be in attendance, and possibly a little dancing on deck.

The residents at Remuera will receive a special treat to-morrow on the occasion of the very i.cv.- Mr Elmslie and the Rev. Mr Dewsbury preaching at the Congregationnl Church. The power and elocjucnce of Mr Elmslie is proverbial, aud as to Mr Dews bury, as a young man he has no equal in the Wesleyan Church in New Zealand. It is not often that two such men can be secured for a day's services. In the morning at eleven, Mr Elmslie ; rud in the evening at half-past six, by Mr Dewsbury.

The share list of the Standard Insurance Company will close on the 25thin< t. Applica tions must be sent to Mr G. W. Binney, the local agent, before that date.

Notice is given that persons in arrears of rent for ceitn;n city endowment lots will be proceeded against according to law unless they pay up within a fortnight.

The Takapuna having undergone impor tant alterations and repairs will resume her trips to-morrow at half-past twelve o'clock. She is guaranteed by the engineers a year's steady work without a hitch.

We have much pleasure in giving publicity to the following vindication from a passenger by the Chile : —"Sir, —You will kindly allow me through the medium of your valuable paper to contradict the statement of your correspondent of yesterday relative to the ship Chile's scandal, as I and my family were passengers on board that ship. I must widely differ with your sailor correspon dent. There is no exception made with him ; pl.l is condemned as the lowest of the low. aWhere there no good people on board that ship who had families'. Yes, there were over one dozen married people who had children, and were perfectly moral and correct in their conduct. Such a foul and wholesale condemnation made by your correspondent of yesterday can be contradicted by the saloon■• passengers. In the married quarters—filled with foul wretches as your sailor informer says— 1 have seen parents teaching their children the way to Heaven, and washing and dressing them to attend church on the Lord's day. There the infantine and musical voice of the children Mere wafted on the winds in sweet praise to God in hymns. Are these, sir, the people who are to make such bad colonists in the country '. Tho greiter number-on that ship are Christian people • educated, skilled in their trade, bringing to Auckland and your country industry and improvements, and 1 will say religion, not to learn it. So much for the married people, now relative to the single girls. What was their con duct? Your sailor informer says nil are bad. He, like King Herod, slays all the innocents. The conduct of tho single girls while on board was most praiseworthy for cleanness, morality, and modesty. All honour to them keeping strictly to their apartments, except mi washing days ; then they were in groups over their tubs ; and in fine weather, when on deck, they were always by themselves, keeping company with no one except when they could perform theofiiceofthegood Samari tan by nursing the babes belonging to the mothers who wero lying sick. These girls are bringing to the country all that is essential to good housewives, and with re gard to the singlo men they never exceeded the bounds allotted to them. Obscene languageand swearingwerestrictly prohibited by themselves :u their portion of the ship. Obliging and civil to all, bringing to the .country the pith and strength of manhood, all willing and able to turn their hands to honest industry. Such wholesale slander made by your sailor informer has the lie and a deep motive stamp upon it. But will the public believe it? No, common sense tells them that all were not bad. God forbid. The captain, doctor, and officers of the ship had (with some) a trying duty to perform, but whether they exceeded that duty or not wi*l be for the law to decide in punishing the guilty parties. Trusting you will insert tlvs true statement in your valuable paper, I am, (f c., Chakles Cuaweorp, a married man with wife and family to support by his character. Immigrants' bairacks."

The ..Presbyterian General Assembly of New Zealand commenced its sittings last evening in St Andrew's Church. A service was held prior to the constitution of the Assembly, at which the Rev. J. Elmslie, the retiring moderator, preached. The reverend gentleman selected for his text three verses, 23 to 25, from the 10th chapter of Hebrews : '' Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering ; for he is faithful that promised ; and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works : Not forgetting the assembling of ourselves to gether, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another : and so much tho more as ye see the day approaching." A collection was then made, and a hymn sung, when the Moderator administered the sacrament to a large number of the congre gation. .The Rev. Moderator then declared [the formal opening of the General Assembly, and introduced as his successor'the Rev. James Hill as a ftehtleman who had long held an influential position in the church, and within the*bounds of the Presbytery.. He,would therefore propose the Rev. Mr Hill as Moderator, of the Generail Assembly for the ensuing year, which was seconded by Rev. J. Ross and carried. The Rev. D. Bruce then introduced Mr Hill, who took the chair and delivered a long and interesting address, which was characterised by calm thought .and practical suggestions in reference to the work of the Presbyterian Church. Mr Hill spoke at length on their condition and prospects, and alluded to tho fact that in the province of Auckland there are at least 5000 Presbyterians who did not attend' divine ordinances. He considered that in order to remedy this house to house visitation must be continued, and with more vigour, by missionaries and visiting com mittees. We have not space to enumerate all the points of Mr Hill's excellent address which was of a hopeful and cheering character. The assembly then proceeded to other business, and appointed two Sessional Committees, and the following order of services for Sunday :—St. Andrew's, morn ing, Rev. R. McKinney; afternoon (Gaelic), Rev. ,1. Ross, at three o'clock; even ing, Rev. J. Elmslie. St. James's morning, Rev. J. Ross; evening, Rev' J. Paterson. North Shore, morning Bey. James Hill ; evening, Rev. J- Wallace Otahuhu, and Tamaki, morning and after noon, Rev. W. Shirriffs; Reinuera, morning Rev. J. Elmslie; Papakura, morning, Rev W. McCrao ; Whau, morning, Rev. N. McCallum ; Onehunga, morning, Rev. J. Paterson. The Assembly then adjourned and mot this morning at eleven o'clock for devotional exercise. It was also proposed to incut on Monday next at two o'clock io the jf,ftQruoqi\ far general burliness.

We learn that the reason the ca'jo against the doctor of the Chile was not proceeded with to-day was that the J.P. to the warrant was taken declined to sign i fc. Action will be taken on summons.

After the result of yesterday's cricket match few will venture to dispute tho claims of our provincial team to the high rank among cricketers in Now Zealand which their brilliant series of An'ctories has entitled them to. It would be difficult to say whether they owe their successes more to batting, bowling, or fielding. Each department is very evenly represented. Those who saw the batting display in the Canterbury second innings, and at Ellerslie, would say that their strength lay in that direction, but at Nelson and Dunedin, and in another portion of the Canterbury match the bowling of Robinson and Sweet was most destructive, and certainly far beyond anything brought against the team by their opi->onents. For ti elding, the team have also|had encom iums passed upon them. This is a part of the game which cannot bo properly judged from tho matches played here, the roughness of the ground rendering the rushing a ball (as it is termed) or running to it to field it, a very risky operation. It is now evident that tho light of Auckland cricket has been for the last five or six years hidden under a bushel owiug to the lack of a properly made cricket ground. When our local magnates regard the manner in which cricket ha 3 been provided for by the allotment of reserves for grounds in almost every other province they cannot fail to feel that they have .something to make up to those who have lately borne the name of Auckland in triumph throughout the length and breadth of the land. The promptness with which they have, in such a handsome manner, conic forward to meet the champions on their return is an earnest that some effectual measures will shortly be taken to remedy ibis deficiency.

■ The forthcoming exhibition at the Me chanics' Institute promises to be an un qualified success. Subscriptions are coming in pretty freely, and general approval is ex pressed regarding the objects in view and the success which has already attended the technical classes under the auspices of which the exhibition is to be held. Among the donations received is a working model of a steam engine presented by Captain Kails, of the sln'p City of Auckland. The arrangements for the exhibition are being made by gentlemen of practical experience, and will no doubt result in greater attention being directed to manufacturing.industries suited to this province. We are glad to hear that the supporters of the Thames Mcclnnics' Institute have united with the Auckland committee in their efforts to secure the complete success of the affair. The fol lowing letter intimating this has been re teived by Mr W. Chappell, secretary to the Exhibition Committee :— " Sir,—i'eferring to yours of the I-lth November, the receipt of which I had the honour of acknowledging on the 18th November' I have now to inform you that Messrs W. Lowe, H. S. Severn, E. W. Hollies, A. Dewar, and J. L. Bagnall have been appointed as a sub-committee to co-operate as far as possible with the Auckland Mechanics' Institute Committee in the matter of the In dustrial and Pine Arts Exhibition to be held in Auckland during the approaching Christmas holidays*. The sub-committee will be glad to receive a notification from you as to any general arrangements which may have been made for the exhibition, and also as to how they can best render any assistance. —I am, &c., E. S Wi pmax, lion. sec.

In another column will be found the prospectus of local paper manufactory, whereat we rejoice with joy unfeigned. We shall advert to it at length on Monday.

A woman named Donald was brought up from Russell, Bay of Islands, this morning by the Rowona, and lodged in Mount Eden gaol, there to undergo three months fncarcer-

ation, in lieu of payment of a fine of £10 imposed upon her by the sitting magistrates at Russell for inciting whalers to desert from the American ship Adeline.

The tender of Mr Malcolm was this day accepted for the annexe to the Mechanics' Institute for the Exhibition. The work is to be completed in ten days.

At Waimate, Bay of Islands, a barn belong ing to Wi Kateni, M.H.R., was discovered to be oh fire at daybreak on Sunday last. The building contained a lot of fine oats,* furniture, and teu muskets, which tvcre totally destroyed, and valued at £120. It is supposed to be the act of an incendiary.

Those persons who have not witnessed that phenomenon of nature, the " Hah-less Horse," should do so this evening, the last of the exhibition. We inspected the animal yesterday and subjected the skin to a micro- scopic test, aud must confess that we were unable to discover even a puncture. To those who may be sceptical on the matter we would say—visit the "Hairless Horse" and satisfy yourselves. The animal is won derfully docile, symmetrical of form, and a sight to be seen and remembered.

The dramatic company lately performing at the Prince of Wales Theatre will appear to-night, and for a short season, at the Thames. They anticipate a return to Auck land for the Christmas holidays, and w.:,l re-open with a pantomime.

At the impicst at ,the Star Hotel, Newton, on the body of James Gordon, a miner, before T. M. Philson, M.D., coroner, Dr. Nicholson stated he had made a post-mortem examination and found two stabs on the left breast, but not sufficient to have caused death. He believed that drowirng was the cause. The jury returned a verdict of " temporary insanity."

Mr Edger and his flock have finally left the City Hall for the Lome-street now hall, and, ?** an arrangement has been entered into between the committees, Mr Edger will henceforth occupy the Lome street Half on Sundays, where the congregation is lesslikelv to be disturbed.

A deputation of merchants waited" upon the Hon. G. M. O'Rorke yesterday, and called his attention to the fact that Auckland had been altogether neglected in the matter of postal subsidy and service on the. East Coast, for which a vote of £1,500 was obtained last session. Mr O'Rorke concurred in the the views of the' 'deputation; and promised to communicate immediately with' the Hon. Mr Vogel, setting forth the claims of Auckland in the matter.

Messrs Blair and Lambert, who were among the sufferers by the late fire, have removed from their temporary stores in Victoria-street to their new and com modious premises at the corner of Grey .and Queen - streets, and have re-commenced business in the grocery .and provision trades. Their new stores are extensive and most conveniently fitted up with cellars and warehouses, filled with a large stock of teas and other household necessaries of use and consumption. The building is compact throughout, and occupies one of the most eligible sites in the city. The contractor, Mr Watson, has executed his work with taste and skill. We noticed in the ware houses some fine samples of Canterbui y bacon and cheese, and of almost every ether article of family Bervice pertaining to the trade. iS^e advertisement).

An extra concert, for the purpose of aiding the funds of tho society, was givn last night! by the Onehunga Choral Union. Owing ,' either to carelessness on the part of the ; driver, or some misunderstanding, Harding- j ton's 'bus left a number of the performers in j town. The hall was only partially filled. | The most noticeable singers were—Mrs j Brookfield in " Caller Ou !" Messrs Steven- | son and Turnbull in a duet; Miss Hanly, who was heartily encored ; and last, but not least, Mrs Mitchell.

The Royal Company, A.R.V. (with their band), will parade in front of the Market to morrow for a church parade. Members of other companies are invited to attend.

An interesting event, which ought to have been chronicled among the accjuatic intelli gence of this city, took place on Wednesday last at Castle Rock, near Shelly Beach, viz., the launch of a now yacht, built by the owner, Mr George Jones. A considerable number of the people of Dedwood assembled to witness the launch of the Active, and par took of the owner's hospitality on Nature's carpet by.the shore. The little yacht is well made; and reflects much credit on Mr Jones ' ; ' -

A friendly match between the Sir George Grey and Napier Cadets was fired this morning at six o'clock, and as will be seen from the score below, the Napier Cadets were easily beaten by SS pointa. The Greys have now beaten every province in the North Island, and they also hope for good results in the matches yet to be fired against Nelson, Otago, and Christchurch during the next two weeks. We congratulate our Auckland boys for the success they have hitherto met with, and sincerely hope that they will be able to give as good account of the other provinces as our cricketers have. STH GEO. GREY CADETS. 100yd°. 209 yds. 300 yds. TI. Yates 18 19 12 40 Trenwith 20 13 13 40 Campbell 20 14 11 45 Pratt 20 14 11 45 Hanua 18 12 9 39 Hardwick 18 11 8 37 ; 114 93 04 201 Napier Capets. (Per telegram.) Highest score, 37; lowest. 25. Totl,!, 178. Nothing can be more delightful to the senses, or more elevating to the feelings, than a moonlight excursion upon the waters. Tlie stillness of the city, the gleaming of dis tant lamps, feeble in comparison to the grand awe-inspiring, everlasting lamps of heaven,; the still, white clouds, and the gently plash ing of the waters, all conspire to harmonise the thoughts with the soft melodies of evening. Then there is tbe music, the laughing eyes of hopeful maidens with their cherry cheeks, ornamental head-dresses, and tender, resistless, whispers redolent of the odours of paradise lost, but yet to be regained tome day according to law. Beautiful therefore, will be the moonlight trip by the Golden Crown, anc": after such anticipations it seems like a sad descent from the regions of poesy to state that the ticket-taker of the Steam-packet Company would be glad if the excursionists this evening would bring the exact fare, namely one shilling, as it is so difficult to get change.

LATER, ENGLISH TELEGRAMS.

Via Singapore

[Per Omeo at the Bluff,]

[Per .Anglo-Australian Agency.]

THE CUBAN DIFFICULTY.

THE ASHANTEE WAR

LONDON

November 27

America demands the surrender of tbe survivors of the Virginius expedition to Cuba, and an apology and indemnification to the relations of the slain, as well as punish ment of the exTCutioners. '.

America also will demand the abolition of slavery in Cuba.

The answer of Spain ; s friendly. She de nies that further executions have taken place, although sixteen British subjects have actually been shot.

The Spanish Government is willing to surrender the survivors of the crew of the Virginius after their nationality has been established. America demands the uncon ditional surrender of the prisoners.

The bombardment of Carthagena has been commenced.

The British Parliament re-assembled on the 25th February.

Mr Harrison has read a paper before the Society of Arts on his process of freezmg meat, and explained the cause of the failure of the shipment per Norfolk. Professor Gamgee questions the possibility of commer cial success being attained in consequence of the cost involved in the undertaking. Mr Disraeli has been installed Lord Rector of Glasgow University. It has been found that the so-caPed friendly parties among the Africans are un reliable, and 20,000 reinforcements are start ing for the West Coast of Africa. Fuither bush fighting has taken place' between the British troops .and the Ashantees. The Australian October mail was delivered in London on the 24th-November.

FRANCE.

I A change of Ministry has occurred iv France. The Due de Broglie has resigned the portfolio of foreign affairs and accepted the office of Minister of the Interior. The Assembly has prolonged the powers of Mar- shall McM'ahon for seven years.

INDIAN.

I There is a rice famine in Bengal

COMMERCIAL.

London, November 27. The corn market is strong, with an up ward tendency. Adelaide wheat is quoted at 60s to 67s per quarter for the finer qualities.

BLUFF.

This day. ' The Omeo has arriyed with English news to the 27 th. She left Melbourne on;the 29'bb. November.

IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir, —The unanimity of the two morning papers in criticising the actions of the Im provement Commissioners is, to say the least, rather suspicious. It looks very like as if inspiration was being received from some persons rather eager to misconstrue and condemn without any desire to know facts. That several of the members of the Com mission do not attend their duties is certainly not the fault of those who do. Our late Superintendent showed a very bad example in that respect both at this Board and at the Education Board, and if those gentlemen whose names^ appear as members do not attend they at least are hardly in a position to criticise I consider Mr Fcritcm is.

correct in stating that the duties of * / the commissioners is, firstly, to improve the cicy, and then having carried out the works contemplated by the Act, theyW ' to the Provincial Council the disposal of the revenues .arising therefrom for Educational purposes ; they certainly have no ri<mt to pick out the well-endowed and somewhat extravagantly managed Grammar School and allow thorn premises rent free, while the children of the city schools are placed, and stowed m buildings suitable for pigs and cattle. The Improvement Commissioners have a trust to fulfil • when they have done their duty it is forjour Provincial Representa tives to say what schools shall be rent free There are some other little matters yet to see light wbichwißshow that some gentle men who have opposed the powers granted to the late commissioners, have not been j quite so disinterested and patriotic as could Ibe desired. —Yours, ..Veritas' Odium Pamt

POLICE COURT:—This Day

(Before T. Beckham, Esq., R.M

DRUJN'KEXXESS. Jas. King, alias.. Riley, pleaded guilty the.: Charge of being chunk the previous day and was lined 10s, with the usual alternative in case of non-payment. Joseph' Osborne better known as "Flower Joe," for alike offence, was dealt with in like manner.

ASSAULT.

The assault case against the doctor of the ship Chile, which was' expected to have baen called, on, did not make its appearance, ou the list.

TELEGRAPHIC.

; .. HEADS. •' . .—'*"-• This day, 3.10 p;m, The Charles Edwards is'in sight.

LATEST FROM WAIKATO.

COMPULSORY SALE OP HIGHWAY

BOARD LOOKS

j HAMILTON,

- . ' This day. ' The Highway Board's books :sold, after a keen competition, for £1310sto MrT. Farrell. The Board would not interfere.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

THE LATE ATTEMPTED.SUICIDE,

RECEPTION OF THE CRICKETERS

GRAHAMSTOWN.

, This day. ... The Lynch family of bellringers opened ', here last night before a-good house. The entertainment was a great success. ■_ .r'

The Caledonian men have cut four feet into the reef at the bottom, and are - not yet through. Is must be No. 2 reef.

IxvEPaNESS TPainuTE.—l2o tons stone yielded 181 ounces gold.

NoNPAPaEiL.—SO tons stone yielded 25 oz, 14 dwts. gold. . .__

Golpen . Crown.—loo tons stone gave 118 czs. 8 dwts. gold. Kuranui.—The fortnight yield is mode-, rate, 1750z5. •;•-■' ■■- ____ At the Police Court, George Elemerii'was '"' charged with assaulting" Elizabeth . Jane. Nelson, by striking her on.the face with ins clenched hand, and otherwise brutally ill treating her. ,The assault.took place two days' before she threw herself off the wharf. Evi dence wasgiven showingthatcoinplainantwaa drunk and assaulted the accused,"who was. discharged. The woman was then committed " for trial on a charge of attempting to com mit suicide. ...

Preparations. are being made to give the cricketers a suitable reception. The band and citizens are proceeding to Tararu to meot the steamer.

TAURANGA.

This day.

Sailed : Cross, for Auckland, at 10.20 in the morning. Passengers —Mesdames Young, Spiering, Messrs. Graham, Peppercorne, Roth well, Archdeacons Brown, Williams, Revs. Spencer, Grace, Messrs. : New-i man Buttle, Windsor, Walker, Moon, and five natives. Cargo—l2o sheep and 16 •'•

horses

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

[Per Anglo-Australian Telegram Company.]

CANTERBURY AUTUMN RACES.

CHRISTCHURCH.

This day.

The Jeckey Club decided that the Autumn meeting shall take place on, the .Qt-h } and 7th of April. The following are the events *—

FIRST DAY

Trial Plate, 100 soys., weight for age; dis tance 1J miles. ..-, . , . .

St. Ledger Stakes, 100 soys., and sweep stakes] 1,0 soys., for 2, yr. olds ; distance 6 furlongs. ■ Easter Handicap, 100 soys., and sweep* stakes of 7 soys ; distance 1 mile. Hack Race, 10 soys. SECOND DAY.

Handicap Hurdle Race, 75 soys, and sweepstakes 5 soys. Distance, 2^ miles; 10 hurdles.

Great Autumn Handicap, 200 soys, and sweepstakes 100 soys. ; distance, 2 miles. Curragh Selling-' Handicap, - 100 soys,- all aged. Stakes, 100 soys ; sweepstakes, 5 soya. Weight for age ;-distance,. 5 furlongs. j Consolation Handicap, 40 soys. Distance, I mile.

WANGANUI.

This day.

Edward Lewis, late of the William Tap scott, fell from, the fore-topsail yard of the Mahay last night. His death was instantane ous. At an inquest held a verdict of acci dental death was returned. * • ■* ••! '"'" -

PAVING SIDE WALKS.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) , Sir,—ln the report of the procee_i»gs:of the City Council on the Ist inst. I note the.City Surveyor states neither Thames or Mangawai stone, is suitable for paving, hut that Melbourne sawri stone is the thing. Some twelve months since I was threatened under certain pains and penalties to pave in Queen-' street, and- although at the time protesting against the stone then used, and the only stone to be had, I was compelled to pave with Thames stone. Certain friends of mine were uncharitable enough to say there were personal interests in the Council then that were served in forcing the ratepayer to shell out. Now, sit-, is it probabfe that being condemned, they will have the audacity to ask me to pave over again with Melbourne stone (where a new interest may have been found). Why not first have had a trial and tested the durability of the stone; they objected to the really permanent and p\/"l^il thing—asphalt, not that as now beipg-v^W but that as in front of Messrs Whitaker ana Russell's offices. No, in the wisdom 01 Councillors etc., (? ignorance or interest), they make us pay double the price to make a botcn, and then find local iudustrya myth musi look abroad. Such i- life.—Yours «C.- Whebls within. Wheals..

THE EVENING BTAB, SATURDAY, DEC.MBBE, 6 18V.



p A- U T I O N OLSON'S T 0 M A T.O 8 A UC E. . 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 heen 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 TItADE 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 FOR OLSON'S SAUCE,.. r*id see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and topper, and wrapped round with his well-known t.el. ICASE NEW INDIA TUSSORE COSTUME CLOTH. J. COSGRAVE & CO. 3 CASES LADIES' NEW UMBRELLAS. -J. COSGRAVE & CO. 1 CASE ELEGANT SILK MANTLES. J. COSGRAVE & CO. ---1 CASE LACE SHAWLS & MANTLES; J. 'COSGRAVE & CO. [Established 1864.] T"V STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, " EXHIBITION nBRAND " " EAGLE BRAND " "CROWN BRAN D," Are to be procured at all respectable Grocers and Storekeepers' throughout'the Province of Auck land. . D. STEPH ENS 0 N & CO. WYNDHAM SJTREET ;/ A P C KX-A N T> '-:• "fcT 0 W 0 P, EN E D EX HYDA.S J? _S, A MAGNIFICENT ASSORTMENT ' ; CHILDREN'S,V.GIRL& AND LADIES' TUSCAN, LEGHORN, & STRAW HATS, MEN'S & BOYS,' DITTO DITTO, VERY CHEAP.- SILK SUNSHADES, MUSLIN COLLARETTES LACE TIES Etc., •'-•■ - 'Etc., ■*- '•■-- - Etc. GENTLEMEN'S SUMMER CLDTHING, BOYSr& YOUTHS' DITTO. A CHOICE LOT:'OE''BOYS, .y KNICKERBOCKER SUITS IN VARIOUS & STYLES, ALPACCA COATS (BLACK- &.COLOBED), .- WHITE DRESS SHIRTS, ■'■ '■" I Etc., Etc, Bio. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers, &o. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-street, Auckland. _r N.B.- Parties in the country favouring R. & B. with their orders may depend upon their receiving careful atten tion and despatch. Patterns, &c., forwarded post ree "Y^AIEaATO COALS (the best in use for Household purposes). For Sale in ots to suit buyers at the Timber Yard Government Wharf, Onehunga. Orders can be left at the office. «____ JAM**S W. WALLER, raHH| <^^n»fl<>»se.*j|tioet,AucWaud,