SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

ggSUN-SET: This evening, 7.12 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 4.42 HIGH WATER : This evening, 5.3 ; to-morrow morning, 5.2 C

ARRIVALS.

Phcebe, ss, from Wellington Julius Vogel, schooner, from Poverty Bay Luna.'ps, Fairchild, from Tauranga WeUington, ss, from Southern ports .

DEPARTURES.

Southern Cross, s s, for Tauranga Columbia, schooner, for Napier

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Wellingtcn, from the South : 5 cases hams, Geo. W. Binney; 1 box, J. S Macfarlane ; 1 box, .T. McLeod ; 2 qr.-casks whiskey, Owen and Graham ; 1 bag spice, 80 creeks coffee, Stephenson and Co. ; 3 oases, Williams ; 2 cases, 5 bales, order ; 7 bars steel, Morrin ; 10 cases, Brown, Barrett and Co. ; 1 parcel, Nathan ; 1 parcel, Kohn ; 1 parcel, Millar, 1 parcel, G. Jones; 2 cases, 2 drums, Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. ; 1 parcel, Henderson and Macfarlane ; 1 case, J. F. Carter ; 1 parcel, Mr Thorne ; 3 por manteaus, 3 boxes, 1 case, 1 desk, W. Graham ; 1 box parcel, Tisdall; 1 parcel Broham ; 1 package, Gilfillan; 11 cases fruit, H. Canham ; 12 cases fruit, W. Marshall; 2 cases, Jenkins, 1 package saws, G. Bargent; 1 box gooseberries, G. B. Dixon ; 10 cases, Veale ; 9 do., Hood ; 2 do., Mynott ; 3 do., Brand ; 5 do., Bennett; 26 bales flax, Barnes.

EXPORTS.

Per Femdale, for London—477 bales woo], 1491 cases gum, 82 bnles leather, IG4O hides, 1 case manganese, New Zealand Shipping Company. Per Atlanta, for Napier : 20,000 feet sawn timber, 10,000 shingles, D. H. MoKenzie; I ton flour, 3 cases rlrapery. 4 cases sundries, 18 cases rum, 3 boxes candles, 10 packages groceries, 4 boxes soap, 2 qr.-casks rum, Lewis Bros.

V The barque Tasso cleared for the. Thames to-day with 20 tons coals, 10 parcels shafts, 150 felloes, 100 spokes, .W. Kirby.

The schooner Fortune has also cleared out with some sundries and in ballast for Bay of Plenty. The Government p.s. Luna arrived-from Tauranga at 6.30 this morning, having called at Katikati and Mercury Bay on her way up. The Captain reports fine weather with light N.E. winds during the passage. The Luna brings the following passengers :—M. C. O. Davis, Judge P.ogan, Captains Morris, Gundry, and Norris ; Messrs Brissenden, Ellis, Burrows, Mesdames Ellis (two children), Cardno, Ball, Mclntyre, Wrigley ; Misses Dennison, Arthur. The Luna will probably sail again for Tauranga on Saturday. The barque Ferndale has completed her loading to-day. She has been scarcely a month in port, and the dispatch with which her discharging and taking in have been effected reflects much credit i upon her cap tain and chief officer.

is^The Ruby, schooner, has entered inwards from Wangaroa. The barque Femdale cleared out to-day. for London with a cargo of gum, wool, and other colonial produce. The s.s. Southern Cross left for Tauranga and East Coast yesterday evening with a general cargo and full complement of pasf sengers. The schooner Columbia sailed for Napier this morning. She takes a cargo of timber and one passenger—Mr Reynolds. The schooner Atalanta sails to-night for Napier with timber. The schooner Julius Vogel arrived last night from Poverty Bay, via East Coast, bringing a cargo of wool and colonial pro duce. Captain Kennedy reports leaving Poverty Bay on the 7th instant, and Opotiki on the 13th. Experienced light, variable winds and fine weather up the coast. She entered at the Customs to-day with the fol lowing cargo : — The N.Z.S. Co.'s s.s. Wellington, M. Carey, commander, arrived at Onehunga at 7 this morning. She left Port Chalmers at 6.15 p.m. on the 9th instant ; arrived at Lyttelton at 4 p.m. on the 10th; left at 6.30 p.m. on the 11th; arrived at Wellington at 4 p.m. on the 12th ; left at 4.30 p.m. on the 13th, arrived at Picton at 10 p.m. ; left at 3.30 a.m on the 14th; arrived at Nelson at 2 p.m. ; left Nelson at 5.30 p.m. on the loth ; arrived off New Plymouth at 7.45 a.m. on the 16th; left again at 3.45 p.m. and arrived as above. Experienced strong head winds with heavy head sea from Port Chalmers to Wellington, and from thence light variable breezes and fine weather. Passengers:—Saloon : Mr Rollings, Mrs Gol lop, Mrs Shields, Mrs Col son, Mrs Hooker, Misses Crawford (2), Hill, Hay, Halliwell,; Gilmour, Messrs Boylan, Blake, Hoskins, Shera, Smith, Engel, Lackland, Cumming, Hayman, White, Masters Beetham (2) and La Filliatre. Steerage: Mr and Mrs Howell, Mr Honey, Misses Driscoll and Leister, Messrs Armitage, Moverly. Hindle, Bren nan, Fuke', Mackey, Matthews, and Master Pownall. We are indebted to Mr Willcox, purser, for files and report. The s.s. Phoebe arrived in the Manukau this moraine; at half-past seven. She left Wellington at 12.30 noon on Monday, and arrived as above. Experienced light head winds almost throughout passage. Passen gers —Mr .and Mrs Gavin and servant, Mr and Mrs Blair, Misses Hay, Davidson, Mc intosh,- Messrs Prince Johnston, Caro, Wilson, Bothamley, Drake, Oram, Downie, McEwen, and 15 for Sydney.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Closk as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 pm, and to-morrow, at 10.30 a m and 6.30 p m For Coromandel, on Friday next, at 1.30 p.m.. Tor the undermentioned places, per s.s. Phoebe, to morrow, 18th instant, as under:— , : • 'For India, China, Mediterranean ports, and Continent of Europe, at 3 -p. m. ; ! For Australian Colonies, at 3.30 p m For the United Kingdom, via Suez (for letters specially addressed), at 3.30 p.m. For the United Kingdom, via Brindisl, and late letters for Sydney and Melbourne, at 4 p.m. ■ For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 2 p.m. For Waipa,-per. Sunbeam, to-morrow, at 5 p.m. ¥or the undermentioned places, per s.s. Governor BlackaU, on Monday, *22nd instant, as follows : — / For Fiji, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 030 p.m. ■■■■...:. ■■■ ■ ■■■ . Fcjr the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via E-'an Francisco, at 0.30 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 11 a.m. jf.B. The Post-office at Churchill has been re opened. A Post-oflice will be opened at Whakatane on the Ist January next. (Signed) S. B. Bibs. Chief Postmaster.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1873.

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

And *--*hft food that we can do

It would appear as if fate had de signed municipal institutions in Auckland for the special benefit of Mr. P. A. Philips, and Mr Philips for municipal institutions. To-day (as will be seen by a report in another column) that gentleman was returned to office for the fourth time. He has a happy way of turning the divisions in the Council to his own advantage, and while rival claimants are fighting, he seizes hold of the prize. The result will doubt less be used as an argument in favour of the election of Mayor being vested in the rate paytrs, the smallness of the electing body ren dering a monopoly of the emoluments and j honours of office very feasible. Mr Philips !is unquestionably a diligent and painstaking ! Mayor, but a change is usually considered desirable by the public in these matters, and we fear that to-day's election will not tend to increase his general popularity. How i ever,; the holder of the highest civic office 4s now selected for another twelve months, j and he should be supported in discharging ibis multifarious duties. We congratulate, Mr Philips upon the success that has attended what everyone outside, unacquainted with the working of the inner wheels, regarded as a, (hopeless candidature.

On Tuesday evening last a young man in musing mood picked up in the Graf ton-road •what to him was a great curiosity. He turned it round and round, and wondered more' and more. It had a fine bow, and places where hooks and eyes had been in other days; but in these places where two large pins. The wonder was of a greyish colour, trimmed with black lace, and ap peared to have been worn by a full-grown lady. The gentleman enquired of a neigh bouring dressmaker as to the nature of the curiosity, when she laughed outright and exclaimed "Lor, sir, this is a lady's pannier." The;finder at once rushed to the Star office, where it still lies waiting a call from the fair owner who can have it free of expense.

A grand rehearsal of the " Messiah " took place last evening preparatory to tho Christmas concert, and the orchestra of the Choral Hall was filled with memb .rs who are all desirous of making the concert superior %o a_y that has preceded it.

The City Hall Exhibition received a large amount of public favor yesterday notwith standing the opening night of the new claim ants in Lorne-stieet. Mr, Mrs, and Miss Gourlay were again successful in Mrs McGregor's Levee, and their amnsing efforts and pleasant songs were received in a heart cheering manner. The entertainment, with its charming variety, will be repeated this evening.

To the Editor : Sir, —As you have more than once inserted letters respecting the night carts, the last of which appeared in your issue of yesterday evening, 1 request you will in justice to myself as the present contractor permit me to say a word in reply to the unfounded statements by O. Shepherd, whosoever that individual may happen to be. Arid firstly it is simply untrue, as represented by the supposed informer of O. Shepherd, that no less than thirty people have applied to the present contractor to have their closets emptied (which assertion of his I challenge him to proTe), and " that he had so much to do that lie cannot attend to them " is equally untrue as the statement above. But in the next place you will ob serve, Mr Editor, by the force of the pungent phrase, " Surely, for the sake of health (in this hot weather more especially) there ought to be more means at the disposal of the public." What magnanimity is displayed by "0. Shepherd," unless lie be the person (as I suspect) clubbed " a party who has applied to the City Council, but at the pre sent time they don't see ib is requisite ;" which seems to be the most truthful remark in the whole letter, and the bugbear that has so much distressed poor O. Shepherd's mind.—Thomas Fauldf.r.

A pleasant greeting way given last evening in the Edwardes-street Chapel to the Revs Messrs Tinsley and Sharp, and to the lady, recently landed from England. Tea was provided at half-past six, and about 150 persons sat down to tho enjoyment—to the satisfying and inoffensive . repast in the school-room. Subsequently Rev Mr Waters was called to the chair, and addresses wore delivered by the Chairman and by Revs Messrs Corn, old, Reid, Turner, Tinsley, and Sharp ; a'so by Messrs Manners and Cole. The evening was pleasantly passed, and closed with the doxology.

The following horses are being trained for the forthcoming races on the Epsom course. Thc-y are all reported to be doing well: — Mr Isaac Gwynne's b. g. Flying .Jib, Mr Bobbat's eh. f. Primrose, Mr Wynyard's b. g. Bundarra, Mr James Munn's b.g. Skysail, Mr Campbell's blk. colt. Our special correspondent " Chanticleer " will devote an article to the work and condition of these horses to-morrow.

The Temperance Society held a meeting hist night in the Albert-street hall. Mr K. Carr took the chair, and delivered an interesting address. Several songs and recitations were given by juveniles, and the Nigger song, "Cheer up, Sam, don't let your spirits go down," created a burst of applause, and seemed to banish seriousness from every face. The lad, whose name was Purchas, who sang tlie ditty, was loudly encored. Mr Carr at length brought his gratilied audience back to a due state of solemnity, and administered a severe re buke to the lad on the impropriety of singing such songs as " cheer up" in a Temperance. Hall, which should be devoted entirely to purer melodies, such as "Pretty darlings, go to bed " and the " Crystal Spring." Mr- Hill then addressed the young abstainers, and illustrated his speech with a drawing (original) of three chests, viz: the teetotallers chest of tea, (white) the moderate drinkers chest of pale colonial, (reddish) and the re gular'dmnkard's chest, (deep red). Mr Hill duly explained the coloring of these chests, and strontfly recommended the former as the basis of a good constitution, and as an emblem of a pure life. Auckland grocers we believe sell their teas unmixed and un adulterated. The meeting closed with a hymn.

Among the seasonable announcements are certain extraordinary decoctions prepared by Mr Perkins at his well-known hostelry, Vulcan lane.

Captain Fairchild, of the p.s. Luna, while staying at Tauranga, with. his accustomed gallantry invited a large number of ladies for an excursion trip to Auckland and back. Several responded to the invitation, and most of the Luna's passengers this trip will return with Captain Fairchild on Saturday. The weather has been most auspicious for such an outing, and if it lasts—as it seems likely to de—the Luna'-V. fair-visitors will have had a most agreeable time.

A " Ratepayer" writes complaining that the contractor for a building adjoining Mr Staines' premises, Upper Queen-street, has completely blocked up the footpath so that residents in the neighbourhood c_.ii only get out by crossing private property. If there is a grievance the City Surveyor should see that it is rectified.

The Dunedin ale is being brought into competition with ourlocal brew. Mr Griffiths, of the Royal Mail Hotel, keeps it on tap at Auckland prices, and receives a largo demand for it. ;

The Auckland Building and Investment Society held its third half-yearly general meeting yesterday in the large room of tho Young Men's . Christian Association. Dr. Nicholson occupied the chair. Mr Batger read the report which was of a very favour able character, and shewed that 1,17S new shares had been , insured from the 31st March to 30th September, and 301 since. The society's revenue from shares, apart from fines, fees, and deposits, was at tho rate of £8050 15s per annum, made of subscriptions oh 2,025 i investing shares, £5274 2s. ; and repayments on 557 a borrowed shares, £2782 13s. The committee were at liberty to accept i deposits for an amount equal to their income, ; which permitted of their receiving nearly £4,000 more than they held. The committee . believed that all the securities held by the society were sufficient to cover the advances made, and there were no borrowed shares isubject to fines for negloct of payment. The j committee have succeeded in having all their income fully invested. The balance held ion deposit amounted to £4075 Is Id. \During the first six months of the Society's lexistence the receipts were £1130; second 'six"■months, £1809 19s 9d ; and the third isix months, <£p499 4s 9d. Ho also read the balance-sheet, of which the following is a summary :—Receipts : Fees, £97 7s; fines, £S 0s 4d; subscriptions, £2870 Is lOd ; de posits, £3510 I6s Id ; pass-books and .rules, £G 19s Gd. Total, £6499 4s 9d. Disburse ments :. Fees, ! £29 IGs ; liabilities on the 31st of March, 1873, £310 18s 4d ; loans, £5405; deposits, £341 ; interest, £14 12s lOd ; miscellaneous, £124 13s Od; balance, £207 3s Ud. Total, £0499 4s od. The report was unanimously adopted on tho motion of the Chairman, seconded by,Mr Cherry; It will "bo seen from'tho above abstract of the report that tho Auckland Building and Investment Socioty has reached a most satisfactory position.

Wo notice that the sweepstakes on the Auckland Turf Club Cup will be drawn this evening at Mr. E. Perkins' Occidental Hotel, who requests a full attendance.

The charitable dames of Chicago have dis covered a new way of raising money for benevolent objects. They take rooms in the heart of the city, and spread a 2s Gd luncheon for business men. The tables are decorated with llowers, mid are served by pretty volun teer young ladies. The managers induce their friends to furnish free supplies, and the landlord to charge no rent, so that a week's operations usually fill the treasury to the desired point.

The London correspondent of the North British Mail writes:—"The chief apart ment in the London residence of the Marquis of Lome has a series of niches in the wall designed for the reception of busts t» be executed by Her Royal Highness the Marchioness of Lome. Some of these niches are already occupied, and those who have en joyed the privilege of seeing the busts testify that they are works of genuine merit. It is a curious fact that the Princess Louise is the second lady sculptor connected with the house of Argyll. The other was the Hon. Ann Seymour Conway, afterwards Mrs Darner, grand-daughter of John, fourth Duke of Argyll. Many specimens of this lady's handiwork as a sculptor are to be seen in the Church of Sundridge, Kent.

A contemporary says: —"The last num ber of Hansard having reached Dunedin it may be of interest to note that the total number of pages that publication contains this year is 1556. Large as this figure is, however, it is considerably less than las); year's, when the talk of hon. members was embodied in 1700 pages. Or to take another form of measurement— last year Hansard con tained 70S yards of talk; this year it con tains 63S yards. This, of course, is exclu sive of nearly all the debates in Committee. Had these been reported it is fearful to think how much good paper and ink would have been wasted. >

A panorama of the Arctic Regions will be exhibited at tho Newton Kirk to-___orrow night at seven o'clock, when the Orpheus Glee Club will render various (.elections of music. The panorama ia a remarkably good one, and the entertainment will be of an unusually interesting character.

SUPREME COURT.—This Day.

(Before His Honor Sir Geo A. Arney, Kt.,

Chief Justice.)

IN BANCO

CKAICI V. KICHMOND,

His Honor delivered judgment in this case, which was a suit instituted by Mrltees on behalf of the plaintiff for a writ of attach merit against defendant, a solicitor, for alleged unprofessional conduct in the pro ceedings connected wilh plaintiff's bank ruptcy.

J lis Honor, in pronouncing the judgment, which was in writing, of great length, entered into all the details of the case. The motion for the writ had been moved by Mr Bees on the Ist of October, and was based upon sixteen different grounds, upon all of which the rule was refused with the exception of one, which was that the defen dant had wrongfully tiled a proof of debt for £900 in favour of James Burt against plain tiff's estate. The Court had left it open to Mr Richmond to file any affidavits he .pleased in connection with the charges upon which the rule was refused. Many of these charges seriously impugned Mr Richmond's profes sional character, and that gentleman had availed himself of the permission of the Court to file affidavits answering all the charges brought against him by the plaintiff, except those which were of a vague or general nature. These indeed were answered in directly. It was admitted by Mr Rees that some ot the charges were answered, but the specific charge on which the rule was granted was pressed so persistently that a duty devolved upon the Court to enter into the full circumstances of the different charges, more especially as they were not detached and separate, but con nected and leading up to the great and serious imputation that the defendant while professedly acting for plaintiff, was confeder ate with Mr J. S. Macfarlane, for the pur pose of defrauding him (Craig) out of his •state.

His Honor having remarked that sofarasbis observation carried him Mr 1 tichmond had both in chambers and in Court pursued thecause of his client with remarkable zeal and energy, reviewed in cvtenso the grounds of applica tion and the answering affidavits. He was of opinion that Mr Richmond had cleared himself of all the imputation against him, and on the specific charge upon which the rule nisi was granted he was relieved from further attendance at the Court for the purpose of answering it. His Honor then referred to Mr Kees's action in the case in the combined position of counsel aud solicitor for the application. The Court had power to fine or imprison without trial by jury a counsel by whose in strumentality a motion was brought entail ing serious charges against; the character of any person without sufficient grounds. He believed in this caso the motion was the re sult of the persistent urging of the plaintiff and his animosity against the defendant. It seemed to him that Mr Craig's virulent conduct in the matter was actuated by the light or gloom thrown upon these transac tions by subsequent events. It wa*9 only after he had quarrelled with Macfarlane, and saw Mr i.ichmond taking up the cause of that gentleman, that he had adopted his present line of actio*. He could not help saying that it was a matter of regret that Mr Rees had not exercised more discretion in applying after'the affi davits had been filed for a rule which he must have known the Court could only dis charge, aud in supplementing the applica tion with an affidavit of his own, which, so far as Mr Richmond was concerned, had little relevancy to the case.

The rule was discharged with costs and without any special order as to the payment of them.

Mr Meyer, on behalf of Mr T. B. Gillies, the counsel for the defendant, attended to receive the judgment.

GILLON V. ADAMS,

Mr Bees, on behalf of the plaintiff, made an application to the Court for a decree compelling defendant (who was represented by Mr Hesketh) to furnish an account of moneys expended by him as a mortgagee in possession. The plaintiff had inherited the property which was mortgaged to defendant, and had paid a certain sum for money ex pended on it by defendant. He now sought the decree for: the purpose of ascertaining what the correct expenditure had been. Mr Hesketh said lie should not oppose the application.

I His Honor then granted the decree, allow ing defendant a month to render the account. | The Court, then rose.

THE LYNCH FAMILY OF BELL RINGERS.

Tms talented family, known as the Austra lian Bell-ringers, made their bow for the (list time last night to an Auckland audience in the Lome-street new hall, and met with a most gratifying reception. 'Che instrumen talists and vocalists were accompanied by Mr Frank Verten, the English comedian singer and dancer, whose remarkable performances added greatly to the enjoyment of the even ing The pianists (Messrs Seymour and Cullimoie) were fully up to their work, and played two overtures with decided success. Mr Cullimore presided at the piano ! through the evening to great advan tage. The Bell-ringers, we may assert, were most successful with the bells, and everything was in their favour; they had a fine nij^ht, a large audience, and perhaps the best hall for sound in the city. Their selections, especially in the first part, were exceedingly choice; but the second part possessed a feature which is literally hugged, (so to speak), by a large and no mean portion of the pleasure - loving, but not the most intellectual portion of the patrons of musical talent —we refer of course to the comicalities of Mr Verten in his nigger appearances. The black face, and the ludicrous dance will fill an Auckland house with whistling rowdies, while such refined, patriotic aud beautiful melodies as " My Pretty Jane," Last Rose of Summer," and "Death of Nelson" receive but faint praise. Such is the popular taste of the noisj "roughs," whose clayey ears are unharmonised, and whose highest con ception of music was exhibited in wild screeches in the Lome-street hall gallery last night. It is pleasing, however, to know that through the exertions of our Choral and other societies a better taste is grow ing among the people. The general effect of good music upon these would-be rulers of our public concerts is a confused unintel ligible labyrinth of sounds, through which their experience is unable to furnish a clue, except here and there where a melody or sequence may plainly be given, and in such a way as to be readily, and without thought, understood. We may say, without fear of contradiction, that tho Lynch entertainment last night was most pleasing and successful, and we noticed particularly that the audience sat throughout in almost breathless attention without any of that going outand in which too surely indicates a weariness of spirit and lack of enjoyment. The ringers were expert, correct, and euphonious in their exquisite per formances, which cannot fail in giving ex treme satisfaction to listeners. The " Lin coln March," as played at the funeral of honest Abe Lincoln, was effectively given on the bells ; as were also " Ring the bell, Watchman," "Limerick Races," "Still so Gently o'er me Stealing," " The girl I left behind me," "Home, Sweet Home," " Come home, Father," "The Campbells aie Coming," and "Auld Lang Syne." We would state in commendation of these bell-melodies that they were so clearly delinod that there was no need for the intervention of words. The melodies contained their own poetry, and uttered in tones not to be mis taken by the delicately-attuned ear the tenderness, beauty, and passion which origi nally stirred them into life. It will not be an exaggeration of facts to state that the bell-melodies by this family of melodists have no necessity for words, as their word less sounds convey the full meaning of the bcllß to the understanding, and are linked with living memories of the past in the sense of Moore's lines :—

1 hose evening bells, those evening hells, How many a tale their music tells Ot youth and home, and that Mveet time When we last heard their soothing chime. All the compositions introduced last night were skilfully and pleasantly rendered, and with truthfulness in point of time. The Ching Ching Chinese song and dance by the three brothers was highly amusing, amd created roars of laughter ; and the sailor's hornpipe by Mr Frank Verten was a masterpiece in the art of dancing. This gentleman's render ing of "My Pretty Jane," "Jenny who lives in the Dell," and the "Death of Nelson," was thorough and worthy of the prolonged applause with -which th<» singer was greeted by the whole of the audience. We need not pause to particularize each feature of the programme, which concluded with "Mr Johnson in Want of a Coachman," but may say briefly that the Australian Bellringers' concert is well worthy of generous patronage, and as their perform ances are limited to six nights we advise our numerous readers to embrace the oppor tunity of seeing them eve it be too late.

ST. MARY'S CONVENT SCHOOLS.

The annual examination of the children of the schools of St. Mary's Convent was held on Monday, under the superintendency of his lordship. Rev. Dr. Croke, the clergy, and many of the ladies and gentlemen of Auck land. The scholars of St. Mary's orphanage were examined first, and- their cleanly and healthy appearance reflected great credit upon the Sisters of Mercy, who invariably treat the children with kindness and con sideration. In this school there are 45 orphans and 30 day pupils, making 75 in number. Among the clergy present, were the Right E cv Dr Croke, Bishop of Auckland, who presided, Rev W. Macdonald, Rev J. Golden, Very Rev Dr Macdonald, Revs Father Fynes, Paul, and Simpson. Amongst others of the audience we noticed the following :—Messrs D. Cruickshank, Wnterhouse, Stalker, J. Sheehan, M.H.R,; C. O'Neill, M.H.R.; J. Brigham, P. Darby, L. Cousins, M. Cor coran, J. Casey, Drs Wood, Gray, Walker, and D. Daly. We notice that the Lady Mayoress (Mrs Philips) gave two handsome prizes, which with numer ous others were distributed among the children. We regret that want of space wi'l not permit us to chronicle in order the chaste, useful, and fanciful productions of the young lady scholars, which embraced a number of water-colour drawings and pencil sketches of flowers, and subjects of history. A dramatic piece, '' The Abdication of Mary. Queen of Scots," was performed by the scholars, and created a large amount of interest among the visitors. His Lordship,- with appropriate words of encouragement, distributed the awards :— First Class.—Catechism : Misses O'Sullivan, Curtis, M, A. Minetti, and Callaghan. Con duct : Misses Callaghan, Curtis, and Wise man, the Misses Halstead. Science : Misses O'Sullivan, Callaghan, Curtis. Wiseman, Christopher, and Wendel. Composition and Writing: Misses O'Sullivan, Curtis. Cal laafhan, and Bryne. Instrumental Music: Misses O'Sullivan, Minetti, and Wiseman. Vocal Music : Misses Halstead and Wiseman: Drawing : Misses O'Sullivan and Bryne. Needlework : Misses Callaghan, Curtis, and Slattery. Second Class.—Science : Misses Minetti, Edwards, Rodeers, and Slattery. Composition : Misses Minetti and Rogers. Third Class.—Catechism : Misses Darby and L. O'Sullivan. Conduct: Misses Darby and Lewis. Science : Misses L. O'Sullivan, Darby, A. Byrne, J. Corcoran, and E. rjarby. Composition : The Misses Darby. .Recitation : Miss Corcoran. Fourth Class.— Conduct : Misses -Moran and Cunningham. Science : Misses Moran and Lammick. Yesterday morning distribution prizes took place in the infant school of St. Joseph's, under the care of the Sisters of Mercy. His

Lordship distributed the prizes with appro priate remarks. The annual examination of St. Francis de Sale's select school took place also. The pupils of the school afforded much satisfaction to his Lordship, the clergy, and the ladies and gentlemen who witnessed tho examination. At intervals appropriate selections of vocal and instrumental music were < xecuted in a very creditable style and everything passed off in a very satis factory manner.

NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE COM PANY.

The half-yearly meeting of the New Zealand Insurance Company was held at the office, Queen-street, to-day, Samuel Browning, Esq., in the chair.

The following report was read : — " Twenty-sixth report of the directors of the New Zealand Insurance Company, for the half-year ending November 30th, 1873.

" At the close of another half-year of the Company's operations the directors are again able to place before the shareholders a satisfactory report and statement of its affairs.

"After payment of, and providing for, numerous losses, and particular averages on wool, which continue to be unexceptionally heavy, the accounts show 'a - balance of £7,454 Ss 7<l carried forward to next half year. " Your directors have thought it desirable to increase the paid-up capital, and have for this purpose carried £10,000 available from this half-year, and the same amount from the Investment Fluctation Account, together with £5,000 from the Re-insurance Fund, towards augmenting the paid-up capital, which now stands at £100,000, or £40 per share. The amount remaining at the credit of the Reserve Fund is £35,000, and the Re-insurance Fund £40,000.

■( The directors now recommend paying a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per an. on the presentJcapital, absorbing £5,000 which will be payable at the Head-office, to morrow, the 18th instant, and at the branches on receipt of advice.

'' For the Board of Directors, "Samuel Browning, " Deputy Chairman." The report was unanimously adopted, which terminated the business.

LATER ENGLISH NEWS.

(PER TARARUA AT THE BLUFF.)

THE ASHANTEES DISORGANISED

TRIAL OF MARSHALL BAZAINE.

LETTER BY THE POPE

SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

HOKITIKA.

This day,

The Tararua, Captain Clark, arrived at 4 p.m. yesterday from Melbourne, having left on the 11th inst. Her passage occupied four days twenty-three hours. She waß tendered this morning. She brings 23 saloon and sixteen steerage passengers, and 210 tons of caroo for all ports. She passed the Claude Hamilton on the morning of the twelfth off Hocan Island

LONDON.

December 6

A notice lias been issued from the General Post-office that in future mails for Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland will be forwarded by the respective lines. The only steamer, the Mongol, for the Pacific trade, leaves on the 12th December.

The Cyphress proceeds direct to Sydney on the sth January. «3

General Wolsely describes the Ashantees utterly demoralised after the late defeats.

The Pope has issued an encyclical which censures the German and Swiss Govern-

ments.

The reported duel between German generals is contradicted.

The disaster to the French ship Villede Havre occurred at the Azores, where during the night she came into collision with the Loch Erin, from Glasgow. Eighty-seven passengers were saved.

The Capt. -General of Cuba has telegraphed to the Government of Madrid that it is im possible immediateiy to surrender the sur vivors of the Virginas expedition to America, as the public are opposed to it, and any attempt to liberate them would. cause a frightful commotion. The Capt.-General has since resigned. President Grant's mes sage to Congress is friendly, and denounces the excesses of the Cubans, with whom it is dangerous to continue present relations. The question demands satisfactory and honorable adjustment. America is resolved to extend the utmost indulgence to the Cuban affair. But the matter of the Virginas ex pedition will bo referred to Congress to decide on ultimate action.

The trial of Marshal Bazaine is proceed ing. The public prosecutor demands his military degradation and the execution of the Marshal.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before G. M. Mitford and John Lambert

Tole, Esqs., Justices of the Peace) DRUNKENNESS.

Alexander Graham was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment for being drunk for the third time within three weeks.

a husband's threat

William S. Robinson was charged with being drunk ; also with threatening to take the life of his lawfully-wedded wife, Ellen Robinson, on her passage from Tararu to Auckland yesterday.

Prisoner, arespectablelookingman, pleaded guilty to being drunk, but did not remember threatening his wife. He had been a tee totaller for a considerable time, but unfor^ tunately broke the pledge. The Bench fined prisoner 5s and costs for the first offence. Mrs Robinson said she was willing to for give her husband as he had promised to be kind in future. She would withdraw the charge. JANF, KELLY AGAIN. | This unfortunate woman was brought before the Court for the thirty-third, time, charged under the Vagrancy Act with being drunk and disorderly in Chancery lane yesterday. She pleaded guilty, and if the Bench would look over it this time she would take up her residence, in the bush and live a re tired life. The Bench doubted her word, and sentenced her to one year's imprisonment. > AN UNWILLING SAILOR. j Joseph Simpson was charged with refusing to go on board the Chile in course of yester day, he being a seaman thereon. Prisoner pleaded guilty, but said that his "giub" was stopped, and no "fellah" could work without something to eat. The Captain said that the sailor was dis obedient and a continual pest. He should be glad to get rid of him. Prisoner then made some impertinent remarks, when the Bench ordered him to be imprisoned for four weeks with hard labour. This was all the business.

CITY COUNCIL.

THE annual meeting of the members nf ii City Council Mas held this clay n* *« the Council Chambers. Present H?* * P. A. Philips (Mayor), in the W?* Prime, Hurst, Macready, I sa Z. T 8". Williams, andJDargaville. ' Jones, His Worship the Mayor opened the n. ceedings by introducing the matter O Vr" accounts as certified by the auditors fa, v Council during the past year. be It was moved by Councillor P.;, seconded by Councillor Dargaville v' thought that the Council's position inafil, ° cial point of view should have been more ST explained by the auditors. The vol™ A city endowments should have been r.ubK.l, ° more fully. The auditors should h_ve S? more particular. Still he would second a adoption of the report. the 'J he Mayor remarked that the auditor went as near as possible, or as near as tW considered they had a right to do y Mr Dargaville thought at certain time, the endowments, should be valued. The motion was then put and carri^ unanimously. ueQ It was then moved by Councillor Hur.. (seconded by Councillor Dargaville an,, carried—"That the sum of £250 be tho Mayor s allowance as heretofore." The Council then proceeded to the elo tion of Mayor. w*

Mr Dargaville said that assertions had been made in the daily papers that he intended to come forward as a canrlf date for the office of Mayor. He wished to state that he had no intention of doing so. He thought that the gentle man who should be called upon to fill that important position should have the whole votes of the Council. He begged to propose P. A. Philips, Esq., as Mayor for the lie*. year. "

Mr Macready rose to second the proposi tion, and made a very practical speech ou the duties of a Mayor, and the necessity of seeing that the work in connection -with the Council should be properly carried on. Councillor Williams proposed Councillor Isaacs for Mayor, not out of any disparage ment to their present Mayor, who had been most diligent in the prosecution of his mani fold duties, but he believed it was good to have a change, and the people outside were looking for a change. Councillor Prime agreed with the proposer that ti ere should, be a change, and he would second the proposition. Councillor Isaacs said that he had no desire to fill the Mayor's chair.

Councillor Dargaville said he should still vote for Mr Philips, for it would be no change to elect Councillor Isaacs, and if so he would rather vote for the devil he knew than for the devil he did not know.

Councillor Macready stated that sincehia friend Mr Dargaville had declined to stand he should support Mr Philips. Councillor Dargaville hoped that all opposition would be withdrawn, so that the Council might be unanimous in supporting- Mr Philips s

Councillor Isaacs intimated that undue in fluence and private intrigues had been used politically by Mr Dargaviile for private purposes. He would heart ly support the Mayor, but he had nothing to do1 with intrigues. He never sought the office. Councillor Dargaville emphatically denied that he was an intriguer, and he said the insinuations of Councillor Isaacs -were unfounded.

Councillor Macready said what he did he wonld do openly and fairly. He would vote according to his conscience and sense, of right. He would not be controlled in the mattoivof his vote by any one, and if any man attempted to dictate to him what he should do he would hit him in the mouth.

Councillors Isaacs and Dargaville had.a few cross flings at each other, but were sub dued by the influence of the Mayor. Councillor Hurst said that Councillor Macready always acted consistenly, but Councillor Dargaville had stated that there should be a change, but as soon as he found that he had no chance of success he then went in for the present Mayor. _ Councillor Dargaville denied the insinua tion in strong terms. The proposition in favor of Councillor Isaacs was then put to the Council, and the votes were equal. - A draw then took place, and the first name drawn was that of P. A. Philip, Esq., who was declared to be Mayor for the ensuing year. The Council then congratulated Mr Philips on his success, who returned thanks for the fourth time.

NORTH SHORE FERRIES.

We have received • the following for inser tion :—To the Editor of the Evening Stae— Sir, —I see in your paper of yesterday that a complaint was lodged against the captain of the Takapuna " for not putting out landing stages on all occasions when: calling at the Victoria Pier, and stating that his, Mr Mays', daughter had met with an accident in con sequence of such neglect." I also see that ' ' some very strong expressions were given. vent to by two of the members of the Board, as to the way in which the North Shore ferry service had been conducted, and the letter was referred to the Harbour Master Lo take action against the company." As all this is but parts of one story you will permit me, as one familiar with the circumstances, to offer a little explanation. In certain states of the tide,, when the paddle-box is on a level with the wharf, the passengers will not wait for the gangway, which is almost invariably placed in position nevertheless so soon as the captain add mate have brought the steamer to, position. But it is not in their . power to prevent passengers from going aboard or ashore when the top of the paddle-box is in . close proximity to the wharf. On this occasion the girl (who is unhappily bereft of eye sight) having been neglected by those in charge of her, stumbled a little, • and was assisted on board by the mate, Harp.", The' incident being an entirely trivial one there •would have been nothing more about it biitj for certain antecedent circumstances which require explanation. It: appears that some '. time ago a brother of Harp's, under strong provocation, smashed Mr May's nose, who had him arrested illegally by a constable, and afterwards apologised to avoid legal pro- f ceedings. Besides Harp is regarded as| being a very faithful servant by the" liiectors of the company, being particu« larly careful in- seeing that no goods pass by the boats without being noted . and charged for. He is also one of the "new hands,"having been appointed by the directors since acquiring possession of the boats, and he is not subservient to those who were accustomed once to rule the roast inj that district. In consequence of this there J is a determination on the part of several s tQ.. have him removed, and the more this..deter-!\ mination is expressed, thecauses being known^A the more is the company disposed to prot-^-^ their servant. To the general public traA i\A ling by the boats there is not a more civile,.. obliging and popular man in the service of I this or any other company in the province, --y On the afternoon of the occasion in question be was grossly abused by Mr May's,,1; - who called r him a "white livered" person and other epithets equally choice. With reference to the " strong expressions ".. ag»iast the Company used by some "two of

fflE BYBOTKG BTAE, WEBNBSBAI, DEC MB BE 17 I_7B



f^ A V T I 0 7 -N,'. OLSON'S TOMATO. SAUCE. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the jpiSTfor general use in households, and, in cod sequence of its high reputation, som* unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon, and pass the-same off as " Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 1866," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are •autioned to ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE, and see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and i stopper, aud wrapped round with his well-known I l»beli ■ '



"W"OW OPENED . EX H£Y DgA SPE S, A MAGNIFICENT ASSORTMENT OF CHILDREN'S, GIPvLS' 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 CLOTHING, BOYS' & YOUTHS' DITTO. . ■ A CHOICE LOT OF BOYS' KNICKERBOCKER SUITS IN VARIOUS MATERIALS & STYLES, ALPACCA COATS (BI_ACK & COl.OBED), WRITE DRESS SHIRTS, Etc., Etc., Etc. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers, &o. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-street, Auckland. tOT 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. Of AIKATO 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. JAMES W. WALLER, Custom House-street, Auckland. UNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA. [Established. 1537.] PAID-UP CAPITAL £1,250,000. RESERVE FU_ND .. ... .. X. -100,000. AEKOISTEK of Shares in this Bank is now Open at tho CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH, and every facility is afforded by the Bank for the purchase of Shares in London for transfer to the said Register. | The terms upon which Money can be transmitted for this purpose can be ascertained on application to the Manager, at the Bank's Cilices, QUEEN StREET, AUCKLAND. The last Dividend was at the rate of IJS per cent, per annum, and was paid in the ColonicKon receipt of telegraphic advice'of its declaration. JOSH. PALMER, Chief Officer for New Zealand. Christchurch, s Gth October, 1873. [Established 1864.] f^ STEPHENSON & CO.'S C*ELEBRAT'ED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" " EAGLE BRAND " "CROWN BRAN D," Are to be procured at all respectable Grocers and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auck and. D. STEPHENSON & CO. wyndham street Auckland pHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. Are now holding their usual CHEAP SALE OF DRAPERY & CLOTHING At their Premises CANADA BUILDINGS. THE SALE IS NOW ON, And will continue during the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. Queen street.



Uofl'ee.—Brown, Barrett, & Co 's Standard Coffee is both delicious and strong. Biown. Barrett, & Co.'s Excelsior CoiFee deserves preference to any coffee on account of purity aud distinctness of llavour. JNote he brands. Sold at almost every grocery establish ment in town and province. [Advt.J FiitHT PniZK Ovisns, First PitiZß Ranges.-^* H. 11. Smith wishes to inform the ladies of Auckland Unit having sold a large number of his Improved Batont Portable Ovens, which have given so much satisfaction, he has reduced them nearly 20 per cent. The Portable Ovens are 365, original price 42s ; also, l<*irs--pria.e Ranges, either portable or lor sctting-in also, l<iisi-prize Colonial Ovens reduced. H H.S has also on hand several large and small second-hand Leamington Ranges, Coibrookdale Stoves, &c. ; also' Iron Bedsteads, &c, for sale (cheap), at the Auckland Iron Works, Durham street East.