SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SITN'-SET: This evenlag, 6.35 SUN-STSS 2 To morrow morning, 4.52 HlfiET WATER : This evening, O.IG ; to-inorro^ morning, 0.30

ARRIVALS.

Ptar of Ihe South, s.s., Chrisp, from ITijis Kenihvnrth, schooner, McKenzio, from Tonga Columbia, schooner, fro>n Napier and East Coast Southern Cross, s.S , from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

Wellington, s.s., Carey, for Southern ports Coronet,, scheoner, for Tahiti Hazel Home, barque, for Newcastle

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For_ London : Countess of Kintore, ship, immediately "City of Auckland, ship, loading For Newcastle : Koh-inocr, barque, early For Sydney : Hero, s.s., to-morrow

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Skimmer of the Wave, shrp, from New York, via Wellington lily, brig, from Adelaide Ferndale, barque, from London. Sailed Augxist 12 Ryno, schooner, from Lyttelton. Sailed Sept. 27 Hindostan. ship, from London. Sailed September 26 Waverly, brig, from Adelaide. Sailed October 27 Chile, ship, from London. Sailed August 16 Nawo-th, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed August 19 Prince Alfred, barquentine, from New Caledonia Bella Mary, barque, from HobartTown, early Rita, brig, from Sydney, early Ocean Wave, schoorer, from Chatham Islands, early Harriet Annytage, barque, fro;n Dunedin H.M.S. Basilisk, from Wellington

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Star of the South: 500 bunches fruit, 40 casks oil, 10 bundles mats, 70 bags maize, 3 bundles mats, and a quantity of case fruit.

Per Kenilworth, schooner, from Tonga : 50 tons cobra, 40 bales wool, 15 tons oil.— Cruickshank and Co., agents.

The s.s. Star of the South left Auckland on the ?lst of October with a light breeze from the S.W., fine and clear, which con tinued until Saturday, the 25th and 2Gth, when she encountered a heavy blow from N.E. toN.W., which obliged her to heave to. On the 26th had high sea running, from thence until arrival had fine weather. Made Levuka on Wednesday, the 29th, and landed all stock without loss. Left again on Sunday the 2nd of November, with a strong breeze from the S.S.E. to S.E., which continued for two days ; from thence southerly winds prevailed until sighting the New Zealand coast; called at Russell on Sunday morning, and arrived at the Queen-street Wharf at 7 a.m. Passengers :—Saloon : Mrs S. Burt, Mrs. Stanton, Miss Stanton, Miss Lawford, Messrs. Johnson, Long, Levick, and Baber. Steerage : Mr St. Clair, Brown. The sailing of the p.s. Challenger for Coromandel on Wednesday, has been altered to six o'clock evening, instead of one o'clock afternoon, as previously advertised. The schooner Merlin arrived at Levuka from Auckland on Oct. 29.

• The s.s. Phosbe is expected from, Sydney in the Manukau to-morrow.

The schooners Priraa Donna and Golden Isle arrived from Russell yesterday with coals.

The schooner Columbia arrived on Satur day, night from the East Coast with 4 tons flax, GO bags maize, S bales wool. The. schooner Kenilworth arrived from Tonga last evening. She left at anchor the whaling ships Abraham Barker, Niger and Coral. A Hobarton whaler had also called at Tonga. She had been unsuccessful.

COMMERCIAL.

OAI/LS. Crown Prince G.M.C., Cd ; November 12 Windfall G.M.C., 6d ; Nov. 12 Yen Tempksy G.M.C., 3d j Nevember 12 Golden Calf G.M.C., Is; November 12 Queen of the Thames G.M.C., Is ; November 15

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before His Worship the Mayor.) .. drunkenness. Bndget Hawkey, Hugh Culcher, James tnrvin, Jane Kelly, and Timothy Greenfinch were charged with being drunk on Saturday even-ing, and subjected to the usual fine or imprisonment.

j. BREACH OF SHIPPING ACT. A sturdy seaman was charged with wilful disobedience of lawful commands on board the City of Auckland, thereby committing a breach of the Merchant Shipping Act°of 185G, on the Sth inst. fe-o-toi

• The seaman having apologized the Cantain withdrew the charge. Prisoner was therefore discharged,

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at n. 30 p.m., and To-morrow at 10.SO a.m. and /5.30 p.m. For Coromandel on Wednesday, at 5 p.m. For the Australian Colonies, per Hero, To-morrow, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news papers at 10 a.m. For Wangarei, Wangarei Reads, Mangapai, and Wai pu, per Sovereign of the Seas, To-morrow at 9 a.m., and per Bertha at 1 p.m. For Whitiangi, per Metcury, to-morrow, at noon. For Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Southern Cross, To-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Tauranga, per Vincent, To-morrow, at 5 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Star of the South, To morrow, at 5 p.m.

(Signed) S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster

DEATH.

Latciimoiih-On the 9th instant, William Henry Latchmore, of Grey street, late of Leicester, Eng land ; aged S3 years.

The funeral leaves foot of Grey street, at 3..'i0 p.m. on Tuesday, 11th inst. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1873.

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

And the good that we can do

Men usually rush in mobs like sheep. We are endowed generally with more intelligence, tmt the gregarious instincts predominate, and once the multitude is set moving intelligence and reason are flung to the winds. Just now the furore in New Zealand is Fire Insurance. Probablj' we do not require the extension of this branch of commercial enterprise now more than we did lasi year, but the great success of the South British, and the number of disappointed applications, awaked a dor mant public to a condition of excitement which appears absolutely insatiable. The launching of the National Insurance Com pany was not unreasonable in the circum stances, but the fervor originally excited now goes on with the determination to launch other similar companies whereof we see not the end. That this unnational and unreasonable rush will lead to disaster is as sure as that the sun shines in the heavens ;

and we raise our voico in solemn warning as to the panic that is coming. This third venture is unquestionably not legitimate. It is in no way warranted by any want in the colony, and is simply trading on tlio excitement that exists in relation to this form of investment for capital. There are, certainly, as many insurance companies doing business in the colony as can overtake the business to be done, and especially when within so brief a space of time two huge colonial institutions have been started, and can hardly be regarded as having ad vanced beyond their incipient stages. There is not a doubt in the world that this new company intends to trade on the gullibility of the people, and its pro moters will make their profits—if any are made —by forcing up the shares. The proposal to start this "Standard" In surance Company should therefore bo narrowly watched, and we do not hesitate to say that where its objects are so self avidencing, and where disaster is so certain to ensue, no commercial. man in Auckland with any pretensions to respect ability of character or reprard for himself should ha\e anything to do with introducing it to the public. Of course our fellow citizens can please themselves, but this new phase of the "Green Harp" class of swindling should not be allowed to obtain a standing, especially among people so prone as we in Auckland are to embark in any speculation of a gambling character.

A correspondent suggests that amongst the very many places near Auckland whose natural beauties point them cut for pleasant sites for picnic and pleasure parties none could be rendered more attractive than Wood's Island in the Waitemata, about seven miles; towards Rivorhead. This beautiful little Island is, we believe, the property of Mr" Stebbing, of Queen-street, who may perhaps think the suggestion which is now thrown out, worth consideration to im prove it's- natural capabilities of a fruit orchard and pleasure ground, to vend milk, tea, coffee, lemonade, and non-intoxicating drinks there, and to make arrrauge menta with the river steamers and other craft to call there at frequent intervals during the summer. That it would soon become a favourite resort of holiday-makers there can be no doubt whatever, and the public and the proprietor might be both mutually benefited by adopting some such course pointed out. AJI who know the locality are aware how well adapted and situated Wood's Island is for the purposes indicated. The Calcutta sweep on the remaininghorses in the Melbourne Cup takes place at the Occidental Hotel this evening, at eight o'clock, .

The Returning Officer gives notice that the' nomination for the olector.il district of- Pakuranga will take place at the Public Hall; Otalmlm, at noon on the '20th inst., and the poll, if necessary, on 1110 L'dth. . The. polling places are the Oourb House, Howick ; and the Public Hall, Otahuliu. The nomination for Tamaki will take place at St. .John's College at noon on the lSfch inst., and the poll on the 24th. For the town of Onehunga, which returns two members, the nomination will take place on the 19th inst., and the poll on the 25th, at the Court House. A contest will probably take place in each of these districts. Of the elections which have already been held at the Bay of Islands and Hokianga each re sulted in a walk over the course, Mr Carle ton being returned unopposed in tho one case and Mr ISheehan in the other. Such, however, is not likely to be the case in many other districts. For Onehunga the names of Messrs O'Rorke, Lundon, Eastwood, and Laishley have been named as likely lo come forward. For Pakuranga Messrs Peacocko, Gordon, and Woodward are before the public, and Tamaki will probably send at least two competitors to the poll. For the four seats at tbo Thames a dozen candidates or more are spoken of, and out of the lot one old member only is named—Mr Swan. Messrs. Mackay and Mitchell it is understood will not seek re election, and Mr Beveridge cornea forward for Eilen. At Coromanricl Mr Cadman is to be opposed by Mr G. McLcod, of the Tokatea. For the City of "Auckland, which returns eight members (three for City East and-iivejfor City West) all the candidatesjaro not yet to the front, but a requisition to Mr Lusk is in course of signature in the City East, and Mr P. A. Philips intimates hi's compliance with a request that he shall stand for re-election. Most of the old members are thought likely to come forward again, and the inevitable George Staines is almost sure to give the people an oppor tunity of returning him if they think lit. At Parnell, Messrs Itcader Wood and Tonks, are spoken of, and also Mr Cheeseman, of Remuora, who formerly represented the district, find took an active part in matters appertaining to the railway, which piece of ser vice is not likely to be forgotten in the event of his again wooing the sweet voices of his old constituency. For Eden :Mr J. May and Mr Beveridge, and probably other candidates will come forward. The nomination takes place at Newmarket on the 17th, and the poll on the 22nd. The polling places ai-o the toll-house, Newmarket, and the Whan public hall. For Takapuna :Mr (I. M. Heed is the only candidate announced, and then will probably he no contest.

A Trovlncinl Qovnrtimp.nl Gazelle was published to-day notifying that a public holiday will be observed on Wednesday in commemoration of the Prince of Walts' birthday. A notice also appears intimating the resignation by .Joseph May, Esq., of his ollice as Deputy-Superintendent.

We have repeatedly noticed the success that lias attended the establishment of jour nals in country settlements. Of these none lias been more successful, or has conferred greater benefit on tlio district where it is published, than the Bag nf Plenty Timns, issued at Tauranga. This spirited little paper,, has, avo observe, received long tele grams during the course of the Supcrinton denoy election, and has thus kept the people of Tauranga ail vised of the progress of the election in other parts of the province, which they must otherwise .have been kept ignorant of for many days.

We have just seen a fine water-color draw ing by Mr John Symonds, one of our best local artists. The picture represents a farm in the parish of Takapuna, situated on a branch of Shoal Hay. The features of the scene arc strictly adhered to—the trees. forms of the hills, lights and shadows arc .ill correctly and naturally portrayed ; hence it is a faithful representation of the quiet farm and its surroundings in the calm of sunset. We noticed that the distances are all in their relative positions, while the horizon is bounded by the forest-clad heights of Titirangi and Waitakeroi, which have a very pretty elfect. The sun has not yet sunk, and is illuminating the whole face of nature with a golden orange liyht. We were much pleased with this picture—the last of the artist's productions—the merit of which consists in its truthfulness to nature and the absence of what are technically known as " tricks of the brush."

Mr T. S. Weston, long connected with tha Auckland bar, leaves for Napier per s.s. Star of the Soutlf to assume the important office of District Judge there. Mrs Weston and family will remain for a while longer in town. A number of Mr Western's personal friondg and members of the legal profession have de termined to entertain that gentleman at a dinner to-night at the Northern Club. Mr Weston has been very successful in the prac tice of his profession in. Auckland, and has made many friends. His appointment to the Bench is. a judicious one, and wo wish him every success in his new sphere.

The Albert-street Congregational Church was crowded to the.doors flast evening on the occasion of the Rev. J. Kobcrtson's anniver sary discourse, and what was supposed by many hearers to be his last sermon. This young minister, in a short space of time, has won a considerable amount of favour oh account of his earnest and impressive style. He preached last night from Mark 14, verses, 29 to 31 ; the collection at the close of the three services amounted to £17 13s 3d. The annual tea meeting will be held .to-morrow evening.

The transfer books of the Hauraki Saw mill Company were closed to-day at noon, and a dividend of £2 10s per share an nounced. The Una Quartz-crushing and Gold-mining Company also announced a dividend to shareholders to-day, but the amount per share is not yet stated.

At the fifth meeting of the Auckland Institute this evening, commencing at half past seven, in the Museum Buildings, Prin ces-street, a paper will be read by Dr Hec tor on "A series of Rock Specimens from the Tokatea Tunnel," by J. Goodall, C, E., "On the probability of a Water Supply being obtained for Mount Eden," and by T. Heale, E. C, " On the Easy Prediction of Occultation and Eclipses." These papers are of a very interesting and utilitarian nature, and ho doubt will attract a good company of ladies and gentlemen.

E. Glair's Magnet Troupe will give an entertainment this" evening in the. Parnell Hall to consist of songs, music, and dancing. We refeired to the programme on Saturday, and need only add that those persons who wish for a pleasant evening's enjoyment will do well to visit the hall this evening.

A Volunteer rifle match open to all comers took place at the Mount Eden rifle range on Saturday afternoon. The weather was all that could be desired with the exception of a strong baffling wind. The ranges were 400, 500, and 600 yards, five shots at each range. The following are the scores made : —Lieut. Kitchen, 45 ; Lieut. Payne, 29; Volunteer Reid, 42 ; H.M. Partington, 37 ; Volunteers Burke, 34 ; Moore, 25 ■ Hay, 36 • E. F. Cooper, 36 : Evitt, 34; Sergt. Soall, 27 ; Volunteer McDonald, 34; H.M, Stone, 38 ; Volunteer E. Cooper, 38, i

Yesterday, Sunday, November 9th, -was' the anniversary of the Prince of Wales' birthday, his Royal Highness haying been bora on the 9th of November, 1841. To-dn.y was proclaimed n General Government holi day, and the public offices were closed hero and throughout the colony, but the pro vincial and general holiday, so far as the public is concerned, will be kept on "Wed nesday next, when, should the weather be fine, of which there is every probability, the usual loyal demonstrations' will be made, and ample means for amusement and re creation will be provided. It certainly would have been better if the General and Provincial Governments had made arrange ments to have held the holiday on the same day, but apart from this there is every pro bability of a very enjoyable day being spent on Wednesday by a very large proportion of our fellow citizens who

can alford the time and cash to keep holiday, and it is a good sign in these somewhat dull

times that so large a number, as we certainly shall see of well-dressed, happy looking people, able and willing to turn for a day's pleasure on. these occasions of public

rejoicing,

Our Alexandra correspondent writes on November 7 : —" Our polling day passed oil" very quietly; The requisition to Andrew Kay to stand for Waipa, in the Provincial Council, is being signed by every one. Ho is bound to win if he consents to stand for Raglan. Captain Johnstone is the favourite here. Nepi, tlve Chief of Kopua, who died some fortnight since, was only buried yester day at Te Uira. They kept him for the prophet to resurrectionise. ITe tried, and .tlrnuf/e lo .tat/, failed in consequence of his friends crying over the body contrary to his instructions. The Kopna natives are su dis gusted that they are all off in a body to-day to dig him up again, and bring him to Kopua and bury him there. Tawhiao is now quite well. J received a note from him yesterday, requesting two gallons of medicine. lie has returned from Mokau, and is now at the Kuiti.

Visitors to Levuka from the TCewa say the planters will scarcely wait to get this picking oil' the cotton trees, so eager are they to root them out and plant, sugar. In every direc tion sugar is the engrossing topic, and poor old " King Cotton" is an completely laid on the shelf as if he never existed. In that part of the country at all events the new industry will be widely and thoroughly tried. Advices from Tavinui state that the trees are full of cotton, and an excellent picking anticipated; As generally happens some planters commence long before others, only a few miles distant, but generally speaking ail are now in full swing, and the decline in price would seem to be made up by the increase in quantity.

The Glair/ow League Journal contains the following interesting facts concerning the drinking habits of the American people :—-

"There seems to be something intensely thirst-provoking about the American atmos phere. Across the Atlantic even the Gorman drinks more beer and the Irishman more whisky. In Northern Germany the beer consumption is stated to be twonty-one quarts per annum, while in the United States the average to each head is four quarts more. But the whisky record is really formidable, judging not from the more consumption, but by the number of cases of drunkenness which fall under the cognizance of the police. The latest year covered by American returns ended on the lirst of April, 1873, which is therefore nearly parallel with the year covered by our own returns ending on the first July follow ing. In England the number of these cases was f>9 convictions to every 10,000 persons ; in Ireland 147 convictions to every 10,000. in a portion of the City of London, selected for its especial badness, in this rejpect the propoiuion roso for each 10,0i)0 persons to '2(>4 convictions; in Liverpool to 3 29; in Cork to 352, and in Dublin to 41(5. But in Now York the number of cases of drunkenness for every 10,000 persons amounted in the parallel year to the enormous number of (538. That city contains no fewer than 8403 liquor saloons, or exactly ono for every 119 men, women, and children of all ages. No won der that crime in New York increases with alarming rapidity."

Return of sick treated at the Provincial Hospital during the week ending Saturday, November 8, 187*' : — Remained last return, 70; admitted since, 10; discharged, 10; died, 0 ; remaining, 70 (males, (J'2 ; fences, S). Arrangement of cases : Fever (convales.), I ; ague, 1 ; rheumatism, .'> ; syphilis, ."? ; fungoid cancer, 1 ; lupus 1 ; phthisis, 5 ; paralysis, 4 ; lunacy, 2 ; hysteria, 2 ; oph thalmia, 2 ; amanrosia, 1 ; cataract, 1 ; heart disease, ] ; bronchitis, f> ; pneumonia, 2 ; ascites, 1 ; fistula, .'} ; liver disease, 1 ; cys titis, 1; hernia humoralis, I ; caries necrosis, G ; abscess and ulcer, G ; cutaneous, 2 ; fractures, 4; wounds and contusions, 4 ; sprain, 1 ; amputation, 1 ; debility, 4. No death occurred during the woek. Thanks are returned to Mrs ithodes, llobson-strcet, for a parcel of old linen.

The Parnell cricketers are requested to meet at the Barracks this and to-morrow afternoon for practice, and to be at the North Shore ferry boat at ten o'clock' sharp on Wednesday.

A match has been arranged between eleven frryji Parnell and the North Shore Cilcket C." Nc.for Wednesday next. This will materi al&Hdd to the many attractions North Shore wifj^offer to visitors on that day. Ihe Par nell will be selected from Messrs Abraham, Bennett, Coates, Mowbray, Newberv, Kissling, Brookes, Corbctt, Brett, Quintal, Blunden, Davies and others.

To the Editor : Sir, —As the remarks with reference to the meeting of the Artillery are likely to convey a wrong impression, and make it appear that the failure of the meet ing Avas owing to the members, when, in fact, it was put off by Captain Featon'a order! given on parade, I trust that you will allow me space to explain that the meeting called for the previous week was the only one that lapsed or was post poned on account of its being such a stormy night, and the cap bain not being present. On Tuesday last there was a very good at tendance considering the present reduced state of the corps, at which the captain ex pressed himself pleased, and it was their wish that a meeting should have been held, but much to their disgust Captain Featon after about -an hour's ■ drill, and beforo dis missing the parade, cooly informed them that the secretai'y, Lieut. Devore, had called a, meeting, but that he (Captain Featon) did not think there was any necessity for one ; therefore no meeting would take place. It was unfortunate that Lieutenant Dovorc was unavoidably absent, as it gayo Captain Featon an opportunity to quash a meeting at whichJfsorne remarks unpleasant for himself or a resolution would probably have been passed with reference to a sum of £10 10s generously given by Dr Lee in March last for . prizes, and which has not yet reached the hands of .the treasurer, or been placed in the bank to the credit of the corps. There is indeed, as yoti say, " A blight which ought to be removed," but which I fear can only be done by our getting < justice and fair play from the hands of Capt. Featon, or his being removed from his pre sent position.—l am, &c. ? Semi Fuse. . '

Love, like the sunbeams of summer, sends its lightning glances from window to win dow, and when the distance from heart to heart is beyond the reach of love's voices, I love finds out many inventions ; there is the ■ unspoken dialogue carried on by the eyes ; ; and this morning we observed a new mode of the silent expression of the inner thought even in Wyndham-street. A young man ; desperately in love, invariably looks each day at laoon from the window of the type setters sanctum to the window on the side of jus ; tice, where smiles a young lady from the uppermost part of the house. And this | young typo and that young lady have | learnt the deaf and dumb alphabet, and in their dinner hour they exchange honied thoughts, and hold converse sweet, which only the angels can hear, and to which they listen possibly with ecstatic attention

Mr Frederick W. George has been ap pointed collector of rates, &c, for the 1 figlv way district of Waitakerei East.

We have received a communication from "Christian" in favour of thi early-closing movement; but as the matter is now ami cably arranged, and the drapers have all re solved to close at six o'clock, it A\rill be un necessary to publish " Christian's" letter.

The theatre on Saturday evonirig was very fairly attended, and " Arrah-na-Pogue " and " Aladdin" were presented to the audience in a manner which reflected great credit upon the management and performers. Mr McGowan gave life and vivacity to the character he undertook to personify. Mrs McGovan was really excellent; also Mr Collier, Mrs Walter Hill,--, and the other actors who helped to realise the characteristic features of the drama and burlesque. To-night, a great treat will be provided by this deserving company in the representation of " Oliver Twist " and " Kathleen Mavourneen." We hope to see a full attendance. We notice thatJMr Levy, clothier, of Upper Queen-street, has offered a reward of £1 for the discovery of the person or persons who daubed his shop door with a paint brush. We hope the miscreants may be discovered. We are glad to state that Mr Levy lias fallen in with the views of the Early-closing Association, and will close his shop hence forth at six o'clock. At <a meeting of the Roman* Catholic ladies of Auckland, held yesterday in St. Patrick's Cathedral, the handsome sum of €158 12s was subscribed towards the Cathedral fund. A solicitation committee was appointed to wait on the ladies who did not attend, and to ask their subscriptions. The Right lieve lend Ur Croko presided. In our Police Court report on Friday it was stated that a charge for non-payment of rates brought against Mr S. Vickers was withdraw n in consequence of the money having been paid subsequent to the issue of the summons. This was an error. It ap pears that Mr Vickers had paid the rates when due, but was subjected to the annoy ance of being summoned for it, owing to the confused state of the late collector's books. If c produced the late collector's receipt for the amount, when the action was of course with drawn. Considering the muddled state of the Council's o\\ji affairs, very great caution should be exercised before summonses are issued. This is the second time Mr Vickers, as well as many other ratepayers, has been called upon to pay for rates already settled. We have received the following letter on the subject: Sir, —I have just had my attention called to a report in your papr of the 7th instant, stating that "the charge against Samuel Vickers for non-payment of city rates was withdrawn, having been paid since the summons was issued." Now, sir, tliis was an old rate paid nearly eighteen months since. I was met in the street on Friday by an old man who said he was collecting the city rates, and that he had me on his list for £3, for an office in the Insurance Buildings. I told him' it was paid, and without further inquiry I received a summons on the Monday follow ing. I called at the ofliee and shewed the receipt both to the collectors and the Town Clerk. The rate was paid on the first demand, 22nd February, 1872, one month after it was struck. Now, sir, ] in common with many others have to complain of the conduct of j\Jr Brodie, the Town Clerk, who, having made a gross blunder (a very common thing with ' him) instead of promptly rectifying it and acting with ordinary courtesy, allows a false statement to be published in a very offensive form, and upon remonstrance only retorts with the grossest insolence.—Yours, &c, Sa.MUKL VtCKKRS.

The Auckland Juvenile Troupe of negro delineators and vocalists will perform this evening in the Onohunga Hall. The enter tainment is of a very interesting character, and will give satisfaction to all who wish to spend the Royal birthday in a right loyal manner.

Last evening a large number of persons were walking in the glow, when down came a heavy shower of rain. At the time Mr Edger was closing his discourse on "Judas Iscariot," and depicting with energy the terrible end of the money-getter, the majority of strollers rushed to the Choral Hall for shelter, and at the most opportune time, for the collection was just about to com mence. We have not heard whether the beneficent shower favoured the offertory, but it was the means of driving many to a place of worship who otherwise would not have entered.

By the omission of the word " to" in a paragraph referring to the transfer of the National Insurance Company's business, from Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane to Mr A. G. Millar, an error occurred which totally altered the meaning of the sentence. Mi- Millar, so long known in connection Avith the agency of the Victoria Insurance Com pany, has been appointed Auckland manager of the National. We are sure no more popular appointment, or one more likely to conduce to the interests of the Company, could have been made. The busi ness of the Company will be temporarily con ducted at Mr Millar's offices, Wyndham street, until the central premises, No. 25 Lowei* Queen-street, next Messrs Combes ;md Daldy's store, are fitted up. Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane have re-accepted the agency of the Victoria Fire and Marine Company, and are now conducting the busi ness of that company at their offices No. 25 Queen-streofc.

The Rev. Alexander Reid, by particular request, will re-deliver his admirable lecture on "Genesis and Geology," in the Graf ton Road Chapel, on Friday evening next.

LATEST FROM FIJI.

(From our own Correspondent.) November 1, 1573

HIE NEW BANK

The arrival of the steamer Star of the South was looked forward to with considerable anxiety by the people of Fiji, as the long ex pected Bank was said to be sure to be brought down by her. On Thurday she came sailing up Avltli a great display of bunting, and upon her entering port it soon leaked cmb that although the Bank bad not come, the accountant bad, and had brought some of the necessary fittings, and that the Bank would be ready to commence business operations on the re turn trip of the steamer. The fact of pre mises being fitted up for the Bank gives more confidence in its stability than all the asser tions which have been made for months past that the Hank was coming. There is some thing more tangible about it now than there ever was before, and" it will be a wonderful relief to the trade of Fiji when it comes into active operation. We have been without a bank for so long a time that we are glad to got one at almost any price. The monopoly is generally thought to be an evil; bitt the way in which it may be used will show whether it is one or not. If the directors are M'ise, and have an eye to the permanent success of their undertaking, they will not make the monopoly felt. STATE OF POLITICAL AFFAIP.S. Matters political are generally quiet. Since the disturbance at Nasova, of which you had particulars by the last trip of the steamer, there has not been any dis turbance. But there has been considerable discontent owing to the manner in which the Ministers have violated their oaths to support tho Constitution by preparing an entirely new one. That the new one will be a bone of contention between them and the Government there cannot be much doubt, as Englishmen do not care to be sat upon so "muchly." They complain against the ignorant natives, and they are all ignorant on the subject of repre sentative institutions being set up as quali fied electors, and being used ay the mere tools of designing men. Although the natives far outnumber the whites, the white men have far out-stripped them in paying for the Government in the way of taxes, and moreover the "eyes of the country " have been picked out, and all the best land is held by white men ; and, therefore, the settlers do not fancy taking a baok .seat, and Cakobau (a cannibal of yes terday) ruling them with despotic power. The new Constitution, Avhich virtuallyignores tho whites and sets up the natives, has been read to the Fijians in some of the districts. The Government, however, .abstain from issuing the Constitution to the settlers, it is thought, ponding the arrival of the Commission from home. Like Mr Micawhcr, they seem to be waiting for what may turn up. NATIVE DISTURBANCES. Native affairs are disturbed. On Vawea Levu there are wars and rumours of wars, and the chiefs engaged do not appear to know whether they arc fighting for or against the Government. One man is going to fight for Bau, and against Tui Cakau, and so on ; and all the time Tui Cakau has sworn allegiance to Bau, so there is a pretty state of confu sion. From Viti Levu some of the moun taineers have come down to soro (or submit) to the King. This can only be taken for what it is worth. In Fiji it means "we won't do so any more until next time ;" that is the plain English of it. Some little time ago some chiefs were down from the neigh bouring district to where these men came from, and were soro-ing to the King, whilst the man who had been left ns -a .hostage for their safe return was taken out to the oven which had been pre pared to cook him in. So much for the re liability of their expressed desire for peace. The request for peace is generally made when they are beaten, or else when they want time. FALSE STATEMENTS ABROAD. Some or the items which appear in pagers away from and in reference to Fiji would be amusing were they not so false. I notice one paragraph, which states that the mountaineers of ViLi Levu aro thoroughly conquered, and that the available troops which had been engaged in the war—all armed with Enfield rifles, and number eight thousand men— are now at the disposal of the Govern ment, and are a guarantee for the peace and security of the islands. Neither of these statements are true. In to-day's Gazette the Government state their intention to organise an efficient force for the conquest of the rnountaineeu, who are yet opposed to them, as soon as the rainy season shall have passed. That announcement natly contradicts the statement that the moun taineers have been thoroughly conquered. Then with reference to the S,OOO troops engaged in the war. There were not more than about one thousand live hundred so engaged, of whom hardly two hundred were drilled soldiers, and fewer still armed with Enfield rifles. The Enfield lines, like the eight thousand men, are a delusion and a snare. The soldiers, with the exception of their officers perhaps, were aimed only with Tower muskets, whilst the auxiliaries were mostly coast natives, without any discipline, and armed with spears, clubs, axes, bows, and arrows, and tower muskets —many of them flint-locks. I saw one of the latter with the date ISOS upon it. So much for the S,OOO men and their Enfield rifles. You New Zea landers, the same as others, overrate our strength. ' You appear to forget that from our insular position the difficulty of trans port of the commissariat, and the Avant of cohesion amongst the natives, that it is next to an impossibility to gather such an army as S,OOO men together. THE BRITISH COMMISSION. We are looking forward to the arrival of the Commission with a considerable degree of interest. We hardly expect annexation from it but the feeling of the great majority of settlers in Fiji is in favour of that measure. Many of the natives are of the same opinion, but of the leading chiefs, Cakobau, Maofu, and Tui Cakau I cannot speak with any certainty, as they are too much hemmed in by officialism for me to ascertain their views. If the Commission decides against annexation it is to be hoped England will determine upon settling our affairs.. STATE OF TRADE. Trade is dull, but there are signs of improvement in business. Cotton pick ing in some districts is being rapidly proceeded with, but everywhere sugar is being looked to as the coming In dustry; No doubt as things improve, and planters get in better position and more able to invest, that Fiji will become one of the leadingl sugar countries of the world. MR THUESTON. Captain Simpson, of H.M. Blanche, has written stating that an investigation into the charge of murdering a native boy eight years ago, brought agninst Mr Thurston, Chief Secretary, has been completely disproved.

. (EroVn-thc Fiji Thus aiuWfo^T""' SURRENDER OF REBELS. \l On the 16th of l agt month ' , Nacolauli, brother to- Tatanini W *. ,' et the head of the Nadrau tribe!with ?£> of his people waited upon the Cove"?*'' I a am the Minister of Native AffSL 0* then- soro," praying that they i? h allowed to present it personally t^ Majesty at Bau. This request w ls ,„ ,IS to, ami the Drau ChTeft USffift Bau in the Vivid on TiiescW to submitted themselves to the KinJ T? d surrender of this tribe is of con^JJ 6 importance. Situated in an almost i« le sible part of central Viti Levu ?h y & Safe asylum lately for the fugifio^ Nibtitantati. The Drau tribe, numbers^ whom, as the allies of Mbutautau an ? tl ? f Qali A aba na Bula, fought against theKW troops, are wise enough, to realise the t3 S of.tbo "Matanitu," Ld tender it £& mission. This act will compel NaifJ?' balavii ami his people either to follow 32 example or keep to the caves and fm3 for safety ; for as soon as the rainy se i "t over a larger and better trained foJJfft 18 the last will scour the main range o f l/fT tains from north to south. Ollu- THE MURDERERS OF THE BUPN* FAMILY. lfl lS Should Nibutautau not surrender hvK expiration of the month given them by f yernment to do so, the tribe will most likX be outlawed, and a price set on the heads7f Nawawabalavu, and other chiefs, W J mimlerera and cannibals, have been the n«t, of the province. The number of mounWn tribes gradually attaching themselves to th Government y,ll cany out the obiect nf outlawry, and the eflect throughout Vit Levu, will have a very important re suit in the cause of law and order The Adi Arieta brought up, besides the Drau Chiefs and guard, one hundred ami twenty-three prisoners; who by no means look so emaciated as some of those who have reported upon their appearance It ; s satisfactory to know that the perseverance of the Government—in arresting the mur derers of the Burns family—both in accord ance with its domestic obligations, and with the demand of a representative of Her Brittanic Majesty, is gradually approaching the reward of perfect success."..-.. BULLY HAVES AT SAMOA. The barque Metaris arrived in Levnka from Samoa on 27th, having left that port on the 22nd instant. During the passage down experienced light and variable winded ah) torrents of rain. She arrived off our hair hour on Sunday, but the wind, which was light, veered round towards the west. At Samoa the Leonora, Captain Hayes, "when getting underweigh raninto|the Metaric, and carried away her fore-top-gallant mast Being unable to procure a spar to replace it she will have to proceed to Sydney without one. WHARF ACCOMMODATION. Our old friend Smith's wharf is emerging again from the waters, like Venus rising from the sea, or a phcenix from its ashes, or any other mythological comparison that may occur to our readers: they have the privilege of "free selection." A com pany has been formed with a capital of £4,000, half subscribed in Fiji and half in Auckland, to renovate and thoroughly put it in order. It is the intention of the com pany to run it outintodeep water. Operations are already commenced ; when finished, what with that of Hedemann's, Henning's new one projected, and the one contemplated by the Town Council, the harbour will have first-class accommodation. MR. MICHELL, THE LATE ACTING CONSUL. Mr. Michell, late of the British Consulate of Fiji and Tonga, arrived in Sydney per H.I).M.S. Clio, after a fortnight's trip from Levuka. His reception in Sydney has been ' ' very satisfactory, and he had an interview with the Governor of the colony (Sir H. Robinson), which occupied upwards of an hour, upon Fijian matters. Mr. Michell was to kavc for England by the P. and 0. Com pany's steamer China on the 7th of this month. Tho Commodore's assigned reason, we believe, for removing Mr. Michell from I the Consulate is that Mr: Michell granted one or more licences at Levuka, under the Kidnapping Act, 1572, to vessels which had been refused in Sydney. FLOGGING WOMEN AND BUYING A CONCUBINE. A correspondent writes as follows :—" To ' \ the Editor of the Fiji Times .•—Sir,— I want to know whether Wardens of Provinces have the power to inflict the lash upon women for theft, or for any offence against the law. There is a report goiug the rounds that a certain Warden—l will not indicate his province lest the rumour be unfounded sentenced a woman who had robbed him or some of his neighbours of a sum of money, to twenty or thirty lashes, and that they were inflicted. Evil disposed persons of course suggest that perhaps he did not wish to lose her services, and therefore ordered the lash rather than fine or imprisonment. Of course this cannot be true, as no Warden would be guilty of the gross impropriety of trying an offender against ■ himself. But the Hogging of women, -if it be in the jjower of a Warden, should be put a stop to at once. There is another rumour in circulation affecting the treatment of a woman which I may as well mention here. It is that an official purchased a young woman from a son or other relative of one of the Governors for the purpose of making her his concubine during the war ; and that the wretched girl was dragged to this illustrious and gallant specimen of civilization. I mention these rumours, as they are widely spread abroad, in order that they may be enquired into by the Government, whose duty it is to protect the aboriginies, and punish their oppressors; or if the rumours be untrue, that they may be publicly contradicted. Otherwise the statement which was published by Mr ; Consul March in respect of young girls being purchased on the Ra coast, to be sold for concubines, will receive confirmation . with a vengeance, and cover our very vir tuous Government with confusion. CHARGE OF MURDER. At the Supreme Court on Monday, October 6th, before their Honors the Chief Justice - and Mr Justice Marika, Naivaleni and Tui* -.:•■ rara, two Fijians, were charged with the murder of one Nabuta,a Fijian, at the Yas sawas Islands. The Attorney-General pro- ; secuted for the Crown ; Mr Solomon appeared for defence. The evidence in this case was that in consequence of it having come to the knowledge of a local chief, Tuirara, that the deceased had had illicit connection with several married women he had ordered the prisoner to administer some correction in the:Fijian _•, manner, viz., butiraking, and the case for the Crown was that this clubbing had cau^lj-ji the death of the deceased. Mr So 1 ij^fy for the defence, pointed out tha> f^&rinet-. ; no evidence to connect the ideath ceased with the punishment justly in'^'w^ (according to Fijian custom) a month previ ously. That during the illness wl)'- a § deceased suffered from prior to his de* cil he had no medical attendance, nor was there any medical evidence of the cause of deatb. The jury, by direction of his Honor, acquitted the prisoner,

THE EVENINQ^BTAR, MOKBAY, NOVBMBEIt 10 1878



"YXf AIKATO 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, Cvis torn House-street, Auckland. JyTOW OPENED E X HfcY DASPEB, A MAGNIFICENT ASSORTMENT OF CHILDREN'S, GIRLS' 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 MATEKIALS & STYLES, ALPACCA COATS (BLACK & COLORED), WHITE DRESS SHIRTS, Etc., Etc., Etc. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, "W HOLTISAXE AND RETAIL DBAPEKS, CLOTIIIEES, &O JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-street, Auckland. B&- N.B.— Parties in the country favouring R.,& B. with their orders may depend upon their receiving careful atten t'on and despatch. Patterns, &c, forwarded post free pi A U T I 0 N. OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the BEST for general use in households, and, in con semience of its high reputation, soms unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottks bearing the manufacturer's name stamped Iher-on, and pass the same off as " Olson's Universal i'omato Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act 1806," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned to^ jj^^^ SATJCE / '"; ; ana net) that the name is Stamped on Bottle and Stopper, and wrapped round with his well-known label. [ Ebta fUvisxnqcit JBG4. ] r\ STEPHENS/GIN & OCX'S CELEBB|AT'ED COD 1 PEES/ ' "EXHIBITION BRAND" "EAGLE BRAND" "CROWN BRAN D," Are to be procured at all respcctablo GitoOJCRS and Storekeepers throughout the Provlnco of Auck and. D*. STEPHENS ON & CO. «IVYNDHAM STREET, A Tj 0 JC L A X 8,l i) 4 itui hi'"' '• ,



2Kf\ SUPEEIOR BLACK CLOTH O\J SACS, 12s. 9d. J. COSGRAVE & CO. 500 USEFUL TWEED TROUSERS Ss. Gd. J. COSGRAVE & CO. 500 GOOD BLACK CLOTH TROUSERS 12s. J. COSGRAYE & CO. !A. O. P. TN consequence of WEDNESDAY NEXT being the day set apart as the Anniversary of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, the Social Entertainment in connection with the above Order WILL NOT take place till that day. RICHAR 0 T, TALBOT, Secretary.