SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUN-SET: This evening, 7.5 BUN-RISE. To morrow moiriing, 4.39 HIGH WATER : This evening, 10.4 ; to-morrow morning, 10.24

ARRIVALS.

Excelsior, schooner, from DunedinHKJ Ryno, brigantine, from Lyttelton

DEPARTURES.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES. For London : City of Auckland, ship, early For New Caledonia : Mariner, schooner, to-morrow For Levuka : Herald, schooner, Friday For Poverty Bay : Rover, schooner, immediately For London : Ferndale, barque, early For San Francisco : Fannie Hare, schooner For Kaipara : Amaranthe, schooner, immediately For Napier : Fiery Cross; schooner

IMPORTS.

Per Rhyno, from Lyttelton : 509 sacks wheat, 100 sacks oats, 100 sacks bran, 20 sacks oatmeal, D. H. MoKenzie; 1 case biscuits, 50 sacks flour, T. H. Hall and Co. ; 8 cases bacon, R. Arthur ; 2 cases hams and bacon, Townsend Bros. ; 325 sacks potatoes, 3 cases bacon, Geo. Sibbin.—D. H. McKenzie, agent.

Per Excelsior, from Dunedin—G2 hhds ale, 1 kilderkin ale, 11 cases ale, J. Reid ;* 10 hhds ale and stout, Williams & Co ; 100 cases rum, Must & Co; 10 sacks oatmeal, 80 bags flour, E. Ellingham ; 90 bags oat meal, 35 cases stout, 5 do confectionery, 15 do ginger wine, J. C. Morrin; 20 cases ginger wine, Osborne Brothers ; 28 bags oats, G. H. Layers; 20 bags oatmeal, M. Jones ; 615 bags flour, order -, 20 bags oat meal, 48 do pollard, 52 do oats, G. W. Binney ; 2GO do flour, Barnett & Levy ; 255 basis flour, 78 do potatoes, 7 casks beef, 25 sacks wheat, order.—J. Reid, agent.

The Golden Isle, schooner, has cleared out in ballast for Russell.

The barque Tasso hauled alongside the wharf last night, and commenced discharging her cargo of coals this morning. The Rhyno arrived from Lyttelton yester day afternoon after a quick passage of a little over four days. She brings a cargo of breadstuff's, and is consigned to J). H. McKenzie.

The s.s. Taranaki, Captain Wheeler, left the Manukau yesterday for Southern ports with a general cargo and the following pas sengers :—Mr Cohen, Mr and Mrs Fitzgib bon, Mr Pinder, Mrs Watts, Mr- and Mrs Hirst and family, and twelve in the steerage. The p.s. Charles Edwards, bound for Wanganui, left the Manukau yesterday with the following passengers : —Mr Surratt, Mr and Mrs Cleghorn, Mr Chune, and five in the steerage.

The s.s. Go-ahead took one passenger (Mr Webster) to Waitara yesterday.

The schooner Excelsior arrived from Dune din last night, after a good run of seven days from Dunedin. Captain Joiner reports moderate weather with prevalent southerly winds during the voyage. The Excelsior brings a cargo of breadstuff's, consigned to J. Reid.

The s.s. St. Kilda got up steam this morning, and had a preliminary run over the measured mile in the harbour, preparatory to her official trial trip, which is to come off on Thursday or Friday. This is the first time the St. Kilda has been under steam since her re-construction. The machinery worked well, andtherate of speed attained, although not high, was considered satisfactorj^. The steamer has hauled against the upper side of the Queen-street wharf, where tho few finish ing touches which have to be put to her will be added. There is, wo understand, a pro bability of theJSt Kilda beingfput on to the Napier and East Coast trade.

COMMERCIAL.

At Messrs E. and H. Isaacs sale of clothing and drapery on the 4th and sth of Decem ber, there was a full attendance of the trade, but bidding was rather slack and unspirited. The sale being an imperative one to close partnership accounts nearly all the goods advertised were quitted at prices, on the whole, fully up to what could be expected, particularly as a good portion of them were not well adapted for the market. In all the sale amounted to about £1300.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 12.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei and Mangapai, per Clyde, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Russell and Kawa Kawa, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Gisborne, per Rover, on Thursday next, at 3 p.m. For New Caledonia, per Mariner, on Saturday next, at 11 a.m. Per s.s. Phoebe, on Saturday, 13th inst., as under:- For Australian Colonies, at 8 p.m.

For Fiji, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 8 p.m.

For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via fan .Francisco, at 8 p.m.

Por money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 5 p.m. (Signed) S. B. Biss. Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

Stewart.—On the 3th instant, at 22, Wellington street, Arnold Stewart, son of John Parker Stewart; aged five months.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1873.

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

If there is one of our institutions that

more than another deserves the commenda tion of the public for perseverance, zeal, efficiency, and success it is the Choral Society. In the face ot many difficulties, and in the midst of an apathetic and per verse generation, it has bravely marched onward, spreading the taste aud the know ledge of high-class music among our community. That to the unflagging zeal and genuine musical enthusiasm of Judge Fenton this result is largely attributable will be admitted by all who have watched the doings of the society, but it is only fair to admit that his efforts have been cordially seconded by the ladies and gentlemen enrolled in his musical corps, and by the plaudits of the crowds that have thronged to each performance. Wo are gratified to learn that an effort on a grander scale than any pre ceding is about to be made in honor of the Christmas tide. Not only will tho " Messiah" be performed according to custom, but in vitations wero yesterday sent to all tho musical organizations in the pro vince asking their co-operation in making the performance a musical triumph. We trust that the invitation will meet with a general response, and if so wo do not hesi tate to say that we shall be furnished with a treat that will stir the blood of every man

and woman present having any music in tho soul. The first of three preliminary re hearsals will take place to-night, and every thing will be done that can be done to make the musical event of Christmas eve an event that will long linger in the memory.

The members of the Auckland Institute held their sixth monthly meeting last even ing in the Museum buildings, T. B. Gillies, Esq., in the chair. It was announced that six new members were added to the roll of membership, viz., .Sir George A. Arney, T. Spencer, A. Clark (Remuera), G. F. Edmon stone, J. E. Allen, and J. Robertson, of Mangare. Several donations had also been received. Major Green had presented the Institute with a number of Chinese books ; and Colonel Haultain had given a volume of JNatural History. Mr G. Ritchie, of Chat bam Islands, had forwarded a Moriori crania and remains, lower jaw of killer whale, and upper jaw of ziphid whale. Venerable Archdeacon Williams sent a quantity of fossil shells from the East Cape and Kawa kawa, and Mr Kirk gave some dried speci mens of British ferns. Mr Goodall read his second paper on the water supply, and in the course of his remarks said that if the basin which he supposed to be under Mount Eden drew its supply from an area of five square miles, and accepting 24 inches of rain per annum as the average fall, it would give over 1,000,000 gallons daily, or about 30 gallons for each person per day for 33,000 persons. The cost of the pumping machinery, etc., would be about £17,418, and the annual cost of working would be £3,252. The cost per million gallons would be about £8 18s 3d. Mr Kirk read a short paper on the same subject, written by Mr Stewart, when a con siderable amount of discussion ensued, but no definite view of the subject generally enter tained. MrGoodall, feeling intense interest in the water question, expressed his intention of pursuing the study. Mr Kirk then read a brief paper on a new species of cordyline of a very interesting character, and which was well received. That gentleman also read, a lengthy paper on indigenous materials for paper manufacture, which was full of interest, and listened to with marked attention. Mr Heale spoke of the fact that the secretary of the institute, Mr Kirk, was about to leave for a new sphere of duty in connection with Wellington, and regarded Mr Kirk's removal as a loss to the Society. He referred to Mr Kirk's abilities in pleasing terms, as did also Mr Firth and other leading members of the Institute. Mr Kirk returned thanks for their acknowledg ment of his services, and would always do what he could to further tho objects of tho Institute. The Chairman informed the members that this was the last meeting of the present year, and he hoped that gentle men would prepare papers for the meetings of the new year.

The Royal Company underwent their usual weekly drill last evening in the Drill-shed, Princes street, under the command of Capt. Burns. Their performances were greatly to their credit.

The Lynch family of bell-ringers and musicians will commence their far-famed entertainment in this city on Tuesday, 16th inst. The Auckland Temperance Drum and Fife Band marched out last evening, and played a number of new pieces. The band started from the top of Queen-street ; went up Grey street, down Hobson and Wyndham-streets to the fire-bell, where the members parted " Good Companie." This little band is still making progress, and promises to hold its place among the foremost of Auckland bands. The entertainment in connection with these patriotic minstrels will take place about Christmas.

A meeting was held last evening in the Union street school-room for the purpose of founding a Good Templar lodge. The meet ing was but thinly attended; indeed it seemed unnecessary to call such a meeting, as a lodge is already in existence in Sheridan street, which is amply sufficient for the neighborhood of Freeman's Bay.

A very close and interesting cricket match took place on Saturday afternoon last at Hardinqton's Flat, Onehunga, between an eleven of tho Brighton Cricket Club and an eleven of the Onehunga Cricket Club. Scores : —Brighton : Ist innings, 48 ; 2nd innings, 45. Total, 93. Onehunga : Ist in nings, 48; second innings, 47, for nine wickets. Total, 95, with one wicket to fall. There was a large attendance of spectators present, in which the fair sex predominated. The Onehunga Club provided refreshments for their visitors, and a very pleasant after noon was spent.

There was a largo attendance at the City Hall last night, and the promised petite comedy "Rights of Women," in which Mr Gourlay appeared as " Sir Andrew," was enthusiastically received. The ballads and character songs were also excellently ren dered. The entertainment is of a pleasing nature.

The Taranahi Herald, referring to our description of the little steamer Bella, says : " As the Superintendent has been requested by resolution of the Council to obtain the price of such a vessel, it would be well if His Honor communicated with the builders of the Bella, and ascertained what would be the cost of building such another."

The monthly inspection parade of the Artillery Volunteers will takeplace this even ing in the Drill-shed under Captain Featon. Members to appear in full uniform.

The approaching Wanganui regatta on the 31st is likely to he a very spirited affair. It is time Auckland was bestirring itself if it is to take part in the forthcoming inter provincial contest. The boating season has not opened with that eclat which might be desired. According to the following letter the "Wellington oarsmen are intending to furnish sufficient boats to fill the programme independent of Wanganui's small fleet.— "Wellington, Dec. 3, 1573, —As you doubt less will be interested to hear how Welling ton will bo represented in your regatta J will give you all the information I have as regards the number of boats the various Clubs will send up. I will commence with our Club—-The Star. Wc send tho Queen Mab (winner of the inter-provincial gig last year), a new pair-oared gig, and a new four-oared gig, now building in Wel lington (forty feet long). 1 also take my sculling boat, and we expect to get a pair oared out-rigger (patent steering gear and sliding seat) out in the Celaino. If she arrives in time we shall pull her for the pairs instead of the gig, but will enter both boats to save accidents. The Union Club are sending a new batswing four, with a very warm crew, the Faugh-a-Pallagb, four-oarod, for the limited keel-race. I hear the Wellington Club have sent to Melbourne for a pair-oared outrigger, also a sculling boat for one of the noted meu, Woods, a half-caste, who sculled second to Dawson last year in the inter provincial. Brown and Turnbull also tako their sculling boats, so to summarise there will bo — four four - oared boats, three pair-oar ditto, and four scullers. Wc are trying to get a match on betwen the {Stella and Dolly Vardcn, 3 miles, for the day fol lowing the regatta, to be pulled by bona fide members of the respective Clubs ; it is not settled yet, but if it is I will give you intimation, so that you will be able to advertise it in your programme. We are in [negotiation to charter the Paterson, as she is so well adapted for carrying our boats. I should be obliged if you would tell me the courses for the several races, and what part of the river you intend them to be rowed ; also, if straight away courses or a turn. I should suggest straight away, as turning in racing strains the light boats that are built now.—Yours, &c, S. S. Grif fiths."

In a California obituary it is stated that "the deceased was a person of a romantic nature. He placed the breach of bis gun in the fire, and looking down the muzzle, departed hence spontaneously."

Yesterday the members of the various Masonic Lodges in Auckland had a water picnic. The brethren with their wives assembled to the number of about sixty at nine o'clock on the Queens-street wharf, the intention being to proceed to Motatapu Island in the steamer Devonport, which had been chartered by the committee for the occasion. The day was not of the most suitable character for such an excursion. A strong north - easter was blowing, and the waters of the Waitemata were in a very unquiet state, the surface being ridged with white horses, and the weather altogether looking far from pleasant. From the wharf the steamers proceeded to the North Shore to take up members living in that neighbourhood. Here it was decided by the committee of management to abandon the trip to Motutapu, and turn the bows of tho steamer up the harbour instead of down. This was clone, and the boat steamed up the Waitemata, until itarrived off Wood's Island, belonging to Mr H. Stebbing. Here the party landed, but the spot not being so attractive as could have been wished a move was proposed to the grounds of Mr Fordham, a gentleman living on the other side of the creek. Permission first being asked for and obtained the move was made, and the change proved most acceptable. The proprietor was most assiduous in administering to the com fort of his totally unexpected band of visitors, and as the weather, although breezy, was fine, out-door games soon became the order of the day. Brother Macready superintended the eatables, and under his direction a sub stantial luncheon was propared, aud, owing doubtless, to the bracing sea-breeze, was attacked with right goodwill by the merry-makers. The Band of the Royals was in attendance and discoursed most excellent music. After luncheon the fun was continued, the whole party, consisting entirely of grown up persons apparently outvying one another in their pursuit of the sports of youth. Fo.tball, an amusing and time-honoured game named "tig," dancing and other pastimes kept fcho ball rolling till late in the afternoon, when the return was sounded, aud the party re embarked ou the Devonport, arriving in town some tirao after dark, after passing a very enjoyable day of innocent and healthful amusement.

Tho monthly meeting of the Royal Wil liam No. 1 Orange Lodge will be held in the Lodge room, Wellesley-atreet, this evening at the usual hour,

A conversazione in connection with the Presbyterian Church Assembly will take place in the Choral Hall to-morrow night at half-past seven. Short addresses will be de livered by the various ministers now in Auckland, attending the General Assembly. The choirs of St. James's and St. An drew's Churches will also take part and will render various sacred and secular pieces. During the intervals opxiortunity will be afforded for promenading and conversation. The admission fee has been fixed at the low price of one shilling in order to render the entertainment available for all classes. The aim of tho promoters is to make it a thoroughly social gathering. Tbe pro gramme will be advertised to-morrow.

The Prince of Wales Theatre was well filled last evening with eager and interested listeners, and the ballads, dances, &c, gave great satisfaction, and many were encored. Messrs. Riley, O'Brien, and Braham were eminently successful, and Miss Lizzie Wat son received a tremendous burst of cheering at the close of her successful ditty, "You naughty, naughty men." Mr Baker in "Alabaster Joe," though a well-known song, was also highly successful. The entertain ment was very amusing throughout, and fitly closed with the trapeze feats of Madame Blanche and Moiis. Hamew.

Messrs Tonks and Co. will to-morrow at eleven o'clock hold one of the most extensive sales of city and suburban properties which have been offered to public competition for many months past. This property consists of 100 allotments in Now ton and Karanga hape roads, 28 allotments in Parnell, four allotments and houses in Elliott-street, and four in Albert-street. To persons with capi tal, and to mechanics and others, this is a splendid chance to secure homesteads in the best part of the city at a reasonable price Such an opportunity seldom occurs.

An amatour concert will take place in the Choral Hall on Thursday evening next in aid of the fund for the purchase of an orgffn for St. Mary's Church, Parnell. The pro gramme will be varied and attractive, and the musical portion will be under the con ductorship of Mr J. Bealo.

We understand that the Government monthly inspection of the various volunteer corps in this district will be conducted by Major Cooper, of the Thames district, in the absence of Major Gordon, who has gone to the South to conduct the annual inspection. The Government monthly inspection of the Auckland Itific P.rigade will be held at the Drill-shed on Thursday evening next, at 7...0 o'clock, as per advertisement in another column. Wc hope to see a large attend ance. We notice that the committee of the Choral Society request the assistance of old performing members at the forthcoming Christmas concert, when the oratorio of the " Messiah" will be given, and state that members will meet for practice on Tuesday evenings up to the time of the projected

conceit

At Lambeth Police Court lately two men were committed to prison for five days each for not sending their children to school.

EDUCATION IN ONTARIO.

The subject of national education is the most important question which will demand the earnest attention of the newly-elected Provincial Council. Other states and nations have fought the battle of advancing intelligence against old-fashioned prejudice, and as we are now particularly interested in tho victory of progression and improvement, wc purpose to give our readers a few extracts and opinion upon some of the most successful systems of modern school instruction in ho far as they may be adapted to the present and future requirements of tho colony, in order that a comprehensive measure may be enacted for Auckland, which may serve as the basis for future legislature by the General Government. Among the British possessions Canada offers the greatest educational advantages, and has the best common school system. The official report of Ontario says : —"A public school education is the right of every child iv the land, and every man should contribute according to his property to the education of every child in the community, by whose in fluence and labours such property is protected and rendered valuable. The State is respon sible to the existing citizens for tho training of those who are to become citizens. It alone ought to do the work, and it alone can. For if every man is to be taxed according to his property for the public school education of every child in the land, every taxpayer has a right to claim that every child shall be educated in the various branches of a good English education, otherwise it is raising money by taxation under false pretences ;" and out of a population of 453,9G0 children, 420,483 wore in IS7I to be found in attend ance -at school. The new Act of Ontario requires the attendance of all children be tween tho ages of five and sixteen, and opens the schools free to all under twenty one years of age. The provinco is dividod into school sections, of which a number may unito and form a school board. Taxes are levied upon household aud landed property. Tho Town Councils raise the money and direct its expenditure. A chief superinten dent of schools is appointed by the Governor, who is responsible for the education of the province, and who is assisted by superin tendents appointed by tho several cities and counties. For advanced education high schools are provided in different parts of the province, which admit pupils free from the elementary schools, and provide tho best training in science classics, and modern language. In the chief town a central normal school is sup ported, fitted up with an excellent library and an educational museum, replete with every description of apparatus, and with specimens of commercial products and manu factured articles. Practical education of the highest class is here efficiently carried out, and a staff of teachers trained suited to the ever-increasing demands of a rising and prosperous colony.—M.

PAVING SIDE WALKS.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir, —Your correspondent "Wheels within Wheels" evidently belongs to that fortunate class of citizens who possess city property, and who it would appear did all he could to evade paying his share for the improve ment of the city. Some months back when the City Council first endeavoured to get these lucky owners to contribute something for the valuable rents they were drawing, upon the question of paving-stone soveral council lors disapproved of theNewZealaud stone, and strongly urged that either Yorkshire or ScotchHaggingshould be imported, andaloud cry at once arose upon the disgraceful shame (5f sending the money out of the colony when we had such good stone here, and as is the usual thing here, insinuations were—as with your correspondent—freely imputed against those who talked of such a thing. And as the City Surveyor at that time recom mended the Thames stone the City Council yielded to the pressure of public opinion and consented to it being laid. Asphalt at that time was comparatively an untried material, and had as many opponents as advocates, besides which a number of persons had already paved in Queen-street without the compulsion

necessary to your correspondent upon the faith of the promise that the whole of the streets was to bo finished in the same manner. Seeing ihe Thames stone has not turned out as could be wished I do not think the City Council would expect owners to replace other stone at their own expense. "Wheels within Wheels " is like a great many, in fact too many here, more anxious to find fault, cast blame and mean insinuations, than he is doubtless to lend a hand to have the city permanently improved. Is it any wonder responsible men shirk posi tions which allow them to be criticised by men incapable of thinking good of any but themselves? — Yours, &c, Pro Bono PITBLTCO.

THE CHILE IMMIGRANTS.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star)

Sik, —Will you allow some remarks from the second cabin of the Chile respecting the immigrants by that ship. The vesselnot being a large one we came very much into contact with both the married people and the singlo women, and I am therefore able to give a fair and truthful opinion. The sweeping condemnation passed on the married folks is certainly unjust and much surprised me. The writer is a man as susceptible "as myself to annoyance and disgust at bad language. From his position in the ship he would chielly come in contact with those of the passengers who carried as sea-stock the same habits of .speech as they had been accustomed to use in their native slums, and I presume he must have formed a judgment much as King David did when he said in his haste " all men are liars ;" these I give up to him, and I must confess that some of the worst offenders were of the femalo persuasion. I can, however, most fully and cheerfully corroborate Crawford in all his statements— the majority of the emigrants were of most respectable character, more so than I ex pected to meet with in an emigrant ship. I endorse every word he has written as to the married people and the single women ; the single men I did not see so much of, but what I saw and heard bears me out in com mending them. It is only fair to add that as to all, without exception, both passengers and crew, neither I nor my wife (and we often spoke to sailors and associated with passengers) ever had uncivil or improper language or behaviour offered ; the offenders in this way were supposed to keep bad language among their own class. 1 should be sorry to point out any individuals, but I must say that a few do deserve the condemnation passed on them, one which I think all persons', deserve who will not learn what is blackguard and what proper language and behaviour, and who are equally careless whether they pain and offend those who do not indulge in the same habits, and I make these remarks publicly in the hope that they may see them, and be induced for the future to raise their standard. I beg to repeat that the majority of the Chile's immi grants are most steady, orderly, and respect able people, and 1 believe an acquisition to the colony.—l am, &c, SECOND CABIW.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sir, —Having seen in your paper of this evening another letter from John Britton, the sailor, making foul and revolting charges against thirteen or fourteen married people, I believe there is not another sailor on the Chile, or any ship nqpr afloat, but himself would undertake to rob in the most sanctified manner the parent and child of their character. I, as a husband and a father in a strange land, ask the authorities to take this matter lip on our behalf. It is true in his letter of the sth he never mentioned tho single people (male or female), but by his silenco all were included. But since my letter of the Gth that fact has been pointed out to him, and at this critical time it will not do to arouse the angor of the single girls and men. He, with assisted cunning, gets asw reet to put in their mouths, which ho puts in print on Monday, the Bth, in these words, " I rejoice to say was most exemplary." This is really drawing-room language ; but why was it not in Friday's issuo. He asks did I ever attend his religious meotings. I think ho spoke twice on religion ; I certainly was not there. But on Monday night I listened with some of the passengers to a recitation from Shakes peare delivered by John Britton. It was most revolting and obscene, and not at all fit for young persons to hear. Granting all that this man has said is truth, will not the public demand a reason why tho agents and commissioners of immigration in England, Ireland, and Scotland are send ing out the most " degraded" and " lowest of the low, " lost to all sense of decency ?' Britton, the sailor, says so. To send such people to Auckland, or any part of New Zealand is not acting right to the inhabitants, who have to pay the vast sums it costs the Government to send out these immigrants. •And how do these immigrants get here ? Have they by forgery filled in the printed forms ? and is this winked at by the agents at home for fear of closing their offices and losing their salaries ? If what the sailor says is true, the agents could never have en quired about them all, but were only too glad to get them ; and if so, let there be a search ing enquiry by the Commissioners of Emi gration, and not deceive the inhabitants of New Zealand any longer by sending out people "lost to all sense of decency." Or did the agents see that all was right, and that each one was worthy to be assisted out to this country, the printed forms filled in properly, their characters all genuine. What was the evil influence and power exercised over sixteen married people with thirty-one children, numbers at tho breast ? From the time they left England to their arrival in Auckland the evil must have been working, until the parents, one and all (according to Britton) became the "lowest of the low." Surely the public will ask the authorities to find out the cause of fathers and mothers, " once respectable and good, becoming lost to all sense of decency " during the voyage to this land. [Our correspondent here enu merates the names of a number of married people whose characters he defies any one to call in question.] He concludes : "Excuse me, Mr Editor, for so long a letter—l am weeping. It has struck one o'clock, and my little ones are sleeping. I ask the authori ties in the name of our children, for their sakes and ours, to take up the cause against the sailor Britton.—l have, &c, Charles Crawford, Immigrants' Barracks." [This must close the correspondence for the pre sent.—Ed. E.S.]

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEWS.

{To the Editor of the Evening Stak). Sir,—l beg to take exception to your con cluding remarks on tho review of the Pres byterian Church News, which appeared in your issue of December sth. You express the hope " that every Presbyterian in the province with a drop of true blue Presby terianism in his veins will rally around this banner of the covenant." I object to take the News because the editors, proprietors, or promoters, or whatever else you may call them—l believe there is a plurality in any case—make it the means of spreading abroad their own particular views exclusive of the views of those who differ from them in any way. If the term " true blue" is applied to those who can bfc a Presbyterian to-day, a Wesleyan to-morrow, an Episcopalian the next, &c, then you must class me among ■> those who have got none of this "true

blue" in their veins. Or if the term is applied to those who aro " attracted to our churches" by fine instruments or trashy hymns, then you must leave me out in the cold. But if the term can be applied to those who strictly adhere to the Presbyterian form of worship and doctrine, or to those who do not believe at the same time in the parity of the ministry and diocesan bishops, a pr_yer-book and no prayer-book, govern ment by sessions, by presbyteries. &c., and by the people—presbyters being excluded— the Pope acknowledged, and at the same time renounced as anti-chiist, then I would lay claim to be in possession of a little drop, just a "leetle" drop, of true blue Presby terianism. —I am, &c, R. M. H. [We would recommend our correspondent to take a blue pill and a'black draught. We believe he will feel bettor. —Ed. E.S.]

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Yesterday.-Continued.

The report of the Committee on Statistics and Finance was read. This contained returns from the different church districts in the colony... Some of the returns were in complete,! and on the motion of Mr Shiriff, an amendment was carried to the effect that the report be submitted to a committee to prepare a deliverance upon it. A resolution passed by the Nelson and Marlborough Presbytery on the subject of theological training was read and discussed. On the motion of Mr Thomas Macffarlane it was resolved that the consideration of the matter be deferred until a future sederunt, a special committee in the moanwhile to re port upon it. The subject of Lord's day observance was then entertained. A memorial was brought forward from the Nelson Presbytery com plaining of steamers calling on Sundays. A long discussion followed Sunday excursion trains, and|Sunday North Shore ferry boats beinginstanced as desecrations of the Sabbath which it was desirable should not become institutions.

The folio W-T'^ r.solution was carried on the motion of Rev D. Bruce " That this Assembly while prepared to do all in its power to promote the due observance of the Sabbath does not feel called upon to take any action in the particular direction asked.

(The Assembly here adjourned till seven o'clock).

At the evening sitting the Rev. D. Bruce obtained leave to introduce a motion, without notice, expressive of the sympathy of the Assembly with the Presbytery of Auckland and the parishioners of the Whau on the afflicting death of the Rev. D. Hamilton. The motion was carried without discus sion.

The financial report of Mr J. Y. Stevenson, the treasurer, was read and adopted. A variety of resolutions were passed in com mittee on this subjet.

Messrs Sommerville and Peacock were ap pointed auditors to examine accounts.

The Rev. Mr Paterson brought up the report of the Widows and Orphans and Aged and Infirm Ministers' Funds. A committee was appointed to develope and utilize the fund. The report was read and adopted. The report of the committee on church pro perty and other funds was read and adopted.

The Assembly adjourned till two p.m. to-day.

THIS DAY.

The Moderator opened the proceedings a few minutes after two o'clock by reading the third chapter of St. Paul's epistle to the Phillipians and prayer. The Rev. D. Bruce read tbe miuutes of the previous meeting of the Assembly, which were sustained. NOTICES OF MOTION. The Rev. J. Macky gave notice of a series of motions to be brought forward at the next meeting of tho Assembly respecting the Widow and Orphan Fund and the Sustenta tion Fund, proposing a scheme whereby that Fund may be made permanently sufficient by annual subscription and the appointment of sustentation committees. Rev. J. Ross intimated that he had a building scheme to bring forward at the next Assembly. REPORT. The report of the committee appointed to revise the schedule of the standing orders was read, and showed that the committee had carefully examined it and found several items in the schedule -which were unintel ligible ; that certain sums of money raised for different objects had been classed to gether, which had caused them some con fusion, and of which an explanation was necessary.

[Left sitting]

DISTRICT COURT.—This Day.

(Before his Honor Thos. Beckham, Esq., R.M.)

A special sitting of the Court was held to day for the purpose of hearing the appeal cases of the various Gold Mining Companies at the Thames against the rating assessments of the Waiotahi District Highway Board. Mr Whitaker appeared for the appellants, and Mr MacCormick for the respondents. It will be recollected that the Court pro nounced judgment on the 27th of October last allowing the appeal made by the of John o'Groat's Company. It had' been be fore agreed upon that the decision of the Court in this case should govern the others, and the matter was merely adjourned to allow of the counsel on Both sides coming to some arrangement as to costs. Mr Whitaker now stated that of the thirty-three cases in which appeals had been mado twenty-one were exactly similar to the John O'Groat's Company, and in these the appeals would be allowed in toto. The documents would be left with the Court that the necessary amendments might be made in the assessment lists. In the other twelve cases there was some difference, inasmuch as some of their land was used for other purposes than _ that of goldmining, In these the decision in the John o' Groats case would be only binding as affecting the land used for goldmining purposes. On the question of costs he had consulted with his learned friend on the other side, and it had been agreed upon between them that in the case of the John O'Groats' appeal £10 10s should be the amount of counsel's fees charged, and £1 Is in each of the other cases, making altogether a few shillings over £44. As to Court fees, they had mutually arranged to take the opinion of the Attorney-General— who would be in Auckland next day—on the point. If they (the appellants) had to pay them they would be re-imbursed by the Road Board.

Mr McCormick having expressed his con currence in all that Mr Whitaker had said, His Honor said he was extremely glad that the matter had been arranged so amicably and at such small expense. He believed that tho opinion of the Attorney-General had already been taken in the matter of costs, but still it was right that his expression should be taken as final.

The case then terminated. B Che list of companies who are affected by this case is as follows :—Albion Quartz Mining Company (Limited), Alburnia Gold Mining Company, All Nationg, Caledonian, City of London, Cure, Dixon's Nq, 1, El

Dorado, Golden Age, Golden fv " Herald, Imperial Crown, Inverts* r O'Groats, Junction, Kuranui, LWr, • Middle Star, Moanataiari, Otff V e> Russell, Prince Imperial! S3 'h °M Rose and Shamrock, Shamrock <^T tn' No. 1, Sons of Freedom, TcoW 7. °T_ r Mining Company, Waiotahi Gold J$T- Company, Windsor.Castle, Old Wh.nrS g of York, Exchange. ™> Clt 7 This was all the business.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before P. A. Philips, Esq., Mayor.)

DRUNKENNESS

Christopher Gorry, sailor, who was acquit!^ yesterday on the promise that he would nevT get drunk again was again brought „ charged with the same offence, haym X bf found in a state of helpless drunkenr^!. within two hours of his dismissal H<_ -, fined 10s and costs.

Robert Gardner, for the same offence «-. fined 10s and costs. ' *" Malcolm Mortimer, a strapping YOUn _ man, was fined 20s and cost 3 for the saina offence.

BREACHES OF BY-LAW.—DOGS IN THE DOMAIJf Joseph Symonds and Thomas Merrisan appeared in answer to charges of allowine their dogs to run about at large in the Do main on the 24th and 30th of November Mr Kissling pleaded guilty, and as defend ants had innocently offended, asked the Court respectfully to dismiss the cases. His Worship commented on the nature of the offences, and duly cautioning defendants dismissed the charges on payment of Court costs.

FAST DRIVING. James Garrett was charged with driving his horse round the corner of Victoria-street at more than a walking pace, thereby com mitting a breach of the by-law, and en dangering tbe lives of her Majesty's subjects" Mr - Garrett pleaded guilty to the charge' but said that he was in a great hurry at the time, and had forgotten the particular by law. J His Worship impressed upon defendant the necessity of having a good memory especially in cornection with the catechism of the by-laws ; and in order to assist defen. dant in this respect fined him 10s and costs. A CHIMNEY OX FIRE. Selina Meurant was charged with allowing the chimney of her house, in Cooper's Bay road, Parnell, to take fire on the 25th of November. Constable Jackson gave evidence in the case. Col. Balneavis appeared for Mrs Meurant for the purpose of settling the matter. Pined 20s and costs. THE CAT-STREET DOMESTIC DRAMA. The last act of this local drama was played out this morning and, we believe, amicably settled. Ernest J. King was charged with assault ing Frederick Ledger, fand Frederick Ledger was charged with assaulting Ernest J. King. Mr Joy appeared for Mr Lodger, and Messrs Kissling and Beveridge for Mr King. His Worship strongly recommended an amicable settlement, as family disclosures of an unpleasant nature would be made, and such disclosures only made matters worse. Mr Beveridge coincided with the views of his Worship,, and recommended that the charges should be withdrawn. W Mr Joy had no objection if the parties were so disposed. It was finally agreedtbatthe parties should enter into their recognizances to keep the peace towards each other in bonds of £50, each party to pay his own expenses. FAST DRIVING. Mr Albert Beetham was charged with driving faster than a walking pace in Victoria-street. Mr Laishley appeared for defendant, and stated that his client was away, and was not aware of the offence.

At the suggestion of his Worship, who said that the police were in a position to prove the charge, Mr Laishley said he would plead guilty.

Fined 5s and costs

the stolex cheque,

. Tobn Stephens, 'alias Henry Wilcox, on remand, appeared on the charge of appro priating a cheque, the property of John Glossop. ' *

Mr Broham stated that Mr Glossop was at Napier. Prisoner had not found the cheque," as he stated, but had been entrusted with it by Glossop to get cashed for him, and in stead of returning the cash to the owner he told him that he had lost the cheque. As the prosecutor could not appear, had not been a loser, and did not wish to press the charge, he would ask the Court to dismiss the case.

Dismissed accordingly. This was all the business

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

GRAHAMSTOWN,

This day.

The Sons of Freedom had a splendid yield of 515 ozs from 195 tons. They continue crushing with 20 head of stampers. The Watchman crushing turned out well —26 ozs. S dwts. from IS tons.

The Bright Smile case against the Queen of Beauty, claim for drainage, is now proceeding at the Warden's Court. The decision of the Native Lands' Court is likely to shut up Ohinemuri for a long period. The Government object to laud being put through for some mysterious political reasons.

TAURANGA.

This day.

The p.s. Luna returned last night from the East Coast. She will sail some time to day for Auckland.

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

[Per Anglo-Australian Telegram Company.]

PORT CHALMERS.

This day.

The Omeo sailed at 4.30 p.m. yesterday, and got on the banks in the channel, but th-, tide running she "«as soon got off without injury, and proceeded for Wellington. It is stated positively that the railway workshops are to be in Dunedin. 224 nominations go home from Southland by the San Francisco mail. The lessees of the Princess Theatre sued Tilly Andrews, burlesque actress, and Sim monds, comedian, to day, for a breach of agreement ; damages laid at £100. Judg ment to-morrow morning. The Governor has delegated powers under tho Neglected Children-' Act to the Super intendent of Otago. • ' Eight thousand, acres have been land set apart under deferred payments system^

NAPIER.

This day, /f \ The artesian well has been successfully <^y sank at the railway station. \ 1 " The case against the Telegraph, for libel, will bo heard on Saturday.

NELSON.

This day. There is great excitement over the Super*

ME WBKfflG STAB., TTJESBAY, BECBMBBE 9 187S



OfkOA GENTLEMEN'S SRTAW A\jVJ\J HATS, 9d. S. COOMBES, CITY CLOTHING MART. 80,: Queen steeet. 500 BLACK SILK PARIS HATS, 15s 6d., AT S. COOMBES' CITY CLOTHING MART. 80, QUEEN STREET. THE SNYDER DUST COAT, AT S. COOMBES' CITY CLOTHING MART, 80, QUEEP STREET. jj" O W OPENED EX H V DJA SPE S, 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, I BOYS' & YOUTHS' DITTO. A CHOICE LOT OF BOYS' KNICKERBOCKER SUITS IN VARIOUS MATERIALS & STYLES, ALPACCA COATS (BLACK & COLORED). WHITE DRESS SHIRTS, Etc., Etc, Etc RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers. &a JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-street, Auckland. *r n.b.- — _Ji£^? c°untry favouring R. & B. with their tt™ ™TS VT$ up£ n thelr "living careful atten tion R _ d de.pa.eh. Pattern., *„., forwarded post



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