SHIPPING INTELLILGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET: This evening, 7.18. SUN-RISE : To morrrvw morning, 4.55 HIGH WATER: This afternoon, 0.12 ; to-morrow morning, 1.6

STEAM TO THE THAMES.

Golden Crown, to-morrow morning at eleven o clocic

ARRIVALS.

.Fliwbe s.s., Worsp, trom souwiern ports TXr'ite, cutter, G-nindy, from Tort Waikato Hero, cutter, Wateon, from Kaipara Challenger, p.s., Edwards, from Wangarei Star of the South, s.s., Holmes, from Napier

DEPARTURES.

Nevada, mail steamer, Blethen, for Honolulu and

San Fraiciseo Colonist, schooner, Lewis, for East Coast Speedwell, ketch, Ohmeiue, for Rusr.ell Southern Cross, s.s., Sellars, for Tauranga Wanganui, s.s., Linklater, for Wanganui

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Jbor ijoutliom ports : Phcebe, s.s., utu inst. for Adelaide : Amateur, barque, 20th inst For Samoa : Dauntless, schooner, early For San Francisco., calling at Honolulu: Dakota,

mail steamer, 23rd inst. JFcr Northi.rn ports : Rowena, s.s., this afternoon For Whitianga, Mercury Bay, and Tauranga ; Southern Cross, s.s., Monday next For London : Queen Bee, ship, about 10th inst For Sydney and Melbourne: Wonga AVonga, s.s. 10th"inst'; Hero, s.s., 23rd inst

IMPORTS.

, Per s.s. Star of the South, from .Napier— 1150 sheep, Banks.

The s.s. Phoebe has just arrived in the Manuka!) The Phoebe left Nelson at one p.m. on Saturday for New Plymouth and Auckland. The cutter Hero has arrived in the Mami kau from Kaipara with 15,200 feet timber, W. S. Graham ; 10 bags gum, R. Walker and Co. ; 8 hides, 1 bale skins, Ireland Bros.'

The s.s. Wonga Wonga may be expected to arrive from Sydney on the 9th hist. The mail steamer Dakota reached the Spit at five p.m. yesterday from Auckland, and proceeded on her voyage an hour afterwards. The s. s. Southern Cross arrived at Tauranga at half-past eleven o'clock last night. The mail steamer Nevada, Captain Blethen, took her departure for Honolulu and San Francisco yesterday afternoon with fifty-three passengers, a list of which appeared in our '" Saturday's issue. The Japanese Troupe also left by her. The barque Amateur is advertised to leave on the 20th instant direct for Adelaide. The p.s. Challenger will leave at six o'clock this evening for Wangarei. The schooner Dauntless will leave in a few days for Samoa. The brig Byron arrived at Newcastle on the 21st ult, ; and the barque Frowning Beauty on the 25th, both from this port. " The p.s. Challenger brought back the Sir . George Grey Cadets on Saturday evening last. We observe that the ship Crusader has arrived at Lyttelton from London, after a quick passage of 82 days. The new mail steamer Dakota is announced to leave Auckland for Honolulu and San Francisco on Thursday, the 23rd instant. The s.s. Phcebe is advertised to leave the | Manukau for Southern ports on Thursday next, the 9th inst. j The s.a. Southern Cross left on Saturday afternoon for Tauranga. The s.s. Wanganui took her departure this morning for Wangs nui with the following passengers—Mr. Brewer and Mrs. Clarke. Cargo—SO sheep, Brewer ; 1 case plants, 1 I cask tar, Eaton. The cutter Dante, from Poi fc Waikato to the Manukau, brings 32 bales tow and 12 do flax cousrmed to A. Bucldand. The schooner Colonist took lier departure yesterday afternoon for Mercury Bay to load timber for Napier. "Praise the sea," said wise old George Herbert, " but keep upon the dry land." It is related of a Detroit editor, that being lost overboard from a steamer in the middle .of-Lake Superior, on a dark and stormy night, and with nothing to cling to, he was in fair 'way to drown, when he just straightened up his ears, upon which the wind acted as upon sails, and he scudded before the gale, making good time, and safe landing on Canadian soil, after his perilous voyage. I : The American mackerel schooners seem to '.V'tthe making a good thing of it this year, one y "I them disposing of a day's haul lor £240, at Boston recently ; another realizing £240 in the same space of time, while a third received £500 from a two days' cruise. A Chicago poet begins an apostrophe to the ocean withi "Prodigious dampness!" The new s.s. Lily is now in the painters hands, and will be turned out in a few days a smart little craft. The alteration of the Duke of Edinburgh from a steamer to ajthree-masteel schooner is proceeding rapidly alongside the Gore-street Jetty. She will soon be ready for sea. The schooner Queen has cleared outwards for Eussell in ballast. The schooner Amaranth will leave for ICai t w!>. this evening to load timber for liyttelton. The s.s. Star of the South arrived this morning from Napier "with the following passengers : —Mrs Hardforcl and 2 children, Messrs Grant, Cashmore, Colenso, Corbett, Holmes, Barkett, and Capt. Gladow. At dne o'clock the steamer proceeded to Hauraki to land her cargo, consisting of 1150 sheep. The neAV schooner Zero, lying alongside X ■ the Wood-wharf, is being put in sea-goind order.

COMMERCIAL.

The following are the Customs' returns £or the week ending Saturday last : —Duties, £2475 11s lid; light dues, £10 2s 7d ; merchant shipping fees, £6; arms fees, £1 lGs Id ; miscellaneous fees, £175 Is ; pilotage and port charges, £21 2s 3d ; total, £2G86 19s 9d.

MINING. Th© following aro the current calls and dividends nayable in the companies named below :— £ s. d. p NewZeafjind.. ... 00 G Jan G • Queen 0 o*f the May .. 010 Jan 9 TTnv .. •• 00 0 Jan 10 Thames Gas.. •• 05 0 Jan 23 Italian 0 0 G Jan 30 MEETINC4S. f Youne Queen, Grahamstown. 7th January I ouecu of the May, Grahamstown, 28th December 'i Windsor Castle^-..Mechanics' Institute, Auckland, i Cornatic B Home's office, Shortland street, Auck- S i«r,fi 4 1) m 13th January I Ciwnl'l'r&oc,■ Qu«nsfen/ Hotel, Auckland, 2 p.m.. 1 A^HandT arid North Shore Ste^m Ferry Company, /: Auckland, 3 p.m 13th Jan B> Shov;';"Tnewance Bi"W'ns», Aucldand, 2 p.m. 2Sr<l

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

% SSSJSr P*«H on I IS WaSo^i^Ao^per Comerang; 1 THeboxeawU j ..; oP ene d on Sun^ay,^ „„*+*«

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 1873.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the -wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

The showers yesterday were genial and refreshing, and have had a beneiicial effect upon the atmosphere and earth. As a singular coincidence we may mention that in one" of our little sectarian churches the minister's prayer for rain was vividly answered by a bright flash, a burst of rolling thunder, and a down-rushing shower of rain.

The General Government Gazelle of De cember 27 contains statements of the affairs of a number of goldmiring companies.

A race meeting is projected, and is ex pected to take place on theEllerslie racecourse on the opening of the Waikato railway.

Mr Florence Sullivan, of the Oriental Hotel, expired at his house on Saturday afternoon. The deceased has been ailing and confined to his room for some months. The funeral took place this afternoon, a number of friends following to the grave. The funeral cortege consisted of a hearse (with plumes) drawn by four horses, mutes, and a number of carriages.

The case of Joseph and Mary Couzens, which was to have been held in the Police Court to-day, failed, a»the husband made his escape after the storm last night.

The stakes in connection with thb recent race meeting were paid over to the claimants on Saturday evening at the Auckland Hotel.

We learn from the Coromandel Mail that during the past year 19,000 ounces of gold were produced from the mines of this settle ment. This, says our authority, is a fall off from the produce of the preceding year, for in the last nine months of 1871 the official returns were over 20,000 ounces.

We hear that Dr Hooper has been ap pointed an additional medical referee in this city under the Government Annuities Act of 18G9.

A trotting match for a silver cup, offered by Mr W. Lundon, took place on Saturday afternoon on the Ellerslie racecourse. Five horses ran, when the chestnut mare of Mr Brighton was declared the winner. A race betwean Numa, Minnie Athol, and Dick Turpin afterwards took place, and was won by Dick Turpin.

A man named Richard Thomas, employed in the Middle Star mine, was attempting to draw an exploded charge on Friday last when it ignited, and burned him severly about the face and eyes. It is hoped no serious injury has been done to his eyesight, although, owing to the swelling, it is at present impossible to ascertain the extent of injury done to the pupils of the eyes.

Four thousand bare-legged, tobacco des troying Venetians push gondolas for a living.

The average salary of eighteen Baptist preachers in North Carolina is a trifle over £2G a year.

It has been estimated that the earth adds to itself nearly one hundred and fifty billions of meteoric particles every year.

Work was commenced on the Drake-street improvements this morning, a large number of men being employed widening the lower part of the road and filling in the rut worn by water on the North side.

An impulsive youth in Minnesota has been made insane by Barnum's circus.

At the Ohinemuri races a dispute arose between a Maori and a Pakeha respecting the hire of a horse. The former tri^d to pull the European off the horse, and the man retaliated by striking his aggressor over the head with a riding whip. The native then procured a gun and fired at the European, fortunately without hitting him. The Maori was at once disarmed and thrashed by men belonging to his tribe.

A correspondent of the Philadelphia. Presbyterian writes that "the fastest of bloods of Boston do not dress more distinquei as utter men of the world, then professed evangelical ministers in the various villages of New England. The regular monthly meeting of the Loyal Enniskillen Orange Lodge No. 3 will be held in the Protestant Hall, Karanganape- road, {his evening. Among the many road improvements in the localities of Freeman's Bay and Dedwtwd, Union-street seems to have been entirely over looked, and yet for its length this i.-i one of the most populous streets of the neighbour hood, and contains a large number of rate payers. They have no other lamp than the lamp of the Robbie Burns, the street is frll of unpleasant ruts, and in wet weather it is scarcely passable. i

After the settling on Saturday night the following matches were offered to be made by backers of Mr Walters' horses. They are still open to make them if the terms suit Mr Atkinson, viz. : The money is ready to be staked at the Occidental Hotel. Peeress to give Black Eagle Ist. for two miles, in a month, for £500 a-side. Three matches — Yatterina v. Black Eagle, 100 soys. each ; one and a-lialf miles, even weight ; two or three miles, Black Eagle to give Yatterina 71bs.—in a week or a fortnight.

A meeting will be held this evening for the purpose of organising an amateur Minstrel Troupe. We understand that Mr. W. F. Armstrong will be the manager.

The Osaka Troupe of Japanese, after play ing a successful engagement with Mr Charles through the Australian colonies and New Zealand, were yesterday despatched by him per Nevada to San Francisco, en route for Japan. Judging from our contemporaries, and our personal observation, we should say that in a pecuniary sense the speculation must have been most satisfactory.

The second attempt to convene a meeting of the shareholders in the Coromamlel Excelsior Gold Mining Com pany failed this morning, Only ten shareholders are required to constitute a quorum ; but only throe or four put in an appearance. The meeting stands further adjourned.

The new private boxes at the Post-office are .now ready. The subscription is the same as before, namely two pounds for the first year, and one pound par annum afterwards ; quarterly subscriptions are also taken. A large number of the boxes have already been allotted.

We understand that Inspector Thomson, of the Armed Constabulary, was informed, this morning by telegram from Dunedin that Detective Farrell, a well-known member of the Otago Police Force, had four shots fired at him on Saturday night—one taking effect in the shoulder ; and that an ex-::ergeant of the latter force, named Ryan, lias been arrested, and charged with thecoininission of the outrage in question.

An American paper laconically notifies a fire thus: —"Kemp's brewery, with 35,000 of prospective lager, went up in a fiery chariot at Dubuque last week.

The planting of shade trees along the streets of Dcdwood, Parnell, Devonport and other suburbs would greatly improve their appear ance and contribute to their health fulness. We would suggest that the Highway Boards of those districts follow the practice cus tomary in many American cities of abating a portion of the rates for every tree of a speci fied class planted out in the street. London bakers and operatives have agreed upon a twelve-hour system from 4 a.m. tu 4. p.m. There has already been provided for the great native meeting at Maungatawhiri 1000 kits of dried fish (ehieily shark), GO head of fat cattle, 400 sheep, and GOO pigs. The natives will no doubt manage to keeu the talk agoing until the food is consumed. The meeting will probably then disperse without having accomplished anything of importance. The Sir George Grey Cadets returned from their holiday at Kawau on. Saturday, after a week most agreeably passed at the ex- Governor's beautiful grounds. Their time at the Kawau seems to have been judiciously divided between drill, bathing, hunting, swimming, boating, and fishing. Sir George Grey expressed himself highly satisfied with the general conduct of the boys, and their proficiency and activity in their exercises. The boys also are full of their Kawau exploits, and are detailing them with .soldier-like gusto. We learn that the Rev. D. Jones is some what better in health, and it is hoped that he will shortly be able to resume his minis terial duties. The services yesterday in St. Matthew's were conducted by Rev (,'. M. Nelson, of St. Paul's ; and in the evening by Bishop Cowie.

The Chief of Police at Toronto, Canada,

received a dispatch from New York, recently, vequesting him to look up the daughter of a leading doctor of divinity in the latter city, who had sloped with a well-known Toronto gambler, and was supposed to be in a house of ill-fame there.

The Waikato Times thinks that when the history of the colony comes to be written the session of 1872 will be considered a blot on the names of the statesmen and members who took part in its proceedings. A Dresden manufacturer recently had a jubilee in honour of the fiftieth thousand of sewing machines produced in his own factory.

At a recent examination of teachers at

Newburg, N.Y., ninety-four of them spelled the word " cachination " fifty different ways.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before P. A. Phillips, Esq., R.M.) DKtTJTKENNESS.

Eight persona were purnislied for clrimk ness. STEALING TIIH BBEKCHES. Alice Hoskins, for drunkness, was fined five shillings and costs. She was also charged with stealing a pair of breeches the property of Charles Goodwin, at Mount Albert. She pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to two months imprisonment with hard labour. SHIRT STEALING. Thomas King was charged with stealing on the 2nd instant a black coat, four white shirts, two Crimean shirts, four pair socks, and 2 kerchiefs value £3, the property of John Keefe, of Auckland ; also with stealing one Crimean shirt, the property of John Fitzgerald, value Gs. Remanded till to-morrow. SMASHING A GLASS. Thomas Cullen, on remand, charged with breaking one glass case, the property of Mr. Samuel Young, value GOs., was ordered either to pay the damage of the glass, or be imprisoned for thirty clays. BACON STEALING. Richard Doherty was brought up on re mand charged with stealing 2011) bacon, value 10s., the property "of Walter McElwain, who resides at Waiuku. The i>risoner pleaded not guilty. Conclusive evidence as to the prisoner's guilt was taken, he was therefore ordered to be imprisoned for three months with hard labour, and the bacon returned to the owner. FURIOUS DRIUING. James Hanley, for furiously driving a spring cart in Queen-street, was fined 10s. and costs. ■ ' This concluded the. clay's business.'

CITY COUNCIL.-This Day.

A meeting of the City Council was held this afternoon. Present: Councillors Cosgrave, Hurst, Jones, Prime, Williams, Hobbs, and Holdship. . ; COMESPdNDENCE BEe^iyEß. The following correspondence was refivl ;— Offer from Mr Dalton, C.E., on behalf of Mr Edgecombe, to sell to the Oounci) Mr EhgecombeV property, Great North' Road, for £2,000, inclusive of 6 per cent, commis sion to Mr IMton.:—-A report on the Western.

Springs as a source of water supply, by Mr Pepp'ercorne, was laid on the table. Offer from Mr R. Vaile of property of Hoffmann's farm near the Asylum, suitable for water supply, for £.1000. Consideration of these offers was postponed till a later period of the meeting.

A petition of shopkeepers against persons ' standing on the streets and disposing of their goods was read. The petition had been referred to the police. Correspondence between the City Council and the Provincial Government relative to the illegality of Councillor-Williams' election as representative of the City Council in the Harbour Board. A letter from Mr Kissling, accountant of the Bank of New Zealand, intimating that L5/J.OO out of the loan had been placed to the open credit of the Council, and L5,C00 re mained in the bank, at a fixed deposit at 4 per cent. A letter from Inspector Broham, promising to see that water is not wasted at the city pumps. A petition from carters in favour of com pelling all carters to wear badges, etc., was received, and ordered to He over for con sideration. A letter from one Mr Flower, applying, on | behalf of Mr D:\ddams, for the payment of j the cheque drawn out in the favour of | deceased, wa's read. It was agreed to post- | pone the matter. ISUKINNKS ON THE PAPJSB. The following business was on the paper :— The Mayor to move :—That the City Endowment Committee prepare a list of pro perties now unlet, and to offer the same by public auction or tender for lease for any period not exceeding years, subject to the usual conditions. The Mayor to move :—That the Council go into committee to consider the question of taking the opinion of the ratepayers as to putting in operation the " Municipal Corpo ration Amendment Act, 1871," water clauses ■20 and '21.

The Mayor to move: —That the City Surveyor be authorised to have a lire escape built, and placed at the disposal of the police and fire brigades. [Left'sitting.]

OPENING OF CHIARINI'S CIRCUS.

Tut: long-looked for Circus Company had their opening night on Saturday, and with very favourable prospects of a brilliant season. For the last two months every board in and around Auckland, and every public-house within a radius of ten miles, have been posted with coloured engravings illustrative of the various acts and per formances of the different members of the troupe. On Saturday the large audience present, which may be stated in round numbers as between 2300 and 2400, had an opportunity of beholding several of the feats, and of judging what may be expected from this efficient and talented company. At seven o'clock a large crowd had collected outside, and the people began pouring in, that by eight o'clock, the large pavilion had the appearance of being full, and shortly afterwards admission had to be refused. Considering that the company have only just landed after a twenty-five days' sea voyage, and many of them have since been actively engaged in preparing the building and ward robe, the performance was much better than might have been expected, especially as the troupe for over a month lay "fallow" in San Francisco previous to embarking. That which we were permitted to sec on Saturday was only a foretaste of what we may expect to behold during the few weeks' stay of the Circus Company in Auckland. There is no doubt that Chiarini's Italian Circus, with its many attractions, will draw crowded houses. The strength of the company will enable them to vary their performances nightly, Signer Ciiiarini being determined to prove the truth of the maxim impressed on most of our minds, that " variety is charming." The first item on the programme on Saturday consisted of a dance entitled "Los Mos queteros de la Reina," by a number of ladies and gentlemen on horseback, led by Miss Katie Holloway on a line charger. This was most admirably gone through by both the riders and the horses. Then came Mr John Fellom, described as the modern Mylo, in his feats of strength, some of which surpass anything we have seen. The muscles of Fellom stand out like rods of iron, and their development would make a giant envious. He is certainly an energetic exponent of the strength which may be acquired by gym nastic exercises. He plays with hundred weights as ordinary mortals would with a cricket ball. Immense applause followed his performance. Signer Chiarini then mi i troduced his two beautifully trained steeds —Prince and Duke. These horses can gallop in a style that would make them "warm favourites" on a race-course. They can dance as well as gallop, they can walk backwards as well as forwards, they can march and mark time to the strains of the band ; and, finally, they can make the politest of bows to the admiring spectators. The proprietor is justly proud of these steeds. " Grand act jof tumbling" is the next item on the pro gramme. The somersaults performed by some of the company were truly wonderful, and caused immense amusement and ap plause. Miss Katie Holloway then made her appearance in some very daring acts of equitation. She is, undoubtedly, a fearless and accomplished rider, and well deserving of the rounds of applause which followed her performance. Edward ltowland is an amusing clown, and his clever feats in ground tumbling caused considerable applause. On Saturday he put St Vitus' dance entirely in the shade. Great laughter was provoked by the performances of the Brothers Carlo in "Le Concert Diabolique." These musical clowns fiddled in all manners of ways and in a variety of nostures, and were loudly applauded. Belen Cuba next made her appearance in the grand carrying act on a bare-backed steed, in which she carried while standing erect on her horse and in different and most difficult poses the infant prodigy—La Petite Emilie. This dusky daughter of Africa is without doubt a clever and accomplished rider, and every movement is characterised by an amount of ease and grace which is* extremely pleasing to the spectator. The feat of carrying the little juvenile wonder is accomplished with the most consummate ease, and both she and La Petite Emilie richly deserve the hearty ap plause their performance elicits. Messrs. Dorr and Worland follow with their per formances on the horizontal bar. In their twisting and twirling round the bar they were imitated by the clown, who proved himself an adept in the acrobatic art. The next is Mr George Holland in his daring equestrian feats, consisting of backward and i somersault throwing, leaping over banners, etc.; feats that excited universal admiration. J The Brothers Carlo follow in their unrivalled acrobatic performance. These brothers may be credited in their particular line with mar vellous skill, and our eyes opened wide with astonishment as >ye witnessed the wonderful feats they between them performed. Teodoro Cuba is also a very daring bare-backed rider. The manner in which he performed with three steeds elicited the warmest commendations. A horse named " Ab-del-Kader," made frisky by spur and rein, ridden by Miss Katie Holloway in superb style, afterwards , went through numerous evolutions—racing,, I

dincino- kneeling, marching, and feigning to j JS rider. milky-white Arabian j t oroughbred is a beautiful^ ammal and said to have been presented by the late Fmperor Maximilian to Signor Chiarnn : J5 his stay in Mexico. The entertain ment Concluded with the daring performance of La Petite Emilie on two pomes. 1 his is one of the cleverest little riders we have Zu On the bare backs of two handsome ponies she execute,, a number oi daring feats which established herself at oMeinto favour with the house. Tremendous cheer in- greeted her at the conclusion of each feat. This brought a very excellent evening's per formance to a conclusion, and the audience departed highly gratified with the *Wme ™ the performance afforded. There will be an entire change in the programme to-night. A .rlimpse at the programme leads to the im pression that it will be an attractive one.

ENGLISH TELEGRAMS.

GREAT BRITAIN.

London, December 20. The prosecution against the Tichborne claimant for perjury will endeavour to prove that he is Arthur Orton. Witnesses have been obtained who will identify him as the son of the Wapping butcher. A serious failure, which lias taken place in Manchester, caused uneasiness in commercial ClThe'ship Annie Leslie, for Melbourne, with a cargo of timber, was stranded on Dungeness. The crew were saved. 150 tons of Australian tin have been sold by tender at £88 to £89. December 21. Tenders are called for laying a cable be tween the Cape of Good Hope, Mauritius, and Aden. , _ . The ship Calcutta has repaired damages and again sailed for Melbourne. . Money is easier. The reserve in the Bank of England is large. Stocks are depressed. New Zealand Consolidated, iives, 10.^ ? ; sixes, 112. Wool, firm. Tallow, sperm oil, hides', and bark unchanged. December 24.

The Germania, Atlantic steamer, of Allan's line, has been wrecked .and thirty lives lost. The November mails are delivered. Wheat is inactive. 200,000 quarters have been lost during a storm. December 20. The steamship Great Britain arrived on Christmas Day after a passage of sixty-three days from Melbourne. Capt. Gray committed suicide by jumping overboard when thirty days out. The San Francisco mails are delivered. Capt. Hunter'scertilicatehasbeensuspended for one year, for negligence, in losing the Royal Adelaide in Portland Route. December 27. The Behar arrived at Galle on the 20th.

R enter denies the rumour at St. Petersburg^ that Lord Loffcus, the British Ambassador, had delivered a note to Prince Gortschakoff, announcing the resolution of the British Government to refrain from interfering with Prussia in Central Asia provided they are not menacing Afghanistan. Sailed: Somersetshire, Calcutta,andAtrato, for Melbourne.

A strike of colliers in Wales is threatened. About 7030 are expected to stop work. Captain Goodenough relieves Commodore Stirling of the charge of the Australian station.

The Pell River Company have declared a dividend of 4 per cent. The Press is discussing a letter from the Due de Grammont, asserting that Austria pledged herself to support France during the late War. The statement is being contested at Vienna.

FRANCE.

Paris, December 20.

The rejection of the vote in favour of dissolution has operated favourably to the Republican cause. The Monarchists have since manifested a spirit of conciliation to wards the Government. The Assembly has passed a Bill restoring the property of the Orleanist princes. The dismissal of the Mayor of Nantes, for insufficiently protecting the Catholic pil grims to the mystery of the Virgin at Lounles, is considered an indication of a Conservative policy. December 21. The French squadron has been ordered to Athens in consequence of expected compli cations arising out of the Laurium mine ques tion. It is hoped the dispute will be antici pated. Austi'ia, Germany, and Russia re commend Greece to satisfy the demands of France and Italy.

RUSSIA.

St. Petersburg, December 26

War is pending between Russia and Khiva. The Khivans threaten to invade the Russian territory of Central Asia. They have 90,000 men, besides forts at Emba. Russian reinforcements have been hastily sent forward.

The Czarewitch, who has been suffering from typhus fever, is better.

The King of Khiva has summoned the auxiliary tribes to aid against Russia.

ITALY.

Rome, December 25

The Pope, in addressing twenty-two Car dinals, alluded to the continued persecution of the Church, especially in Italy, and as sailed Germany, where he observed pitfalls were laid, and violence and calumny em ployed to destroy the Church.

The Italian Recruiting Bill provides that persons between the ages of 18 and 40 are liable to service.

It is reported that the diplomatic relations between Switzerland and the Pope have been broken off.

GERMANY.

December 24,

An Imperial rescript relieves Bismarck from the Premiership ; but that he shall con tinue to confer with the Emperor on imperial matters and questions touching foreign policy. He will occupy the position of confidential adviser to the Emperor without political office, but he still retains a voice in the Cabinet Council.

Emperor William will visit Czar Alexander of Russia in May next.

SPAIN.

Madrid, December 26. The Spanish Cortes is considering a bill for emancipating the slaves at Porto Rico. .Another Ministerial crisis is imnrnent.

HOLLAND.

An inquiry commission has reported in favour of a gold currency for Holland.

AMERICA.

New York, December, 21. Jay Gould, charged with fimbezzlins $9,000,000, the property of the Erie Railway Company, has refunded sufficient to cover the claims o£ the company against hini. Pennsylvania, December 23.

* railway accident has • occurred, by the carriages catching fire, 19 were killed, and, 35 injured.

LATEST SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

NEWS TO DECEMBER 28

—I?«^ INMAY

~ -ES«I° EIml!E

BEIIIsKIN^,STSmTHKKUS M AX.

FLOODS IN THE THAMES VALLEY

Germany' peacefully disposed

BRITISH CLAIMS AGAINST AMERICA

London, December 28. _ -SsßS&Retirement from public correspondence between England and Russia relative to Afghanistan iS gSt Valley is flooded, and a large amount of property, including an immense a mount of wheat, have been destroyed. a News of a iadfic character has been received from Berlin to the effect that Germany will not interfere m the affairs of Fra cc under any settled form of Govern-

The Washington mixed commission ap pointed to adjudicate upon the British claims Sing out of the American War has concluded its sittings. About 130 claims were presented, most oi which were rejected by the commissioners. One of the chief claims was that of Mr Valentine O'Brien O'Connor I.s 9d, and £15,000, 11 years' interest on this sum, this being the amount of loss sustained by him by the destruction during the war ot 746 hhcls. of tobacco, his property. Copper is firm at £91. Australian wheat commands high rates. Iron is active ; a rise of £1 per ton is ex pected. Leather is firm at advanced rates. New Zealand Consolidated 5 per Cent. Debentures are quoted at 104 j sixes, 11-. Wool is firm. New York, December 27. The tone of the wool market is improving. Stocks are low of country clothing^orts.

AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

REMARKABLE DECISION BY A MAGISTRATE.

DISSATISFACTION OF CATHOLICS WITH THE EDUCATION ACT.

MELBOURNE

December 30.

A farewell dinner to Viscount Canterbury will take place on the 20th of February. Eight hundred guest? are expected. Mr McCulloch assumes the Agent-General ship temporarily. The Bendigo gold-mine robbers have been committed for trial.

Mr Call, a magistrate, has dismissed a charge brought against the keeper of a brothel, expressing his opiiion that such houses were perhaps necessary. Judge Ilodgers has resignel. Mr Stephens, Attorney-Gmeral, has been appointed Minister of Educftion. Professor Irvine Bead, Master of the Wesley College, was offered the Secretaryshp, but the College authorities would not pernit the Professor to accept the appointment Mr Renablea is likely to be made Secretary The E,oman Catholics h.'ve refused to ac cept assistance under the new Schools Act, and propose placing all ttoir schools in the hands of the Sisters of Me-cy.

The brothers Goran, tallow merchants, charged with fraud, havf been sentenced to nine months' imprisonment. The quarter's gold return is 324,0000z. The cricket match of eleven j Victorians against thirteen from Sydney, Adelaide, and Tasmania resulted in favour of the latter, with five wickets to spare.

Thirty-two entries for the Australian Cup have been made.

The Inter-Colon.al Conference takes place at Sydney on Janvary 13.

Business is unsettled owing to the holi days. Quotations nominal. There is a demand for whe^t for shipment. The Denmark has arrived from Wangapoa. The ship Po:ar Star sailed on the 21st December for Auckland.

The Hero is fxpected to leave for Auckland via Sydney on the 10th instant.

SYDNEY.

December 30. The colon? will be represented at the London Exhi>ition.

A grand sfcnd fell at the Wall-end race course.

Four vessls are on berth for London with wheat.

Large orders for coal have been received from the Est. Hall's rail tender is expected to. be ac cepted.

BRISBANE.

December 30. Brams£>n, Attorney-General, marries the niece ofthe Marquis of Normanby.

ADELAIDE.

December 30. Samjtes of malleable'copper have been sent to the -.ondon Exhibition.

Thearst vessel sails this week for London, wheatiaden.

Wbat is offering freely at 4s sd. It is an ticipaed that the harvest will run twelve to sixteui bushels, leaving over eight million bushJs for exportation. Mss Richmond, the fiancee of Sir James Fergisson, laid the foundation stone of the new Anglican Church.

Ectensive beds of petroleum have been discovered.

last night William Wyatt, son of the Chef Inspector of Schools, was murdered wih a mattock at Burnside, by James Slape, wlo was drunk at the time. Death was instantaneous.

HOBART TOWN.

December 30. Earl Kimberley agrees to a reduction of the Governor's salary by £500. It is anticipated there will be a deficit of £71,000 next year.

UNPUBLISHED TELEGRAMS.

ADELAIDE,

A private telegram from London reports tlfe copper market advancing. Prices are expected to be steady^Juring the spring. ; A man named Busby has stabbed his brother-in-law dangerously. Wheat for delivery next week 4s sd. A quantity ia offering for export for 4s 4d. The Coinniissionev of Lands has received telegrams from the Government Resident at Palmerston, giving accounts of the discovery of gold of extraordinary riohueaa at Yam Crelki,

SYDNEY.' 'P s **; A swimming match takes plal : in the open sea at Sydney. fe e to-day Mr Parkes and the Attorney ..«" T ,. nc \ ' : to Queen began on the 7th .Jai^ary' W* visit The yield of the Hill Er,,l gold il?) the year amounts, to 70,003 ounces. Snea for Galvanised iron is rising f as fc Dcvoc's kerosene, aocofdhie to i| advices from Now York, had" a strollritafo ward tendency. Latest quotation, 35 Lt, m/ Mr Murray Smith is a candidate fcn£ Kilda. It returned he will probably sfor St Mr Langton as Treasurer. lucced The Sandhust yield of gold for thel ' " was 3500 ounces. 1 week H

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS. $$

(Before His Honor Chief Justice Sir <i. A,

Arney.) His Honor entered the Court at eleven o'clock this morning.

GRAND JUIIY

The following gentlemen were sworn in a Grand Jury :—Messrs G. B. Owen, J. S. Macfarlane, J. Buchanan, A. K. Taylor, t! I H. Ivey, IT. Isaacs, A. Martin, J. Dilworth J. May, W. T. Buscett, James Wallace, c! | Mac Lean, J. P. DuMoulin, G. Roskruge, J." j B. Braithwaite, J. Lawford, J. M. Hamlin' J. T. Boylan, H. Gilfillan, G. Yon der Heydej ; and H. M, Jervis. Mr Albin Martin was '■■ chosen foreman. i CHARGE TO THE GRAND JURY. j His Honor, in charging the jury, said before proceeding to deal with the calendar '■ he wished to take the opportunity for making ; a few remarks of interest to all the members of the Grand Jury, but especially to those of : them who are Justices of the Peace. He \ alluded to the way depositions were taken for that Court. In Auckland the depositions were admirably taken, and such care was displayed as showed that persons were not committed to take their trial without a fair preliminary examination. But sometimes depositions from the country districts were . written in such haste that it was impossible to read them. They were at times interlined with corrections, and the names mentioned in the deposition spelled wrong, occasionally the same name being twice differently spelled in one deposition. These errors frequently oc curred in places where it was most important that the deposition should be reliable. The defect might partly be caused by the haste in which they were written, but it probably also arose to some extent from that fashion which aj)peared to prevail at present of writing in a very illegible way. Such carelessness might result in serious dis advantages, especially in case of death, where the deposition would be the only record of the deceased's testimony. The illegibility might not be found out in time to obtain a fresh deposition, and amis carriage of justice would be the result. He hoped these remarks would be taken in good part by the justices. It was of especial im portance where justices were also coroners, and where matters of life and death were concerned, that great care should be used in taking the depositions. The country was no doubt deeply indebted to those persons who, in scattered districts, took upon themselves without pay the administration of the law, but he thought they might reasonably expectthose gentlemen to provide themselves with such books as were necessary to preserve them from the evil effects of wrong decisions. He believed that some justices had not been supplied by the Government with, legal forms ; but this difficulty could always he overcome as the forms were embodied ha the various Acts. After these few remarks . he would proceed to notice more particularly the calendar. The number of cases was not very numerous, there being only twenty crimes on the list, and seventeen persons accused. Of these not one was attended with very aggravated circumstances, and, with the exception of two charges there were none of those atrocious crimes which sometimes occur. The acts of the persons accused could not be attributed, as was often the case in England, to an absolute state of ignorance. All, with the exception of one— a boy of fourteen years of age—could read and write ; all had, therefore, received an elementary education. This fact showed that an elementary education, although it may sharpen the wits, does not deeply in struct or improve the mind. Under the recent legislation upon the subject of educa tion they might perhaps hope that_ the future race in the colony will take a higher stand, morally as well as mentally, than at present prevails. It did not appear either, so far as he" had gone over the depositions, that the crimes arose from excessive drinking, as only in one case had the accused, at the time of committing the offence, been hi a state of half-intoxication. It seemed rather that the offences had arisen out of strong self-will, which arises out of that self-reliance developed so markedly in colonial com munities . His Honor then proceeded to review separately the principal cases on the calendar. There were three involving assaults, one beino- a charge of manslaughter. In the case of manslaughter the facts were extremely simple. The only question which the jury had tojconsider was, what was the causej of the death of deceased. It appeared that in a struggle that had taken place for the possession of a gun, the property of the accused, he had struck the deceased a blow with the gun. The deceased shortly afterwards died. The question was, did the blow cauce the death of the deceased ? ' It was clear that death followed the blow, but upon an examination of the body it was seen that there were no such marks of violence as would lead to the supposition that a blow of suffi cient force to cause death had been struck. Upon opening the body of deceased it was found that the organs were in a most un healthy state. It appeared that death had resulted from rupture of the liver. The blow was struck upon the right side, and medical men would testify that the rupture of the liver Avas immediately caused by a blow. If the jury foiind that the blow struck by the accused accelerated death they must bring in a true bill, even though it were admitted that the blow was not one of such force as would have caused the death of a healthy man. Ai& Jig; case in this class was an atrocious *4g3l&| upon a child only eight years of age. Grand Jury might not, from one so young, get clear evidence of the extent of the offence ; but if a jirima facia case were made out a true bill should be reamed, more especially as the Common J f have now power in such cases in - &. event of a complete assault not being j^oved'to con vict the accused of attempted assault. There was a similar case from Maketu, to which his remarks would also apply. The cases mentioned were ail the offences .".gainst the person. His Honor then proceeded to com ment upon the charge of arson <it"Coromandul. It was clear that, the fire had taken place, and was probably the act of an incendiary ; and the Jury had only to consider whether the evidence was sufficiently strong to •reach the accused as the perpetrf <or of the offence. His Honor briefly allude" to the evidence that wouldbe called in^upport of the case. Two other charges, attended with violence, required notice. One fok a case in which five persons were jpoused of toreibly entering the premises of another person. It was now ivcK-eatablished m «w

THE EVENING BfIAR, MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 1873



NEAL'S NEW ZEALAND SAUCE Neal's Chutney Neal's Oriental Pickles Neal's Tomato Sauce Ncai's Curry Paste. These New Zealand Manvfactures are found to be equal to the best and superior to most imported articles, and are sold at a Lbws Pxucb than Inferior b'oreign Goods. | Sold Retail by tbe Grocers in town and country ; Wholesale by ' B. TONES & CO. AUCTIONEERS' NOTICE. nPHE Undersigned having this day i_L commenced business as Auctioneers' Brokers, ! Valuators and General Commission Agents, are pio : pared to receive consignments of General Merchandise for sale by auction or private contract, and advance on the same when required. Sale of Land Estates, Furniture, &c, undertaken on terms advantageous to Vendors. Account sales promptly rendered. I GHA N T & MO P. TO N, 123, QUEKN-STEEBT, AUCKLAND. January 1, 1573. i p EE AT BA E G-__A_JLJJL_B IN CALICOES, HOSIERY, i I AND GENERAL DRAPERY, I ! AND MEN'S AN.O_BOYS' CLOTHING^ For ONE WEEK from this date. E. HOBBS