SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

d'JN-SKT I'M. oveaing, 6.46. SUN-RISE. To- Aorrow morning, 6.1 HIGH WATER: This evening, 8.11; to-morrow morning, 3.47

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES. Tawera, schooner, for East Coast Rowena, s.s., for Bay of Islands TaranaH, s.s., for the South (from tba Manukau)

The ss. Taranaki left the Manukau for Southern ports yesterday with a general cargo.

The Countess of Kintore has now dis charged all her general cargo. A go_>d deal of heavy railway stock for Messrs Brogden and Sons still remains to be taken out from the fore-part of the vessel, which will be removed BB soon as sufficient weight of outward cargo is taken in to render the ship stiff enough for the present heavy weather. The brig Princess Alice is still lying at anchor down by the Lighthouse windbound. The schooners Clio, Slerlin, Ocean Wave, ketches Isabella and Wild Duck, are kept in harbour by the heavy weather. The Golden Crown, on leaving this morn ing for her usual trip to the Thames, had great difficulty in turning owing to the fierce ness of the wind. She was compelled to stand right into Mechanics' Bay before her head could be brought round to the proper course.

The unloading of the Fontenaye was ■topped to-day owing to the breaking down of the donkey-engine. The damage has been repaired, and the work was resumed in the afternoon.

In the manifest of the City of Auckland 9 cases marked J. Harrop should have been James Harris.

The Bhip City of Auckland has reported at the Customs, and consignees are requested to pass entries at once.

The s.s. Rowena left yesterday afternoon for Russell with a full cargo, one horse, and several passengers.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as _Jnd__r :— 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. ForTaranaki, Wanganui.and Westport, per Go-ahead, to-morrow, at 8 a.m. For Whitianga, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Southern Cross, to-rr arrow, at 3 p m. For "Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago, per Phoebe, on Thursday, 18th Inst., at 5 p m. (Signed) S. B. Bias. Chief Postmaster.

COMMERCIAL.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING^ REPORT. Business done this day :— South British Insurance—4ss Gd. . Bank of New Zealand, £16 10s. Caledonian, £13 2s Cd. Bright Smile—buyers, 112s Gd. City of London, 27s Gd ; buyers, 27s Gd. Black Angel—buyers, 22s Gd. Thames G.M.C., 85s. Otago, buyers, 8s Gd. Royal Oak, 18s 6d. Inverness—buyers, Is Gd. Crown Prince, £3 10s. Joseph Newman, Chairman. DIVIDEND. Mutual Minim? Investment Co., 80s per share • September 19 ' CALLS. Windsor Castle G.M.C., 6d: September 20 Coliban G.M.C., Is ; October 1

MARRIAGE.

McQ-7. _VsK—McGeoiikn - On September 11, by tho Kjv. Father Dilworth, Thomas McQuiston to Anne, tenet of the lat. Owen McGeclien.

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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1873.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance,

And the good that we eaa do

An important debate on the management of immigration took place in the House last night, and will be found very fully reported by telegraph in another column. Mr Reeves, iii an exhaustive speech, brought his experi ence acquired while Minister of Immigra tion to bear in keenly criticising the action of the Agent-General and his capacity for the position he now occupies. We think the member for Christchurch succeeded in proving the natural unfitness of Dr Feather stone for the duties entrusted to him. With the treatment of the immigrants per ship Berar fresh in our mind, however, we cannot but think that the Government is not altogether blameless in connection with the mismanagement of the immigration scheme. Wo cannot, it is certain, hope for a steady stream of immigrants of the right class so long as the present Agent-General is per mitted to muddle matters in England, but no more can we expect confidence in the pro mises of the Government on the part of persons in Great Britain who contemplate emigration, when those who have already thrown in their fortunes with the colonists have been shamefully dealt with. The un favourable accounts sent homo by these immigrants will do more to injure the colony in the estimation of those whose good opinion it is desirable to secure than any unwise regulations could possibly do. We notice from our telegrams that the Christchurch papers have taken up the case of the Berar immigrants very warmly, and tho agitation will doubtless result in improved accommoda tion being provided for future arrivals.

The debate on the California-] service will take place in the House of Representatives to-day, Mr Vogol having given notice of a motion ratifying Mr Thomas Russell's pro posed contract. Tho text of the Premier's motion appears amongst our parliamentary telegrams.

With reference to the case of Robert Flood, Mr C. Heighton, machinist, who, wo understand, instigated the prosecution, writes endeavouring to support the conviction. He says our information Bjust have been obtained from " Flood's respectable acquaint ance, or the person Ann Hoggard," and he proceeds to throw aspersions on the character of the woman who purchased the blankets. We say at once that our information was derived from thoroughly reliable sources, persons who have good reason to believe that Flood was in Drury when the fire occurred. Of the woman Hoggard wo know nothing, nor is it material to the case whether she is strictly honest or not. Our correspondent next remarks, '' pro viding Flood did not arrive in Auckland before the time stated, could he not have been supplied with blankets by some of his respect able acquaintances to sell." This constitutes a very different charge against the prisoner from that which he was convicted of. He is now incarcerated in Mount Eden gaol for having stolen the goods, not for receiving them when stolen, and there is very grave cause for .believing that he was perfectly innocent of the crime which he stands con victed of. Our correspondent must under stand that whether Flood is or is not a rogue he has a right to receive justice, and bo dealt with according to his deserts when he is brought into English courts ; nor can the "known respectability" of those con nected with the prosecution in this case be permitted to weigh one iota in deciding its merits. The question is, plainly, did Flood steal those goods from the fire on Saturday or not ? If he did, let him suffer the well merited punishment ; but if lie did not, we demand in the name of justice that he be at once released. We shall not permit this matter to drop until the authorities have instituted a searching investigation, and from the nature of the evidence brought under our notice we believe an examination of the_ cir cumstances will prove them to be precisely as detailed in our last evening's issue.

A meeting of the Devonport Highway Board was held last evening at the Masonic Hotel, North Shore, —Mr W. S. Cochrane (in the absence of Mr Niccol) in the chair. The question of the appointment of a special constable was discussed, when it was agreed that the situation should be offered to Mr Bond, the present ranger and pound-keeper of tho district.

We have much pleasuro in publishing tho following subscription list on behalf of the widow of William Cranch, collected at tho Thames Hotel. The total amount is £16 ss. Great credit is due to Mr Grattan for his action in this matter :—R. Grattan, £3 ; E. M. Harney, 5s ; G. Mason, 13s; M. Gal lagher, 5s ; E. Combes, ss; T. Smith, 2s 6d; J. Woods, 2s 6d ; G. Douglas, 2s 6d ; A. Miller, 2s 6d ; J. Poulter, 2s 6d ; M. H., 2s 6d; friend, 2s 6d ; barman, 2s 6d ; G. Giles, 10s; G. S., 2s ;R. Hale, 5s ;Mr Myers, 5s ; Mr Martin, 2s 6d ; J. Grey, 5s ; J. M. Drew, 2s 6d ; W? Drew, 5s ; W. H. Pdpley, 5s ; J. S. Hatswell, 2s 6d ; Robt. Gallagher, 5s ; R. G., 2s 6d ; E. Perkins, 5s ; Geo. Ryland, 2s 6d ; J. W., 4s ; a friend, 5s ; friend, 2s 6d ; Mrs Home, 2s ; friend, 2s ; McConochie, 2s 6d; T. Baines, ss; friend, 2s 6d ;A. Carty, 2a 6d ;A. Glaiver, 2s 6d; Dickson, 2s 6d; J. R. Walters, ss; T. Leahy, Is; J. Rose, 2s 6dj Mr Smith, 2s 6d ; J. Highloy and Co., 5s ; T.V.P., 2s 6d ; R.G., 10s 6d; W. Meaney, 5s ; G. Thorogood, 10s ; Andrew Meanoy, 2s 6d j R. J. Sidwell, 5s ; W. Barlow, 2s 6d ; Clarke Brothers, 5s ; Joseph Paice, 10s ; J. Parker, 2s 6d ; T. Moulden, 2s 6d; J. Davis, 2s 6d ; Hemeyer, 2s 6d ; William Smith, 2s 6d ; L.G., 2s 6d ; Mr Russell, 5s ; C. Wilson, 2s ; Peter Doull, 2s 6d ; R. Whitson, 103 ; W. Possenoskie, 2s 6d; Scott, 10s; W. Fary, 2s 6d; J. Henderson, ss; Leonard Morrison, ss.—The following subscriptions were collected at the watermen's house : — R. Wells, 5s ; T. Hunt, 2s 6d ; John Millar, 2s ; J. Hunt, 2s ; H. Bradley, 2s ; a friend, 10s ; John Sceats, 10s. The total amount, £1 13s 6d, has been handed over to us.

At the City Council yesterday Councillor Isaacs brought forward the subject of accounts and asked for an opinion on the matter. A sharp discussion succeeded, in which Council lor Jones took the most prominent part He considered that Mr Waynfouth as a gentle man who had pointed out their error should be paid. This was finally agreed to on the motion of Mr Williams, although it was considered by Councillor Isaacs that seven shillings an hour was too much foran account ants' services.

A meeting of the Karangahape District Highway Board was held last night, at the York Hotel, for the purpose of hearing appeals,—Mr Joseph Warren occupied the chair. Two cases of appeal were all that came before the Bo^rcl,

A report is current in polite circles that a oomio periodical will shortly be issued in Auckland, illustrated by an artist of repute and edited by one of the smartest pens in the colony. The news comes from the Thames, and consequently is worthy of cre dence. We ay/ait its issue with serene patience, and wonder what it will be like, and how long it will live. This atmosphere is not favourable to literary productions. Some time ago an evening Venus, price one penny, i was expected night after night, but it proved a misconception. Since then the teetotalers projected a cheap weekly, the " Hop-pole," but it was never wreathed with leaves ; and ; within the last four days we have heard that j the " Samuelite," with a black border, j edited by a Good Templar, is in course of ! preparation and may appear at midsummer, j

Mr Lusk will deliver a lecture this evening at the Devonport Literary Institute, North Shore, on the " Claims of Science."

The adjourned meeting of the Auckland Rule Association will be held this evening in the Young Men's lloouis, Wellesly-street, to consider the advisibility of sending an Auck land team to Victoria.

A meeting of citizens was held last evening in the Young Men's Christian Association rooms for the purpose of forming a committee to aid the suf ferers by the late fire. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and opened the meeting by statiug its immediate object, and referred particularly to several case 3as deserving of sympathy. Mr James Smart then came forward with the first resolution, viz :—" That a committee be formed for the purpose of making inquiries as to the distress or want of the sufferers by the late fire, with power to collect and receive subscriptions in aid, and dispense the same when satisfactorily shewn to be required; the committee to consist of Messrs John Smith, R. Keosing, W. Rattray, and J. Smart, with power to add to their number." This was seconded by Mr John Smith, and carried. Mr Montague then moved, and Mr J. Grey seconded, '' That notice be given that sub scription lists lie at the various banks and newspaper offices, and that his Worship the Mayor be requested to act as honorable trea surer." A vote of thanks to tho chairman closed the proceedings.

With referenco to tho lunatic James Smith we have been requested to state tbat the Fijian authorities did not pay his passage as alleged, and that they moreover absolutely refused to interfere with his case while a British Consul was in office, whose duty it was to assist him. Those private, individuals who had interested themselves ?_!"• tho matter —among whom was Mr Wood—wore referred to the Consul, and it is stated that Captain Andrew, the master of tho Star of the South, was ordered by that official to take the man on board.

The groat success of Mr Fairclough as Hamlet, last night, at tho Prince of Wales Theatre, has caused a great demand for tickets for to-night's performance. A very crowded house is anticipated, and intending visitors should secure seats early.

A subscription list in aid of the sufferers by the lato fire lies at our office, and we shall be moat happy to acknowledge contributions. A lady who promised to sing at the Bazaar concert on Friday, and who failed to keep her appointment, sends us the following humorous excuse:— I wis tae sing last Friday nlcht Insido the Choral Ha', "WT bonnio loons, an' kimmorsbricht, But I brak my word, whilk wasna richt, I didna go at a'. I soe'd my lilt put tae my dool (Kor it waana my am faut), Doon at the last jist like a hcol, Or naethlng warth, wi' drunken "Wull An' smuggl'd peck o' maut I Noo at best o' times I always feel Ma health i« never richt, fiae tae sing that "it I couldna weol; I wadna dee't tae pleeso the deil At sic a time o' nicht! Sao I kept at harao an' somethin' took Aforo I wont to bed. I dldna touch the Holy Beuk, But asked tho Lord tae hae a louk On my sailor raon instead. Stkakokrk Ykt.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M.)

DRUNKENNESS

Biidget Hawkey, a person apparently in sane from continued intemperance, who had boen convicted thirty-three times, was charged with being drunk last night, and was committed to prison for three months. Prisoner wished his Worship to alter his decision and give her two years. His Worship : Take her away. Mary Minx, a half-caste, was fined 10s and costs for the same offence.

BURGLARY.

James Millar was charged with throe offences, viz., breaking into the cabin of the cutter "Diamond," lying in the port of Auckland, and stealing pro visions ; also with stealing from the cuttor " Watchman," a quantity of clothing, value 255; also, with stealing from the cutter ''' James Rhodes" 1 pair boots, 3 knives, and 1 hammer, value 10s. -Prisoner was.silent. John Hutley, of the cuttor Diamond, deposed that he was part owner of tho vessel, and on the 14th inst. (Sunday) he left her at one o'clock, and locked the cabin. He re turned at half-past eight in the evening, and went on board and found the cabin unlocked. He wont below, and discovered the bed clothes scattered over tho floor, and every thing turned upside down. He missed tea, sugar and other provisions. A hammer was lying among the things which did not belong to tho cutter. The lot was worth 6s, tho pro perty of him and his mate. He did not know the prisoner. Prisoner on being asked said ho had nothing to say. Stephen Home, labourer, residing in Aloert-street, stated that on the day in question he saw the prisoner on Mr Biglow's gantree coming from the cuttor Diamond with a bag; but upon seeing witness jae dropped the b_?g. It was about seven o'clock. He watched the prisoner, and saw him take the bag up. He followed him to a small house in Chancery lane. Prisoner said he had nothing to say.

i Sergeant-Major Pardy deposed that upon I receiving information about half-past nine on the evening of the 14th instant he proceeded with the last witness and others to an empty house in Chancery-street. He heard some one inside j but upon receiving no answer at the door he forced it in, and found primmer upstairs and the goods produced. He charged prisoner with the offence. He made no reply. He then took him into custody. His Worship asked prisoner if he wished to ask any questions. Prisoner : I have nothing to say. ' The depositions wero then read over to the prisoner. . .■•_.•_.___. The prisoner was then charged with the second offence, viz., with stealing from the cutter Watchman several articles of wearing apparel, a quantity of candles, and other things on the 13th inst. John* Murray, master, identified the articles as his property. Sergeant-Major Pardy found the articles in prisoner's possession. When charged with stealing them he said nothing, The prisoner was then charged with break into the shop of James Rhodes and Joseph Williams, shoemakers, of Durham-street, and

stealing therefrom the hammer (produced), one pair boots, and three knives, value 10s., on the 11th instant.

James Rhodes, described the manner in which his shop had been forcibly entered, and the goods he missed.

; Prisoner was then fully committed to take his trial at the next ciimmal sittings of the Supreme Court.

THE MAN JOHN SMITH,

This poor man, who had been shipped from Levuka by the Fijian Government, was ex amined this morning by Drs. Kenderdine and Bayntun, who pronounced him quite harmless, but apparently insane upon a sup position that he possessed property in the South, and only waiting for the deeds to dispose of the property and go to England. The two medical gentlemen recommended that the poor man should be sent for a time to the Provincial Hospital as preferable to being ' sent to the Whau Lunatic Asylum. In accordance with these recommendations his Worship ordered Smith to be sent to the hospital.

A SWEET CASE,

George Hesford, an elderly man, was charged with embezzling money to the amount of 17s Gd, on the sth September, the property of his employer, John Gray. John" Stacey deposed that he was a con fectioner, and lived in Chapel-street. He took the business in Queen-street on the pre vious day, and received instructions from Mr Gray to send four cases of confectionery to Messrs Grant and Morton's auction rooms. He sent them by prisoner who stated that he had done so. He desired prisoner to put them in his own name as they were damaged goods, and as he did not like his name to be mixed up with bad lollies. Prisoner made the goods for Mr Gray, and spoiled them. John Grey deposed that he was a confec tioner up to the Ist inst. in Queen-street. He left instructions with Mr Stacey to send four tins of damaged lollies to the auction mart in prisoner's name, but he could not swear thoy were sent by prisoner. He learnt that the money had been paid to the accused, and when he enquired about it prisoner said he had spent it. William Brown, clerk at Grant and Mor ton's, deposed that prisoner brought the lollies to the mart, and called and received the money. His Worship said there was no case, and recommended the prisoner to cleanse his face, and to pay Mr Groy the dif ference—viz., 7s fid,—which, as Mr Gray owed him 10s. for wagos, would square the matter. He was then discharged. This waa all the business.

HAMLET AT THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

It is a long time since a drama of Shakes peare's was produced upon our local boards. There is, thank goodness, so much of grace in the " leading amateurs" and ordinary pro fessional companies whose performances we are most familiar with to allow these sacred emanations to rest in peace. May it ever bo so. Mr Fairclough, who made his dGbut before an Auckland audience last night, in Shakespeare's grandest and most mysterious character, comes among us as an acknowledged lirst-class actor. His credentials shew him to have passed unscathed through the fiery ordeal of the London critics, a fact which bespeaks uncommon merit. The expectations raised by Mr Fairclough wero not dest'ned to disappointment. That something great was expected was evident from the crowded state of the house. Pit, stalls and dross circle wore filled to overflowing, several persons having to stand throughout the piece. The audience were keenly appreciative of the treat afforded them. The continued applause which groeted Mr Fairclough's im personation was indeed somewhat too demonstrative, and breaking out as it did at times in the middle of passionate scenes must have interfered m Ith that gentleman's pathos considerably. Undoubtedly another drawback was the lack of co-operation, which Mr Fairclough received from the other performers. With these thero appeared to be some timidity, as if they were afraid of acting too well, and thereby inter fering with Mr Fairclough'a triumph. The fear is pardonable hut unnecessary. Hamlet presented us last night was intel lectual and deeply studied. The Queen's deduction from Hamlet's behaviour that if he is mad thore is method in his madness is accepted by Mr Fairclough as the coi.ect estimate of this extraordinary conception. Thero is also aprog^essivenoss about thedisease which Mr Fairclough marks with much delicacy and feeling. There can be scarcely a doubt that at theopening of the play Ham let is a man sound in mind, but impulsive beyond control in tho torrent of his emotions. The discovery by the appa^'ing visitation .of the ghost of what he suspected before', his father's foul murder, works upon his keen imagination, and half in frenzy, half deliber ate method he plans his successful ruse to make assurance doubly sure and lay bare be yond all doubt the villainy of his uncle and his mother.' Aiter this a morbid melancholy, preys upon his'senses, and reduces him to evince at times ... "an antic disposition," which is involuntary. .Mr Fairclough takes: advantage of every <point. In the Stock passages, which are generally looked upon asithe tests of a thorough appreciation of the character, the tragedian came out trium phantly. In. the two soliloquies, " Oh, that this too, too solid flesh would melt;" and "To be or not to be" he was original and pleasing. In the latter he wisely refrains from that over-expressive style which by many actors is deemed necessary to the passage. His reading of siege for " tea of troubles" is recommended by some authorities, but does not express itself so; clearly as tho older reading. We have not space to j examine many of the variations from the generally accepted text which Mr Fairclough adopts, but one is very peculiar.' The timeworn proverb " the dog will have his day," sounded, as it came from Mr Fairelough's mouth, very much like,:" the dog will have his bray." On what principle this can be defended we do not know. The delineation of the behaviour of Hamlet during the play scene was the gem of the performance, and' the abrupt exit of •the King and Queen, accompanied by the Prince's wild and frantic taunt, was the signal for a" spontaneous burst' of' chedringj the like of which has not been heard ■in an Auckland theatre for a very long time. In the closet Beetle with Gertrude, he was splendidly character istic in his wayward demeanour; now unfeel ing and merciless, now lovingly hanging on hiq mother's neck. At the grave of Ophelia the same incoherent and mixed emotion, is strikingly manifest. In the difficult final' scene Mr Fairelough's splendid and powerful acting again called forth loud expressions of applause. In demeanour Mr Fairclough is every inch a prince. His gesticulation is natural and effective. In elocution he is beautifully distinct, with good command of tone. His countenance is facile, and capable of evincing strong emotions, the features being strongly marked and the eyes bright and piercing. In the play scene his attitude and general appearance were strikingly sug gestive of Maclise's famous picture. Mr Fairclough was called before the curtain at the end of each act. We will reserve further criticism of the performance till to-right, when the play is tojbe repeated^ '

ANCHOVIES AND TOAST

Or, Home Jottings by our London

Correspondent.

Simul et jucunda et idonea dicere vitse. Aliena negotia centum Per caput et circurasaliunt latus.

London, July 3. BARON REUTER AND PERSIAN TELEGRAPHS. I forgot to mention, before dismissing the subject of the Shah, about Baron Rueter having aot a lease of Persia for seventy years. It sounds odd, doesn't it? He has got everything in his own hands—taxes, roads, railways, wire., commerce, etc., and is to pay the Shah a percentage ; the Shah to be able to take possession, if he desire it, at the end of seventy years-. In some respects it is rather a risky bargain for the Baron, since law and justice are somewhat groggy yet in Persia, and if the Shah chose to re pent of his bargain at any period whatever, there is nothing to prevent him from order ing the Baron to be bastinadoed to death and grabbing all the property. However, it is not to bo supposed that His Majesty will do anything of the kind, only it will behove speculators in the Persian companies, which are certain to be floated, to be very cautious how they invest.

NEWS OK A THREATENED MAORI DISTURBANCE. The telegrams which arrived some three weeks since from Melbourne, suggesting the probability of another Maori outbreak, are not credited hero in the least degree, at least by those who have the means of judging of their prob able truth. Some of the papers published leaders on the subject, which on the whole were sensible enough, and it is generally understood at home that the Maoris have become too much the slaves of civilisation ever to break out again, and that none are better aware of the fact that rebellion means a hastening of extermination than they them selves.

THE CONQUEST OE KOTVA

By the "Russians is regarded as a masterpiece of strategy and military skill. Although the forces employed wero comparatively small in number, and although the inhabitants of the country so far as their arms were con cerned wero practically helpless, still the obstacles presented by the natural formation and climatic influences of the country were so great as to have been almost indomitable. The skill, endurance, and courage shown by the forces have been most remarkable. The poßsessioa of this country, lying as it does south of the Sea of Aral, and east of Persia, is important to Russia in view of her Eastern possessions present and future.

THK TICIIBORNE CASK. There is not much to tell this mail about the Tichborne trial. The defendant has been rather cheeky once or twice, and has had to be put down by the Chief Justice. The evi dence of innumerable unimpeachable witnesses has been moat conclusive against him, and in two or three instances he has been clearly convicted of gross perjury. It is believed that the prosecution is drawing to a close, and next mail I Bhall probably be able to give you some idea of the line of defence. The cross-examinations by Dr Kinealy, although most careful, havo not succeeded in shaking the testimony of a single witness. TK" WEATHER. The present season hasbeenverybackward, and the hay crops are on the whole very light. Meteorological statistics lately pub lished show that the cold during tho month of May was in the aggregate greater than during January. London, July 11. TREE TRADB V. PROTECTION". Some of your Protectionist friends should have been present on Monday week at the dinner of the Cobden Club at Greenwich, where they would have hoard a few facts and truths regarding the advantages and disadvantages of free trade and protection which might possibly have startled them. Representatives of free trade views from all countries wero present, including France, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, United States, Germany, &c. Mr Milnor Gibson presided, and during tho course of his speech read'a letter from Mr Henry Parke, written from Sydney, and informing Mr John Bright of the fact that one of tho now electoral districts of New South Wales had been named after Mr Cobden. This, said tbe chairman, showed the state of feeling in the colonies with regard to Mr Cobden and his principles.. Mr Goschen, who followed Mr Gibson, said he hoped the allusion to our Australian colonies was a good augury, and that they would not only name provinces after Cobden, but em body his policy in their tariffs. Our Aus tralian colonies had not always been thoroughly orthodox freetraders, but ha trusted that the letter quoted showed that they were harking back, and that they in tended to follow the policy of the great man after whom they had named a second province. He hoped further that when they had named a second province after John Bright we might hope soon to see great improvements in their tariffs, and that we should not havo much' longer, to lament that that great branch of the Anglo- Saxon community wore not such ardent disciples of our political economists as we could wish. A letter from Michel Chevalier, tho leader of free traders''in France, was reaid, in which the following notable passage occurred :—ln the future, if not in the pre sent, freo trade will be the password of tho nations." Mr Milner Gibson, referring to tho objects of the club, and to the great movement in favour of free trade which is agit&ing the civilised world, said "It is a great struggle, that between protection and freq trade; it is the struggle of freedom against prejudice, against interest, and against passion ; but freedom will conquer." | These words are particularly applicable to the condition of New Zealand at the present time, where the struggle between freedom and interest is tremendous beyond description. Tho progress mado by Free Traders in Austria, Russia, and the Continent of Europe generally was stated, and Mr Wells then delivered* telling speech on Protection in the United States, saying that "the policy of Protection had been tried in America for ten years, and the result was un mitigated failure. Their exports which formerly were so great were this year almost nil. Under the present system tho many wero tg.xed for the benefit of the few ; and the rich became richer and the poor poorer. Although economical reform had boon so long delayed he hoped the time was coming when the judgment of the people of his country would be given against protection, and that it would be swept away from every part of their fiscal system." Government monopolies of railways, telegraph, etc., were alluded to by Mr Gibson during tho evening as prejudicial to the interests of free trade.

SMALL BIRDS AWD FRTJTT,

I suspect that your Acclimatization Society will find itself in the possession of a bad name if the climate of New Zealand is, as I fancy it is, favourable to tho propagation of thrushes, blackbirds, sparrows, chaffinches, &c. These birds are nothing less than an in tolerable'nuisance to English fruit-growers, and the "Small Birds Protection Act" passed last year,* to prevent the plundering of nests, promises to make' considerable difference in the market price of fruit. Many gardeners, in total disregard of the Act, are paying rewards to boys for the destruction of nests *nd eggs,

whilst traps of all descriptions are brought into requisition in private gardens. The fact is that these birds consume a vast quantity of inseots, but like some other kinds of animals they prefer variety in their diet, and so do pretty nearly as much harm as they do IrOWTH OF RITUALISM IN THE CHURCH OF

ENGLAND. The Church of England is in the throes of a malady which will go far to prove fatal unlesß some sharp remedies be applied. lUe extreme Ritualists have passed all bounds ot utter prudence or common sense, and tour hundred and eighty priests, whose names have been published, have been asses enough to sign a memorandum or petition, addressed to the two Archbishops, asking that the doctrine of the Real Pf sence, Extreme Unction, Prayers for the Dead, and the Con fessional may be authorised m the Church. If the Archbishop had known their business, and what was good for them, they would have pooh! pooh'ed the whole thing as childish ; but being unutterably conceited, and on ordinary matters addled-headed, they hum'd and had, and finally referred the thing to a committee. On being expostulated with by several influential churchmen they declined to take any immediate steps, and so there has been a tremendously indignant meeting at Exeter Hall, presided over by Lord Shaftesbury, and a number of great names have appeared at the end of letters in the London papers on the subject, whilst the Times has come out strong in two articles, and has said that either the Ritualists must leave the church or the church must cease to be a national institution. The fact is people in general are awfully, disgusted with the Ritualists et 7wo genus omne. The age of superstition is gone, and beyond silly women, half-witted men, and a | asomng of rogues, the mummery-mongers _*aye very few fol lowers. The working classes don't like it. They are far too practical, too democratic, to put any faith in priests, and Englishmen have generally grown far too independent to stand any nonsense arising from priestly in terference in families. Every one knows the inevitable result of the establishment of the system of confession, and that sort of thing won't wash in these days of railways and telegraphs. When mail coaches disap peared transubstantiation sat on the box, and confession was an inside passenger, whilst priestly influence sat on the rumble and winded the death dirge of superstition. Greenstone.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM WAIKATO.

[From our Own Correspondents.]

PURUKUTU AT WHAREPAPA

ALEXANDRA

This day.

There is no news from Te Kuiti.

Purukutu is reported to be at Whare papa. Mr Mackay's messenger (Pari) has gone to enquire.

KIHIKIHI.

This day. Mr. Dargav. He's meeting, were a great success. He is sure of a large majority in Waikato.

Votes of confidence were passed at Te Awamutu and Kihikihi. His meetings have all been we. . attended.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

Tookej Mine on Fire.

Escape of the Meri from the Workings. GBAHAMSTOWN. . This day. Tookey mine caught fire last night at eleven o'clock. The fire is believed to have origi nated in the 210 feet lovel, from a furnace constructed there to diive gas out of the mine. Many men were employed in the dif ferent levels at tho time, and signals were immediately given for them to come up. A fire alarm wn Bounded, and the Grohamstown. Brigade was soon on the spot. The water from the Pumping Association flume was turned down the main shaft, where the flames were very powerfully reflected, while a dense volume of smoke ascended.

The men in the 100 feet level were soon aware that the mine was full of smoke, and they were unable to reach the engine shaft, but scrambled through an old winding shaft and thus got to the surface. The water from the Pumping As soeiation works at first appeared to check the flames but it did not reach the workings in which the fire had taken firm hold..

, The fire brigade passed a hose down the shaft, and volunteers went down in a cage to play on the flames, _ Their efforts were un successful, as the fire gradually approached, the chamber at the 100 ft. level, and for some time the main shaft was in danger. Vigorous efforts were made to check the flames, here, and after an hour's work by the brigade they were successful.'. Then a hose •was lowered to the next level, where the flames were also extinguished. . V ;i There were some narrow escapes of work men. Two men named Ryan and Stevens were working in the shaft at a depth of 275 feet. Stevens feeling a suffocating sensation wont np the ladder to the 210 feet level, and was followed by Ryan, when their candles went out, and they were nearly suffocated. Fortunately just then a cage was lowered, and they were able to crawl into it. At first they thought it was an accumulation of gas, but soon found it was fire, and were consi derably alarmed. The trace boy went to the 140 feet level and seing that something was \ wrong signal led, to the engineer to lower the cage quickly He let it go by the run, and was just in time to save two men.

Lowe then ascended to the IC3-feet level, and the men finding they could not reach the main shaft made their way to their ow a ■haft. They remembered that two men wete at "work in the 140-feet level, and re moved the'eovering from the winze between the two levels, and thus afforded a means of escape which was quickly availed of. The fire is believed to have been caused through some fault in the flue of the furnace built for dissipating the gas. On. Sunday night the men were unable to get j down the workings, and yesterday there was a difficulty in getting the fire to burn, although under ordinary circumstances there is a strong draught. The stoppage of the flue drove the flames back, and it was this which set fire to the chamber in the 100 feet level.

It was extremely fortunate that prompt assistance was at.hand, otherwise the damage might have been very serious j and to the promptitude of the trace boy and the engineer at least two of the men are indebted for their lives.

Mr Dewar, the company's manager, was sent for "shortly after the fire broke out. His knowledge of the various workings below enabled him to give valuable directions to those engaged in extinguishing the tire. Great praise is given to the fire brigade, who worked hard nntil five o'clock this morning.

n J', The Caledonian have pumped out t£!L#| to-day, and will resume sinking a t th • ' o'olock. A strong lode has been penewi 18 inches to-day in the Al main tuimeL A nice quartz vein was intersected in tiT*^- South British ttmnel in the 270-feet WT It is full of minerals, but not showing gold The City of London have obtained 93^_*_ melted gold for 10 days'crushing. The Queen of beauty have 294 oz. f or *l fortnight. °8 ~The Bright Smile have lodged 314 0 , melted gold. ' *' ~

The damage to Tookey's mine is confined principal to the ICO-feet level. About 120 * feet in the drive is burned. Some also to the air shaft was destroyed by the flameg

TAURANGA.

This day, ,-■■ The Custom-house opened for business to-" day. The Bella's cargo was the first entry" The Katie and Leah, bound coastwise ate detained at the Heads. The _Napier coach left to-day with passen. gers. There has been much rain lately. "...;_

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.)

LYTTELTON.

This d_y. '■','>) The Times and Press have leaders severely censuring the authorities on the treatment of the Berar immigrants. The former says the statements of the Star must either be dis proved or substantiated, and blame fixed in the proper quarter. It also recommends that if the imn. i^ran'-s cannot find employ! ment in Auckland, they should be dig. - tributed between Canterbury and Otago,.. without delay, _ s they are wanted there, * There is no sign of the Punjaub, noyr log l|'*: days out. Over 600 shares have been applied for in the Lyttelton gasworks. The provisional directors intend withdrawing the remainder.

ACCIDENT TO COBB'S COACH.

SEVERAL PASSENGERS INJURED. . '

DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB, AND RIFLt i ASSOCIATION.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDS!^} "' ...a".

DUNEDIN. This day. ._-; At the meeting of the Rifle Association, yesterday, | surprise |was expressed st the;, ' apathy of the Auckland people. There will, '■'}_ probably be eight or nine representatives j from this province for Melbourne. jt-;!iSilt The schooner Belle Brandon has arrived from Auckland after a passage of sfatteen days. A deputation waited upon the Provincial Government to-day urging a survey jrf.tfij harbour. At a meeting of the Jockey Club last night officers were appointed foe the Spring meet ing in December. There will be six eventg, i ■■•■ and the stakes amount to £200. At the;"; 7 March Spring meeting the stakes -will be, £1,500. There will be three days racing, £800 each day, including the Dunedra Handicap of 200 govs.; Dnnedin Clip, 300 so vs.; Town Plate, 100 so vs.; Forhniy, , Handicap, 160 soys.; and a novel n_ie k; handicapof 100 govs. - . ! The United Kaitangatas Coal property « wa. sold yesterday for £690. _..■■ The Sheep Inspector proceeds to Oaniani "-' to-day to take measures to prevent the spread of scab among sheep. rf) One of, Cobb's coaches met with'an accident last night. It fell over an embankment eighty feet high. Seventeen passengers were in the." bus at the time, and most of them wen j bruised a good deal. One lady had her arinvs" broken. _____ __ Fifty persons have been summoned for non- ™ payment of city rates. Bad weather still continues. A large por tion of the Taieri and other:districts \fNfiT under water. "1 The Masonic injunction case is atilfclnig-f. r ging along. [Per Anglo-Australian Telegram Company.]"'

DUNEDIN.

This day., x The weather is very wet. The Taieri river was flooded yesterday. If rain continues th«y whole plain -will be covered. f ,$ :,!_'„ii' The fpJ-^Tftlng names have been sent m to . represent-Bimedin at the Melbourne inter colonial firing:—Lieutenant Muir, Gunner Reid, Artillery; Captain Goldie," Lieutenant Wilson, Port Chalmers ; Volunteers Miller and Lucey, Waikiri; and Volunteer Chrut-e/JY Taieii." ' •*• ' J The Jockey Club met last night, and agreed to offer _>2C3 at the St. Andrew^ _>»y meeting, and £1500 to be run for in March,^ when there will be three days' raiding. ' rJ}-' ' y"~

PARLIAMENTARY.

[By Telegraph.]

i (FROM OUR SPECIAL CoßßESP6___a___t.) : V

WELLINGTON.

'■" TMs day. ! THE CALIFORNIA SERVICE. T

Mr Vogel moves the following') tQ-day :— " That thoHoußOi approves of the; arrange-^ jf ni<int entered, into by Mr Russell ■ with Mr f Samuels for a steam mail service via San Francisco on the understanding that such , arrangement is as follows :—That the colonies of New South Wales and New Zealand jointly contract for a: twelve-knot service between San Francisco and Sydney and San Francisco |H and Port Chalmers, for six years, to be com-'J menced witl_i__ twelve months; thirteen I round trips to be performed each yew. <" the boats to be 2,500 tons gross burthen,, or equal to 2000 tons register. The route-to be from Sydney and San Francisco, via Kanda vau, and to and from. Port Chalmers and San Francisco, via Lyttelton, Wellington, Auckland and KandaVau, calling off Napier each way. The boats from Syd ney and from Port Chalmers alternately to proceed through to San Francisco, and the boaits from San Francisco alternately to pro- I ceed through to Port Chalmers and to Sydney, 1 transhipments to be at Kandavau. The con- y tractor to have all subsidies except those from.the British Government and from thai | British colonies. . New South Wales and New Zealand each' to pay £40,000 per an num, and each to receive one-half the contri butions from other colonies, and each to receive its own share of Imperial postage. ■ |,„-_t_LO_fl LANDS ON BAST COAST- _ ,' ■,f.l} In reply to Mr. Sheehan, the GovernmentrfL said they were preparing a' Bill rejnedying the defects in Acts relating to Maori lands j| on the East Coast,, ." )'[' Y. ' -:'M. ■ V ■ .BRAHCH MIKT. ■ '".j''" 1" In reply to Mr Pyke, the Government said m they intend asking the Victorian Government V£ to establish a branch mint in New Zealand, im . OA-_JFORNIA__* SBRVIOB. , -ts. Mr Vogel laid on the table a telegram from MrT. Russell, as read on Friday.night, re specting the Trans-Pacific Service. Its con- ; •ideration was made an order of the day for to-morrow, when he said he would take the advice of the House as to pressing the penal ties against Mr Webb, ; *'j ■-■ vm

fm mmm® fejfc ,toeßiut_, 9_eH>^BEft ie, im.



JIUBSJ PUES! PUBS! CITY HALL. Under the Patronage of H.R.H. the Duke of Edin burgh, Lord Burleigh, and His Excellency the Governor of Victoria. BENJAMIN BROS.' AUSTRALIAN AND FOREIGN FURS. | CITY HALL. ONE WEEK OJfLY, COMMENCING THURSDAY NEXT. T COSGRAVE & CO. .-._'. Are now holding an , EXTRAORDINARY CHEAP SALE ov . DRAPERY AND CLOTHING J---1 At their Promises, .CANADA BUILDINGS, QUEEN STRERT. jT\ A U T I O N. OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the BEST for general use In households, and, in con sequence of its high reputation, some unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon, and pass the same ofT as ''Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused hii TRADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 1866," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as j may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned to * ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE, and see that tho name is Stamped on - Bottle and Stopper, and wrapped round with his well-known label.' & T ANDING, ex STRATHNAVER 26 TONS BEST SELECTED DUNEDIN BAKEBS' FLOUR, same as last. B. TONKS & CO. [Established 1864.] r\ STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" "EAGLE BRAND" "CROWN BRAN I),"- An to be procured at all respectable Grocers and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auck land. D. STEPHENSON & CO., "WYNDHAM STREET, A TJ 0 X L a|n D. A TJCKLAND SAVINGS' BANK ESTABLISHED 1847. President : HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. Vice-President WILLIAM RATTRAY, Esq. The Bank is open daily froto 12 to 1 o'clock, also on Saturday Evenings, from 7 to 9 o'clock. Any sum from Is and upwards received, for which fi per cent, interest is allowed. Every facility given to depositors. R. CAMERON, * 4ooountant«