SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 5.41 SUN-RISE : To morrow morning, 6.24 HlftH WATJSR ; This afternoon, 3.1S ; to-morrow morning, 3 4G

ARRIVALS.

Stratlmaver, schooner, from Russell Duke of Edinburgh, schooner, from Russell Sunbeam, scliooner, from Wangaroa Don, cutter, from Mercury Bay Comerang, p.s., Chrisp, from .Napier Southern Cross, s.s., Sellars, from Tauranga Mariner, schooner. Joiner, from Lyttelton Queen, schooner, Veale, from Russe'l Saucy Law, schooner, Smith, from East Coast

DEPARTURES.

Wonga Wonga, s.s., Brown, for Sydney Wanganni. s.s., for Opunaki and Wanganui Forest Queen, ketch, for Russell Opotiki, schooner, for Poverty Bay Cambria, schooner, for Wangarei

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Adelaide : Durham, ship, to-morrow For Hokianga : I/orwent, brig, to-day For Honolulu and San Francisco Nebraska, mail

steamer, 17th April For Northern ports : Rowena, s.s., this afternoon For Sydney and Melbourne: Hero, s.s., early For Cork : Moss Glen, barque, early For Levuka: Marion Renny, schooner, to-morrow Sea Gull, brigantine, Monday evening

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Edinburgh Castle, ship, from London. Sailed 29th December Parsee, ship, from London. Sailed 12th January Agra, ship, from London. Sailed Countess of Kintore, ship, from London. Sailed Woodlark, ship, from London. Sailed Hylton CUstle, barque, from London. Sailed City of Auckland, from London. Loading Hero, s s., from Sydney Zanga, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed 17th January East Lothian, barque, from New York. Sailed 20th December Thames, barque, from New York, via Sydney. Loading Akbar, ship, from Boston, via Melbourne Dauntless, schooner, from South Sea Islands Satellite, cutter, from Levuka Rangatira, s.s., from Southern ports Amateur, barque, from Adelaide Flirt, brigantine, from Timaru. Sailed 29th March Mary Webster, schooner, from Adelaide. Sailed 21st

Mnroli (for the Manukau) Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney and Newcastle Tauranga, schooner, from Dunedin. Sailed 4th April

The following information has been re ceived at . the Admiralty respecting the accident to H.M.S. Northumberland, at Madeira, on the 25th December :— " The Northumberland parted her cable in a heavy squall, and. althovigh another anchor was let go, she came across the projecting stem of the Hercules, which penetrated the outer plating of the Northumberland, causing a rupture of the iron about 4^ feet in depth ami IS inches broad, through which some 60 tons of water entered into the water-tight compartments. Admiral Hornby proceeded as soon as possible with the Minotaur, Hercules, and Northumberland to Gibraltar. The Northumberland is now repairing the damage inside of the Mole, and she will then proceed to Malta to be docked, where the repairs will probably occupy a week. The Admiralty further received a letter from Bear-Admiral Hornby, stating that when the usual inspection of the cement in the double bottom of H.M.S. Sultan was being made the cement was observed to be slightly disturbed. A diver was sent down to inspect the outside plating, when a slight indent was found. No one on board is aware of the ship ever having touched the ground, and the only conjecture is that it may have happened at Ferrol. The injury is of no importance." The schooner Saucy Lass arrived yesterday from the East Coast. She experienced heavy weather on the passage up, and several pigs ■were washed, overboard. The schooner Clyde will leave for Wangarei this evening. The schooner Queen, from Russell, brings 70 tons of coal. The cutter Sovereign of the Seas will leave for Wangarei and Mangapai this afternoon. Consignees of goods per barque Joliba are requested to take delivery of their goods without delay. The brigantine Esther, has cleared outwards for the Thames in ballast. The schooner Strathnaver brings 80 tons coal from Russell. The cutter Don, from Mercury Bay, has brought 150 cases gum, 1 package drapery. The schooner Queen has reported from Russell with 70 tons coal. The schooner Mariner has reported at the Customs from Lyttelton with a cargo of grain, &c. The three-masted.schooner Duke of Edin burgh brings 100 tons coal. The p.s. Nebraska arrived at Napier at 3.45. p.m. yesterday, and left again for Wellington shortly after.

COMMERCIAL.

MINING. The following are the current call and dividends payable in the companies named below :— £ s. d. CALLS. Lincoln Castle .. 0 10 April 9 Golden Eagle .. 0 0 2 April 9 Flagship & Golden Anchor 1 0 April 9 Golden Calf .. .. 0 16 April 9 Vulcan .. .. 0 10 April 9 El Dorado .. .. 0 10 Avril .9 Aurora .. .. 0 10 April 9 Golden Spur.. .. 0 0 3 April 9 Yon Moltke .. .. 0 0 3 April 9 Sappho .. .. 0 0 1 April 9 Key of Tokatea .. 0 0 3 April 9 Coromandel Beach.. 0 10 April 10 Van .. .. ~ 0 0 6 April 12 Morning Star .. 0 0 8 April 14 John o'Groats .. 0 5 0 April 15 Thames Gas .. .. 0 2 6 May 1 Queen of May .. 0 10 May 14 Una 0 0 C May 14 MEETINGS. Lucky Diggers, Messrs Eussell and Devore's office, Shortland street, Auckland, at 11 a. m., Sth April Moanatairi Union, Mr P. A. White's office, ShortJand land street, Auckland, 3 p.m., Bth April Daughters of Freedom, Grahamstown, 14th April Bee, Grahamstown, 15th April Nolan's Candlelight, No. 1, 41, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 3 pm., 21st April Nolan's Candlelight, 41, Insurance Buildings, Auck land, 3 p.m., 21st April Flagship, Shortland, 22nd April Margaretta, Mr A. A. Browne's office, Wyndham street, Auckland, 3 p.m., 23rd April Bank of New Zealand, Bank, noon, 24th April Ne Plus Ultra, 41, Insurance Buildings, Auckland 11 a.m., 2Sth April Working Miners, Coromandel, 9th April

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Undeb :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., ami to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, on Wednesday, 9th instant, at 0.30 p.m. For Kawau, Wangarei Heads, Wangarei, and Manga pai, per Lady Bowen, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Southern Cross, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Comerang, to-morrow, at 5 p.m. Note.-The Mails for Toka Toka, Whakahara, Aratapu, Maungawhare, and Whapu, will in future be despatched from this office on Wediiesdny, instead of Monday, returning on Tuesday at 5 p.m. The Post-oliice, Devonport, has been removed to Mr Mays' Store, Victoria road. (Signed) S. B. Bias, Chief Postmaster

A meeting of the Council of the Acclima tization Society was held this afternoon. There were present, the Hon. James Williamson (in the chair), Dr Campbell, and Mr J. Burt. The business was of an unimportant nature. A communication from the Domain Board was read, regretting that ll was "ot "} the P ower of the Society to

BIRTHS.

Laird.—On the Cth inst., at her residence, Morning side Hill, the wife of F. N. Laird, Erg., of a daughter. Ft,ow.BK.--On April G, Mis J. N. Flower, of a ton.

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

MONDAY. APRIL 7, 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

A correspondent writing from Onehunga with the vom de plume, of " Bark " says :—A great event has happened in Onehunga, —Mr Lundon has resigned his trusteeship of the Highway Board. There has been no distur bance in consequence of the event, and the little town is calmly indifferent to such a calamity. Can such things be ? Is this poor man no longer in the good graces of his former friends ? Have they deserted him in his utmost need ? Is he politically dead ? Dead poor Lundon is to all intents and purposes. Onelmnga has censured him, and he actually feels it. The towns-folk cease to find any merit in him. I hope Mr Vogel will consider the position of his colleague (Mr O'Rorke) safe, for the latter gentleman can now sit at ease, and no longer endure a yoke which he must in his heart despise. The bubble has burst.

We compliment our contemporary the Cross on the success which attended the suggestive and prurient paragraph in this morning's issue respecting the Supreme Court. Our contemporary, in speaking of the anticipated opening address of the Judge, stated '' some comment may be passed on the charge of rape upon an idiot girl." We do not know on what authority this curious paragraph was written, or why it was supposed that His Honor Mr Justice Johnston would signalise his first judicial appearance, after nine years' absence, by pandering to the morbid appetite for impure garbage, but on the hint given by our contemporary there was an unusual gathering of the canaille, packing the Court upstairs and downstairs, who must have been greatly disappointed at His Honor's address. All " decent women " and youths under eighteen were ordered out of Court before any reference was made to the attrac tive subject, but from the absence of anything that could be at all accepted as gratifying to a man of filthy tastes there must be with a large number a feeling of indignation against our contemporary for having perpetrated a "sell."

To the Editor : Sir—ls it or is it not pos sible that arrangements could be made by the Post-Office authorities so that the proper time of closing of mails would be correctly notified to the public ? Is there not a suffi cient staff', or is it because it is Saturday that it was announced mails will close as under— (vide morning papers)? Nothing of the kind , the time was 5.30 p.m., per Wonga Wonga, At 1 p.m. no stamps could be had ; busy making up last month's books. None at Harris' ; up the street and find them, leaving letters unfinished, not being able to ascertain wh"en the mails will positively close. —I am, &c, Numc Nunc.

The Rev. G. IT. Turner delivered an eloquent sermon yesterday morning in the brick chapel, Pitt-street, on the " Church of Ephesus" taking h's text from the second chapter of Revelations. The rev. gentleman commenced with a vivid historical description of the lonic city of Asia Minor, where St. Paul planted the church of his special affection, and which has a world-wide interest through the epistle of this great Apostle, which breathes a spirit of exalted piety, fervid faith, • and manly exhortations. Mr Turner proceeded to show that the Ephesian Church was pre-eminently a working church. He held up the doctrine that all "true work is worship;" that the lesson runs through the universe ; and what the church wants, which they are desirous of building in this city, is a working church.

A special cablegram to the Herald, under date of London, February 24th, says that an agreement has been entered into between the adherents of Phillip Louis'd'Orleans, Due de Montspensier and the political and dynas tic adherents of Queen Isabella, to place Prince Alphonza, the ex-Queen's son, on the throne of Spain. The Due de Montspensier is to be commissioned and act as Regent of the Kingdom during the minority of the Prince. Queen Isabella accepts the pro gramme, and these two important parties therefore will act together. The compact provides also that Prince Alphonza shall marry the youngest daughter of Montspen sier.

The State of Pennsylvania and city of Philadelphia have made a success of the 1870 Exposition. The city of Philadelphia taxed herself GOO,OOOdoIs. by printed subscription, and will make up 1,000,000 dols. The State of Pennsylvania contributed 750,000 dols. and to was certain that the aggregato sub scription of the State and city would reach 4,000,000 dols. The rest of the country will help, and Philadelphia in 1876 will have the greatest Exposition the world ever saw. The members of the Auckland Football Club will hold their annual meeting to morrow (Tuesday) evening, at the Thames Hotel, for the purposo of electing officers and adopting rules. ,

The regular monthly meeting of the Ara \ Lodge, 348, 1.0., will be held this evening at seven o'clock.

Bis Honor the Superintendent has adver tised for tenders for the erection of a bridge near Lucas' creek.

Original sin is developed very early when it procures a, boy cf twelve years of age ten years' penal servitude for trying to poison his stepmother. Indeed juries have a very difficult duty to deal with in bringing in verdicts against youthful monsters who seem to have no sort of conscience within them. The law of England has but one punishment ! for intentional murder ; and yet most men ! would shrink from recommending a judge to ■ hang some child of eight or ten years of age who, in a fit of passion, stabs and kills his companion in play. There is a vague notion that criminals of tender years have not arrived at a due sense of re sponsibility ; and that if they have such ferocious passions they are to be pitied as the unfortunate possessor* of a hump-back or bow-legs are to be pitied. At the Old Bail y, on December 18, the ju'lge remarked that the case in question was as bad a one as ever had come before him. A boy of twelve seems to have deliberately, and more than once, put into his stepmother's tea as much arsenic as woull have killed a family ; and, so f;ir as the evidence went there was no motive forthcoming to show why he should have been actuated by any such horrible resolve. He himself remarked, " I am not guilty of tins case as I know of ;" but the jury thought otherwise, and returned a verdict of guilty to the indictment charging him with feloniously attempting to admin ister poison. What the effect of ten years' penal servitude may be on this precocious criminal who can tell ? Most folks would simply say that he was a very bad boy, who deserved a thoroughly good thrashing; but the question whether a thrashing or ten years' penal servitude is the more likely to cure a lad of matricidal tendencies ia a difficult one to answer. In any case the punishment now awarded him is not excessive.— Dal/// News. The pretty wheat-growing fishing localities of Uxbridge, watered by the gentle Oolne, the river which washes the green base of this little market-town is likely to acquire other interest than that of murder and literature. Bolingbroke long lived in its willowed shades in companionship with Pope, Swift, and Mallet, but since those days Uxbridge has been stained by several sad tragedies. Now it appears that an effort is being made to thin the population by means of emigration to this country, but to look to the county of Middlesex for emigrants, where the fanners actually have to advertise for labourers to gather in their hay and corn harvest, seems somewhat farcical. A gentleman, however, of a philosophical turn of mind has taken up his abode in Uxbridge as " Employment and Emigration-Agent," and any one in Auck land or in any other part of New Zealand who may require Saxon men and maidens may be supplied from Middlesex by remitting £1 a head to the agent, who no doubt will do his best to transfer worthy peasant and rosy maids-of-all-work from Uxbridge when he can find them.

The Thames Debating Class has at length collapsed for want of an audience. On the last night of meeting only one member made his appearance, and he was found asleep by the secretary over a copy of a local news paper. We understand that the strength and eloquence of Mr Smith's essay on the " Origin of the Universe" intimidated the members, and completely exploded the class.

Imagine six couples with their attendant ■witnesses, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, for the most part utterly unknown to the clergy man—in our own parish were over ten thou sand people, and very many outsiders came to our church to be married—and ignorant as to what was required of them, as to position, answers, etc. The modus operand! was as follows: —After some minutes has been spent in arranging them in order the clerk was seen to place in a Prayer-book with great care six slips of paper, each one with a number and the names of one couple written on it. Slip No. 1 represented the first couple on the left, and so on. Carefully arranging once more the twelve individuals in proper order, his grey head appeared between these of each pair : " You Thomas Jones ? You Mary Smith, etc. "Yes." "Then vou'Jl please not to move." Having ascer tained that all were where they ought to be he gave a deep sigh of relief, handed the book with the slips of paper to me, aud the ser vice commenced. 1 soon found that I must know that service by heuit, for well nigh my whole time and attention was taken up in conversational instruction, and in watching to see that no over-ciuious biidesmaid surrep titiously, though unintentionally, usurped the place of a too retiring bride. Hardly ever, I fear, did I perform the service without grave infractions of the law, which forbids the making unauthorised additions to the Prayer-book ; seldom was I allowed to ask the first question, " Wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife '!" &c, without some interruption ; for if the bridegroom were not exceeding reticent he was almost invariably over-eager, and before I had got through the first few words would answer, often with a pull of the forelock, "Yes, sir ;" or "To be sure, sir—surely, I will so." A request to wait until the question was com pleted had the effect, as a rulef of driving him to the opposite extreme, and making him most reluctant to answer "I will," when the proper time came. The severest trial, however, was at the next point in the service, and it was always with a sense of relief that I passed beyond it. " Now will you say this after me '!" 1 used to ask—" '1, John, take thee, Mary,' " &c. The hesitation was oc casionally so long that the bride grew impatient, and asked, angrily, soito voce, '' Why don't you say it ? ' which generally brought about the desired result. Turning to the bride —" Now, will you say this after me? ' I, Mary, take the, John,' " &c. ; and, hard though it be to believe, full often would the man begin, "I, Mary," or whatever the name might be, to his partner's intense disgust.— Chamber's Journal.

The Garrick Club purpose giving an amateur theatrical performance on Wednes day evening, at the Prince of Wales Theatre, for the benefit of Mr Samuel Solon, the well known mechanist, who has b3en attached to the theatre for a long time. Poor Solon has been laid on a bed of sickness for some weeks, but is slowly recovering, and the action of the Garrick Club in endeavouring to afford him some assistance is very commendable, as he has been unable to procure those comforts so necessary to alleviate suffering during illness. The performance on Wednesday will consist of the drama of " Ben Bolt," and the farce " Cool as a Cucumber," and are sm-e to be placed upon the stage in a credit able manner by the Club. We hope to see a full house.

The next Suez mail leaves Sydney on the 20th and Melbourne on the 23rd. As the Nebraska will proceed direct to Yoko hama there wiil be no mail via San Francisco. Probably the Wellington will leave the Manukau about Saturday, to catch the Alhambra leaving Nelson on Monday for Melbourne.

The collections at the various Episcopalian Churches yesterday were in aid of the Home Mission Fund. At St. Paul's Church the Rev. C. M. Nelson preached in the morning from John, chapter xviii, verse 40 ; evening, John, chapter xix, verse 5. collection amounting to £21 11s 9d was taken at both services. At St. Matthews Church the Bishop of Auckland preached in the morning. At the morning and evening services £22 was collected.

A literary and musical entertainment will take place this evening in the Newton Con gregation School, in aid of the funds of the Band of Hope connected with the Newton school. An interesting evening is antici pated.

The Amateur Serenaders gave their enter tainment on Saturday evening, at the Prince of Wales Theatre. There was a very good attendance, and the performances were well received.

The anniversary services in connection with St James' Presbyterian Church, Wel lington-street, took place yesterday, when the Rev. F. Stewart, of Waikato, preached morning and evening. The collection at both services amounted to £12 12s Gd. The annual soiree will be held to-morrow (Tuesday) in the church, when tea will be provided at half-past six. At the conclusion of this ceremony addresses will be delivered by various clergymen and gentlemen of Auckland. The pleasures of the entertain ment will be greatly enhanced by the musical performances of Madame Winter, who will preside at the harmonium. The efficient band of choristers will give several choice selections of sacred music, and altogether a rich treat will be provided.

A curious event disturbed the equanimity of the congregation worshipping at St. Sepulchre's Church last evening. When the verger went to light the gas he found there was none in the pipes. He endeavoured to get the unwil'ing air to burn, and in the meantime the congregation had gathered round the doors of the church, wondering at the unusual delay in throwing open the portals. Giving the attempt up in despair, the verger rushed to the neighbouring houses in search of candles, and with the aid of these the esteemed pastor was enabled to diffuse a spiritual light —or in other words, to go through with the service.

Despatches received in London, from Pekin, announce that his Majesty the Emperor of China has personally assumed the supreme power of the Government for the administration of the laws of the Empire.

To-morrow Messrs B. Tonks & Co. will soil by auction the grand stand bur, two refresh ment booths, and race books at the autumn meeting.

Notice.—On account of the Rev M. Elkin's departure from Auckland the sale of his household furniture, books &c, &c, will take place at his residence, Emily Place, within a few days. - [Anvr.]

MAIL COACH TO NAPIER.

A VERY large and influentiaJly attended meet ing was held on Thursday evening, at the Ma-omc Hotel, Tauranga, to take into con sideraiion the desirability of petitioning the Government to grant a subsidy for overland mails between Tauranga and Napier. George A. Douglas, Esq., M.P.C., occupied the chair.

The Chairman explained the object of the mee'ing in a bri^f but appropriate speech. He would give that project his heartiest sup port, and lookel upon coach communication between Taura ga and Nap'er as a great desideratum. After speaking in high terms of the satisfactory manner in which mail con tracts )>ad for a numlier of years been carried out in the province of Auckland by Messrs Quick and Co., he introduced Mr George Quick, the representative of that firm, to the meeting. Mr George Quick said he had during the last few days practically tested the suit ability of tho Taupo road for coach traffic ; and without going into full particulars, which he thought unnecessary, he would state at once tbat he was prepared to put on the line proper conveyances and all necessary plant to the amount of £4,0C0, and com mence running in about two months from date, —provided always that the Government would give a fair subsidy. The line could not possibly be made to pay for some con siderable time, and without a subsidy he would not feel inclined to enter into the business. If was only fair to state that Mr Peters, of Napier., was also in the field, and all he (Mr Quick) wanted was fair play. The public might, however, be assured that his ririn would do the thing well if they obtained the subsidy — comfortable coaches, good torses, and easy stages, would be all secured. He could, with some pride, refer to the man ner in which they had opened up the Waikato by means of coaches, and point to that flourishing settlement as a proof that coach traffic invariably benefits not only the ter mini, but all intermediate townships. The distance to Taupo was ninety-six miles, which would necessite nine changes on the road. A mail could be carried twice a week each way to connect with the coach now running from Napier to Taupo. By this means a regular bi-weekly postal service would be established between Tauranga and Napier, and could be conuected with Auckland by steamer. It was for the public of Tauranga to consider whether or not it would be to their interest to endeavour to obtain a sub sidy for the coach proprietor, whoever he might bq ; and he would in conclusion only state that, should he be successful in obtain ing such subsidy, he would carry out the work in a manner that would be alike a credit to himself and the district. (Applause.)

Mr F. George said he believed it had been arranged for Captain Skeet to take the chair ; but that gentleman being rather late, Mr Douglas had kindly consented to act instead. Captain Skeet, however, was now present, and would, he felt sure, give the meeting his opinion on the state of the road and the pro ject in general. Captain Skeet descanted upon the advan tages that must ensue by the establishment of a line of coaches, and described the state of the Taupo road at the present time as being good. There was one bad river, the bridging of which was not yet completed. The road, however, would doubtless be open through in less than two months, and there fore no time should be lost in the matter now before the meeting. The Government had granted a mail subsidy to Mr Peters on the Napier side of Taupo, and they could, therefore, hardly refuse to treat Tauranga in a similar manner. It was not reasonable to suppose that any coach proprietor would un dertake to open up the line without a subsidy. He (Captain Skeet) would heartily support the movement Mr Quick had ex plained his intentions in a business like and straightforward manner, and the name of Quick was in itself a sufficient guarantee that the contract would be faithfully and efficiently carried out.

Captain Tovey desired to know what amount of subsidy Mr Quick would require. Mr Bennet thought this was hardly a fair question at a public meeting. The question was not pressed. Captain Skeet then proposed, "That a respectful memorial be presented to the Postmaster-General, requesting him to facilitate overland communication between Tauranga and Taupo by granting a subsidy for carrying mails." Captain Tunks seconded the resolution. Mr Edgecombe proposed that a committee of five gentlemen be appointed to draw up a memorial for presentation, and to obtain sig natures thereto.

Captain Norris seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously.

Mr F. George hoped the subsidy granted would be in the same ratio as that at present given to Mr Peters, of Napier. The following gentlemen were then elected to act as a committee:- Captain Tunks, Norris, Skeet, Messrs Edgcumbe and F. George. An unanimous and hearty vote of thanks was accoi'ded to Mr George Quick for the enterprising spirit he had manifested, and that gentleman having suitably responded thereto, the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman termmated the proceedings.

MISTAKE ABOUT EASTER.

Of course there are those to whom fasts and. feastdays are as nothing, but there are those whose conscientious convictions ai-e deserving of all respect, to whom, an error in these matters is of grave moment. It is not therefore to play the part of alarmist, but to forewarn such in order that they may do nothing to pain their consciences that we mahe the following statement. The fact is, next Sunday will not be Easter, and all the movable feasts and holy days dependent upon Easter this year are being kept all wrong together. We find in the Prayer Book of the Church of England, which of course is based on the earliest calculations of things ecclesiastical, the following "Rules to know when) the movable feasts and holy days begin." It is there stated '' Easter day, on which the rest depend, is always the first ' Sunday after the full moon, which happens upon or next after the twenty-first day of March ; and if the full moon happens upon a Sunday, Easter day is the Sunday after." And again, in a subsequent " table to find Easter day," we read, "If the full moon happens upon a Sunday, then according to the first rule the next Sunday after is Easter day." As any one will see, by looking into any JN!ew Zealand Almanac, the moon will be full on Sunday morniug next, at 9.30 a.m., Auckland time, and of necessity Easter Sunday must be on Sunday week. We cannot regard it as affecting the case in any way that 9.30 on Sunday morning at Auckland occurs simultaneously with 9.51 on Saturday eveniug in London. They are quite right at London in keeping their Easter on Sunday next, because with them it is the Sunday alter the full moon of the previous evening, but we would earnestly direct the attention of our ecclesiastical authorities on this side of the globe to the mischief that may arise. They have a precedent iv the manner in which we kuop Sunday. Wo observe the weekly day of rest in accordance with our longitude and the time as fixed for us by the sun ; and beyond a question, unless there are some powerful reasons to the contrary, we should be guided by the same rule in our fasts and festivals. We do not accept the responsi bility of advising that Sunday next should not be kept as Easter ; but for the present, and until the matter is placed on a satis factory basis for the future, we would re commend tliat this year we should keep Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday twice, which would satisfy the scvuxjles of the most exacting. Seeing the difficulty of moving people to any kind of positive action in this quarter of the globe, we hardly expect that our advice will result in anything practical, nevertheless it is unquestionably true that next Sunday will not be our Easter day.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before P. A. Philips, Esq., KM.) DRUNKENNESS.

Ten drunkards were punished according to the nature of their offences.

EFFECTS OF DRINK

James McGahey, a respectable looking man, was charged with being found at night with out lawful execuse on an enclosed yard of Higgins' Hotel. Inspector Broham did not think the accused was there with any felonious intent. Discharged with a caution. LARCENY.

Francis Young was charged on remand with stealing 1 pair silver scissors, valued at 10s, the property of His Excellency Sir George A. Arney\ The prisoner was also charged with steal ing a coat, valued at 30s, the property of George W. Luck, on the 25th ult. The prisoner pleaded not guilty to both offences.

Mr G. W. Luck, barrister, proved leav'ug the coat in the dressing-room of Government House on the day iv question, from where it was afterwards missed.

Detective Teraahan proved taking the prisoner into custody upon a charge of stealing a pair of scissors, when he found the coat hanging up in prisoner's room. Prisoner told him that Captain Machell gave him the coat.

W. Dungate deposed to the prisoner having been employed at Government House. In answer to the prisoner witness stated that he was not aware that Captain Machell had given him the coat.

Inspector Broham produced a telegram from Captain Machell stating that he had not given prisoner the coat.

The prisoner made a long statement to the effect that Captain Machell had given him boots and coats, &c., on the day after the ball at Government House.

i The prisoner then pleaded guilty to taking , the scissors, but said he only took them to 1 get them mended, as he had. broken them, and was afraid of getting into a row. Detective Ternahan stated that the defendant was not known to the police. His Worship sentenced the prisoner to thirty days' imprisonment for the first offence, and fourteen ditto for the second, and to be kept to hard labour. PETTY LARCENY. | Patrick Murphy, alias Neagle, an old offender, was charged with stealing 23 empty lemonade bottles, valued at 5s 9d, the property of Mr George Gledhill, on Saturday last. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and expressed his contrition of the offence. The Court said that it was a very serious offence, and sentenced the prisoner to three months' imprisonment with hard labour. LUNACY A female of unsound mind was ordered to be conveyed to the Lunatic Asylum on the medical testimony of Drs Kennedy and Stockwell. CITY BY-LAWS. Christopher Greenway Jwas charged with causing the roof of a building in Cook-street to be altered without giving due notice to the City Council of his intention to do so on the 31st ultimo, contrary to the provisions of the City by-laws, •

Mr Joy, L.L.8., defended. Mr Brodie, Town Clerk, asked to he allowed to amend the information, which was permitted. George Goldie, Inspector of Nuisances, proved that the roof of the building had been altered.

Mr Anderson, City Surveyor, proved that no notice had been given to him of such alteration.

The Town Clerk proposed to place himself in the witness box, and examine himself, to which Mr Joy objected as Mr Brodie was conducting the case as prosecutor. The objec tion was disallowed, and Mr Brodie examined himself. He swore that no notice had been given by the defendant of his intention to alter the roof of the building in question. Mr Joy made an elaborate answer to the charge, and urged that the case had failed on several points, which he submitted to the Bench. Mr Brodie replied. The case was dismissed. Mr Green way was also charged with using insulting and provoking language towards Inspector Goldie whilst in the execution of his duty. Mr J. B. Eussell appeared for the com plainant. Mr Joy defended, and objected to the case being heard before his Worship the Mayor on the ground that the complainant as an officer of the City Council comes forward with a personal grievance, and asks his Worship, who is also one of his employers, to support and uphold him. He would suggest that the case be adjourned until a day when some other tribunal would be sitting. Mr Russell was quite willing to accede to the request providing costs be allowed, other wise he was prepared to oppose the applica tion.

After some discussion Mr Joy permitted the case to proceed. The language complained of and alleged to have been made use of by Mr Greenway was set down the information as follows: —"Mind your own business " ; " You are too fast;" " Too large a man altogether ;" " I'll see you d d first"; "Gotoh—"; "Go to h— "j " I have finished a better man than you." This latter remark Mr Russell assumed to mean that he had brought a better man to his " final end," and he assured the Court that Mr G oldie had no wish to be brought to his final end, at least by such a man as Mr Greenway.

The complainant was examined, and deposed to the language being made use of at the time he called at the house in Cook street, when he complained of the alterations to the roof. He added that he had no malice towards the defendant. On the contrary, Mr Greenway had actually asked him to drink with him.

Witness admitted to Mr Joy that he took down the words as the defendant uttered them. Defendant had spoken to him since, and wished him good morning.

A witness na ned Doyle partly corroborated the complainant's evidence.

Mr Joy urged for the defence that the complainant had brought the conduct on himLelf by his annoying and irritating man ner and persistent conduct. He proposed to examine the defendant, to which Mr Russell objected as irregular. This led to an argument, and various legal authorities were quoted. Subsequently the°def endant was sworn, and gave his version of the affair. He appeared to have been annoyed with the inspector interfering with his workmen. He felt no animosity towards the complainant in spite of his constantly annoying and inter fering with him.

The defendant was subject to a very long and searching cror;3-examination by Mr Russell.

The Court ordered the defendant to find one surety for £20 to keep the peace for three months, a-, the Court thought it necessary to protect the officers of the Court.

Mr Joy thought that Mr Goldie ought to be bound, over as well, as there w?.s no security that he would not return to Mr Greenway's premises and repeat his annoy ances. BREACH OF CITY BY-LAWS. James Conly was summoned for depas turing a cow on a vacant allotment in Jermyn-strset on the 4th instant. Fined half-a-crown and costs.

SUPREME COURT.—THIS DAY.

CRIMINAL SITTINGS

(Before His Honor Mr. Justice Johnston. \

The Criminal Sittings of the Supreme Court for gaol delivery commenced to-day.

His Honor entered the Court at 11 o'clock. GRAND JURY. The following gentlemen were empannelled a grand jury : —Joseph May, John Wallace, W. 0. Daldy, A. Martin, T. M. Ivey, G. M. Mitford, J. P. Dv Moulin, J. Howard, S. Kempthorne, W. Aitken, H. Ellis, F. W. Howard, E. Isaacs, J. Itoberton, James Robertson, W. J. Taylor, J. M. Dargaville, J. Baber, J. T. Boylan, A. Wallace, R. Wyn yard, and C. Roskrudge His Honor, in addressing the Grand Jury, said they were all aware of the reasons why they would not that day have the assistance and advice of the able judge who usually presided and whom they all so highly esteemed and respected. It was nine years since he (Mr Justice Johnston) bad addressed a jury in Auckland, and it was impossible for him to do so without adver ting to some of the facts connected with the history of the colony. During the nine years that had passed there had arisen the materials, not merely for pages, but for chapters in the history of the colony. Students would find in the records of those years grave and serious events, tending to create smypathy and surprise. He would read of tales of horror, distress, and misery, and of vicissitudes bravely encountered; but by the time that the student arrived at the pages which recorded the annals of the period they had now arrived at, he would have come to a cheering chapter, which showed that the per severance and vigour of the colonists bad not been unattended by results which gave pro mise of great and increasing success. It was not for him to allude to those minor matters of politics on which men were divided in opinion, but he thought it was within the sphere of his duty to make some remarks upon the condition of the country brought about in consequence of the laws that prevail and the way in which they are carried out. If they saw in this matter for congratulation there was also much to be deploi'ed, parti cularly in this island where they are living. He hoped that good would come out of the evil. If he alluded to a cerbain epidemic which had prevailed in Auckland he did not do so as a censor, but in the hope that his remarks would not be without some benefit in the event of similar circumstances arising in the future. He was speaking of the unreasonable desire—he might call it pestilence—which prompted men to yearn for sudden, un earned, and undeserved wealth. When riches were obtained by perseverance and honourable industry they were a blessing to their possessor, but should the time arise when all men in a community became eager for sudden and undeserved riches it could not but be regarded as a serious evil, and they might be thankful if they passed through the ordeal with so little scatho as he trusted Auckland had done.

He thought God overruled these trials, and the amount of prosperity accorded a'com munity for the general good. He alluded to the great colonising policy of the Govern ment, and said lie was convinced that throughout the colony there was a sincere desire to carry out public works which would open up communication between one part of the colony and another, and also to introduce immigrants to people the colony. Regarding the details and differences in deciding whether one work should be under taken at a particular time or not he had nothing to do. He, who looked only at the broad general principles involved in politics, believed that whatever government was in power bhe colonists possessed so much sense, prudence and foresight, as would secure for the colony a happy future. Be might add that the future prosperity of the colony must depend upon the per&ons intro duced into it, and he thought from what had come under his own observation, and from what he had read, that in no part of the colony had there, to a serious extent, been introduced those persons who formed a por tion of the classes which are regarded in other countries as dangerous. Long might they be absent. Almost the only great question left unsettled in the mother country at the present time was how to deal with the criminal population. Modern thought appeared to be discovering the true means of dealing with these classes and remedying the evil, in education, a good police system, and careful administration of justice. Fortunately this colony had no such difficulty. Although the calendar before him contained the names of several offenders who had been pre viously convicted, that fact could not be accepted as indicating the presence of a large criminal population. It was the policy of modern times to deal severely with felons who had been convicted several times. His Honor then adverted to the improved Court-

house since he last presided in an Auckland Court; but he thought in the present building a good deal of its utility had been sacrificed to secure uniformity in architecture. The difficulty in hearing was a serious matter. Knowing how anxious the learned judge, who usually presided there was that every fact that could weigh against a prisoner should be heard by the accused, they could understand how difficult it must be felt to conduct the business of the Court there. He had made an experiment that day which he trusted would lead to some of the principal defects being remedied. His Honor then proceeded to speak upon the cases in the calendar. Like most calendars in New Zealand the offences were of a very mixed kind. The crime which he had most frequently to deal with, and which he might call the New Zealand crime from the facilities given for its perpetration, was not included in the list. He referred to getting money by forged orders and cheques. There were three cases of robbing from the person —a crime very common in some other countries, and which he would not trouble the Grand Jury with any remarks upon, as he saw several gentlemen there who were acquainted with the procedure in such cases, One fact which he might mention, although he did not draw any conclusion therefrom, was that amongst the prisoners on the calen dar there were nine Irish, three English, one Scotch, one United States, one Tasmanian, one Spaniard and one half-caste. His Honor then alluded to the case against Falcon and Johnstone for breaking and entering A. Clark and Son's premises ; to the charge against Faulkner for cattle stealing, and John O'Mera for embezzlement, but the cases did not develop any remarkable features. In alluding to the charge under the Arms Act against T. Blackburn, his Honor said it -#as necessary in such cases that the information should be laid by a person authorised under the Act. There were three cases of indecent assault, and he thought it would be hard to find three cases so varied in their atrocity. He did not mean that they were all atrocious, but that the phases which the crime assumed were very different. With reference to the case of Wilson, he observed that the depositions appeared to be a mass of hearsay evidence. The Court required uirect testimony in cases like that, and in the charges against Wilson the only direct evidencewasthatof two children of five years of age, whose depositions left the impression that the evidence had only been extracted from them by a number of ques tions, and with great difficuly. He would examine those children, and see whether their evidence could safely be accepted. In those kind of cases- the intervention of a grand jury was very useful. For while it was right that the female population, especially the younger portion, should be protected against designing men, it was undesirable to en courage the practice of commencing such prosecutions when no substantial harm had been done. So far as the depositions in the case of Wilson went it did not appear that the prisoner had made any attempt to gratify his lust. The case of Peter Carroll was of a totally different character ; and if the girl's evidence was proved to be true such an offence threatened to undermine the chastity of the female population. The girl was sent to the prisoner, who is a married man, to purchase some salt; and he, partly by attempting to coax her, and partly by force, effected his purpose. He then told her to cbme back another day when is wife was out. j The jury in such cases should be careful, however, in requiring satisfactory evidences, for charges of that character were easy to make and hard to disprove. The next ■ case involved serious legal points. His Honor then explained the difficulties which arose in connection with the charge of rape on an idiot girl. He read a decision by Mr Justice Wills, that if a girl was in such a state of idiocy that it was impossible for her to give or refuse consent connection with her was sufficient proof of a rape. A subse quent ruling, however, which the jury must accept as binding them, was one in which' proof of connection with an idiot girl had been adduced, without any evidence being called to prove that the act was committed against the will of the girl. The question was, whether, with such evidence, the man should have been sent to trial, and the Judges quashed the conviction. The evidence in the present case seemed to prove an assault, or an attempted assault, but the girl did not appear to have resisted. If the jury found that that the act was done with the con currence of the girl they must throw out the bill. They must not bring in a bill merely because the act was a beastly one. He might here remark that although "it was the practice in this colony and in England to run down "grand juries, he thought it would be an extremely undesirable thing to abolish them. His Honor referred to the case of man-slaughter at the Farmers' Hotel, remarking that the deceased appeared to have sus tained serious injuries which might have caused death previous to being kicked by the accused. He seemed to have brought the violence on himself by acting in a riotous manner, falling over chairs and rushing about the room. The jury must consider these facts carefully. His Honor then commented .on the cases of arson, alluding to the crime in the strongest terms of condemnation. He could scarcely conceive of a sufficient motive for such a crime unless it arose from an intense feeling of revenge. It was less shock ing and less degrading to human nature for a. man to stab another in a fit "Q

THE EVENING STAfc, MOSPAY, APBIL 7,1873.



JVTELSON TWEED TROUSERS 15s. 6d. Per Pair, AT THE CITY CLOTHING MART, AND AT No. 180, QUEEN STREET. SAMUEL COOMBES. GREAT REDUCTIONS EOR THREE MONTHS ONLY AT TTIE AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPANY, 194, queen street, Next Door to Savings' Bank. Cartes-de-visite reduced from IGs per dozen to 13s 6d. Maori Celebrities (largest stock in New Zealand to select from), reduced from 12s per dozen to 6s. Views from aU parts of New Zealand reduced from 12s per dozen to 6s. Enlargements from Cartes-de-visite to Life-size, plain or beautifully finished in Oil or Water Colors, also reduced in price. Large Stock of Photographic Goods and Apparatus, Magic Lantern Slides, Stereoscopic Slides, &c, greatly reduced. J. M o G A R R I G L E, Manager.



I A large number of valuable city endow ments will be offered at public auction by Messrs B. Tonks & Co. to-morrow. W. Marshall, fruiterer, Queen-street, has just received, per Nebraska, a shipment of new season American Pea Nuts, the nutritive and stimulating properties of which are now universally acknowledged. When fresh roasted these nuts act as an excellent tonic, and can be indulged in with impunity. —[Abvt.]