SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUN-SET: This evening, 7.8 SUN-RISK; To morrow mornlnfr, 4.40 HIGH WATER: This evening, 0.10 ; morning, 0.45

ARRIVAL.

Hero, ss, Logan, from Sydney and Melbourne Success, schooner, from Fiji Star of the South, s s, Farquhar, from Fijis

DEPARTURES.

J. Annie Kelly, ketch, for Opotiki Effie Meikle, schooner, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For London: City of Auckland, ship, early; Fern dale, early For New Caledonia :' Mariner, Saturday. For Levuka : Herald, schooner, Friday For Poverty Bay : Rover, schooner, immediately For San Francisco: Fannie Hare 7 h 7' .7 f

IMPORTS.

Per Star of the South, from Levuka : 10 bales cotton, 66 bundles coooanut fibre, J. S. Macfarlane ; 10 bales cotton, Cruickshank and Co. ; 17 bags cobra, 100 sheepskins, 70 bunches bananas, 60 boxes pines, 3 bags peanuts,3 cases pines, W. D. Brewer ; 2500 cocoanuts, Chambers ; 200 bunches bananas, order ; 1 bag peanuts, 3 cases pines, 3 boxes coral, O'Connor; 1 case, McLea, 19 cases pines, 2 casks, Saloman ; 1 cask tar, 1 case, order. Part of original cargo : 1\ casks spirit of wine, 1 case, Wilson.

Per Success, from Levuka: 21 bags maize, Buckland; 50 dozen pine apples, Nathan and Co. ; 30.bunches bananas, order.

EXPORTS.

P" Per Mariner, for Noumea, New Caledonia : 48,000 feet sawn timber, 24 coils rope, 5 pgs furniture, J. S. Macfarlane ; 5 cases sauce, Olson.

The schooner Success arrived from Levuka yesterday with the following passengers :,— Messrs Edgar, Bruce, Evans, Blair, and native service, Dunlop, and Mrs McDonald and two children. As she rounded the North Head her white hull and general appearance caused her to be taken for the Dauntless, which is now due from New Caledonia.

The s.s. St. Kilda will sail for Napier, Wellington, and Wang anui on Saturday. It had been intended to have an official trial of this vessel over the measured mile this morn ing. The engineer, however, stating that the preliminary run on Tuesday was in every way satisfactory, at the last moment it was decided to dispense with another trial. The St. Kilda was this morning coaling in the stream.

The s.s. Star of the South, Capt. Farquhar, arrived early this morning from the JFijis. The Star on this trip extended her voyage to Goro. We are indebted to Capt. Far quhar for the following report of passage. The s.s. Star of the South left Auckland on November 22nd, at 6.30 p.m. ; passed the Little Barrier at midnight. For the first day light breeze from S.E. ; rest of the passage strong head wind till sighting the Island of Candavu on Sunday, November 30th, at five a.m. Came to an anchor in Levuka harbour same night at 9.15 p.m., thus making the passage in eight days. Left Levuka on the 4th of December at 11.45 a.m. for Goro. Arrived at Goro at 10 p.m. Took in nine passengers and 1,000 cocoanuts, and left again for Auck land at midnight. From thence light airs and calms the whole passage. Sighted Cape Brett at noon on the 11th, and arrived in Auckland at eight a.m. on the 12th. Passengers shipped at Levuka and Goro for for Auckland :—Saloon : Mr Brewer, Mrs Brewer and infant,- Mr Johnson, Mr Thomp son, Mr Avers, Mr Wilson, Miss Herbert. Mrs Chalmers, Mr C" Chalmers, Miss Chal wers, Miss Minnie Chalmers, Miss Cora Chalmers, Master N. Chalmers Miss Mabel Chalmers, Mrs Switzen and infant, and nine in the steerage. The s.s. Hero, Captain Logan, arrived in harbour at 6 p.m. yesterday, from Sydney, after a more than usually lengthy passage of eight days, owing to bad weather. The Hero brings a very full cargo, and passengers as per list . below. Captain Logan supplies the appended report of passage. We are indebted to Mr Cogswell, the purser, for prompt delivery of files, &c. The Hero cleared Sydney Heads at 5.40 p.m. on the 3rd inst. ; rounded the North Cape at 8 p.m. on the 10th, and arrived in harbour at 6.30 p.m. on the 11th. On the passage across the Hero experienced strong easterly winds, with cloudy and thick rainy weather, and heavy head sea until night of the 6th. The wind then gradually increased to a gale, and continued until night of the 10th, when a dense fog set in, which, continued until arrival off the Poor Knights oh the 11th (9.15 a.m.).; moderate light<easterly winds prevailed during the remainder of the passage. Captain Logan' reports that at half-past one o'clock yesterday dense volumes of smoke were observed issu ing from Mokou Hinou Island, but the vessel was too far distant to discover the cause. Saloon : Mrs Kilgour and family (4), Captain and Mrs Rowan and servant, Mr and Mrs Dilworth, Rev. Mr Tinsley and Mrs Tinsley, Rev. G. Paton, Rev. Mr Sharpej Misß Webb, Miss Whitson, Miss' Lublin, Messrs N. Walker, A. Anthony, G. Coates, Marshall, R. Patterson, H. J. Foster, H. Rowan, McMillan, Jersons, Captain W.! j Bell, and twenty-eight in the steerage. ,■ ..;. -

COMMERCIAL.

Tho portable engine, ten-horse power, offered for sale to-day by Messrs Tonks and Co., realised the sum of £145. :""''

Calls.

£ s.. d. Date. Van 0 0 6 Dec. 12 South British Insurance .. 0 5 0' Dec. 17 New Zealand Shipping Co. '.. 010 3 Jan. 6 Albion Coal Co , 016 0 Feb. 1

MBBTINOS. :, , Coromandel Excelsior G.M.C., 22nd December

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

■ POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND. Mails will Close as Under :—

For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. ... For Maliurangi, Matakana, Mangawai, Waipu; &c, per Lady Bowen, on Saturday next, at 10 a m For New Caledonia, per Mariner, on Saturday next, at 11 a.m. ... For the Australian Colonies, per Hero, to-morrow, at lpm. For money orders arid registered letters, at noon , ,», -.-,.'■■ , '.'..

For Napier and Gisborne, per St Kilda, to-morrow, at 2pm For Napier and Gisborne, per Star of the South, on Monday next, at 11 am ; For Taranaki awl Southern provinces, per Ladybhd, on Monday next, at 2 p.m. For the undermentioned places, per s.s. Phoabe, on Wednesday, 17th instant, as follows: For India, China, Mediterranean ports, Continent Of Europe, at 1 p.m. For Australian Colonies, at — For the United Kingdom, via Suez (letters specially addressed), at 1.30 p.m. ■" •' For tb« United Kingdom, via Brlndisi, and late late letters for Sydney and Melbourne, at 2 p m. For money orders and registered letters, at noon. For newspapers, at noon. -£- places, per s.s. Governor Blackall, on Monday, 22nd instant, as follows :— For Fiji, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 12 30 p.m. t-II *« United Kingdom and Continent of -urope, via San Francisco, at 12.30 p.m. i paS,Xra.mrderS'reglStered >«««, and news-, IS-gneitt 9. b. Bias, CljJef _ ostmiuter.

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

FRIDAY. DECEMBER. 12, 1873.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For. the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in tho distance, And tha cnod that wo can do

Entries for the Papakura handicap close to-morrow.

,At a private meeting of the members of the City Council to-day it was agreed that a j preliminary discussion should take place respecting the approaching election of Mayor, in order that-there might be some understanding as to who the candidates really should be. The question first put was whether there should be a "change," and it was resolved by a majority that there should be. Mr Philips therefore was out of the running. Eventually all except Mr Dar gaville and Mr Isaacs expressed their inten tion of not becoming candidates, and it was resolved that the choice should lie between these; two gentlemen. Another meeeting on the subject will be held on Monday, but the final decision will be made oh Wednesday.

;It is very satisfactory to learn that the contractors for the new San Francisco ser vice have chartered the Governor Blackall steamer to take the,first outward mails from New Zealand, leaving here on the 22nd, and connecting with the Macgregor at Kadavu. From our Fiji news, per Star of the South it will be seen that Commodore Goodenough has vißited the port of call in that group, and is said to ba unfavourably impressed with it. The inhabitants of Levuka are naturally annoyed at being deprived of an advantage which they had hoped to'enjoy. But as the Kingdom does not contribute any subsidy towards the service the joint Governments of New Zealand and New South Wales can only be expected to .consult its efficiency for mail purposes, alto gether apart from the wishes. of Fijian resi dents who have obtained vested interests in any part of the group. We cannot be blind to the advantage which must accrue to New Zealand, and. particularly to Auckland, by the point of connection in Fiji remaining at Kadavu, so long as steam communication with Levuka is maintained by the Star of the South. The mail steamers, if calling at Levuka, must come into competition with our local service, and much of the trade now coming to Auckland would probably go to Sydney. Since the discontinuance of Webb's Californian service the public of Auckland have been brought to recognise the value of the route in a way more convincing than pleasant by the protracted and uncertain delivery of letters via Suez. We hail with satisfaction the commencement of the new .service with such guarantees of success as have already been given. The promptitude of the contractors in commencing, and in obviating by the charter of a special steamer an inconvenience an 4 loss of ten days in the

despatch of our correspondence, which we | had almost prepared our minds for, has, iv tho outset, won the favour and good wishes , of the people of Auckland, and we are convinced, that a reasonable amount of punctuality and promptitute only is re quired to secure for the service a popularity | that will bring with it trade for the steamers, and render the route the one most largely . adopted by wealthy travellers between the ' Australasian colonies and United Kingdom. ]

The leading members of the various Auck land troupes of minstrels will give a compli mentary benefit concert to Mr D. T. Fox, on Monday evening next, at tho Choral Hall. A splendid programme is in prepara tion, to which we shall refer to-morrow.

At the annual general meeting of the Auckland Stock and Mining Association, held in the Insurance Buildings yestorday, for the purpose of appointing officers, Mr J. Newman was elected chairman ; Mr J. P. Dv Moulin, deputy-chairman and treasurer ; and the following gentlemen to serve on the committee — Messrs Garlick, Saunders, Walker, Prater, Mowbray, and Hunter. A vote of thanks to the chairman and the secretary (Mr J. F. Clark) brought the meet ing to a close.

The excellent troupe of minstrels and actors was again successful at the Prince of Wales theatre with songs and character dances. The various performers, with their varied talent, won the greetings and good-will of the well-filled house. The lively songs and duets of Miss Watson and Mr Braham were justly encored. Mr Mat Riley was exceed ingly funny in his Hibernian effusions ; and Messrs O'Brien and Baker wero equal to their negro songs and dances ; while Madame Blanche and Mons. Hamew drew down the plaudits of the spectators by their astonish ing feats on the trapeze.

A most successful meeting in connection with the Band of Hope was held in the Wcsleyan Chapel, Wainku, on Monday evening, Sth inst. The room was adorned with temperance mottoes and the usual decorations. The place was filled. Mr W. Kerr, of Springfield, was called to the chair. Daring the evening the following pieces were ably sung by a choir, accompanied by a harmonium:—"Come and Join Us," " Sparkling Water," " Bright is tho Wine," ''Our Bands of Hope," " Boauteous Spark ing Strcnm," "The Temperance Call," "Our Safeguard Sing," "Cod Save the Queen." A reading was given by Mr Wm. Barriball, and a recitation by Master Hariy Hockin. The following gentlemen were tho speakers : —Rev. Mr Can-,'Mr Maunders, of Mauku ; Mr W. Morgan, of Pukekoho ; and Messrs Hedge and Green, of Waiuku. During the meeting twenty persons signed the pledge, mote than half|adults; someof them were well known settlers of Waiuku. The importance of establishing a Good Templar Lodge was urged by the Chairman and Mr Morgar, both of whom were of opinion that a large number might be induced to join such a society. That temperance principles are spreading in tho above place is evident from the fact that the barrels of beer sent from Onehunga by boat are not so numerous as they once were

Tho breezy suburb of Dedwood, or Pon sonby, is certainly progressing, there can be no doubt of that. The houses of the people lie round about the little ominences like pictures of peace and beauty. The young men of the neighbourhood have within these few days established a cricket club, and named it the Ponsonby Cricket Club." It already musters a goodly array of members, with Stanuns Jones, Esq., as president, and Mr W. Townshend secretary and treasurer. We learn that already a challonge has been accepted from the West End Cricket Club, and the match is to come off at an early date.

To the Editor : Sir, —Since tho establish ment of highway boards in this province it has sometimes uncharitably perhaps been stated that their proceedings have, either by their conduct as bodies as or as in dividuals, resulted in tho improvement of their own properties to the utter neglect of the general require ments and desired progress of the district under their control. However inapplicable to other cases, it may at any rate at present be truly spoken of the Dedwood or Ponsonby Highway Trustees, who, I might add, were elected on a general impression that matters would receive a fairer and more public consi deration than had hitherto been done. But it is otherwise. They havo been elected now about six months, (half the term of office) and the only apparent piece of work at tempted to be performed is a cutting of a most senseless nature on a road passing by the Chairman's residence, which is situated at the remotest part of the district. The naturally level formation of the ground just at this point, and extending for a consider able distance on each side of it, in all reason and economy forbids the necessity for the slightest improvement or alteration beyond a small pathway of scoria, there being no traffic except by foot by literally one or two residents. It is further separated from the main road by other roads, which though deserving (if any require improvement in this neighbourhood) of more consideration than the one which is the subject of this letter, have been entirely overlooked by this per sonally representative chairman. He no doubt regards a gigantic and unnecessary cutting in an isolated part of the district, and not approached by any improved road, as a j public improvement calling for the approbation of ratepayers. But such is notf the case, and I would ask the ratepayers o Ppnsonby to pay this part of the district of which I speak an immediate visit, to see the, wanton waste of their rates. Any expensive improvements about this part of the district must be wanton and absurd, as its necessities do not require any expenditure. It is hardly possible that such foolish expenditure could have the unanimous sanction of the remain ing members of the Board of Trustees, but if so it be a most incapable and selfish set of men have unwisely and with too undeserving confidence been chosen. —I am, &c, Anti waste.

Mr Macready's remarks would seem to apply'to English, if not to colonial Good Templars "judging from the following para graph which appeared in the Manchester Courier,;—" On Thursday, at the. City Police-court, before Mr ; Headlam, a man named Archibald R.GuUan, of Swansea, ap peared on bailin reply *_'p a charge or drunken ness. The case was before the court on the previous day, when Police-constable George Goodwin (A division) said that at 11.45 on Tuesday night he found the prisoner drunk in Deansgate.*.._He had fallen down on his face, and on being questioned as to where' he ( came from he said that he was an iron merchant of Swansea, and a "Good Templar attending a conference in Manchester." He also said that he was staying at the Trevel yan hotel. A search of his pockets revealed the fact that he was in possession of several Good Templar publications and "rules," as well as a bottle of brandy. The accused was bailed out from the police-station, but failing to appear at the police-court on Wednesday morning the case was adjourned for a day, Mr Headlam remarking that if the defendant did not appear on that day a warrant would be issued for his apprehension. On Thurs day the defendant appeared before tho mag istrate, and was fined 10s Gd, or seven days' imprisonment,

. To 'the Editor : Sir, —Was there not ah' order some four months since from tho Post master-General directing that the sorting of mails on a Sunday should be abolished, and no work done on that day in any post-office in New Zealand, and particularly referring to the English mail. I believe lam correct in saying that that order of the Postmaster- General was totally disregarded by the Post master of Auckland on the arrival of the last English mail, and that all the clerks were summoned on Sunday, the 30th of November, and kept at the Post-office till the mail was sorted, therebj preventing all of them attending divine service that forenoon. Yours truly, Peter Simple. [Without making any enquiry regarding the correct ness of our correspondent's statements we certainly think the postmaster is justified in relaxing general orders under exceptional cir cumstances. Auckland waits for English letters suliicieutly long under any circumstances without having to suiter unnecessary delays. The clerks will scarcely, we should imagine, suffer so seriously in their moral characters from the omission of one Sunday service while we see exemplary Christians negl«ct so many without having an important public duty to plead as an excuse. —Ed. __.&.]

We have this afternoon had the privilege of inspecting one of the most interesting collections of stereoscopic views of the most romantic and beautiful scenes in the South Sea Islands, photographs of islan ders and native curiosities, on board the Jessie Niccol, that we have ever wit nessed. The artist. (Mr Smith) has tra velled thouaands of miles in quest of the objects whose characteristic and life-like features he has brought to Auckland. The curiosities comprise native-wrought articles of domestic use and wear among the islanders, their costume, goods, weapons of war, and a hundred other manufactured things, such as mats, head and body dresses, and ornaments of bone, shell, and fibre. As this wonderful museum of gatherings will be duly shewn at the forthcoming exhibition at the Mechanics' Institute we need only state the fact that these things will form one of its greatest at tractions.

The Good Templars of Auckland will hold an open meeting this evening in the Albert street Temperance Hall, when the public will be admitted free of charge. The enter tainment will consist of varied readings, recitations, ballads, and addresses.

A Royal Arch Purple Chapter meeting of the Royal Albert Loyal Orange Lodge will be held this evening in the Welleslcy-street lodge-room, Young Men's Christian Insti tute, at the usual hour

To-morrow afternoon a match- will be played on the North Shore cricket ground between au eleven of the North Shore Club, and au eleven chosen from the Auckland Bowing Club. The North Shore is now de cidedly recognised as our most charming suburban retreat, and we feel sure that our Auckland citizens will freely patronise it to morrow, and to the music of Mr Impey's well-known band digest Mr Goldie's straw berries and cream, while watching the deadly contest between our amateur aquatics (who have for to-morrow given up their favourite rowing practices) and the North Shore cricketers. Wickets will be pitched at 2.30.

The Lynch family of bell-ringers will open next Tuesday at the new Odd Follows' Hall, Lome-street. This family, who are on their way to America, bring with them from Australia and tho South a reputation of a high order, and have played at the Thames with great success. The programme includes a performance on 130 bells, selections being rendered from Norma, La Sonnambula, and other lirst-class operas, while the better known British ballads and songs are not overlooked. Mr Frank Verten, a comedian and dancer, who has appeared with success at the leading metropolitan and provincial theatres of England, is a member of the troupe, and appears in his char acter songs and ballads, giving life and variety to the entertainment. A laughable farce, in which the characters are sustained by Mr Verten and members of the Lynch family, concludes tho performance. Tins talented family havo not confined their attention to bells, but tho piccolo, concertina, piano, and Japanese fiddle arc with equal skill made to yield delightful music. There are hand-hells for ringing ; stand-bells for striking ; and clock-bells, tho mellow-toned music from which adds now depth and feel ing producing power to the works of our great composers.

To the Editor of the Evening Star : Sir, —Your toast and anchovies writer "Mr Greenstone," has undertaken to inform your roaders about who the Count of Cham bord is, but it strikes me that his own notions in the matter are a little unclear. It is true that he was a posthumous son of the Duke of Berri (the second son of the Duke of Artor's, afterwards Charles X.), but it is a perfect mistake that the Duke of Anqualeme (not Anqouline, as "Mr Greenstone" has it), the elder son, was dead on the occasion. On the contrary he sur vived both tho July revolution and Charles X., whom he followed in exile, and did not end his days before (if I am not much mis taken) 1844, when of course, in the eyes of all true Legitimists, the Count of Chambord became the rightful King of France. The latter, again, was born either in .1820 or 1821, which I dare to assert, although I have no official documents at hand to prove it by.—l am, &c, 8.M.0.

Sometime in course of yesterday iAn accident, occurred, 'twas said, Not far-from Shelly Beach-; l A -Woman, and-her infant; dead, jvVere.seen to'float towards the Bay,': "1 'And far'beyond their reach. »•»'* - A boat was manned by the polioe, Who, hearing that some one was drowned, Went out upon the deep ; When, 'stead of woman's form, they found What proved to be a salted fleece, And carcass of a sheep. •

Having finished anchovies and toast for breakfast we were physically prepared to welcome a visit from Mr Punch, who in variably exercises an invigorating influence upon the mental constitution. We listened inrapture to his moralisings in rhyme. A fine repast, and quite free from any approach to the vegetable-marrow philosophy of Solo mon Tupper. What can be more delicious in; the poetic line than this ? Were we spiritists we might believe that the spirit of Byron dictated tho lines—

But in fair nature's face I still behold '•. j What charms our ancient mother still discloses ; llie sun that crowns the mountain tops with gold • I The wind that laughs among the opening roses Is not earth fair as in the days of old ? ; Before men trembled at the laws of Mosei. Flat's communication on things in general is fragrant and spicy ; also, the house that John Built. The facoti» of Punch is admirable this week, especially the cricket. touches. We agree with Mr Punch that the bowling of the Auckland club will never be broken while the club has a little Cotton to mend it. Good Templarism seems to be working wonders among the old topers of the city. Again this morning not an inebriate presented himself at the PobTce Court.

Gourlay's exhibition in the City Hall was well patronised yesterday, and the evening performances gave general satisfaction. The polling for Otamatea resulted in the return of Mr McLeod. The numbers were • McLeod, 65; Hull, 50; McKenzie, 46 : and Hurndall, 42. ' '

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PRESBY TERIAN CHURCH.

YESTERDAY.—Continued.

sustentatiox fund. After a good deal of discussion on this sub ject the Rnv. Mr Wallace withdrew his motion, and the followinu resolution, pro posed by Mr Somuierville, wag carried :— " That a committee be appointed to examine the different suggestions made, or which may be made, for the establishment of a general SustentationEund, to prepare a scheme suited to the circumstances of tbe Church and colony, to take what .action they deem necessary to keep the matter before the mind of the Church, and report to tne next meeting of the Assembly." The following gentlemen were appointed to act as the committee, viz. : The Revs. Messrs Bruce, Hill, Macnicol, Macky, Norrie, Wallace, and Messrs Macffarlane, Stevenson, and Sommerville. ED ITCATTON. The Rev. David Bruce moved, "That a committee be appointed to watch over legis lation on the subject of education to take such action as may be deemed necessary." The following were appointed to act as the committee :—The Revs Messrs Macky, Hill, Macnicol, Bruce, Patterson. Elmslie. and Messrs Stevenson, Macffarlane, Sommer ville, Taylor, Turnbull, and Smith.

THIS DAY.

The Assembly met this morning at ten o'clock. The proceedings having been com menced with the usual devotion, the com mittee appointed on the previous evening to arrange for the Rev. Mr Paton paying visits to the different churches of the colony gave in their report, which was adopted. The re-diatribution of committees was then arranged, and the annual collections ap pointed for carrying out work and schemes of the Church.

On the motion of Mr Shirriff it was re solved "That the different collections be forwarded to the General Treasurer of the Church immediately after being made, and that the Treasurer be instructed to publish the particulars of each collection in tho Church News."

A vote of thanks was passed to tho Supei intendent for the use of the Council Chamber for the sedorunts of the Assembly.

A similar vote was passed to the represen tatives of the Press for tlieir accurate reports of the proceedings.

A vote of thanks was also passed to the families of the Presbyterians in Auckland for tlieir hospitality to the strangers who had come up to the Assembly.

The Yen. Rev. the Moderator then pro ceeded to deliver his closing address. Having given a compendious review of the business got through during the session, he referred to the questions which are now agitating the minds of men, and urged a fearless and impartial search after truth. At the oonclusion the Moderator g%ve notico that the next meeting of the Assembly would be in Wellington at the beginning of next Docember.

The Assembly then dispersed

CONCERT AT THE CHORAL HALL.

A grand amateur concert was given last i night at the Choral Hall in aid of the organ fund of St. Mary's Church, Parnell. The programme was an exceptionally good one, and drew together an excellent assemblage of the Auckland admirers of the muse of song. Mr J. Bealc conducted with his usual ability. The committee were for tunate in securing the assistance of most of the best amateur talent iv our city, and the result—as might havo been expected— was a -.ompletc success. The part songs were rendered by a choirof about forty voices, and with one exception, viz., "The Sea hath its Pearls," which was at times somewhat un steady, the whole of thorn wero executed with commendable precision and taste. The first part began with a fantasia " Sur les themes de Verdi," for two violins, violoncello, and pianoforte. The harmony and beautiful expression given to this piece by the various instrumentalists gave great satisfaction. A song, "Fairy Visions" by a lady contralto, was rendered in a manner that spoke the cultivated talent of the singer. The fanciful flights of melody in this morceait are very characteristic. Master Elkin, a pupil of Mr Beale, then gave a violin solo with piano accompaniment. This young gentlemen received an encore, and his performance does great credit to his instructor. A bass song, "The Whaler's of the Deep, Deep Sea," was then sung by a well-known amateur, but it was plain that the gentleman was suffering from indis position, and the performance was not up to the mark. The. old favourite duet, "What are the Wild Waves saying ?" which we do not recollect seeing on a concert programme for some years, followed. The two parts were taken by a lady and gentleman, who are both recognised as accomplished vocal ists. They received an encore. Song "The Curfew," contralto, came next. This was rendered tastefully and well by' a lady, and the skill displayed.in the rendering was rewarded by loud cheers. An instrumental performance by.Mr Beale and family was loudly applauded,- so much so that the talented musician had to come forward again. This concluded the first part. In the second, "La Nozze de Figaro" figured as the overture. This duet of Mozart's was skilfully manipulated by two of our favourite lady pianists. " Sunshine and Shadow," a duet of high-class com position, followed- This was a sweet addition to the programme, and the charm of the piece lost nothing in the hands of the admired lady vocalists, to -whom it.were committed. Glover's master-piece •f expressive melody, " The Blind Girl to her harp " was then sung in a most exquisitely appreciative style by a young lady, -who may, without doubt, be credited with having carried off the laurels of the evening.' To be just in our criticism of the rendering of this gem we should like to have heard a trifle more pain expressed in the part des criptive of the horrors of the battle field, but with this exception we must give the performance unqualified praise. The rich and mellow notes of which the voice of this lady is composed fell during the progress of this sweet production entrancingly upon the ears of tho audience. A furore of applause followed its conclusion, and an encore was loudly called for, but was not responded to.! We trust it will not be long before we again have the pleasure of listening to Miss P~_ • ■ The Bloom is on the Rye," a tenor song, was sung by one of our local baritones in,a dashing and brilliant manner which called forth a loud encore. The song, how ever, is not improved by being trans posed, and we might suggest to the performer not to add it as a [per manent item to his repertoira. A duet "Ah il ciel consenta," by two .T_£it B 'J* the last Piece we have to notice. With the exception of the " Blind Girl to her Harp " we cannot specify, anything that pleased us more than this nicely balanced piece of vocalism. The "concord of sweet sounds was here perfectly embodied, borne of the audience at the close acknow ledged their gratification by showering bouquets upon the fair chanteuses. We have not often heard in Auckland a better concert.

ARRIVAL OF THE S.S. STAR OF THE SOUTH.

LATEST FIJI f^JEWS

SHOCKING ACCIDENT AND COURA-

GEOUS RESCUE.

Late on Wednesday night Mr W. H. Lee, of Nomana, arrived in town, bringing with him a little Mayo boy about seven or eight years old, the child of some of his foreign labour, who was suffering from the effects of a shocking accident met with on Mr Lee's plantation. It seems that the poor little fellow was playing about the engine-house during the dinner hoiir, when by some means he was caught in the machinery, part of which was still working. As the motive power is water, and the streams at present all greatly swollen by recent rains, the entire stoppage was rendered impossible. Mr Lee, hearing the boy's cries, rushed to the spot, and, at a glance, catching the state of affairs, grasped the motive belt and threw it off the wheel, thereby stopping the machinery at the risk of his life. The poor little fellow, when extricated, presented a piteous spectacle —the left arm, from the wrist to above the elbow, being completely denuded of - flesh. Mr Lee, with great pi.6mptitude and pre sence of mind, secured;'the limb above the injury, and with such tools as were at his command took the arm. off and carefully bandaged the stump. Then placing the wounded child on board his boat he at once abandoned his plantation to get proper medical advice. Winds were against him, and it was with infinite labor that he gained a plantation, where he borrowed a row-boat, and brought the boy up to Levuka, at once seeking medical advice. The child now lies in the hospital, and we say, by authority, that the prompt and courageous action of his master alone saved his life.

It is rumoured on the beach, how true or false the statement may be we cannot say, that Commodore Goodenough has paid a visit to Galoa herbour, the proposed port of call at Kadavu for the San Francisco mail steamers, and has given an adverse opinion as to its suitability as a c?3ling station. If this be true the Commodore has expressed a similar opinion to the one held by many nautical men.

His Honor the Governor of Kadavu and the Provincial Secretary have been busy lately. Several excellent resolutions have been passed for the better governance of the province, and the Kadavu contingent has been raised, and may shortly be expected to be placed under the drill-instructor. There is no important news from this quarter. There are now fair prospects of a profitable trade being established, with New Caledonia. Already several vessels have found an excel lent market for their produce in Noumea, and still more may be done, as that country being a convict settlement must necessarily be a large consumer. We are authorised to state that arrange ments are on the eve of completion by which some twenty or thirty young-chiefs will be sent, at the cost of the Government, for education at the Mission Training Institution of Navoloa. Three years is proposed as the period during which they are to be thus under control, and the curriculum includes a thorough knowledge of the English language. We look on this experiment as a most im portant one, and sincerely hope that the anticipations as to its future beneficial effect will be verified.

It lias been suggested that the seeds of the croton oil plant, now a perfoct nuisance, and growing luxuriantly, might make a useful article of commerce. They are said to be worth 14s a bushel in Mincing Lane. From the Yassewas, Nadi, Taviuni, Koro, and indeed from all over the group we re ceive continual praises of the year's cotton crop, which experienced planters state to be tho finest both for quantity and quality they have seen; and, despite the low prices, planters are jubilant over their large supply and the prospects of a rise. From Savu Savu we learn that cotton looks well, and several planters in the bay are putting in ex perimental cane.

As the Alacrity was leaving the harbour on Thursday morning some interest was displayed on the beach by nautical men in what seemed a trial of speed between her and the Lurline. A short time ago the Lurline measured her strength against the ..Conflict, and "was victorious, and her good fortune followed her on this occasion, for she rapidly went to windward of the Alacrity,* and showed herself decidedly the fastest sailer of the two. The Lurline is a new addition to our mosquito fleet, yet she is rapidly making a name for speed. From Serua we learn that the late local excitement among the natives has cooled down, and that the district is quiet. Ratu William, of Deubu, has visited Beqa (i colo) with a number of people and held several meetings, indicating the advantages of law and religion. Ratu Napoleon, the Governor of Rewa, is at Namosi, in accordance with instructions from the Government, upon a similar mission. These visits seem to be doing great good. One numerous inland tribe, the " Burenitu," have "lotu'd" (embraced Christianity), and Korolailai and Namakovatu, two of the Batiwai towns, have followed the example. W Te learn that a well-known firm of hotel keepers on the beach have imported by the Herald a box of plants of the New Zealand flax, or "Phormium tenax," which will be tried on the plantation of one of the partners. The portion of Eldon Chambers to be oc cupied by the Fiji Banking Company has been, fitted up in the usual style of banks, with counters, ftc., and presents a very neat and business-like appearance. Government soldiers were on duty on Tuesday night and all day as sentries. We see by our commercial reports.that tapioca is already becoming an article of commerce. Dr. Seeman recommends it as a certain cure for dysentery,-and it certainly is a pleasant one. The tree will grow almost everywhere.

From Koro we learn that the cotton crop there is enormous, and the quality remark ably good. Not a trace of disease has appeared, and the weather is all that the most exact ing of planters could require. Cotton seems teherally to be remarkably abundant and ne.

The sugar " fever " is not, we are glad to learn, confined to the leeward districts of Fiji, but has extended to the windward islands also. At Lakeba one planter has been preparing his land for cane, and already has a large quantity under cultivation, and expects this season to have thirty or forty acres planted. <s From .some , young cane which he has tested with the saccharometer the most gratifying results were oblained. An experienced planter gives us a wrinkle, which we hasten to make known. Pea-nuts when roasted, well browned, ground, or crushed, yield a beverage somewhat resem bling chocolate, of excellent flavour, and :hose who have tried it say far superior to the inferior qualities of coffee which come to us in tins. One enthusiast drinks' nothing else, and despises coffee and tea. The idea may be serviceable to many an outlying settler who has run out of his favourite beverage and does not know when or how to replace it.

We understand that after ashorttim-.' 4 or two court-martials having to he W ?? b Rosanowill leave this port for the he ' Islands, and New Guinea. bolomoa The cultivation of tobacco and i utp >~ been commenced at various plantations Lhe Gazelle advocates the cultiv,« bananna for the fibre. It \Z It™ of glad to learn that Dr Clarkson has ,I„! *re to New Zealand one or two parcels 0^ P Plant to be tested there ; and we are t^ to be in a position to state that the S? ment has proved most successful Tu~ specimens sent by Dr. Clarkson have'lit* manipulated by Messrs Fraser and Tim, of Auckland, the inventors of -Osta' dressing machine, and their report 5 the results is most satisfactory Tk hbre which has been turned out b'v th. is reported to be both fine and stroi ,!". they are now engaged in manufactuS machinery for Dr. Clarkson, wSj it is expected will be completed anS forwarded to Levuka by the n*xfc t2 of the Star of the South, f or fe purpose of commencing operations in th, industry. The machinery is not of an £ pensive kind, and if the experiment of D." Clarkson should prove successful, as weliJl no doubt it will, we hope that other mJZI will shortly emulate his laudable examnle H.B M.S. Blanche, which left here onV 20th ult., called at .Suva on her way to the islands. Fpr four.hours she waited outside for a pilot, -but as none put in an appearance she entered the,,port under steam. Whilst at Suva her officers were entertained by Messrs Brewer and Joske, who showed them over the plantation, and the large sugar crushing mills which have just been erected

ENGLISH TELEGRAMS.

(PER S.S. HERO.)

LONDON.

November 30. The trial of the Claimant is again proceed ing. Theovidence of John Line, who deposed that he had been steward of the barque Osprey, and remembered the Claimant bein» rescued from a boat off the Brazilian coast in the spring of 1854, has been contradicted by American witnesses.

SINGAPORE.

December 2.

News from Cape Coast Castle, under date Sth November, states that Sir Game Wolsley has met with an obstinate resistance, but that he has utterly routed the Ashanteeg. Forty-three British soldiers have been wounded during the conflict.

The French steamer Villehavre came into collison with another vessel, and received injuries which caused her to sink. 22G per sons were drowned. .

The bombardment of Carthagena is bein» carried on with great energy. The battened of the insurgents are replying vigorously to the cannon of the besieging forces.'

Senor Castelor has consented to give; up. the Virginius and the survivors, and to sub mit the legality of the capture to a mixed tribunal. If it should be decided that Spain has acted illegally he will submit; to the payment of damages assessed by arbitration —the arbitrator to be the Sovereign of one of the Great Powers.

A duel has been fought by Baron Yon Manteuffel and Count Gobeen. The latter is seriously wounded.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Tins Day,

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

JUDGMENTS FOR PLAINTIFFS.

Golconda Gold Mining Company v. John McGeehan (Mr Thome for plaintiff). Claim, calls, £4 10s ; Brown, Barrett and Co. v.; W. Newman (Mr Brock for plaintiff and Mr J. B Russell for ..defendant), claim, £17 lis 3d, goods, 1-Os weekly ; C. Franckot v. G. R. Chapman, claim, £3 ss, cash lent; and Frank Williams v. Carl Hoffman, claim, £0 Gs, r for a supply of oysters.

'THOS. PARK V. RICHARD SMYTH. Claim, £1 13s.

Mr Hesketh appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Joy for defendant.

In this claim, which was for alleged "dam age done to' plaintiff's hedge by defendant's bullocks, .'i.i.i. ,

Thos. Parr deposed that on the 30th No vember defehdaht's cattle broke down his quickset hedge and got on to his land, and for which damage defendant agreed to com pensate him, but had not done so. The t cattle were a nuisance to him, and he ap peared in Court with the view of obtaining a remedy.

( To "Mr Joy: His hedge was a living hedge, made of quickset, but not a three-rail feace. Richard Smyth ■ deposed that plaintiff's land was not properly fenced. There, were' two places of about eight feet long where cattle could go through uninterruptedly. i Mr Joy suggested that his client should concede the 13s, which referred to a former date; but not the pound, as the fence was. not then substantially formed according to the spirit of the Impounding Act; and for the latter amount plaintiff could not legally claim damages. Samuel Smyth graphically described the paddock and the fence, stating that the fence was very sound in some places, -but there was a creek, and through that creek the cattle would naturally go after the fresh

grass. - To Mr Hesketh: He was brother to tho defendant. His brother might pay if he liked, but he,_ for i his part, would have brought an action against Mr Parr. Mr Hesketh wished to call the son of Mr Parr but Mr Joy objected. >: Edward John Parr was then examined, and stated that the " big field" was fenced sufficiently to keep their cattle in. On the first of December Mr Smyth's bullocks broke through the fence. Smyth was in the habit of turning his bullocks but of a night hungry, and then they would do anything. . They were dangerous, '*■'.' To Mr Joy.: The fence was an importation from New South Wales. There were many things not in the Impounding Act that ought to be there. Every foot of the fence was properly fenced right down to the creek. But the bullocks were turned out hungry; and if a lawyer was hungry he would break in anywhere after something to eat. Counsel having addressed the Court on both sides, ' ' , A,-

His Worship reserved judgment. JANE MACDONALD ». THOMAS PAUL,

.Claim, £7 10s.

Mr Laishley appeared for plaintiff. . -Am Jane Macdonald deposed that she was a widow, and that on the 14th November de fendant's wife with her two children took, lodgings at her house.". She brought the sewing-macbine, the subject of the present action, with her. She left in December, and'l as she owed for some board she left the machine. She, gave her £1 j 15s over what was due. for board, • and took the machine. Mr Worms was a witness to the transaction, and saw her, pay ; the balance. On the Monday' "following defendant came and enquired if she had. left any clothes behind. Mr Paul was outside. She went to look for the clothes, and when she returned defendant and machine were; missing. She made at once to the police

THE EVENING STAB, FRIDAY, BEC»MBB_l 12 18YS



pHEISTMAS HOLIDAYS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. Are now holding their usual CHE A P S'A L E OF DRAPERY & CLOTHING At their Premises BUILDINGS. THE SALE IS NOW ON, And will continue during the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. Queen street. AUCKLAND CRICKET CLUB. AN Alphabetical Match will be played on the Ellerslie Ground on Saturday, ■13th instant ; wickets pitched at 2.16 p m. A 'Bus will leave the Corner of Queen and Short land streets at 1.30 p m sharp. SEASON MATCHES. A.C.C. v. A.U.O C. Married v. Single A C.C. v. North Shore A.C.C. v. Perambulators Married v. Single (Return) A.C.C. v. Warehouses , a'A.C.C. v. A.U.C.C. (Return) A.C.C. v. Country. , V:,'! H. E. COTTON, ;-: ■ ' Hon. Sec. M O ¥ OPENED EX HYD"AS PE S, A MAGNIFICENT ASSORTMENT OF CHILDREN'S, GIKLS' AND LADIES' TUSCAN, LEGHORN, & STRAW HATS, MEN'S & BOYS, DITTO DITTO, VERY CHEAP. SILK SUNSHADES, MUSLIN COLLARETTES LACE TIES . Etc., Etc., Etc. GENTLEMEN'S SUMMER CLOTHING, BOYS' & YOUTHS' DITTO. A CHOICE LOT OK BOYS' KNICKERBOCKER SUITS IN VARIOUS MATERIALS ,t STYLUS, ALPACCA COATS (BLACK & COLORED), WHITE DRKSS SHIRTS, Etc., Etc., Etc RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, WHOLW-ALV. AND RKTAIL Dl-API-US., CI,OTI.I!_RN, <*fcO. JUNCTION DIIAFERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Que cx -street, Auckland. CAT N.B.— Parties in the country favouring R. <fe B. with their orders may dot end upon their receiving careful atten ion and despatch. Patterns, See., forwarded post c W~AI %^O~COALS "(the best'in use for Household purposes). For Sale in ots to suit buyers at the Timbor Yard Government Wharf, Onehunga. Orders can be left at the office. JAMES-W. WALLER, ' Custom House-street. Auckland.