SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUJT-8BT: ThU evening, 7.5 STHST-BISB: To morrow morning, 4.40 HIGH WATBK ; This evening, 11.38; to-snowfw morning, 12

ARRIVALS.

Throne, as, from Sydney Go-ahead, ss, from Taranaki .■Dauntless, schooner, Miller, from New Caledonia

DEPARTURES.

Fiery Cross, schooner, for Napier

IMPORTS. ]?er s.s. Phcehefrom Sydney, inManukau : 1 case, Nelson ; 1 parcel, J. Buchanan ;39 cases fruit, Marshall: and 294 tons for South.

EXPORTS.

Per Fiery ' Cross : 50 cases schnapps, Nathan and Co. ; 33,000 feet timber, M. Niccol; 3,000 feet timber, Eoborton and. Co, ; 6,000 bricks, Combes and Daldy; 10 ; boxes soap, Warnoek ; 1 trunk, McArthur, Shorn, and Co.; 25 cases whiskey, Cawkwoll and Co. ; 1 case saddlery, Owen and Graham; 10 pieces-timber, J. W. Waller; 194 do., .J. S. Macfarlano ; 40,000 shingles, J. Short. —M. Mccol, agent.

The N.Z.S.S.ICo.'s s.s. Pficebe, H. Worsp, commander, arrived off the Mamikau Heads at eight o'clock last night, and crossed the bar at daylight this morning. She left Syd ney at 7 p.m. on the 2nd instant, with strong easterly breeze, -which -gradually increased to a heavy gale, accompanied by a heavy head sea and thick blinding rain till Tuesday the 9th, from whence fine weather till arrival Passengers,^Saloon—For. Auckland : Miss Hunger, Messrs: tPassmore, Blagden . (2), Evans and Maepherson. > .For : Mrs and Miss McKay, Bey. Mr.'Tait and Miss Caldwell. For Wellington *MrT. A. Pang. For Lyttelton : Mr and Mrs Scaly, Mr A. S; Barton. For Dunedin : Mrs Day and ehitd, Messrs Dansey (2), Galbraith (2), Johnson. Steerage—For Auckland : Mrs James and child, Messrs Carmichael and Lee. For Nelson :Mr T-aylor. For Dnncdin : Messrs Smith and Ordeman. We are indebted to Mr Willcooks, purser, for report, files and other favors. The Prima Donna, schooner, has arrived at Lyttelton from Auckland, via Wangaroa. The sohooner Golden Isle sailed for Russell this morning. The Star of the South may now be hourly expected from the Fijis. After the launch of the Fawn yesterday a mo,tch for £2~);a-sidc, round Tiri Tiri, was arranged between the new cutter, and the cutter Undine. The race is to come off on Saturday -week, and is looked forward to with much interest. The barques , Helens and Dovercourt, which sailed from Melbourne, for Newcastle, N.S.W., on Nov. 27, in ballast, had only got a few miles down the bay when they fouled each other. Both vessels were beating down against a light southerly wind, and when off Brighton the Helens ran into the Dovercourt, striking her just on the port bow, and letting abundant* daylight into the fore hold. For tunately, however, the Dovercourt was not cut down below the water line, and was enabled to sail back to the bay. She seems to have had a hard crack, a great deal of her outside and deck planking forward having been started. The Helens had her jibboom carried away, and her cutwater, and had also one or two planks started on tho star board bow. Both vessels were in charge of pilots, and an examination into the causes of the accident will bo made without delay by the Pilot and Marine Boards.— Argus, November 28. .. . " -

The barque Hazel Home, hence, arrived at Newcastle on the 25th nit.

* ThoT.S.N. Co.'3 s.s. Go-ahead, Captain McGillivray, arrived at Onehunga this room ing at eight o'clock. She loft hero at 5.30 p.m. on the Sth, and arrived off Waitara at 9 a.m. on the 9th, and in the river at noon ; left again the following day at 1 p.m., arriving here as above. Experienced light variable winds with fine woathor through out. Passengers: Mr W. Bayly and two natives. Cargo: 40 head of cattlo and 25 sheep, W. Bayly. Tho'brig Towor Hill, "hence, arrived at Melbourne on the 28th ult. The" Fanny Kelly, ketch, has cleared out wards for Opotiki with a general cargo of stores, &c., shipped by various firms. The Fiory Cross also cleared for Napier with cargo as per exports.

COMMERCIAL.

PROVISION MARKET. COLONIAL PRODUCE. JkryiNG Priojcs, Corrected by Auckland Dealers. s. d. s. d. 9 d. «• tl Butter,per Ib. 0 8-0 10 Ducks,pair.. 3 o—s o Checae (now) 0 s—o Gi Gocso, each 4 o—s 0 Eggg, perdoz. 0 B—o 0 Turkoys .. 3 o—4 0 Lard porlb. 0 7—o 0 Canterbury Bacon & Hams Fowls, pair.. 3 o—s*o (baro) .. 0 0-0 S Good Saltßuttor, o—o 3 Do (in cloth) 0 SJ-0 !)} Canter. Cheese. CJ—O 8 Auckland. 0 5-0 7 Hams, 9d to 10-$ d per lb. Retail Pjuoes, Farm and Dairy Product?. a. d. s. d. 8. d g. d. Milk, per qt. 0 Oto •5 I Ducks each 5 0-60 Butter (fresh) 0 8-010 | Geese, each 5 o—o 0 Cheese (now) 0 B—l 0 Turkoys, por 5 0-73 Erbs, per doz. 0 10—0. 0 Bacon, por lb. 0 B—O 10 Lard, porlb. 0 0-0 0 Hams .. .. 0 9-1 0 Fowls, pair.. 4 0-0 0 Salt Butter.. 1 o—l 3 Butchers' Meat. Beof, porlb. 0 4—o 7 | Pork, por lb. .. ..0 0 Mutton- ".; 0 4—o 6-1 Veal.. .. ....0 0 BREADSTUFFS..; J ,k ;\ SJFLOTJR. •WHOLESALE. Millers' Price, per ton—lst quality.. .... .. £17 Fine Flour—household £14 Adelaide Flour. ,-,... ..,. I'* 1? Canterbury £13 to £14 gg£Seconds, £12. Sharps, £710a •■■•>•'- Bakers' Price, per lb ..'.. .. ;.. .... .'.3d. Bran, Is Cd per bushel.:' Bread, per 21b. loaf, 4d to 4M.] Maizo, crushed and whole,-4s6dto*ss .... ;, ~ < WSMZ3 BISCUIT. Cabin Biscuit, per 1001b, ' .... .. .. detail, 22s MAIZE, OATS, POTATOES, ETC. "WHOLESALE. ' ■ Maize, 5s ; inforior, 4s Cd " - < Gats, 6s 6d per bushel. Potatoes, £3 to £3 10s per ton.. New Potatoes, £5 to £0 tli ! ■■ :■ ■ ■-, :< ■ -'■•. «■■< ----- -Hay, £2 to £4 10s per ton. ~.,.. -;. Straw, £'210a to £3 per ton. ~ Chaff, £010s per ton. ,: . w-liUv ■ RETAIL. | Maize, 5s Cd to 5s Od per bushel; crushed, 5s Cd; , Oats, Cs per bushel. -;• >i '■ i; Potatoes, 4s Cd por cwt.; now, 7s to 8s Hay, cwt., 4s to Ca. Straw, 4s to os per cwt. Chaff, 7a;od to 8s per cwt. KAURI GUM AND FLAX MAEKBT. y The following aro tlio prices in the Auckland market:— ■ .-, ~ <j ■ . , . ; ■Gum—"Well scraped, best quality .. .. £30 to £32 Ordinary sorts .. .. v. .. ..£29 to £30 Fx-AX.—Finest quality .. .. £21 to £22 Second ditto .. £14 to £2Q Tow £7, to £8. — BUILDING MATERIALS. Timber.—Boards1 and scantling, 100 ft, 9s to 15s , at mills, 10s 6d; planed, tongued, and grooved, lla Cd to 17s New Zealand palings, 6-fcet/ 10s ; O-foet, 12s ; ti tree rails, £2165t0£3 per 100 ;purirl posts, £5 per 100 ; shingles, 8s to 18s per 1000; .Hocart Town palings, 6ft., 17s; Cft., 193 ; Hobartown rails, 75s COAL AND FIREWOOD MAEKBT. Coal.—Newcastle, on Wharf, nominal; delivered 50a per ton. Bay of Islands, on board ships in port, 25s per ton, delivered 35s ; ditto at tho mines, 10s per Firewood.—Uncut, 14s per ton, delivered : cut I6s per ton, delivered. SrDtfEY. —The, Sydney Morning Herald of December 2 reporta :—Business in the import markets was duller to-day than is usual even on mall days. Wo only' heard of a small*sale of Patna rice at £20. i Mossrß Bradley, No-wton, and Lamb sold by

auction a shipment of kauri timber, ex Phoebe, at 15s to 23s per 100 feet; candles, lid to 11 id for best brands ; second quality, 10:kl to 10M : caustic soda,'£27 10s ; forced sales sardines, low figures ; quarters only worth ,5s Gd ; halves, 10s; lobster, 12s; Kent hops, firmly held, Is 3d to Is 9d ; brandies firmer j Hcnnessy's case, 28s 3d to 295 ; MarteH's bulk, 'Ss Gd ; bottled beer inactive, 10s Od to lls Gd. Sugar: On the 21st a large portion of the shipment ex Parana was quitted—yellows at £34 to £3G, white counters at £30 12s 6d to £37 17s Gd, brewing crystals at £30 15s to £37, whites at £37 10s to £38 17s Gd. The cargo of Honolulu sugar ex Helene was quitted this week at £23 to £28 10s for low to good rations, £30 10s to £33 15s for yellows. Tea.—This is the second season that importing has proved a loss to our tea merchants, who aro now unable to obtain cost and charges. , Tobacco.—Holders of line twistsare very firm—agents roquire la 7d for raven, and Is Gd for cable. Cigars unaltered.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

MAXLS will Close a.3 Under :—

For Thames, this day, at 5.80 p.m., and to-raovrow, at 10.30 a m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandol, on Friday, at 1.30 p.m. For Tavauaki, Wanganui, and Wostporfc, per Go ahead, to-morrow, :it 2 p m. For Mnhnrangi, Matakuna, Mangawai, Waipu, &c, ■ per Lady Bowen, on Saturday next, at 10 a in For Napier, Wellington, and Wnugm.ui, per St. Kild.-x, on Saturday next, at 2 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Ladybird, on Monday next, at 2 p.m. For New Caledonia, per Mariner, on Saturday next, at 11 a.m. Per s.s. l'htobc, on Saturday, 33th inst., as under :- For Australian Colonies), at S p.m. For Fiji, Sandwich Islands, United Stutcs of America, Canada, Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign AVest Indies, at 8 p.m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco, at 8 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at !> p.m. N.B.— The Post-oiHce at Churchill lias been re opened. A Post-oflico will bo opened at "Whakatane on the lit January next. (Signed) 8. C. Bibs. Chief Pontmnntor.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1873.

Jfor tho cause that lacks aasistanco, ■ For the wrong that needs resistance. For tho futuro in tho distance, And tho Rood that wo can do

As will be soon from another column the new Provincial Executive was formed yes terday and accepted office under Mr Wil liamson. As some of the members are new to harness, and even his Honor himself has only recently resumed the reing of oiftco, it will not be expected' that measures can be in any way matured for submitting them to the Provincial Council on" Tuesday next. In other circumstances the meeting of Council would have been delayed, but owincj to the necessity imposed by law that the session should now bo hold, tho Council ■wilj probably be asked to voto a small sup ply and adjourn till after tho holidays.

We have received the following letter for insertion with reference to the roadway on the south side of the Grammar School re serve iin Symonds-'street. We understand Mr Fenton is fit present absent from the city, and on his return we shall be happy to publish whatever he. may ( be pleased to say on the subject in, question :— " Sir, —In yours of ...this evening you admit that yon 'were under the impi'ession alluded to;' viz., that I was the writer or inspiror of certain articles in the Herald, and that therefore my pen had been set in motion on account of a certain road, with the -creation of which I was supposed to be personally and profitably connected. I beg to,state that I have neither directly nor indirectly wiiitton or inspired anything on the subject of! tho Improvement Commissioners which may have appeared iia any paper since the mooting of Assembly. Jn my. place in the Assembly I fought the Commissioners openly —not in the lobbies, where their myrmidons were— and when I mean again to light with them it will not bo under the editorial mask. I leave my objections in tho Assembly and thoir actions on the ground to be judged of by the public. On these I have no more to say. But I liavcafdw words to say on the dastardly attempt to impute a motive to my action in reference to these Improvement Commis sioners. This imputation I have heard of before as coming from Mr Commissioner Fenton through the Secretary of the Com missioners—-I mean in reference to a certain road alluded to in yours of Monday. That road, situated on the south sido of the Grammar School reserve, was a legal road long before I came to the province of Auck land, and I challenge the Commissioners, or any other person, to 'contest that right of ro;ul in any court of law, and not by means of the underhand insinuations which have hitherto been made use of. A newspaper's columns aro not the placo to give evidence of .a legal and equitable title. I would how ever suggest that you might (whilst on the track of motives) enquire who rented from tho Domain Hoard curtain corner sections winch would bo greatly benefited by the new road dosired to bo made through the Grammar School reserve ns a continuation to Symonds-fitreet, of what is known as Feufcon-: street. Pacts rtro much uglier things than insinuations, and facts I have no foai* of, but remain yours, T. B. Gh.i.iks.".

\Ve have received another exceedingly im pertinent letter from Mr'T. I>. ITannafoid, in wliich ho states " ( have been offered tlic platform to morrow night at the 'I'emj brance Hall, and I'll ho hanged if 1 don't go and wire into youall." Wohavoactod witheonsidemblc indulgence towards Mr Hannaford, and knowing his eccentiioitioa we have given him pardon for much, But really he is «oiny a little too far, and this must stop. Wo do not know if his terriblethroatrespect ing tho Temperance Hall to-morrow ni<;lit will bo carried out, but if ho we shall endeavour to survive it. At the same time wo cannot say that wo consider that Good Toßiplarism has improved Mr Hannaford, and we -really liked him better when he used to make periodical visits to the Police Court, and then to this ofliee entreating us to keep his name out. Then he had but one object against whom the warmth of his feelings was manifested— that was Mr George StaiucR —and whon we used to interpose and prevent the ap pearance in print of what would have made Mr Stainea or any other man almost take Mr Ilannaford'a life, ho used to go away in a kind of maundering tender ness towards mankind in general and our selves in particular. Now, however, since ho has taken to cold water it has ovidently disturbed his humours and made him feel savago all around. Wo have no doubt that by perseverance Mr Ifannaford's physical system will become habituated to tha new order of things, and even although Good Templariam so far has decidedly had a bad ofl'cot on him, wo still advise him to perse vere, believing that in the course of time bin liver will tako kindly to the simple beverage. In the meantime, while in this wild transition state, wo would recommend his (lood Tem plar friends to keep Mr Hannaford undor mild restraint. Mr Ffaunaford in bin letter upbraids us with ingratitude, and says, " I knew the time when the Star was only too glad to receive my communications. No ono knows hotter than yourself that a timoly letter from me has on more than ono occasion saved your journal from being yawned over." Wo do not recollect tho time to which Mr Hannaford refors. Our recollection dates, however, only from the first twinkling of the luminary, and during that short poriod we oan testify to two circumstances, first that our. columns have not been regarded at any time us productive of "yawns;" and secondly, that at no time have we ever regarded Mr Hannaford's letters as being other thaii a nuisance and a bore. We have always looked upon him, and another news paper correspondent, assent onusfor oursins, and we have bowed meekly beneath the aillicfcion as one eminently calculated to pro mote our mental welfare But really since Mr Hannaford has become an Apostle of Tempicranco, and expends his rage on all around, we must drop him. Wo shall -receive no more of his lettors; and from the tone and temper of his last we would 'seriously recommend his frionds to look after him. i

As will bo seen from another column ono trip to and from North Shore will bo omitted to-day and to-morrow in consequence of the temporary laying up of tho Enterpriso, ferry steamer. It is, however, at an hour at which very few .persons are travelling. ' ■

Bank of Now Zealand shares were quoted in Sydney on December 2 at £17.

We call special attention to Mr-Wood ward's advertisement elsewhere respecting his Christmas cakes for all classes of the com munity. We.have seen a specimen of these cakesi and can assure our readers that though '' unadorned and plain," they are of excellent quality, mado from the best material and exactly suitable, for those families who profer the substance to the shadow; arid love genuine digestiblo Christ mas cako, made after the good old style.

The amateur concert, for the purpose of purchasing and placing an organ in St. Mary's Church,. Parnell, will tako place this evening in tho Choral Hall. An excellent programme of the ballads and selections appears in our advertising columns. Tho entortainmont will open with a beautiful fantasia with violin^ ;violoncolla, and piano forte accompaniment, to bo followed by a chorus of female voices ) a very' sweot song entitled " Fairy Visions," which invariably meete with a: loud reception.1 We notice also that tho very touching melody by J. E. Carpenter, /'What are tho Wild Waves Baying ?" will be sung by a lady and gentle man. This pathetic ballad was founded upon an incident in the writings of Charles Dickons, and alone is worth the price of admission. .The following ballads—all, or them popular —will bo given in the course of the evening, namely, "The Curfew," "The Sea Hath'its Pearls," "The Blind Girl to her Harp," " Come let us'all a Maying go," and " The Bloom is on the Eye." Apart, from these delightful songs there will be performed overtures, duets, solos, and part songs. Tho whole will bo under the oon ductoi'.sliip of Mr J. Bcalo, and consequently, considering tho programme, a most ontor taining concert will bo tho result.

IThe extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Union Sash and Door Company was held at the office of Mr T. L. White, Canada Buildings, Queen -street, this afternoon. Mr Joseph Howard in the chair. Tt was moved* and carried unanimously, " That this meeting concurs in the action taken by the directors in the appointment of 13130 of the unallotted shares at a premium of £2 per share, such shares to be only issued to present shareholders who should send in their applications before the Ist of January next. This was the whole of the business.

The Queen's Variety Troupe at the Prince of Wales Theatre last night was the scene of much gratification and pleasure. The acting and singing of Miss Lizzie Watson formed the. theme of general commendation ; and the warblings of Mr Braham, the famous London Star comiquc, elicited long and fre quent cheers. The performance of Madame Blanche, and Messrs O'Bricn, lliley, Baker, and Monsieur Hamcw were all admirable in their varying characteristics.5 The (Queen's Variety Troupe is excellent in every respect, and' fully equal to its claims.

We learn that Mr Buckland has resolved to hold l.is hay sales at the Market-house, and.is contemplating holding his cattle sales there also. The latter venture will depend probably upon the success of the Brat.

A meeting of the Auckland Improvement Commissioners was held yesterday after noon in the offices, Albert Barracks. Present —Ilia Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Capt. Ilcale, Messrs Stannus Jones, and Thomas Macready. The amount of l)usiness before the meeting was small—first to con sider a letter from the Gas Company, offer ing to lay mains and provide gas according to terms ns previously arranged between the company and the City Council, which were accepted. On the motion of Captain Heale, seconded by Mr Jones, it awis agreed —" That tho legal notices and all necessary steps be taken to acquire the property of Messrs Brown, Campbell & Co." Respecting the land south of Chancery-street, it was agreed on the motion of the iMayor, seconded by Mr .1 ones--" That all property south of Chancery-lane bo dealt with under the alter native cl;uis<-s of thp Act of 1573." The meeting then closed.

A committee meeting of tho Turf Club will be lield to-morrow afternoon in the oflice of the club, Durham-street, at four o'clock.

The members of the pioneer Lodgo of Good Templars will meet this evening in the Temperance Hall for lodge business.

At eight o'clock this morning a shark eight or nine feet long was seen swimming about in tho harbour close to the waterman's steps. A harpoon was'procured, and two of the boat men, Marshall and Harry Holdbrook, put off to the attack. The monster continued for upwards of an hour lazily swimming round and round from Oxlcv'b store to the steps and back, but he was too clccp down for the harpoon to be directed with any certainty. A bait of a bunch of lish was temptingly ex posed, but without effect.

The monthly inspection of the Engineers, Auckland Scottish and Hobson Companies took place at the Drill-shed last night, Major Cooper, of the Thames, conducted the inspection in room of .Major Cordon. The officers in command were—Lieut. Kitchen (Engineers), Capt. Mowbray (Scottish), and Capt. Burns (Hob.son Company), The three Companies were formed into a battalion, and executed a variety of evolutions in excellent style. There was a good muster of each company, and at the conclusion of the drill .Major Cooper spoke a few words of con gratulation to them separately. The Jlob- Bon Company received a complimentary allusion to thsir regular attendance at drill.

Thor,o wcro nonrly throe hundred persons in attendance at tho convorsaziono of the friends of Prosbytoriniiiam in tho Choral Hall last evening. Tho Rev. James Hill, Moderator, delivered an excellent address on tho labours of tho Assembly, and hoped it would bo ablo to adopt such useful moasmrcs na would bo of permanent service to the church. The Rev. \V. Klmslio, in a woll-framod apeoch, referred to tho non-exclusivonoss of tho Presbyterian church, and com-idorod from its liborality and religious sorvices that it was adapted to mcot tho spiritual need of all men. Several othor ministers and friends of ,the comrnbn woal spoko on kindred topics, much to the edification of the audionoo. The musical and vocal portion of tho con versazione was marked by accurato sounds and good taste in tho selections. The sovoral anthoms wore well rendored b) r tho choir. Mr Heid was effectivo. Tho othor gentlo men, Messrs Harding, Culpan and Hill, added considerably to the harmony of tho evening. Madame and Miss Wintor won tho applause of tho audience in the vocal duet " Hoar me, Norma," and especially was Miss Winter applauded in "The Last Rose of Summer," which she sung with exquisito tasto and fooling. The ontcrtainmont in its intellectual, instrumental, and vocal features was most succoswful. v- • ■ :

We ought not perhaps to divulge socrots, but there are exceptions to this sacred rule, and especially in connection with Mr Punch, who, asawiao publio instructor, doos not de- Hire that his light shall "be hid under a bushel," nor kept in tho shadows of his High-street abode. We mot to-day in the brilliant sunshino, and Punch's pictures appoared extremely, felicitous, and were sparkling and happy. ' Punch has been with the cricketers lately, and sketched their persons and doings, thoir uprisings and downfallings, thoir adventures and misad venturea with wonderful accuracy. The cartoon touching nine per'centum, and other matter, is admirable; forms-an unpleasant rise to ifaany, and will bo readily understood by a largo section of the communitjr. Othor illustrations likewise unfold their tales. Three pore chapters of great length and intense 3utercst are added to the "Hunted Husband." "The Man with, tho Carpet bag "■ appears again in a most eccen tric mood, with^ as many mysteries aa wore contained in Master Humphrey's dock. A few greori leaves are unfurled from »the youne; lady's diary, and somo strange secrets revealed from behind tho scenes in Melbourne. Tho particles and scintillations of wit from Punch's inexhaus tible mind glitter liko diamonds over his eighth contribution to the world's literature, and for which the world of Auokland will be truly grateful.

The members of tho.Hoyal Company A.E.V., under the command of Captain J. H. Burns, will meet for monthly inspection this evening in the Drill-shed at the, usual hour,: when members are particularly desired to attend. The very efficient band of this company -will also be on parade. : ■;,

To the Editor •. Sir,—ln the year 1833 Sir Andrew Agnew, a Scotch enthusiast, carried his crusade against travelling and all kinds of work dn Sunday to such a pitch that at last he brought in an' Act to prevent the incubation of hens on thp Sunday, and wanted the law to insist on their putting it oil' till Monday. It appears from this day's Cross that the Presbytery of, Nelson are ambitious of walking in the steps 'of tho good St. Andrew even to the taking the fresh air of heaven from the nostrils o? the poor par-boiled Aucklanders by stopping the North Shore steamers on Sunday, and this they call religion ! How much better are they than other men?—l am, &c, AtfXl- HUHIiUCI.

The body of a man named Charles Brown has justbeen brought to town from the Wado. The deceased, who was formerly a Sergeant- Major in the Police, had boon residing for some time past at Elliott's Creek, but feeling unwell had taken passage on board the cutter Twoßroihers, and during the passage to Auck land expired. An inquest will probably be held on the body.

The members of the Auckland Harmonic Society will meet this evening for practice in the Young Men's Christian Association room. Selections from the " Messiah " and several glees.

The monthly inspection of the Puflo Bri gade and ISTo. 1 Royals takes place this even ing.

His Excellency the Governor's yacht, the Blanche, has been refitted at Lyttelton. For her ocean voyage she had been rigged out specially, and extensive alterations were needed to put her into regular yacht trim. A now and'larger mainmast has been sup plied her, and the hull subjected to a com plete overhaul. The alterations were com pleted a flay or two ago, and the Blanche sailed yesterday for Akaroa,

A fashionable woman, reading that the lloosac tunnel cost nine hundred dollars a yard, declared with emphasis, that she'd " have a dress pattern off of that piece if the old man didn't lay up a cent, for the next two .years."

The exhibition of Mr Oourlay in the City J fall last evening was well attended by largo numbers, who evinced untiring interest in the scenes.

PROVINCIAL GAZETTE.

A Provincial Government Gazette was issued yesterday afternoon containing the following two announcements respecting the new Pro vincial Executive :—■ j PUBLIC 1 N'OTITCCATTOX. Superintendent's Oflice, Auckland, December 10, 1873. I hereby notify that, pursuant to the authority vested in tho Superintendent by the Provincial Government Act, Session I, No. 7, J have this day appointed Patrick Dignnn, Esq., M P. 0., Andrew Beveridgo, Esq., M.P.C., George McCullagh Reed, Esq., M.P.C., And John Shcehan, Esq., M.G.A., M.P.C., to bo membera of the Provincial Executive Council for this province. , , .J. Williamson, ■;,- S v pcrint endent.

rUT'/UO NOTIFICATION',

Superintendent's Oflice, Auckland, 10th Dec., 1873

I i hereby notify that I have this day appointed—

John Shcehan, Esq , M.G.A., M.P.0., to be Provincial Secretary ;

George McCuliagh Reed, Esq., M.P.C., to be Provincial Treasurer ; and

Andrew Picveridgc, Esq., M.P.C., to be Provincial Solicitor, for the Province of Auckland.

J Williamson', Superintendent

PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEM BLY BREAKFAST.

A jjreakfaht was given this morning, at Canning's restaurant, to the clergy and oldors cf the Presbyterian Church, now .assembled in Auckland, by the Presbyterian layuion of the city. About fifty gentlemen Hat down to the excellent viands provided, .Mr Thomas Macil'arlano being called to thu chair. Several lay visitors were prosont. After breakfast the Chairman spoke a few words of wolcomc to the assembled guosts. The Yen. Rev. the Modorator briefly replied, saying that he thought it was ad visablo that the opportunity should be given to tho laity present in preference to the clergy to express their ideas.

Mr John Lamb rose, and in beginning a pithy and interesting speech, alluded to tho pleasure it gave him to be present on tho occasion of such an assemblage »It reminded him of days gono by in Ijjie old country, where ho had attended .similar gatherings. Ho hoped that Churoh breakfasts would bo como more frequent. Ho was pleased to 860 the onward movement which was being made in tho Church. Ho was of'opinion that a good system of reform was v/ery desirable. He was pleased to soe that the introduction of music was now. bocoming general. There was nothing worthier of their attention than tho celebration of tho praises of their great Creator. In Heaven—where they all hoped to mcct —music was to be universal. Another movement ho had watched with interest was the movoment against intemperance. He had noticed with pleasure that tho subject had afforded ground for a motion in the Assembly yesterday. There, was nothing so becoming to the ministers of the gospel as advancing against this crying evil of the age. It rested with them to stem the torrent of vice and degradation which from this source had sot in over tho land. After giving, an illustration of a conversion from intemperance Mr Lamb concluded by ox pressing his joy at meeting so many friends. No other layman volunteering to speak. The llev. Mr Patterson rose and said that what they had been engaged in that morn iag was a fitting introduction to tho work of the day viz., the discussion of the '' Sustentation Fund." (Laughter.) He admired the tone of Mr Lamb's remarks. Tho vein of true Prosbyterianism was plainly to be seen in them. There were no narrow and bigoted ideas expressed, but wide and noble Sentiments. He was pleased to see so many laymen present taking an interest in the business of the churoh. Without the 00-operation of the laymen tho works and schemes of the clergy would become abortive. He had experienced groat gratifi cation; from his visit to Auckland. Ho trusted that when the Assembly met at Wellington he should have the pleasure of meeting a large number of Auckland gentle men, i

The| Rev Mr Elmslie had listened with igroat pleasure to the spepch of Mr Lamb, which ho considered had introduced a subject of paramount ira [portanco, namely, how far it became the Church to stand up for tho progressive and how far for the conservative system of worship. He did not believe in adhering to things simply because they wera old. At the same time it behoved the Church to be conservative as touching all fundamental truths ; those truths whioh, as Mr Lamb said, their fathers had bled for.

The Rev D. Bruce, in commencing, caused some laughter by addressing the Chairman aa Moderator. He was afraid he had already had more than his share of speechifying. With regard to the progressiveism and con servatism of the Church he had his views op the matter, but he would not dwell on them now. He had himself found the conservatism strongest. He did not wish to encourage stereotyped ideas; but he intended after breakfast to hand over* the members of the Presbytery to the hands of Mr Bartlett to be photographed (laughter). The Roy. Mr Shinff aaid, aa a stranger, he

should like to say a few words expressive of tbo gratiiication which his visit to Auckland had given him. He had heard the Assembly •spoken of as affording a good holiday to the clergy. Ho did not quite agree with the rern.'ti-k, aa there was plenty of hard work, but at the same time the meeting of so many, all imbued with a desire for the church's good, was very refreshing. The TJev. Mr Ross said he was not sur prised at the present struggle of progress ngainst conservatism. He thought at present the latter would--prove too strong? for the former. He did not object to a ship being placed upon the gridiron if it was proved she required it, provided always she had enough metal on her to stand scraping (laughter). Ro with the church. Although he did not object to alteration where it was required, he did not at present sec that it was required, and he thought they could not do better than ■stick to the good old blue banner of Presby tcrianism. (Cheers).

Mr Geo. Sibbin, in a humorous speech, causing a good deal of laughter, urged the introduction of uniform services in the Church.

The Eev. David Bruce having thanked their entertainers for their hospitality, the assemblage dispersed.

ARRIVAL OF THE S.S. "PHŒBE" WITH Latest English and Austra lian Telegrams.

THE VIRGINIUS DIFFICULTY.

THE TTCHBORNE TRIAL,

London, via Singapore, December Ist,

The prosecution in tho Tichbome case has recommended. The American'witnesses contradict the evidence upon which a portion of the line of defence was based.

The naval preparations of America, for the exaction of satisfaction for the alleged shoot ing of United States citizens on board the steamer Virginius, are being rigorously car ried out, and the Washington authorities a_re fully prepared, in the event of Spain being unable to afford reparation to provide ample means to force concession. London, November 27. The London wool markets opened to-day. The total arrivals were 50,000 bales, Sydney wools preponderating., There was a prepon derance of home '^o.ver foreign buyers, but the usual eagerness observable on opening day was absent. Prices range about the same as last series ; medium scoured combing were in moderate request. November 29. The Penang and Singapore cable was re paired last Sunday. The fault was caused by the cable being fouled by ship's anchors, to clear which it was deliberately cut through with an axe. A reward is offered. A telegram has been received from London, announcing tho death of George Peter Harris, ironmonger. Ureadstuffs unchanged. The rate of discount is (5 per cent. The bombardment of Carthageua has com menced. The inquiry into tho circumstances and nationality of the crew of the Virginius and the shooting of some of the men has not con oludod. The oyidence is contradictory as to tho execution of American subjects. But tho Government of the Unitod States aro making naval preparations to provide for the contingency of being unable to obtain from Spain except by force concession to its de mands,

In Carthagona, which ia at present under the Government of the Revolutionary Junta, the military plot discovered was organised for tho purpose of surrendering the city and port" to the Republican Government at Madrid.

A change has taken place in the French Ministry. The Due de Broglio, late Minister for Foreign Affairs, has accepted the portfoiio of M mister of the Interior, and is succeeded at the Foreign Office by the Due Decazca.

AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

THE DAPHNE KIDNAPPING DIS

CLOSURES.

A WEALTHY PENTRIDGE PRISONER,

REMARKABLE CHARGE OF ENTRAP

PING FEMALES.

MELBOURNE.

Monday, December I.*. Further particulars are publishod of the kidnapping and other outrages on board the Daphne, in the South Seas, and it is publicly stated that a son of Captain Devlin, of Mol boxirne, was captain of the vessel, and that young Hepburn, of Hawthorne, was the super-cargo.. They both left tho colony at the .time that Mount and, Morris were tried, and have not since-been heard of.

A prisoner in Pentridge, .with property valiiod at £10,000, is dying. Prisoner, who was the father of six children, was under going a Bontonco of two years' imprisonment for forgery. Before his conviction ho made a will, leaving all he possessed to his eldest daughter, making no provision for the others. He refused to accode to the solicitations of his friends, who desired him to alter the will in question. - "■'

A case has been heard at Boochworth, in volving a charge of entrapping females in Melboiirne, .servants, and sending them to Beechworth for prostitution. ' In the case in question, where the woman refused to accept the alternative, she was discharged and left without a home or a shilling. The bench, after hearing the case, awarded her a sum for board, lodging, and opach fare back again to Melbourne.

Mr Hammersley has resigned his position as a member of ths . All-England Matoh Committee on the ground that the com mittee has boen abused by the friends of Wills, who desire to see him in the Victorian team. iThe objections" urged against Wills are tiisj unreliability, both socially and in the cricketing field.- li ■ ■ "The Governor (Sir G. F, Bowen) starts for Gippsland to-morrow. übiin:

A resident of Sandhurst named Painter has blown out his brains with a pistol. The All-England Match Committee, at a meeting held to-day, passed a resolution re questing Mr Hemmersley to withdraw his resignation. .

The crioket match between the Press and Parliament was won by the former in one innings, having scored 148. In two innings the Parliamentary players made 113. Telegrams via ' Aden have been received from the Mauritius. The jNereus has sailed, and the Loch Awe is loading for Melbourne. Whites are selling at 7 dols. 32 cents. In wheat large sales have been made from 5s 6d to 5s Bd. The maize market has im proved, arid offers at 4s per bushel have been declined.

A notification has been sent to the Sydney Government that, under the terms of the

Border Convention, Rt the exr>W? \ three months from the 28th otZ °\^ last, the importation of tobacco into V- ** will be prohibited except upon pi ZtT] the duty imposed by the Victorian & °f Die matriculation examination comi . to-day. There were 390 candidate °-ed cluamg 35 young ladies. s< "»• Bishop Perry has consented to retnir, i the dioces« with the new Bishop of Baffin but will not retain the bishopric o f Z\' bourne for nny time owing to failing he £" A f.re broke out at Solomon's,'S^^ shop Swanston street, yesterday S" and damaged about £400 wqrth of S' which was uninsured. ' • - toek> A married woman deliberately jumped i ntn poHce.^ ye9tCrday> andWaS re«byt n O e

A attempt was made on Saturday ai^ to burn down an hotel at Ballarat " ■ to£ 4S*fcT! AU accounts are now oomßlet^ The Euterpe,.from Newcastle, aHft San Francisco on September 24th • and tv Wildwood, from Sydney, October 4th The cricket match between the Press an,} Parliament is now proceeding. TbeChlf Secretary has i 9 s UC d munesous invitations to literary men for the banquet. ■; ? A threatened duel between a well^nown doctor of law and an architect has been amicably settled. It had been arraneed that the encounter should be with pißtola The London Chartered Bank has extended its charter for ten years. , . . = , The challenge of the Sydney oarsmen to the Rowing Club to a contest" for tlie Ama teur Champion Prize is under consideration* A public meeting of the electors of Rich mond is convened to hear Dr. L. L; Smith's explanation of the alleged Parliamentary cor luption. • '"

Mr Lyster announces that Signor Cagli has engaged operatic artists of such eminence that the co-partenery will be obliged, on their! arrival, to increase the prices-pf ad mission . far beyond the presnt tariff. The present season of the Italian Opera Company has-terminated, but twelve additional nights tfre announced at reduced rates. ""'

'Markets noiuinal

SYDNEY.

-.: December 3. —Mr W. H. Cooper has been returned to ' the Assembly for East Macquarie'by almaio rity of 1 TjO. ** ' The Southern Railway works at Manton'a,, Creek are progressing satisfactgrily. The Alice Cameron leaves for Auckland, on Thursday. ", i{ . The Hero is advertised to leave tomorrow. ': ■ The New ' South Wales Assembly has '■:■ passed a bill legalising<marriage with deceased wife's sister. Mr Joseph Rayner, after several years' - absence from the Sydney stage, made his reappearance before his old frienda at the'^ Victoria Theatre. He was ably supported! by Mr Joyce, who played the Baillici with ":J some new readings conceived in admirable ' taste. Miss Dolly Green sustained the ohai-£ '■■- acter of the wife of the bold.outlaw; '*' "ig^6; '^ There wa3 a torriflc hailstorm at Little, River. In the neighbourhood of Sergeant'% : Point it continued with unabated fury for™ twenty minutes, covering-tKe ground to "up- ' y\ k wards of a foot in ''depth; with round pieces % of ice as big as marbles. Incalculable in jury has,been done.to the fruit crop within,,,^' ; the circuit of the storm, and in somerjblacef'" ' the early potatoes ares completely riDboned and rendered worthless.

TvyoL boys, were (Quarrelling in Maitland when one stabbed the other with'l a saddler's awl. InHaniationxiJf the bowels resulted from* j j the wound, and the injured boy's life wasfor j . a time dispairod of, but he is now recovering. •! A man has been discovered tied to a tree about 100 yards oil* the road which leads from Forbes to Currajonng. He .was quite dead, ? his throat boing cut, ~tb.e gash having severed the windpipe. He was fastened to the troe by two leather straps, one being round hia legs and^i, the pother, round his throat. There were no indications of a struggle having taHen place, and from the r fact that the man had no money .in his possession the last time he was aeon alive, and moreover was very poorly clad, with ; only two blankets, one old boot, and a pair of old trousei's in his swag, it is generally inferred that no murder was perpetrated, but that deceased had committed suicide.

The members of the Prince Alfred > Yacht Club, on the 22nd of November, had a race for a silver cup, presontedjbyj-Mr J. G. Hanks, and a pair of binocular marine glassea, pre sented by Mr W. E. Langley. The first prize fell to Australian, and .the second was carried off by Send. • ..: I

YASS.

November 28,

The case of the maa^.ird^convictodatthe last Circuit Court held hero of an unnatural ofi'ence, and sentenced to death, has been : rundor the consideration of "the Executive Council, and the sentenck is commuted to ,ten years, penal servitude. : ;

ADELAIDE.

[jO ■' December 1. ' *The Customs revenue to the end of Novem ber shows an increase of £100,000 upon last year ; tho cereal exports show £900,000 in crease ; the total increase on imports is £1;000,000: and the total increase' on exporta £500,000. ■)' - ■■'■'Ui The excess of immigration over emigration^ for the 'present year is 1,20 C. • , :; ' *~ Now Hour, deliverable in January^ Bold at £12 per ton. New wheat unchanged.^ ~

PORT DARWIN.

• ■ 0 F'i* November 2S. ■ Mr Richard* W.ells, editor of the Times and Gazette, is now visiting the reefs, and re ports that upon the Agguagalli, Howley ' Creek, Nina, j and Melbourne and Port Dar- \ win Companies' claims scarcely any work has been done, and- no men employed; the j managers are' also absent at Palmerston ; no ' sinking being done at present. Promising ~ stone has been raised, but not crushed this. \ season. A groat number of men are at the alluvial diggings, and some our. ' doing welL while all expect to do better,, when more rain falls. Mr Slater got fifty I pounds' worth in a few days. Some reefing companies will crush quartz soon. Captain Douglas's. claim looks satisfactory, and with energetic management the reef will turn out'^ veil. Business is flat. ■•" ; The Government is finishing the jetty . Southport and buoying the rivor. . - ''< The road to the reefing country is brisk owing to the number of drays' going up, and' ,■ the good feed for teams since the rains.

LATEST UNPUBLISHED.

ADELAIDE.

December 2. Wheat, 5s 3d per bushel, prompt delivery; 2d less for January.

MELBOURNE.

December 2. , V A man last night left his coat on the bank of the Yarra, containing a bank deposit re-.; j ceipt for £200 and eight "sovereigns. ~?j body has not been recovered. :• .; i >'■;■' *J* The first batch of Parliamentary eleotionß commence in February. %&

fHE WEOTTO BT£b£:"WtfRSDAY, BECfeMBfcR il 18Y&



-j. CARE NEW INDIA TUSSORE J- "COSTUME CLOTH. J. COfsGJtAVK «fc 00 3 CASES LADIES' NEW UMBRELLAS. J. UOSOIiAVK & CO. 1 CASH ELEGANT BILK MANTLES. J, CO.-UiRAVK & CO 1 CASE LACE SH AW LS & M ANTLES. J. (JOSGUAVH & CO. NO W OPENED ex ii y d.a ape s, A MAGNIFICENT ASSORTMENT ov CHILDREN'S, GIRLS' AND LADIES' TUSCAN, LEGHORN, & STRAW HATS, MEN'S & BOYS, DITTO DITTO, VERY CHEAP. ■ SILK SU N S H A D E S, MUSLIN COLLARETTES LACE TIES Etc., Etc., Etc. GENTLEMEN'S SUMMER CLOTHING, BOYS' & YOUTHS' DITTO. A CHOICE LOT OF BOYS' KNICKERHOCK ER SUITS IN VARIOITS M ATBIIIALS ft STYLES, ALPACCA COATS (BLACK &'COLOUED). WHITE DllßaS SHIRTS, Etc., Etc., Etc. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, VVnoL™A.i,r"A?rn llktait, Duafkiis, Cr.oTirrrcHS.&c. • JUNCTION DRAPERY" WAREHOUSE, (Opposite tho Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-sttieet, Auckland, aar n.b.— Parties in tho country favouring It. & B. with their orders may depond upon thoir receiving careful atton ion and despatch. Patterns, &a.,- forwarded post cc pt *a v t i o n. O L 8 0 N'S TOMATO SAUCE. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to bo the BEST for general use in households, and, in con sequence) of its high reputation, somo unprincipled persona have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing tho manufacturer's . name stamped thereon, and pass the Bame off as "Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." Tho proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK to be Registered under tho provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 18C0," and proceedings will bo taken against such persona aa may forgo or counterfeit such mark. Tho public are cautioned to ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE, atid see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and stopper, and wrapped round with his well-known label. ; [Established 1864.] r\ STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" " EAGLE BRAND " "CRO.WN BRAND," Arc to bo procured at all respectable Gkooerh and Storekeepkks throughout tho Provinco of Auck and. : D. ST E P HENSON & CO. WYNDHAM STREET" AuCKIAIIi YX^AIKATO COALS (tho best in use for Household purposes). For Salo in ots to ' suit buyers at tho Timber Yard Government Wharf; Onehunga. Orders can bo left at tho office. JAMES W. WALLER, ..■..■ Custom gouso-Btrect, Auckland.