SHIPPING.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET: This evening, G. 40 SUN-RISE : To morrow morning, 6.45 HIGH WATER: This evening, 0.5 ; to-morrow morning, C.27

ARRIVALS.

"Wavatah, cutter, from Mercury Bay Go ahead, s.s., McGillivray, from Wanganui (in the Manukau) Queen, schooner, Veale, from Paissell Duke of Edinburgh, Bowton, from Rus^il Charybdis, schooner, Austin, froya Russell Magellan Cloud, schooner, M^Yi&r from Russell Janet Grey, schooner, Vr ifOm i ( from Hokianga Sunbeam, schooner, I, rtlle , from Wangaroa Lady Bowen, p.s., * rom Mahnrangi

DEPARTURES.

St. Kilda^ 8-Bi> Flowerday, for Wanganui Star of the South, s.s., Holmes, for Napier

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Wangarei: Clyde, schooner, this afternoon For Honolulu .and San Francisco: Dakota, mail

steamer, 20th March For Cork : Polar Star, ship, hourly For Northern ports: Rowena, s.s., this afternoon For London : Harvest Home, ship, early : Glenhuntly,

barque, hourly For Sydney and Melbourne: Hero. s.s.. about 3rd March; Wonga Wonga, s.s,, about 19th March ; Phrebe. s.s., about Bth March (from the Manukan} ForWaitara: Go-ahead, s.s.. to-day For Wanganai, via Port Waikato : W < i n g anll { j S-S-> to-day Tor Southern ports : Wellington >S3t on arr i va i o f Dakota Southern ports, via Napier : Dakota, p.s., early For Hokianga : Plerald, schooner, Thursday

VESSELS EXPECTED

Durham, ship, from London. Sailed 29th November Edinburgh Castle, ship, from London. Loading Parsee, ship, from London. Loadinß Langa, barque, from Liverpool. Loading Thames, barque, from New York, via Sydney, loading Dakota, mail steamer, from Honolulu Hero, s.s., from Sydney Prosperity, schooner, from Melbourne Corredo, barque, from Sydney Droves, brig, from Sydney. Sailed 7th February "East Lothian, barque, from New York. Sailed 20th December schooner, from South Islands Harriet Armytage, barque, from Dunedin Coronet, brigantine, from Wellington Satellite, cutter, from Levuka Florence, schooner, from Dunedin Sailed 21st

February Mary Millar, barque, from Newcastle. Sailed 11th

February Success, schooner, from Levuka Albion, brig, from Newcastle Lady Bird, s.s., from Sydney (in the Manukau) Saucy Lass, schooner, from Napier. Sailed 17th February Tower Hill, brig, from Adelaide. Sailed 2oth January Flirt, brigantine, from Lyttelton Briton, barque, from Newcastle Bella Mary, barque, from Hobart Town H.M.S. Rosario, from Wellington

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Go-Ahead, from Wanganui: 24 head cattle, 400 sheep, W. Brewer ; 4 kegs butter, Arthur ; 4 pgs effects, Austin.

EXPORTS.

Per s.s. St. Kilda for Wanganui: 6 trunks, 3 cases, A. Clark & Son; 1 case, A» Barnes j 50 sheep, Ferguson.

The schooner Cambria reported at the Customs this morning, from Waipu, with 50 boxes of eggs, 1 head of cattle, and 15 pas sengers.

The schooner Duke of Edinburgh has re ported ab the Customs with 95 tons coal from Russell ; also the schooner Charybdis with 133 tons coal from the same port. The schooner Janet Grey has reported at the Customs, from Hokianga, with the fol lowing cargo—lo tons bark, 18 cases effects, 73 bags gum, 3 pgs, G iron plates, order; 2 bags wool, 2 do fungus, 11 hides, Must and Co. Passengers—Messrs T. Nelson, C, Halles, E. Tampenny, S. S. McCarty, S. S. Wegings, and G. Ridley.—Must and. Co., agents.

The schooner Magellan Cloud brings 134 tons coal from &R,ussell and two passengers.

The schooner Queen has reported at the Customs "with 70 tons coal from Russell.

The. schooner Waratah brings 2,200 feet timber from Mercury Bay. The Polar Star and Glenhuntly, outward bound, are still lying in harbour. The s.s. Go-Ahead arrived in the Manukau yesterday afternoon from Wanganui with a full cargo and four passengers. The s.s. St. Kildaleft the Manukau yester day for Wanganui. On discharge of her cargo the fine ship Warwick will proceed to Lyttelton to load for London.

The schooner Herald is announced to sail for Hokianga direct on Thursday next. The brigantine Emulous, just arrived from Dunedin with a cargo of breadstuff's, is for sale or charter.

The N.Z.S.S. Company's s.s. Phoebe is announced to leave the Manukau for Sydney direct on or about the Bth prox.

The s,s. Lily arrived in the Kaipara from Auckland on Sunday evening last. We learn by telegram that the s.s. Lady Bird was to leave Sydney for Southern ports ria the Manukau on Thursday last. She may, therefore, be looked for to-morrow. The brig Drover left Sydney for this port on the 7th instant.

The s.s. Star of the South left last evening for Napier with a large general cargo and the following passengers :—Messrs. Sheehan, Mann, Taylor, Lindhody, Adams, Arch deacon Williams, Mrs Edwards, and five in the steerage.

With reference to the new four-oared boat built for the Cure Club, the Lyttelton Times of the 6th says : —The new racing four-oar, which was built for the club by Messrs J. and S. Salter, of Oxford, arrived at Kaiapoi yesterday, per steamer Moa, and was safely landed on the wharf. The dimen sions of the boat are—length, 42ft 3in ; "width of beam, measured outside the wash boards, 22in ; depth, B£in. Her lines are very similar to the Canterbury Rowing Club's four-oared boat Tamesis. She is pro vided with sliding seats, and posseses all the latest improvements in build. She was built expressly to carry a heavy crew, and her bearing powers are very large in conse-

quence,

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs B. Tonks & Co. held a sale this day of dried and wet salted turbot, mullet, kingfish, and schnapper ; the prices realised ranged from 2d to 2£d per pound.

MINING. The following arc the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below : — ■£ s. ti, DIVIDEND. Old Whau .. .. Feb 20 OAI/LS Missouri .. .. 0 5 0 Mrch 3 Coromandel Tunnel 0 10 0 Mrch 10 Bismarck .. .. 0 10 Mrch 12 Otago 0 10 Mrch 12 American Eagle .. ') 1 0 Mrch 12 Inverness .. .. 0 0 3 Mrch 12 Royal Standard .. 0 0 6 Mrch 12 Sootty Hill .. .. 0 t 6 Mrch 12 MEETINGS. Central Italy, Grahamstown, 27th P»bruary Argo. Mr A. A. Browne's office, "Wyndham street,

Auckland, 2 p.m., 28th February Thames Gas Company, Insurance Buildings, Auck-

land, 3 p.m 28th February Pride of Xokatea, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, noon, 3rd March Nolan's Candlelight, Company's office, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 11 a.m., 13th March Old Whau, Company's office, 2 p.m., 19th March

DEATH.

Flynn.—On February 24, at her residence, corner of Hobson and "Wellington streets, Catherine Klynn, mother of Mr James Flynn, late Colour-Sergeant 14th Regiment ; aged CiG years. The funeral will leave her late residence To morrow (Wednesday), 2Gth inst., at 4 p.m. Friends will please accept this invitation.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATES The Evening News and the Morning News

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1873.

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

The opposition to the movement instituted by the butchers' assistants for shorter hours is being continued by certain master butchers, one of whom has issued a handbill notifying that he will not close till eight o'clock. This action has, of course, compelled some trades men to give way who would have gladly conceded the request of their workmen if more unanimity upon the subject had pre vailed amongst masters. We are glad to learn, on good authority, that the takings at the shop of one of the butchers who have re opened only amounted to Is 9d one night, and that the highest receipts since he has opened his shop after six o'clock were 5s 3d. After deducting the cost of gas the gross amount of profit will not materially increase the butcher's income. Contrasted with the action of many butchers the course taken by Messrs Fisher and Co. and Mr Young, of Queen-street, stands out in pleasant relief. Those gentlemen declare that they will continue to close while there is a butcher in Queen-street to follow their example. In Wellington the ten-hour system is working very well, and master butchers in Auckland should be satisfied at their employees having asked for so little, without forcing them into a course which they have hitherto studiously endeavoured to avoid. The matter now lies in the hands of the public, and if there is a spark of independent feeling in the people they will make it their business to inquire whether their butchers are adopting the twelve hours system or the fourteen or fifteen, and will intimate dis tinctly that unless this outrageous oppression of labour is discontinued their custom will be withdrawn.

St. Patrick's Day is likely to be kept up with due honors on the 17th of March. Preparations are being made for its rollicking observance in many parts of the colony. Heavy sports are contemplated at Onehunga, and on Saturday it was re solved, at a numerously-attended meeting at the Thames, to have a St. Patrick race at Tararu ; and, in our city, the members of of the newly - formed Auckland Amateur Serenaders will give their first performance in aid of a very worthy object. We may add that this half-circle of serenaders is formed of the choicest musical spirits of the city, and promises to equal any similar com pany of the province, i

Another accident occurred to-day on the Same road and nearly at the same place as the fatal accident to Mr G. Low, a few days ago. A spring-cart with two persons in it was being driven along the road when the axle broke. One of the occupants was thrown out, but fortunately escaped without any serious injury. This road is in a fearful state and should be placed in repair before any more lives are lost.

The Union Bank of Australia notifies that telegraphic advices have been received that a dividend, at the rate of 13 per cent, per annum, for the half year ending 31st December last, has been declared at a meeting of proprietors held in London on the loth of last month. Proprietors registered in Christ clrarch will receive their dividend warrants on application at any of the branches of the Union Bank of Australia in New Zealand.

Mr John Mason, the great convivial politician, has issued his promised work neatly bound in one volume. The book is lying at Sceats's Hotel, where any person may inscribe therein his or her autograph) » sonnet on the abolition of pt'ovilicialisin, or an essay on the constitution of an honest councillor. Every other page will be lef+ r or the pencillingsof one of our Z^emMlocal artists who will U^'orate the subjects which may be ntv ;b u ted to its political and -ainottrous pages. The cover is aptly ornamented with a flowing tankard and cross-pipes. The vice-president of the political union disclaims all connection with the author of "Self Knowledge," as he is substantially John Mason, the iron-man of Birmingham, The little omission mentioned yesterday having been rectified, an advertise ment announcing the object of the Union appears elsewhere, and is worthy of perusal.

Has any one seen a bob-tailed dark bay horse, five years old ? If so he is informed that such has strayed or been stolen from the Domain, and he will receive a suitable reward for such information as will lead to its recovery ; but if the animal has been actually stolen, then the informer will receive a higher reward : both here and hereafter ; and the person who stole the bob-tail bay will likewise receive his deserts. That horse had better be returned forthwith.

The entertainment in aid of All Saints' Sunday-school last evening was well attended. It was divided into two parts, sacred and secular, and the singing of the young choristers was very effective. >Some of the children, too, exhibited very considerable elocutionary skill in several recitations, but the " Bapteesement o' the Bairn," by the late Robert Leighton, of Dundee, though very fairly rendered, was too great a tax upon the powers of the twain who recited this remarkably humorous poem. Several sentimental song 3 from Burns and Lady Dufferin, by a gentleman amateur, Mi- Hammond's " Eecollections of Queensland," and a laughable love-sketch by Mr Grainger, comprised a good evening's amusement, and proved, we hope, of advantage to the object in view. The All Saints' Sunday-school at present numbers 110 scholars, and upon an average 100 children regularly attend. Much credit is due to Mr Hammond for his un tiring labours in the good cause.

To-morrow is the last day appointed for receiving tenders for the purchase of the barrack wall or any portion thereof. The tenders should be sent in before eleven o'clock in the morning.

The Victoria Company of Volunteers and Cadets will meet this evening in the Drill shed for company drill.

Considering that there are no counter or more powerful attractions, Ward's Minstrels should receive a liberal amount of patronage to-night at the Catholic Institute. Ever ready in the cause of charity this efficient band of Ethiopian Minstrels will give one of their excellent concerts this evening in aid of a fund to be raised on behalf of the widow and orphans of the late Mr. W. Pain. We shall be glad to see a house crammed to the doors as, apart from the charitable object of the entertainment, the programme is sure to give immense satisfaction.

Mr Hai'dington has been again summoned for an alleged breach of another city by-law, having come out successfully in the last case brought against him. This time he is charged with obstructing the traffic by having no less than three omnibuses opposite his premises on the morning of the departure of the Phcebe. It is well known that on the day in question there was an extraordinarily large number of passengers to be conveyed to the Phcebe at Onelmnga, and the spectacle of so much bustle on that morning outside the Greyhound was cheering in the extreme, but Mr Hardington must answer to the city by-law for allowing such a commotion in the streets of this excellently governed city. The fact that Mr Hardington is mail con tractor, and that in addition to the extra number of passengers he was conveying the mails for every port in New Zealand (except Napier) is entirely beside the question, and he must consult the by-laws at the risk of incurring the heavier penalties attached to delaying Her Majesty's mails. The case will come before the Coiirt on Thursday, when it will no deubt be submitted that an obstruction was caused, although the con trary is the fact notwithstanding three whole omnibuses being outside the Grey hound at one time. This is the manner in which honest industry is fostered in this city.

A recent calculation relative to the princi pal European languages shows that English is spoken by 90 millions of persons, inhabit ing Great Britain and Ireland, North America, the Bermudas, Jamaica, Cape of Good Hope, Australia, Van Diemen's Land, Newfoundland and the East Indies: German by 55 millions, in their own country, Switzerland, Austria Hungary, Russia, North and South America, La Plata, Australia, and the East Indies; Spanish by 55 millions, in Cuba, Mexico, the republics of South. America, Manila, etc ; and Freeh by 45 millions in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Cayenne and North America.

The Scottish Volunteers will meet for drill this evening at half-past seven in the Princes street drill-shed, after which a meeting will be held for the purpose of electing a captain for the company.

Mr H. Northcroft, and Mr H. Morrison, Sub-Inspectors of the Armed Constabulary, were, a short time since, out duck shooting on the shores of Lake Taiipo. It appears that a duck was shot, and, having fallen into the water, was drifting away with the wind. No dogs being with them, Mr Northcroft stripped and went into the water after it; but when about four hundred yards from the shore, and he had possession of the duck, he turned to come back, when he found his legs were helpless from cramp. Mr Northcroft called for assistance, but the wind blowing from the shore, Mr Morrison did not hear him; he, therefore, threw himself on his back and waved his arm in the air. Mr Morrison, who had also undressed for a bathe, thinking something was wrong, then swam out to Mr Northcroft, and learnt the state of affairs. He told him he could save his life if he was cool, and, being informed that he was, Mr Morrison went close to him. Mr JN orthcroft turned round and placing his hands on his friend's hips, he was brought safely ashore ; but the exertion and excite ment were so great that, on landing, Mr Morrison fainted, j

A brief bit of news comes by Southern telegi*ams respecting Cyrus Haley, the man who was a terror to the citizens of Auckland, and the destroyer of his own personal free dom. Haley's punishment is siifftcient for his life, and'we fear the process of his life trial is not improving his combustible nature. Being no longer at liberty to play with tire, to the destruction of his neighbours' property, lie evinces the same reckless disposition for hot tilings, and by some means or other he found the Dunedin prison pepper-box, and with its contents he peppered the eyes of the Warder. He then made a futile attempt to escape from the monotony of his blighted existence, and for this act of revolt Cyrus Haley will undergo the twinges of a mustard plaster.

Wo observe that the mother of William Crocombe, late of Portland, England, is anxious to hear from him. He is requested to communicate with hei'i

Tha Provincial Government liave resolved that i\ bridge shall ha Greeted over flangi topttni creek, near Biverhead, and tenders are required for the performance of the work.

carles' HacUon Spurgeon the eminent Baptist preacher, belongs to a family of preachers ; his great grandfather, his grand father, who was a small shopkeeper, his father, Rev. John Spurgeon, of Fetter-lane chapel, and his brother James are of this company, past and present, whose genius seems to have culminated in the present minister of the Surrey Tabernacle. This peculiar family gift is now branching out in the feminine side of the family, and a sister of Mr Spurgeon is preaching with much sUccesS at Wiliinghara, in Cambridgeshire, where her husband is a Baptist minister. The cases from Willingham tried before the local bench have decreased to such an extent that the police authorities have expressed their thanks to the lady preacher as being the instrument of the improvement.

A curious calculation lias been made of the proportion of time spent in different employ ments in a lifetime. At the age of 48, most men and women have spent about 18 years in sleep, 3j years in eating and drinking, and 2.1,- years in dressing and washing. In other words, precisely half of existence has to be deducted from' the time left available for work of any kind. Of the remaining half, a literary man or student will generally have spent about six years in reading and six in writing, and a man of active habits about six also in walking, riding or driving. Men who work nine hours at any trade or profession, and who commenced such labour twelve years old, will have spent —allowing for Sundays— about 14 years at it by the time they have arrived at the age in question. Ladies who devote three hours a day to the piano, or to crochet, from an early age, may enjoy the reflection that they have dedicated about 4 years of mortal life to those occupations. Finally, nearly all of us who have lived for half a century have spent something like five or six years in talking—that being the em ployment which fills up the interstices of time left vacant by every other occupation.

At a time when the resources of the Edu cation department are severely taxed to meet the additional obligations imposed by the new Act, it is worth pointing out how insig nificant is the task before it compared with one which the Government of Japan is about to take in hand. This contemplates the for mation of no less than r)f),000 new schools. A circular, sketching the truly gigantic pro portions of the plan, has lately been issued by the Mumbosho, or Imperial department of education.

The Wellington correspondent of the Wanganui Herald says :—" The rumour that Judge Gresson was corning to Wellington to hold the next circuit court in place of Judge Johnston is unfounded. Sir G-eorge Arney comes down from Auckland to administer the affairs of the colony during the period that will elapse between Sir George Bowen's departure and his successor's arrival, and Judge Johnston gties to Auckland to take his place. Rut further alterations will be rendered unnecessary by the circuit court here being opened on the 11 th of March in stead of the beginning of April, and by there being no sittings of the Court here during Judge Johnston's absence."

A match between Shamrock and Dick Turpin, run on Walker's course, Wanganui, for £10 a-side, resulted in a victory for the latter. Old Sham did not appear in good fettle, his recent hard work telling upon him. Another race between Tim Whiilter and St. Patrick produced capital sport, both horses running well together all the way round, Tim just getting his nose in front at the finish. Shamrock raced Maori Weed for £10, and won.

A large number of men are being employed by the contractor in the extension of Welles ley-street to Symonds-street, and great pro gress lias already been made with the work. This morning a gang of men were put on to excavate the lower portion of the new street at the top of Wellesley-street. The earth excavated is being carted away to fill in the back of the market-house.

The Olac/o Daily Times says :—" Several weeks ago a lady in this city consented to be matrimonially united. Like most ladies, however, she not only had more than one admirer, but also totally ignored the oft repeated warning, ' 'Tis good to be off with the old love before you are on with the new.' Consequently, a gentleman who considers he had good reason to believe he would ultimately be her husband, and who suffered, doubtless, all the bitterness of disappointment, has determined to try to obtain redress through legal sources. In short he lias instituted an action against the lady and her husband for breach of promise of marriage, and the fact that on this occasion one of the fair sex is made defendant, only tends to increase that wide-spread interest which always attaches to a case of this description."

Mr Anthony Trollope thus describes Tasmania:—" The scenery of this island is lovely beyond description, and tlie air and climate so sweet that in the (Jlmstmas sum mer months, from the middle of December to the end of February, men and women flock here from the other colonies as they do in Prance and England to the seaside. Every thing in Tasmania is unlike the things of the other colonies, and much more English to the eye, ear, and taste. The parts of the island in which roads run are much better macadamised than Queensland or New South Wales. The watsrs flow bright and clear, and the lakes are lovely as those of Switzerland. The waters of the Australian continent are generally turbid and muddy. The fruits and vegetables of Tasmania are preferable to those I have found in the other colonies, where they generally ripen too quickly, and are consequently flavorless. In Tasmania, though they grow more abundant than in England, they have the English flavor. It may be that I am prejudiced in favor of the island, but to my taste the mutton, poultry, and butter, were all better in Tasmania than in any other of the colonies. Were it my lot to take up my residence in Australia, and could I choose the colony in which I might reside, I should certainly pitch my tent in Tasmania."

Owing to the washing awaiy of the bridges on the Kawakawa river, the Bay of Islands Coal Company will not be able to supply coal to vessels so rapidly as before. The accident happening at this time, when coal is so Scarce, is especially unfortunate.

There is n© truth in the report that the railway tunnel in the Domain has siitik nearly two feet. The masonry and brick work remains in the same solid state as when first erected, and is likely to remain so for the next hundred years to come unless disturbed by ah1 earthquake. The only ground for the rumour afloat is that the li>ose earth on the crown of the tunnel, in some jmrts, has sunk a few inches with the late heavy rains, and for which there is not the slightest cause for alarm.

A Wellington correspondent, writing of the new theatre there, says :-—" The acoustic properties of it are perfect, but the dress circle is a failure, only about one-third of it affording a decent view of the stage. For this the architect is not to blame, the directors of the company that created the building having compelled him to make too many allowances for the use of the building as a hall."

An American gentleman has recently been lecturing upon the " Newspaper Press," and among other very sensible things he said :— "If a newspaper writer be faithful to his trust, honest, fearless, and independent, he must make enemies, and powerful ones, which is a decided truth, clearly expressed.

Another curious man is backwards and forwards here—a Lord Vernon, who is well informed, a great Italian scholar deep in Dante, and a very good-humoured gentleman but who has fallen into the strange infatuation of attending every rifle match that takes place in Switzerland, accompanied by two men who load rifles for him, one after another, which he has frequently been known to fire off two a minute for fourteen hours at . B j.rt Or .'- without once changing his position or leaving the grou^ He ™f all kin«S of prizes, gold witches, flags, tea boards, and so forth, and is consu.... * travelling about with them from place to place in an extraordinary carriage, where you touch a spriiig and it chair Hies out, touch another spring and a bed appears, touch another spring and a closet of pickles opens, touch another spring and disclose a pantry. While Lady Vernon—said to be handsome and accomplished —is continually cutting across this or that Alpine pass in the night to meet him on the road, for a minute or two, on one of his excursions, these being the only times at which she can catch him. The last time he saw her was five or six months ago, when they met and supped together on the St. (iothard! It is a monomania with him, of course. He is a man of some note, seconded one of Lord Melbourne's addresses, and has forty thousand a year, now reduced to ten but nursing and improving every day. He was with us last Monday, and comes back from some out-of-the-way place to join an other pic-nic next Friday. As I have said, he is the very soul of good-nature and cheer fulness, but one can't help being melancholy to see a man wasting his life in such a strange delusion, isn't it odd? He knows my books very well, and seems interested in everything concerning them.— The Life of Charles Dickens, by John Foster.

Some idea of the business in the English Divorce Court may be formed, when the stamps on proceedings in one year just made up came to £3,219.

] t is stated that a petition will shortly be presented to the Queen, praying for a grant of restitution of the ancient and forfeited titles and honours of Earl iloss. The peti tioner is said to be a lineal male descendant, and is now perfecting his case for presenta tion. A claimant for the earldom appeared last in J77S, in the jjerson of Munro Ltoss of Pitcalmie, male descendant of Hugh Eoss of Rarichus, brother to the last Earl of ltoss. — Scotsman.

If there is some difficulty about free schools in Ireland there is none whatever in getting up free lights over them. At Callan, a National School Inspector attempted to make a visit to a school which was in charge of one Father O'Keefe, but was met at the door by this angry guard, who flew cut upon him him and gave him an unexpected drub bing in which his assistants lent a helping hand. The Inspector called to his aid several policemen, who fared in the same treatment he had received, and they retired, leaving the Priest undisputed control of the school.

Stanley in his recently issued book " How I found Livingstone" thus describes the great traveller: —Dr Livingstone is about .sixty years old, though after he was restored to health he appeared more like a man who had not passed his fiftieth year. His hair has a brownish colour yet, but is here and there streaked with grey lines over the temples ; his beard and moustaches are very grey. His eyes, which are hazel, are remarkably bright; he has a sight keen as a hawk's. His teeth alone indicate the weak ness of age ; the hard fare of Lunda has made havoc in their lines. His form, which soon assumed a stoutish appearance, is a little over the ordinary height, with the slightest possible bow in the shoulders. When walk ing he has a firm but heavy tread, like that of an overworked or fatigued man. He is accustomed to wear a naval cap with a semi circular peak, by which he has been identified throughout Africa. His dress, when 1 first him, exhibited traces of patching and re pairing, but was scrupulously clean. I was led to believe that Livingstone possessed a splenetic, misanthropic temper. Some have said that he is garrulous; that he is demented; that he has utterly changed from the David Livingstone whom people knew as the reverend missionary; that he takes no notes or observations but such as those which no other person could read but himself ; and it was reported, before I proceeded to Central Africa, that he was married to an African Princess. I respectfully beg to differ with all and each of the above statements. I grant he is not an angel, but he approaches to that being as near as the nature of a living man will allow. I never saw any spleen or misanthropy in him ; as for being garrulous, Dr Livingstone is quite the reverse. He is reserved, if anything ; and to the man who says Dr. Livingstone is changed, all I can say is that he never could have (known, him. I must also beg leave to correct the gentleman who informed me that Livingstone takes no notes or obser vations. The huge Letts's diary which I carried home to his daughter is full of notes, and there are no less than a score of sheets within it filled with observations which he took during the last trip he made to Many uema alone, and in the middle of the book there is sheet after sheet and column after column carefully written of figures alone. During the four months I was withhim. I noticed him every evening making most careful notes ; and a large tin box that he has with him contains numbers of field note-books, the contents of which I dare say will see light some time. As to the report of his African marriage, it is unnecessary to say more than that it is untrue, and it is utterly beneath a gentleman even to hint such a thing in connection with the name of Dr. Livingstone. You may take any point in Dr. Livingstone's character and analyse it carefully, and I would challenge any man to rind a fault with it.

There are various ways of ascertaining whether a gun is loaded, butfc blowing in at tlie MtiMle and 'pressing the hammer back with the' foot at the same time is not a good way. A young m'afi m one of the cow counties" adopW this plan ***"**£[J°> and though the coroner concluded the gun wi loaded the information was of no use to thThTw ßestefi T to1 the' wharf is progressing satisfactorily. Alreatty six tiers of piles have W driven" and the platform1 B iti Course of laying, so that before many week* the mail steamers will be able to come alongside. To enable them to do this with safety the Harbour Board will erect long piles alongside the Wharf for the purpose of preventing their paddle-boxes from overlapping the wharf. n r AT A telegram has been received irom iVJr Alfred Anderson, the eminent pianist, stating that he will positively leave for Auckland by the Hero, which left Melbourne on the lbtn instant. , The thirteen members who are to represent the Thames at the colonial prize-firing came to town by the Golden Crown yesterday. A friendly match between eight oi. the Thames team and the eight Auckland re presentatives was arranged at once, and is proceeding at the Mount Eden range this afternoon. The competitors proceed South in the s.s, Wellington.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Joseph May, T. B. Kenderdine, and G. H. Cheeseman, Esqs. J.P.s) ALLEGED LARCENY.

William Jones and Thomas Kennedy were charged with stealing the sum of £10 from the person of John Baker, at the Thames Hotel, Auckland, early this morning. The prisoners pleaded not guilty. Mr Joy appeared for the prisoner Jones. Mr Broham stated that as the alleged robbery was committed at an early hour this morning he would ask for a remand. Eemanded until Thursday. THREATENING LANGUAGE.

Bartholomew Conway, who appeared yes . i _ -i a charge of using threatening teruay .„, Maria his wife, was again

WMaffl Burns, brought up On reman^' was charged cm suspicion of having stolen lv« sum of £11 from thb dwelling house of John Smith, of Mangere, on the 20th February. Mr Broham stated that he had been rabble to get sufficient evidence to convict in tins case The accused was therefore discharged.

ANOTHER SSCKAYING COW. Charles Davis was charged with allowing his cow to stray in Wellington-street, contrary to No. 1, part 2, sec. 43 of the city by-laws. Mr Meyers appeared for the accused, who, in consequence of ill-health, was unable to be present, and stated that in consequence of a workman leaving some palings down the cows, without the owner's consent or know ledge, had taken "her walks abroad." He did not deny the charge; but under the circumstances he asked that the case might be dismissed. Mr Broham could only say that the cow was found wandering in Wellington-street. The magistrates, after a long consultation, fined Mr Davis Is and costs. A PLAGUEY CHIMNEY. Robert Wilson was charged with allowing his chimney to catch fire yesterday. The accused occupied a house in Wellesley street, and Mr Broham said that according to Mrs Davis's statement it was nine months since the plaguey chimney was swept, whish Mr Broham considered showed great neglect. Fined 5s and costs. A MATRIMONIAL JAR. < Charles Hawkes was charged with assault ing his wife, at Auckland, on the ISth inst. The defendant denied the charge. He had never illused his wife. The case, on the application of Mr Thome, was remanded until Thursday. TRANSFER OF LICENSE. The transfer of the license of the Victoria Hotel, Victoria-street, from John Menzies to Charles Burton, was applied for and allowed. This was all the business.

DISTRICT COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thos. Beckham, Esq., District Court

Judge.) The Coui't sat at ten o'clock. The following gold-mining cases were heard :— WABKIOB GOLD-MINING COMPANY. Mr Rees appeared for the Official Assignee; Mr Hesketh as an objector on behalf of Mr Craig. This case was ordered to stand over until the 25th March on the ground that some of the objectors had not received their notices. OTONUI GOLD-MINING COMPANY. Mr Rees for Official Assignee. Mr Derroni was entered as an objector but failed to appear. Costs were allowed the company. Mr Hesketh appeared to object on belialf of Mr Joseph Hargreaves, of Kaipara, who appeared in answer to a circular from the Official Assignee, addressed, " Mr Har greaves, Grahamstown." This was a case of mistaken identity. Air Joseph Hargreaves, of Kaipara, was sworn, and denied ever having held any shares in the Otonui Company. Objection allowed, with costs, £3 3s. Schedule, as amended, confirmed. MEXICAN GOLD MINING COMPANY. Mr Rees for Official Assignee. Schedule confirmed. WYNYARD GOLD-MINING COMPANY.

A partial hearing of this case was heard after repeated adjournments.

Mr Armstrong appeared on behalf of Mr John Bent, who pleaded that he never was a shareholder.

Name ordered to be struck out. £3 12s. costs allowed.

Mr Russell objected on behalf of Mr Glover, who had been placed on the books of the company for 300 shares. Mr Glover pleaded non-liability for more than 200. Plea admitted. Costs allowed, £6 2s. Mr Armstrong made application to have Dr Lee's objection heard this day month, who was absent through illness. Permission granted. Schedule otherwise confirmed. DAISY HILL GOLD-MINING COMPANY. Mr Bees for Official Assignee. Mr Beveriage appeared to object on behalf of Mr Lipsey. Objection to be heard on the 20th March. Schedule confirmed. SOUTHERN INTEREST GOLD-MINING COMPANY. Mr Rees for Official Assignee. An amendment was made in this schedule by the insertion of the word "printer" op posite the name of a Mr Shaw, winch was otherwise confirmed. PORT PHILLIP GOLD-MINING COMPANY. Mr Rees for Official Assignee. Mr Beveridge appeared for Mr David Simpson. In this case the objector, who was sworn, denied in toto any cognizance of a transfer bearing a signature purporting to be his. This was considered conclusive, and his name was struck out ; £6 2s costs allowed. I The schedule was otherwise confirmed. GOLDEN HARP GOLD-MINING COMPANY. Mr Rees for Official Assignee. Mr Stevens, who appeared in person, ob

jected on i&« ground that heiad disposed of' the shares for which he ws held liable to. Mr Bright, who had failed t register them. The plea was not admitted notwithstand ing Mr Stevens' protest. There were no other oteetors and the schedule was confirmed.

TRAFALGAR GOLD MINIS> COMPANY. Mr Eees for Official Assinee. Schedule confirmed tere being .no objectors. COLLARBONE GOLD MTNISI COMPANY. Mr Hees for Official Assigiee. Mr Brock appeared for Mrs and Miss Jxndf eyvs, and made an applcation for leave to file x rvotice of objedon, which was granted. Mrs Andrews' was repesented by her huaband, who on oa^h swob that no shares were ever purchased by her.h the company. Their names were ordered ti>be struck out. Tn the case of Mr William?, vrho- appeared in person toobject to hisnaaeoeing placed ort the list, and who is also the bgt3t creditor of the company, it was pointed rat that haying disposed of his shatfes- threenonths previous, to the winding-up order ac would not he called upon until the lists contributories had been exhausted. His nanev therefore, waa jetained on the list. Schedule, as amended, coiirmed. GLADSTONE GOLD MINH< COMPANY.

Mr Eees for Official Assignee. An objector in this compwy intimated by letter from Waikato to Mr Warner that he was unable to pay his liilility, but pro viding his expenses were paid he would attend th^ Court to prova;he same. The offer was not accepted. There were no- objectors wd the schedule was confirmed.

This concluded the I)T*sin<Bß

CORRESPONDENCE.

LARRIKINISE. (To the Editor of the EvuiriNG Stab.) Si R) —l have been musing aver the spicy epistle of " One of the so-cjlled Larrikins of the 16th instant," in your last evening's issue. I have struggled msuccessfully to grasp the writer's meaning. He suggests '' free gymnasiums, free entertainments, and free tea-fights" as safe aatidotes for the effervescence of the larrikins' blood: but where, I would ask, is the benevolent anti la^-ikin to be found who will dive into his pocket i(iV tlie " needful," especially in these flat, times, wnC.n the larrikin broker is down hi the month, ana the lonely gardener cannot secure his pumpkins from the covetous paws of young' ferrikins. Ev«2i supposing sir, that a committee of philanthiPpic individuals were to establish these amusements, I pre sume that they would be closed on Sundays, which, singular to say, i» the very day on which the acts of larrikinism occurred at Newton, by the culprit sof ■whom the writer of the letter referred to has admitted that he was one. In my opinion the only effectual way to put down larrikinism is by making a public example of some of the offenders,, namely, imprisonment without the option of a fine, which could be easily paid by the class, referred to. The larrikins ill this city are not " city arabs," but respectable young men, who, for want of something to do on the Sabbath (their heads not being clear enough to attend Divine Service) must rob poor people of their vegetables. Trusting that yom will insert this in your widely-circulated paper, I am, &c, Anti-Larrikin.

THE STATE OF THE LABOUR MARKET.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) g IK As your morning contemporaries appear, from frequent paragraphs on the subject, to be actuated by a conscientious desire to mislead the non-labor ring portion of the public as to the present state of the labour' market in this province, perhaps a few remarks derived from the personal experience 01 myself and others may throw some light on tit? matter. A singular fact thtt first claims atte_>n m the face of aU the outcry about scarcity oi labour is that notwithstanding the great demand for labouring men now existing, owing to the number of contracts on __n<*i .ye* a very large number could still be obu?™j~ were they really required, as was evinced V l6 other morning at the Albert Barracks, where many good working men were refused em ployment. There are also hundreds of men within a limited radius of town who, wasting their time at various unremunerative occu pations, would gladly accept any work at which anything was to be gained, but still they object to come from a considerable distance into town and at their own expense on the strength of a swindling advertisement, such as has on several occasions appeared in the Auckland papers of late. To put a climax on the subject of labor, I read in your issue of the 24th inst. a paragraph in which it is stated that the men at work on the railway at Mechanics' Bay are chiefly occupied in killing time, which imaginary discovery is accounted for by the equally imaginary statement that Messrs Brogden get 10 per cent, on outlay. Such a paragraph contains its own antidote when it is necessary for a pick and shovel man to state in correction, that it is only for iron or plant purchased by them in the home market that they receive 10 per cent, on outlay. As regards the earthwork, which is simply a contract,|Messrsßrogdenmay, with much pro priety, be permitted to conduct that in a way satisfactory to themselves as to the amount of labour performed by their men.- -I am, &c. Ex-SOCIETYMAN.

THE A. S. P. COMPANY AND THE HARBOUR BOARD.

To the Editor of the Evenixg Stab. Sir, —At the last meeting cf theHHarboru r Board' 1 notice reference made to a letter from Mr Craig, manager of the A. S. P. Company, for permission to extend their offices on the wharf, Mr Editor perhaps you may be able to inform the public, if ■ that part of the wharf occupied by the f& A. S. P. Company is their private property, ' I am not aware that it has been up to pxiblic tender or competition of any kind, but I am aware that the A.S.P. Co. have a coal yard on it, and if I mistake not at one time advertised coal for sale at then yards on the wharf. This Tis worth at the least five hundred pounds a-year, and surely it cannot be possible that the company have the exclusive use of it for merely the wharf age that their steamers pay.—l am. &c, A Wharf Ratepayer. Auckland, -February 23, 1873.

[Ad vertisement .] Poverty Bay, January, 30th, 1873. To the Right Rev. Dr Croke, Catholic Bishop, Auckland. My L©rd, — I am sorry that your Lordship has de cided so hastily in Father O'ConneU's case without letting us know what the charges were that have been brought against Father O'Connell's character. However, as far as can be ascertained from the four persons who reported to your Lordship about the rev. gentleman's intemperance, especially on a certain Sunday, that he was unable to say Mass in a proper manner, has been proved to be totally false.

MB 1?MTO StAlt, TtTESBAf, ffBBMTAEY 25, 18*73



CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND. Mails will Close as Under :—• For Thames, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 1.30 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per s.s. Wellington, immediately on the arrival of the p.s. Dakota from Honolulu, but not later than Thursday, 27th inst., at 7 a.m. For Napier and Southern ports, per p.s. Dakota, six hours after arrival. Mails for Australia, via Melbourne, will close at Hokitika, at 5 p.m. to-morrow (Wednesday). N.B.—A Post-office will be opened at Titirangi on the Ist March. (Signed) S. B. Bias, Chief Postmaster. J COSGEAVE & C O.'S SALE OF DRAPERY & CLOTHING COMMENCED ON SATURDAY, FEB. 1. The Public are requested to inspect the Goods as the Reductions are Genuine. CELLING OFF! DRAPERY! DRAPERY! B, C A S S } CHEAPSIDE HOUSE, 22 2, QUEEN STREET. DECIDED BARGAINS. B. C A S S, GREAT REDUCTIONS FOR THREE MONTHS ONLY AT THE AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPANY, 194, queen street, Next Door to Savings' Bank. Cartes-de-visitr. reduced from lCs per dozen to 13s 6d. Maori Celebrities (largest steelc in New Zealand to select from), reduced from 12s per dozen to Gs. I Views from all 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. McGARRIGLE, Manager. UNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA. [Established 1837.] PAID-UP CAPITAL ... £1,250,000. RESERVED FUNDS ... £400,000. NOTICE TO PROPRIETORS. rpELEGrRAPHIC advice having been received that a Dividend at the rate of 13 per Cent, per annum for the half year ending 31st December, 1872, on the Paid-up Capital of this Bank was declared at the Meeting of the Proprietors, held in London on the 15th January, Proprietors registered in Christchurch at the former date will receive thei r Dividend Warrants on application at the Bank's Offices, Hereford-street, Christchurch, or through any Branch of the Bank in New Zealand. (Signed) JOSEPH PALMER, Chief Officer for New Zealand.



We are requested by Mr Hayraan, tobacco nist, to call the attention of the public to his El Aguila De Russia cigars, the first of the brand ever imported in the colony, also other new brands per Nebraska.—Apvt.