SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

b?™* 11' This evening, 7.16 SUN-RI8E: To ™°™Wyoming, ».45 ttWDtog, 9.1™ '' T^i3 evening, 5.47 ; to-nrmmi

ARRIVALS.

taranaki s.s , from Southern ports. boutUeni Cross, s s, from Tauranga Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney OoMeu Isle, schooner, from Russell Foiest Queen, ketch, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

Wellington, s s, for Southern ports Luna, ps, for Tauranga Governor Blackall, ss, for Kandavu VESSELS EXPECTED. mnaostan ship, from London. Sailed September 29 JNawoTth, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed August 16 Albion, bng, and Drover, brig, from Newcastle, early freetrader, barque, from Port Chalmers raranaki, ss, from Souhern ports, early .Lady Agues, barque, from New York, via Lyttelton, Wentworth, ss, from Sydney, about the 25th btar of the South, from Napier Beatrice, barque, frcm New York, via Adelaide Amateur, barque, from Oainaru

IMPORTS.

Per Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney: —390 tons coal, Henderson and Macfailane ; 27 gunnies sugar. 10 kegs soda, Baruett and Levy ; 1,000 cases kerosene, George Dacre ; 51 tons kerosene shale, Auckland Gas Com pany ; 50 pairs shafts, 3 packages shafts, W. Kirby ; 100 boxes candles, J. C. Morrin; 100 boxes candles, Lewis Bros.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents.

EXPORTS.

Per Wellington, for the South : 267 bars and plates iron, 10 cases brandy, 1 case, 1 cask, Owen and Graham ; 10 cases brandy, Bucholz; 4 boxes tobacco, Robertson ; 18 qr-casks wine, 1 cask, E. and H. Isaacs ; 1 bale hops, 3 bales, 2 parcels, Lusk ; 1 plate iron, 2 pkgs springs, 2 parcels, 1 case, Morrin ; 2 empty kegs, 1 box, Barnes ; 6 drums oil, Owen and Co. ; 1 bale, Gittos; 53 cases, 4G casks, Kempthorne, Prosser, and Co.; 3 bales, 2 casks, Meyers ; 1 parcel, Haymond ; 1 bale 1 parcel, Haymond; 1 bale, Phillips; 12 cases, 1 bale, 1 truss, 2 trunks, McArthnr; 6 cases, Clark and Son ; 1 case, Stuart • S cases, 1 cask, Moverly; 1 box, Sibbin ; 4 parcels, 3 cases, N.Z.I. Co. ; 1 parcel, Hopkins ; 1 parcel, 3 cases, Bank of New Zealand ; 1 case, Nathan ; 1 do, Bain ; 1 case, Heighway ■ 1 parcel, South British Insurance Company ; 10 plates iron, Thomp son, 47 bdls bags, Binney ; 3 bales, Ander son ;30 empty hhds, 5 cases, "Williams; 3 do, Reed ; 26 cases, Tonks. Per Governor Blackall, for Kandavu : S cases cotton, 3 do. playing cards, 6 do. ap parel, 1 bale cotton, 1 case perfumed spirits, 1 caze do. woollens, 50 bales wool lashing, 33 coils rope, 120 boxes soap, 1 pkg sample, 1 bale hops, Owen and Graham, The barque Alice Cameron entered at the Customs this morning. The s.s. Governor Blackall, 331 tons, Cap tain Saunders, cleared at the Customs this morning for Kandavu with cargo as per ex ports, and the following passenger :—Mr and Mrs Stratford, Mr John andMrsUglow, Mr William Uglow, Messrs Orimus, Bid dulph, Jas Hedlow, Messrs Jane Hedlow, Sarah Hedlow, and Martha Hedlow. The departure of the's.s. Governor Blackall is delayed till six o'clock for the mails from the South, per Taranaki, which arrived this afternoon. The s.s. Wellington left the Manukau for the South to-day with the following passen gers :- Mr and Mrs Hackworth, Messrs Parris, H. Ruddock, W. Brassey, J. A. Fryer, Mackune, J. Pugh, Thomas, J. Cooper, Mr and Mrs Black, Miss Gibbs, Mr J. Gill, Miss Poulton, Miss Wallace, Mrs Forbes and Son, Messrs S. T. Brent, J. Macky, Milwall, Branyer, Mrs Atkinson and two children, Mrs Beaton and two children, Messrs Francis, T. Hill, J. Cole, J. Russell, J. Walsh, Mrs W. Churton and infant, Mrs Stanton and daughter, Mr and Mrs Hayes and two children, Mr and Mrs Gatheren and two children, Mr Dwyer, Mr R. Henshaw, Miss Cheeseman, Messrs Quig gin, J. Bell, R. Laishley, W. Fraser, J. McKenzie, E. Sutton, G. W. Rye, James Thomas, J. ©. Crawford, G. W. Rye, N. Ford, W. Walmesley, W. Hackott, Botham ley, and Armitage. The s.s. Southern Cross arrived from Tauranga early this morning with cargo and passengers. The race of which we gave a partial de scription on Saturday between the cutters Undine and Fawn resulted in the latter win ning by about a mile. The times of arrival were as under :—Pawn, 5.58 p. m.; Undine, 6h. 4m. 58s. p.m., the interval being 6m. 585.. It appears that the Undine maintained the lead she took at starting till the cutters were off Otenerua Bay, midway between Rangitoto Reef and Tiritiri. Here a portion of her ballast shifted to lee wardj and the rules of sailing not permitting any alteration to be made of the misfortune had to be made the best of. In rounding Tiri both boats came in for a nasty beam-sea, and a stiff breezes from the North. They went through both,well carrying all sail. On rounding for the nln home the Pawn had a lead of about a mile r which she maintained to the finish. Several slight, mishaps occurred during the race, but not of such importance as to interfere with the chance of either. Off! Rangitoto Reef the gaff-topsail halyards of the Undine gave way in going.about, Off Tiri thejtack of the jib also came to grief—both were, however, soon rectified.. The Fawn at one time shipped a heavy green sea, which flooded the deck and the hold. Both vessels were handled in first-class style by their sailing captairis Millar in the Undine, and Watts in the Fawn. The Undine belongs to Mr M. Niccol, and not to Mr Henderson as reported by mistake on Satur« day. Fiom what we gather of the features J of the race, as witnessed by those on board during it, we are inclined to believe that the •Undine is the faster vessel of the two, and that bar accidents she would have won. The Government steamer Luna left for Tauranga early yesterday morning. The Golden Isle and Queen schooners, from Russell, have arrived, with cargoes of coal. The barque Gemsbok, which sailed for New York on Saturday morning, anchored offWangaproa on Saturday evening. She *ailed again yesterday morning with a wes terly wind. The s.s. Albion left Lyttelton for Welling ton yesterday with the Auckland portion of the Suez mail. The barque Alice Cameron arrived from Sydney early yesterday morning. Captain Carter reports sailing from that port on the Bth; for the first four days had light easterly and northerly winds. The North Cape was rounded on Thursday last. She brings a cargo of coal, and some small con signments of general merchandise. The s.s. Taranaki arrived at the wharf, Onehunga, this afternoon from the South with the mails for transmission via San Francisco per Governor Blackall.

There are employed in the clothing manu factories of Melbourne 2,500 females, chiefly young girls, and 500 more in the hat and boot and shoe factories. It is not surprieing therefore to learn that "the"dearth of domes ic servant* in Melbourne is now yery great.

COMMERCIAL.

At Messrs Tonks sale of Government tolls, &c., at their Queen-street mart to-day. the prices realized, per month, for a term of twelve months, were as follows :—l, Public slaughter-house at Newmarket, to Mr Slater, £S0 ; 2, tolls leviable at Panmure bridge, to Mr Hioht, £18 ,10s; ?>, Newmarket, Remuera, and Mount Eden (east), chain bars, to Mr McGarry, £150; 4, Otahuhu and Slippery Crock turnpike gates, to Mr Stringer, £49 ; ISewtori toll gate, to Mr Gal braith, £25 10s ; G, Mount Eden road toll gate, to Mr Kirby, £30 ; also,' New North road toll-gate, next to Eden Vine Hotel, to Mr Kirby, £3G ; 8, supply of water to shipping, to A.'S.P. Co., £50 ; 9, Onehunga wharf, to Mr Barnes, £57. Calls.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Clobb as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5 30 p m , and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5 30p.m. Cor Coromandel, on Wednesday next, at 9.30 a.m. For Kawau, per Sumpter, this day, at 5 p.m. JFor Russell, per Speedwell, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Fiji, per Star of the South, to-morrow, at 2 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, Opotiki, and Napier via Tauranga, per Southern Cross, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. N.B.—The postage on lettors for United States of America and United Kingdom, via San Francisco, is 6d per half ounce. (Signed) S. B. Bias. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Israel.—On December 22, Mrs Ephraim Israel, One hunga, of a son.

DEATH.

Jones.—On December 21, at Sheridan street, Joseph, infant son of J. H. and H. Jones ; aged 13 months. The funeral will leave his. father's residence, Sheridan street, Freeman's Bay, to-morrow (Tues day), at 3 p.m. Friends will please accept this invitation.

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1873.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For'the future in the distance. And tho crood that we can do

We have just been shown a very beautiful " Collecting Card " for the use of the little workers for the New Hebrides Mission. As is known to many of our readers it is intended to replace the late Day Spring, Mission schooner, which was lost in January last, and an appeal has been made by the directors of the mission to the children of the Presbyterian Churches of the colonies, asking a united effort for the object intended. We are glad to learn that willing little hearts and hands are tremulous with excitement and earnestly waiting for the implements. The very prettily ornamented card which has just been issued from the press will, from its very appearance, tend to impart an addi tional zest to the work, and we have no doubt that ere long another " Dayspring," the property of the children, will be visiting those tropical isles, bearing light and know ledge and peace into the habitations of horrid cruelty. '

The stops taken by the police to put a stop to the very common practice' of using obscene language in public thoroughfares will meet with the approval of all respect- aide citizens. Two boys caught in the act were lined 20s and costs by the Resident Magistrate on Saturday, and were severely reprimanded. Others should take warning, as these youths arc only the first fruits of the new raid by the police. Roys arc not the only guilty parties, and perhaps if some of those older ruffians who set the bad ex- ample were severely punished an effectual check would be put to this nuisance, A meeting of the Imperial Crown Gold Mining Company was held this afternoon (Mr F. Whitaker in the chair) to consider the resolution passed on the 3rd December re- lative to the issue of 10,000 new shares, After some discission the resolution was confirmed. m , , ~, ~ ~, , , The regular monthly meeting of the Lodge St. Andrew will take place this evening m the lodge-room Star hotel, at half-past seven when a ecture on Freemasonry will be delivered by Brother Dewar. A large number of persons assembled yes- terday under the trees in the Domain for the purpose of hearing the friends of temperance declaim against the evils of excessive drink- ing. Brother Carr opened the proceedings with one of his characteristic speeches, fol- lowed by other friends. The rain, however, coming down pretty heavily, reduced appa- rently the dimensions of many white dresses and shortened the service. A simple torn- perance hymn was sung in the shower and the meeting quietly dispersed. The talented Lynchfamily of vocalists and Bell-ringers, and 'Mr Henry Vevten, appeared before a full and enthusiastic audience o Saturday evening in the Lome-street new hall. Messrs Seymour and Cullimore acquit- ted themselves with their usual ability with their overtures and accompaniments on the piano. There was an entire change in the second programme on Saturday night, equal if not superior in selection to the first. The airs performed on the handbells (which were fresh to an Auckland audience) were selec- tions from " Norma" the " Copenhagen Waltz," "We homeward fly," "Rosa Lee," "Massain the cold cold ground," " Eng- lish Quickstep," "Starry Night," "White Cockade," " O dear what"can tiie matter lie," " Write me a letter from home," and several other musical melodies all of a chaste and high-class character, and we were glad to notice that the greater part of the assemblage appeared really to understand and enjoy them. The members of the Australian family of Bell-ringers deserve the fame they have studiously won. They are dexterous, correct, and perfect with the notes; so clearly true that it is impossible not to recognise the airs in a moment. " Coming through the rye" was a remarkable example of this harmonious truthfulness to tune and time, \Vre have a variety of entertainments sue- cessfully appealing to citizens, and it is gratifying to notice that an intellectual treat id sure to meet with due appreciation, as in the case of the performances of this gifted faraily. The sentimental songs of Mr Vertcn were all excellent. His renderiug of "Tell me, Mary, how to woo thee," and "Darling •lenny ;" also, "The Anchor's Weighed," were in perfect keeping with the sentiments; while the comic songs and dances met with a lively reception, and their repetition was loudly demanded. Tho " Shaving Saloon" we thought preferable to the farce of the " Troublesome Servants," but this was a mere matter of taste, and not to be accepted as a guarantee of their respective merits. We are glad to learn that the bell-ringer 3 will prolong their visit, probably through the Christinas week, so that all will have the \ opportunity of listening to sweet sounds j which, without words, appeal to and har- raonises with the music of the mind. The members of the Choral Society arc es- pecially requested to attend at tho Choral Hall this evening to take their parts in the full rehearsal of the Messiah. Mr R. Arthur's Christmas poultry and produce sales will take place to-morrow— the former in the Market, and the latter in the Queen-street Mart. mi v ;,, ■»«■ v • » t f The reading-room of the Mechanics'lnsti- "1 * noJ, at tho Wc»ley^ school-room ffi ;' , ?? X m? ml 3ers ™U attend from this date until the closing of the exhibition. A number of young persons were con- firmed last evening in St Matthew's Church by Right Rev. Dr Cowie, Bishop of Anck- land. A meeting of the members of the Auck- land Rowing Club is to ,be held this evening at the Club-room, Thames hotel, for the pur- pose of electing a new captain in the room of Mr Provo, resigned. Mr Chas. Burton's great Christmas gift en- terprise will be drawn for on Wednesday night (Christmas eve.) No one need be without a Christmas cake when they can secure one on such terms as those offered by Mr Burton. To young ladies and gentle- men contemplating matrimony we can es- pecially commend the investment of half-a- crown here, with the prospect of securing wedding cake and wedding ring ; in fact everything needful for fixing up the business except the parson, who may readily be obtained, and this jovial season made doubly merry | for one couple at least, Friend Burton ought to connect a proviso to this prize, pledging the winner of it,—if ho be bachelor, or if she be spinster—to change state, or in default to hand over the article to anyone professing willingness to use it in the orthodox way. _ ~ _._., T .r,- Brother Mackune, D.D.R.W.G.T., in- •tituted two Good Templar Lodges on Satur- day. The Sir Henry Havelock Lodge will hold its meetings in the Edward-street school-room. The following officers of this lodge have been installed:—C. E. Madden, W.C.T.; E. Spragg, W.V.T. ; Rev. J.Tin- sley, Chaplain; - fudlow, L.D. The Harbin: ger of Peace Lodge, which will meet in the Cook-street Hall, was also formed by Mr Mackune A little before one o'clock this morning Constable Sampson had a narrow escape from drowning by falling over the wharf side into the water. The constable, who is a re- markably careful, sober, and steady man, was on duty at the time, and considers that he must have been deceived by the glare of the lamps. He stepped off the wharf and went straight into the water, which was ten feet deep. He immediately cried for help, and was heard by Mr Hadrill, ship- ping reporter, who happened fortunately to be near at hand. Charles Strong and Charles Keen also heard the cries. The night-waterman's boat was at once rowed to the spot where Mr Hadrill had observed ' circles in the water, indicating that some- thing had disturbed its surface. Just as they reached the place Sampson rose to the surface and was caught by Mr Strong. They towed him to the watermen's steps, where he was lifted out in a very exhausted state, He was taken to the Waitemata Hotel, and after| being refreshed with brandy, was able to walk to his home in the barracks, But for the opportune aid afforded he would undoubtedly have been drowned, as he was quite unable, hampered as he was with J heavy clothing, to keep himself afloat. J Entries for the Auckland Jockey Club will i a be received at the Auckland Hotel up till I w eight o'clock this evening. • s

The opening entertainment at the new hall, Papakura, on Friday last, was success ful. It consisted of comic and sentimental songs, music, and recitations. Mr Horace Barker, of the district, gave a capital comic song, winch elicited much mirtb. A lady (Mrs Walker) recited Bell's "Mary Queen of Scots." in a very effective manner; also a part of Longfellow's " Evangeline," which were well received. Several Rejections from choice operas were played by the pianist, and several ethiopian songs and sketches by Messrs Pox and W. F. Armstrong. The en tertaiument gave general satisfaction, and was patronised by the leading families of the neighbourhood. one of tlie passengers by the Alice Cameron yesterday was Captain Nichol, owner of the schooner Jessie, who was left on one of the Sonth Soa Elands by the master of his vessel some three or four months ac;o. The members of the School Teachers' Association held their usual monthly meet j 011 Saturday afternoon in Mr Eraser's H f gll School room Eev ])r Kidd in the ch a ir . There was no prepared essay before the meethlgj and the business was of a general character. The following resolutions were carried:—"l. Moved by Mr Worth ington, seconded by Mr Harrison, "That this Association regrets to learn from recent re turns furnished by the secretary to the Board of Education, and from the experience of many of its members, teachers of public schools, that the average daily attendance of pupils at the common schools of the province is greatly disproportioned to the nominal re turn of numbers on the rolls of the several schools, and respectfully requests that the ?°ard of EcWtion will take the subject into *° xt* m(** *c. rlolls consideration 2 Moved n«s?aa m» rT4¥ hl U\ Hamso »> . That the Board of Education be respect f»Hy solicited to defer making the amount °f Varies paid to teachers dependent upon *he average attendance of pupils until such tir?. c as the compu sory clauses of the Edu ?, atl°n Af shall be brought into operation r ¥^\ *cc°nde<i by ,r Walkin Edwards, ' 1 hat the Board may be respectfully requested to consider that f iC™ P™v,s »°n h™ n°fc been made for t(':ichera dwelling houses, an allowance for rent, may be made as an equivalent thereto Iv . , ?X., Mr Fraser, seconded Mr W. ':< lwa,'l 1r J hat Messrs Worthmgton, Mar fell}]']m < ll}]' ] £ennard be a deputation to wait "J'*" 1 tho l,' oarfl of Education to convey the a.bove resolutions, and furnish any explana ti'-n required. he rev. chairman at the close announced that the annual meeting of the association will be|held on the eighth day "' tho new >'ear- To the Editor : Sir,—lt has been said of French people generally that they arc wiser than they seem, but of the people of Auck land, especially our worthy Provincial Councillors of the past, it may be truly said that they have ever seemed infinitely wiser then they really were. When smallpox in its mildest form visited Auckland it was deemed advisable not only to compel every man, woman, and child to be vaccinate I who could not show proof of former vaccina tiou ; but even bouses were doomed to des traction in which the disease originated, and in short nothing was left undone cal culated to excite and disturb the pub lic mind. Again, while the Queen-street sewer continued to emit its invigorating odours, many and strong were the letters and articles written condemnatory of the con duct of our Provincial and City Councillors till at last a reproductive plan was discovered for removing a nuisance which had made Auckland a by-word throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand. Now, sir, we have bad in our midst a prolific source of disease and death, infinitely worse than either small-pox or the Queen-street sewer, and one which nevertheless our Councillors have told us they cannot do without, namely, the Newmarket seething-pot, commonly called the Slaughter-house. This has been and still is one of Auckland's landmarks, and even when our butchers (to tlleir credit be it ever said) like gen tlemen offered to build a placo at theit OWl> expense worthy of the name, and of their names and profession, they wore cooly to** the fees from the Newmarket stink t could llot be dispensed with. Mr Lusk told us at Newmarket that it had taken three and a . half to find f per 3]augbter .h onge . but neit her he nor any one else has ever told us what has become of tho vast amount of money collected as fees from tho same ; nor yet when that money is likely to be applied in erecting anotl?er- Xt is certainly ovident that our , ">™eial councillors have one and all ?/? j -v? the absurcl notion that, * rUfr i " , * ,'' omovefeh tlie land marks out °" their place, for they have stuck to the slaughter-house like tho well-known dogs of the neighbourhood for their own ends, c have now got new and able men in the Council,—men who do not even like stringy chops, much less rotten ones—and it will be f°r su°b as these to prove to the people of Auckland whether our meat is to be killed and dressed on a dung heap, and allowed to hang in a pestiverous den where the cool breeze of heaven has probably never yet entered, owing to the prevailing influence of the ever-prevailing and deadly effluvium within that black and filthy slaughter house, or whether our butchers are to have one suitable place erected, or other w^se that each individual shall have the same privilege conferred on him as is con ferred on three government favourites, namely, to be permitted, by paying for it, to erect a private place of their own. It certainly behoves us one and all to demand a proper and commodious public slaughter house at the hands of our councillors now assembled, and failing to obtain it to take the law in our own hands, and pull down the one we have at present as a cumberor of the ground—-I am, &c., Fresh Meat. n„ . -. ___ •■_'.- , , , , • °aoutchoue the hairless horse captured ?.J*S WlWs *• Au?traliai-was exhibited on JuSS?? W t° t numb„ ,of tors opposite the Union tfank. I his remarkablej animal is as docile and gentle as a child ; many visitors have subjected his skin to closest microscopic scrutiny without detecting a sign of a hair, and leave with conscious assurance that no deception has been imposed upon them. The hairless horse will make an interesting addition to the sights of the holidays, The following letter from a country lass to her sweetheart in Wick accidentally fell into the hands of a correspondent, who thinks he is justified in asking us to print it. We can vouchforthe genuineness ot the epistle, which runs as follows:—My durist,—l tought ye never was to writ agan and I did it in case ye might tack offince at bein careles. my mither wis winderin ye didney come to see me when yes down last Saterday. ye might comin ye said ye wise coming I saw Gordie last night he was very kinder than before now dma be wild will dear my mither said a wis 42 and it was time for me will to marry if ye or Gordie wis to take me. I earn which I lick ye baith. am ready ouy time ye like, come down next Saturday, have ye any herin in Wick, as glad ye wisna on the boat at lost mind come am taking lang. I am your dearest to death. .. . (kisses)." — JoJm o' Groat's ournal. A correspondent in the London ISx miner declares that the real Don Carlos as shot last November, and that a hand> ome Jesuit father is now playing his part..

We are requested to give notice that the J bonded warehouses will be closed on the 2nd and 3rd of January by direction of the / Commissioner of Customs for the purpose of j the official stock taking. On these days no | goods will be delivered or received. j The Sydney Melbourne Herald considers \ that the liberal attendance of ladies at the ! debates in Now Zealand General Assembly is ■ the best chock upon vulgarity in Parliament that could be devised, and hints that it would be useful in the Chambers of tho New South Wales Parliament.

THE OPENING OF THE RAILWAY.

The residents of Onehunga are very in dignant at being overlooked in connection with Saturday's ceremony. A correspon dent residing there thus retaliates :—"The little village of Onehunga was on Satur day last the scene of great excitement. At au early hour in the morning it was rumoured that the railway was to be opened on that day, although at what hour none of the inhabitants knew from the fact that no communication had been held with them on the subject. The rumour was confirmed in the course of the morning by Host Sullivan spreading a large amount of bunt ing to woo the freshening breeze, and by the appetising odours which pro ceeded from his capacious kitchens. Every one was on the tip-toe of expectation until shortly after half-past one, whenthetrain was seen approaching. On arrival at the mud hole which at present does duty as the ter minus, a numerous company descended from the carriages, conspicuous amongst whom were the Chief Justice, the Superintendent, T. Beckham, Esq., R.M.; Mr and Mrs Whitaker, Mr Broham, Mr Beveridge, Dr. Goldsbro', the Mayor of Auckland, &c. After standing at the terminus for a short time admiring the splendid view over the mud flat towards Mangere, the company proceeded to host Sullivan's to enjoy the good things provided for them. After luncheon the usual loyal toasts were proposed and responded to. The Mayor of Auckland was to have proposed "The prosperity of the town and trade of Onehunga," but just as he was about to do so it was discovered that not a single inhabitant of the town had been invited to be present, and therefore the toast was left out, there being no person to respond to it. After the guests had had their rill various athletic and other games were indulged in. Some of the company amused themselves by running up and down the verandah, others by jumping across the rails of the line, others by walking about the green lanes, and admiring the palatial dwell ingsof thepeopleof Onehunga. One gentleman, resplendant in white waistcoat and neck-tie, perfectly astonished the ladies on the verandah by his skill in " shooting the cat," after which feat he retired to hide his modest blushes to get another cup of mozelle. About four o'clock the company took their depar ture, one loving couple who had strayed too far being left behind. By the kind peimission of Mr Henderson, the One hiiHgans were then permitted a free view of the chairs and tables, with the remainder of thejviands. The Onehunga police man being present, by order to see that nothing was touched. Some few availed themselves of the treat, and declared that they never enjoyed themselves so much before ; and at a social meeting held in one of tho back rooms of the hotel a vote of thanks to Mr Henderson for his civility towards the inhabitants of Onehunga was unanimously passed. It is rumoured that the broken re mains of the feast are to be supplied to those who apply for them this evening.."

DISTRICT COURT.—This Day.

(Before His Honor Judge Beckham

ANDERSON V. COCHRANE AND SON. His Honor gave judgment in this case for the plaintiff. NATHAN AND CO. V. J. CANNING. Claim, £05 15s Id, balance of amount. Mr Meyers for plaintiff. Judgment for plaintiff. OOLCONDA C. M. C. V. HUGH O'bRIKNE. Claim £22 10s, two calls on fifty shares. Mr Whftaker for the plaintiff. Judgment for the amount. TRUSTEE C. LEYS V. W. J. SMITH. Claim £23, promissory note. Mr Meyers for plaintiff. BUCHOLZ V. THORNE. Claim £100 for hops. MrHesketh for plaintiff, and Mr Whitaker for defendant. The defence was that the purchase was not completed, and the hops never delivered. The purchase had been negotiated through Mr John Mason, broker. The hops had been burned in the late fire, They were to have remained for a month in bond free. Mr Longdale deposed that he heard there Avas something wrong about the hop Con tract, and enquired of Mr Thorne about the matter, when Mr Thorne said he knew no thing about any hops. He replied, '' Surely you must recollect the hops." Witness was speaking to him about it in his office a few mornings ago. He had not been paid for the hops, and he claimed £100. To Mr Whitaker : He was not a partner in the firm of Bucholz and Co., but carrying on business by power of attorney. He sent in a list of goods destroyed to the insurance com pany, and the hops were included in the first instancy. He settled with the Insurance Company on the 3rd of November, and received £3500 for the claim, but the loss sustained by the fira was £4500. He' subsequently found out that the Custom house clerk had inadvertently inserted the hops. To Mr Hesketb : He informed the Insu rance Company of the error, but they did not; ask him to refund, but said that it did not make the slightest difference. He was not paid for the hops or he should have refunded the money. He told Mr Thorne of the cir cumstance. The agent for Roberton and Co. was Mr Mason. 3>sMr John Mason, commercial broker, was then called, and deposed that at the time stated he acted for John Roberton & Co., and was employed by Mr Thorne to look out for some hops in the market. No price was named, but he was to ascertain what th« stocks were. He did so, and showed the price list to Mr Thorne. He enquired about the price and quality, and the names of the owners. Messrs Btucholz and Co. was the lowest figure. Mr Thorne then offered Is lid, which he submitted to Mr Longdale, who refused the terms. Mr Thorne con sidered, and then said he would spring a penny, and give ls'2|d. The latter price was accepted. Witness then wrote out a contract note for Roberton and Co., and a duplicate for Messrs Bucholz, which was destroyed in the fire. Thomas Brassey, clerk in the employ of Bucholz and Co., made out the transfer and invoice in the name of John Roberton and Co., and entered the same in .the book at the time of the transaction. He sent them on the same day to the office of the latter. He subsequently applied for cash or a pro missory note, but got neither. Counsel having addressed the Court, his Honor suggested that the case appeared one "which should he settled by arbitration It was then adjourned nntil tb« -I2th of January with this view,

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before P. A. Philips, Esq., R. M.)

DKUNEENMESH. Andrew Halliday was fined ss, Patrick Collins 10s, Nicholas Warlow 20, and Augustus Weaver 20s and costs, for being drunk on Saturday evening. Homy Wells, Gilbert, McClannau, and John King for feited their bail. OBSCENE LANG XIA (IE. Robert McMillan was charged with using obscene language in Wellosley-street on Saturday evening. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was fined 20s or 4S hours. Thomas Perell, a seaman, was charged with being absent from the schooner Herald, on .Saturday last, without leave. Prisoner pleaded guilty. The master stated that he wished to have prisoner on board as he was ready to start. Ordered to go on board upon paying costs. LARCENY. Thomas Hynes was brought up on three charges of larceny. First for stealing a shirt, value 2s Gd, the property of Charles Beer, on Saturday last; second, a pair of boots, value 3s, and a shirt value 3s, the property of Charles Anderson ; and third, a coat, value 20s, the property of Richard Hughes. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Richard Hughes, seaman, deposed that on Wednesday last he missed his coat. On the previous'day prisoner was working at a shil ling a day on board, but did not see him after he missed his coat. John Shiers deposed that he was a Protestant labourer, residing in Chan cery Lane, and the prisoner brought the coat to his lodging, and stated that a friend had given it to him. He pawned the coat at Mr Marks' for 4s, at prisoner's request, who informed him that it was " all right." Mr Marks proved to the pawning of the coat at his shop. Detective Ternahan deposed that he arrested prisoner on the charge, when he told the constable that he bought it of a man near the wharf. Prisoner protested that he was innocent. He bought the coat of a party, but did not know the name. His Worship said that prisoner should bring the party forward. If he bought stolen things off strangers he must put up with the consequences. The case of stealing boots and a shirt was then proceeded with. Charles Anderson proved that the boots and shirt were his, stolen from the vessel with which he was connected. Mary Hanoran stated that prisoner lodged at her house, and gave the things into her possession on Wednesday night. Charles Beer identified a Crimean shirt, value 2s Gd, as his property. The prosecutors all belonged fco the brigan tine Ryno, and the goods were all stolen from that vessel. Prisoner said, in defence, that he wras thoroughly honest. He sometimes got tight, but was not a thief. He was forty years of age, and never convicted. Sentenced to thirty days' imprisonment for each offence, with hard labour. STEALING A PORTMANTEAU. Dennis Daley, young man, was charged with stealing a portmanteau containing clothing and jewellery value £30, the i property of Joseph Morton, in Norember last. On the application of Mr Broham this case was remanded until Monday next. A NEGLECTED CHILD. George Williams was charged with refusing to" contribute towards the support of Elizabeth Williams, his child, now an inmate in the Newton Industrial School, he being in a position to render such support. . This case wa3 also adjourned until Mon day next, in order that defendant may be present to shew reasons for his neglect. This was all the business.

RACING NOTES.

(By our Special Correspondent.) The welcome rain has come at last. The course at Ellerslie was getting frightfully hard, and trainers are especially glad of the downfall. The hardness of the ground may have had something to do with the recent sale of Calumny and Hatred, as Mr Ray was heard to declare this morning that if he had known it was going to rain he should have a3ked another £50 for the two. These fine animals have been already removed to Kohimarama, while Mr E. Perkins' recent purchases—Papapa, Kakapo, and Batter— are occupying their late stables at Ellerslie. Ray has charge of the Ttirf Club favourite and his companions for the present. The betting on the Cup does not seem very lively. Papapa is backed against the field, while Hatred and Yatterina are the only others who are fancied. Now that I have seen all the horses engaged in this race I am in a position to give my readers the benefit of my observations. Hatred has the top weight, viz., Sst. 101b. I have already given my opinion of this mare, and think still that if she can stay home she will win. At Christchurch, in the mile Free Handicap, carrying 9st.4lbs., she ran second, beaten a neck by Kakapo, 6st. lOlbs. Now this, making the large allowance of Slbs. for the neck-beating, would bring {the two together at about 2st. Papapa is said to be considerably better than Kakapo, though this has yet to be proved. Now in the Turf Club Hatred has only to give Papapa IGlbs., necessitating the latter being 121bs. better than Kakapo to make a race of it with the old mare. This is of course not making any allowance for the extra distance. But here Papapa's credentials are certainly superior to that of his antagonist. His second to Lurline in the Christchurch Cup, 2^ miles, was a finer performance than it looks on paper. He lost a lot of ground at the last turn, and was going faster at the finish than at any other part of the race. Hatred on the other hand has never proved herself a stayer, and she is old enough—so people say —to have shown her best points. Papapa is a magnificent three-year-old, the finest with out doubt ever seen in this province. He is every inch a racehorse, and a thorough gentleman to boot. He is a chesnut colt by Rayensworth, out of Waimea, by Sir Her culis, so that his blood contains the best in the Southern hemisphere. He stands about 15 hands 2frin. in height, has a good sound set of legs under him, a well ribbed, but rather light barrel, powerful quarters, deep roomy chest, and muscular shoulders. He may easily be recognised in a crowd by the white streak down his face and by the white on his two off legs. When galloping he covers a large extent of ground, the legs being thrown well away in advance. This morning he did a rattling spin of two miles, and could not have been seen to better advantage. One thing Ido not like about him, that is, his condition. He is I think somewhat overdone. In this opinion some good judges agree with me, but Mr Redwood says it is his custom to look tucked up about the ribs, and that the horse was never better than he is at this moment. The other horses in the race are Yatterina, Parawhenua and Black Eagle. Of these, after seeing Papapa and Hatred, the first j named is the only one that stands a chance of winning. Mr Walter's mare, who is too well-known in Auckland to need describing,

is very well at present, and has unde-^oi. special preparation for this event ~^. a expected with her stable companion ESS* at Onehunga this afternoon. Parawt, ' I am sorry to say has not turned out the hr?* which his splendid frame once gave Drom' of. He is now deficient in muscle and even flesh, and would be better after being turn i out for a month or two. He has a stale iJf? appearance, which called forth' from „ ge.'itleman, who was looking at him with*, the remark that he looked like a "WTJ devil." Black Eagle, though an old frfenS « f mine, I am compelled to discard ao I am reluctantly forced to the belief that the company is too good for hil even with his pull in the weights AftT weighing Ihe recommendations of Hatr^ and Papapa, to which two I think the t__Z is confined, I record my verdict in favour «f PAPAPA, 0t at the same time expressing my conviction that it will be a splitting race between th. pair. Utt This morning the racecourse at Ellerslio was a very uncomfortable place tbvmmd nearly _ two hours The rain was eoS down in a drizzling Scotch mist kind of fashion, and wetted you through before on« well knew it was raining. At half -past four Mr Wynyard's pair (Bundarra and Bats man) came on the course, and the former did a nice gallop of about -two miles going a bit faster than her. usual nace' I am told that the old gelding is Lite renovated, and likely to render a good account of himself. Batsman played a nice pretty game. He would do any . thing rather than go straight. Having attempted first to sit on his rump like a kangaroo, he then tried to stand on his head Being brought up rather quicker than he seemed to expect by some sounding remind ers, he next resorted to a bolt, which was so successful that after he was got straight he tried it again, and went full speed towards the gate near the course-keeper's house Finding it no use trying to make him do anyt hing properly his jockey took him back to his stabb. At half-past five Mr Perkins' three appeared. Papapa was stripped and went a rattling gallop of two miles with Kakapo, who had his clothes on. Both went well, though they were.not hurried along, Papapa's advanced condition only requiring him to be kept moving. Batter had a gallop to herself afterwards.' SHe is a handsome mare, and looks improved since Canterbury. She is intended for the Maiden Plate, which is not unlikely to fall to her. Mr R„ Kirkwood's hurdle racer Sultan did a quiet canter of two miles. The old horse looks in very good fettle, and though not fast is sure to make no mistake in his jumps. I shall have something to say about Ka kapo to-morrow. CffANTICLEER,

CHORAL FESTIVAL.-PERFORMANCE OF THE MESSIAH.

To-morrow night the performance of the grandgoratorio, "The |Messiah" by the Choral Society, aided by many of the leading members of our Church choirs, and of other musical societies will take place at the Choral Hall, Svmond street. The intention at present' is to perform this magnificent musical composition entire, and those only who have been present at the rehearsals can form any ade quate estimate of the rich treat in store for the subscribers to the Society. There will be at least 150 performers, including nearly all of Auckland's best vocalists and instru mentalists. Such an effort we venture to say, notwithstanding the many brilliant per formances of this Society, has never before been made in Auckland. The solos have been entrusted to vocalists who have often delighted the lovers of music in this city, and the choruses will be given with all the power and force of which the full orchestra is capable. It is extremely gratifyingto see the Choral Society endeavouring to satisfy an expressed public wish in this matter. The work they have undertaken is an ex tremely difficult one, but we are sure they are equal to it, and they have neglected no thing which could at all contribute to the success of to-morrow's performance. We un derstand that the season has commenced; and subscribers' tickets may now be obtained in time for to-morrow night's concert "l by persons desirious of supporting the Society, and of enjoying the high class entertainment which are from time to time provided. Ap plication for these should be made to Mr Upton, stationer, oy to the secretary at the hall. On the present occasion, however, we think tke committee should relax the usual rule, and admit gentlemen and ladies to the concert to-morrow night on payment of an admission fee of,; say five shillings each. There are many, -we believe, who would be glad of an opportu nity for hearing "The Messiah" performed at this season whose tastes or means would not aßow them to become subscribers. The friends of performers not connected with the Choral Society would also be able to gain admission in this way. We are requested to state that the final rehearsal willtakeplacethis evening, commencing at half-past seven sharp, when the members of the band must be in their |places at seven o'cloclt. All persons who intend to take part in the con cert must attend to-night at the rehearsal in order that no hitshshaU occur at the public performance to-morrow. , Since the above was in type we have been requested to state that the concert to-mor row evening is open to all the subscribers as well as to a friend of each performer. We be lieve that strangers may be admitted by pay ment of os on reference to any member of the committee.

TELEGRAPHIC.

MANUKAU.

Tins day. The Taranaki is in sight.

TAURANGA.

This day. The Luna arrived at 5.30 yesterday after noon. Mr Tellman, far conducting an art union on Saturday, was fined £10, and Mr Cook, landlord, a similar amount. Notice of appeal was lodged by the latter on the ground that when the prosecutor's cue closed the bench adjourned, calling-in the prosecutor for consultation. On resuming they refused to hear defendant, and threat ened a commital for contempt of Court,

ROTORUA.

W; This day-' The Defence Minister at Rotorua has bean well received. Great complaints are made about the late land interference. The natives are wiling to lease, but not to sell. It is reported that the purchase of Rotomahana tale was con cocted in Auckland. There is no disturbance. • ■■" ■ ' •« Mr McLean meets the Ngatirahaue again on Monday. ,^i

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

[Per Anglo-Australian Telegram Com&W

NELSON.

, .;',•■ This day. , The sea on the bar was so heavy that the Taranaki could not go out on Saturday mgw- She nailed yesterday morning.

the BVEffnra stab;, Monday, decbmbeb 22 isrs



rew Zealand Shipping Co. lbion Coal Co

0 10 3 0 15 0

u-.v Jan. Feb.



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