SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET: This evening, 6.31 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 6.52 HIGH WATER: This evening, 9.59 ; to-morrow morning, 10.22

ARRIVALS.

Taranaki, s.s., Wheeler, from Southern ports Rowena, s.s., McGregor, from Northern ports H.M. Rosario, from Wellington

DEPARTURES.

Go-ahead, s.s., for Wangamn Duke of Edinburgh, schooner, Bowton, for Napier Magellan Cloud, schooner, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Levuka : Charybdis, schooner, Wednesday For Southern ports : Taranaki, s.s., Wednesday For Honolulu and San Francisco: Dakota, mail

steamer, 20th March For Northern ports : Rowena, s.s., Monday next For London: Harvest Home, ship, early For Sydney and Melbourne: Hero. s.s.. about era March; 'Wonga Wonga, s.s., about 19th March ; Phosbe, s.s., about Sth March (from the Manukau) Southern ports, via Napier : Dakota, p.s., early For Hokianga : Herald and Janet Grey, schooners this afternoon

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Durham, ship, from London. Sailed 29th November Edinburgh Castle, ship, from London. Sailed 18th

December Parsee, ship, from London. Loading Zanga, 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 Corredd, barque, from Sydney East Lothian, barque, from New York. Sailed 20tn December ' Dauntless, schooner, from South Sea Islands Harriet Armytage, barque, from Dunedin Coronet, brigantine, from Wellington Satellite, cutter, from Levuka Dido, cutter, from Lyttelton , Agnes Jessie, schooner, from Lyttelton. Sailed 24tn Natal Queen, schooner, from Lyttelton. Sailed 2Cth February ~ • k , ; • . Florence, schooner, from Dunedin Sailed 21st February

IMPORTS.

Per s.B. Taranaki, from Southern provinces: 5 pockets, Mills ; 1 bale, Murdoch ; 1 case, George ; 1 bale, 24 cart boxes, 1 case, Short; 1 cask, Renshaw ; 5 cases, Binney ; 1 case, Deputy-Commissioner of Stamps ; 1 package, Gilfillan ; 1 case, Union Bank of Australia; 8 cases chicory, Stephenson ; 5 cases, order; 10 cases, Stephenson; 15 sacks, Binney ; 1 case, Combes ; 1 truss, Kemptborne, Prosser and Co. ; 2 cases, order ; 4 cases, Buckland ; 20 sacks, Craig; 90 sacks, Jakins and Wilcox; 6 cases, 150 sacks, Belcher ; 5 sacks, Hurst; 1 parcel, Arthur ; 23 cases fruit, Soleman ; 3 boxes gold (2,455 ozs.), Bank of New Zea land ; 1 parcel, Marshall; 1 box, 1 hat-box, Mason ; 1 case fruit, Battley ; 1 case, Bank of New Zealand; 1 box, Provincial Secretary, 1 case, Ford; 1 case, Palmer; 31 hides; Gittos; 5 cases, Barnes ; 5 cases, Osborne"; 1 case, Brand; 8 cases, Hood ; 7 cases, Bennett; 9 cases, Veale. —Combes and Daldy, agents

THE SHIP DURHAM.

A ship was signalled this morning, and at the hour of our going to press had not made the harbour. She will, in all probability, prove to be the Durham, 998 tons, under the command of Captain Sexton. She left London on the 29th November last, and has made the passage from the English Coast in ninty days. The Durham is owned by Messrs Temperley and C 0.,. of London, and was built in Sinderland, in 1866, for the India trade. She is a sister ship to the Warwick, and is classed as AAI vessel. She brings no immigrants, but a large cargo of merchan dise, and is consigned to Messrs Cruick shank and Co. The following is her cargo :— 4 bales, Low and Motion ; 1 case, D. Gardi ner ; 2 do W. Wilson ; 1 do, J. F. Leighton; 9 bales paper, Reed.and Brett, Evening^ Star; 2 cases, Frazer and Tinne ; 1 do, Jakins ; 5 casks, Cruickshank and Co. ; 1 case, Rober ton and Co ; 30 cases, Brown and Campbell; 1 do, C. F. Wood ; Ido E. Mackea; 8 pgs, J. Rout; 1 case, W. Wilson and Co ; 17 pgs and a quantity of pig iron, Stone Brothers; 2 bales, J. Wiseman; 4 cases, S. Brown ; 6 bales, Wilkinson and Horton, Thames Ad vertiser ; 27 pgs, D. Evit-t; 4 cases, 0. Bon nington ; 8 do, 321 pgs, E. and H. Isaacs ; \ case, Sir George Grey; 1 canvas package, Must and Co; 50 casks, Henderson and Mac farline ; 1 case, T. J. Booth; 6 cases, Winks and Sail ; 10 octaves J. Roberton and Company ; 9 packages, Hamilton Brothers ; 23 pgs, Moss Levy ; 5 do, G. H. Layers; 316 do, Auckland Gas Co.; 1 case, R. Neale ; 33 pgs, A. Clark and Son ; 8 cases, C. F. Wood; quantity pig iron, C. Hawkeswoocl; 1 box, Mrs Dawson ; 20 pgs, T. McMaster ; 83 cases, W. Phillips and Son ; 5 do, Thos. Short; 4 do, E. Wayte; 80 pgs, L. D. Nathan and Co. ; 55 do, Captain Daveney ; 255 do, H. B, Morton ; 1 case, W. J. Palmer ; 8 cases, Stewart and Anderson ; 4 bales, 1 case, E. and H. Isaacs ; 130 pgs, McArthur, Shera and Co.; 16 pgs, Rev. G. Smale; 310 do; Combesand Daldy ; 86 do, Lewis Bros. ; 333 do, Brown, Campbell and Co. ; 153 do, 22 crates, 4 cases, L. D. Nathan and Co;; 10 pgs, H. Fendelow; 15 do, Watt Bros. ;.6 do, Jas. Thomas; 1 case, G. T. Chapman ; 81 bales, R. Lusk j 675 pgs, E. Porter and Co. ; 95 do. W. Phillips and Co. ; 9 do, J. and J. Dickey ; 130 pgs, 2 hhds, 4 crates, L. D. Nathan and Co. ; 17 bales, Hon. '; J. Vogel ; v l case, Mrs T. A. Crisp ; I cask* R. Whitson ; 5 pgs, R. Bosanko ; 95 do, A. Clark and Sons ; 258 do, Sargood, Son, and Ewen ; 20 barrels, 4 cases, Brown, Campbell and Co. ■ 1 box, J. Welsman; 1 case, Mrs Wright; 2 do, J. L. Hatswell ; 1 do, C. Brook; 1 do, R. Proude; 3do P. Leslie; 4 case, E. Wayte; 13 do, Bucholz and Co. ; 6 pkgs, W. TrebbJe; 5 cases, 11 pkgs, Ire land Bros ; 23 tanks, 1 boat rudder and 8 oars, 2 buoys and 6 belts, Cruickshank ; 36 pgs, 4 cases, E. and H. Isaacs; 9 pgs, L. D. Nathan and Co. ; 34 bundles, 120 cases, Cruickshank and Co'; 184 pgs, Frank Winter; 4 cases, G. Waller; 12 pgs, Gane and Sturges; 18 cases, Holland and Butler; 53 pgs, Stewart and Anderson ; 5 do, J. T. Boylan; 13 do, Winks and Hall; 10 qr-casks, H. S. Meyers and Co. ; 10 qr.-casus, Lewis and Bios ; 2 cases, W. A. Graham ; 10 do, W. Rattray ;10 ton Calder pig iron, 1112 bars iron, 2 boxes silver coins and copper, 468 bars, 28 puncheons, 5 hhds, 10 barrels, 71 casks, 48 qr.-casks, 6 octaves, 20 pockets, li bales, 2 drums, 40 kegs, 800 bags, 61 bundles, 101 boxes, 15| boxes, 5001 pgs, 574 cases, order. For New Plymouth : 4 pgs, E. Hopkinson. For Napier •. 20 cases, 5 bales, Stuart and Co. ; 12 pgs, order of R. Williams ; II cases, 5 casks, order. —Cruickshank and Co., agents.

The s.s. Taranaki arrived in the Manukau this afternoon from 'the South with the following passengers, Saloon : Mr Brown, Miss Buekland, Mr Beetham, Mr Lally, Mrs Gill, Mr Coates, Miss Crawford, Mrs Doug lass, Messrs Palmer, McDougall, State, Sommervill, ?and Rowland. Steerage : Mr and Mrs Bosworth and family, Messrs. Williams, Stokes, McKinney, Jackson, Townley, Dagg, and Ross. The Government steamer Luna left Wel lington .it eleven o'clock this morning for the Manukau with the Governor onboard. We learn by cable that the ship Edinburgh Castle, which sailed for tLis port on the 18th December last, was in. collision off the English coast. She was, happily, only slightly damaged, and proceeded on her voyage after repairing.

The s.s. Gp-Ahead left the Manukau yes terday morning for Waitara and Wangajmi. H.M.S. Rosario arrived in harbour early this morning frbm Wellington. She will relieve the Blanche.

Messrs Brown, Campbell and Co. advertise 4 packages safes and 31 packages corks, ex Agnes Muir, as requiring consignees. The Dakota is now thirty-nine days from this port, and her return may be looked for at any moment. She has probably been detained at Honolulu, waiting for the arrival of the connecting steamer. The schooner Charybdis will leave for Levuka on Wednesday next.

The s.s. Taranaki will sail from the Manu kau on Wednesday afternoon next, at one o'clock, for Southern ports.

The fine ship Warwick will leave for Lyttelton on Wednesday, to load wool for Lon don.

The three-masted schooner Duke of Edin burgh left yesterday afternoon for Napier. The s.s. Eowena arrivsd yesterday evening from Northern ports with 33 passengers. She experienced a heavy S.E. gale coming down the coast.

The sale by auction of the brigantine Sea Gull was postponed this morning until Wednesday. The p.s. Royal Alfred is laid up to-day for an overhaul.

The ciitter Vincent reported at the Customs this morning with 500 bushels wheat for order.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails ■wiiii Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow at 10.30 a. m. and 5.30 p.m. ' For Coromandel, to-morrow at 0.30 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces per Taranaki on Wednesday sth inst at 11 a.m. For Napier and Southern provinces, per p.s. Dakota, six hours after arrival. For Tauranga per Vincent to-morrow at 5 p.m. For Whitianga Tauranga, and Opotikl per Southern Cross, to-morrow at 3 p.m. (Signed) S. B. Biss. Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

Blachman.—On March 3, at the residence of her father, Wood street, Dedwood, Grace Smeaton, daughter of Mr John Blachman ; aged one year and seven months.

The funeral will leave the above residence, To morrow (Tuesday), at three p.m.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 3, 1873.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance,

And the good that we canjdo

The cricketers of Auckland are work ing up a petition to the City Improve ment Commissioners in favour of the recreation ground in the Albert Bar racks being made a permanent cricket ground. We heartily approve of England's manly game, and think much greater encour agement should be given to it than has been accorded by the authorities hitherto ; but we think the cricketers in this instance are ask ing rather too much. They should remember that the park in Albert Barracks will be the only park Auckland possesses, and in laying it oiat some consideration should be given to ladies, andthegreatmajority of the public who, i owing to the work of time which has made their limbs less supple than they once were, or from inclination, are not cricketers. Cricket is a game which cannot safely be carried on

in a place much freqiiented by women and children. We ask the petitioners candidly whether their request does not show a con siderable amount of selfishness. Presuming that there are two hundred hearty cricketers in Auckland, which is an excessive estimate, then the petition implies that the amusement of this two hundred should be considered before the pleasure of the whole remainder of the city population. Cricket is a game which can only be engaged in by a few, however strong the spirit of the game may be diffused throughout the population, women and children, who form considerably more than one-half of the population, being excluded from participation in the sport, and these form the section of the community that most requires consideration in providing places of public recreation. It is moreover contrary to the custom followed almost universally to make cricket reserves in the most populous parts of cities. There are of course exceptions, but usually cricket grounds are some little distance from the chief centres of population. This rule is observed in the colonies not less than at home. At Christ church, where there is plenty of available level land near the city, the new cricket ground is nearly three miles away, yet this is not found to damp the ardour of true cricketers. We think the interests of the lovers of cricket would be met if a portion of the Domain paddock were set apart as a practise ground, and a public cricket ground for playing matches secured at a greater distance from town. We believe it is the intention of the spirited proprietor of the Ellerslie liace-course to make that ground available for cricket matches, and a better position could scarcely be secured. The practise ground at the Domain could be rendered very suitable for the proposed pur pose by the expenditure of a little money in levelling and turfing; and if the Domain Board permanently reserved one portion of it for cricket the city authorities would be justified in contributing towards the cost of making the ground suitable for the use of citizens as the Auckland cricket ground. We trust the cricketers will take these remarks in good part, and not as being intended to throw obstacles in the way of cultivating the noble game ; and that they will see the propriety of withdrawing their present petition, and of preparing one to the City Council, requesting that some provision be made for a public cricket ground in lieu of the one which the cricketers are likely to lose the use of. We are somewhat surprised to learn that a number of citizens, acting on the laisez faire system so characteristic of many, have signed the petition in favour of this absurdity. Of one thing, however, the cricketers may rest assured, and that is—that whatever may be the present result of their petition, the public would not tolerate their dangerous pastime in the only breathing place for our city invalids and children ; and that they and their stumps would very speedily be cast out vi et armis.

A large shoal of yellow-tails found them selves in shallow water in Mechanics' Bay yesterday morning. They were observed from the shore, and before many minutes had elapsed were surrounded by a party of boys armed with sticks. The fish were driven by the boys further inland when a number of them were attacked by the boys with the sticks and knives. After about half-an-hour's sport nearly a dozen of the fish were cap tured, the smallest being about 3ft. Gin. in length. The lads had great difficulty in carrying away their prizes in consequence of their enormous size.

The secretary of the Auckland Improve ment Commissioners announces that the premium of £30 is awarded to the plans and sections bearing the motto "Floreat," and the other plans and sections will be returned on application.

The District Orders in relation to Cadet prize firing have been issued. The first set, consisting of Cadets of all corps under 14 years of age, will commence firing at nine o'clock to-morrow morning at the range. The competitors will be required to provide their own ammunition and will be called upon to produce a certificate.

The regular monthly meeting of the Lodg Enniskillen Orange Lodge No 3 will be held this evening in the Protestant Hall, Karan gahape road.

A son of Mr Duthie, of Grahamstown, narrowly escaped a watery grave yesterday. The lad was but five years old, and fell into the -water at Shortland wharf from the Enter prise, steamer, and had it not been for the prompt assistance of an elder brother he most certainly would have lost his life. His brother Alexander, on seeing the perilous condition of his younger brother, immediately jumped into the water, seized him, and lugged him ashore in the presence of a num ber of spectators, who loudly cheered the young hero of twelve summers.

The body of the late Alfred Duff was laid in its grave on Saturday afternoon in the cemetery, in the presence of a large ntimber of Volunteers and friends of the deceased. Alfred Duff was a member of No. 1 Royal Company of Volunteers, and the band of the company attended in the procession, and played, very effectively, the "Dead March in Saul." The heart-subduing burial service was read by the Rev. C. M. Nelson, of St. Paul's, after which the brother-comrades of the deceased fired three volleys over the grave. The funeral arrangements were under the direction of Mr W. Jamieson, Wellesley street.

The increasing business of Messrs Ryan, Bell and Co., wine and spirit merchants, of Vulcan Lane, has necessitated their adding another storey to their premises. The work has commenced.

We have been requested to submit the following arithmetical question for solution by:some of the candidates for appointment under the Board of Education —the problem to be worked out arithmetically:—"Divide 21 into two such parts that when the greater is divided by the less, and the less by the greater, and afterwards the greater quotient multiplied by 3, and the leas by 125, their product shall be equal."

The annual sale of dog-collars commenced on Taffy's Day at the usual place of business, at the city end of Chancery Lane, opposite the Mechanics' Institute. Ihe business is conducted upon the principles, and strictly under the regulations of the celebrated Dog Act. Our readers who have favourite dogs in their keeping, and are careful to preserve the lives of their canine friends, should pro ceed at once to the Police Court and purchase the legitimate dog-collar, at the low price of five shillings, as it is mooted in select circles that all unregistered dogs found straying without collars will bo duly collared and quietly consigned to a spot where they will bark no more.

The billiard match at the Occidental Hotel on Saturday evening between Edward Perkins and George Bromley terminated in ! favour of the former by 121 points. The ' game lasted two hours. Mr Perkins' steady play told upon his opponent, and it was very evident that he had to let up to allow him to come within cooey of him. The day was very much against any long breaks being made, as the cushions and cloth were damp. The game was played in a gentlemanly manner, and was witnessed by one of the most respectable assemblages we have met i» Auckland. We understand that Mr Perkins made a donation of the entix'e receipts | of the door to his opponent.

The CA?<re/i Gazette for March was pub lished to-day, and contains original articles on the Principle of Co-operation with the Non-conformists, Choral Union, Deaconesses, and What shall we do with our Navvies? The Parochial Intelligence details the doings of the Bishop during his recent pastoral visit to Waikato. "Four pages are devoted to correspondence upon questions of interest to the church. There is also a considerable amount of well-selected extract matter.

A meeting of masters and owners of ves sels was held at the Thames Hotel on Satur day evening to consider the propriety of memorialising the Government to appoint a local Board of Examiners under the Mer chant Vessels Officers' Examination Act. Mr Malcolm Niccol consented to act as sec retary. The meeting passed resolutions affirming the necessity of a Board of Ex aminers for the port, and adopted a memorial to the Government upon the subject. The Act being now in force Messrs. Lamb, Wil son, and Oakes were appointed a deputation to wait upon Mr McKellar, Collector of Customs, "to urge the necessity of appoint ing a local examiner at once, so as to remove any difficulties that might arise from delay caused to those masters who are unable to clear their vessels." The deputation waited upon Mr McKellar, the Collector of Customs, this morning, and asked whether he would be prepared to appoint an examiner for the port. The Collector promised to give the matter his attention, but doubted whether he had the power to interfere in the matter. We have since been informed that the Col lector of Customs has received authority from the Government to relax the new order, with reference to all those who have applied for their certificates, and to grant them licenses as heretofore, so that at present the inconvenience will be trifling.

The March number of the "Presbyterian Church New-i" was issued to-day. Its contents comprise an able article on the Sustentation Fund, a sermon by Dr. Burns, and No. 7 of the series of articles on Presby terianism. The church news and extract readings form an interesting feature in the number, which is fully equal to its prede cessors. In our notice of the Exhibition of the Society of Artists on Saturday we mentioned Mr Caters collection of photographs. This contribution to the Exhibition is really worth inspection. The collection, in addition to a large number of well-executed rartes-de-vlsife, includes several large photographs, portraits en larged by the solar camera, coloured photos, and photographic views of local scenery. Among the latter are the works at Fort JBritomart, the Wesleyan Chapel, Queen-street Wharf, the Post-office, and the steamship Dakota. All the photographs are well executed, and reflect credit upon Mr Caters establishment. The American Photographic Company exhibit a large number of fine views. Mr Iledfern shows a beautiful specimen of enamel painting, which is worthy of examination. A feature in the exhibition is a table for a chess, drafts, steeplechase, and cards, the workmanship of Mr Holland, ornamental painter, of Victoria-street. The divisions on the table are gilded, under a glass surface. The remarkable hair wreath, mentioned on Saturday is, we learn, the workmanship of Mrs Pennell, of Wellington-street. It in cludes the hair of thirty of the lady's relations, and is admirable both in design and execution.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

Ellis Jones and William Keilly were charged with being drunk on Saturday, and were dealt with in the usual way. VAGRANCY. Anue Iteilly was charged, under the Vagrancy Act of 1866, with being a rogue aiuf vagabond, and|having nolawful|means of support. The accused had been convicted sixteen times for various offences. Committed for three months with hard labour. .STRAY CATTLE. Alexander Allison appeared in answer to a summons charging him under the Impounding Act of 1807 with allowing fifteen sheep to stray in the Devonport district, North Shore, on the 21st ult. ", .

Mr Joy appeared for the prosecution, and Mr liees for the defence.

Mr Joy said the prosecutor in this case re presented the North Shore public. The case might not appear a very grave offence, but he thought it was high time that the High way Board did step in and endeavour to in stitute a better order of things, and that the Court will convince the defendant that he must not be allowed to let his sheep stray in future, and to inflict such a fine as will be of service to his memory.

■ Elon Bond, a resident of the district of Takapuna, stated that he was the bona fide pound-keeper for that district, and that in his capacity he laid the information against Mr Allison, butcher. He cautioned him against allowing to go about at large fifteen sheep, more or less, which were pointed out to him by his brother. They were grazing by the road-side straying as sheep without a shepherd, no person being near at the time. He knew the sheep were in the care of Mr Allison, whose man came down, and said he would take charge of them. It was his duty in such cases to complain, and he had com plained several times to the owner of these fifteen sheep. He endeavoured to drive them to the pound, but the sheep were wild and would no go, when Mr Allison said he would make witness responsible for the driving of the sheep. Cross-examined by Mr Rees : He first saw them on the morning in question, about a quarter-past seven. He believed sheep would kick, and he knew they had knocked down stone walls. -

Mr Rees referred, to the 14th Section of the Act to show that sheep jumping out of a paddock and bolting could not be straying ; and asked the pound-keeper as to the inter pretation of certain clauses of the Act. Mr Joy took objection to this course, as it was not the thing to catechize a pound keeper on legal points. Witness reported the case to the Board, as it was quite useless for him to be continually running about afteV sheep which he could not possibly catch. The Board instructed him to impound them. Allison's paddock was not properly fenced. His Worship enquired if Mr Allison's fence had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. Witness did not know. Mr Joy thought it was unnecessary to call other witnesses as their evidence would be merely corroborative. Mr Rees made a speech in favour of the defendant, and shewed that the sheep were put into the paddock at eight o'clock on the previous night, and in the morning they were not to be found, although every precaution had been taken to keep them, within the fence. The sheep were very wild, and might have been frightened ; several of them had been lost to the owner. Ewen Allison, brother of the proprietor, gave corroborative evidence.

His Worship considered that the evidence of the defendants themselves showed that an offence had been committed, and it was also doubtful as to whether the fence was a proper one. The defendant must, therefore, pay Is. and costs,

LUNACY. A poor man, of unsound mind, was, upon the recommendations of Drs. Kenderdine and Mark E. B. Nicholson, committed to the Lunatic Asylum. This was all the business.

ARRIVAL OF THE SUEZ MAIL.

FAREWELL GATHERING AND PRESENTATION TO THE BISHOP OF MELANESIA. COLLISION OP THE EDIN BURGH CASTLE FOR AUCK LAND. THE POPE A LOSER BY A BANK FAILURE. TERRIFIC STORMS IN ENG LAND.—SPECIAL PLAYERS IN THE CHURCHES. DISPUTE REGARDING HORACE GREELY'S WILLS. THE STRIKES IN ENGLAND. REDUCTION OF JURIES. DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER'S BILL PASSED SECOND READING.

GLADSTONE'S IRISH UNIVER SITY SCHEME UNPOPULAR. The Suez mail arrived at Melbourne on February 17. The month's returns shows an increase of exports to New Zealand of £7,600. At the November and December woo^ sales 6767 bales of New Zealand wool were catalogued. Five hundred and fifty bales of hemp were sold. Prices are very firm. There are considerable stocks of tow in bond. Sales have been made at £15 to £16 per ton. Kauri gum is without change. The stock on hand is about the same aa last year. . Two thousand bales of hemp have just arrived. A good demand is expected at the beginning of the year. MrThorn6 hasia letter in the Journal of the Society of kri^vid 'erring in high terms .to the phormiuin.tenaiVfHe com bats the idea that it is noir Suitable fine fabrics and cloth. ■.•'.. ft, *

The deposits paid upon applications and allotments of shares in the National Bank o^ New Zealand of December amounted to £170,0C0. <■* ' '

A large meeting of the clergy and laity of Wolverhampton was held to bid farewell to Mr Sehryn, the new Bishop of Melanesia, and the Rev. Mr Still. The Bishop of Lieh-: field presided. Purses were presented to the rev. gentlemen. The year's importation of preserved meats was 322,000 cases, of which New Zealand contributed over SO,OOO cases. The demand is very slack. From November to the 25th of December 1500 bales of wool had arrived for the February sales The death of Captain Gray, of the s.s. Great Britain, is enveloped in obscurity. A man has given himself up at Newcastle upon-Tyne as the Eltham murderer. Arrivals. —From New Zealand : William Davie, Excelsior, Wild Duck. Departures.—Enterpe, forOtago ; Arden craig, for Auckland ; John Bull, for Canter bury; Brechin Castle, for Wellington; Edinburgh Castle, for Auckland ; Echo, for Nelson. The St. Andrews Castle, for Wellington, put back, having lost her mizen-mast and a portion of her bulwarks in a collision. The Edinburgh Castle, for Auckland, came into collision in the channel. She was only slightly damaged, and proceeds on her voyage. The Pope is the loser of a large sum of Peter's pence by the failure of a bank in Belgium. Terrific storms have occurred in Britain, and caused immense destruction to shipping and other property. The storm extended to different parts of the Continent. The English churches offered up special prayers for the cessation of the stormy weather. A dispute has arisen as to" the disposal of the late Horace Greely's property. He left two wills. The first Ministry formed since the. intro duction of Responsible Government at Cape Town comprises men of considerable ability. i The combination of agricultural labourers is strengthening. Large bodies of police were sent to Derry to preserve peace oh the 17th December. i The recent strike of gas stokers in London nearly put the metropolis in darkness. It is feared that Jefferson will never re appear on the stage owing to the failure of late operation. A rise of 36s per ton in iron is expected. Cement is dearer. Money, 3£ per cent. The December mail, of the 31st, was delivered via Brindisi on the 16th. A bill to reduce the number of jur^ men to

seven, save in cases of murder and treason, passed its second reading in the House of Commons. A bill legalising marriage with deceased wife's sister passed its second reading in the House of Commons by a large majority. The fifth milliard of,the war indemnity will be paid by France to Germany at the end of July. Mr Gladstone's Irish University scheme is unpopular with the Irish press. Arrivals.—Wave of Life, Scythia, Ben Nevis, Queen of Nations, True Briton, Wumnera, Carlisle Castle, Lanarkshire, Gett's Head, and Pekuna. The Nelson was spoken off Brazil on the 17th of January. The s.s. Northumberland is to sail on the 20th. The Fitzory Iron Company has been started with a capital of £200,000. New Zealand debentures remain at last quotations. Copper is quoted at 94. Tin, 145. Hides and leather are advancing.

LATEST SPECIAL ENGLISH TELEGRAMS.

[Per Java Cable

AFFAIRS IN SPAIN. FRENCH AFFAIRS — POSSIBLE RE SIGNATION OF PRESIDENT THIERS. THE WOOL SALES FALL IN TALLOW. LONDON.

February 18

The King of Spain has finally abdicated. The army and navy were disaffected, and the country dissatisfied with the King's rule. The Carlists are active, but the Republicans are in the majority. Large reforms are promised in the Spanish colonies, including the abolition of slavery. Parliamentary affairs in France indicat e difficulties, under which there is a probability of President Thier s resigning.: Coals continue advancing rapidly. Hartley coal at the pit's mouth is quoted at 30s per ton. Manufacturers are closing their works in many parts of the country. The exports for January show an increase in the value, but the quantity has increased. Earl Kimberley, replying to Lord Belmore in the House of Lords, promised to produce all papers relating to the South Sea slave trade. Colonists are agitating for Colonial Fede ration. A bill has been introduced forming a High Court of Appeal and removing jurisdiction from the House of Lords. The iron masters will only accept orders at prices concurrent with the price of iron when the orders are executed. The St. Petersburg correspondent of the Nord Deutsche states that the magnitude of the Khivan expedition is much exaggerated and that the force'number opty 7,000 men of aJ! aims.' [The following commercial telegrams have been placed at the disposal of the Anglo- Australian Press Agency by Melbourne firms.] ■ uIU -'-:' LONDON. February 17 and 18. Wool sales are progressing fairly, and are slightly improved in tone. Superior fine wools 23£ d. to 28£ d. Tallow 6d to Is lower. Australian meats actve. j Partially washed fleeces of the best western clip 37£ d, 34|d, and 32£ d. Cold water washed wool from 22d to 26|d. Greasy 13d to 14Jd The depression is owing to the want of American competition.

LONDON.

February 13. The February wool sales opened with a decline of a penny to three half-pence on all Australian sorts, but Sydney wool remained unchanged. 133,000 bales were catalogued.

The exports to the colonies for January were : Melbourne, £414,800 : Sydney, £293,300 £120,600. Lord E. Cecil has referred in the House of Commons to the question of taxation for the defence of the colonies.

WASHINGTON.

February 16. A resolution congratulating Spain on the Republic was rejected by Congress. The Representatives approved of the bill recognising the claims of officers, crews, owners, and insurers of ship and cargoes destroyed and captured by Confederate cruisers ; , to participate in the Geneva in demnity money. Insurance companies are to be excluded from the award.

j February 17. I In the House of Lords the Duke of Argyll, Secretary of India, stated that it was intended that the boundary of Afghanistan should follow the course of the Oxus to where that river branches into a stream. ; Australian and Polynesian curiosities are being exhibited at the (Crystal Palace, Syden ham. Money is scarce, Government deposits at the Bank of England ar« large. A large quantity bullion has been sent abroad. The s;tock market is drooging. New Zealand consolidated fives are 103J; sixes, 114. Sperm oil £95. Seventy bales of New Zealand flax were quitted at £28 to £30 ss. Wheat quiet..v ... Iron at Wolverhampton has advanced 20s, per ton. The colliery strike in Wales has partially ended; four hundred men resume work to-day. Consols 92§. February 16. The Spanish authorities have released the steamer ?Murillo,' believing the charges of her collision with the the ' Northfleet' were not proved.

LATER AUSTRALIAN NEW.

MELBOURNE.

February. 22. The Java cable is again interrupted. Mr Young, the late manager of the Oriental Bank branch at Castlemaine, has been found guilty of embezzlement. The farewell banquet given to Viscount Canterbury was a great success. Five hundred persons were present. Heavy storms and floods have occurred throughout Australia. . X The Bar are about to give a valedictt«« banquet to the Chief Justice. A shower of frogs came down at Flemington during a recent storm. Local wool sales have declined in price. At wheat sales 5s 6d was realized ; oats 3s 3d ; flour £12 10s to £12 15s. The kerosine market has thoroughly broken down. In the matter of the Califorman Mail Service Mr Vogel offers to relieve Sydney of all subsidy if the Imperial Government will give .£20,000, in which case Sydney to pay postages for matter carried, and all postages over five thousand to be retained by Sydney. The s.s. Hero sailed for Auckland via Sydney on the February 21st. The Governor's farewell levee will take place on the 27th inst. The Chief Justice will leave next month on a two years' leave of absence. The Government loan is being taken up slowly. The Indian Government have telegraphed for one thousand horses to be sent imme diately. Earl Kimberley has telegraphed that the question of inter-colonial traffic will receive early consideration by the Imperial Govern ment.

SYDNEY.

February 22. The Railway Loan Bill has passed. It allows for £1,100,000. The Assembly have passed a protest to Earl Kimberly against the Suez mail service, with Melbourne for a terminus. If, his Lordship disregards the protest Sydney will withdraw from participating. : Mr Parkes charged Mr Francis, in the Assembly, with prearranging with the other delegates how to vote on the Suez line as to the terminus, and referred bitterly to the conduct of the New Zealand delegates Mr Parkes will have nothing to do with Webb s

line. , , , ... The schooner Melail.ee has been brought in by a prize crew. The capt.am and crew ara charged with breaches of the labour Act," A large number of bales of wool have already been recovered from the wreck of the/; Polonnaise. • . .? A heavy thunderstorm occurred yesterday at Bathurst, and the race-horse Tempest,-was killed. The groom eccaped. : ,

ADELAIDE.

Wheat 4s 9d ; shipping in" harfiour-for carrymg 35,000 tons.

LAUNCESTON.

Leo won the Champion Cup, and has since broken his leg. •'.<{' ~ . ■ :. yi Hhr

DARWIN.

Disturbances have taken place at the Reef in consequence of several acts of jumping claims. Police interference was found necessary to quiet the disturbances. Alluvial gold has been found. HOB ART TOWN. Wheat scarce, 5s 5d to 5s 6d ; oats steady, 3s Id to 3s 3d ; flour, £12 10s to £12 155..

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS FOR NEW ZEALAND.

MELBOURNE. ; ,_ February 22. Mr Francis, the Chief Secretary for Victoria, has authorised this agency to con tradict through the New Zealand press, a? statement iiaade.'; r by Mr Parkes, that he, endeavoured- to unduly influence delegates of the late conference to vote Melbourne as the terminus of the Suez line. He simply asked that they should consider the vote o the conference as binding upou them.

THE STEAMER HERO.

A special telegram from Melbourne to the Evening Star, dated February 22nd, states that the s.s. Hero left that port for Sydney and Auckland on the 21st instant. Allowing her four clear days to arrive and complete loading at Sydney she would leave about the] 26th, arriving here this evening or early * tV v*u* morrow morning. * .'. '■'">>■:'"'-1

PRIDE OF TOKATEA GOLD MINING

COMPANY (REGISTERED)

The third half-yearly meeting of share holders in this company was held at noon to day in the Insurance buildings, Mr G. W. Booker in the chair. The Directors'report was read, and showed thab since the date of last meeting there has been crushed 148 tons of quartz, yielding 271 ozs. 6 dwts. 6 grs., which have been sold to the Bank of New Zealand at prices from £2 18s. 3d. to £2 15s. lOd. per 6z., realising £776 15s 5d to credit of Company's account. During the past six months your Directors have acquired by purchase the following very valuable addi tions to your ground :—The leases known aa the Saddle, Carters, Victory-end Little Anglo, embracing together an area of some 15 acres, ,r V.\e entireata cost of £398 10sT., thus enhanc-f ing materially the value of your property. The Directors' attention has for some time pasfc been given to the question of low levels, and as to the best mode of opening up the mine thoroughly. Certain difficulties which previously existed having been overcome by the purchase of the above-mentioned proper ties, the Board is now in a position to, at'! once commence operations, and is at present in communication with your surveyor, Mr. W.q. (Wright, C.E., on the subject. MessKr.f" W. Rowe, . sen., and Joseph Reeve, since! the date of last meeting, at the request of ■•: your Board, inspected and fully reported on the various workings of your property, and it will be satisfactory to the shareholders to learn the high opinion they entertain of the prospects of the mine.

The Mine Manager's report was read, and , appeared of a very satisfactory nature. The a balance-sheet, after paying all expenses in connection with the mine, shewed a balance of £492 9s Id. There was, however, anover draftof £114 6s 6d, andacredit of £279 Is lOd against unpresented cheques ; also £1112s 3d unpaid accounts.

These were adopted by the meeting. Messrs Booker and Hawkeswood, the retiring directors, were re-elected, and Mr Geo. Fraser was reappointed auditor- The meeting then separated af cer a vbf* I of thanks to the chairman.

m& Etisariyfr &fah. taONftA*, aiaaoff s^isfa



T COSGEAYB & C O.'S SALE OF DRAPERY & CLOTHING COMMENCED ON SATURDAY, FEB. 1. The Public are requested to inspect the Goods as the Beductions are Genuine. GREAT EEDUCTIONS FOR THREE MONTHS ONLY AT THE AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPANY, 194, queen street, Next Door to Savings' Bank. Cartes-de-iAsite reduced from 16s per dozen to 13s 6d. Maori Celebrities (largest steck in New Zealand to select from), reduced from 12s per dozen to 6s. Views from all parts of New Zealand reduced from 12s per dozen to 6s. Enlargements from Cartes-cle-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 OE AUSTRALIA. [Established 1837.] PAID-UP CAPITAL ... £1,250,000. RESERVED FUNDS ... £400,000. NOTICE TO PROPRIETORS. rjiELEG-KAPHIC 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 their 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. XTELSON TWEED TROUSERS, 15s. Gd. Per Pair, AT THE CITY CLOTHING MART, AND AT No. 180, QUEEN STREET. SAMUEL COOMBES. HPHE MARCH NUMBER _L OP THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEWS IS NOW PUBLISHED, And may be had of the Publishers, • MESSRS. UPTON & CO. Price Threepence.