SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET: This evening, 6.29 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 6.54 HIGH WATER : This evening, 11.85 ; to-morrow morning, —

ARRIVALS.

Luna, Government steamer, Fairchild, from Welling ton (in the Manukau) '■-" ' Star of the South, s.s., Holmes, from Napier Prince Rupert, ketch, from Wangaroa Bella, cutter, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

Taranaki, s.s., Wheeler, for Southern ports Herald, schooner, McKenzie, for Hokianga Southern Cross, s.s., Sellars, for Tauranga and Opotiki Janet Grey, schooner, for Hokianga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Sydney -. H.M.S. Blanche, early For Melbourne, via Wangaroa: Tower Hill, brig, early For Poverty Bay : Tawera, schooner, Saturday next For Sydney and Newcastle : Drover, brig, to-morrow Southern ports, via Napier: Dakota, p.s., this after-

noon For Levuka : Charybdis, schooner, this afternoon For Honolulu and San Francisco: Dakota, maU 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 Sth March; Wonga Wonga, s.s., about 19th March ; Phoebe, s.s., about Bth March (from the Manukau)

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Edinburgh Castle, ship, from London. Sailed 29th December Parsee, ship, from London. Sailed Zanga, barque, from Liverpool. Loading Thames, barque, from New York, via Sydtey, loading Hero, s.s., from Sydney Prosperity, schooner, from Melbourne Corredo, barque, from Sydney East Lothian, barque, from New York. Sailed 20th December Dauntless, schooner, from South Sea Islands Harriet Armytage, barque, from Dunedin Coronet, brigantine, from "WeUington SatelUte, cutter, from Levuka Dido, cutter, from Lyttelton Agnes Jessie, schooner, from Lyttelton. SaUed 24th , February Natal Queen, schooner, from Lyttelton. Sailed 26th February Florence, schooner, from Dunedin SaUed 21st February Mary Millar, barque, from Newcastle. Sailed 11th February Success, schooner, from Levuka Albion, brig, from Newcastle Ladybird, s.s., from Sydney (in the Manukau) Briton, barque, from Newcastle Bella Mary, barque, from Hobart Town Amaranth, schooner, from Lyttelton. Sailed

EXPORTS.

Per Ayr, barque, for New York : 268 bales wool, Kinross and Co. ; 418 cases gum 41 bags ditto, 8 tons ditto (in bulk), 248 bales phormium, John Roberfcon & Co. ; 98 bales phormium, 153 cases gum, Must & Co; 1 case curios, A. H. Austin,

A steamer is signalled as we go to press. The Sea Gull was withdrawn from sale by auction, and she remains the property of her present owners.- The barque Ayr, CaptainJ Hood, has cleared at the Customs this afternoon for New York. She has hauled into the streamand will leave to-morrow.

The mail steamer Dakota has cleared out wards for Southern ports with part of her original cargo from Honolulu, and 167 coils fencing-wire, Henderson and Macfarlane ; 1 parcel, New Zealand Insurance Company ; 2 packages, Wells, Fargo and Co.; Ido T. and S. Morrin; 1 case Turton, 51 bags grass seed, 3 hhds, J. Reid; 560 sheep, R, and E. McLean, and the following passengers :— Saloon: Messrs C. Colbaith, Forrester, W. S. Graham, D. Peacock, H. P. Barber, J. Brown, Mrs Brown, Miss McKay. Fore cabin : Messrs C. L. Horth, G. McCormick, D. McClashan, Shepherd and W. T. Robin son. The steamer will be brought alongside the wharf to ship Messrs McLean's sheep this afternoon, and will leave this evening. The clipper brig Drover will leave for Sydney and Newcastle to-morrow.

The schooner Tawera will leave for Poverty Bay on Saturday next. The,ship Durham from London has re ported at the customs, and consignees are requested at once to pass entries and take delivery of the goods. All bills of lading must be presented at Messrs. Cruickshank and Co.'s office prior to delivery of goods. The s.s. Star of the South arrived from Napier last evening with 1000 sheep con signed to A. Buckland. She brought the following passengers :—Miss Niccol, Mrs F. Jones, Mrs Murker and child, Master Cox, and Mr Brewer.

The ship Warwick hauled away from the wharf to-day, and will leave this afternoon for Lyttleton. Her vacant berth alongside the wharf will be occupied by the ship Durham. !■.:>.

The cutter Bella arrived this morning from Tauranga with 6 head cattle. The schooner Saucy Fas has cleared out wards for Napier with a general cargo inclu ding 25,000 fnet timber to be shipped at Mercury Bay. Shot and shell practice took place this afternoon on board H.M.S. Eosario.

The schooner Colonist has cleared outwards for Wangapoa in ballast.

COMMERCIAL.

MINING. The following ore the current call and dividends payable in the companies named below :— £ a. A

MEETINGS. Tokatea, Coromandel, nth March Nolan's Candlelight, Company's office, Insurance Buildings, Auckland.-H a.m., 13th March Sons of Freedom, Company's office, 14th March, Vaile's Buildings, Auckland, 2 p.m. Murphy's Hill, Messrs J. B. Kussell and Devore's, office, Shortland street, 18th March Old Whan, Company's office, 2 p.m., 19th March Old .tocking, Coromandel, 22nd March

CHIEF POBT-OFFICE, AUCKLAND. Mails will 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, on Friday, at 10.30 a.m. (Signed) S. B. Biss. Chief Postmaster.

An English traveller describes a '' Mystery called the " Creation," which he saw per formed in Hamburg, Germany, in 1723. According to his account it was a grotesque affair. Young priests had wings of geese tied on their shoulders to persoriate angels. Adam appeared on the scene in a big curled wig and a brocade morning gown. Among the. ani mals that passed before him to receive their names was a well-shod horse, pigs with rings in their noses, and a mastiff with a brass collar. A cow's rib bone had been provided for the formation of Eve, but the mastiff spied it out, grabbed it and carried it off. The angels tried to whistle him back, but not succeeding, they chased him, gave him a kicking and recovered the bone, which they placed under a trap-door by the side of the sleeping Adam, whence there soon emerged a lanky priest in loose robes to personate Eve. In Cincinnati there is said to live a man so bow-legged that he has his trowsers cut with i a circular saw.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 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

Ip the Webb line of trans-Pacific steamers " pulls through" it will deserve all the success it may achieve. In perils by land and perils by sea, and perils among false brethren it has had about as lively a career as any enterprise which has come before the colonial public miiid for many years. About as frequently as the Carlist rising in Spain it has been suppressed and completely successful, or on the eve of both. Perhaps when our inter course with America becomes more ' familiar we shall be better disposed to rightly appreciate the value of positive assurances coming from that quarter. At present we are rather perplexed aiji times, and know not whether to most admire the stupendous lying or the stupendous roguery that seem inseparable from every question in any way affected by the peculiar social system of the giant republic. The " King" system of America appears a recognised insti tution, and is spoken of without any sense of shame; but on the contrary its workings are counted as legitimate elements incalculatingprobableresults; and'in contemplation of this perfec tion of popular institutions we feel almost a sense of humiliation at being angry at such small things as Beach Roads, Improvement Commissioners' contracts, prize plans, Western Parks, waterworks, sub rosd tenders, and the other little thievings with which we in Auckland try to improve our circum stances. It is evident that Webb's expected subsidy was only to be carried in Congress by a complicated and well arranged intrigue, not indeed dis honourable, but one such as in more private life in other places and on a smaller scale would deserve penal servitude; and its failure has only been secured by the success of another ring, with even more diabolical but altogether honourable objects. Those who have viewed with dismay the establishment and conduct of the Webb-Vogel scheme should not yet feel jubilant, or at least should not yet bless the hand of tha_deliverer, for in the circum stances they must regard the position as that of the man between the tiger and the crocodile, without more con fidence in the tender mercies of the deliverer than of the intending de stroyer. Mr Webb has met with a defeat, notwithstanding the confident assurances telegraphed so opportunely to the Inter-colonial Conference; but we fail to see the certainty so con fidently pronounced that this is the end of the present service. It has had heavier discouragements than a minority of three in a log-rolling tournament among Yankee politicians to encounter, and as this is admitted by its enemies to be the actual extent of the defeat we should be too well experienced by this time in the capa city of Yankee lying to place much confidence in the positive assurances that the service has come to an end. In America journalism appears to be bought and sold like a bullock, and the positive and circumstantial statements respecting rival projects, whether poli tical or commercial, and especially a mixture of both, can influence only the simple-minded and the inexperi enced in American idiosyncracies. The Webb-Vogel service is not dead yet, and sincerely sorry should we be if it were. The subsidy, there is little doubt, will yet be obtained. It fian only be obtained by what we on this side of the Pacific would call swindling. But that is nothing. It will only be the prevention of a bigger swindle, and one more ominous of

monopoly and disaster to the colonies —the Scott-Burnside scheme; and if two evils we should, morally speaking, choose the least. As for our own interest we know that the Webb-Yogel service, if it ever does get over its difficulties, is one eminently calculated to benefit this colony, and this city in particular. All others so far as we know,.contemplate making Eiji on the route, and placing New Zealand atthe end of a miserable branch service ; and , instead of crying jubilate over the tabling of Webb's little bill we should regard any prospect of ultimate defeat as pregnant with evil to New Zealand. It has been an arduous and a long continued struggle, but despite the shrieking of the journalistic ring in San Francisco one little fall does not constitute defeat.

As our ordinary daily circulation far ex ceeds that of any other journal in New Zealand, so today our circulation will, we venture to say, approach, if not equal tha^ of any journal in our more pretentious sister colonies. Through the enterprise of Messrs Lewisson and Coombes the issue of the Star to-day is one of fifteen thousand copies, our two enterprising fellow citizens having pur chased ten thousand copies for circulation by post throughout every portion df New Zea land. This is ith experiment in advertising that is, to say the least, deserving of recog nition as a genuine and spirited commercial enterprise. These two gentlemen believe that if a thing is to be done it should be done well; and feeling convinced that they have on sale what will bear comparison with any thing in the colony, they feel justified in proclaiming this throughout. the length and breadth of New Zealaiid. We believe, as we hope) that the experiment will prove a suc cess, and we do not hesitate to assert that the professions of Messrs Lewisson and Coombes will be proved by purchasers to be borne out by experience.

Some time ago the irregularities in the conduct of the North Shore Ferry service culminated in such an unbearable state of things that the Harbour Board was com pelled to frame a code Of regulations for its control. For a time this had a beneficial effect, not from any great effort on the part of the Harbour officials, but from the mere fact of the regulations being in existence. This attention to the convenience of the public was additionally secured by the Takapuna being placed on the service in opposition to the monopoly so long abused by the Messrs Holmes. The moral effect of ail this has, however, passed away, and now, through the deliberate connivance of the Harbour officials—not the Harbour Board— these irregularities are being repeated. De spite the special regulation on the subject, the "Devonport" ferry steamer was yesterday taken off the service for two hours in the middle of the day and employed in carrying passengers and their luggage between the Durham immigrant ship and the wharf. The circumstance was pointed out to the Harbour officials, but they would not interfere. At the same time the other ferry steamer, the Enterprise, was laid up, as she has been usually for several hours a day recently dur ing the least busy portion of the day. Of course, the " People's boat," the Takapuna, remained on the service, but as a few shillings represent the traffic on the ferry at these particular hours in the day, and from five to ten pounds the earnings in trading with immigrants, we see no reason why the Takapuna should not go and do likewise. Last week the Devonport, in direct defiance of a special rule made and gazetted, pro hibiting ferry boats from carrying horses on the " Bridge" while there are passengers aboard, conveyed a horse on the bridge from North Shore to Auckland, aud landed him as well as her passengers before the eyes of the Harbour officials, who refused to inter fere. If such laches were all the fault to be found with the demeanour of these public servants we should utter no complaint, but every inconvenience and annoyance that can be thrown in the way of the Takapuna, a boat which has been started solely in the interests of the public, have been constantly received from the hands of the same officials. The public have, no doubt, wondered at the curious arrangement of hours at which the three ferry boats at present run. The Messrs Holmes have been permitted to alter their time-table again and again and again, till with their two boats they have now jammed in the Takapuna—one boat leaving each wharf ten minutes before, and the other ten minutes after her, while the public are left during forty minutes out of each sixty without any boat at all—three boats starting in twenty minutes and none in the other forty. Of course this is done with the approval of the Harbour Board, but as the members naturally take the advice of their officials, and as these officials do not conceal their hostility to the interests of the Ferry Company, the result is not unexpected. The consequence of this huddling of boats can be readily supposed. The Takapuna, which is much more rapid than either of the other two boats, arrives before one boat has left. She has been refused per mission to come alongside. Messrs Holmes' men, actingunder instructions, and safe in the protection of the harbour officers, have re fused to allow passengers to the Takapuna to cross their boat, and have even cut the lines of the Takapuna, and one of the harbour officials had even the coolness to order the captain of the Takapuna to come across at half-speed in order to suit the times of Holmes' boats. Such is the en couragement given to place fast steamers on the ferry by the representatives of the mud and old fogeyism of the past. An applica tion waa made to one of these worthy public officers that the Takapuna, instead of lying off with her passengers, might come up to a vacant space a little farther on at the wharf, which was met with a threat that if she did the captain would most certainly be fined. As we are informed that [members of the families of Harbour officers are carried free by Holmes' boats, and we are aware that one of them is in the paid service of the Messrs Holmes, it is not difficult to account for the milk in the cocoa-nut. We place this plain unvarnished tale before the public, reserving comment. The conduct of Messrs. Holmes is only such as it was of old. It signifies nothing what inconvenience may be caused to the public, their care is to merely preserve the monopoly; but that the Harbour officials should so undisguisedly show this bias is somewhat surprising. We need not say that we have treated this matter with unusual gentleness. We trust a hint will be taken kindly. It is our purpose to return to the subject in a manner more charac teristic of the Star. Despite the action of the Messrs Holmes, who are now "very sick" on the service, and despite the unpardonable conduct of the employes of the Harbour Board, the " People's Boat" has been accepted as such, and carries as many passengers as the two opposing boats together. As their expenses are exactly double, the upshot is not very remote. The canard that the Takapuna was to be taken off and to be sold, and otherwise disposed of, has not taken. The boat is pay

ing well, and is running magnificently, and 1 there is not only no shadow of foundation for the malicious rumour of her removal from the service, but steps are now in progress which will result in the immediate building of a sister boat on a smaller scale for the company, which is alone -v^antirig to break the back of monopoly for ever. The farce of the "laying of a keel" by the Messrs Holmes has not had the desired effect. We are told that it is the same " keel " which was laid in the old days of the Waitemata Company, and which with its two stern-posts lying grim and gaunt on the beach, acted as a scarecrow to the chicken-hearted people of those early days. Tempora mutaninr et nos mniamiir in illis said the old classic, which being interpreted in modem lingo is, " Things isn't as they used to was," and it might be as well now for the "kfiel" td.be lifted iiiict stowed away out of the raiil for another occasion. The Takapuna movement has introduced the dawn of better days to North Shore, and though it is admitted that the public have cordially and liberally expressed their prac tical sympathy with the company, we cannot suppress our surprise that there should be ant/ found to travel by the boats of the old mono poly. North Shore is the natural inheritance of the stench-breathing and fevel'-thfeatencd people of this city. This company has been formed solely to Wrest it from the hands or monopoly, and to place it at the lowest cost, and with the greatest comfort, within reach of the poorest as well as the richest of the people. Its object is to build free baths, to plant trees, encourage sports and pastimes, and Otherwise iriakfe ihte Nrirth Shorn the sanatorium and the delightful recreation ground for the whole city. And yet there are those who, for the sake of a few minutes' delay, do not hesitate to back up the old monopoly in total indifference to any mani festation of public spirit. It is really in comprehensible, and we do not hesitate to say that such deserve the contempt of the whole people; That evert one should be found so mean-spirited, and so utterly dead to' generous wishes for the general welfare, is indeed surprising. The monopoly of the ferry service is ended irrevocably, and any effort to back it up is only delaying the objects of the Ferry Company for increasing the con veniences and enjoyments for the visitors to the North Shore. The Takapuna despite the disappointments in her starting has now thoroughly taken with the public; but shame on the few craven-hearted who still stand aloof.

We would remind our friends who are members of the Presbyterian Church of the very interesting ceremony which will take place this evening in St. James', Wellington street, namely the ordination of two young ministers. As will be seen from advertise ment in another column, the Presbytery will engage in this important ecclesiastical duty at half-past seven, and from the imposing and solemn character of ordination according to the forms of this denomination, we are sure there will be a very large attendance. The Naval Volunteers and Cadets will meet for their usual drill at seven p.m. this evening at Fort Britomart, After drill a meeting will be held for busiiless df import ance. The district prize firing by the Cadets of various companies will be resumed at nine o'clock to-morrow morning at the Mount Eden range. As will be seen from another column the Devonport District School Committee invite applications for the appointment of a female teacher in tlie district. A large number of persons assembled on the wharf yesterday afternoon to witness the landing of the immigrants who came over by the Durham. The immigrants were of the working order, and may be engaged according to priority at the Albert Barracks to-day, At the weekly sitting of the Board of Education, yesterday, the Secretary was authorised to apply to the Commissioner of Waste Lands for maps of the educational reserves of the province. It was also re solved that the boundaries of Newton be amended so as to exclude Mount Albert school. The appointment of Mrs Latrobe to the Kihikihi was confirmed. An additional £30 towards establishing a school at Panmure was granted. It was also decided„to increase the grant of Auckland west JS To. Ito £300^ The only business at the Police Court this morning before Mr G. S. Graham, J.P., con sisted of the disposal of three men for drunk enness, who were subjected to the usual fines or imprisonment. At the artists' anniversary supper last evening Mr Luckie in responding to the toast of the " Press," spoke in glowing terms of the benign influences of art. He also re ferred to the scenery around Auckland as of the most delightful description, equal to any that he had witnessed in any part of the world, even in Auld Reekie. He considered that Auckland was one of the most beautiful spots under the blue heaven, and especially formed by creative wisdom to be the ocean circled home of the artist and the poet. A meeting of the Royal Albert Loyal Orange Lodge, No. 2, will be held this evening at half-past seven o'clock, in the Protestant Hall, Newton. A meeting of the Colonists' Protection League will take place on Friday afternoon nextf at two o'clock, at the British Hotel. The Revs Messrs Bond and Carr who arrived the other day by the ' Warwick' have each received a silver inkstand for their efforts for the spiritual improvement of the passengers during the voyage. The San Francisco News Letter gives the following local dottings : —"Drunken Bill" elected King of Hawaii. — Bulletin and Call men been up in a balloon will never be as near Heaven again.—'Tis said Governor Booth and and the Sacremento Union are going to bolt the Republican party,—Does that mean they are going to swallow it ?—A man died immediately upon stepping out of a bath cleanliness is next to godliness.—Peter Donahue bought the North Pacific Railroad —Fashionable promenade—the rooms of the Art Association. —The principal of the Broadway Girls Grammar School is in a difficulty ; the girls are so padded he doesn't know where to administer punishment; they're having a good time until he decides. —Mengolian tossed by a bull; John though not drunk was slightly elevated.—The Moses Taylor is on the Australian line again The Mohonga and Olympia being both en gaged ; it is expected the Chin-du-wan will be the next vessel to occupy this route.— One lawyer dead, another admitted to prac tice, which squares the account.—Dennis Coleman has beaten his wife out of this world into the next. She hopes the hang man won't send him after her.—Lady advertises for some one to assist her; she doesn't say what kind of assistance she stands in need 0f.—326 people in the Aim house, —Brother has had a call, which means he wants his pay increased.—lt is said Hallelujah Cox has lost on stocks he doesn't believe in calls. A strong-minded woman in Detroit made the following gentle reply to a politican who had called at her house to get her husband to go to the poll and vote : "No, sir, he can't go ! He's washing now, and he's got to iron to-morrow, and if he wasn't doing any thing he couldn't go. I run this 'ere house, I do, and if any out voted it'll be this same Mary Jane.

A case, which strongly savours of injustice and persecution, has come to our knowledge, which exemplifies a phase of New Zealand life and manners in this age, and affords another illustration of Shakspere's axiom—

" Man, proud man, Dressed in a little brief authority, Plays such fantastic tricks before high Heaven As make c'en angels weep."

Some time ago Mr Robert Peace and his sons, at considerable expense, com menced a very useful branch of trade at Parua Bay—the potting of mullet; —and subsequently, for the purpose of extending his operations, Mr Peace made an application to the Provincial Government for the grant of a piece of land, almost worthless, known as Peach Point, so named from the number of peach-trees which formerly flourished on the spot; The reply of the Government was Unfavourable, and not indicative of a desire to foster the industry. Mr Peace, however, was left at liberty to make an offer for the plot of ground out by the sea, or rent it, or make his own suggestions as to what he would like to do in respect of the land. Mr Peace stated, that he had been at great expense in the endeavour to establish a local industry with out meeting with any return, and as he con sidered the Government was in favour of industrial colonial progress, he proposed to nay only a nominal rental for the station. The Provincial Secretary, in a communica tion to Mr Peace, informed him that he might occupy Peach Point, on condition that he should give it up at a month's notice ." | the Government required him to do so, and that he would prefer no claim upon the Go vernment foi- fiiiy improvements he might.be, tempted to make during his occupaiicjr. Mr Peace accepted these terms, and im-, mediately erected a house on the land with furnaces and boilers, and such other conveniences as the fish-curing business required, feeling a kind of childlike faith in the paternal solicitude of the Government ; but alas, on tlie third of last month Mr Peace received a notice from the Commissioner of Crdwri LHri.ds to resign possession of Peach Point, as the Government had resolved, to dispose of the same. Mr Peace hastened to Auckland, in order that he might win the smiles of his Honor the Superintendent in his favour. But he was too late, his Honor had already received the first version of the Peach Point tale, with marginal notes about obnoxious fish-curers and noisy dogs. It was said that Mr Peace, in days gone by, kept a noisy dog, which was in the habit of worry a neighbour's flock. This, however, was proved to be Untrue ; and if it had been true Mr Peace was willing to make honest compensation. Mr Peace can get no redress for his outlay upon the cncc< rugged spot which he has made valuable. Tlie Government mind is inexorable, and Mr Peace's fish-curing industry will be finally obliterated from Peach Point. The story of Peach Point, if true in its details, will not be lost upon the community. Mr Peace's endeavours should have been encouraged as the honest toils of every one should be who seeks to reclaim a waste place from the wilderness, and turns it to profitable account for the good of the community; and the moral of the story seems to be, "Do not presume too milch Upon the generous im pulses of a Provincial Assembly, or you may be disappointed in your pecuniary ex pectations. Mr Peace intends to commence his business at Kaipara. The mullet are preserved in 1 lb. tins in the same way as English and American salmon, and are of admirable flavour. When the industry is in full work the proprietor believes he can supply this delicacy at a much lower rule than the imported fish ; and aa it is fully equal to the salmon, it would be a welcome addition to our local industries, and should secure a large sale. A small cottage was burnt down situate at Onehunga and belonging to Mrs Kelly, at an early hour yesterday morning. It is believed to have been set fire to, and Mr R. Kelly, of the Empire Hotel, offers a reward of £10 to any one who will give such information as shall lead to the detection of the guilty party. A change in the performance took place last evening at the Prince of Wales theatre and an excellent programme was gone through by the company. The stay of Mr Bromley and Miss Neilson is short, and only three more performances will be given. We recommend those who enjoy a couple of hours' hearty laugh to pay the Prince a visit. ~ . The artists and friends of art in Auckland sat down last night to an excellent dinner at the Masonic Hotel, provided with good taste by Mr Avey. About four and twenty gen tlemen partook of the feast. Mr W. East wood was subsequently called to the chair, and was supported by His Worship the the Mayor and Mr Luckie ; and the usual loyal toasts were given, viz.: "Her Majesty," " The Prince and Princess, of Wales," "The Artists and Arts of Auckland," "The Mayor of Auckland," "The Ladies," the "Com mittee," "The Contributors," and "The Press." Several excellent speeches were made in relation to art and its influences by the Chairman, the Mayor, the Editor of the Southern Cross, Mr Albin Martin, and Mr Upton ; while Messrs. Hoyte, Symons, Warner, Cater and Dr. Wright contributed to the harmony of the evening with several songs. The Prince of Wales, theatre is being re; decorated, and already begins to have an improved appearance. We understand that improvements will also be made in the dress circle for the comfort of its patrons. We have not heard whether when these improvements have been effected admittance will only be granted to ladies and gentlemen in full dress Such a decree we observe has gone forth from the management of the Theatre Italien, Paris, but we have hardly yet arrived at I such a polished degree of civilization. How the measure will be received remains to be seen, as the dress-coat question has always been a difficult one to resolve. In Prance no extra toilette used to be expected from playgoers, and if managers desire to have well-dressed spectators they must carpet their floors, enlarge the passages, and in fact try to attract their audiences by the cleanliness and perfection of their internal arrangements. Towards the close of the Imperial reign it became the custom among the gilded youth of the Erench capital to affect evening dress after dinner, and visit the playhouses in all the glory of silk facings and white tie. Since the disastrous events which followed all thoughts of elegance were discarded. Nevertheless Parisian vanity has been piqued by the unceremonious behaviour of tourists, particularly the British excursionists, who have insisted on appearing at the Grand Opera in their well-known cheviot tweed, treble-soled boots, and wide awakes, and armed with thick sticks, and even carrying waterproof coats in straps.

' There is a village in Essex called East Brent which has for four years acquired notoriety for the love of Ritualism displayed by its people, and onJFriday, December 27th, a portion of the people who had become horrified at its huge dimensions resolved to put it down if possible by something like physical force. A number of the lower classes surrounded and mobbed the curate, who is a nephew of Archdeacon Denison, and when the latter went to the assistance of his relative he was himself pelted w fch flour and eggs, and returned home in a sad plight.

On Bush street, between Dupont and ] Stockton, there is an immense bell, with a little French Catholic Church attached to it. Now that bell does more ringing than any ten bells in the city (fire.bells includect.j The only reason we can assign is, that the French residents on Dupont street require an extra amount of ringing to call them to works of salvation. More souls have gone astl-ay by damning that bell's infernal din than'it will ever get into the church if it rings till it cracks.— S. F. News Letter. j A young gentleman of twenty-five recently , married a lady of forty-two in Minnesota, j and now sues for a divorce because she " chastises" him. A notification appears from the Secretary of the Board of Education to the effect that the Wellington Academy, Hepburn-street, is opened as a public school under the new Education Act. The demolition of the Barrack wall has commenced, and a large portion is being re moved to make way for the new street from Wellesly street to Symonds street. In Marseilles a hair-dresser has been sued for 400 dols. damages because he unfortu nately dyed a lady's hair violet instead of red.

ARRIVAL OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.

The Government steamer Luna, under com maiiu of CaP*- Fairchild, arrived at the Manukau Hea£l at seven o'clock last night, having on board his ExuCl^y governor Lady Bowen and family, ana »:i lte- -h^ tide would iiot pertnit of the steamer eon;ino up harbour at that hoUr^ and she did not arrive off the wharf until a late hour last night. The debarkation of the viceregal party was therefore postponed until the morning, when the landing was effected, and His Excellency and suite proceeded directly to Government House, arriving there shortly afternine o'clock this nioMiing. Major Pittand Capt. Machell, aides-de-camp, also accom panied his Excellency. We understand that the vice-regal Visit to the Waikato will take place in course of a week, A meeting of the Demonstration Committee was held this day at noon in the Mayor's room, City Council offices,—W. J. Hurst in the chair. Present: Messrs J. M. Dargaville, T. Macfarlane, G. P. Pierce, T. Broham. and Major Tisdall. A number of delegates from ; various lodges were in attendance, in terms With invitations sent, asking them to co operate with the committee in making suitable demonstration upon the departure of His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen. Letters were read from the following bodies ac quiescing in the request :—Odd* Fellows, Ancient Order of Foresters, Lodge of Light (Thames), Prince of Wales Lodge, Auckland Yacht Cliib, JHarbour Board, promising to decoratethe wharf, &c, ; City Council, infor ming the committee that a sttfii of twenty-five pounds had been voted towards the expense. The i olio wing societies declined to co-operate on various grounds : —Waitemata Lodge, St. Andrew's Lodge, Provincial Grand Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, Regatta Club, and Orange Institution. A letter was. read from Mr E. B. Dickson offer ing to prepare an illuminated address. Mr Dargaville submitted that the citizens instead of going to needless expense in form ing triumphal arches, etc., should assemble in force on the occasion, which he believed would be more appreciated by his Excel lency. He proposed that as soon as the day of his Excellency's departure is fixed the Provincial authorities be requested to appoint that day a public holiday. The motion was Seconded by Major Tisdall, and carried unanimously. Various suggestions were made by the gentlemen present with reference to the line of programme to be pursued on the occasion. It was agreed that the Harbour Board should be requested to erect their triumphial arch at the-entrance to the wharf, and that the Harbour Board be respectfully requested to-operate "with this committee in erecting the same. It was moved by Mr Talbot that the various public bodies muster at Government House and join injprocession to the point of embarkation. Seconded by Mr Cole, and earned. Mr , Dargaville proposed that, with the con | currence of the commanding officer of the I district, the various troops of Cavalry be invited to take part in the procession.' After I considerable discussion the remainder of the I arrangements was left to the sub-committee appointed from the committee. Mr J. ' Browne's name was added to the committee. j The Mayor was unavoidably absent on busi- I ness at the Resident Magistrate's Court.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

THIS DAY. (Before P. A. Philips, Esq., R.M.) A special sitting of this Court was held to day to dispose of a case against the ship Warwick. HOLDSHIP V. SKINNER. This was a claim for £20 damages, for glass alleged to have been broken on board the ship Warwick, of which the defendant is captain. , Mr Rees appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Weston for the defendant. Henry G. Wade, manager for the plaintiff, deposed to 100 cases of glass having been received from the ship Warwick in a broken state. All the cases were sound but seven or eight. He gave notice to the Captain of his intention to place a surveyor on board to survey the stowage of the cargo. He also took steps to give defendant an opportunity of viewing the cargo when opened, but he declined to eattnd. He estimated the damage at £35 or £40. Henry Ellioti stated that he surveyed the stowage of the glass on behalf of Mr. Hold ship. The glass was stowed all ways but the right way; some on end and some on side, come' flat bottom up. He drew the attention of the mate to the bad stowage. Thomas Hodson deposed that he opened the cates, and the glass was much broken. This concluded the case for the plaintiff. For the defence Mr. Weston called Edmund Coombes, stevedore ; John Niccol, forman to Mr Coombes; William Purdy, the chief officer of the ship Edwin Thomas, and Captain Skinner, who deposed that the cargo was well stowed. The cases were all stowed on their edges. j The captain and mate stated that the cases came alongside the vessel in London in a barge, and were in such a bad state that they refused for a time to take them on board. , The'bill of lading stated that the cases were taken on board in a dirty, discoloured state, and some of the contents were believed to be broken. His Worship reserved judgment.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

The following are to-day's quotations : - ; Thames Gas, 365. 6d. South British Insurance, 295. 6d. Black Angel, 41s. ; sellers, 445. 6d. Otago, lCs. Queen of the Thames, 9d. Caledonian, £14 55., £14 7s. 6d.. £14 10s ■ buyers, £14 10s. ' Cure, 10s. 6d., 10s. 9d. D. A. Orchard, Secretary,

A MESSAGE FROM THE QUEEN BEE.

A champagne bottle was found about a week ago on the beach at Kati Kati, containing a paper. It was addressed to this office, and was accordingly forwarded to us through the courtesy of the Bay of Plenty Times. The writing is'very illegible, owing to contact with seawatcr, and in some parts quite undis tinguishable. It appears to have been written by one of the passengers of the Queen Bee, which sailed for London on the morning of the 21 st of January. The writer does not affix his signature, unless it has been since washed out. He was, evidently, at the time of writing, suffering from the effects of bottled beer, love, Wolffe's schnapps, and sea-sick ness. As far as we can distinguish, the letter runs as follows :— " Queen Bee, " 8 o'clock p.m., 21st January.' " To the Editor of the Evening Stap.. " May yon never set * "* .?-•'..'* Deal's bottled beer, ls fid ; Schnapps entirely out of the market. Children in galore * * * * A rush to the steward for orders. As things go on like this we shall have to run into Whangapoa to * * * We are just off Carvier Island, and expect to see no more of fair Auckland after to night. Makes a " fellah " wish he was a Joshua, so that he might stick up the sun. Farewell Auckland with all your beauties ! " More white girls in it than we shall ever sfee again, and if any does slap our face we Will treat them, with the greatest unconcern. Good-bye to the pretty faces under the * * * .. • Wonder the parting with so many white * * * ."

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE STORY OF THE " MERMAID."

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.)1 Sir,-— Having read Mrs Allen's explanatory letter under the above heading, I shall feel obliged by your inserting ft few words from, one who was introduced to herself and husband by Captain Rose, of the "Mermaid," on the arrival of that vessel at Lyttelton some few years since. They came out in the saloon, and Mrs Allen was spoken of with the greatest respect by the other passengers, being the firStdady to introduce long or combed-out hair; and the name of the vessel combined was,..no doubt the'reason of the sobriquet beirig'put on her as above. Shortly after their arrival a ball yras given in honor of the Duke of Edinburgh, and Mr and Mrs Allen were invited, and I well remember the royal gallant Captain of the Galatea asking Mr Launcelot Walker to introduce him to Mrs Allen with Avhom he danced the greater portion of the evening. During my residence at Christchurch Lmost certainly never heard of anything derogatory to Mrs Allen ; her husband was then practising as a dentist, and until reading her letter in your issue of Saturday T was hot aware of her being in Auckland. I therefore do not know the merits of her case against Mr Abbott, but write this in the hope that her dismissal from his establishment will not prejudice others from employing her.. Trusting she may soon be in position to £*>amtain herself and child -I am, &c, with due aspect. An Enomsh Woman. <<t >.-., >> v 'A t -l A.--. ;

GRAFTON ROAD.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) | Sib,—Without exception the worst road in or about Auckland is the Grafton-road. Although one of the most populous and im portant, and the Highway Board one of the most wealthy, this road has been patched, and is now being patched, to no purpose. lam credibly informed that the Highway Board intend cutting a new street somewhere near the Kyber Pass road, although the owners of property are adverse to it. Why not make the main road and footpaths thoroughly, and then proceed to spend surplus rates on by-streets ? Some of the principal channels are filled with stagnant water, owing to the deficient means of drainage. A few of these pools breathe ominously pestilential. Because some late members of the Board had money ineffectually spent at their own doors-, the present Board go to the other extreme and ignore the main thoroughfare as mv eh as possible. Ratepayers must regret that Mr Stannus Jones does not possess property in Graftori-road district otherwise improvements would be the order or the day.—l am, &c, Ratepayer.

THE WESTERN PARK.

a ! (To the Editornf the Evening Star.) Sir, —I am glad to see that two of our City,. Councillors have signified their intention of resigning as members of the Finance Com mittee in consequence of the contemplated robbery of the public for the Western Park. It appears that £90 have been already voted for fencing,, and yesterday Mr. S. Jones; obtained a vote for another £40 or thereabouts, and stated that he intended to ask for^«£so more, and when it is spent, cvi bono ? Why the only advantage that it will be for years to come is that it will serve as a recreation ground for Mr S. Jones' torn cats. —I am, «c, Ratepayer. ;

DOMAIN BOARD.—This Day.

A meetinA of the Domain

Board was held t

this day at noOn, in Canada buildings. Present : Col. Heale (in the chair,) Messrs. Gillies, Fenton, Keald, Kissling and Mitford. MINUTES. j The Secretary read the "minutes of the previous meeting,) which after some discus sion were confirmed. WATER WORKS. His Honor considered that the Board had done with this question, and handed it over to the City Council. • Mr Kissling moyed that the question of the water works stand over for the present. Carried. pace's mortgage. | A letter was read from Mr Pace requesting that the Board would reduce the rate of in terest on his mortgage of £175. j It was finally agreed that the rate of interest on this mortgage be reduced to 8 per cent. LETTER FROM MR. COOKE. A letter was read from Mr Cooke, drawing the attention of the Board to the great loss he had sustained by the Board's decision in allowing the public to. have a right to the use of the Domain for cricket and other sports, las being destructive of the pasture, and re questing the Board on this account to remit one-third of the rent during the remainder of his tenancy. This letter was ordered to stand over for future consideration. ACCLIMATIZATION SOCIETY. An application from this society respecting terms of agreement in connection with the gardens in the Domain and improvements therewith, was ordered to stand over. Upon the suggestion of his Honor the Su perintendent it was agreed that the Board should resolve itself into a committee, and meet in the Domain on Saturday week, at one o'clock, for the purpose of inspecting the ! Domain property, and ascertaining what was really necessary to be done. ACCOUNTS. The current accounts were brought up and ordered to be paid. The meeting then adjourned.

THE EVENING STA.K, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5,18?S



DIVIDENd. Kauranui CALLS Crown Prince COromandel Tunnel Oriana Golden Eagle Bismarck Otago American Eagle Inverness .Royal Standard ' Scottv Hill Red, White, and Blue Neptune Bird in Hand.. Albion

0 2 6 0 0 6 0 10 0 0 0 6 0 0 1 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 0 3 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 10 10 0

Mrch 5 Mrch 12 Mrch 10 Mrch 12 Mrch 12 Mrch 12 Mrch 12 Mrch 12 Mrch 12 Mrch 12 Mrch 12 Mrch 12 Mrch 12 Mrch 19 Mrch 22



GREAT REDUCTIONS FOR, I THREE MONTHS ONLY AT THE i AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPANY, j* 194, QUEEN STREET, j Next Door to Savings.' Bank., i Cartes-de-visite reduced from 10s per dozen to 13s 6d. Maori Celebrities (largest stack in New Zealand i to select from), reduced from 12s per dozen to 6s. Views from aU 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, j also reduced in price. Large Stock of Photographic Goods and Apparatus, Magic Lantern Slides, Stereoscopic Slides, &c, greatly reduced. J. M c G A R R I G L E, Manager. "pj"ELSON TWEED TROUSERS, 15s. Gd. Per Pair, AT THE CITY CLOTHING MART, AND AT No. ISO, QUEEN STREET. SAMUEL" COOMBES. W. RUSHBROOK BEG-S to call the attention of Ladies to his VERY CHOICE and NEW STOCK of AUTUMN AND WINTER DRESS MATERLALS and other Goods, which are being sold at very moderate prices. HOBBS' DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, upper queen street. BIRTH. Patterson.—On Monday, 3rd inst., the wife of J. N. Patterson, of a son.