SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

BTJNSET: This evening, (i.57 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 6.32 HTGH WATER : This evening, 7.11; to-morrow morning, 7.27.

ARRIVALS.

Wonga Wonga, s.s., Brown, from Sydney Sunbeam, schooner, from Wangaroa Queen, schooner. Veale, from Russell Clio, schooner, Chambers, from Ruse oil

DEPARTURE.

Margaret Campbell, schooner, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Southern ports: Taranaki, s.s., Saturday For Southern ports, via Napier : Paterson, p.S., early For Norfolk Island : Ivanhoe, schooner, early For Honolulu and San Francisco: Nebraska, mail

steamer, 20th inst. For Boston, Mass. : Ayr, barque, early For Cork : Polar Star, ship, early For Northern ports : Rowena, s.s., Monday next For London : Glenhuntly, barque, early For Sydney and Melbourne: Wonga Wonga, s.s., eariy; Hero, s.s., about 28th inst.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Durham, ship, from London. Sailed 29th November Edinburgh Castle, ship, from London. Loading Parsee, ship, from London. Loading Langa, barque, from Liverpool. Loading East Lothian, barque, from New York. Sailed 20th

December Thames, barque, from New York, via Sydney, loading Briton, barque, from Newcastle Southern Cross, schooner, from Sydney Prosperity, schooner, from Melbourne Corredo, barque, from Sydney Drover, brig, from Sydney

ARRIVAL OF THE WONGA WONGA.

The s.s. Wonga Wonga, 636 tons, Captain Brown, arrived in harbour at a quarter-past nine o'clock last night, from Sydney and Melbourne. She left Sydney at 6 p.m. on the 3rd ; rounded North Cape at midnight on the 10th ; arrived in Auckland as above. Experienced strong S.E. -winds and light E. winds, with unsettled weather throughout the passage. The following is a list of her passengers :— Saloon : Mrs Hungerford, Mrs Fletcher and child, Rev. Mr Forrester, Rev. Mr Bullard, Rev James Buller, Commandant Gargan, Messrs A. G. Ascher, E. A. Johnson, W. H. Ranken, D. Clarkson, Johnson, Christopher son, Gregg, W. J. McGray; and2ointhesteer age. We are indebted to Mr Cox, third officer, for prompt delivery of our files, and other favours.

The Sydney Morning Herald, of the 4th instant, says :—H.M.S. Bosario will leave for Wellington, New Zealand, towards the end of the week, to relieve the Blanche. The Blanche will then return to Sydney, where she may be expected about the 10th of March.

The s.s. Wonga Wonga brings a large cargo for this port, which is being landed •with despatch. We observe that the Lady Bird steamer is advertised in Sydney papers to leave for the Manukau, and connecting with Taranaki, Wellington, and Southern ports of New Zealand, on the 10th inst.

The steamer Paterson, as will be seen by our Australian telegrams, was to leave Sydney for Wellington on February 10th. The brig Lalla Rookh arrived at Newcastle from Auckland on February 3rd.

The cutter Agnes is announced to leave the Manukau for Kaipara to-morrow.

All claims against the barque Lochnagar must be rendered to Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co., the agents to the vessel, before noon to-morrow, or they will not be re cognised.

The barque Corredo and the brig Drover ■were loading at Sydney for Auckland when the Wonga Wonga left. The brig Rita is alongside the wharf dis charging cargo.

The schooner Margaret Campbell left the North Head yesterday evening for Russell. The schooner Clyde will leave for Wan garei and Mangapai to-morrow evening. The s.s. Star of the South left Napier yes terday, for Auckland, with a cargo of sheep. The s.s. Hero arrived at Sydney on the 4th instant from Auckland.

The p.s. Challenger will make an excursion to Whangamata Bay on Saturday evening next, should sufficient inducement offer. The steamer will return on Monday evening, thus giving excursionists thirty-six hours to to view the country.

The brig Drover was to leave Newcastle for Auckland on January 6th, with a cargo of coal for Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane.

The schooners Queen and Clio arrived from Russell this morning with 186 tons coal.

COMMERCIAL.

MINING. The following are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below :— jS s. d.

. MEETINGS.1 Bonshaw, Mr Baber*s office, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 2 p.m., 13th February ■ • Coromandel Excelsior, Mr Browne's office, Wyndham street, 13th February Masonic, Coromandel, 15th February Shotover, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 2 p.m. 17th February Coromandel Tunnel, Mr Tothill's office, Auckland, 10 a.m., 18th February . . Bismarck and French Eepublic, Insurance Buildings Auckland, 2 p.m., 21st Febraary Tokatea, Coromandel, 21st February Watchman, Grahamstown, 21st February Central Italy, Grahamstown, 27th. February ( ■■

IN RE VALENTINE'S DAY.

No, love, to no postman that was ever born Will I my Valentine to thee entrust; But rather steal me out at dead of night And underneath thy door the missive thrust. Then sweet, at early morn, yes, with the milk, Thine own bright eyes my billet doux will greet And as thou scannest its poetic crush Thy gentle breast with pleasure sure must beat. For oh ! within that Valentine are penned Lines of estatic and most roseate hue, Which tell'my darling all my bosom feela And how my heart to her Is ever true.

The joint benefit to Lottie and her brothers^ Prank and Victor, will take place to-morrow evening, at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The farewell performance of the Magnet Variety Company will be given on Friday evening, on which occasion Miss Fanny Sara &nd Mr Fred Clifton will take a joint benefit.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— tfor Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.50 p.m. For Coromandel, on Friday, 14th inst,, at 2.30. p.m. For G-isborne, per Opotiki, to-morrow, at 9 a.m. For Wangarei, Wangarei Heads, &c, per Challenger, to-morrow, at 5 p.m For Taranaki and the Southern provinces, per s.s. Taranaki, on Saturday, 15th inst, at 9 a.m. For the undermentioned places, per s.s. Wonga Wonga, on Saturday, 15th inst., as follows :— For India, China, Mediterranean ports, and Con tinent of Europe, at 10 a. m. For the Australian Colonies and the United King dom, via Suez, at 10.30 a.m. For the United Kingdom, via Brindisl, at 11 a.m. Late lettersforthe United Kingdom (via Brindisi), Sydney, and Melbourne, at 11.30 a.m. 'Money ordeis, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.m. For Norfolk Island, per Ivanhoe, on Saturday, 15th inst, at 5 p.m. For the undermentioned places, per s.s. Nebraska, on Thursday, 20th inst., as under : — For Sandwich Islands, British Columbia, United States of America, British and Foreign West Indies, and Continent of Europe via England, at 12.30 pm. For United Kingdon via San Francisco, at 12.30 p.m. Late letters for the United States of Americaand United Kingdom, bearing a late fee of Cd in addition to the postage will be received at this office until 1 p.m., and by the mail agent on board the steamer up to time of sailing. (Signed) S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12. 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

Sincerely as we may cherish the colo i nization scheme as being calculated to raise the colony to its right posi tion, no one can view without a feeling akin to horror the army of officials it has already enrolled. From time to time we have been hearing of the development of the Immigration Agency, and it is probable that we have even yet but a partial glimpse into an organization that appears to embrace even the firm of Shaw, Saville and Company. But through the inquisitive spirit of Mr Sheehan the public has been favoured with a nearer view into the bureau that is employed in setting our public works in motion, which if not pleasant is at : least instructive. This department, as every one knows, is but in its infancy, j hut it will he admitted that it is pro mising to a high degree, and if it -prosper as it has begun we have no doubt that it will bring comfort and consolation to the whole tribe of waiters on Providence for which this colony has already attained no ordi nary fame. No less than one hundred and eighty-three offices have been opportunely created in this depart ment alone, and a similar number of our fellow-colonists have volunteered "their valuable services. We are very far from saying that the vast scheme of public works can be carried out without officers, and well paid officers, being employed. But when we consider that these one hun dred and eighty-three servants of the country are mainly engaged in merely preparing work for those to be subse quently employed, we feel appalled at contemplation of the probable result. The list is a varied one, both as regards the remuneration and, we presume, the value of the services to be r. ndered— ranging from £20 up to £1,500 per annum; and it is further to be borne in mind that not only are there allow ances attached to the offices, in many cases almost equal to the nominal salaries, but most of them will receive

augmentation as what may be called \ the real work begins. Viewed in its entirety the list is a study, not merely for those who search in statistics for weapons to assail the policy of the Grovernment, but for those who believe in the objects of that policy, and in the hands administering it. Bureaucracy has been long rampant in the colony, and it is to be feared from this little first page of the history of the new policy that the colonization scheme has been settled upon as a fresh feeding ground by the hungry cormorants by which the colony has been long infested.

In our telegraphic columns will be read a telegram with reference to the New Zealand Freight Company of great interest, and we venture to say of the very first importance to the commercial interests of the colony. Arrangements appear to have been now completed, and the first vessel of the new and independent line is to leave in a few days for Auckland. We cordially congratulate the city, and we may add the colony, on the starting of the first vessel of the new line. To the two sister companies recently launched with similar objects in the South, the new Company should give the most friendly sympathy and co-operation; and despite the " disinterested " zeal of Dr. Featherstone, if there is cor dial union and mutual assistance we may consiclei- that the death-knell of this most oppressive and impudent monopoly has been tolled.

The enquiry into the charges brought by Mr J. B. Russell against Mrßeckham, R.M., is proceeding at the .Supreme Court; aiid it is hoped that the case will be closed by Sat urday. Evidence is now being called by Mr Weston in favour of Mr Beckham, and it is satisfactory to know that the letter B has been reached, five gentleman who own that letter as their initial having been summoned for examination to-day. We regret that our contemporary the Cross has felt it his duty to be somowhat severe on Mr Lusk for words which Air Lusk never used: In Our contemporary's report of the proceedings of the Education Board anent the North Shore affair Mr Lusk is reported to have said, '' The schoolmaster denied that he had told the children the meeting would be at half-past seven." Mr Lusk did not say so. He said he had been "informed" so, which is a very different thing. With respect to the position of the Board they were simpiy called on to adjudicate on a question of law, viz., which claimant was the legal committee ? Had they availed themselves of a trick in order to repair the negligence of any discon tented parties in a district, then Heaven pity the Board, in the troubles that would be caused by the precedent thus set. They will probably have troubles enough with the dis tricts, and if they begin by irickery to wander from the simple letter of the Act, where is it to end '. At a meeting of the Golden Pa G. M. 0. held this day at noon, at the offices of Mr Robert Home, consisting of no less than two thirds number and value, the following re solutions were passed : —'' That the directors be empowered to borrow irioney lipdn the security of the property for the jmrpose of erecting machinery," and, "That the directors be authorised to let tributes and allocate any allotted shares to any persons willing to erect machinery on the claim." The meeting then separated. A case of some public importance was heard in the Police Court to-day, in which Mr Henry Thomas Watts was charged with selling poison containing strychnine to the Woman Mary Anstey, contrary to the pro visions of the Poison Act, which provides that every person applying for poison shall be accompanied by some person as a witness to the sale ; and that the purveyors of poisons shall enter the particulars of the sale of the same in a book kept for that special purpose. The Court ruled that Mr Watts had not acted, in strict accordance with these provisions, and accordingly he was fined 20s. for each offence. We have been informed by residents in the locality in question that an alarm of lire in the city at night is rarely or never known to to those whose residences are in the Alten Road and Parnell rise, and the regions there about. The fire-bells are so situated that the sound seems to be carried over head, and the people are allowed to slumber undis turbed by the " clangour of the bells." Small though this matter may appear it may be really one of the utmost importance, and we do not doubt that if one or two of the inhabitants put their heads together they could effect such a change as would have a bell removed to a locality where the form of the hills would rather aid than impede the spread of the alarm at night. We have received a letter signed "L. Brown," objecting to the action taken by Mr Cosgrave in allowing himself to be elected a member of the School Committee and then resigning. We certainly regret that Mr Cosgrave declines the duty for which, from his ability and plenty of "go," he is so thoroughly fitted, and we hope that even yet he will reconsider his decision, and give his fellow-townsmen the benefit of his aid in en gineering thenew system. Still Mr Cosgrave has a perfect right to resign if he wishes, and we have no doubt the remainder of the committee will elect the best successors they can find. It will be seen by our Australian telegrams that Mr Alfred Anderson, the celebrated pianist, who was expected by the Wonga Wonga, is playing with great success at the School of Arts, Sydney, in conjunction with Miss Emanuel, a rising singer. Miss Emanuel will accompany Mr Anderson to Auckland in the Hero on her next trip. The Sydney Mail, speaking of one of their recent con certs, says : —"lt was pleasing to notice that Mr Alfred Anderson devoted himself most enthusiastically to his very important part in the concert. Not only did he per form fantasias, but consented to give the accompaniments, which he did with excellent affect, contributing in no small degree to the success of the concert. Mr Anderson is without doubt the premier pianist of the I colony, but it is feared that he lets his I ingers grow rusty; however, he certainly had ihe lion's share of the work at the two con jerts, as on each occasion he performed ncessantly for two hours and a half." ! The man Webster, who unfortunately had lis leg broken by accident whilst working on ;he railway works, in Mechanics' Bay, is joing on as favourably as can be expected. A meeting will be held this evening in St. David's school-room, Symonds-street, at half >ast seven, for the purpose of electing a i chool committee for the jNewton district, ;

The immigrants who arrived by the ship Warwick may now be engaged at the Im migration Barracks. It is intimated by official notification that applicants will be attended to " according to priority of applica tion," but the immigrants themselves in finitely prefer liberality to punctuality, and those who offer the highest wage are the most likely to carry off the prize. There is a large number of single girls amongst the immigrants, and these are, as usual, at a premium. The girls are fully equal to the occasion, and have not the remotest intention of hiring themselves at too small a salary. Some of the young ladies are, in all pro- I bability, matrimonially inclined, and would j prefer an engagement which only death or the Divorce Court could terminate. There are amongst the number some whose personal attractions would well adorn a cottage, and any of our citizens who have been left to pine in undesired bachelorhood might perhaps meet with his fate at the Immigration Barracks. We do not know in what way an application of a tender character would be received by our worthy immigration officer ; but perhaps the "priority of application" would meet the difficulty should mors than one candidate aspire to the hand of any in dividual belle. In the event of the official eye looking upon siich an application coldly a more favorable reception might be accorded by the fair being if appealed to in person. The suitor would have one great advantage by the age of the object of his affections being officially placed on record. (Vide our morn ing contemporaries.) Bank of New Zealand shares were quoted in Sydney, on February 5, with buyers at £17 10s, sellers at £18. This must have been a busy day for legal managers. ..Calls, ranging, from threepence to two shillings pet share, have become, due in no less than twenty different gold mining companies. We do not know how the calls have been responded to, but they must fall heavy on those who hold shares in several of the mines. The meeting for the election of a district school committee for the Newton Educational District will be held at St. David's school room, Symonds-street, this evening, at half past seven, o'clock: A soiree was held last evening at Otahuhu in connection with the Wesleyans of that settlement with very satisfactory results. The Eev. Mr. Macky, Presbyterian minister, occupied the chair, and the meeting was addressed by the two young Wesleyan min isters, Bond and C'arr, who arrived by the Warwick. The entertainment consisted of music, recitations, and speeches, »ml was well attended: The Rechabites are mustering strongly at the Thames. The members yesterday formed a procession in Grahamstown, headed by the drum and fife band, and marched in military order to Parawai, where they held their an niversary picnic. The day was rainy, still there was a large company of brethren and friends in attendance, and the day was pleasantly passed. The resident householders of the Parnell district held a meeting last night in Parnell Hall fdr the piirpo'se tit electing a. district school committee under the Education Act. The following gentlemen were elected : Messrs W. H. Kissling, T. J. Waters, J. Adams, L. O'Brien, and Caleb Wood. A second meeting was called, when a resolution was passed by a majority of twenty-four to one " That the present ink fdr education is not based upon a proper system." There will be a meeting of the Naval Com pany and Cadets for gun-drill this evening at half-past seven in the Albert Barracks. The monthly inspection will take place on Friday erening. There was a good attendance last evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The acrobatic performances of Lottie and her brothers attracted the admiration of the audience ; and the songs of Miss Fanny .Sara and Mr Fred Clifton brought forth frequent applause. To-morrow evening the Angell family take their benefit, and on Friday the entertain ment will be for the joint benefit for Miss Fanny Sara and Mr Fred Clifton. As this excellent troupe will leave by the Tananaki for the South we advise those who have not seen its members to do so before it is too late. The Fancy Bazaar in the Auckland College in aid of the Sir George Grey Cadet Corps was re-opened this afternoon at two o'clock, when a number of interested visitors began to gather in hanpy clusters. Among the pro visions of the bazaar, the several tables beneath smiling faceswere elegantly furnished with every conceivable form of tiny manu factures. All kind of needlework was observable, ottomans, cushions, cosies and purses, with things both ornamental and useful, from sisters hood to baby's pretty red-worsted shoes. There were also toys of every description, bat 3, balls, steam-engines in full play, flowers artificial and natural, giving it the appearance of a fairy palace. This evening the bazaar will be illuminated, and magic lanterns exhibited ; there will be be choice selections of music by the excellent band of the Artillery Volunteers, and every thing calculated to gratify the taste and render the College Bazaar a great social and pecuniary success. We would notify to all residents on the North Shore that to-night they are to be " indignant" in the Devonport Hall by order of Mr Oliver Mays. Trouble begins at half past seven.

FIRING OF COLONIAL REPRESENTA TIVES.

I Several of the Auckland representatives assembled on the rifle rauge this morning, and went through certain most interesting as well as instructive matches by way of prac tice before going to Nelson. Three matches were fired, viz.—Rapidity ; time 5 minutes. Running ; time, 5 minutes. Skirmishing ; time 10 minutes. The respective scores are subjoined:— Rapidity Match.—2oo yards ;Cx2 target. _ T Hits. Tl. Lt. Kitchen 444444222200 10 ... 42 Vol. Mills .. ... 222222222224 12 ... 3S Vol. Payne .. ... 444444220000 8 ... 36 Sergt. Soale 444444222200 10 ... 42 Vol. Hay 444444220000 8 ... 36 Running Match.—2oo yards ; target 6 x 2 ; and after every 2 shots each competitor to run round a post 50 yards from firing point. Lt. Kitchen 444220000000 5 ... 21 Vol. Mills 442200000000 4 ... 16 Vol. Payne 442222000000 6 ... 22 Sergt. Soall 444422200000 7 ... 29 Vol. Hay ... ... 000000444444 6.. 30 Skirmishing Match occupied ten mi nutes, and was arranged thus :—3 minutes firing, 2 minutes retiring ; 2 minutes firing, 2 minutes advancing ; and 1 minute firing at a target 6x2. Lt. Kitchen 444444444200 10 . 48 Vol. Mills 444444444422 12 ".'.' 56 Vol. Payne 444222200000 7 ... 27 Sergt. Soall 444444442220 11 49 ' Vol. Hay 444422200000 7 ... 29 We understand that the Auckland repre- ' sentatives will engage in the same practices next Wednesday morning ai; nine o'clock,

WESLEYAN MINISTERS.

The Wesleyan Conference, now sitting at Sydney, has made the following appoint ments of ministers in New Zealand : — Auckland District. Auckland : Ales, Reid, W. Oliver, J. J. Lewis, John Hobbs, Jas. Wallis, John War ren, and H. H. Lawry. Thames : John Crump, W. J. J. Williams. New Plymouth : Wm. Kirk, John Smith. Raglan, Aotea, and Kawhia : Cort. H. Schnackenberg, Wi remu Patene, Hamiora Ngaropi, native mis sionaries. Otahuhu: Robert S.Bunn, Geo. Buttle. Kaipara : Wm. Gittos, Honai Waiti, native missionary. Hokianga : Wm. Rowse. Waikato :W. G. Thomas. Wan garoa : One wanted. Alexander Reid, chair man of district. Wellington District. Wellington : W. Mosley, Joseph S. Smal ley, Heraki Warihe, native missionary. Butt :J. B. Richardson. Grey Town : John Law. Wanganui: J. Berry, George Hannard, Rangitikei: Thomas Reeve. Nelson : Thomas Buddie, Willian Cannel. Motueka :J. H. Rogers. Blenheim : G. S. Harper, Hokitika :J. S. Rishworth, W. B. Marten. Greymouth : David McNichol, Thomas Buddie, chairman of the district. Canterbury District. Chistchurch : James Buller, one from England. St. Albans ! A. R. Fitchett, John Aldred. Editor of New Zealand Wesleyan : A. R. Fitchett. Lyttelton :W. J. Watkin 5 Te Kote, native missionary. Springton : W. Keall, W. S. Harper. Kaiapoi: Rainsford Bavin, Henry Bull. Timaru :W. Lee, Frederick Dewsbury ; James Buller, chair man of the district. Otaoo District. Dunedin : C. W. Rigg. Balclutha : F, W. Isitt. Port Chalmers :J. T. Shaw. Waiko waiti : One wanted.- Lawrence i W< H. Beck. Rdxborough : George E. Hewlett. Invercar-" gill : Jas. A. Taylor, Chas.' W. Rigg, chairman of the district. The stations of the South Sea missions were also fixed.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Messrs J, M. Dargaville and George 8.- Oraham.) John Reynolds was brought lip dnJi charge of drunkenness, and fined live shillings and costs or twenty-four hours' imprisonment. Eliza Lynch, an old offender, pleadeu guilty to chai-ges of drunkenness and vagrancy, having been several times con victed of the same offences. Six months' imprisonment with hard labour. *.VG'I4A>TCY. John Walsh was charged lirider the Vagrancy Act of 1806 with wilfully and obscenely exposing his person in Queen stroet on the evening of the lltli inst. Walsh pleaded guilty to taking a glass of ale, and that the heat of the day took an effect on him. He was very sorry for what had happened to him. He would not do so ally tnal'6. . . .... Mr Broham stated that Walsh was a very harmless man. His Worship with a tew words of caution discharged the prisoner. IaSBCEHV, Ellen Parker was brought up oil a Warrant, charged with stealing Mr Thomas B. Hanna ford's white summer waitcoat, valued at 75., on the 15th day of December, 1872. The accused, a decent looking poor woman, stated that the complainant gave her the waistcoat. Mr Broham stated that since Mr Haillia ford had taken out a warrent for the appre hension of the accused h« had got out of the way, and could not be found to substantiate the charge. The Chairman.said it was a pity that some thing could not be ddiie ttf prevent Mr Han naford's vagaries in takiug up the time tit the Court about such frivolous matters. The charge was dismissed. ASSAULT.

John Connor and Edward Andrews were charged with committing a violent assault upon Abei Fletcher, contractor of Newton, last night. Mr Joy appeared for complainant, and briefly stated the case. He then called upon Constable Clarke, who knew Mr Fletcher, and who, hearing a row last night near,the Flying Squadron, went there, and saw Flet cher bleeding from a cut in the head. He cautioned them, and said that if they struck any one he should take them into custody. Connor at once rushed at Fletcher, and struck him in the face, and Andrews struck Joseph Pattison. He therefore took them into custody.

William Riley, labourer, of Newton, cor roborated the evidence of Constable Clarke, and stated that he saw Connor strike Fletcher over the head with stones in a handkerchief. He also saw Andrews kick him in the ribs when he was down.

Abel Fletcher, sworn, deposed that he lived at Newton, and last night at eleven o'clock he was in bed, when the prisoners came to his door rather the Avorse for liquor. He went to the door at once, and asked what they wanted. They wanted him to come out. He put on his trousers and went out, and when they got to the top of his yard the prisoner Connor struck him with his fist. He asked him what that blow meant, when he said he would give him another, and imme diately gave him a second blow, which knocked him down. Andrews then attacked him with scoria stones. Connor kicked him when down. They threatened to kill him, which he thought would have,been the case if Constable Clarke had not fortunately come up at the time. He did not know the prisoners, nor could he tell the reason of the attack. Andrews avowed that he meant to murder witness. Dr Kenderdine had examined him. Prisoners called him out under the pretence of telling him something to his advantage. Edward Andrews then made a long inco herent statement, which tended to show that Fletcher attacked him first, and that they had a number of witnesses who -were not present.

His Worship considered that, after hearing the prisoner's statement, there must be some thing in the case which had not come out in evidence.

Laurence Robertson deposed that about a quarter past eleven Mr Fletcher came to his door, and he told him him the bar lights were out. Shortly after he heard a deal of noise outside his house. He had. then gone up to bed. He was certain that Fletcher was among them, but he knew nothing of the fighting. John E. Jouning saw the prisoners at his house in Symonds-street. They were drink ing there together. It was between nine and ten o'clock. He saw nothing of the assault.

Several witnesses were called for the de fence, but their evidence aided nothing in favour of the prisoners. The Court considered that the evidence respecting the conduct of Andrews was very conflicting, and it was not clear that he was one of the persons who actually committed the assault. In this case he would be dis charged ; but Connor, who was no doubt guilty of the charge, must therefore be lined 20s. and costs. ■ ;

Andrews was then charged with committing an assault, on the same evening, upon Josei.h raterson, who deposed that he waa in the

KarangahAi Road last night, and when near to Robinsßs tavern he saw four men at tacking M».bel Fletcher. The BenJfcuggested that Patterson ought to have beenTalled before. The witnessjwent up to assist Mr Fletcher, who had been knocked down by the assailants, when he received a terrible blow trom Andrews. He saw Andrews pick the scoria Off the road and put it in the handkerchief. He could swear that there was no rougn words used until Fletcher was down. Constable Clarke stated that the prisoner admitted to him that he committed the assault under provocation. The Court fined the prisoner ten shillings and costs, or twenty-four hours hard labour.

POISONS. Henry Thomas Watts, pharmaceutical chemist, again appeared in answer to a charge of selling a packet of poison contain ing strychnine to one Mary Anstey, who has since died $ also on a charge of not keeping a book for the entry of the sale of poisons. Mr Kissling, on the part of the plaintiff, pleaded not guilty. , Dr. Philson, on being examined, read over the depositions of Mr Watts, taken down by him in his capacity as coroner, on the .31st day of January, at the inquest held on the body of Mary Anstey, at the Eden Vine Hotel. Witness was of opinion that half a grain was sufficient to cause death. He had analysed the poison, and found that it contained strychnine. Mr Broham referred to the section ot the Poison Act which makes it unlawful to sell strychnine. Mr Kissling suggested that according to the wording of the 12th clause, which he read, he contended that there had been no violation of the Act in the sale of poison by Mr Watts ; that the poison was sold for the destruction of rats ; that Mr Watts had fre quently sold the poison for such purposes mixed in like manner. Mr Broham looked upon this as a case ot great importance to the public. Notice had been served upon defendant to produce his boots where he made his entries, but Mr Kissling contended that such records were unnecessary, as the packets containing such poisons were labelled '' Poison," The Court said that in its opinion an offence had been committed against the Act. The defendant mnst therefore pay a fine of 20s for each offence.

AUCKLAND IMPROVEMENT COM MISSION.—This Day.

A MEETING of the members of the Auckland i Improvement Committee was held at the offices, in the Albert Barracks, this morning, —P. A. Philips, Esq., R.M., in the chair. Present: Messrs F. D. Fenton, T. Heale, J. M: Clark, S. Jones, and T. Macready. AWVDiCM fen? Vpon the award toK plans. A letter from " Mafcttffltet " (one of the con tributors of plans) was read, prot&Stiftg against statements that the gradient of the proposed street between Victoria-street and Princes street was impracticable. He further stated that the gradient is 1 in 15£, and certainly not impracticable. The report of the Committee on the com petitive plan's ivas read to the meeting. Mr J. M. Clark remarked that he con sidered none of the plans were entitled to the whole of the reward, and he would nuggeat that the amount offered be divided between1 the four competitors. He proposed an amendment to that effect. The amendment was not seconded, and the report recommending "Flora " to receive the premium was adopted. TENDER FOR THE FORMATION OF WELLESLEY STREET. fenders for the extension of Wellesley street to Symonds-sfcreet were then opened. The following were submitted ? —W. Kirby, £5,279 ; James McCabe (Newtorij, £4,300 ; W. Alcock, £4,199 ; Robert Kay and Joseph Craig, £5,348 ; A. R. Watson, £4,410 (this tender was thrown out in consequence of no cash deposit being enclosed); W. Blewden, £4,270 (also thrown out for same informality); Jonathan Larrigan, £4,795; John Taylor, £4,049. Some discussion took place in reference to the acceptance of Mr Alcock's tender for £4,199, that being the lowest. The tenderer offered cash deposit at the rate of 20 per cent, of the amount tendered.

The tender was accepted with a proviso that Mr Alcock's securities are satisfactory In the event of his substituting personal for cash security. Mr Fenton moved, and Mr Heale seconded, that in future no tenders should be accepted unless accompanied by a cash deposit or a marked banker's cheque. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was read from Mr Bloomfield, re questing a reduction of rent for a house oc cupied by him. A similar application was read from Sergt.- Major Haslem. The applications were not entertained. A letter from the Under-Secretary of Public Works was read, thanking the Com missioners for not interfering with the Go vernment buildings. A telegram from Mr G. M. O'Rorke was read requesting some plans to be sent to him. ALLOTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR LEASING. His Worship the Mayor moved that a committee be appointed to draw up a list of the allotments of land now in a condition to be leased, also recommendations as to the size of them, and conditions on which such leases shall be offered for sale by public auction. Mr Fenton seconded the motion, which was carried. EXTENSION OF COBUEG-STREET TO SHORTLAND STREET. Mr Fenton moved that the necessary steps be taken for an application to Parliament at the next session for an amending Act, con ferring compulsory powers of taking land with the view of continuing Coburg-street into Shortland-street, and for continuing Rutland-street into Barrack reserve, and fox other purposes. Mr Jones seconded the resolution, and it was carried. STREET PROM COBURO - STREET TO PRINCES STREET. It was moved by Mr Heale that the Engi neer be instructed to cause a survey to be made of the best lines for a street from Princes-street to Coburg-street, in the vicinity of Victoria-street; and working plans and sections for the construction of Coburg street on a gradient as nearly level as possi ble from the Wesleyan Church land to a junction with Wellesley-street East. The motion was seconded by Mr Clarke and carried.

I SALE OF BARRACK WALL. . Mr Fenton moved that the Barrack wall, except that part from and including the northern gate to Symond-street, be offered for sale by public auction, the Commissioners retaining any portion they consider necessai-y. Mr Heale seconded the resolution and it was carried.

£5,000 WORTH OF DEBENTURES. Mr S. Jones moved that debentures to the amount of £5,000 be sold in terms recom mended by the Finance Committee. Mr Fenton moved that the Defence Minis ter be written to, informing him that the Commissioners would be willing to exchange the magazine in the Albeit Barracks for the militia store.

The motion was agreed to. The meeting then adjourned until this day fortnight, J Thia wus all the business,

ENGLISH TELEGRAMS.

[Per Java Cable.J

UNPUBLISHED TELEGRAMS.

WEBB'S SUBSIDY BILL BEFORE

CONGRESS

FIRST VESSEL FOE, THE FREIGHT

COMPANY

THE TICHBORNE TRIAL

COMMITTAL OF A BARRISTER Ft CONTEMPT.

NEW YORK

February I

Webb's Australian Bill is now under dis cussion in Senate. It will certainly pass on Monday. It provides one hundred thousand pounds (five hundred thousand dollars) for annual subsidy of Webb's line for a period of

ten years

LONDON.

February 1

The first ship for Auckland, under auspices of the N.Z. Freight Company, is to sail 20th

February,

Mr Shipworth, a barrister, has been sen tenced to fine and imprisonment for contempt of court, in speaking at a meeting held in support of the Tichborne claimant, in terms condemnatory of the course pursued by the Crown lawyers in the criminal prosecution, and particularly as to the heavy amount of the recognizances required from the accused.

Copper market declining—quotations are now £93 to £94 per ton.

Block tin, £144 to £145 per ton. Price?

advancing.

Iron.—Pig, £6 15s per ton ; market flat,

The trial of the Tichborne claimant will commence on April 20, before the full bench of judges, in order to render unnecessary an appeal to a higher court.

It is rumoured that the movement on tlie part of the Conservatives against Mr Glad stone and his Ministerial colleagues will he met by them with an early dissolution of Parliament and an appeal to> the country.

BATAVIA.

February I

The ship Whirlwind, from Hong Kong to Sydney, with tea, etc., has put into this port (Batavia) in a leaky condition, and she will probably be condemned. Her cargo is sound. ,

THE RUSSIAN EXPEDITION AGAINST KHIVA.

[FEOM THE " SYDNEY MOBNINO HERALD."]

TREATMENT OF RUSSIAN PRISONERS. THREATENING ATTITUDE TOWARDS BRITISH POSSESSIONS. DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S INTENDED MARRIAGE DENIED. LONDON.

January 27.

The Times announces that according to a statement current in Berlin the Attruck Valley portion of Khorasan, was merely ceded to Russia by a firman of the Shah. The latest proposals of Russia aim only at the establishment of a neutral zone between the British territory of the East and Russia.

A letter in the Times authoritatively denies that a joint guardianship has been appointed over the Prince Imperial ; but reaffirms that two Bonapartist factions exist. Prince Napo leon awaits the course of events. In France the Bonapartists are daily becoming more confident, and insist that a reaction in then* favour is rapidly taking place. The Rev. Dr. Pusey, one of the chief originators of the Ritualistic party in the Church of England, is dangerously ill. Mr Anthony Musgrave, the Lieutenant- Governor of Natal, succeeds Sir James Fer gusssou as Governor of South Australia,.

The Cohury Gazette denies the rumour of the intended marriage of his Royal Highness Prince Alfred with a Hanoverian Princess.

Tallerman's fortnightly public sales have proved satisfactory. The German demand for gold has been re newed.

Australian bullion is being sent to Spain, Wool is firm.

PARIS.

January 29. The Committee of Thirty have concluded their discussion on the proposal of the sub committee with reference to M. Triers speaking in the Assembly. Ah important interpellation is in abeyance. The Committee resolved to deal subsequently with theques tion of • the establishment of a Second Chamber.

' # ' January 30. M. Thiers has intimated that he cannot accept the proposals of the Committee of Thirty without modification.

LONDON.

t 01 t, j. , January 30. . I -i _ _" Petersb«rg public opinion is excited by the accounts of atrocities com mitted upon Russian prisoners at Khiva, and demands are made for an exemplary punish ment of the Khivans. Great and vigorous preparations are 'to be made, and it is said I that a force numbering probably 50,000 men will be sent. Princes and other persons of high rank are volunteering for the cause. Arrived: Duke of Sutherland, from Sydney. > The Bruce, from Melbourne has, put into Rochef ort docks. The ship Clara has returned to Plymouth leaky. J Discount 31 per cent. fjjfe-fg6nt f°_ Q-ueensland c hS invited tenders for a monthly mail service between Singapore and Brisbane via Torres Straits. rican/«ndin^ Loan of three thou sand millions dollars i s announced. The S__h T Tt c* i IS dnll' BailwaV and tele- Ssteadv° £° VaJ P* tallow market to 41la . q A^i t ls' t0 45s- ! beef 38s. Not 7 J ? yin t J 0l1 ' £32 5 Petroleum. Is. Sd hiactive Pl £3° t0 £36; wheatia

rlo?°j°?-al se?" rities : New Zealand Consoli dated Fives, 103* ; New Zealand Sixes, 113 t> v February 2. »«™r m, n, ew »PaPers state that the Russian ,^S y, n ! Cf u? asus U b« transformed w/ix*!?l^ 811111 arm 5 r ' umbering a hundred battalions, thirty-six batteries of artillery, and twenty squadrons of cavalry :«• c°n J sidered that this army will be sufficient to defy the British fprces, and i$

«BTB Xm&?ltf& &?M2l. WEDKESDAf. ffEBfttJABY 12, 18frft.



DIVIDEND. Black Angel .. .. 0 12 6 OAIX8 Christchurch.. .. 0 0 3 Central Italy .. 0 0 6 Mary Ann .. .. 0)6. Hope of Coromandel 0 0 6 White Eose .. .. 0 10 Flagship Golden Anchor 0 10 El Dorado .. .. 0 10 Working Miners .. 0 0 6 Watchman .. .. 0 10 Crown Prince .. 0 0 6 Carnatic .. .. 0 0 3 Mulfrum in Parvo ,. . 0 1' 7 Golden Spur.. .. 0 Q 6 Key of Tokatea ... 003 Buffalo .. .. 0 0 3 Twenty-third of June 0 0 6 Arge 0 0 3 New Eakaia .. .. 0 0 3 Pride of Tokatea .. 0 10 Goldfinch .. .. 0. 0 2 Ballarat and Rising Sun 0 0 3. Young Queen .. 0 0 4 Sappho .. .. 0 0 6 Lincoln Castle .. 0 0 6 .Van .. .. .. 0 0 6 Imperial Crown ..100; Inverness .. .. 0 0 3 Eoyal Standard .; 0 "0" 6

Feb 13 Feb 12 Peb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 14 Feb 17 Mrch 12 Mrch 12



TO BE"LKT, for a term" of years, an Island within ten miles of Auckland, 400 acres good soil and Residence. Apply to JOHN ROBERTON & CO., Durham street. CAN THE BEST MOLESKIN TROUSERS IN NEW ZEALAND BE SOLD FOR 6s. ! 11d.? NO ! DRAPEES AND OTHEES outside the Clothing Trade may offer such baits to the public, but as THE CLOTHIER OF THE PROVINCE, and the only one whose business is exclusively confined to the manufacture and sale of Men's Clothing, I maintain that it cannot be done. I can, however, offer to the Working Men GENUINE BARGAINS, being prepared to sell a pair of Moleskin Trousers equal in every respect to the os. lid. article, FOR ss. 11b", And a pair of GENUINE Crown Moles, FOR 6S. IID. And the best in New Zealand, FOR Bs. 11b. SAMUEL OOOMBES, MANUFACTURER & CLOTHIER, 80 & ISO, Queen-street. SECOND EDITION. ARRIVAL OF THE RANGITOTO AT HOKITIKA. THREATENING ATTITUDE OF RUSSIA RUSSIAN PAPERS TREAT ENGLAND WITH CONTEMPT. LONDON. February 4. The Russian movement against Khiva is of a character to excite Berious apprehension to Europe. Russia has sent an army of one hundred and fifty thousand men and a large field artillery force far beyond ■what is re quired for the alleged Russian purpose. The Continental papers regard it as a challenge to England, and the Russian pres s indicates contempt for English interference. President Thiers and his Parliament are still on unfriendly terms. Difficulties are arising between Greece and Italy. A new insurrection of Carlists has broken out in Spain. Anthony Trollope's work on the colonies is in the press. Coals are still advancing. Flax easy.