SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 7.13 SUN-RISE : To morrow morning, 5.13 HIGH WATER ; This afternoon, 4.28 ; to-morrow morning, 6

STEAM TO THE THAMES.

Golden Crown, to-morrow morning at eleven o clock

ARRIVALS.

Eowena, s.s., McGregor, from Northern ports

DEPARTURE.

Comerang, y.s., Chrisp, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Hobart Town : Bella Mary, barque, Monday For Napier and Southern ports: Nebraska, p.s., on

arrival For New Caledonia : Eagle, ketch, to-day For Boston, Mass. : Ayr, barque, early For Cork : Polar Star, ship, early For Northern ports: Rowena, s.s., Monday next

Comerang, p.s., Friday next For Whitianga, Mercury Bay, and Tauranga Southern Cross, s.s., Monday next For London : ftlenhuiitly, barijue, early for Sydney and Melbourne: Hero, s.s., Monday

Wonga, s.s., Gth Fei. For Southern ports: Phoebe, s.s., on arrival of the Nebraska For Norfolk Island : Nuknlau, schooner, early For Samoa : Kenihrorth, schooner, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Warwick, ship, from London. Sailed 4th November Caduceus, ship, from London. Loading Durham, ship, from London. Loading Moa, brig, from Melbourne Sailed Oth January Nebraska, mail steamer, from San Francisco Briton, barque, from Newcastle Ivanhoe, schooner, from New Caledonia Jessie Niccol, schooner, from Tahiti Marsraret Campbell, schooner, from Oamaru. Sailed 14th January Charybdis. schooner, from Levuka Merlin, schooner, from Levuka H.M.S. Blanche, from AVellington Sea Gull, schooner, from Levuka Southern Cross, schooner, from Sydney Prosperity, schooner, from Melbourne Rita, brig, from Sydney . ■ "YVoriga Wonga, s.s., from Sydney

EXPORTS.

Per ketch Eagle, for Noumea, New Cale donia : 14,163 feet timber, Jackson and Walker ; 10 tons potatoes, 1 ditto onions, L. W. Eaton ; SOO pieces timber ; Cruick shank.—J.gS. Macfarlane, agent.

A very interesting ceremony took place this morning in Official Bay, namely the launching of a new cutter yacht, built by Messrs Barbour and Wilson in their boat building shed, Official Bay. The yacht having being hauled down to high-water mark, was launched into her future element, and the ceremony of christening performed by break ing a bottle of champagne over her bows, with " sxiccess "to the Gipsy Queen. The yacht is a perfect model and likely to give a good account of herself in the fixture. She is built of double skinned kauri, with a keel of 15 inches depth, is 28 feet in length, 8 feet G in beam and 2 feet 9i in draught and of 7'j tons burthen. She will be rigged this after noon, and it is intended to enter her for the forthcoming regatta on Wednesday next.

The s.s. Eowena arrived in harbour this morning from Northern ports with the fol lowing cargo : —I2S bags gum, H. JD. liolph and Co. ; 125 ditto ditto, 70 kits ditto, E. Walker and Co. ; 16 bags ditto, Cruick shank and Co. ; 42 bales flax, 12 ditto tow, 70 sheep, A. Buckland; 7 bundles hides, Ireland Bros. ; 1 bag wool, 15 cases fruit, Alexander ; and 4 passengers.—Cruickshank and Co., agents.

Pleasure seekers who are fond of visiting the Kawau will be glad to learn that Sir George Grey intends to erect a stone pier in the bay opposite his home, which will be far more convenient and satisfactory to excur sionists than the doubtful wooden pier about to be removed.

. The p.s. Comerang left yesterday afternoon for Russell and the North.

The s.s. Phcebe left Nelson for Taranaki and the Manakau yesterday afternoon at five o'clock.

A sight entry to clear the barque Loch nagar will be passed at the Customs early on Monday morning.

The departure of the barque Bella Mary, for Hobart Town, has been delayed until Monday. The s.s. Hero will take her departure at three o'clock on Monday afternoon for Syd ney.

The new ferry steamer Takapnna having completed her alterations was placed upon the ferry service this afternoon. The ketch Eagle has cleared outwards for Noumea, New Caledonia, with a full cargo. She will sail this afternoon.

Messrs Cruickshank and Co., the agents of the steamship Hero, give notice to shippers that in future outward cargo will only be received on board the said vessel on a ship ping order from them, and no cargo will be taken on board on the day of the steamer's departure. They also notify that none but Bright Bros, and Oo.'s special form of bill lading will be recognised for goods shipped aboard the steamer.

The port of Newcastle must at the present time be alive with shipping. There are lying there sixty-nine vessels of all classes waiting for coals; but on account of the strike, cannot procure them. This number is composed of 7 ships, 42 barques (7 French), 11 brigs and 9 schooners. Amongst these vessels are the following : —The ship Norham Castle. Barques: Blanor, Sylphide, Velo cidade, Kalahome, Australind, Frowning Beauty, Mary Millar, Esmeralda, Mary Francis, Ecliptic, Briton, P.C.E. Esk, Joliba, Beulah, brig Gazelle, and schooner Amhurst.

COMMERCIAL.

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

r MEETINGS. Dauntless and Sink to Rise, Grahamstown, 27th r January Bed Queen, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 2.30 p.m. 28th January- Middle Star, Star, Mechanics' Institute, Auckland, If"*" 3 p.m., 28th January I Zuranui, Mr Tothill's office, Auckland, 1C a.m., 28th L- January I Ton Teinpsky, Company's office, Queen street, Auck | land, 3 p.m., 33th January ' Una, Shortland, 30th January LjK^Buby, Grahamstown, 31st January iffWSoiirhain Ox, Grahamstown, 31st January K. -yarning Star, Grahamstown, 31st January k ,uckland Whaling Company, Insurance Buildings, |Sk< noon, 31st January Hgatiraki Saw Mill Company, Mr Bennett's office, ;fl|phortland street, Auckland, 2 p. m., 3rd February tfijjntrftl Italy. Grahamstown, 4th February ■ Isleen Harp, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 3 p.m., fujKoth February fflmv Golden Pa, Mr It. Home's office, Shortland itreet, ' |iSuckland, noon 12th February 1 t™R°^ c» Corornandel, 15th February ;l jjshaw, Mr Baber's alike, Insurance Buildi^gf, Mpkland, 2 p.m., 13th February I

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

ivfAixs will Close .as Under :— For Thames, on Monday, at 10.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. For the Australian Colonies, per s.s. Hero, on Mon day, the 27th inst., at 2 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa and Mongonui, per s.s. Eowona, on Monday, the 27th inst., at 3 p.m. For Great Barrier, Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki. per Southern Cross, on Monday, 27th inst., at 3 p.m. For Kawati. Wangarei, &c, per Challenger, on Mon day, 27th inst., at 'i p.m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, immediately on arrival of Nebraska from Honolulu For Napier and Southern Provinces, per Nebraska, six hours after arrival. (Signed) S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Birley.—This morning, at Seafield View, the wife of Mr Peter Birley, of a son.

DEATHS.

Tracy.—On January 24th, at her father's residence, Lome-street, Sarah Jane Tracy, youngest daughter of William Tracy, aged 14 months.

Lynch.—On January 24, at the Lunatic Asylum, Wm. J. F. Lynch, after a long and painful illness, late of the Bank of New South Wales, second son of the late George Lynch, Esq., of Kent, England, aged 43 years. The funeral will leave the residence of Mr Gray, Hepburn-street, on Sunday at half-past 3 o'clock. Friends are respect fully invited to attend.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1873.

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

And the good that we can do.

We have to-day received from the manager ot the Auckland Steam Packet C/ompany an order to withdraw from our columns all the advertisements of that company. The reason of this is that yesterday, in what will be admitted to be a very temperate article, we expressed regret at the prospect of the " Star of the South" being engaged under subsidy to open up the steam postal service with Fiji. It is unneces sary for us to say that such a contemptible action gives us no concern; but we cannot refrain from making it , the theme of a few plain words. From every side we are told of the glories of " Free Press." We believe there is not a shareholder in that company from whom we have not been complimented on the fearlessness of the Star ; and especially on such occasions as those on which we may have felt it our duty to fly at the Bank of New Zealand or the New Zealand Insurance Company, or anything connected with their supporters, the moving spirits in this Steam Packet Company have been hysterical in their praises of a " Free Press" as if we had done some thing very extraordinary. And yet never by word or action has the Bank of New Zealand—the bete noir of the smart men of Auckland, attempted to interfere with our free expression of opinion ; but it was reserved for this young Company, which is supposed to be based and built up on the progres sive spirit of the age, to attempt the idle game of the censorship of the press. To the A.S.P. Company, com monly known as the " Auckland Sharp Practice Company," we fling back de fiance and contempt; and neither their frowns nor their favours will prevent the honest utterance of our opinion on matters of grave public inter est. That the " Star of the South" will make a fool of the service is a matter of current conversation in the City ; and sincerely as we should have desired to see the subsidy obtained, and the service per formed by a local company, such feel ings cannot blind the eyeß to the misfortune. A writer in a morning con temporary, with the norn de •plume of "Trader," undertakes to correct our statement as to the amount of subsidy, and with the cant current among a (Certain class about the "wild state ments of the Star," asserts that we are wrong in saying that the subsidy granted by the Assembly was at the rate of £3,000 a year. He says that it was £1,500 instead of £3,000 per annum. This is simply a lie. "We are quite correct. If any one turns to Hansard, pages 725 and 726, he will find that the £1,500 was for half a year's service, which, according to our arithmetic, without any " wild state ments," is at the rate of £3,000 per annum. The regrettable thing is this : that while £3000 a-year was availablej a little local company with great am- j bitions, but very limited resources, j muddles the thing and spoils a great j state enterprise by undertaking to do \ the work for £1,003. For a long ' time, in company with our contempo raries, we have * pleaded for this most interesting service, and this ! ia the result. No one can

view this as other than a calamity, and the miserable attempt of this company to induce us to keep silence on the subject is as contemptible and as futile as will be the desperate struggle on which it proposes to enter iv taking up an Ocean Service. "With, this matter, however, we have nothing to do. Despite the petty action we cordially wish success to the enterprise of the ; Auckland Steam Packet Company; : nor do Aye care a pin's point if they i never send an advertisement to the ; Star. But seeing that we are so unctuously beslavered with praise from every side as to our fearlessness, and the blessing of a " free press," Iwe shall take the pains to find out who are the directors ot this company, and who are the parties that have done us the impertinence of supposing that we are influenced by the withdrawing or the sending of advertisements. And not only so, but we shall tell their names to the public, that the people may take knowledge of the purity of motive in those who would be glad to subject the press to their own control. We wish it to be understood that when advertisements are sent to us we consider we give the worth of the money in the publicity we give, and we in no way admit obliga tions imposed on us. And if any parties consider that in such publicity, afforded by a circulation far surpassing that of any other journal in New Zealand, and equal to that of both our local morning papers together, they do not get their moneys worth, then let them withdraw from our columns. But once and for all time, we would ad vise that such attempts on our inde pendence of speech as this of the A.S.P. Company, will only bring ridicule on the actors, That belongs to an old date, and savours of practices that can be repeated no more in Auckland. "We are in the place where we are de manded of conscience to speak the truth, and the truth we'll speak, impugn it whoso lists.

The attempted agitation respecting the Education Act appears to have died out, and we are reminded of the attempt only by the irregular shots of " Anthropos," who, since the broadside fired into him, has masked himself under other names, and from various covers keeps up an intermittent fusil lade. " Looker-on," too, like a brave fellow, pays his pound honestly for each shot, not doing any particular harm to anything but his own purse. And then comes the ponderous Carlyle, opening his diary with solemnity be coming such a momentous record, and reading with appalling effect, as the comment of that mighty mind on one day's history, " Much talk about the new tax." We had more faith in the genuine good sense of the people than to suppose they would listen to the drivel of the small fry who affected virtuous indignation at the wisest and most statesmanlike and disinterested measure that has ever emanated from our Provincial Council. That it has its defects no one can gainsay. The chief cause of any little unpopularity is from the fact of the household rate being the fame for the rich and for the poor. This arrangement is unques tionably a mistake. It is the system exactly as in the Nelson province, where it has worked admirably for years ; and its justice can be defended. Atthe same time it would have been better if the original proposals of the Provincial Government had been retained,namely, that the tax should be graduated from five or ten shillings up to thirty or forty according to the means of the household, and the character of the residence. Such was the original in tention of the bill, and though some ignorant and mischievous writers have been trying to throw the discredit of the equal rate on those administering the Act, it should be known that the Government intended a graduated rate, and embodied it in the bill as originally submitted, and it was the Council that compelled the alteration. This feature is the only one that has given any grounds of hostility to the measure, and it can be easily remedied ; and we have no doubt that in the next session of Council the incidence of the tax will be proportioned to the means of the taxpayer. As to the feeling of opposition engendered against the rate as being " direct taxation," it simply shows what a hold crass stupidity has of some minds. It is spoken of as a dangerous innovation, as if we have never had direct taxation before ; while the stupid writers and speakers appear ignorant of the fact that we have been paying city rates, and highway rates, and tolls, and shipping dues, and other direct taxes for years. There are of course individual cases of hardship in the operation of the Act, but no general legislation can make provision for special cases. Some have educated their children, and com plain of now having to pay for the education of other people's children. Let them rather complain that bad legislation has continued so long, and that such an excellent system as the present was not brought into force in their day. Besides, if they have not benefited, their children's children will; and in addition to this it should not be forgotten that under the worthless " Common Schools' Act!" that has passed away allresidents in the city were " paying for other people's children:" to wit, those resident in the country, and the wrong complained of was then perpetrated to a thousand fold the extent which it may be under

the,. new -Act. Again there are those 1 who have never had any children; and should these be exempted from payment ? Should we thus hold ouc a premium to those who have done nothing to fulfil their part as gsod I colonists, while we are importing immigrants at great cost! Perish the thought! What! shall we by statute reward those who have disregarded the great command of nature to in crease and multiply, and replenish the earth ! Never. It would appear as if Providence had interposed to prevent the increase of their worthless stock, and shall we reward them ? On the contrary, if they have not fulfilled their part, they are justly taxed for training up the young of others who are engaged in building up this great nation. Again it has been complained that; bachelors, many of them in receipt of good incomes, will be exempt from contributing. But then, while in the mean time they have imposed no burthen on the educational machinery of the province—at least we are to suppose so —they, most of them, are destined to yet be engaged in the great work of colonization; and im mediately on their preparing to fulfil the part of good citizens by taking a house and establishing a respectable home they must place themselves under the yoke of taxation, and pay the Education rate for at least an octave of years ere they can derive any direct benefit in return. It is true, as we haA'e said, thatthere are isolated evils in the system, but there are few of them without compensation; and while the Act, taken as a whole, is one that must result in elevating the people, it is one that through system and uniformity will place education at the door of the poor at the cheapest rate by many degrees that has ever before been known in the province.

The letter of "A Subscriber," upon our annual regatta, published in another part of to-day's issue, draws attention to a matter of considerable importance in connection with the forthcoming aquatic tournament. A most judicious alteration from previous years' pro grammes was made in the course for trading vessels. It was agreed by the committee that instead of the trading vessels having to go round Tiri Tiri the boundary of their course should be a boat moored inside that island, and in the run home that they should proceed up the harbour and down again, making a splendid finish in front of the town at an early period in the afternoon. But at a meeting held last night it was determined to revert to the old course, on the ground that some of the masters of vessels preferred it. We do not think that any captain who had determined to run his vessel in the race would have altered his intention because of the change made in the course. Ever supposing, however, that one or two would have done so, the question arises whether the wishes of those one or two are to be complied with in opposition to the unanimous desire of the whole public of Auckland who have subscribed tbe money to defray the ex penses attending the regatta. We can confirm our correspondent's statement that some subscriptions were given upon the distinct understanding that the proposed change in the course would be carried out, and to make any alteration after those subscriptions have been received is nothing less than breaking faith with subscribers. The best and most interesting races of the day are, as our correspondent remarks, wholly lost to spectators in Aucklaud owing to the injudicious course selected, and the new course would have resulted in the regatta of 187."4 surpassing all others in the interest excited in the public mind. Our regattas must ever continue to be " slow affairs " so long as such courses are chosen as necessitate the sailing of races almost wholly outside our harbour. It is not yet too late to remedy the blunder made by the committee last night, and we trust that the original inten tion with respect to these races will be adhered to.

The fashion of utilising one portion of the human body to repair another is extending. A young man in Waverly, N. V., had his foot mashed by a car, and a space of several inches on the upper part sloughed off. Several pieces of flesh were taken off the man's arm and planted on the'wound, some two weeks ago, and have all taken root, and the foot is fast recovering.

The following additional subscriptions have been received in aid of the " Martin's Bay Relief Fund" :—Mr T. Short, £1 ; Mr C. J. Stone, £1 ; Mr T. L. White, £1 ; Anon., per Evening Star, 10s ; Mr T. Mc- Ma3ters, 10s ; Friend, 10s ; Mr West, 5s ; Mr E. Brown, 5s ; Friend, 5s ; smaller sums, ] Is 6d ; Mr Waddell, Hobson-street (omitted from last report), ss.

The Rev. Mr Porter re-delivered his in teresting lecture last night at the City Hall to a fair audience. The subject, "The Martin's Bay Settlers and their Sufferings," is one which should attract a large amount of sympathy in the colony. Were the settlers enabled to surmount their present difficulties a very flourishing and useful community might succeed in a healthful and pleasant part of the province of Otago. The collection amounted to £7.

An inquest was held at half-past eight o'clock this morning, at the Lunatic Asylum, Whau, befoi'e Dr. Goldsboro', coroner, upon the body of an inmate named Wm. Lynch, who expired at the Asylum at six o'clock yesterday morning. The evidence of Dr. Aiken proved that the deceased had died from general paralysis. The .head-keeper (Mr Lowry) deposed to the deceased having received proper treatment while an inmate of the asylum. Other testimony having been adduced the Coroner summed up the evi dence and the jury returned a verdict in accordance, namely, that the deceased had died from general paralysis. An announcement is made that Signor Ohiarini, to gratify the public desire, will give two more performances on the old spot previous to the company taking their final departure from Auckland. At this many will rejoice, and will avail themselves of once more witnessing the clever performances of one of the best equestrian and gymnastic companies ever organised. The company will return to-mori'ow from the Thames, where they have been highly successful, and will open on the market reserve on Monday evening, the contractor having sanctioned their erecting a booth for a couple of clays. The performance is restricted to two nights, as the company will proceed by the Phcebe to Wellington, and she is expected to take her departure on Wednesday next. As this will be the last opportunity of enjoying an equestrian performance until another circus comes this way there is no doubt the Royal Italian Circus Company will be largely patronised on the two nights,

Two Dutch naturalists have just returne \ to Europe after au eight year exploration of the island of Madagascar. j It is said that a man at the bottom of a well can see stars during the day-time. A man in this position in Newton saw a whole galaxy the other day. A brick from the top fell oil his head. Fanny Fern received £30,000 from Mr Bomier of the 2?«w York Ledger for her contributions to his paper. Sermons will be pi-cached to-morrow at the following places of worship : —Newton Kirk (Dr Wallis) : Morning, " The Eternal God our Eefuge ;" evening, " Napoleon III." City Hall (Rev. S. Edger) : Morning, " Sinai and Calvary ;" evening, " On the conversion of the Churches to Godliness." Baptist Church, morning, (Rev. Mr Porter). Metho dist Free Church, Rev. G.-H. Turner. An open air service will be held at Alma Place, Franklin-street, at half-past two in the after noon. We observe at the majority of the butchers' shops in Auckland a placard is suspended with the announcement in large letters that they have fallen in with the wishes of the journeymen, and will close their shops at the reasonable hour of six p.m. Mr Edward O'Meara, of Auckland, is appointed a surveyor under the Lands Transfer Act, 1870 (Torrens' Act.) The enquiry into the cause of the death of John Mallay will be resumed on Tuesday next, at eleven o'clock in the morning. The unfortunate man was according to evidence of a very quarrelsome disposition, and espe cially so when under the influence of liquor. A pleasing instance of honourable feeling in these degenerate days has been manifested in Melbourne recently. Mr Daniel Inglis, ship-chandler, who was unfortunate enough to be compelled to compound -\rith Iris cre ditors a few years ago, having since met with sufficient success to enable him to do so, has paid off all his creditors in full. A very successful public test of Messrs Element, Calder, and Sutton's iron-smelting process took place at the works yesterday, in the presence of his Honor the Sirperin tendent and a large number of other gentle men. Tlie trial resulted in a practical demonstration of the possibility of utilizing the ferruginous sands of this province. A prospectus of the company, which it is in tended to form to work the patent, will be published shortly.

At the close of the business of the Police Court this morning his Worship the Resident Magistrate intimated to Inspector Broham the°satisfaction he felt at the promotion of Sergeant Pardy to the rank of Sergeant-Major. He&spoke in highly complimentary terms of Sergeant Pardy, and said that he was fully deserving of the distinction bestowed on him. Inspector Broham fully coincided with his Worship, and thanked him for the expression of opinion.

A firm of opticians at Manchester, England, has presented fifteen hundred pairs of spectacles for distribution to the poor of the workhouses.

It is stated the King of Hanover is in treaty for the purchase of a considerable estate in England, where he will probably reside henceforth.

Others are following the example set by the New Zealand Insurance Company in giv ing effect to our recommendation to coat the stone pavement with tar. We observe this morning that the flagging at the corner of Shorthand and Queen-streets has been so treated.

A special general meeting of the Auckland Gymkana Club is announced to be held on Friday, the 7th proximo, at the Auckland Hotel.

Queen Victoria |has this year received very many parcels of lamb's wool yarn from loyal matrons in Canada.

A very attractive and amusing programme was submitted last evening by the Magnet Variety Troupe, and gave great satisfaction to the large audience assembled. The pro gramme was the same as on the previous evening, and the applause which followed was quite as enthusiastic, if not more so. The majority of the songs were loudly re demamled, and, in one or two instances, twice over, so suitable were they to the taste of the auditory. Lottie, and her brothers, Frank and Victor, again went through their graceful and perilous gymnastic perform ances on the single and treble trapeze, exciting both wonder and admiration. With such ease do they exhibit their gymnastic exercises on the trapeze that all fear is banished from the spectator's mind. There is no anxiety in watching the performance, but it is a really enjoyable exhibition, which a spectator can watch and admire without any unpleasant feeling that his gratification is afforded at the risk of the performer's neck ; and yet these artistes do what no other trapezists ever attempted. It is doubt less perfection in the art. The efficiency of the orchestra enhances greatly the value of the entertainment, which, from commence-

ment to conclusion, is a most enjoyable one. Aii entire change in the programme will take place to-night. Miss Fanny Sara will appear in fresh ballads, and Mr Fred Clifton in new comic songs, Mr Herman with fresh attrac tions, and Messrs Buckley and Holly with further negro eccentricities. The Angell Troupe will, of course, perform. This is one of the most talented companies that has appeared in Auckland for a very long time.

Stanley Lowe, formerly Secretary to the Auckland Harbour Board, is, we are informed, now editing a New South Wales country journal. His labours do not appear to be appreciated by his brother editor of the Hill lincl Times, who, in a recent leader, "goes for" Stanley in the following forcible if not eloquent language :— " That tadpole-like excrescence, all head (save a very puny body), just flung high and dry on the banks of the inky river—we allude to the Miulc/ee Times —has wriggled beneath a few truthful remarks we lately made concerning this miserable nondescript. We said that the water from the Mudgee Waterworks was impure, and this mendacious scribe (who resembles his own journal in having a big and remarkably hideous head, and nothing in it) politely applies to us the term ''liar." It is unnecessary for us to resort to the in quoque style of retort, because this "gentleman's" propensities are so well known in the scene of his labours, that to do so would be gilding refined gold, and painting the lily. * * * To a man with even the ordinary amount of brains, the applica tion of keen satire is generally sufficient, but where we find the semblance of a human being, having his brain-pan occupied by some extraordinary callosity which renders him impervious to a gentle shock, smiting him over that great mistake called a head with a heavy bludgeon is the only way to keep him in bounds." * * *

"Ignoramus" is savage with us for calling him a new chum in the Mudgee district ; also for styling him a sucking scribe." * * * * The'new paper,'— of which by the way (to use the editor's own quotation) the mountain was in labour for an unconscionable period—has brought forth a ridiculous mouse in earnest, whose feeble squeak is heard with contempt by those who expected something great of this literary Johanna Southcote,

SWIMMING MATCHES.

THIS DAY. SOME very successful swimming mashes took place this afternoon at the bait Watei Bats off the Breakwater, in the presence of a number of spectators. The race was between boys of 12 years of age antl under. SSSSSS for this lace the aWnce^emg 50 yards, and the prize 15s. The race was McEwen, closely followed by Kirby The second race was for boys undei 16 years. Distance, 100 yards; prize,, 30*. Three entered. J. Balneavis won, with J. Hurley second. The next race was for all aaea ; distance, 150 yards; handicap, Five Stand, namely, Dunnett (scratch} Mow bray, 20sees., Jones, 25sees., Farrell, 30 sees., Brinley, 30 sees. A fair start was effected the distance being set down as five times the length of the bath. Brinley came m first, with Mowbray second, and Dunnett third. The others caved in. . Dtvinu : Longest distance; prize, ius, for boys nnder twelve years of age. *°ur entered, namely, A. Lewis, J. Carter, O'Sullivan and J. Letham. O'Sullivan dived the longest distance, and Lewis was second. Diving longest distance, for boys under 10 yelirs ; prize, 15s. Three competed, namely, Shepherd, Longdale, and McEwen. This race was won by Longdale, with fcnep herd second. For the fifth race three competed, namely, Banks', Longsdale, and Wallace. Ihe race consisted of diving the longest distance tor all a«-es ; prize, 10s. Banks was declared the winner, with Longsdale second. The last race consisted of diving for a plate for all ages ; prize, 20s. The following entered :—I. Sharp, E. Whitaker, Noon, Culpan, Banks, Griffin, A. Lewis, Welsh, and Moms. When our reporter left the prize lay between Culpan, Banks, and Noon.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND SHAREBROKERS' ASSOCIATION.

Quotations 25th January, 1873.

D. B. OKCHA.ED, Secretary.

THE ANNUAL REGATTA.

[To the Editor of the Evening Star..] Sir,—lt appears to me that the Regatta Committee perform strange vagaries. I see by this morning's papers that the races for the schooners, for the first-class trading cutters, and for the lirst-class yachts are, " at the request of the masters," to be sent round Tiri instead of round a mark boat, three miles this side of the island, so that the public, who subscribe the money, are again likely to be deprived of the sight of the finish, as indeed they are of the whole progress of these the most important races of the°day. One member of the committee, who I see took a prominent part in last night's proceedings, got a subscription' from me on the strengih of his representations that these races would finish earlier in the day, and that the latter part of each race would be up the harbour and down again. I consider myself duped. It seems our annual regatta is never to improve ; but is, to oblige " the masters," doomed to be always a slow affair. —Yours, etc., A Subscriber.

SUPREME COURT.—CIVIL SITTINGS.

YESTERDAY.—ConcIuded

(Before His Honor Sir G. A. Arney, Chief Justice.) ANGUS V. HEWIN. AFTER five hours' deliberation upon the various statements before the Court the jury returned a verdict for the defendant. m'tavlsh v. m'gaegoe. The defence was that, not having received due notice of the dishonour of the bill, de fendant had suffered injury, as ample funds had been placed in the hands of Loggie to meet the bill on coming due. The evidence on both sides was produced, which his •Honor carefully weighed, and the jury re turned into Court at eight o'clock with a verdict for the plaintiff. This concluded the civil sittings. THIS DAY. XX THOMAS H. WATTS. In this case, upon the application of Mr BrookJield, His Honor granted a protection order for six months. RE H. COYNE. In this case, as Mr Rees was not in a position to file the petition for the bankrupt, the Court granted a protection order until the next sitting of the Court. BE EDWARD ARNOLD, Mr. Beveridge appeared for the opposing creditor, and Mr. Lxisk for the bankrupt. The bankrupt in this case had been a storekeeper in Queen-street and subsequently a photographic artist or photographic painter, came up for final examination. On relin quishing his business in February, 1872, his liabilitiesl were £185 ss. and his assets £32. Bankrupt was examined at length re garding his affairs. Mr Lusk then applied that the bankrupt might be discharged. His Honor made a few remarks upon the case, and the bankrupt received his final discharge. RE THOMAS HAYWOOD. The further hearing of this case was adjourned until the I.3th of March. (Left sitting).

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thoma3 Beckham, Esq., R.M.)

DRUNKENNESS. Two drunkards were fined 10s each and costs, or the alternativejof 48 hours' imprison ment. ALLEGED CASE OF ASSAULT. William Cole appeared in answer to a charge of having assaulted a lad named Samuel Martin on the 20th January, by striking him on the legs and body with a stick. Mr W. H. Kissling appeared for the com plainant—the boy's father. Mr Joy defended, and denied the charge in toto. Mr Kissling stated to the Bench that he had reason to believe that since the pro ceedings had been instituted the boy assaulted had been tampered with, as he now stated that it was his father who had in flicted the injuries upon him, and not the defendant (his step-brother) as previously stated by him. The^boy was placed in the witness box and sworn. He said he was ten years of age. Before being examined he voluntarily informed the Court that his father had "done" it and not his brother, and that his father had threatened that if he did not say that it was his brother that had beaten him he would flog him within an inch of his life,

On being examined by Mr Kisslmg he stated ait his brother had given him a flogging, havin "been told to do so by his mother. To Sir Joy the witness stated that pre vip T«°sfo rtM S yhis father ™th the buckle, end of a strap, inia oc Srred at the entrance to the l>omam a n -J Z was knocked into the gutter and hurt mnrli The defendant came up at the 2 and stored his father from flog him The witness then repeated fhf s atement made to the magistrate that hisS had tried to shift the blame of havhig Sflicted the injuries on him to the. witS brother. He further said that his fether did not live with his mother. His Kvnthpr was kind to him. bl D, Goldsboro' testified to the severe nature of the injuries received, and positively stated that they could not have been in flicted with a strap similar to the one pro duced He also said that the wounds were recent ones, and could not have been inflicted three or four days before [It was alleged that the flowing by the father had been given foiu days previously]. The doctor described the diffnee between wounds innicted^with a stick and the marks made by a supple had informed him that the defendant had fl°fhe d father of the boy-Joseph Martin was examined, and admitted having flogged the boy with a strap on last Tuesday week for keeping bad company. The boy cried out, but did not tell him what he cried for Mr Joy commenced to address the .Bench, but was stopped by the Resident Magistrate, who said that he would not trouble counsel to proceed, although it was quite apparent that a very attrocious assault had been committed, but there was not sufficient evidence to con vict He felt that the boy had not told the truth, and he hoped the police would yet sift the matter thoroughly, and find out the perpetrator. The man who had committed that assault deserved to be flogged himself. When the Court saw the back of the boy a few days ago it had the appearance of having been flogged with a knout, and the Court only hoped the perpetrator of the out rage would be found out and brought to justice. Parents had no right to punish their children in such a manner. They had a, right to chastise them, but not so severely as this boy had been dealt with. The case must be dismissed, but the Court would not nve any certificate of dismissal as he did not Relieve the boy had told the truth, lhis svas one of the most cruel and barbarous 3ases of assault ever brought before the Court. This concluded the business.

THE TAKAPUNA.

The Auckland and North Shore Steam Ferry Company's new boat, the Takapuna, has been this afternoon placed on the service, and will continue her regular trips from this time forward. During the past week she has received a complete overhaul at the hands of Messrs Frazer and Tinne and Messrs Sims and Browne, at an expense of about two hundred pounds. Important additions, alterations, and improvements have been made in the machinery and boiler, as ■well as in every part of the ship, and she is now in a state of thorough efficiency. The time table, fares, &c, will be found in another column. Irrespective of the elegant accom modation in spacious cabin, lady's cabin, smoking saloon, hurricane deck, &c, which has never been equalled by any ferry steamer in the Southern colonies, we have every con fidence that the public will support a steamer which has been started solely for the public good.

THE WATERMEN'S GRIEVANCE.— DEPUTATION TO THE HARBOUR BOARD.

A of watermen waited upon Captain Daldy, chairman of the Harbour Board, this morning, to protest against the practice of steamers plying to vessels lying in the harbour, and so depriving them of their fares. They referred to the case of the Lady Bowen running to the steamer Dakota this week, and represented the great injustice of steamers being permitted to run when there was any work to do, leaving the watermen, who paid a license fee, to conform with the stringent regulations that require them to be in attendance at all hours, and at times when there is nothing to do, to convey passengers backwards and for wards to vessels in the harbour. They sug gested that the Harbour Board should frame a by-law prohibiting steamers from doing watermen's work.

Captain Daldy said it was reported that the watermen had refused to take passengers one day this week. If they had taken the law into their own hands the Harbour Board would not interfere. He enquired why the night waterman was not at his post on the night in question.

One of the deputation explained that when it was announced that the Lady Bo wen would run every half-hour the water men thought it would be useless for them to stay, as there was nothing to do, so they moored their boats and went home. They did not refuse to take any one, because no one offered to employ them. Captain Daldy said it was the same with them as with other branches of industry. Steam would take the place of the slower modes of locomotion that preceded it. The stage-coaches were run off by railways, and if the watermen could not make a living at their present occupation, of course they must seek some other mode of livelihood. The steamers had to pay a license under the Marine Act. Watermen received protection by their license from competition with other boats, but the public Avould not pay a large fare for what they could get done at a much less price. Ny Wells said the public were in favour of the watermen. Captain Daldy said of course the Harbour Board must see that an injustice was not done to the men, and if they would send in a statement of their requii'ements he would submit it to the Board at its meeting on uesday. Their petition coming before the (Board in that way would obviate the necessity of a notice of motion prior to thej question being dealt with, so that imine-" diate action could be taken by the Board if they thought the watermen were being un fairly treated. _ The deputation thanked Capt. Daldy for his impartial hearing of their complaint, and promised to act to his suggestion.

To gentlemen requiring first-class tobacco and cigars, if they would only visit Mrs Sharpens neat little American Tobacco and Cigar Divan (next Bank New Zealand) they may purchase the same cheaper than in any other house in the city. No inferior goods kept in stock ; would not purchase such for the public at any price. One trial is suffi cient to guarantee a continuance of custom. Give a call.—Advt. Mr W. Marshall, fruiterer, Queen street, has just received, per Hero, the choicest shipment of fruit this season, consisting of grapes, nectarines, plums, pears, oranges, lemons, apples, and pine apples. —Advt. The first railway in Tunis has just been successfully opened. The passengers, pn tilt Jirst day numbered 2,496,

THE EVEttlNfc STAB, SATTTItBAX JANTI^y^ISTS



OAXLS Coronet No 1 .. 0 16 John O'Groats .. 0 5 0 Thames Gas .. .. 0 5 0 Italian 0 0 6 Central Italy .. 0 0 6 Mary Ann .. .. 0 0 6 Hope of Coromandel 0 0 6 White Rose .. .. 0 10 Flagship Golden Anchor 0 10 Carnatic .. .. 0 0 3 Multum in Parvo .. 0 17 Golden Spur.. .. 0 0 0 Key of Tokatea .. 0 0 3 Buffalo .. .. 0 0 3 El Dorado .. .. 0 10 Working Miners .. 0 0 6 Imperial Crown .. 10 0.

Jan 25 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 30 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 17



Business done.

Closing Prices.

Buyers. 1 Severs

S.B. Insurance Caledonian Bismarck Alburnia Working Miners Rnby Jled Queen Watchman

£12 75s

30s £12 26s

32s 6d £12 10s 30s 77s Cd 2s 4s 2s 13s



CAN THE BEST MOLESKIN TROUSERS IN NEW ZEALAND BE SOLD FOR 6s. Hb.V NO! T\RAPEBS AND OTHEBS outside JIJ 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 Gs. lid. article, FOR an. 11d. And a pair of GENUINE Crown Moles, FOR 6s. Up. And the best in New Zealand, FOR Bs. llu. SAMUEL COOMBES, MANUFACTURER & CLOTHIER SO & 180, Queen-street.