SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUN-SET: This evoning, 5.30. SUN-RISE: To morrow moming, _. 33 HIGH WATER; This evening, S.lO ; to-morrot. Wor_.._ng, 8.29 . vi • ,

ARRIVALS.

Alice Cameron, barque, 347 tons, J. Carter, from

Sydney Lallah Koo__h, brig, 147 tons, Jackson, from Clarence River Southern Crosr;, s.s,, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

Taranali, s.s., Wheeler (I.ora tho Mnnukau), for Southern ports Challenger, p.s., for w"an_.arei Gf>-ahead, s s. (from the Manuiau) for Taranakl Albion, brig, for Newcastle Clyde, schooner, for Wangarei Celonist, schooner, for Bay of Islands

IMPORTS.

Per brig Lalla l.ookh, from Clarence River :- -2,000 bags maize, G. W. Binney. Per Alice Cameron, from Sydney: IGO cases Guinness's stout, order ; 2 cases vestas, 10 cases vinegar, 1 case knife polish, Close Bros ; 1 bale merchandize, Fraser and Tinne ; 32 cases vestaf, G. W. Owen; 5 do do, M. Hay man; Soc?.sos, Barnett and Levy; 115 planks 17 pieces cedar. 550 bags maize, order; 240 half-chests tea, 8 cases bedsteads, 1 piano, 1 pkg. toilet ware, 1 hhd. glassware, 48 cases matches, S. Lipstinc; 2 piston rod ends, 2 connecting rods, order; 1 jib crane, J. Taylor ; 49 cases pickles, IT. S. Meyers and Co. ; 102 ceses chairs, 10 do handles, 15 do axes, 50 do lobsters, 24 boxes tobacco, L. D. Nathan; 4 tons shale, Stono Bros ; 235 bags maize, B. Tonks and Co. ; 250 do do. order ; .150 do do, J, Hay ; 100 do do, order ;20 cases sarsaparilla, Brown, Cam] ibel! and Co ; 32 pieces, iron bark shaft, H. B. Morton ; .150 ba<_s maize, order ; 191 do do. 47 do guano, Jakius and Willcox; 70 casks ale, 3 cases cornflour, 10 casks cur rants, 10 boxes Eleme raisins, 10 do mus catels, 20 cases pickles, 5 do confectionery, 20 do sardines, 20 do lobsters, 5 bales paper bae;s, 0 cases cornflour, 6 J-casks runi. order ; 1 case knife polish, 10 do pickles, 2 do trieo pherous, Barnett and Levy ; 14 qr. -casks wine, H. S. Meyers & Co.; 30 boxes tobacco, order ; I^l bags bonedust, 23 tierces, beef, 3 donratton, Stannus Jones ; 1 keg mutton, S. Jones ; 1 case show cards, D. Nathan ; 5 cases periodicals, .order ; 1 octave sherry, Dacre ;22 cedar boards, order ; 3976 tree nails, order ; 20 boxes fruit, L. W. Eaton ; 1 case plants, Keesing; 1 carriage, S. Lipstine. —Henderson and Macfarlane agent. |

EXPORTS.

Per s.s. Taranaki, for the South : 1 re volver,'3oo cartridges, D. Evitt; 1 qr.-cask brandy, Brown, Campbell and C 0.,; 1 case, Lusk ; 1 do; Olson ; 4 pgs, 4 boxes, Davies ; 1 coil, Porter ; 3 cases, 1 parcel, Lusk; 1 case, Scherff; 2 crates. Mason ; 1 case, Levy ; 1 bag nuts, Marshall; 60 pipes, Boyd; 1 case, Fag; 1 do, Lusk ; 1 chest, 1 package, Austin ; 2 cases, Clark ; 1 do, Barnes ; I do, McArthur; 72 doors, 8 pgs, Combes and Daldy; 9 cases, Clark and Son; 1 box, Malcolm ; 1 truss, Clark and Sons ; 70 sacks seed, Bncldand ; 1 box, Tonks : 1 box, Gor dan ; 1 case, 1 rocking horse, Clarhson; 4 rocking horses, Montague,"-^Combes and Daldy, agents. , ,' .'.■.;_'/'

The favourite Circular.: Saw liner, Alice Cameron has just completed another-eapital run from Sydney, having occupied only eight days from Sydney Heads ;to' Auckland. Captain Carter reports leaving at 5 p.m. on the 16th,; had moderate westerly winds during the first, four, days/ thence southerly winds to the Kings;-which Were passed on Saturday at ,2 p.m. ." She. was yes terday. Passengers :—Mr-Lipstine.and ten others. ' ';y.'

The brig Albion sailed this morning, but put back again, during the afternoon. The s.s. Taranaki left the' Manukau for Southern ports this' morning, at. 11 o'clock, with general cargo, and the following passen gers :—Saloon: Mrs r ]B4tzgerald • and; four children, Miss Newman, Miss Woolley, Bishop Morahj, Messrs Walker, Bay ley, Worby, McKeown^ Cohn; Newman, Home, Bisger, H. Webster, N. Walker, and three others. Steerage,: Mr and.MrsSpencer and child, Mrs Halhgan, Mr. and Mrs Clarkson and two children, Mr and Mrs W. Walker, Mr Trigg and two children, Messrs Campbell, Cook, Eaton, Anderson, and two others. The barque ,Sydney Griffiths from Auck land arrived at Newcastle on the 11th inst.

The s.s. Hero arrived at Sydney on the I2th instant at 7 p.m. She experienced dirty weather across. The Hero sailed for Melbourne on the 15th; and Was advertised to leave Sydney for Auckland, on i the 27th instant.

The barque Prince Alfred left Melbourne on the 11th instant for Sydney. The steamer Wentworth was to leaf* Sydney for Auckland on the 23rd instant. The brig Western Star was loading 'at Sydney for this port on the 12th instant. " The ship Countess of Kintore came up the harbour on Saturday evening and anchored off the Wynyarcl Pier, .where she remained all Sunday. This morning early she hauled in to the inner side of the T ; The Southern Cross, which came into har bour at 8 p.m. yesterday, brought up the following passengers : —Messrs Watkins, Smith, W. H. Kissling, Cadenhead, Brewer, McDonald, Major Mair,' Mrs Smith, Miss Gundry, and four in the steerage. The schooner'Jane'Anderson left Oamaru to-day for Auckland .with jl cargo of flour. The brig Fairy Queen left Timaru to-day for Kaipara. She will load timber for Sydney. . ■* ,-• r. ,; , „ , , The brig Lalla Re )k___' arrived in. harbour this morning. Captain Jackson reports leaving Clarence River on. the 3,4 th instant, and had favorable winds throughout. Inside the Three Kings on/Friday; list at noon; pas sing the North oape giur^, evening. Had southerly winds (down the coast. Captain Jackson reports- the brigantine Resolution I leaving Clarence River on the7J4th,' cargo of maize for this port. ~ ,<£ |

COMMERCIAL.

There was a fair number of bidders to-day at Messrs Samuel Cochrane & Son's sale of allotments, by order of the trustees of St. Stephen's Native School Estate," situated in the parish of St. Stephen's. Fifteen out of twenty-three lots were sold, and realised the subjoined sums : —Lots 9 and 10, £3 a-year; Nos. 4 and 6, £4; Nos. 3'and 16, £4 10s; Nos. 1, 17, 19, and 21, £5 : Nos. 20 and 24, £6; No. 26, £8; No. 15, £9; and No. 18, *10.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mail* will Ci_os__ as' Undei. :—' For. Thames, this day, a. 5 30 p.m., and to-morrow at 10,30 a.m. and &.30 p.m. . For Coromandel,' on Wodri.sday, 27th 'inst,, at; 12.30 p.m. For Tairua, per Tairua. to-morrow, at ll'l'.m. For New Caledonia, per-Prima Donna, to-morrow,,; at noon. '"...-' - c. **_ r i For Whitianga, Tai.ranf,.., anrf'Opotiki, per Southern! ■ Cross, to-morrow, at 3 pro. t\ f.\-\ - ( For the uudermeotioned '-fclabkfy per- p s. Luha, on Thursday, 28th inst., as under :— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Con tinent of Europe, America, &o.; at 9.30 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, at 10.30 a.m For Australian Colonies and United Kingdom, via Southampton, at 10.30 a.m. for United Kingdom, viaßrindisi, andlate letters: for Southern pi-ovffcees a_s_ Melbourne, afcll a.m. Fornewspapers^Oitem. Jf "V \ For money ordSrs and filtered letfewfC on Wed nesday, 27th inst., at 5 p.m. (Signed) 8. B/JBra.. Chief Postmaster. '

DEATH.

flAi-STT.—At the Criterion Hotel. Otaluthu, this day, Henry Ilarfit, late cf Grahai-.si.own.

.Tliefuneralyv.-1- leave the Criterion Hotel, to morrow, at three o'clock. Friends will please accept this invitation. Guw.—On the __:.rd instant, at her father's residence, Synionds street, Jessie Emetine Gray; aged four months,.

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

MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1873.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance,

And the good that we can do,

At a meeting of the City Council to-day, the Mayor in the chair, his Worship laid upon the table the new Burgess Roll, and stated that the election for three members of the Council in the place of three who were to retire, viz., Messrs Isaacs, Hobbs, and Prince, would take place on the 11th September, and the writs would he issued on Wednesday next. The Chair man also said the select commitec to whom the Improvement Bill was remitted had refused to admit the clause that all plans should be submitted to the City Council. He had received a telegram that the Com mittee considered the city interests suffi ciently taken care of. Councillors Hurst and Isaacs said they had been assured that the clause formed part of the bill. His Worship said he had telegraphed to the Premier telling him that the City Council had only given their consent to the Bill on condition that the the clause be inserted.

One of the most disgusting spectacles that could possibly be imagined was to be wit nessed yesterday, and for aught we know may be still visible to-day, on the scene of the late accidental death by a fall from Fort Britomart. It will be remembered that the unfortunate man's head was crushed by the tremendous fall, and that the ground around was scattered with blood and brains. By the gross negligence of the police who re moved the body these ghastly evidences of the catastrophe have never been buried, and yesterday the spot was all day the object of the gaze of scores of men, women, and chil dren, numbers of the latter especially coming to the sight, and then going away and return ing with dozens of their companions. Com mon decency, we should have thought, would naturally have suggested the burial of the life-blood of the poor fellow, but the police, perhaps, think little of the matter.

i A great number of visitors went on board the ' Countess of Kintore' this morning, to view the six beautiful rams which have been imported by Mr T. Russell. Thoy have arrived in very good condition, and were examined by the Government Inspector this morning, A certificate of their soundness was granted, and the sheep were landed at noon and taken to Mr Russell's Pa farm.

There are . hours occasionally, even in the lives of persons connected with the press, which afford opportunities for prying into other people's affairs, visiting local institu tions, and schools. In one of these unbusy hours we stepped into the Auckland East district school, conducted by Mr James Armstrong and Mrs Wright. This school is on the slope just below St. Paul's church, leading to Wynyard Pier, and is under the new Education Act. This school is large and commodious, but not so well furnished as it possibly wi.H be in course of time. It is too much to expect that the Education Board can do everything at once. The school at present numbers 102 boys and 84 girls, making to gether 186 scholars. Upon an average 150 attend regularly. Mr Armstrong called the boy_ forward, and we examined them in arithmetic, New Zealand geography, and history, and the answers from the elder boys, particularly from Master Talbot, were highly satisfactory. The girls were equally well trained, under Mr? Wright, a lady eminently .fitted both by education and natural abilities for the position which with so much credit she maintains. In another part of the build ing the lambs of the fold were assembled, in charge of Miss Burn, a young lady who takes much interest in her vocation, and to whom the younglings appear to pay due deference. Our visit to this school was satisfactory, and in favour of the tsachers we have pleasure in recording the fact.

The railway works at Fort Britomart are making good progress. The line has now been laid and ballasted up to the foot of the Fort, and the people living in Eden Crescent can now enjoy the unwonted sight of an en gine and long train of trucks running before their windows. The ballast for the line is being brought from Mount Smart, and the engine take 3 several trips there daily. The completion of the line thus far points to a not very far distant opening. This has been postponed so often, and when it ueemed, as it does now, close at hand has so often receded, after the manner of a will-o'-the-wisp, that 'persons have become thoroughly sceptical on the accomplishment ever taking place. We believe however that within a' very few weeks we sh?H hear something definite as to an appointed clay for the opening ceremonial. By the Countess of Kintore a large quantity of rolling stock has arrived, which will be landed in a few days, and then we do not see what is to cause further delay.

The Rev. Mr Dudley, who has been away some time for the benefit of his health, preached yesterday in St. Sepulchre's for the first time since his return. The rev. gentle man looked somewhat better, and it is to be hoped that many years will be added to bis career of usefulness. A large congregation gathered in the little church to welcome the minister b^ck. Mr Dudley preached a suit able and impressive sermon fromPsa'ms, 116, verses 7 and 8, "Turn again then into thy rest, 0 my soul : for the Lord hath regarded thee. And why ? thou hast delivered my soul from death : mine eyes from tesrs : and my. feet from falling."

A temperance entertainment will be held this evening in the Newton Congregational iichobl-room, when Messrs Wood, Spragg, Webster, and other friends will address the meeting.

The completion of the breakwater in Mechanics' Bay was taken in hand this morn ing by Messrs Owen Jones and Co. The resumption of the works is a matter of con gratulation, but at the same time the damage that has resulted from their sudden discon tinuance is so great that it will take the new contractors nearly a week to restore the embankment to its previous state of advance ment. An inspection of the unfinished fnd , yesterday revealed about twenty yards 'of the works washed out of all shape. Two lengths of rails which had been laid were toppled over into the water, and the amount of silt which has been carried into the inside harbour must be something considerable. We have no doubt that in the hands of the present contractors the works will be carried out properly, but the lesson Ought not to be lost upon our authorities, whose duty it will be in future to secure against similar collapses.

To the Editor:- Sir, —In your issue of tho ISth instant a letter appears signed ''Raker." The writer finds no fault witji "Working Man's" letter in the Star of the sth instant, but thinks he should have shown the public what profit bakers have on a ton of flour at £17, selling the 21b loaf for 3£d. This '' Working Man" might not be capable of doing, however. '' Baker" undertakes to do this himself, and has shown the public, and no doubt his customers, that buying flour and selling bread at the above prices don't pay, for it leaves only £1 13s 9d profit on baking two tons of flour; then, says he, there is the week's rent, the horse to keep, wear and tear. If Baker had charged men's time against this profit, which he should have done, he would have a loss on • the baking and not a profit; this is all very well in his way; it won't pay, Sir. It is not intended to comment upon tho profits of those bakers who sell bread at 3id, nor is it intended to go minutely into statistics, and perhaps Mr Baker will agree that it is as well not to go too far. But the injustice of bakers that charge 4Ad, it is proposed to criticise. August Ist, in the Auckland papers, flour is quoted— First quality, £17; second do, £14; third do, or seconds Hour, £12; bread 4-J-d. N.B.— Flour of first quality is never used here for the purpose of making bread other than with a mixture of inferior flour; it is used for pastry, and at times is rather scarce. Second quality, at £14, is the flour used for making bread of the best quality, and can be readily got at that price. Two tons of this flour, at £28, produce 2,750 21b. loaves —occasionally a few more or less-at 4id (£sl lis 3d). The cost of baking, according to " Baker's" letter, is 2s per sack, or £2 the two tons. Add men's time, say £4; deduct cost of flour £2S ; expense of manufacturing the flour into bread, £0 ; from £51 lis 3d—net profit, £17 Us 3d ; on an outlay of £28. This is the position before cost of delivery comes on. Not a very bad weekly position.—l am. &C, ExrETIBLE.

To the Editor : Sir, —Seeing by your paper of Saturday A. Fletcher advertises his inten tion of starting a'-night-cart, may I express a hope that he will favour the public with a quiet cart, a manageable horse, and a driver who will do his work without shouting. Per haps you, like many others, have had your rest broken by a heavy rumbling machine that nightly perambulates this place, drawn by a horse or donkey that won't go, driven by a man that keeps crying "gee wo." The writer, long an invalid, appeals earnestly to you on behalf of those who are ill and bad sleepers against a nuisance existing which threatens to extend and increase itself of which the authorities seem to take no notice. Quiet nights fit persons for busy days, be sides being essential to health and good tem per, and a noise that would pass unnoticed in business hours may be the occasion of much inconvenience and loss of rest, and cause of pain when made during the sleeping portion of life. Besides there are persons who are unable without great difficulty and loss of time to resume sleep when broken. For the sake of such I ask you to make this announcement as a caution to the advertiser and his men that it may be seen by the gen eral public and silence the rumbler vvho has broken my rest for months past by his noisy cart, troublesome horse, loud voice, and rat tling metal buckets.—l am &c, A Liv jit Sleeper, who Loves and Longjj k.r, a Silent Night.

The Post gives us the following account of the progress of legislation :—Pitiable indeed is the spectaclewhichtheGovernmont benches present when the Premier is absent. Scarcely ever before wero there so many Ministers seated on those benches, and never before had the Government so little moral weight with the House. Mr Vogel, when present, does manage to keep bis team in hand, and conduct the public business with at least a semblance of propriety. When he is absent the Ministry are worse than the sheep who have lost their shepherd ; their bewildered efforts to escape from the perplexities in which their own want of ability have in volved them would be amusing if thoy wero not a public scandal. The House evidently feels only a contemptuous kind of pity for those whom it should respect and look to for guidance in many matters.

The Prince of Wales Theatre will re-open this evening with the attractive comedy " Not Such a Fool as He Looks," to conclude with the "Irish Boy and the Yankee Gal." The principal players have recently made a most successful tour in the sister colonies, and in addition to the company the services of Mrs Walter Hill have been secured, whose graceful acting is so much and so generally admired. This lady will re-appear to-night. We observe that a number of incidental songs will be given, which will render the enter tainment all the more attractive. We expect to see a crowded house this evening after so long a period of theatrical dearth..

The promoters of the Monday evening con certs for the people announce another of their series this evening at the Choral Hall. The first part will comprise a variety of beautiful ballads, and the second part will be devoted to Offenbach's amusing operetta, " The Blind Beggars," in which Messrs A. E. Isaacs ahd R. Yates will appear. The music wiH be of the choicest description, including Mozart's "Figaro," a duet from Faust (Sphor), sustained by Mrs Mitchell and a gentle man baritone. Among the songs' the following will be sung: "When the Roses Bloom Again," and that very sweet poem, "Jessie's Dream," both by Mrs Mitchell, which are sure to meet with gene ral approbation produced by such an exquisite and appreciative melodist as this lady, who is undoubtedly a great acquisition to our musical circles. Mrs Mitchell possesses an excellent voice,: and with womanly judg ment she enters fully into the mind of the music, and without such appreciation it is impossible to sing well. The true artist must not only possess the power, but must also have the fine preception to give musical effect to |the composition; in fact the soul must accompany the Utterance, otherwise,the at tempt will fail in moving an audience. We believo that Mrs Mitchell is eminently quali fied by these gifts to exalt her profession. The other parts of the programme promise " Mollie Darling," byalady ; " Evangeline," by Mr Austin, who is advancing to the front rank of amateur artistes, A fine part- song of the old English type, " Come, boys, drink," and "Adelaide" by a gentleman amateur (tenor)-and several others. The concert will be equal, if not superior, to those which have preceded it, and is calculated by its varied character to give general satisfaction. . - (

Another drapery establishment will be opened on Saturday evening next by that enterprising man of business Mr John Smith, whose name, from his long connection with Auckland, is well-known in the circles of economy and fashion. Mr Smith has been at great expense in erecting'his splendid emporium, Nos. 204 and 206, Queen-street, which in its architectural design and beauty is certainly an ornament to the market end of the city. His stock, purchased by him while on his Australasian and European travels, comprises drapery and hosiery goods of the best and choicest description, as ladies will have the opportunity of seeing at the close of the present week. It will be un necessary to do more at present than call the attention of our readers to M» Smith's adver tisement in this day's issue. ', ;;"','.

Tho Rev. S. E.lger, at the close of his dis course last evening on the " Church of the Future," announced that on the .two next successive Sunday evenings he would deliver two lectures on "Socrates, the Athenian Philosopher, and the relation in which he stood to Christianity." Socrates has been termed the wisest of the Greeks, and the. term was not misapplied. His life and death were singularly consistent. His teachings and habits of life were purely unselfish, simple and yet sublime. He was the" morning star that in some measure heralded the dawn of the Christian era, and his cruel death has left an indelible stain upon the character of the Athenians. ' J

The rifle match at Mount Eden on Satur day, between ten picked men of No. 3 Com pany and ten from the rest of the companies of the Brigade, turned out, as had been anti cipated, the most interesting contest of the season. A great number of spectators were present on tho range to witness the shooting, and they were well repaid for their trouble, both by the closeness of the competition and the excellence of the shooting. The result was in favour of No. 3 Company by nine points, but it is only fair to the beaten team to mention that at the last moment a mishap i caused Hay, one of the best shots, to be obliged to use another rifle than his own, and by any one who knows anything of rifle shoot ing practically it will be understood what a disadvantage this is. Under the circum stances we think the conquered were quite right in not blowing themselves up with tho keg of ammunition that was fired for, and we shall he happy to hear of another match being arranged. Lieut. Devore, of the Artillery, and Sub«Lieut. Payne, of the Boyals, acted as dcorers. The even nature of the contest may be seen from the fact that at the first range the Brigade led by two points, and by two more at the second range. At 600 yards, however, the gallant No. 3 not only made up their leeway, but passed their opponents, and finished victors by nine points. The average of the winning team was 40 1-10 of which they may feel justly proud, as it has not been equalled in Auckland by any one corps for some years. Some excellent scores were made at 400 and 500 yards. Mr Devore kindly acted as umpire. The following were the scores :— No. 3 Company. 400yd_s. 600 yds. 600 yd-!. Tl. Stono.W 13 17 12 42 Soall, StafT-Sergt. ..16 14, 9 89 Sibbald .18 14 12 44 Partington, E 13 14 11 38 Reid 17 8 11 ~'36 Boardman 13 13 11 37 Thome 10 18 10 47 May 10 14 10 40 Corrio 14 11 9 34 Partington, \V Id 15 13 44 Total .. .. 401 Average, 40 1-10. Nos. 1, 2, ani> 4 Companies. McDonald .. ..10 16 14 45 Morrow. X 15 20 11 46 Moirow. Captain ..19 13 12 44 Provo, D 17 15 12 44 Brighton, sen 18 11 8 37 Partington, (1 15 14 8 37 Leigh 17 17 8 42 Cooper, E. 14 16 12 41 Ifav 11 8 5 24 Burke .. .... 15 12 5 , 32 Total .. .. 392 Avorage, 39 1-5. The verdict on Saturday at the inquest on the body of Charles Pearce, or Bates, was "That the deceased was found dead with his skull fractured at the foot of the cliff, but by what means he came to his death there was no evidence to show." One juryman stated that he had heard that this was the fourth fatal accident that had occurred at this spot. The jury therefore strongly urged that a protective fence should be erected, in order that others might be saved from a similar death. The drawing of Mr Abbott's Melbourne Cup sweepstakes takes place this evening at eight o'clock. Subscribers are requested to attend. , , At the City Hall to-morrow (Tuesday) evening tho " Auckland Ethiopian Troupe," assisted by first-class local amateurs, will give a grand entertainment in favour of tho Hobson Company's Band Fund, uhder tho distinguished patronage '6f _\_{_-jor Gordon, Captains Dargaville Burns, Derrom, _Cc Roy, and Isaacs; also of the members of,the various Volunteer companies. The programme is divided into three parts, ' comprisii-g some excollent sentimental and comic songs by gentlemen whose names are familiar to pleasuro-seekers. The third part will include the " Mischievous Barber" —a capital farce, which never fails in making a clean shave, and takes off all'ill humour from the audience, and prepares attendants for taking their proper places, according to ball-room etiquette, at the quadrille exercise which invariably follows entertainments of this kind in Auckland. The concert will be under the management of Mr Ward, who for a long period has con ducted the ministrels with remarkable success.

The reporters who sit silently day by "day in the, box at the Police Court, and who form the "triple alliance," have opportunities of witnessing scenes of which the outside pub lic have but an imperfect idea. Unfortu nate children, ragged, dirty, ignorant, and apparently miserable, neglected by morally depraved parents, are frequently brought into Court that they may be rescued front haunts of sin and degradation," and com mitted to the Industrial School, where they are taught that there is something divine'in human nature, and that life is associated with responsibilities and duties. The community is indebted largely to Mr William Rattray and other friends of neglected childhood for their unwearying and gratuitous exertiona on behalf of these ostensible orphans of society whose parents are dead in drink and im morality, mto hearing Mr Rattray's eloquent and earnest appeal to the Court on Saturday last in favor of such children we felt con vinced of his sincerity, as he could have no I selfish interest to serve,,and for bis benevo lent labours he is entitled at least to the thanks of citizens. A young woman waa.alsd placed ih the prisoner's tox, which' suggested a kindred want in our midst. She .was one of that unfortunate class of women who parade the streets of eyieryl populous city J and she; for her drunkenness and misdeeds,' was consigned for six months to Mount Eden gaol, at the end of which term she will fcro. bably return to society in a morally wois condition than when she entered the prison boundaries. Such characters as Mary Sto«» appear at brief intervals in the prisoners box,* from whence, if old offenders, thoy p^ tOithe,one destination*, and there ia no _$fj for it. Mr Beckham in every such cases presses his regret' that Auckland posset no reformatory or. penitentiary for thjj misguided creatures similar to the oni jjj Blackfriars-road, London, which, in almost I numberless instances, has answered thej.^ for which it was designed. Such an insfljjj, tion for the hundreds of female wand^jj from virtue is wanted, in Auckland, and.fcjj ere long, as the swelling tide of immorality widens, become an imperative necessity With such a compulsory pause in their to career, and with such a shelter, many it these girls might, by judicious influent return to a life of usefulness. In the ntjjK where they herd together, without ite tinction, the indifferent become bad, andtL bad become worse ; while in a Reformato* under happier influences, they would JC the cha»ce of escape, and tho ppporturtskv treading another path and cultivating anot_i apirii w.u 7-.- ;■'•-;■-. ■•■[ '■■■■■•^^\

;IThc brothers of Lodge St. Andrew, No. , 418, S.C., will hold their monthly meeting ; this evening, at tho Lodge-room, Star hoed, at half-past seven. While that accomplished actress Miss Florence Colville was going through^ the dying scene in the last act of tamifle,. recently, in Dunedin, a considerable commo tion was caused through the maudlin re marks of a drunken man who was seated in' the front row of the stalls, and whose soul appeared to bestiived to its utmost depths, either »at the pathetic manner in which the actress was representing the character of a dying woman, or as the result of repeated libations of beer. For a few minutes Miss Colville. endeavoured to die in peace, but finding this to. be impossible she got up and went to the side of the scenes, where she re mained during the row which followed. A stalwart policeman at once came forward and endeavoured to drag the interrupter from his seat, but,he held on like grim death, and.it was some minutes before the constable, assisted by half-a-dozen men from the stalls, had succeeded in dragging him out. In the meantime Miss Colville had maintained her position at the right entrance, doubtless con siderably annoyed at tho unpleasant manner in which her dying scene had been interrupted. However when the drunkard had been re .moved she returned to her couch and died in a most pathetic and praiseworthy manner; but it is needless to say that the effect of,tho entire scene was spoiled by the very unseemly proceedings as above narrated. .

How will the Deceased Wife's Sister fare this year among the Lords ? Will she be condemned in the same ruthless manner the unfortunate young lady experienced iastyear? Mr Steward, who has charge of her, and vouches for her proper conduct when admitted to the privileges of her cousin, has J,' registered a vow!" that he will never cease his exertions until her dis abilities are removed. The interesting creature has been abused from Leviticus, scolded by A. Stock, and tripped up by. a Bishop. In fact the Deceased Wife's Sister has been more abused by the clergy than by the laity. Now we believe the best of the, clergy would have no objection to an unfor tunate Wife's Sister if she had a dowry of say £20,000, and it is too bad of them to prate about Leviticus and Judaic rites, when not one person out of a thousand cares a jot for Leviticus or Judaism either. The young person should be allowed a safe passage through the Lords, and be treated with the courtesy to which so amiable and patient a young lady is entitled.— Wanganui Herald..

From an English paper we learn that a Miss Robertsondaughter of an English clergyman, had oreated a sensation in the south of England by her musical performances at a concert. The lady's voice is said to have a higher range than'that of any living singer. She can touch the B an octave above the B. reached by average professional singers while for several seconds she sustained the upper (_} with a power and clearness which pro duced intense excitcmentamongthe audience. The notes mentioned above are higher than were over sung in public by Jenny Lind, and other celebrated vocalists. y \

We have to acknowledge receipt from the Colonists' Protection League of a Qopy of their annual report; also, a paper on " Protection of Native Industries," read before the League, and a circularjforwarded to the various Highway Boards announcing that the League propose to hold a conference of agriculturists, manufactures, and Bettlers for the purpose of considering matters, of public policy affecting their interests, with the view of encouraging and advancing home productions, manufactures, and industries, and the general progress of the colony. The conference will take place at 11 o'clock a.m., on Thursday, November 13th, (the day after the agricultural show), at the British Hotel, Queen-street. ' The League request that Highway Districts will take the proposal into consideration, and inform them whether it Will be agreeable to them to depute a re presentative or representatives to attend the conference on their behalf. . I. . vi.

We should suggest* to Messrsißrogden and Son that they should take some' steps tp prevent children playing abouton their' workii on Sundays, or we are likely to hear, of a serious accident. Yesterday several mis chievous young urchins were pushing along tho dobbin which is used by the workmen for laying the line, and some little girls who were a short distance *bff were very nrqch frightened by the machine rushing by them at great speed. The police might be in structed, to. stop this kind of horse-play before it results in harm. ' ■, '. .

We beg to acknowledge receipt 0 f jOs from Mr John Ryan for the Puhoi settler.

FATAL ACCIDENT.—INQUEST.

An accident occurred on Saturday at the : Breakwater, by which William Cranch, master of the cutter 'Bessy,' lost his life. At the inquest before Dr Philson, to-day, the | evidence of Thomas Maders, and the eon of 'deceased, shewed that Cranch was walking j along the;edge of thejßreakwater, with a rope[in : his hand that had been thrown ashore iroiii i the cutter to make fast, when he lost his ■ balance and iell over. It was so dark that 'the deceased'was. not seen after he fell into the"wate_,-, and his body was not found until half-ah-hour after. The evidence proved I.these facts, and a verdict of "Accidental JDen*' '■

STOVIN v. THAMES G.M. COMPANY.

To the oentlcmen who composed the special iury —In consequence of your verdict in the above trial being to some extent contrary tothc published evidence it has excited consider abledisoussion and comment in various circles, and therefore I have ventured to address this letter to you as being the best judges whether or not the following facts are correctly I have been repeatedly asked how I could" reconcile the conflicting evidence by those who have only read the abridged and consequently imperfect reports, the trial It-sting ten hours, but occupying only about half a column in the daily journals. Those who make the inquiry say, '■' How are we to l>elieve the witnesses' statements as well as your own, both being made upon oath, and yet diametrically opposed to each other ?" TJp to the present time I have been unable to reply to these questions, not feeling at liberty to enter into any explanation until it was known whether or not, further litiga tion" would take place on this matter. The limit of time for this, having passed, further reticence has become unnecessary, and I now feel it incumbent upon me to give a plain and simple explanation which is. in justice due to the witnesses, as it will show that the evidence of those gentlemen, though given under a mistaken impression, was as free from intended falsehood or misrepresen tation as my own; and also infew words aspossi ble show why the gentlemen of the jury who heard the facts which were brought out dur > ihg" .hat long trial felt bound to decide in 'accordance therewith, and give me that ■ which was only a true and just verdict, and not as supposed by some contrary to, but ; strictly in accordance with, the evidence. .It is well known that^fthis action was brought by me to recover the value of seven "Thames" '■ shares fraudulently sold by Herbert Vicars Stevens just before he left Auckland, and for the sale of which I had given him no instructions, nor did I ever sign any transfer for that purpose; but about that time I had given him two blank transfers that were not filled in, in the body, for the sale of ■ some shares of small value called Christmas Box shares. Some days having elapsed with j out my seeing him (the Thames shares being ;sold on the sth September, 1871, and I first heard ho had absconded on the Bth of that month), it would therefore appear I must have been either very wealthy or very careless i about my money (but the reverse was the case in both instances), as stock of this kind was then readily sold immediately, and certainly two or three hours would have been a very fair and ample time in those days to allow for such a transaction. Men of business will at once appreciate this fact, and see how very unlikely I was to sit down quietly for three days without troubling myself about my £200. I suddenly heard he had absconded, and was told at the same time that he had been com mitting forgeries, and selling Thames and other shares belonging to other people. It instantly crossed my mind that; a__ he had . victimised others, most likely I f had not escaped, particularly as he had just bought for me these seven "Thames" shares. He therefore knew to a certainty that I' had them. Scarcely daring to hope I was safe after what I had heard of his doings, without giving myself time for reflection, I rushed into his father's office, finding his own was closed, and asked for " the two blank trans fers I had left with his son ;" and being at the time in a great state of agitation I ex claimed almost in the same breath, " I hore to God he has not sold my seven " Thames" shares." Mr Stevens, sen., and one or two other persons were in the office at the time, but who they were I was much too excited to notice ; nor did I ever know until I found who had been subpoenaed as witnesses on the late trial. As near as I can recollect the reply was that-he*, Mr Stevens, knew nothing about any traruifjers left ; with his son. With; 6tit'waiting a > monient longer I immediately rushed away to [the Thames office, only to find' my worst fears confirmed. I must here state had I not been too agitat 3d to reflect at all I should have known that Mr Stevens, sen., knew nothing of his son's transactions, as I was aware they were, not on good terms, and no longer in partnership ; still less was it likely that any one in the office before whom I then spoke could know what'two blank transfers I then referred to, or for what puipose they had been left; but when after enquiring for them, and almost at the same moment exclaiming as before stated, I can now see how perfectly natural it was that those present in the office should conclude that I spoke of blank transfers left for the sale of the seven Thames shares which I hoped had not been sold. I cau also conceive that in my agitation—my mind running on-Thames shares—it is just possible I may have uttered other words ; I i may have even miscalled the name of the I Company, and made use of the words "Thames" shares instead of "Christmas Box" shares, as I did pn the day of the trial in the witness box, from being eonfuced by the cross-examination, though quite uncon scious that I bad done so until I heard lit alluded to by the learned counsel. iAt the "Thames" office I found my forebodings yerified, and that my name had been removed :rom the books of that company. The transfer by which it was done was shown to me, andl at once declared I did not believe it to be my signature, and I said I thought it was a tracing; and I also again detected it, and picked it out from others twice over when so folded up that I could see only that and others of my signature on the day of the trial*,. It was also shown on the trial that certain experiments were tried upon me at that,sapie visit to the "Thames " office, and that I pointed out the wrong signature as the forgery j} now can this be wondered at when the state of agitation I was thrown into is considered after tho certainty of my loss had been_ confirmed. It was not in the least con tended at- the trial that there were more than two transfers given, and as I was enabled to obtain the loan of one of them, which proved to have been used for the purpose it was in*, tended, and was registered in the books of the company and produced by me in Court headed "Christmas Box" shares in my own hand writing, and that another in blank was proved to have been found in Mr H. V. Stevens's drawer when broken open after he left, though whether headed or not was not shown. Nothing could be clearer than the j evidence that I had not the slightest recol- | lection of having had this one returned tome ; I for.icould I have shown that it would have | strengthened my case materially as going to ' prove that the transfer by which the sale of | the-Thames shares had been effected was in j reality a forgery, or else'that he had by some moans or.contrivance of his own entirely un- i known'to me'atsbine foiiner time secured a blank transfer of mine. In a small com- j munity like tkis, where every man's charac- | ter is so soon thoroughly well known, I can ' fearlessly challenge anyone to prove a single act against me that can cast a reflection or a stain upon my name : in fact I have been considered as too scrupulous. I have known ever, since the occurrence took place ,that if. I wouldswearpoint blank that fchesignaturewas jjofc miuo I could recover from the company

at once, and t have been urged t6rl oa( .t.„ those to whom I explained my scruples on the subject, which were, that possibly wN some underhand contrivance during our fet I transactions H. V. Stevens might have ' obtained from me an entirely blank transfer,* and though, to the best of my belief, 1 have always been careful to know what became of those I gave him, as well as to head them with the name of the company, both when •selling for myself and others, still so long there was a possibility of my having. failed through any caroleasness in a single instance so long would there be a doubt on my mind and therefore that I could only do as I did on the day of the trial, namely, swear to the best of my belief that it was not jny signattt_>e and show that I would rather loose the money than do otherwise. It is a well-known ihjj generally acknowledged fact that men oijly become degraded and debased by degrees, {.Jit I must have become so suddenly, even while in Court, if it is conceivable that forasunvbf money I have done without for two years rather than pwear positively (though having such good grounds for so doing) that the signature was not mine, and yet that I would go direct into the witness-box, and without the slightest hesitation, equivocation or mental reservation of any kind, swear most positively and in the nios. solemn man ner that I never gave any orders for the sale of these seven Thames shares, and that I never signed any transfer for that purpose. But my chief object in publishing this letter is not to clear myself in the eyes of the pub lic and unprejudiced persons, for that his been done by the " twelve good men and true," but by reviewing the evidence, and recapitulating the facts as they were brought forward one by one before the jury, to Te move any erroneous impression on the minos of those who know the witnesses.^ by th 6 verdict having the appearance of being con trary to the evidence, and to express my firm conviction that those gentlemen spoke .the truth and nothing but the truth tothebegf of their belief; such I think was also theimi presaion of the Jury, who saw clearly how the mistake arose, and I think" I have now shewn how natural and eaßy a ifc was for any one to fall into ; I have conge quently felt it my duty to do this justice,' however unpleasant to myself, to renew this, matter. The facts are as I have stated them in plain and simple truth, as they were evident to His Honor and the Jury, and will, also been seen to be true when before the highest tribunals the secrets of the hearts are revealed.—l have the honor to be, gentle men of the jury, your very obedient Semite •''■'. J. C. Stoves. 7

37 Insurance Buildings, Auckland, August. 1873.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

DRUNKENNESS

Katherine Regan, Mary Howley, John Duffy, Daniel Sullivan, and Henry Wgtiui. were charged with-this offence, and met wi^ the usual retiibution. i y., Three others out on bail did not shew up, and their bail was forfeited. sj . jf 7 y v . VAGRANCY. jyyf. Daniel Sulliv.n was also charged with making use of obscene language in thelpuh lic thoroughfare^on Saturday night. , .;',,•■ Prisoner, on being charged, commeneedrio. shed a flood of tears, and in a whining tone said he was guilty, but that it was the first time in his fife he had been in such a position and it would be the. last. I ,'-•-A f_ 11 A.I& Sergeant Pardy gave the prisoner a good character, but said that he had been drinking on Saturday night, and some boys -wbit_ tormenting him, and they irritated him to make use of the language attributed to him. $ j< Fined 20s and costs or forty-eight hours imprisonment. -^ smashing a barber's windows. — John Duffy pleaded guilty to breaking four panes of, glass, the property of <Mr]Bif A. Jones, of West Queen-street. r X The . prisoner it wf_l be recollected'wient into Mr Jones' shop on Saturday and as 1.4 to be shaved, adding however that he had'no money. On Mr Jones refusing to .shave him -without payment the prisoner, com mitted the malicious injury hewas accused of. His Worship sentenced r bini to" pajr^Jine of 40s and costs, and to pay for the dam-ige, or in default to go to prison fOr fourteen days. "'■'"'.. '! ' ," '■'-'. ■~■< iT This was all the business.

DISTRICT COURT.—This Day.

(Before His Honor Judge Bed-bain.) RAVENSCROFT G.M. CO. V. EDWARD A.TUNES.'

This was a claim of £37 10s, being the amount of a ca'l of one shilling each on jBW| s&ares, and interest thereon. , kiw Mr James Sieveright proved the claim.'-.-«.•; Judgment for plaintiff. Tj

SAMUEL WORMS'V. JOSEPH WARE EN. £;|| , Claim £50, damages. ' ~ wwr ;. The barticulara of this case were heard last' JCouit-aay. Piaintiff claimed dsmage_f''ra: '' coDiequence of injuries received through fall ing over a stone heap in Newton through' negligence on the part, of the Karangahape, Highway Board; of which defendant was chairman. ' '•■..•_. j- • y-. _K-_4iwe>-I - .Nonsuited *"W ' r:h[;i T. iINDS MORRIN V. TWKFOSIDE G.M,CO. j „ t (Mm f £37 17s 6dr. ,;~, ; ~,. i.v : r. , Mr James Ru.^ell appeared for plaintiffs/ and applied for an order for the winding TO? of the company. : ' ' ..".'".s The application wn granted. GEORGE GLEDHILL V. J. B. FERGUSON. ) Mr James.Russell for plaintiff; defendant did not appear.- j n ■■ •,- -. ■; , y 7 0 77 This was a.claim for £32 3s i_.d, being the balance of an account due to plaintiff for ginger beer, lemonade, end other cordials to defendant. '~;,' - -.., 1 Judgment for plaintiff with costs. • ' ! This was all the business.

THE NEW TARIFF.

I The following are the working provisions of I the new tariff_:y—Clause 6. J ■ Value of goods I in certain cases to'verified by "declaration ol i importer or agent/ ■ . y . y ■■■_■_ TCO M In all cases in wh'ch goods shall, after the passing of this Act, be chargeable with a duty ad valorem, or according to the true and in real value of such goods, such value shall be verified at the time, pf entry by the production of the genuine in voice, Sand by the declaration in form hereinafter prescribed of the importerjof such goods or (with the consent of the collector or other proper officer of Customs) of hisSautho rised agent. .> • ~. SCALE Of. TAKI-i'lf. . ,X» Ten per cent, ad valorem on the following 1 articles, inclusive of packages, and adding ten ' per cent, to the, invoice to account for frpght }! I expenses. "'&c.y=—COnfe'etiOiwi-y, furniture,! j &c, oil mans stores, apparel, boots, &c, brush ware, <S_c, carpets, &c., chinaware, i cottons, drapery^;and every other soft goods,: 'gutta-percha, saddlery, toys, &c, bagging, baskets, carts, carriages, &c, drugs, grindery, hardware; &c, leather, mantelpieces, stationery. -Exceptions: Biscuits, fan(jy, 2d per lb, boiled sugars, comfits, lozeng^ Scotch mixtures and sugar candy, 2d per lW>j (See confectionery.) Rope and cordage, 61 per cwt., solid wool, 6d per lb. .: ihIST OF.aOODSEX_--_--_f!T--.9. '■'■ '/: Lead, Copper; br/sß,and t-j-y.qi pig»# ta-r. or sheet?,, n ui"tfl " feiA' »«* < ''■<'■■ ■■''•■ii\

«M mmWB «*A_R,MONBAT I; AUGtT^^^,^g