SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evoning, 7.13 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 0.22 HIGH WATER: This afternoon, 4.23; to-morrow morning, f>

ARRIVALS.

Phoebe, s.s., Worsp, from Southern ports Challenger, p.s , from Wangarei Queen, schooner, Vealc, from Russell Fiery Cross, schooner, Short, from East Coast Clematis, ketch, Bendall, from Napier Jessie Niouol, schooner, Yates, from Tahiti Agnes, cutter, from Kaipara (in the Mairakau) Dante, cutter, from Port Waikato (in tlie Manukau)

DEPARTURE.

Eagle, ketch, for New Caledonia Clyde, schooner, Anderson, for Wangarei Dante, cutter, for Port AVaikato

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For HobartTown : Bella Mary, barque, to-morrow For Napier and Southern ports: Nebraska, p.s., on arrival For Boston, Mass. : Ayr, barque, early For Cork : Polar Star, ship, early For Northern ports : Rowena, s.s., this afternoon For Whitianga, Mercury Bay, and Tauranga ; Southern Cross, s.s., this afternoon For London: <Ilenhuntly, barque, early For Sydney and Melbourne: Hero, s.s., on arrival of Nebraska ; Wonga Wonga, s.s., Oth Fpb. For Southern ports : Phoebe, s.s., on arrival of the Nebraska For Norfolk Island : Nukulau, schooner, to-morrow For Samoa and Tonga : Kenilworth, 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

IMPORTS.

Per schooner Jessie Niceol, from Tahiti 70 tons cotton seed, S4 bales cotton, order.

H.M.S. Blanche from Wellington, signalled as we go to press. The schooner Jessie Niccol arrived in har bour this afternoon from Tahiti, having left the island on the 4th inst. She brings five passengers —Messrs S. D. llikys, Scarff, and 3 in the steerage. The brig Tawera, from London, arrived at Tahiti on the 3rd inst. The schooner Nukulauhas cleared outwards for Norfolk Island with part of original cargo from Sydney. She will sail to-morrow morning. The barque Bella Mary, Capt. McArthur, has cleared outwards for Hobart Town with 5 bales ilax, 4 pieces timber, Stone Bros. Passengers : Mrs Turner, Miss Jones, and Mrs Hanson. The piLes are being driven for the com mencement of the new western T of the wharf. A strong platform has been erected to facilitate the work. We observe that the eastern T is receiving a coat of tar for the preservation of the wood. The p.s. Royaf Alfred returned this morn ing from her excursion trip to the Hot Springs. Per " Clematis" from Poverty Bay, 100 bales wool, 13 casks tallow, 33 hides, 03 cases apples, order ; 4 hides, 200 cases grass seed, Ireland Bros. The cutter Agnes has arrived in the Manukau from Kaipara, with 17,000 feet timber, 8 bags gum, and 2 passengers. The cutter Dante has arrived in the Manu kau from Port Waikato, with 48 bales flax.

The fine iron barque Lochnagar is now discharging her cargo at the outer T of the wharf. The cargo is being turned out in very excellent condition. The barque is not a large one, but her internal arrangements are comfortable, and she possesses fine sea going qualities, as has been proved by the rapid passage she has juat made from Eng land. This we understand is not the excep tion but the rule with this vessel.

The regular trading barque Bella Mary hauled away from the wharf this afternoon, and will take her departure at daylight to morrow morning for Hobart Town. She has good accommodation for passengers. The old paddle steamer Duke of Edin burgh has now been converted into a smart looking three-masted schooner, and will shortly be ready for sea. The alterations have been made by Messrs Sims and Brown.

The following schooners are alongside the Gore-street Jetty undergoing repairs, Tau ranga, Ltetitia, Clio, and Saucy Lass. The s.s. Star of the South left Napier for Auckland on Saturday last, at 12.45 p.m. The p.s. Challenger will leave for Wangarei at five o'clock this afternoon.

The cutter Dante has sailed from the Manukau with 10,000 feet timber and 1 ton hardwood for E. Gibbon.

The schooner Queen arrived on Saturday afternoon from Russell with 70 tons coal.

The schooner Fiery Cross arrived in port yesterday from Napier in ballast. The steamer Southern Cross will sail this afternoon for Tauranga ; also, the steamer Rowena for Northern ports. The barque Amateur left Wangaroa for Adelaide on Thursday last.

Tenders are required by the Bay of Islands Coal Company for fitting and forming into a coal barge the iron hull of the Maori Chief, now lying at the Bay of Islands. Mariners are warned that the Western T of Queen-street wharf is now under construc tion, and any vessel fouling the works will be held liable for any damage caused thereby. The s.s. Phoebe arrived at the Manukau from Southern ports, yesterday afternoon, with the following passengers :—Messrs. Calent, Jones, Goldsboro, Krull, Gavin, Reid Smith, Thane, Cook, Milton, Myers, Luckie, Hallum, Shera, Samuels, Hoskin, Fullerton, Unkle, Caley, Mose, Cullock, McLaren, Lash ford, McCabe, Miss Seagar, Miss Wilcox, Mrs Cook, Mrs Milton, Miss Dudley, Miss Hoskin, Miss Sharland Mrs Caley. We are indebted to Mr E. Ormiston, purser, for the prompt delivery of our files. The s.s. Phoebe will leave the Manukau for Southern Ports, twenty-four hours after the arrival of the Nebraska. The ketch Eagle left yesterday for New Caledonia. The iron barque Glenhuntly, is now along side the wharf, and will commence loading for London to-morrow. Nearly the whole of the ?argo is already engaged. An alteration has been made in the time of departure of the s.s. Hero. She is an nounced So leave six hours after the arrival of the msil steamer Nebraska, but will not wait laterthan three o'clock on Wednesday.

The schooner Prima Donna, is for freight and charter

The new tetch Clamatis, arrived yesterday from Napierfrom Napier, via, Poverty Bay and East Cost, with four passengers, and a full cargo d[ produce. The Clamatis is commanded ly Capt. Bendall, late of the s.s. Napier. !

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs J. Robcrton & Co. had a sale to day of goods/ex Polar Star &c, >lr IJ, Tonka acting As auctioneer. JOO barrel* or resin, 14s; /GO cases Florida water, 15s in bond, 32 casjes axe and pick handles, 12* to 12s Od ; \yi cases chairs assorted 48s to o0« per doz, ; 200 boxes clothes pegß 7s ; • I 01)

nests ttibs, 20a ; washboards, ils to ffSfej ; pails, 14s 6ct» thumb blue, 7Jd j ball blu«.. j^d : sodawater corks, 2s 3d'; paper ba^'-i. 4|dj blacking, Gs Cd ; red herrings 32sj flow, #13 15a. 'lucre was a good attendance uni bidding animated,

Messrs S. Cochrane & Son sold by auction, to-day, a cottage and two allotments in Clarence-street, Ponsonby road, for £72. The remaining property was withdrawn for higher bids.

Mr R. Arthur offered at public auction, to-day, several freehold allotments in Short street. One allotment only was sold, at £3 5s per foot.

MINING.

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

MEETINGS. Red Queen, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 2.30 p.m. 2Sth January Middle Star, Star, Mechanics' Institute, Auckland, 3 p.m., 28th January Kuraimi, Mr Tothill's office, Auckland, 1C a.m., 2Sth January Yon Tempsky, Company's oflice, Queen street, Aiick land, 3 p.m., 30th January Una, Shortland, 30th January Ruby, Grahams town, 31st January Durham Ox, (irahamstown, 31st January Morning Star, Grahamstown. 31st January Auckland Whaling Company, Insurance Buildings, noon, 31st January Hauraki Saw Mill Company, Mr Bennett's oflice, Shortland street, Auckland, 2 p.m.. 3rd February Ooromandel Tunnel G.M.C., Mr Tothill's oilice, Auck land, 10 a.m., 3rd February Central Italy, Grahamstown, 4th February Green Harp, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 3 p.m., 10th February New Golden Pa, Mr R. Home's office, Shortland street, Auckland, noon 12th February Masonic, Coromandel, 15th February Bonshaw, Mr Baber's office, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 2 p.m., 13th February Shotover, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 2 p.m. 17th February

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and tomorrow, 10.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 5 p.m. For Norfolk Island, per Nukulau, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Tonga, per Kenilworth, to-morrow, at noon For the Australian Colonies, per s.s. Hero, imme diately on arrival of p.s. Nebraska, or not laterthan 7 p.m. to-morrow (Tuesday), 2Sth inst. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Pluube, immediately on arrival of the p.s. Nebraska, or not later than 8 a.m. on Thursday, oOth inst. For Napier and Southern Provinces, per Nebraska, six hours after arrival. (Signed) S. B. Biss. Chief Postmaster.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS

Editor of the Prices Current. —We think your complaint is somewhat unreasonable. If the firms mentioned were to forward your circulars to their business connections it would identify them with views which they do not hold.

MARRIAGE.

Bell—Browne.—On January 24, 1573, at St. Mary's Jhurch, Parnell, by Rev. Dr. Maunsell, Isaac Charles Eraser, eldest son of the late Mr C. F Bell, Aberdeen, Scotland, to Mary Matilda, eldest daughter of Mr Thomas Browne, St. George's Bay, Bay, Parnell, and late of County Louth, Ireland.— Home and Southern papers please copy.

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 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 observe that in this morning's Herald a well-known director of the A.S.I?. Company, under the notn de plume of " Mercator," assails us violently for having dared to lay our finger on the Company and its doings, touching the Fijian service. The same gentleman had in the previous issue taken up his pen under the name " Trader," and as he thus appears to have been detailed oil' for this special service by the " Com pany," we shall succinctly treat first of the " Company" and then of "Mercator." "Mercator" styles our remarks on the subject as " the most unmeaning, unmannerly, and violent abuse." Surely he must have been labouring under warm feelings when he chose these epithets. " Un meaning" the Star never is. We pride ourselves on speaking with the utmost perspicacity of language, the fault most generally found with the Star being that it speaks too plainly. " Unmannerly" we should be sorry to be. With the Moor of Venice we admit—" Rude are we in our speech, and little blessed with the phrase of peace," and when moved by sight of wrong we are prone to bid the words escaping from our pen to stand not upon th^e order of their going. But " violent " we certainly wore not in any reference to the Steam Packet Company. On the contrary, a calm review of what we have said on the subject will convince even " Mercator" that our language has been temperate in the extreme. " Mercator " says it can be shown, that the " highly-gifted

editor of the Star does not know more \ about steamboats than all the directors, ' managers, captains, engineers, and \ shareholder's put together." But there j has been no profession of technical knowledge on the subject. We believe the testimony of all those enumerated would go to show that the Star of the South is admirably fitted for the purposes of tlie company. But we, as custodians of the public interest, observe that those piarpo.ses and the public interest seem directly antago nistic. The company desired to get the subsidy by any means, to extend the company on the strength of it,'possibly then to make the best bargain they can with another company capable of conducting the service in boats commensurate with its importance, and so make an honest shilling. We do not say one word against this. It is simply a matter of business, and in so far we have nothing whatever to do with it. But, seeing that by this eagerness to carry out their own plans, they have undertaken to do an im portant public work at less than one half what the State has alloAved, and for a sum which absolutely necessitates the employment of such a steamer, it must be admitted that there are just reasons for complaint onpublicgrounds. " Mercator" becomes the apologist and defender of his Honor the Superinten dent, a duty which is quite gratuitous. Although we admit the propriety of diction, which at all times distinguishes " Mercator," we cannot admit that we have used any language insulting or disrespectful to the Superintendent. We have merely said that he would grant a sanction to any boat for a service in the importance of which he does not believe, and in proof of our statement we refer to his Honor's own words in the Assembly as reported in Hansard, page 727. He says :" To subsidize one to this extent for the sake of the Fiji trade seemed almost absurd. The amount of trade that could possibly exist would not be worth the money." After such a statement we can hardly be chai-ged with '■ slanderous and untruthful" words when we assert that the Super intendent will not withhold his ap proval to the most insignificant boat that could be selected. " Mercator " says he has " admired the Evening Star in its infancy, and watched with plea sure the fearless, truthful, and inde pendent course of action it has fol lowed, and as I believed the great amount of jiood it must have done to society." But now, alas, for the first time it has happened to tread on his own corns, and it is bad beyond re demption ; and because forsooth it has dared to express an opinion that the Auckland Steam Packet Com pany, of which he is a director, is not dealing fairly with a great public enterprise, " No one can more deplore than I do the wretched depth of de gradation to which it-has fallen." But " Mercator " is not content with mourning this, he will stamp the saucy paper out ot existence, and hopes "that the community will at once take steps to arrest the circulation throughout the city of such demoral ising Billingsgate." "Meeator" sighs for the good old times when such little games could be practised with impu nity, and he is thinking of the success that once attended his efforts in this direction. But we would tell " Mer cator " that a change has come over both the public and himself since then, and that the Star consists of different metal from the journalism of that day. And we would tell him, further, that the days of class tyranny are over in this place, and that if he tried to repeat tnis little experiment we would approach him with a crowd of loyal followers at our back to whom he would not afford a mouthful apiece. Conscious that what we do we do for the public good, and coniident that we are supported by the whole people, we care not for the result of any en counter ; and if we saw destruction yawning at our feet we should go for ward still the same. For the Auckland Steam Packet Company we cherish the most cordial and kindly feelings, de spite the pettishness of a few of their directors ; and even in this Kjian en terprise they will have our sympathy and best wishes, whatever these may be worth. But whatever may be the ultimate result, we cannot at present regard it as being otherwise than a misfortune that the company, either by over-eagerness, or by mistake—and we rather incline to the latter idea—should have accepted but a moiety of the subsidy voted, and so embarrassed their operations. If for £100 per month they feel war ranted in employing the Star of the South, for -G250 as voted by the As sembly they certainly would have been able to do much better. How ever, there has been quite enough said on the subject, and if the directors had only, like sensible men, curbed their petulancy, and borne with a little temperate criticism, there would have been far less. As for "Mercator," who appears to have such an objection to " demoralising Billings gate," he is not a bad fellow—unless 'when the bile is moved. We would recommend a little gentle medicine, and a little calm reflection; and enjoy ing as he evidently has clone seeing the lancet applied to others' wounds he should learn to bear without wincing when it enters his own flesh. It was intended to be done with a gentle hand, but he shook our arm violently and so caused himself un necessary pain.

We are glad to observe among the names j of arrivals by the Phtebe that of Mr Liickie, ; M.H.R., late editor and parfc-proprietor of : the Nelson Colonist. Mr Luckie comes as ! editor of our contemporary, the Cross, and, irrespective of our pleasure in welcoming the arrival of an able and talented labourer in the Held of journalism, we regard his arrival at the present hour as being particularly opportune. Mr Luckie comes from a pro vince where the Education Rate, on the same basis as our own, has been worked for many years, and he is in a position to speak from experience to those who have been trying to lash themselves into a fury on the subject. Mr Luckie will also have an opportunity at the very outset of showing whether he is going to pander to the rabble, or whether the Cross is going to speak out with the genuine ring of conviction. To-morrow evening there is to be a gathering at which all our local wind bags will blow off, and if Mr Luckie will at once take his pen and prick a few of them, he will confer a favour on the community, for which he will get the blessings of all good men. All the intelligence of the city is on the side of the new Education Act, and all those of limited means, whose cause our local "Poor Man's Friends" profess to espouse, are on the same side. But there are a few among us who have long had their talents rolled up in a napkin, and to-morrow evening these talents will be out for an airing. With the exception of the professional spouters, and a very few dupes, the great body of the people is on the side of the new Act, and we shall certainly look to to-morrow's Cross for a candid observer's candid experience of the working of a principle which is our local hobgoblin at the present hour.

A meeting will be held in the Mechanics' Institute to-morrow, Tuesday evening, to consider the new education rate. As this is a matter of much controversy at the pre sent moment it is expected that the meeting will be very numerously attended.

The members of No. 3 Company Rifle Club met at the Mount Eden Range on Saturday afternoon, and competed for the Ladies' Prize and a sum of money. Tho following is the result of the firing at 400, 500, and 600 yards : —E. It. Partiugton 44, Wra. Thome 41, J. C. Soall4l, Wm. Sibbald 40, A. Boardman 38, A. tleid 38, W. Partington 30, A. Rat tray 35, — Brassey 35, R. lveir 31.

Great preparations arc being made for the forthcoming grand ball on Wednesday even ing next, to be given by the Auckland Scottish Volunteers, in the Oddfellows' Hall, Cook-street.

The advocates of total abstinence held their weekly open air meeting on Saturday evening. The crowd was addressed by Messrs E. Carr, Hobbs, and Tremaiu. The subjects handled by the several speakers were : " Intoxicating Drinks v. Health and Morals," by Mr Carr ; " The Progress of Teetotalism in the Navy," by Mr Hobbs, of If.M.S. Dido; and on the "Miseries of Strikes and their Prevention," by Mr Tremain.

Our attention has been drawn to a remark able fact in connection with the water supply question. On Saturday last the reserve ponds at the Domain were fuller than on the Monday previous, and the greater part of the water being pumped by Ml' Seccombe was running to waste, yet there was no water flowing from the ponds to the iilterer. This is not as it should be considering how much the water is required in town, and the cost to the public of the pumping operations proceeding at Messrs. Secombes' brewery.

At the third quarterly prize-firing of the Waikato Armed Constabulary Rifle Associa tion the following were the successful com petitors : —First class prizes : Constable Blake, £3 ; Constables Megan and Kirk, £2 each ; Constable Webb, £1 10s ; Constable Boyle, £ 1 2s (id ; Constables Murray and Gordon, £1 each. Second class: Constable Kelly, £'A ; Constables Wall and Hintou, £2 ; Sergeant Edwards, £1 10s ; Constables Bottom and McLeod, £1 ; and Constable Coombcs, 17s (id.

The Auckland (las Company invite tenders for the purchase of fifty shares in. the said company.

The butchers' assistants of Auckland ap peal to the public not to shop after six o'clock in the evening, but assist them to obtain some mitigation from their long hours of labour. Chiarini's Royal Italian Circus Company will open for two nights' performance this evening, at the old spot on the Market reserve. A grand programme will be pre sented to-night. They leave by the Phcebe on Wednesday.

The usual monthly Court of Petty Ses sions will be helil to-morrow (Tuesday) at the Court-house, High-street. The following magistrates are on the rota :—Messrs J. Baber, Albert Beetham, James Butcher Braithwaite, Win. Thome Buckland, Archi bald Clarke, Thomas Checseman, Wm, Crush Daldy, Joseph McMullin Dargaville, George B. Davey, James Dil worth, Henry Gilfillan, J. A. Gilfillan.

We learn from the Waikalo Times that the firing for the choice of colonial representa tives commenced at Hamilton on the 22nd instant under supervision of Captain Lyon. Only three appeared on the field, with the following result: —Vol. Coleman 18 points, Lieut. McDonald 15 points, Private Mc- Gruthcr 11 points. The firing was resumed on the succeeding day when, as McGrather did not appear, the contest lay between Coleman and McDonald, who both succeeded in qualifying themselves as representatives.

A crowded house greeted the Magnet Variety Company on Saturday evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The company are well deserving of the support of the public, their efforts to entertain their patrons being of no ordinary character. '' Lottie " and hstfreres continue to meet with a,furore of applause nightly for their intrepid and graceful performance on the single and treble trapeze. These artistes are scarcely to be equalled to such perfection have they brought the art. We are glad to observe that the company, owing to the public support afforded them, have determined to prolong their stay in Auckland. A very attractive programme will be submitted to-night, in cluding the Angell family in fresh acts of daring. We learn that Mr Joshua Strange Williams, Registrar General of Land, Mr Walter Scott Reid, Assistant Law Officer, are at present in town, having been appointed by his Excellency the Governor to conduct an inquiry relative to the charges made by Mr J. B. Hussell. against Mr Beckham, R.M. At the annual meeting of the Nil Desper andum Gold Mining Company held on Satur day at Coromandel the directors' report showed the receipts for the year to have been £949 Ss 4d. Construction of Paul's Creek water-race, £142 5s ; battery cost, including wages and expenses £327 9s 9d; prospecting the mine, £228 11s 8d ; and other expenses, £18G Ss sd; thus leaving a balance to the credit of the company of £64 14s Gd. The manager reported in favour of driving N. on No. 2 leader towards the boundary of the Working Miners, for about 200 feet, which would fully prove the country. Also of letting the upper workings of the mine on tribute. The reports were adopted, and Messrs. G. Douglas, W. C. Wilson, C. J. Stone, C. Alexander, and Harrison, were elected directors.

The Whangamata block will be thrown open to diggers this week. A township site has been laid off, and allotments are offered for lease at an annual rental of 5s per foot, £5 must be deposited with the application for the ground.

We have received a copy of the second edition of the Rev. P. Mason's little work, "Outlines of the Geography of New Zealand." The last edition met with very great success, and no doubt the present one will be equally appreciated as a school-book. Mr Mason's production has the great merit of dealing impartially with all the provinces of New Zealand, giving no special prominence to any one. The present edition is very much im proved, a number of errors which appeai-ed in the last issue having been corrected. The work is still, however, very far from complete, and we trust that Mr Mason will, at no very distant period, issue a larger geography, giving such descrip tions of localities as will convey to the minds of pupils a clear idea of the topography of the colony. We have not space to enter at length into a critical review of the work, but we make one of two extracts to show how indefinite must be the idea conveyed by the geography to one unacquainted with the province. The following is all the description given of the places mentioned : —"Tamaki, Panmure, and Otahuhu, are rich agricultural districts in a high state of cultivation. Howick, Panmure, and Otahuhu, are Pensioner settlements. Papakura and Drury are on the Great South Road. Wairoa is famous for cheese and butter." Whether these places are live or fifty miles from Auckland is not stated. Other settlements are equally ill-defined. Besides being indefinite, there is a great want of accu racy in the work. Raglan is described as a settlement situated on the Whangaroa harbour instead of the Whaingaroa, the two harbours being distinct and widely separated localities of the province. Te Awamutu, Tauranga harbour, Manuwata, axid Tolago bay are mis-spelled. Alexandra, Harapipi, Te Awa mutu, and Ita.ngiawh.ia, are erroneously described as being situated on the Waikato instead of on the Waipa river. The Waipa river is itself wrongly spelled "Waipu. In the list of plains the Kaingaroa plain, which slopes from Lake Taupo to the East Coast, is altogether omitted. In the list of harbours Mangonui is not mentioned, and Iva whia is generally described as "a harbour and small settlement," although that harbour and surrounding district come within the King territory, and the harbour has been closed to either native or European trade for years, while the two or three European settlers who ever lived in the district have long since left. We have thought it right to point out the above inac curacies, which with others serve to mar the work, because it is of all things most im portant that strict accuracy should charac terise books designed for the instruction of children. No doubt some of the errors are typographical, and cannot be charged upon the author. We well understand the diffi culties which surround an author in an effort such as that put forth bjr Mr Mason to place a large amount of geographical knowledge in a brief compass, and we should be sorry to say anything which would detract from the value placed upon tlie little production be fore us. it is, notwithstanding its defects, a very creditable and useful school-book, far superior to any of a similar class ever pub lished in New Zealand.

The great native meeting at Maungatautari has come abruptly to an end without any definite conclusion having been arrived at. Tawhiao did not put in an appearance, and the discussion, which Avas brief, was carried on chiefly by Rewi, Manga, and Wahanui on the kingite side. They wished to extract from the friendlies a promise that they will not sell or lease their land, and to oppose roads, &c. This promise the friendlies refused to give. Tt was determined that the kingites and the friendlies should define their respective boundaries.

We are requested to call attention to the advertisement of G. Dickson, baker, who notifies the reduction of the two pound loaf to fourpence.

The Rev. R. F. Barret, an American Swedenborgian minister, declares that many an evangilical ministers are studying and becoming converts to the doctrines of the New Church.

It is stated that Rev. Dr. Knapp's Bap tist congregation at Madrid has been broken up, the pastor and three of the most promin ent members have gone over to the Catholic Church.

A chivalrous organ of Catholicism, the Crusader, has come out with an attack on Victor Emanuel. <: His Majesty," says the Crusader, '' was looking even more repul sively ugly than usual, his head nearly dis appearing between his shoulders in conse quence of his increasing bulk, and his complexion, always dark, having become nearly black. His neck is now so short from obesity that his enormous moustaches rest on each shoulder, and a perpetual scowl clouds his face. The excommunication is written there in capital letters, and he seems, and probably is, the most miserable as he is one of the worst of men."

In our report in Saturday's issue respect ing the recent alterations to the machinery of the "Takapuna" we neglected to state that, besides Messrs. Fraser and Thine and Messrs. Sims and Brown, a very important portion of the work—that on the boiler—was very satisfactorily and thoroughly performed by Mr. Yeoman; the whole of the work on the boat being under the supervision of Mr. Heslop.

The Whangapou steam saw mills are again in full working order, and employing up wards of 100 men in bush and at the mills. Nearly 200,000 feet of first-class sawn kauri timber have been sent away since the Gth inst. by the following vessels :—Water Lily, cutter, for Auckland ; Mariner, schooner, (53 tons, for Tauranga ; Fortune schooner, for Opotiki ; Ruby, schooner, for Auckland; Glance, cutter, for Auckland; Mary Eliza,' cutter, for Grahamstown ; Hob Roy, cutter, for Auckland ; Bessy, cuttei-, for Auckland! At the present time the schooner Mariner G3 tons, is loading for Dunedin, and also the schooner Excelsior, for the same port. The barque Lion, Captain Nearing, arrived on January 24, from Auckland, and will take 100,000 feet sawn timber for Adelaide. It is to be regretted that these mills should have been laid up idle so long through vexatious litigation, not only causing serious loss to the proprietor but to the province at large ; and it is to be hoped that as they have now resumed work a long career of prosperity may be enjoyed by the proprietor.—[Com municated.]

A missionary meeting was held at Paparoa, on the 13th inst, when about 100 persons were present. The proceeds of the enter tainment yielded £10 towards the missionary fund.

At the annual meeting of the Episcopalian Church, Coromandel, the report stated the years receipts at £127 15s sd. The church building cost £426 4s Bel the whole of which had been paid. Major Keddell was chosen ministers churchwarden, and Mr Woollams parishioners churchwarden, Messrs Yon Stunner, Woollams, T. G. Woollams, Dyer, Lacon, Hunter, and Sandes, were elected vestrymen,

On Saturday afternoon the new Ferry Company's steamer '' Takapuna" was placed on the service without previous announce ment, and during the evening was very largely patronised. "Due notification having been made through our columns, the public appear to have yesterday responded, and in almost all the afternoon trips the boat was greatly crowded. In some of the trips there was not nearly sufficient sitting room, and the crowded deck, hurricane deck, and cabins, together with the beauty of the steamer herself, presented a emip d'aeU most attractive and picturesque. The machinery works perfectly, and there was a universal expression of satisfaction on the part of the voyagers, and of the belief that from the accommodation and elegance of the boat herself, besides the fact of her having brought down the fares to an exceedingly reasonable rate, she will receive the support of almost the whole travelling public. To-day we understand she is very Largely patronised, and it is now apparent that the Takapuna is accepted, as she was intended to be, "the people's boat." It is somewhat remarkable what an itching all of a sudden appears to possess various parties for getting possession of the Takapuna now when she lias proved her qualifications, no less than three appli cations having been made for her for service between Shortland and the new goldfield at Hikutaia and Ohinemuri. From her small draft of water—under two feet—and her immense capacity we have no doubt she would suit the rush admirably, but there is not any likelihood of the steamer being diverted from her original purpose so long as the public continue to respond as they do at present. But the fact of most liberal proposals having been made should show to those who wish to see the North Shore Ferry continue on a satisfactory basis what is their duty to the "Takapuna." The Company intend to never raise the fares beyond their present rate, which it is needless to say would not be the case if the "Takapuna" took the Hikutaia bait.

An act of disinterested kindness has been shewn to a comparative stranger by Mr John Blair, of the firm of Marsh and Blair of Queen street, which deserves honorable mention. In our obituary notices the death of a young man named Eben West, who had been an inmate of the Provincial Hospital for the last six months, was chronicled ; he died of heart disease, and the expenses of his funeral were generously borne by Mr. Blair. It will be some consolation to the relatives of West in England to know that the remains of one who was dear to them were decently in terred.

We hear that in accordance with our sug gestion, made on the 24th instant, subscrip tion lists are in circulation to raise a fund for the purpose of sending the three extra duly qualified representatives to Nelson for the forthcoming Colonial prize firing. We trust for the honor of Auckland that the requisite funds will be forthcoming, the comparatively small amount of from forty to fifty pounds only being required for the pur pose. The lists numbered from lto 20 in a col lected form, properly certified, can be seen at our office after the return of the representa tives from Nelson. It is intended to have a list at each of the banks, one at each, office of the press, and one to be under the care uf the commanding officer of every corjjs.

A meeting held at Howick condemned the Education Act.

SUPREME COURT.

(Before Chief Justice Sir G. A. Arney.)

THIS DAY,

In Banco

SIIOLT. V. WARNEI

In this case Mr Rogan, the plaintiff's soli citor, applied for a rule nisi for a new trial.

His Honor granted the application, rule returnable on the 12th March.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before E. Isaacs and W. Graham, Esqrs.)

DRUNKENNESS.

Albert J. Nicholas, Jesse Burr, Walter B. Colson, and Patrick Murphy were severally charged with being drunk and disorderly • and dealt with in the usual way. STEALING PEACHES. Henry Smith and Henry Smith, two boys, were charged with stealing a dozen peaches, value Gd, from the garden of Mr Prime, of Anglesea-street, Auckland, on Saturday last. The boys pleaded guilty. Mr Broham stated that this case was not brought forward so much on account of the peaches, as to stop the practice of breaking fences, and destroying property by the boys of the neighbourhood. As this was the first offence they were sentenced to twenty-four hours' imprison ment. William and Alfred Chine, and Thomas and Richard Harvey were charged with a similar offence from the garden of John Brock, situated in East-street, Newton. Mr. Brock stated that he had been a great sufferer through the depredation of the boys of his locality ; they had stolen nearly all his grapes, and now they had commenced vigorously upon his peaches; he watched yesterday from his bedroom window and saw the urchins with sticks and * stones thrashing his peach trees :he caught some of them, and considered the best way to put a stop to these things was to bring the boys to the Police Court. The ages of the boys ranged from 6 to 10. William Clune and Richard Harvey were identified as two of the depredators, but the others Mr. Brock could not swear to. Dis missed with a caution. ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER. Michael Malone, Nicholas Staunton, and George Godkin, were brought up again this morning charged with unlawfully and mali ciously assaulting John Mallay, at Drury, on the Ist inst., who has since died of the in juries received. On the application of Mr Broham this case was remanded until Thursday next, and upon the app ication of Mr Joy bail was extended to that day. ROBBERY AT CLARK AND SONS. Francis Falcon and John Johnstone were brought up on remand charged with feloniously breaking and entering the pre mises of Messrs A. Clark and Sons, of Shortland-street, between the 18th and 20th of the present month, and stealing therefrom articles and moneys amounting in value to £36 6s. The main particulai-s of this charge appeared in our issue of Friday last. Ann Regan stated that she was the wife of Jeremiah Regan, and remembered the 19th of the present month, when about ten o'clock p.m. John Johrstone came to her house. He first knocked at the door, and she opened it. He was sitting on a bag. He asked to be allowed to come in. She said, " Wait till my husband comes." She said this because he had a bag with him. Her husband, on coming home, asked Johnstone what he had there, when he pulled out some colored shirts and a blanket from the bag. He then wished to bring them into the house. Her husband said, " You cannot bring them here;" when he replied he would get them in elsewhere. He put them on his back, and took them up William-street towards the Barrack Hill, i

She saw him again the next mornrag between nine and ten o'clock, when he took her blankets, and her husband said they will think he has got a swag. Cross-examined by the prisoner Jolmstone: She could not swear to any of the goods produced. He first spoke about some mullet, and then said he was going to the Waikato. Mary Margaret Hanerhan, aged 13, resid ing with her parents in Chancery-street, remembered the 19th instant. Affirmed that she saw Jolmstone and the last witness walking together, and afterwards saAV the prisoner hi the narrow lane by Messrs Winks and Hall's with a large bundle on his back. Mrs Townsend followed him. .loseph Trapeni, lodging-house keeper, iv Chancery-street, stated that the prisoner had been staying at his place during the last month—since he came out of prison—and o— the evening of the 20th paid him £1 10s in Detective Jeffrey stated that on Tuesday the 21st inst., he saw the two prisoners sitting on a step by the Southern Cross office, about nine o'clock in the morning ; he saw them again at eleven on the kerbstone in Victoria street. He told them to go into the bar parlor of the Greyhound hotel, when he saw- Falcon take out something from his side pocket, and attempt to conceal it_ behind him. AVitness immediately seized his hand, and took two brooches from his hand (pro duced), which have since been identified by MrMcCosh Clark, as the property of^ the firm. He arrested both prisoners. Upon searching the bed-room of the prisoners he found a card (produced) marked A on a table in the room. He also produced a piece of wood and a gimlet, which Detective Terna han took from under prisoner's bed, and which the witness Mason recognised as the property of Messrs Clark. He had known the prisoners for a long time ; they have been living a few yards from each other, at the back of Messrs Clarks' premises. Began lives in William-street. The articles were found in the direct road from Regan's place to Barrack hill. Edward 0. Hanerhan, at the request of the prisoner Johnson, was called, but knew nothing in the prisoner's favour. He had, some ten days before the robbery, heard that he was going to the Waikato, but did not recollect being at his door on the evening of the 19th. The prisoners were then committed for trial. This concluded the day's business.

DISTRICT COURT.

Tins Day

(Before His Honor Judge Beckliam.)

MAKAOKE KA.KATI V. J. LUSDOX, This was an action to recover £3S for ser vices rendered at an arbitration. Evidence had been heard last Court day. His Honor in giving judgment said the Court was satisfied that plaintiff was entitled to £30 ss. The set-off' £7 10s was clearly proved, leaving £22 15s due. Against this there was a set-off for horses, respecting which the evidence was not conclusive. The Court proposed to give judgment for £22 15s, leaving defendant to bring an action against Makaore for the price of the horses— execution to be suspended pending the issue of the case. Mr James Russell objected to the set-off for horses being allowed to weigh the case, it not having been proved. After discussion Mr Sheehan withdrew the whole set-off, and judgment was given for the plaintiff for £30 sss ; execution to be su speuded pending the action which is to be brought next Court day for the recovery of the set-off. Costs, £8 11s. O. MAYS V. NEWMAN. Claim, £100 damages. There was no appearance of the plaintiff, and Mr J. B. Russell applied for costs, which were allowed. ASHTON V. JAMES WILLIAMSON. Claim, £100 ; highway rates alleged to be due on the Surrey Hills estate. Mr Hesketh appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Whitaker for the defendant. A general defence was put in to the effect that plaintiff was not indebted ; also th the rate had not been legally struck. H. Ashton deposed that he had been duly appointed collector to the Newton Highwayt Board. The assessment list which had been posted in the district was forwarded to the Superintendent's office. Argument ensued between counsel respect ing the necessity for producing the original copy of the assessment list. Ultimately Mr Whitaker agreed, in order to save the pro duction of witnesses, to admit that the original list had been burned in the fire at Government building. He also admitted the boundaries of the district as gazetted. Mr Ashton then deposed to the assessment of Mr Williamson's property, and to that gentleman having been solicited for payment of the money. Defendant's agent hadappealed against the assessment at the time appointed for doing so, but the trustees had over-ruled the appeal. | Mr Faulder, chairman of the Board, was also examined, and gave testimony similar to that given by Mr Ashton. Mr Whitaker addressed the Court in favour of a nonsuit, taking several objec tions to the way in which the rate had been levied. Mr Hesketh replied. Mr Whitaker stated that the reason Mr Williamson had taken the course of resisting the rate was that the trustees had placed a fancy value on the property. The property had previously been assessed at £15 a year, but they had this year valued it at £25,000, although it was only bringing in about £300 a year. His Honor reserved judgment. This concluded the business.

SPOONING ON THE PIER.

Air—" Spooning on the Sands." We've got no public promenades, No shady lanes nor parks, Where dashing belles may stroll to meet Their gay young Auckland sparks. But if a " fella " out must take His lady-love, so dear, The only place for " spooning " is, The breezy Queen-street Pier. Chorus. Spooning on the pier, Spooning on the pier, To see the swells and Auckland belles Go spooning on the pier. The old Domain's the favorite spot, Beneath the wary trees, Where all the servant girls repair To trifle and to tease. And when the setting sun goes down, And shades of night draw near, Ihey meet their youthful swains, and then Go spooning on the pier. Chorus. But all the gushing barmaids here To Onehunga ride In a light four-wheeled vehicle That just holus two inside. Of course they don't return till dark, Then off at once they steer To finish up their evening with Their "spooneys"on the pier. Chorus. I will not walk upon the wharf * On Sunday nights again ; I ye been there many times, and sought A quiet spot in vain. Besides those vulgar Auckland boys Most rudely interfere With all the loving couples that Go spooning on the pier, Chorus, J.S,

Mm EVENING STAft, MONDAY, JANUABY 27, IS?3.



CAI/LS John O'Grouts .. 0 5 0 Thames Gas .. .. 0 5 0 Italian 0 0 0 Central Italy .. 0 0 6 Mary Ann .. .. 0 0 0 Hope of Coromandel 0 0 0 White Rose .. .. 0 10 Flagship Golden Anchor 0 1 0 Carnatic .. .. 0 0 :5 Multum in Parvo .. 0 17 Golden Spur.. .. 0 0 0 Key ef Tokatea .. 0 0:? Buffalo .. .. 0 0 3 El Dorado .. .. 0 10 Working Minors .. 0 0 fi Watchman .. .. 0 10 Crown Prince .. 0 0 0 Pride of Tokatea .. 0 10 Goldfinch .. .. 0 0 2 Imperial Crown ,. 10 0

Jan 27 Jan 23 Jan :iO Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Fob 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Keb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Fob 12 Feb 12 Feb 17



CAN THE BEST MOLESKIN TROUSERS IN NEW ZEALAND BE SOLD FOR Gs. Hi).? NO! DRAPBBB AND OTHERS outside the Clothing Trade may offer such baits to the public, lout as THE CLOTH IER OF THE PRO YIN CE, and the only one whose businessis 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, ecjual in c very respect to the Cs. lid. article, FOR ss. 11d. And a pair of GENUINE Crown Moles, FOR Gs. 1 Id. And the best in New Zealand, FOR Ss. 11 d. SAMUEL COOM BE S, MANUFACTURER & CLOTHIER, 80 & ISO, Queen-street. iHPHE Banks will Close ou Wednes day, 29th inst., Anniversary of the Colony.