SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUN-SET: This evening, 6.12 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 5. IS HIGH WATER; This evening, 2,3' i ; to-monow morning, 3.4

ARRIVALS.

Wellington, s.s , from the South

DEPARTURES,

PROJECTED DEPARTURES. Tor Rorotonga : Mata. schooner early For London : City of Auckland, ship ; loading For London : Lady Bowen, barque For London : Countess of Kintore, ship

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Wonga "Wonga, s s , from Sydney Hydaspes, ship, from London. Sailed July 26 Skimmer of the Wave, ship, from New York Magellan Cloud, brigantine, from Honolulu Gemsbok, barque, from Now York, via Dunedin Lily, brig, from Adelaide Ferndale, bu-que, from London. Sailed August 12 Magellan t loud, schooner, from Honolulu Coronet, schooner, from Tahiti, early Rvijp, schooner, from Lyttelton. Sailed Sept. 27 Ha?;el Home, barqne, from Mauritius, via Dunedin, Sailed, October 13 "Velocidade, barque, from Lyttelton. Sailed Oct. 13

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Wellington, from Southern ports : 1 cask, T. Boylan; 2 cases, Kempthorne ■ 2 parcels, Bank of New Zealand ; 65 bags potatoes, order ; 1 parcel deeds, Bucholz ; 1 parcel, Combes and Daldy; 1 portmanteau, Lewisson; 1 parcel, Graham; 50 boxes candles, Bucholz; 1 case, Collector of Customs; 100 boxes candles, Meyers ; 1 case, Mrs Yon Tempskey ; 1 package, Bank of New Zealand; 1 parcel, Wright ; H boxes gold (3071 oz. IS dwts. 12 grs.,) Bank of New Zealand ; 1 parcel, Bull ; 2 balea tweeds, Clark and Sons ; 1 canvass bale, Lewis Bros. ; ?> cases butter, Mr N. Beard ; 2 ditto, Barnes ; (J cases, 1 trunk, Clark and Sons ; 4 cases butter, M. Hood ; 2 ditto, J. S. Bennett.

EXPORTS.

Per schooner Merlin for Levuka : 25,900 feet timber, ?, pgs sashes, 72 pieces archi traves, 6 pgs casements, 4 pgs glass doors, GOO feet zinc spouting, GO feet sheet lead, 12 feet zinc, 1 pgs ironmongery, 4 tins paint, 40,000 shingles, J. tS. Macfarlane and Co.

The s.s. "Wellington, Captain Carey, ar rived in the Mamikati yesterday morning. She left Port Chalmers at 4 p.m. on the 7th inst. Had thick weather and head sea to Port Cooper, arriving at '5 p.m. on the Stli ; left 4.30 p.m. on the 9th. Had fine weather to Wellington, arriving 9.40. a.m., 10th ; left

at 3.10. p.m., 11th, for Picton, arriving at 8.30 p.m.; loft at 2 a.m. yesterday, arriving at noon same clay ; left at 1.30 p.m., 13th, for Taianaki, arriving 0 a.m., 14th ; left at 4.kBO, arriving at Onelnmga wharf as ahove. She bringgs the following

passengers : Saloon —Messrs Morrisson, Collie. Murdoch, Phillips, Drake, Mr and Mrs Wilson, Mr and Mrs O'Korlce and son, Mr Nelson, Miss Brown, Messrs G. M. Heed, Walmesly, Waller, Hntchinson, Ramiise, Hooker, Downie, Hood, Sheehan. Steerage— Mra Priestly, Messrs Cash, Stephenson, and West.

COMMERCIAL

CALLS. Van G.M.C , 6d : October 20 West Coast G.M.C, Cd ; October 20 Windfall G.M.C, Crt; Nov. 12

urmiiros. White Rose G.M C, October 10 Bank of New Zealand, October 22 Otago G.M.C, October 28

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1873.

» For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, i'or the future in the distanco. And the good that we can do

The Town Clerk to-clay received the fol lowing telegram regarding the Governor's visit to Auckland : —"lf as his Excellency hopes, Lady Fergnsson goes on well, his Excellency expects to leave by H.M.S. Pearl on Friday, so that he might be in Auckland on Tuesday or Wednesday.—C. R. K. Fkruusson, A.D.C."

A deputation from East Tainaki, consisting of Messrs Wallace and Bent, waited upon the Provincial Government5 authorities this afternooni| in order to obtain their consent to a petition of the inhabitants of the Tamaki, praying the Government to allow them to carry a new road through private property from Mackay's corner, in the Tamaki road, to the lands of certain settlers in the neighbourhood of the' Tauranga. The deputation stated that the consent of the owners had > been obtained, subject to some stipulations with regard to fencing, &c, and that certain of the other settlers had agreed to submit^an extrajrate of Is per aero in addi tion^ their other rates. Mr Hurst, who re presented the Government, undertook to advise a grant a sum of £70 in aid of the proposed work. The deputation thanked Mr Hurst and retired.

We have been requested by Mr G. W. Bin ney to return thanks to Messrs Thornton, Smith, and Firth for the use of their fire en gine, and also to Captain Rails,'and the crew of the City of Auckland for their exertions in saving his property. But for these there can bo little doubt that the store would have been totally destroyed.

Mr Charles Eaton, of Remuera, has called at our office, and states that he was not con cerned in the donkey race alleged to have taken place at Remuera, nor is he the owner of a donkey as stated in a paragraph pub lished by us.

A Poverty Bay correspondent of a Napier paper writes.? with reference to the Berar immigants :—"By the Comerang on Thurs day last a timely addition to our labor popu lation was made by the introduction of a score or so of the Berar's passengers recently arrived in Auckland from London. The fortunate circumstance of Captain Read's presence in Auckland enabled him to offer assisted passages to such of them as would probably find readiest employment in this district—carpenters, bricklayers, stockmen and others—all of whom hayc already been engaged. The Court-house was placed at their disposal, and through the liberality of Captain Read had their creature comforts attended to in a way which reflects great credit on that gentle man's kindly disposition. ■As this trial him beon so successful it is Captain Read's in tention we believe to give further assistance to such as may be of the disposable material," ,

l n his recent lecture on tobacco Dr Hobbs said:—That man, different from all the lower order of animals, tried to destroy his in stincts in many ways, though endownud with a much higher grade of vitallity &c. That tobacco had been confined to Central America lor 5,000 years, had, despite the edict of kings, found its way 0" over the world. The first proposition was its medi cinal quantities, which, he said had been proved to be most veritent poison by many experiments, &c. 2nd. The common effects on the heart, <fee. ord. The diseases caused by it. 4th. Excuses made for its use. sth. Dis suasives. Oth. Cure, or the way to become emancipated from its bondage. In speaking on the dissuasive he remarked that as a general rule persons who become addicted to using tobacco, and the same was true of liquor in early life, indulge more excessively than do those who commence in more mature life. The very nature of tobacco and its operation on the human system should long ago have taught the world and the Temperance army that it kindles up a love for alcohol, and when that love is coupled with the use of tobacco a man is doubly insured as a drunk ard for life ; and it is one of the propitious ' signs of the times that the friends of the great Temperance movement were waking . up tv this conviction—that tobacco and rum 1 go hand in hand, effecting the drunkard's , ruin. Great Britain in a single year received ■ a revenue from tobacco of £4,5(50,74-], equal to a poll-tax of ten shillings per head. Some poor men in Auckland, he was told spent from ten to twenty dollars annually for the article, and others spend eighty and 100 dollars, and many spend more for this article than for the education of their children. But now the inauguration of the independent Order of Good Templars would doubtless effect a great reform in Auckland, as the Templars have always been the staunch and unflinching friend of health reform, and have not only passed resolutions, but carried them against the evils spoken of. Their resolutions were given by the doctor, who also sketched the rise, origin, and progress of the order, and alluded to the great meeting in London of the llight Worthy Grand Lodge, and of the steamer Victoria, chartered by the American delegates to cross the Atlantic to bo pro sent at a cost of 150 dollars for the round voyage. lie also spoke of the British Templars in the House of Commons, of Canada which has under its jurisdiction l,(! 00 lodges, anil 2000 members, among whom arc ministers of religion, mem liors of Parliament, Ministers of the Crown, • doctors, editors, lawyers, ive., iVe. Tin: object is to reclaim the fallen, save the young, and educate its members, ami the public in total abstainer principle.l! by open lodge meeting leetnrus, and circulat ing temperance literature. 11 is purely moral initsobjectss, and offers no selfish inducements to join, but endeavours to roach the heart by regarding total abstainer, as a christian principle. The Doctor closed by giving some verses on the erits of tobacco, which we have not room to give. The Prince of Wales 'Theatre was but thinly attended last evening owing to the rain ; but those persons who were in attend ance evidently enjoyed the treat provided in "Man and Wife." The leading idea of the play is to exhibit the unsatisfactory condition of a Scotch marriage, of the (Irotna Green type. There are a great many points of interest, and some admirable sensational scenes which have their especial attractions for playgoers. Mr McGowan played the part of Sir Patrick Lundie, and Mr Collier the part of Geoffry Delamyne, tho scape grace truthfully. Mr Hesford as Master Bishopriggs, Mr Hooper as Arthur Brin wortli, were excellently represented. Mrs Walter Hill displayed in her seemly style the modesty, innocense, and 3orrows of Ann Silvester, and was well received. Mrs McGowan was capital as the dumb cook with the dreadful secret of her transgression. "Man and Wife " is full of life mid anima tion, and with its scenery and faithful! re presentations cannot fail in winning the approbation of the public. At the Diocesan Synod yesterday, it was agreed on the motion of the Rev Mr. Bur rows, that a committee bo appointed to carry out the resolution passed to afford assistance to tho Archdeacons. It wps resolved to request the Dioceson Trustees to pay the cost of printing the proceedings. The Diocesan Pension Kund[report was read, and adopted on the motion of Mr Pierce. The reports on the Church of England Fire Insurance Branch, and of St. John's Co'Tege and the Grammar School were read. On the motion of Archdeacon Mauusell, a select committee was appointed to consider in what way facilities might be afforded for the celebration of marriages by Church of Eng land clergymen. Also on the motion of the Rev. B. T. Dudley—" That this Synod is of opinion that it should be known as •speedily and publicly as possible, that tho clergymen of this diocese are at liberty, in special cases, at their discretion, to solemnise holy matrimony in private houses ; and also to remit the fees, either in whole or in. part, in cases in which the remission of them is a matter of consideration to the parties to bo married. A cordial vote of thanks was carried by acclamation for the hospitality extended by Mrs Cowie to the inern'oars of the Synod

In taking <i glance what a good sewing machine ought to be it must be borne in mind that the same 'principle that gmdes us in the proper proportioning of a steam engine or any other piece of machinery, applies equally to a sewing machine, which may be stated as follows :—-Oet the required motion as simply as possible, have as few moving parts as possible, have all bearings large enough to do the work without cutting up the rubbing surfaces, and lastly, all tho various parts must be so propor tioned as to be sufficient to perform tho work and no more. There is per haps no class of machinery taken as a whole in which these most important principles are so often set aside as sewing machines, which, perhaps arises from the necessity of avoiding the infringing of the almost countless patents. The successful' lock-stitch machines of tho present day may bo divided into two classes—the shuttle and the rotatory hook-machines. There can be no doubt but that the shuttle-machine has had its day from the simple fact that the same object can be attained quite as well with the rotatory hook-machine, and with so many less moving parts. For, while ;i good shuttle-machine has twenty moving parts, the rotatory. hook-machine has only eight, and all its movements are. direct acting. The difference must be more apparent when we consider that in ordinary working the sowing, does about 400 stiches per minute, while perhaps only a tenth part of the power used in work ing the machine is expended upon the actual | sewing, the remaining nine-tenths being con sumed in driving the machinary. Enough has been said to illustrate the principle that ought to guide a purchaser. Any further j particulars may be obtained at the agency of : theßrittaniasevvingmaohine, the fitting shop, i Vulcan lane, where the machines of other j makers can be seen, and the principles com- j pared. j The Rev. James Hill delivered a lecture , last evening on " Phrenology" at the , Devonport Hall, North Shore. There was a very good itttendance, anil tho lecture wag a , success.

The supreme ruling power of the Inde- J pendent Order of Good Templars met recently for the first tune in Eng land ill the Holborn Amphitheatre. Its representatives came from all parts of the new world, both north and south, there being four sent from each grand lodge, and, doubtless, p'-nost every part of the world appeared by deputy at this important assembly. The ' meetings were presided over by the R,ev. J. i Russell, who occupies the proud position of ! being the Eight Worthy Grand Chief . Templar of the World. A large number of visitors, members of the various lodges in the kingdom, also attended. All wore either ; scarlet or purple regalia, and the tine building ; presented a very imposing appearance. The j business was almost entirely routine. Considering the weather last evening there was a much better audience at the City II all than we expected to see, and it must bo gratifying to Mr Chapman, the premier prestidigator, to find the gradual increase of spectators, which shows that Mr Chapman's wonderful illusions only require to be known to the public to draw I crowded houses. Among other new tricks, he: introduced the catching of half-crowns all over the house, which creates great laughter 1 among the audience, and we must certainly say that we have never seen anyone here to ; excel him in style and finish in his profession. I This being the last night of his I performances in Auckland, we would recommend all who have not seen him to avail themselves of the opportunity. At tho same time we would advise Mr Chapman to continue his entertainments for a few nights longer, as there are hundreds of ladies and gentleman- in the suburbs who have been prevented from witnessing his performance in consequence f| of the inclemency of the weather. The annual soiree of the Pitt-street Wcslcyan Church was held last night, and was well attended. Mr Prime occupied the chair. Mr Kdson read the report, showing that the total receipts Avere £1,141 Ss2d, only £-(.'>7 I7m lOd of which belonged to the trust account, and that sum was deficient by £32 to meet the expenditure, £130 having been expended in permanent alterations: to the trust property. The committee regretted that they had been unable to make the re ductions in the debt hoped for last year, but lie believed' they would be able to announce a hotter result in their next report. The report was adopted. Addresses were then delivered by the Rev. G. 11. Turner on "Salutations. The Itov. I". 11. Comford on "Dodging Duty." Tin) Rev. A. lleid on "The Church Recruit ing Ground." The l!cv. It. K. Maeuiccol on " I'oligioug Example," and the licv. .1. < 'nun]) on " Music in Worship." Tho choir rendered the following pieces : —"Lord, how .are they increased," "And tho Glory," "The Lord Gave," "Their .Sound is Gone Out." "0, Love the Lord," " Lift up your Mead," and " Arise, Shine." The Rev. A. Reid apologised for the absence of the Rev. Dr who was unavoidably absent. A very good story is current illustrative of the high opinion entertained by the Maoris who have scats in the Upper House of their position. It is said that one of the Maori Lords, who had attended a dinner at his Excellency the Governor's invitation, which had been confined to members of the Upper House, was airing his opinion in the presence of one of his brother Maoris of the Lower House, and expressed himself as follows : "Very good Governor —very good dinner—very good Governor—a 1' Rangatiras —all gentlemen —no members Lower Houso. y ft, however, having come to tin? knowledge of the Lower House Maori that Mr. Green wood, Sergeant-at-Arins of tho House of Representatives, had been invited to the dinner as an officer of the House, he re torted :—Gentlemen, indeed ! Governor knew better, and had to- invite officer of Lower House to keep Rangatiras from getting drunk." The Melbourne Cup £250 sweep at the Occidental Hotel will positively come of}' to-night, when all members are invited to at tend. In the Dunedin Lunatic Asylum there are 180 patients. During the last ten years no less than 700 have been admitted, of which number 05 per cent have been discharged cured, i) per cent died, aud 20 per cent re main inmates of the institution. The Pioneer Lodge* of Good Templars will meet this evening in Cook-street Odd Fellows Hall at half-past seven. Coffee.—Brown, Barrett, & Co.'s Standard Col Tee is oth delicious and strong. Brown, Barrett, & Co. s Excelsior Coffee deserves preference to any coffee on account of purity and distinctness of flavour. Note the brands, sold at almost every procery establish ment in town and province.—fADVT. 1

DISTRICT COURT.—This Day

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

John o'uroat'.s gold mtnxnc

COMPANY

This was a case of appeal by the .Jolin O'Groat's Gold Mining Company made under the Highway's Empowering Act of 1871, against the imposition, of certain rates by the Waitaihoe Highway Board.

Mr Whitaker and Mr McDonald appeared for the appellants ; Mr MacCormick and Mr Tylor for respondents.

Mr Whitaker contended on the part of his clients that the native title on the lands occupied by the Ot&go Company had been extinguished, and consequently the company was not liable. He quoted several cases in support o^f his argument. The question at issue, and for the Court to consider, was whether or not the native, land title had been extinguished over lands used for gold-mining purposes.

Mr MacCormack at some length defined the meaning of several sections of the Em powering Act, and showed that Crown or waato lands when leased or otherwise licensed for pastoral or other purposes were subject to the rating clause. There was however one exception, which excluded such places as a gaol, or hospital specially demised by the Crown to persons for public or provincial uses. But the Act does not provide that lands devoted to gold mimn? should not be rated. " ; • . ' . ,2 /

(Left sitting.)

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SITTINGS,

Yesterday—Continued, j , (Before His Honor Sir George A. Arney, Kfc, Chief Justice. MANSLAUGHTER. Dr'Mark E. B. Niqholson deposed that Mr Boylan came to his house about nine o'clock lin the morning, and asked him to come and j see his wife wh'6'had had a miscarrirge, i*e- j marking at the same time that she did not | J want a doctor. He told the husband that * j rest was iwhat she wanted. He suggested ' sjome brandy) which she could not take. He; j visited her oh the"following morning between ' , ten and eleven and found her better. She said she had taken some beef tea, which had I ! relieved her considerably. The next morn- ] ing he found the woman dead. \ Detective Jeffrey, detective officer, proved to receiving information on the 15th July from Gaptaui Casey, whcreuponVhe at once proceeded to Boylan's Hotel ; ho saw

prisoner and informed Him of the complaint that had been made at the station respecting his ill-treating his wife in the street ; he showed him a wound on his head and said that his wife done it with a pair ot pincers. He further stated that his wife had run out of the house ; he soid their had been a diffe rence between them. He then went in search of Mrs Boylan, and found her locked in an empty house in Jetmyn street, .crouched up in one corner of the room. She lot him in without p.ny apparent reluc tance. She seemed very much agitated and said she was afraid to return home. He persuaded her to accompany him to the police-station and lay an information which she did. A warrant was then issued, s-nd Boylan was taken into custody on the charge of beating his wife. This was the case for the prosecution.

| Mr Joy then addressed the jury for the f defence.

Mrs Bodelia Marsh, of Hobson-strcet. and Mr Moyle, of Queen-street, gave evidence as to Mrs Boylan having sought shelter at their houses on several occasions, when she appeared greatly excited. Constable Cadcll also deposed that when prisoner was in the look-up his w'le came there in a state of confusion, which he con sidered was caused by drink. The Court rose at half-past six, and ad journed until nine o'clock to-morrow mom-

THIS DAY

His Honor took his scat at nine o'clock,

Detective Jeffrey was recalled by Mr Brooklield, and contradicted a statement made by a Mrs I loach, that Mrs Roy lan was kept waiting at the Police Court unnecessar ily for a long time until Mr Cunningham was disengaged That statement was not ti ie.

Mrs Bedelia Marsh was also recalled, and stated that she believed that Mrs Boylan was not under the irfluence of drink when she called at her house. .She was excited, and she persuaded her to go home.

Mr Beveridgo then addressed the jury. JgfHis Honor then summed up the whole of the evidence which had been adduced, and closed at two o'clock, when the jury retired to consider their verdict, and aftt-r half-au hour's deliberation found the prisoner guilty.

On being asked why the Court should not pass sentence upon him, prisoner said that he was very sorry. lie would admit that lie took means to prevent his wife from going out, when circumstances required that she should have rest. His wife had been a good wife, and a good mother to his two children. He was indiiJ'erent to his own fate, but for the sake of his two bdpless children, who had hitherto been tenderly brought up, he asked the Court to be merciful towards him.

His Honor, in passing sentence, said he did not see how the jury with such evidence as had been produced could come to any other conclusion. Ho thought that the miscarriage and subsequent death of hi 3 wife were the result of his ill-usago, caused by his intemperate habits, if she had indulged iv like habits herself.

His Honor bolieved that he was really the cause of them. He knew that her heavy alllictiou was imminent, the doctor had \ warned him of the probable consequences ; of his violent conduct arising from the dreadful vice of drunkenness. The sentence of the ('ourt upon him, therefore, would be that he be kept in poual servitude for the term of four years. The Court then adjourned until ten o'clock to-morrow morning. I'OLKJE UOUJJT.—This Day. (Before P. A. PhHips, Esq., R.M.) DKUNKBNNESS, Bernard Davies was charged with this offence, and fiued iJs and costs. I.ACCKNY. Alexander Simpson, charged with stealing a quarter of mutton, was remanded till to morrow. A UI.SOIiKDIK.NT SKA MAN. William Finch, a seaman belonging to the Countess of Kintore, was chargd with dis obedience to lawful commands on board the said ship on the 14th instant. Prisoner pleaded guilt}', and was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment with hard labour, and to forfeit two days' wages.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

THE CALEDONIAN.

BREACH OF ARMS ACT.

(From our own Correspondent. ]

URAHAMSTOWN

This day. The Caledonian broke down more stone from the hanging-wall vein, No. 4 winze. There is a nice show of gold left in the face. The stones broken are moderately good. This afternoon they got nice specimens from the body of the reef and 2 fqet from hanging wall, and within 2 feet G inches of the north end of the winze.

Bird in Hand Crushing commenced this morning, and is showing well.

At the Police Court, Hart, gunsmith, charged with selling a gun without a license was committed for trial. Bail was allowed, himself in £50 and one surety. The circum stances of this,|aad the case against Hazard yesterday, show great hardship ; both acted on instructions of Customs officer, and much sympathy is felt for them.

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

(From our own Correspondent.)

NAPIER

This day. Arrived : Paterson, from Wellington; Rangatira, from Poverty Bay. MrW.T. Buckland has purchased, through Mr Miller, Colonel Whitmore's station at Apleby for the sum of £30,500.

i There is a public holiday to-day. The Agricultural and Pastoral Show at Havelock jis a great success. There is an unusually large number of entries. Weather fine.

DUNEDIN.

I.'1. This day. Arrived—Eokeby Hall, from Liverpool, 101) days out. She brings a large and valu able cargo. The Gemsbok left for Auckland yesterday to load for New York. ' The contract for the repair of the Wild Buck is £1050. The ship Allahabad is loading for Sydney. She takes a large quantity of flour. The amount of Customs revenue yesterday was.£lGGo. The competitos for Melbourne co mmenced i firing off yesterday. . ' A whale one hundred and twenty feet long was seen off the Heads yesterday. A public meeting will be held on Monday. PORT CHALMERS. This day. Dr McKenzie lectured on Oliver Cromwell; Ho defended and eulogised him. The imports to Punediu for (juartor,

ending September were £470,539 ; exports, £212,775. J

[Pei Anglo-Australian Telegraph Company.]

DUNEDIN.

This day,

Mr IToskins is ill in Dunedin. The gold brought down by the escort is larger than last month. National Bank and National Insurance shares ar^ in demand. Sympathy is expressed witli the Captain of the William Tapscott. Trade is bri.sk. The Mosgiel Wollen Company's shares were briskly taken up.

HOKITIKA.

This day,

Arrived—Claude Hamilton, from Mel bourne. She will he tendered about five this afternoon.

WELLINGTON.

This day. The Excelsior and Veronica came in last night. The Tapscott sails to:day with 22 of a crew. A flagstaff1 has been erected at Ngakawhau from which the tidsl and Bar sk:ials can be shown. The water for extinguishing of fires will be ready in three weeks."

NAPIER.

This day. Mr M. R. Miller reports the sale of Colonel Whitmore'a station at Apely, of 15,000 acres, for £.'i5,000. The Herald announces that owing to the extraordinary increase in wealth and popula tion oi' the district it has determined in cpm iriL'out withasheet the .same size as the Otago Times paper. As soon as the plant arrives the paper will he enlarged.

FIRE IN QUEEN STREET.

VALUABLE PROPERTY DESTROYED.

ESTIMATED DAMAGE, £50.000

This moiaing, shortly after the honr of twelve had been tolled by the town clock, an alarm of fire was rung out from the city bells. The weather was very boisterous, a strong N.E. gale blowing, accompanied by heavy downfalls of rain. Tlie streets were deserted by all except police constables, and here and there a stray reveller wending his way borne after the night's dissipation. The first note of alani), given by the bell of the .New Zealand Insurance Company, was taken up almcsb instantaneously by the bell at the junction, of Wakefield and Grey-streets, and soon the clanging of bells was heard throughout the city, high above the bluster of the wind and patter of the rain. The night was not very inviting to pedestrians just aroused from the peaceful slumbers and snug quarters, yet a large number of persons thronged the streets, and hurried in the direction of Queen-street —it being evident from the glare that the fire was in the heart of the city and was of a serious character. The locality of the conflagration Aras soon dis covered to be a narrow lane leading from Fort-street into Custom-house-street, and giving a back entrance to the large brick stores on the east side of Lower Queen street. The buildings abutting on this street were mostly of brick, and were used for storage. The constable on duty near the block was the first to dis cover indications of tfre, his attention being drawn by a strong glare in Mr J. S. Macfar lane's back store, from which smoke was issuing in thick volumes. This store was filled with flax, cotton seed and other combustible! materials, which burned very fiercely with atr almost xinquenchable flame and intense heat. The constable at once proceeded to give the alarm by awaking the porter at the New Zealand Insurance Company's building and summoning the police. In the mean time the flames had not only gained a firm hold of the building where the fire originated, 7but had extended to the brick store adjoin ing, occupied by Messrs Henderson and Macffurlane. The lire had oiiginated near the dividing wall between J. S. Macfarlane's and Henderson and Maeffarlane's stores, and on the side next the Queen-street premises. Constables Gordon and Satchwell, accom panied by Messrs Armstrong and Philips, were first on the scene, and broke into Mr J.S. Macfarlane's back store, where they found several bales in a blaze, and the fire very widely spread. There was no damaged, cotton from the Lady Bowen, as stated, in this morning's Cross, in JV S. Mac farlane's store, but a quantity of island cotton, andcotton seed was stored on the second flat where the fire originated and it is believed it was in the seed that the flames were engendered, and that the flax and cotton in the same room next caught. Messrs J. S. Macfarlane and Henderson and Mac farlane's back stores were completely en veloped in flames before any real efforts could be made to stay the progress of the fire. The two fire brigades were soon on the spot. Inspector Matthew's brigade arriving first, but Superintendent Asher first getting into working order. There was an ample supply of water ; from the Domain, the reservoir supply , which is sufficient for twelve hours, being ! on, and the pipes full. Mir Kitchen, however, : thought it prudent to turn on the supply j direct from the ponds, which contain storage j for a week, and he proceeded at once to the domain for that pur pose which was speedily accomplished. The wind blew the flames on to the backs of the front stores diagonally, and carried flakes of fires towards the stores of Messrs E. and H. Isaacs, H. S. Meyers, and the Metropolitan Hotel which so narrowly escaped during the fire, at the Post-office. Messrs G. W. Binney's, Highley's, and Eaton's stores were in imminent danger, while the' fate of J. S. -Macfarlane's and Henderson and Macfarlane's front stores, and Stone Brothers' store was sealed. The front doors of these stores had been thrown open long previously, and many willing hands.had been occupied removing goods. The back windows had several times caught, but were extinguished again until the charred and blackened frames became a mass of llames and a fiery tongue was driven through the window of Mr J. S. Macfarlane's store and set fire to the goods inside. , About the same time the fire had taken firm hold of Henderson and Maeffarlane's store.

THE HEIGHT OF THE FIRE.

About one o'clock the fire which had been raging unchecked in the interior of Messrs J. Sj. Macfarlane and Hendenon in<* Macfar lane's buildings, broke out into Q« p"fl.. street through the doorway . and' offi'e window of J. S. Macfarlane's. store. The flames also broke through the frouo of Messrs Henderson & Macfarlane's store. The building occupied by Stone Brothers which was built partly of wood and partly of brick now caught fire and the flames extended to the roofs of the buildings and the whole , city was illuminated with the reflection of the fire, although the night before the outbreak was intensely (Jarlj,

The firemen worked hardT^P^T ■ jets were almost iweW thei* V the immense body of flames frw* 8*" 1^ I centre of the conflagration^ an^ W§ attention was directed to the savi^Jl^ ' joining premises. Messrs ThorntonM-?f and Firth's engine was cot?*' 1' and rendered good servicl Th*° rk its .agency the premises of Mr G W lv 8h were undoubtedly saved. The forcl'nf ey burst the hose repeatedly Mr 0 p?Jtet of the New Zealand Insurance'c^n? 06' employed a number of men to p D- y> in, preserving Mr Binney's storp aSsiat which his office held a W? °? Mr Bmney also engaged men who with a will under the direction 7tW gentleman assisted by Messrs Harpl S Smith. In the meantime efforts Z\- d marie to preserve the buildings higher 8 Queen-street. Mr Highley's store 2• ? 1,000 bags of mito, foo sacks of 'gfiff 8* and a quantity of,iionr; bacon, ch£T£ I his was much damaged by Water Wcl S" moval. In the same building was.MrScg: boot and shoe warehouse, he bavin* remnl i to those premises after being burned outf weeks ago. His goods were mostly renW and much damaged. At the United ffi' dining-rooms adjoining, men were efenCS" removing furniture and bedding in tha3 ing rain, ond every stitch of clothes on tv premises wassoakeJ with water. MrDond has sustained considerable damage I and' uninsured A piano was smashed in removal* At H. S. Meyers and Co.'s similar W6 rti(«w were proceeding. (>f the block between M • Buraey s and Fort street, the Metropolitan hotel, which is the only wooden buildine^rf I the block, perhaps stood in the greaW danger, It was on fire several times W flakes falling on the roof and igniting th« slungles, which are very much danced The furniture and premises were dehweii with water, and were thus saverf from fire at the cost of bein? ■■ almost ruined by flood. This i s the fiftii time that this building has |)g e _ surrounded by iii-e, aud yet escaped. Mesarg iv. and 11. Isaac's store in Port-street at one time was threatened, and goods were removed from it to their bond. Through the exertions of those about the premises < and a plentiful supply of water' this store also Was saved. Qn the lower side of the centre of the fire adjoining Henderson and Macfariane'gst or e' was Mr L. W. Eaton's, consisting b{ front. and back stores. The back store caught fire and was quickly burned to the ground, hut front store fortunately escaped. The build ing contained a quantity of potatoes. Kext to this was the U.S.N.Z. fruit depot, which several times caught fire, but was eriia giished by the exertions f of a number of willing volunteers. An incident occurred here which seemed to afford considerable amusement to the crowd. Mr M. 0. Quintall, who had been very active in his exertions at the fire, mounted the verandah when the danger was at its greatest,rand en-rt dea-voured to get the hose up. He peered ; over with considerable caution, preparatory ' to catching hold 6i it,' when the fullfofce of the jet struck him on the face. He then re tired, but, determined not to be. outdone, stooped down to get at it in another way', when it caught his hat, and sent it'flying 'into the air. He succeeded, however, in getting the hose up, and accompanied the firemen with it-through the wmdow,ud into the building where his services werfe of very great value. The yjrecautioa was taken to remove a quantity of powder from the store of Captain Anderson to the' magazine on board the barque Lady j Bowen. The stores along Custom House street were also • threatened, and were the scene of very active exertions. Mr H. B. Morton's store was probably saved through salt spread over tlie timber by Mr H. Isaacs, Men were employed on the roofa of the Waiteinata hotel, Owen and Graham's store, and other buildings on the West-side of. Queen-street, and the fire engines played on them at intervals.

FALL OF WALLS. After tlie fire had burned for about an hour in Mr. J. S. Macfarlaue's store the south wall fell with a crash'upon the roof of Messrs Stone Brothers store then blazing fiercely within, The roof " of course gave way, and Subdued the f10mei,.... for a few minutes,' which however, broke forth with greater force almost. directly '; afterwards, and it was seen that there was no hope of saving the, building. Mr Leaning, tinsmith's shop,.i was rapidly consumed, and Mr G-. W. Bin ney's store stood for a while in the balance. The upper storeys of this building caught re- V| peatedly at the back window, and the fire I,L came through and destroyed ; a. quantity: of furniture and personal effects. It also kept breaking out on the roof. The store was ', full of goods, and had it gone, two of our -> local insurance companies would have suffered very serious loss. The safe was removed while the "result of the arduous f, r exertions going on remained doubtful, but at ! I length the greatest danger passed over, and, "; by half-past two it was seen that the' extension of the fire in a soujthjerly direction had been com- _ pletoly, checked. Iv the meantime the < ? ilames were getting lower in Messrs Hender- I son and Macfarlane, and J. S. Mac farlane's stores owing to the burn- "' ing of all combustible matter, and the fall of roofs and floors. A little before. two o'clock the stone coping along m front of the building fell with such force as' jl to cut through the flagstones and im-bed itself in the pathway nearly a foot. The mass fell in one. block the length of the building, and seemed almost to remain intact where it dropped. The re mainder of the wall was strapped with iron i: and consequently still remains firm.

| DECLINE OF THE FIRE. By three' o'clock it was certain the fire was f j, got; under, and although the igniting of new combustibles, and the strong wind fanned it into fierce flames every \ f . t now and again throughout the night, andthiS 1 i niGming, there was no real danger oi its spreading to new buildinge. It is a matter for sincere regret that those stores, which were amongst the most substantial in the • city should have been destroyed. The stocks burned were large and valuable. "Mr ■"• J J. S. Macfariahe's books were saved from |fi

the flames,

REPORTED. LOSS OF LIFE UNTRUE. \f, A number of persons were employed in. the . ;; upper stores removing good's, and were com- ' pelled to retire owing to the dense smoker j A Rumours were circtilated in consequence/to.!.'•* the effect that some had been suffocated^ arid ; being unable to retire were consumed in the ~ flames.. These .reports,'were strengthened ,>\ by being given to publicity in this '

morning's Cross, and caused unrieces sary alarm in town. They are we find' on. careful inquiry wholly groundless. We learn,' however, that the shipping reporter of ~ th/at, journal, regardless of danger, was ; Very diligently ~. searching for some thing -r- believed to have been, a/; whiskey cask—when he was discovered and j|| borne insensible from the scene, in a sail j| cloth, in which he had enveloped his manly form. Beyond this thrilling incident i^?|» are not aware of any accidents Iworthy |. of chronicling, although there were the ~m narrow escapes that invariably attend fires.; When the smoke became so choking ww

fM l?IO&fl$rS f AB, WBDNfiSDAY, OCTO^BJEE 15, UU



OKCk SUPERIOR BLACK CLOTH -_/OU SACS, 12s. 9d. J. COSGRAVE & CO. 500 USEFUL TWEED TROUSERS, Ss. Gd. J. COSGRAVE & CO. 500 GOOD BLACK CLOTH TROUSERS, 12s. J. COSGRAVE & CO. TpOKTEAITS of the Eev. J. JR. X? SELWYN at E. Pulman's Photographic Booms, Shortland street. r\ N ' S A • L E By the Un.de b.s ion cd, Ex St. Leonards, City of Auckland, FONTENAYE, ENDYMION, ETC., ETC., Scrim, 72 and 45 inch o. Corn Sacks Flour Bags, 50 and lOOlbs Colman's Starch Morton's Jar Sslt Morton's Table Vinegar Wliybrow'3 Pickles Whybrow's Salad Oil Colza Oil, in drums Morton's Castor Oil, pints and half-pints Sardines, quarters Malt, Best Pale Suffolk and Colonial Currants, in cases Raisins, Figs Brazil Nuts, Jordan Almonds Hops, 35a3t Kent and Tasmanian Sydney Beef, in tierces Hobart Town Jams (Hawkins', Peak's, and Peacock's Tart Fruits Tea, chests, half-chests, and boxes • Hams & Bacon (McConnell's & N.Z.M.P. Co. ' Preserved Beef and Mince Meat Maize, Sydney v Oats, Otago and Canterbury f Oatmeal and Pearl Barley Flour, in 200,100, and 50Ui bags ■ Bonedust, Bcllyard's No. 1 ' Butter and Cheese • Grass Seed. , / GEO. W. BINNEY. Q ,N SALE, To Arrive Ex Woodbine And j._ Surprise, 200 sacks Sheath's Canterbury t Flour 592 i, Canterbury Wheat 250 bags Moffatt's Flour 10 bags Grass Seed 350 sacks Potatoes 10 cases Bacon and ■Hams. GEO. W. BINNEY. r\ A V. T I O N. OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE, Connoisseurs pronounce this Sance to be the BEST for general use in households, and, in con sequence of its high reputation, som« unpiincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon, and pass the same off as "Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 1866," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned to ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE,' and see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and Stopper, and wrapped round with his well-known abel. [Established 1864.] J\ STEPHENSON & CO. 'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" "EAGLE BEAND" "CROWN BRAN D." Are to be procured at all respectable Geooers and Storekeepers, throughout the Province of Auck and. D. STEPIENSON & CO., 'WYNDHAM BTItE ET, Auckland.



IMPORTANT! EUSHBEOOK & BRIDGMAN (Successors to E. Hobbs), Bog to announce the arrival, per City of Auckland of the FIRST SHIPMENT OF DRAPERY GOODS to their order, direct from the Fibst London Houses and Manufacturers ; to be followed by a Choice •Lot of Goods per St. Leonard's andsucceeding vessels. R, * B. desire to thank the public for their con tinued suppoi t. and purpose to largely increase thoir business by placing their customers on the VERY BEST FOOTING both as to QUALITY and PRICE, combined with ♦ CIVILITY AND ATTENTION TO EUSINESS BEING THEIR OWN IMPORTERS they are in a position to supply their customers with GOODS AS LOW AS ANY OTHER HOUSETK TOWN. NOW OPENING: BLACK SILK LUSTRES, BLACK AND DRAB MOREEN, CAMEROON, Era Also, A VERY CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF NEW SPRING GOODS, PRINTS, MUSLINS, Etc., Etc., Etc RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, W lIOLTWAXE AND RETAIL DrATEKH, Cf.OTIIIKRS, &C JUNCTION DRA t'ERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite tho Army and Navy Hotel,) TTPPTCR QtTKKN-K'I'UEF.T, AUCKLAND. asr N.B.— Parties in the country favouring R. & B. with their orders may defend upon thoir receiving careful atten tion and despatch. Pattern;!, &c., forwarded post frco. UNION SANK OF AUSTRALIA. [Established 1537.] PAID-UP CAPITAL.. .. .. fil,2:"0,000. RESERVE FUND C 400.000. A REGISTER of Shares in this Bankia now Open at tho CriRISTOHURCIT BRANCH, and every facility is afforded by tho Bank for tliu purchase of Shares in London for transfer to the said Register. The term 3 upon which Money ran be transmitted for this purpose cm bu a'Cvl'tuined <>n application t'i tho Manager, at-thoßank's Oiliccs, QUEEN STBEKT, AUCKLAND. The hist Dividend w-is at the rate of 1:1 per oont ' por annum, and was paid in the Colonies on receipt of telegraphic ;ulvice of its declaration. JOSH. PALMER, Chief Oilicer fsr New Zealand. Christehmcli, Ctli October, 1873. CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND. Mails well Clohe ah Under :— For Thames this day, at 5.80 p.m., and to-morrow, at ■ 10.30 a.m. and 5.a0 p.m. For Coromandei, on Friday, at 12.!!0p.m. For Taurimga, per Vincent, to-day, at 5 p.m. For Wangfiroi, <&a, per Bertha, to-morrow, at 1] a.m. For Newcastle (N.S.W), per Wave, to morrow, at 1 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Coiiiuraiig, on Friday, at 3 pirn. For Lovuka (Fiji), por Star of the South, on Saturday, at 9 a. m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Wellington, on Monday next, at Ga.ni. (Signed) S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.