SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 6.21 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 6.1 HIGH WATER: This afternoon, 6.8 ; to-morrow morning, 5.24

ARRIVALS.

-ehcebe, s.s., Worsp, from Southern ports Mata, schooner, Young, from Rorotonga Mary Ellen, schooner, Rawlings, from Mercury Bay

DEPARTURES.

iiaay .Bowen, p.s., Adams, for Wangarei Southern Gross, s.s., Sellars. for Tauranga Charybdis, schoonar, Austin, for Levuka

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

*0r Wellington, calling at intermediate ports Paterson, p.s., Saturday For Sydney ; H.M.S. Blanche, early For Honolulu and San Francisco

Dakota, mail

steamer, 20th inst. For Northern ports: Rowena, s.s., Monday next For London: Harvest Home, ship, 14th inst. For Sydney and Melbourne: Hero, s.s., 18th March; Wonga Wonga, ss., about 19th March ; Phoebe, s.s., about 17th March (from the Manukau)

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Edinburgh Castle, ship, from London. Sailed 29th

December Parsee, ship, from London. Sailed Zanga, barque, from Liverpool. Loading Corido, barque, from Newcastle. Sailed 23th February East Lothian, barque, from New York. Sailed 20th December Florence, schooner, from Dunedin Sailed 21st

February Albion, brig, from Newcastle. Sailed 24th February Ladybird, s.s., from Sydney (in the Manukau) Briton, barque, from Newcastle. Sailed 21st February Bella Mary, barque, from Hobart Town. Sailed 26th

February W. C. Wentworth, barque, from Sydney Wonga Wonga, s.s., Brown, from Sydney Dauntless, schooner, from South Sea Islands Harriet Armytage, barque, from Dunedin Coronet, brigantine, from Wellington Satellite, cutter, from Levuka Thames, barque, from New York, via Sydney, loading Prosperity, schooner, from Melbourne

IMPORTS.

Per Phcebe, s.s., from Southern ports : 14 bars iron, T. and S. Morrin; 1 box, Telegraph ; 1 package, Upton and Co. j 1 chest, Osborne Bros.; 2 boxes gold, Bank New Zealand; 1 case, Taylor ; 2 ditto, Leipstein ;35 hides, B. Gittos ; 40 sacka bran, 10 do sharps, G. W. Binney ; 1 case, Combes and Daldy ; 14 cases butter, T. Veale ; 4 do, Blewitt; ditto, Osborne Bothers. For Syd ney —1 case plants, 40 bales flax 9 bales fungus. Combes and Daldy, agents. Per schooner Mata, from Rorotonga, 27 bales cotton. 4 tons cocoa nut oil, 4 mille cocoa nuts, 5 mille oraDges, order.

The ketch Isabella will leave for Opotiki this afternoon.

The brig Surprise is discharging her cargo alongside the wharf. The barque Natal Queen is discharging her cargo in first-rate condition.

The schooner Mata, Captain Young, arrived this morning from Rorotonga, after a capital fine weather passage of twelve days. She left Rorotonga at 4 p.m. of the 27th ult. Sighted Macaulay Island on the 9th inst., and Curtis Island same day. Captain Y oung found that the latter island was considerably out of position in the chart (1808). The true position of the island is 40 miles due E. by compass from the position marked on the chart. It is therefore due South from Macaulay Island. A dangerous sunken rock, not laid down on the chart, was discovered a little over three miles distant from the bluff end of Macaulay, and bearing N.N.E. Capt. Young reports that the schooner Energy arrived at Rorotonga from Auckland on the sth February, and left again for Tahiti on the llth ult. The schooner Edith called there also on the Sth January, and after a cruise among the islands, sailed for Tahiti on the 9th February. The Mata brings a full cargo, and one passenger—Mr S. Rawlings. The s.s. Phcebe arrived this morning in the Manukau, from the South, with the follow ing passengers :—Mr and Mrs Snirger, Mr and Mrs Perkins and three children, Mr, Mrs and Miss Gilmore, Mrs Weston and four children, Misses Endear (2), Messrs Rey nolds, Isaacs, Morton, Willis, Davies, Donall, Leipstein, Walkin, Smith, Horton, Bailey, Levy, Brown, Simpson, Inspector Thompson (A.C.), and thirteen for Sydney. Steerage, seven.

The brigantine Flirt has cleared for Timaru with G5,000 feet timber.

The schooner Cambria, has cleared for Wangarei with—2oo sacks'wheat, F. Wood; 2 tons flour, McKenzie, GOO bricks, Mc- Donald.

The schooner Mary Ellen brings 143 cases and 100 bags gum from Mercury Bay.

COMMERCIAL.

MINTNO.

The following are the current call and dividends payable in the companies Darned below :— _£ s. d. CALLS Oriana 0 0 6 Mrch 12 Golden Eagle .. 0 0 1 Mrch 12 Crown Prince .. 0 0 6 Mrch 12 Bismarck .. .. 0.10 Mrch 12 Otago 0 10 Mrch 12 American Eagle .. 0 10 Mrch 12 ( Inverness .. .. 0 0 3 Mrch 12 Boyal Standard .. 0 0 6 Mrch 12 ScottyHill .. .. 0 0 6 Mrch 12 Bed, White, and Blue 0 0 6 Mrch 12 Neptune .. .. 0 0 6 Mrch 12 Bird in Hand.. .. 0 10 Mrch 19 Albion .. .. 10 0 Mrch 22 Flagship & Golden Anchor 1 0 April 9 Golden Calf .. .. 0 10 April 9 MEETINGS.

Nolan's Candlelight, Company's office, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 11 a.m., 13th March Sons of Freedom, Company's office, 14th March, Vaile's Buildings, Auckland, 2 p.m. North Devon, Mr F. A. White's office, Shortland street, Auckland, 3 p.m., 18th March Murphy's Hill, Messrs J. B. Russell and Devore's, office, Shortland street, 18th March Long Drive, Mr Tothill's office, Shortland-street,

Auckland, noon. 18th March Inverness, Mr T. S. White's office, Canada Buildings, 3 p.m , 18th March All Nations, Mr Tothill's office, Shortland street, Auckland. 2 p.m. 18th March Old Whau, Company's office, 2 p.m., 19th March Old stocking, Coromandel, 22nd March City of London, Company's office, Wyndham street Auckland,'3 p.m., 24thMarch Queen of the Thames, Mr Hunter's office, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 3 p.m., 27th March TJnicorn, Grahamstown, 27th March Von Voltke, Coromandel, 2nd April

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :—

For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5 30 p.m.

For Coromandel, on Friday, 14th inst., at 1.30 p.m. For Opotiki, per Isabella, this day, at 5 p.m. For Whitianga, per Mary Ellen, to-morrow, at 6 p.m. For London, per Harvest Home, on Saturday, 15th inst., at 5 p.hi. For Tauranga. Gisborne, Napier, and Southern pro vinces, per Patterson, on Saturday, 15th inst., at 11 am.

For the undermentioned places, per s.s. Hero, on Tuesday, 18th instant, as follows :—

For India, China, Mediterranean ports, and Con tinent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For the Australian Colonies, and the United Kin" dom, via Suez, at 2 p.m.

For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi, at 2.30 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news'

papers, at noon.

Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne, at 2.30 p.m. For the undermentioned places, per p.s. Dakota, on Thursday, 20th inst., as under :— For Sandwich Islands, British Columbia, United States of America, British and Foreign West Indies, and Continent of Europe via England, at 12.30 pm. For Money Orders, Registered Letters, and News papers, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdon, via San Francisco, at 12.30 p.m.

For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 11 a.m, '

tt ft -P^? le, tters or United States of America and United Kingdom bearing a late fee of6din addition to the postage will be received at thU office until t p.m., and by the mail afent on board the steamer up to time of sailing. (Signed) ,s. B. Bw, Chief Postmanter.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1873.

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

And the good that we can do

Mr Alfred Anderson, pianist to H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, and Miss Carrie Emanuel will give their first grand operatic and ballad concert in Auckland at the City Hall, this evening. The programme an nounced is an admirable one, and we feel confident in anticipating a crowded audience. The performance to-night is under the dis tinguished patronage of Sir George and Lady Bowen.

A considerable number of persons visited the City Hall art gallery yesterday, many of whom evinced a deep interest in the various paintings there exhibited. The promoters therefore have good reason to congratulate themselveSjOn the share of success which have followed their interesting labours. The exhibition will close on Saturday, so that those who have not yet visited it should at once do so. Mr Hoyte's fine series of views representing lake scenery will leave Auck land for Melbourne by the the Hero, having been purchased by a gentleman from Victoria. It is probable therefore that this will be the only opportunity for seeing them. They are without exception the finest series of views of New Zealand scenery ever placed on view. The exhibition will be open to-night, and on Saturday night irom seven to ten o'clock.

To the Editor : Sir, —Could you, or any of your numerous readers, inform me what might be the longest possible range of any cannon used in the Crimea during that war ? and what might be the longest distance any of our old smooth-bores in the Albert Barracks could carry shot ? An answer would oblige, A Constant Reader.—[The longest range of the Crimean cannon, without the assistance of artificial means, would be about 3,400 yards. The smooth-bores in the Barracks would carry shot about 2.500 yards. —Ed. E.S.]

A pleasant gathering of the friends and children of the High street Sunday-school took place last evening, according to previous announcement, and a very interesting meet ing it was. The room was well filled and tea was provided, and we must say in justice to the friends that it was the best and most ample tea that we have attended in Auck land in connection with a meeting of that nature ; there was no stint, no illiberality, and no stale bread visible at the High-street gathering. After tea the Rev. DrMacdonald was called to the chair, and in his opening speech he dwelt upon the condition and future prospects of the school, which were of an encouraging nature, and concluded by exhorting those engaged in Sunday-school work to continue in a course of consistency and earnestness. Messrs Battley, Jackson, and Goldie, gave interesting and prac tical addresses, several anthems were prettily sung by the children, and the pro ceedings generally gave much satisfaction. The report read by Mr Brooks showed— receipts, £4113s 7d; expenditure, £42 17s 8d; scholars, 107 ; teachers, 14. In Mr Goldie's addrees on Sabbath[schools he gave the follow ing reasons for such schools being a success:— 1. They cultivated habits of order and obe dience in the children. 2. They unite by offices of goodwill the various classes of society. 3. They drew forth a large amount of self-denial and perseverance on the part of teachers. 4. They preserved to a great ex tent the sanctity of the Sabbath. 5. They created a thirst for the reading of healthy literature. 6. They are successful in im proving public morals. 7. They are success ful in the conversion of scholars, proved from the fact that at the last annual Conference of Wesleyans they reported 40,218 scholars meeting in class as Church members—increase of 2,500 on the year—and revivals then in existence in eleven different schools in Eng land.

Drivers of vehicles on the wharf are cautioned that the new by-law is now in operation. It provides that the person in charge of vehicles drawn by horses in double harness shall not leave the driver's seat during the time the vehicle is in motion, and shall not drive at a faster pace than a walk. The penalty for disobeying this by-law is not exceeding £10.

In consequence of Mr Alfred Anderson's concert at the City Hall on the evening of St. Patrick's day, the Auckland Amateur Serenaders are compelled to postpone their first grand concert which they had projected for the benefit' of the widow of Mr Low, who unfortunately lost his life by an accident recently, the facts of which are still fresh in the public mind. The manager informs us that the Serenaders' concert will take place as early as possible after* St. Patrick's day, and that the interests of the entertainment will be enhanced by the temporary delay. The whole will be under the distinguished patronage of the Oddfellows of the district Lodge of Auckland. The proposed night in the City Hall with the newly-formed band of Serenaders will be a night of unusual attractions, introduced by an original prolo gue written expressly for the occasion.

The native-built schooner Mata arrived 1 this morning from Rorotonga. Her captain . makes known two very important facts to j mariners, namely that Curtis' Island is laid down in its wrong position on the chart, and ; a sunken rock, not marked on the chart, was passed about three miles N.N.E. of the bluff I end of Macaulay Islands. | In the advertisetnent announcing Miss Carrie Emanuel and Mr .Alfred Ander son's concert at the City Hall yester day, the line "F. W. Cullimore, conductor : and pianist," was introduced by mistake. • The line should have been placed in the an- I nouiicement of the dramatic performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Mr Anderson is his own conductor and pianist, and fulfils those offices in a way that could not be ex celled, as those who attend the City Hall to-night will feel bound to admit. The Garrick Club last night at the Prince of Wales Theatre played .Terrold's "Rent 1 * Day " to a select but not numerous audience. Considering the object of the undertaking the amateurs should have met with a larger share of public patronage. The performances ! generally were creditable to the amateurs considering that they have had but few opportunities for practice of late. Without particularising the merits of each performer we may state thab the "RentDay" was as well performed as Could be expected from a . young club. We were pleased with the acting of Mr T. C. Williams as "Bullfrog," Mr Fleming as "Old Crumbs," and the l Messrs Smith, who filled the parts of the " Heywoods." Tbe two ladies represented ' "Rachel" and "Polly" very fairly. We hope to see our Garrick amateurs again ere , long, and to better advantage.

City Council by-law No. G, section 20, says:—Any person driving any vehicle whatsoever, or riding any animal, and when meeting any other vehicle or animal not keeping on the left or near side of the road or street or when passing any other . vehicle or animal going in the same direction not going or passing or not allowing any person desirous so to do to pass when practicable on the right or off side of such other vehicle or animal.—How does this by-law coincide with the City Council appointing the Union Bank corner of Queen street a stand for the arrival and departure of the Ponsonby Eoad and other omnibuses con sidering the spot selected is on the wrong side of the way.

A programme of the sports to take place at the Royal Oak grounds, Onehunga, on St. Patrick's Day, is published. There are six teen events in all, including a wild pig race, the winner of which will obtain the pork the pig supplies. The sports will include eques trian and pedestrian races, trotting matches, donkey, wheelbarrow, and men-o'-war's men's races. Some good sport may be ex pected.

A grand foot-ball match is being played as we go to press between fifteen brave men of H.M..S. Blanche and fifteen of our City Foot ball Club. We shall chronicle the proceed ings for the use of the next generation to-morrow.

The capabilities of the Waikato for wheat growinghavebeendemonstrated by the harvest this year. One paddock of ten acres yielded fifty-two bushels per acre. Tlie general average throughout the district is about thirty bushels per acre, a yield nearly double that of South Australia, the great grain growing colony of the Southern Hemisphere.

After the heat an d dust of the day nothing is pleasanter than a trip on the water by moonlight, and the splendid evenings which we have had lately are especially favourable for such excursions. The steamer Takapuna is running nightly, and affords a capital opportunity for an evening's enjoyment. The fine upper deck of the Takapuna, and the spacious cabin accommodation, both afford positions for viewing advantageously the harbour and shipping silvered over with tlie pale moonlight. The steamer starts from the wharf at eight o'clock, returning at ten.

A young, poetical editor of a paper in Arkansas does an obituary notice thus : " The sister angels of the lovely deceased, pining at her absence from their heavenly abode, floated down on jewelled pinions and bore her back to her native skies. She was a good worker, and was known from the Great Paver of the West to the Eastern Seas as a pre-eminently lovely type of radiant girlhood."

The fortnightly meeting of the Edwards street Band of Hope and Total Abstainers Association was held in the school-room, Edwards-street, last evening. There was a large attendance of members of the Band of Hope and adult friends, Mr Goldie, presi dent of the society, in the chair. Mr Wrigley, Rev. C. Waters and Mr Goldie addressed the meeting. Recitations were given by Master Chalknen and Miss Jane Thwaites. Two pieces of music were nicely rendered by the Misses Wood, Thwaites, Thude, Good and Goldie. At the close o the meeting several, both young and old, signed the pledge. The friends in connec tion with the temperance cause here have thrown their library of 450 volumes open to the public free. Several friends availed themselves of it last evening. We trust the other Bands of Hope will see it to their advantage to do likewise.

An accident, fortunately attended with no serious consequences, occurred this morning to a young man in charge of a horse and spring-cart belonging to Mr Nicholls, grocer! The driver was returning to Auckland from Epsom with a load of various articles of trade, when upon reaching the junction roads the spirited animal bolted, and out upon the road rolled dozens of pounds of butter, scores of eggs, legs of pork, numbers of fowls, hampers, baskets, and boxes, whilst the driver went sprawling in the dust. The horse was stopped and the driver picked up, when it was discovered that he had happiiy escaped with a few bruises only.

ORPHAN CHILDREN'S TREAT.

About one hundred and fifty orphan children from the various institutions of the city assembled this afternoon on the lawn of Government House, to enjoy Lady Bowen's parting treat. The children had a very clean and healthy appearance, were neatly dressed, and evidently well pleased with the many nice things, especially the pair large of plum puddings which had been specially prepared for them by her Ladyship's orders. Bnt the main feature of the entertainment was the fine, full-loaded Christmas-tree. This karaka-tree was twelve feet high, rising from a green mound, every branch and twig laden with every imaginable kind of toy, E laced there with exquisite taste by her adyship's own hands. The distribution of these toys will be a great event and long remembered in the memories of the smiling recipients. The treat will, also, have a beneficial effect on the juveniles in creating kindly feelings, and inspiring them with more' hopeful views of life than they might otherwise feel were it not for such thoughtful sympathizers as Lady Bowen. The children are enjoying themselves under the trees, and taking advantage of the pleasures of the sweets and sports of Govern ment House, as we go to press.

PROPHETIC REPORTING. j Some very good stories have been placed on i record regarding the blunders perpetrated by j Bohemians, who, having stolen an hour for j enjoyment, have drawn upon their imagina- j tions for their reports ; biit one of Oiir morn- | ing contemporaries to-day produces an account of the soiree in connection with the High street congregation which, for originality of conception, surpasses anything in the same line that we have ever seen. We publish below the report of the meeting, as supplied to the public by, our contemporary, and make | such remarks in brackets as indicate what was really done. The innocent and judicious ■fray in which the applause is thrown in marks an appreciation of genius quite re freshing, and, no doubt, the reporter will very properly feel that he is a victim of misplaced confidence, and a somewhat ill used individual. He may very justly say that, if the respective performers did not fulfil their promises it was not his fault, and that, no doubt, if they had come forward they would have fully justified his commendations. The following is the report as printed, the sen tences within brackets being alone inserted by us : — " The anniversary soiree of the High-street Independent Sunday-school took place in the chapel, [Tt was held in the school-room] High-street, last evening. The chapel was comfortably filled [The school-room was more than comfortably filled ; it was twice crowded] and the soiree was an unqualified success. The tables, which were supplied with all the good things, were superintended by Mesdames McDonald, Lincoln, Edwards, Clark, Potter, Sharland, Black and Burgess. After the tables had been cleared, [The tables were never cleared, but the company adjourned to the chapel] a hymn was sung, after which the Chairman (Rev. A. Mc- Donald) made a few remarks. The choir then sang an anthem, [' I will lift up mine eyes '] after which the report for the year was read. [It was not read till some time afterwards. Mr Battley being anxious to get away here addressed the meeting on the letter P, as representing Piety, Perseverance, Prayer, Preparation, Patience, and Punc tuality.] The choir then rendered an an them, and Mr Jackson delivered an address on child training. [Mr Jackson's address was not delivered till some time afterwards.] Mr S. Lambert gave, in his usual good style, a solo on the harmonium, which was well received by the audience. A recitation, named ' Voices at the Throne,' was exceed ingly well rendered, and called forth a great deal of applause. [The recitation was omitted altogether, the gentleman who had promised to give it not being present.] The members of the choir then gave a quartette called, ' God is a Spirit,' which was very well gone through. An interval of ten minutes then took place, after which Messrs Howden, Taylor, Bartley, and Henderson gave a glee named ' The Chapel.' [As Mr Bartley and the music were over at the North Shore it is quite possible he took his part over there. The choir substituted, 'And the glory of the Lord,' from the 'Messiah,' in place of the quartette ' Chapel.'] Master Seabrooke then came forward and delivered a recitation entitled 'Little Minnie,' the rendering of which was much applauded. [Owing to a family affliction Master Seabroke was absent, and, of course, tlie piece was omitted.] The children of the Sunday-school then sang tho hymn ' One by One ' very well indeed [The hymn was not sung at all, but Mr Jackson here delivered a very amusing address, shewing the disadvantages of getting into bad company], after which the choir gave the chorus ' And the Glory ' very well. [This piece having being sung before, the choir substituted tlie anthem '' The Earth is the Lord's."] Mr P. G. Ewington afterwards gave a reading called ' Doing Nothing is Doing Wrong,' which was very well re ceived. [Mr F. G. Ewington didjnot show up, owing to severe indisposition. ] Mr G oldie gave a speech on 'Are Sunday-schools a Success ?' which was very well given, and the speaker received several rounds of ap plause throughout his speech. The children then sang a hymn, and after the benediction had been pronounced the audience dispersed, and seemed to be very well pleased with the evening's entertainment.

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

This Day

The annual meeting of the Acclimatisation Society was held in the room adjoining the museum this afternoon. There was a fair attendance. Dr. Campbell occupied the chair. Mr T. Kirk, F.L.S., read the annual re port, which was presented at the council of the society at last meeting. The financial statement showed a decrease of £70 011 the license fees, aud £12 on the entrance fees ; but," owing to an increase in some of the other sources of revenue, the total decrease of the revenue this year was only £30. The debt of the society last year was £400, but this had been reduced to £227, and there was no doubt it would soon be entirely ex tinguished. The total revenue of the year, iiiclud:-ig overdraft at the Bank, was £1052 ls. 2d.

On tlie motion of Mr. Owen, seconded by Mr. Hurst, the repoit was adopted. On the motion of Mr. Murdoch, seconded by Mr. T. Macfarlane, Mr. J. C. FiiJh was elected president. Dr. Campbell was elected vice-president. The following gentlemen were elected to be the council of the Society : —W. T. Bacsett, J. Burtt, R. Cornish, W. Earl, T. B. Gillies, J. W. Ha 1!, W. Hay, R. Hobbs, W. J. Hurst, T. Kirk, T. Macfarlane, W. Morrin, D. L. Murdoch, G. B. Owen, W. J. Palmer, E. H. Power, W. Swanson, J. Williamson, and J. Watt. Messrs. J. Waymouth and T. L. White were re-elected auditors.

Mr. Larkworthy, the Rev. E. Probert, Mr. Burstead, and Mr. Davis were unanimously elected honorary members. Votes of thanks to the auditors and to Mr. Fairburn were passed.

CITY IMPROVEMENT COM MISSIONERS.

This Day,

A MEETING of the Auckland Improvement Commissioners was held this afternoon.

The business brought forward was of trifling importance. The sale of barrack wall had realised (or such portion as had been sold) £71 ss. The gates fetched £1 12s Gd. A letter from "An Placet" was read as follows:—"Beware! and pay not the pre mium to ' Floreat,' otherwise be prepared to defend any further action I may take in this matter."

Notwithstanding this the Chairman stated the money had been paid to " Floreat."

The services of Mr Whitaker had been retained, on behalf of the Board, in legal matters.

A telegram to Mr O'Rorke, in reference to plans, remained unanswered.

Major Gordon had been written to, warning him not to allow any gun-firing in the Barrack reserve, but that officer being absent no answer had been received.

It was agreed that in future all persons requiring the use of the Barracks must apply to the secretary for permission.

A deputation had waited upon the hon. Mr. McLean in reference to the proposed exchange of the stone magazine for the militia store, but the Defence Minister required time to consider,

A letter from the Society of Artists s^kmg for two rooms for their permanent use was read, but the consideration of the question was reserved. The report of the Allotment Committee was read, and discussion was ensuing when our reporter left.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

DRUNKENNESS. _ • Five persons were charged with this offence, and dealt with iu the usual way.

PAT AND BESSIE. Patrick McNally was charged with assault ing Bessie Smith by kicking her in the ribs, and trying to choke her at Keuniea Flat on the 7th inst.

The prisoner pleaded not guilty. Sergt.-Major Pardy said that a letter had been received from a Mr Potter detailing the case as one of wanton cruelty.

Bessie Smith deposed that she had been living with the prisoner for some time past at Riverhead, and on the morning of the 7th instant she was ill, and could not get up to get prisoner's breakfast. He then pulled her out of bed, beat her, and put his foot on her neck, and tried to choke her. She was still suffering very severely from the ill-usage she had received from Patrick. He had often beat her, and she was afraid to return to her domicile.

Elizabeth Potter, on being examined, gave similar evidence. She washed the woman's wounds.

His Worship ordered prisoner to pay £5 for the assault, and £2 lis 6d costs, and find himself in £50 and two securities of £25 each, or to be imprisoned for two months with hard labour. PETTY LARCENY. John Walsh was charged with stealing one loaf of bread of the value of fourpence, the property of Edward McKeown, in the course of yesterday. His Worship expressed his surprise that a strong man like the prisoner should be guilty of such a mean theft, and sentenced him to fourteen days.

DEPRAVITY,

Anne Pritchard and her husband, Walter Pritchard, were brought up on remand, and charged with stealing a variety of articles of bedding, clothing, &c. (duly catalogued in our edition of Monday last), to the value of £5, the property of John Clareborough, on the (Jth day of March.

The prisoners (husband and wife, ap parently about eighteen years of age) seemed to feel their position. Mr Joy stated the case on behalf of the prosecution, and called upon the prosecutor, a young man, who said his name was John Clareborough ; that he was a lithographer, living in Union-street, and that the female prisoner had been stopping in his house as housekeeper, and was employed in getting his meals, making his beds, and doing the duties of a housekeeper generally. The goods in his house were his property, and neither of the prisoners had any claim on the goods which tliey removed, and had no right to take them away- When he returned home he found an empty house. Mr Beveridge, on the part of the de fendants, examined the prosecutor, who, in answer, said he believed that the prisoners were man and wife. [Witnesses were here ordered out of Court.] He engaged female prisoner at her mother's (Mrs Butler) house. He made made no express terms. He asked her to come and live with him, and he would do what he could for her. She was his housekeeper, and soforth. Mr Beveridge wished to know what he meant by " soforth." The prosecutor hesitated to reply. His Worship said to the prosecutor : "Come, sir, you must answer the question, you must out with it all."

The prosecutor said he would decline to answer, he had a bed and a sofa in theheuse but she did not sleep on the sofa, nor did he, but he would not say where he slept. (Here the prosecutor hung his head and blushed.) His Worship said where a man declined to answer, there was but one inference'.

Prosecutor said he paid her no wages, he considered her services to him were not an equivalent for the goods. The prosecutor here detailed the goods taken away by the prisoners, he was at the Tamaki some time, and brought the sheet with him ; it was given to him by one of Mr Taylor's servants, lie meant to have had the sheet washed and sent back to Mr Taylor. Prisoner left his services when she took the goods, and then so far the connection ended.

Bobert Miller, an express driver, proved that he was engaged by Walter Pritchard to remove the goods from prosecutor's house in Union Terrace to Wakefield street, and paid for the job by the male prisoner. He saw but one bed in the house.

Constable Naughton proved seeing the goods removed.

Mrs Butler, a respectable looking person, who appeared much affected, said the female prisoner was her daughter, and that the pro secutor's sister was married to her son. That her daughter Anne had disappeared while her husband was at Taranaki. She spoke to the complainant about her daughter, believing him to be an honorable young man. He promised if he could find her he would induce her to go home. He never told her that Anne was living with him. His Worship, in delivering judgment, said : This case reveals a shocking instance of depravity on the part of the prosecutor. Here we find, out of his own mouth, that the female prisoner is his sister-in-law and a married woman. Yet, in the absence of her husband at Taranaki, he cffeliberately goes to her mother's house, and engages her to live with him in open concubinage. This sort of thing can never last, and where does it end in this instance ? The woman reproaches him, when he tells her to go to her husband. She does so, and takes with her certain goods, which she considers she is entitled to as pay ment for her services. He charges her with larceny, but he forgets that he, in the first instance, stole her chastity and her honour, and he charges her with stealing from him a few trumpery pots and kettles, while he has stolen from her that which is dearest to a woman—her virtue What were his miserable pannakins to a woman's chastity ? And yet this fellow has the effrontery to come here and openly admit in this Court that he took the woman to Jive in adultery with himself, and gave her nothing but her food, while he now charges her with larceny. This is a most disgraceful proceeding, and yet the laws are such that this man cannot be punished for what he has done. If the law avowed a man guilty of the offence which he has commuted to be tied to a cart's tail and whipped round the town he would begetting no more than his deserts. As long as men can impunity drag down women to the level of animals, so long shall we be hearing such conduct as the prosecutor has been guilty of. But to come to the real point at issue there, is no evidence against the husband. Is the woman guilty or not ? One good thing may have been done, —she may have been brought to see the false position in which she hap placed herself. You (prosecutor), after living in adultery with her, would have turned her out without a penny. Taking all the circumstances into considera tion I do not see how I can comnr't the woman for larceny, and if I didl clo not V.Aik \ that any jury will ever convict her. The prko- j ners must therefore be discharged. (Applause m Court, which was instantly suppressed.) '

AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

ORATORIO.

Last evening the Auckland Choral Society performed Handel's oratorio, " Judas Macca beaus." Increased efforts are being made to sustain the high reputation already acquired by this Society : and its valuable services in the case of the loftiest musical art cannot be too highly extrolled. Handel's "Judas Maccabeaus*' is always a very popular work, containing as it does some of the great master's most delightful melodies, while the choral effects fre quently rise to absolute sublimity. The twelfth in order of composition, this oratoria has special interest in consequence of it being designed to compliment the Duke of Cumberland on his return from Scotland, after the victorious battle of Cullodeninl74o. A reference to the M.S.S. proves that the entire work occupied the composer less than a month in composition, ahd.it was first pro duced at Co vent Garden Theatre,' London,' on the Ist April, 1747, a singular fact con nected with the oratorio being its great popularity at the time amongst the Jews. The performance last night was in all respects worthy of the reputation of the Choral Society, the accomplished artistes who took part in it, and the audience who listened delightedly to its familiar strains. The fresh and charming voice of the lady who sang the part of the Israelitish woman was heard to the utmost advantage in the famous aif, "From mighty kings he took the spoil;" and again in the air, " Wise men, flattering may deceive yoil," perhaps her greatest success was achieved. With the chorus and semi-chorus, " See the conquer ing hero comes," lost none of its old attrac tions ; and the duet, " 0 lovely peace with plenty crowned," was as beautiful as ever, one of the ladies deserving especial mention for her pure tone and good intonation through out the oratorio. The tenor was in excellent voice, singing the popular '' Sound an alarm " with extraordinary spirit and vigor, and giving forth the upper notes with trumpet-like resonance and power. The choral effects were up to the standard which the Choral Society has taught us to expect from them, but we regretted to see so few performers present. As special points worthy of notice we may cite the chorus '' 0 father whose almighty'power," given with bold precision. The chorus "Fallen is the foe," and the fine broad sweeping flood of sound produced in "We hear, we hear," in answer to the appeal of Judas, was well taken up and greatly impressed the audience. The band was above reproach. Of the conduct ing of Mr Joseph Brown little remains to be said unless we repeat what we have before said of this accomplished conductor.

TELEGRAPHIC.

THE WAIKATO.

THE NATIVE ADDRESS AND THE

GOVERNOR'S REPLY.

THE VICE-REGAL PROGRESS FROM

AUCKLAND.

DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE NATIVES,

AND SHOUTS OF "HAEREMAI."

THE NATIVE CAMP BY MOON-

LIGHT.—GREAT FEASTING.

EIGHT HUNDRED NATIVES PRESENT

NGARUAWAHIA

This day, 10.10 a.m,

His Excellency the Governor and party arrived at 7.30 last night. They had left Auckland at twenty minutes to seven, and breakfasted at Drury. The Volunteers turned out at Otahuhu, opposite Rogers's Hotel, in two lines, and when his Excellency reached the village the band struck up the National Anthem. The Vice-regal party drove through slowly.

At Mercer they were met by a large number of natives, who gave vent to their feelings in loud cries of " Haeremai."

The party came on in Mr Frank Quick's carriages, and not by steamer as at first

intended,

They lunched at Shirley's Hotel, Rangiriri, where they inspected the European and Maori pahs, and the Rangiriri battle-field.

On arrival at Ngaruwahia they were re ceived by Colonel Lyon, Lieutenant Colonel St John, Mr Searancke, R.M., and a body o Armed Constabulary.

The natives were very enthusiastic in their demonstrations of welcome. The party walked to the Delta Hotel, where they are staying.

The tents and camp-fires around Ngaruawa hai look very picturesque, and festivities in which roast beef and waipero entered largely, were kept up in the pale moonlight until midnight.

Another huge insect-shaped canoe arrived this morning from. Waikato heads. About sixty men and the same number of women

were in the canoe

Twenty Hauhaus arrived this morning on horseback from Te Kuiti.

There are about eighty Hauhaus and seven hundred friendly natives now present.

The. meeting is to take place at eleven o'clock this morning stPotat au's tomb.

2.45 p.m

The meeting commenced at two o'clock.

After a dance by the Maoris an address to his Excellency was read on behalf of the assembled tribes.

His Excellency, in reply, said : " Oh, my friends, chiefs, and people of the tribes, whom I now see before me—Salutations, to you all. When I first arrived in New Zealand, five years since, I came to Ngaruawahia, whef e I was received with a warm welcome, such as you have given me now. Then, as now, we met near the tomb of Potatou te Whero. whero, a notable chief in the olden times, who never made war with the Queen, but was ever loyal to the Crown, and friendly to Europeans, therefore both races were delighted to honour him Five years ago a lady on this spot said, the two races would bury remaining animositie in the tomb of Potatu. The word proved true. You buried hatreds. The two_races are now living in peace and friendship. So, too, it is said that the Europeans and Maoris will grow into one people

as the Waipa and Waikato tniagfe. t heir waters at Ngaruawahia—the old Maori capital. Is not this so? Do we not both sit together in those Councils, Executive and Legislative ? The Maoris take an equal p art with the Europeans in framing laws and g overningthetworaces. Thisismy fourthvisu to Waikato, aud IJam glad to see Potatau's family and descendants. Now, oh, friends, come and bid farewell! I shall ever cherish lot-e for your glorious country, which yon s hare with your English friends and fellow subjects. lam about to be Governor of the neighbouring colony Victoria, but I shall not be far from you, and shall always watch you? progress with affectionate interest. My parting advice is: Give your aid in support of the law, and also of the schools the Go vernment are establishing throughout the island to educate your children. They will • learn to be good citizens, and acquire the language and arts of the English, and be able to "take part in the public affairs of the colony, and assist in developing its resources I am very glad at my departure to leave the country as prosperous as on the visit to New Zealand of the Queen's son. I hope that the clouds of war will soon pass away, and the sun of peace shine forth. This is so now. The Colonial Government recognizes the establishment of peace already. All the Maori political prisoners have been se li free by me — not one remains in pri son ; and hearken, oh, my friends, to these words. As soon as the necessary arrangements are made it is proposed to proclaim an amnesty in the name of the Queen for the past acts of rebellion and the political offences. I hope this act of grace and clemency will further cement the friendly relations now existing between the two races. Finally, friends, remember that the law ia *he most impartial arbiter and adjuster of differences arising amongst the Maoris them selves and with Europeans. The law •s no respector of persons. It pro tects the weak as well as the strong, and you will find it the best shiel and guide in the future. My earnest advice is to devote attention to the arts of peace and industry, and to re-assert and re* establish the name of the Waikato country for supplying the markets of towns with green fruit and otherr produce and thus secure for. yourselves and families the comforts enjoyed by Europeans. An<j now, my friends, once more farewell. May Heaven pour its choicest blessings upon

you."

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

CRUSHINGS FOR WINDSOR CASTLE

AND TOOKEY TRIBUTE.

GRAHAMSTOWN,

This day.

Windsor Castle.—7o tons of quartz'have yielded 95 ounces.

Sunbeam. —A trial crushing of 4 \ tons has yielded 2ozs. 3 dwts. gold.

Tookey Tribute. — Long's tribute o Tookey's mine [has crushed 6 tons of stone* The retorting is expected to yield 9ozs. of gold.

The Pumping Association lowered the column into the cistern this morning.

Bright Smile. — Some nice specimens were obtained this morning. The No. 1 ree looks well in the main drive and winze.

Golden Crown.—Good specimens were obtained from the intermediate level.

TAURANGA.

This day. Peters, a coach proprietor, is here from Napier, and intends starting a line of coaches to Taupo.

Parties have arrived who are about t build a brewery at Te Papa.

THE MINISTERIAL CRISIS

RAILWAY CONTRACTS.

THE SHIPgGLENLORA

WELINGT ON.

This day. Messrs Vogel and McLean are to come to Wellington in the Luna immediately after the Governor leaves for Victoria.

Mr Reynolds has gone to Melbourne on business connected with the Publio Works

Department,

The whole of the Ministry are expected to assemble "here in a fortnight.

It is rumoured that the Attorney-General will be offered a seat in the Upper House to conduct Government Bills through without

having a vote,

The following contracts were given yes terday :—Nelson and Foxhill Railway, thir teen miles, Scott and Robertson, £11,989 ; Oamaru to Waitaki, Allen and Stumbles, £9,990 10s lOd. These contracts are for formation only.

Tenders will shortly be invited for the railway from Winton to Kingston, 23 miles ; and Tokomairiro and Lawrence in six sec tions. The story that a female from the Glenlora ran away to the military barracks at Mau ritius proves to be entirely false. The story was told of another vessel that called into Mauritius prior to the Glenlora.

A law suit between the agents of the Glen lora and the consignees of cargo, for damage and delay in delivery of cargo, is probable.

*M EVENING STAK, WDNBSBAY, MAROH 12, IS9S



W. RUSHBROOK \ BEGS to call the attention of Ladies to his VERY CHOICE and NEW STOCK of AUTUMN AND WINTER DRESS MATERIALS and other Goods, which are being sold at very moderate prices. HOBBS' DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel upper queen street. KELSON TWEED TROUSERS, 15 s. 6d. Per Pair, AT THE CITY CLOTHING MART, AND AT No. ISO, QUEEN STREET. SAMUEL COOMBES. GREAT REDUCTIONS FOR THREE MONTHS ONLY AT THE AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPANY, 194, queen street, Next Door to Savings' Bank. Cartes-de-visite reduced from 16s per dozen to 13s 6d. Maori Celebrities (largest stock in New Zealand to select from), reduced from 12s per dozen to 6s. Views from all parts of New Zealand reduced from 12s per dozen to 6s. Enlargements from Cartes-de-visite to Life-size, plain or beautifully finished in Oil or Water Colors, also reduced in price. Large Stock of Photographic Goods and Apparatus, Magic Lantern Slides, Stereoscopic Slides, &c, greatly reduced. J. McGARR IGL E, Manager.