SHIPPING INT ELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUN-SET * This evonh; 2 , 7.18 BUN-BT3_': To- | morrow mci-nii-fr, 4.51 j Hff*ff water • This oveiime, 10.44 ; to-morYO**** monunpr, 11.3. I

ARRIVALS.

_~ DEPARTURES. Phrebo, ._._., Worsp. for Southern Ports Dawn, cutter, Bradley, for Raglan Rover, schooner, for East Coast

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

i< reetrader, barque, for Newcastle Wellington, s s, for the South, Monday Chile, ship, for London, early Corenet, schooner, for Tahiti' and Rarotonga, 10th

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Hero, ss, from Sychiev, early Star of .ho South, ss, "from Levuka, early Empreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October Drover, brig, from Newcastle, early Beatrice, barque, from New York, via Adelaide Wave Queen, ship, from London. Sailed October 14 Anazi, barque, from London. Sailed October 31 Lauderdale, ship, from London. Sailed October 19 Queen of the A\ge, ship, from London

EXPORTS.

Per Phcebe : 7 pkgs, Lewis Bros.; 3 horses, Redwood ; 1 case, Birrnes j 2 do N.Z. In surance Company. Messrs Biglow and Sons are making good progress with the schooner they are building for Capt McKenzie and Smith at Smailes' Point. Messrs Henderson and Spraggon are also getting along with the schooner they are engaged in building for Mr Jagger. The cutter Wanderer sailed to-day for Napier with a general cargo. The barque Amateur hauled alongside the wharf this morning. The ketch Wild Duck was sold to-day at auction by Mr G. W. Binney for L 650 to Mr Waller, timber merchant, Custom-house street. The Phoebe sailed forTaranakito-day with the following passengers :—Mrs Robetrs, Mr Redwood, Mr Prince, Mr Hickson, and twelve steerage.

COMMERCIAL.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

BusmEss done:— National Bank, 64s ; buyers, 63s 6cl. National Insurance, 21s ; buyers, 20s 6d ; sellers, 21s Gel. Caledonian, £11 15s ; buyers, £11 10s ; sellers £12. City of London, Buyers 20s sellers, 21s 6d. Moanatairi, 38s. Thames G. M. Co., 65s ; buyers, £3. Albnrnia (new issue)— Sellers, 6s 6d. Bismarck—Sellers, 335. _f Union Beach—Sellers, 15s. Eureka Hill—Buyers, 6s. Tokatea—Sellers, 20s.

Calls.

£ s. d. Date. Eureka Hill 0 10 7an. 14 Pride of Tokatea .. ..006 Jan. 14 Golden Calf 0 10 Jan. 14 Albion Coal Co 015 0 Feb. 1 National Bank of N.Z. .. 010 1 April 1 National Bank of N.Z. .. 010 0 July 1

PROVISION MARKET.

Buying Prices, Corrected by Auckland Dealers. s. d. s. d. s d. b. d Butter, per lb. 0 o—l 0 I Ducks, pair.. 2 6—5 0 Cheese (new) 04_ — 0 6 Geese, each 4 o—s 0 Eggs, per doz. 1 3—o 01 Turkeys .. 3 o—4 } lard, per lb. 0 7—o 0 | Canterbury Bacon & Hams Fowls, pair.. 3 o—s 0 1 (bare) .. 0 C—o 8 Good Salt Butter, 6—o 8I Do (in cloth) 0 S—o 9 Canter. Cheese. Ci—o 8 | Auckland 0 5-00 Hams, 9di to 11 d per lb. Retail Prices, Farm and Dairy Produce. s. d. s. d. s. d s. d. Milk,,per (jt. 0 Oto 5 1 Ducks each 5 0-60 Butter (fresh) 0 0-I 3 | Geese, each 5 0-6 0 Cheese (new) 0 B—l 0 I Turkeys, per 5 0—73 Eggs.per doz. 1 6—o 0 | Bacon, per lb. 0 B—o lo Lard, per lb. 0 6—o 01 Hams .. .. 0 9-1 6 Fowls, pair.. 4 6-0 01 Salt Butter., 1 o—l 3 Butchers' Meat. Beef, per lb. 0 4—o 7 I Pork, per lb 0 6 Mutton ~ 0 4—o 5 I Veal 0 6 • BREADSTUFFS. PLOUR. WHOLESALE. Millers' Price, per ton—lst quality £17 Fine Flour—household £14 Adelaide Flour £13 Canterbixry *. £12 to £14 Seconds, £12. Sharps, £710s Bakers' Price, per lb 3d. Bran, Is 6d per bushel. Bread, per 21b. loaf, 4d to 4d. Maize, crushed and whole, 4s 6d to 5s BISCUIT. Cabin Biscuit, per 1001b Retail, 22s MAIZE, OATS, POTATOES, ETC. WHOLESALE. Maize, 5s j inferior, 3s 6d to -Is Oats, 5s 6d per bushel. Potatoes, £3 to £3 10s per ton. New Potatoes, £4 to £5 Kay, £2 to £4 10s per ton. Straw, £2 10s to £3 per ton. Chaff, £610s per ton. retail. Maize, 6s 6d to 5s 9cl per bushel; crushed, 5s 6d Oats, 6s per bushel. Potatoes, 4s 6d per cwt.; new, 7s to 8s Hay, cwt., 4s to 6s. Straw, 4s to 5s per cwt. Chaff, 7s 6d to 8s per cwt. KAUKI GUM AND FLAX MARKET. The following are the prices in the Auckland market :— Gum—Well scraped, best quality .. ~ £30 to £32 Ordinary sorts .... £26 to £29 Flax.—Finest quality £15 to £18 Second ditto .. .. _ £10 to £14 Tow £7to£B. BUILDING MATERIALS. Timber.—Boards and scantling, 100 f t, 9s to 15s at mills, 10s 6d; planed, tongued, and grooved, lis 6d to 17s New Zealand palings, 5-feet, 10s; 6-feet, 12s; ti trce rails, £215s to £3 per 100 ; puriri posts, £5 per 100 shingles, 8s to 13s per 1000 ; HoDart Town palings sft., 17s; 6ft., 19s ; Hobartown rails, 755. COAL AND FIREWOOD MARKET. Coal.—Newcastle, on Wharf, nominal; delivered «< i per ton. Bay of Islands, on board ships in port, iff rton, delivered 35s ; ditto at the mines,-18s per on. - - Firewood.—Uncut, 14s per ton, delivered : cut 16s per ton, delivered.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

: Mails will Close as Under :— | For Thames, to-day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow at 1 10.30 am and 5.30 pm. For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 1.30 p.m. For Rarotonga and Tahiti,-per Coronet, on Saturday next, at 9 a m For Mahurangi, Matakana, Mangawai, Waipu. &c, per Lady Bowen, on Saturday next, at 10 a m Per s.s. "Wellington, on Monday next, as follows :— i For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and 1 Continent of Europe, at Ipm For United Kingdom, via Suez, (for letters specially addressed), at 1.30 pin For Taranaki'and Southern Provinces, at 1.30 p.m. For United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters for Southern Provinces, at 2 pra , For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 12.30 pm Should a later opportunity offer Supplementary - Mails will be forwarded. Mails for the Uuited Kingdom, Continent of Europe, &c. via Suez, will be despatched on Mon day, 12th instant, per ss. Wellington. Should a later opportunity offer, supplementary mails will he I forwarded For the undermentioned places, per Governor Black all, on Thursday, 15th instant, as under :— For Sandwich Islands. United States of America Canada, British Columbia, Central and South' America, and British and Foreign West Indies atlO.-SOa.m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco, at 10.30 a.m. Letters bearing late fee will be received untill 11 a.m For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 9.30 a.m. N.B.—The mails for Tokatota, Aratapu, Manga whare, &c, will in future close at this office on Monday, at 10 a.m., and the return mails will arrive on Thursday, at Cp.m. Mails for Paparoa, Port Albert, &c., will close on Wednesday, at 10 a.m., and, the return mails will arrive on Saturday at 6 p.m. The mail for Puhoi will close on Wednesday, at 7.30 a.m., return Friday, at 3 p.m. I (Signed) S. B. Bres, OJiief Postmaster,

BIRTHS.

Pxai-u-ey On January G, at Parnell, Mrs .Tamos I Peachey, of a son. Woutij[xotoiN--Op. January 8, at her residence, North Shore, the wife of Mr Henry Worthington, i of a daugjitor. Moktauue.— On January 7, Mrs Montague of a son.

DEATH.

Cujitatj-..—On Jan. 8, .John Curtain : ar.ert 41 years. The funeral will leave the Provincial Hospital to-morrow (Friday), Oth, at 3 30 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1874.

For the cause that lacks assistance, Eor the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And Win £?ood that we can do

Four years have elapsed to-day since the Auckland Evening Star began to twinkle in these Southern heavens. It was with but a very feeble ray, and as men looked at the great storm clouds that surrounded its little glimmering light, there were few, —we can almost say there was not one—who did not anticipate that it would soon set in the gloom of everlasting night. But the Evening Star is shining still, ■ and it is not presumption to say that if by any stroke of adverse fate it dis appeared from the sky it would now be missed from the galaxy of journalism. On the anniversary of our natal clay we have been wont to make our little annual blow, and we must be pardoned if as year passes after year we blow with a loud and a stronger blast. We do not know that in the history of colonial journalism there is any other journal that in the same space of time has come to the van, for we can with knowledge of what we say, anclwithcon fidence in our assertion, affirm that there is not in New Zealand any journal that has to-day three-fourths of the circulation of the Auck land Evening Star ; and this proud position we have won, not by the ordinary method of humouring those that have favours to bestow, but by treating great and small with equalhand, fearlessly assailingthe wrong, how ever surrounded by power and prestige, fear, lessly defending the right however weak and friendless and despised. This may not have been wise according to this world's estimate of wisdom, but we have received at the hands of the public a reward which we acknowledge with sincere and respectful gratitude. That we have given offence times innumerable we are willing to admit, but we have never done so without the belief that our action has been for the public good ; and though to legal bounce, and threats of violence, and the meaner method of with drawal of advertisements, *we have never bowed, the columns of the Star have been at | all times most freely and cheerfully given to make every possible reparation when it has been shown that a cause has been unfairly represented, or any wrong has been done. That the Star is hated by many in Auckland

as sunlight is damned by the midnight prowler we know, and we feel proud and happy in the knowledge. But even though many a good man and true has from time to time been grieved with us, we do not hesitate to say that among all in the province who wish well to the common weal, and are not absorbed in the prosecution of nefarious schemes, there is not one that wishes ill to the Evening Star. Our aim has ever been that our journal should be a terror to evil eloers and a praise to them that do well, and a retrospect of our brief and lively career impresses us with the conviction that in this we have not played our part in vain. When a wound required probing we have not rubbed on healing salve, but used the lancet ; and when speaking Or that horticultural implement used for moving the glebe, we have called it " spade." Gentler bearing would have been pleasanter, but would not have have been so good for the body politic ; and though in the work of reformation Othello's occupation is not yet gone, we believe that many an evil would have been festering among us that has been prevented or removed by the healthful influence of the Evening Star. And now as we enter on the fifth year of our existence it will be our object to continue to act worthily of our motto. We did so when existence hung upon a slender thread, and when wrestling with wrong in high places seemeel reckless temerity, and when the ancient chair and blistered inkpot and the battered candlestick were symbolic of our feeble state. Then with so frail armoury ?ve put to flight the armies of the aliens, and now when to pristine pluck there are superadded the resources and the strength that years have given we shall not be found wanting in hour of need when appealed to i For the cause that lacks assistance, . For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

Now is the proper time for registering claims to vote, and we hopo all persons en titled to exercise the franchise will take steps to have their names placeel upon the roll. Great difficulty has been experienced in com piling the provincial' rolls correctly owing to the number of elistricts, and persons register ng their right to vote for the election of members of the House of Representatives should include upon the form descriptive of ' their qualification the name of the provincial district which they claim to vote for. The boundaries of .all the provincial electorates are published in Reed & Brett's "Auckland Almanac/ so that electors may readily as certain in which of the elistricts their pro perties are situated. At a recent meeting of the Christchurch City Council it was resolved that the Mayor 4 would in future wear robes of office on any I special occasion, and a collar (portion of the s dress) at each sitting of the Council, '

We have received the following, bearing the norn eh- plume ".Stokes' Point" :—" To the Editor : Sir, —As your paper has shown an interest in the establishing of the steam furry service to Stokes' Point permit me to ask what is the origin of the rumours that are being industriously spread to the effect that the Ferry Company will give up this service at the close of the summer months. I am told that they originate at the other end of the North Shore, and that some narrow minded holders of property about Devon port or Flagstaff arc greatly annoyed at justice being at last done to Stokes' Point, and arc trying to break down the service. Will you kindly tell me, sir, and others who are really anxious on the subject, whether these rumours have any foundation in fact, as the reports about the Stokes' Point ferry service being only temporary are doing much injury in deterring people from coming over to reside in one of the most delightful and healthy districts in the neighbourhood of Auckland.—lam, sir, &c., "Stoke_' Poixt." In reply to our correspondent we would say that there is not the slightest foundation in the report. As to whether it is "industri ously spread" from jealousy and spite we are not in a position to say, but we are in a position to say that the steam ferry service to Stokes' Point is permanently estab lished. In the first place the directors have no desire to briug it to a close with the summer, but on the contrary desire and intend its permanent continuance. In the next place they could not end it with the summer even if they wished, inasmuch as they are under contract with the Provincial Government to run the service at least till January of 1875. In the next place the service pays, and taking summer and winter together (which is only fair) it will leave evi dently a fair margin of profit. This, in the very commencement of the undertaking, is of itself a guarantee of permanence. In the next place, such being the indications of the future success of the service, we are author ised by a gentleman to state that if the Furry Company give it up he will under take that a steamer will promptly occupy the vacant place, and carry the service on at least in an equally satisfactory mannei-. And in the last place we do not hesitate to say that such is the importance of Stokes' Point as the natural starting point on the great highway to the north, that if all the steam boat proprietors in the colony turned their backs on it a steam service must be continued betAveen it and Auckland in the intcit-sts of the public. Our correspondent may make his mind quite easy however. The Ferry Company was not started, nor is it conducted on narrow and selfish principles, and he may rest perfectly assured that Stokes' Point will not be treated ungener ously. Resides any one that is capable oi looking into the future; must see that that little headland is destined to play an import ant part in the advancement and develop ment of the North of this province. Let our correspondent have a little more faith, and laugh at the idle rumours, which it is not impossible may have had their origin in contemptible jealousy. Frequently have been sounded the praises of the " Downer," Diamond, and other kinds of korosine oil that have borne our legal tests as applied by the Inspector of Weights and Measures, Mr Reilly. From the great dangers attendant on products of petroleum which attain the flashing point at low tem peratures, (he matter is one of very great importance, and we are happy now to have to recoi-d that another—and that an Australian —oil has successfully passed the crucial tests, and is to rank now side by side with best brands as being absolutely free from danger of explosion in ordinary lamps. It is that extracted from the West Hartley Shale Mines, away up among the blue mountains of New South Wales. Our legal test being considerably more exacting than that of the other colonies, a consignment received in Auckland some months ago did not fully come up to the demands of Mr Reilly, but the manufacturers have now transmitted an article that comes up to the standard, and how far it goes beyond it is of no significance. Suffice to 3ay that the West Hartley oil stands'now on the same platform as Downer's, both being entirely above the risk of ex plosion by ordinary lamps. We have before us a certificate, of date the sth inst., in which Mr Reilly says : '' After a fair and impartial trial I found said kerosene emitted no flash or flame from 90 degrees to above 110 degrees, the point determined under the Dangerous Goods Act 18G9." In such cir cumstances we have very great pleasure in drawing attention to this colonial article. In New South Wales it is fast shutting out all other kerosene oils, and the export to Victoria and Queensland is becoming en ormous. The manufacturing works are at Waterloo, beside Sydney, and from the remarkable success that has attended operations, and the great excellence of the oil, which is known as the "Comet" brand, we believe it will soon be the most popular illuminator throughout those colonies. A consignment is at present in the hands of Mr George Dacre, and as we can speak from personal knowledge of the excellence of its illuminating power, and its thorough safety, we would bespeak for this, as a colonial manufacture, the favorable con sideration of our fellow citizens. It is un questionably a most thoroughly safe oil. The areas of the unknowu regions of the globe are estimated, approximately, at 11, COO, 000 square miles. The Good Templars of Taranakicelebrated Boxing Day by holding athletic sports, tilt ing at the ring, boys' and "girls' races, jump ing the stone, forming parts of the pro gramme. Afterwards a thousand sat down to tea. The demonstration was got up in opposition to amusements provided not on Good Templar principles, and the Templars were successful in carrying the largest sec tion of the public with them. •''- We have received a copy of the Hawke's Bay Almanac for 1874, which contains a large amount of information, provincial and colonial. The work has been printed in a very creditable manner at the Smoke's Say Herald office. Among its most interesting parts is a history of Hawke's Bay and a general description of the capabilities and resources of the province. His Honor Mr Justice Richmond is sanguine that by the adoption of a stern, yet merciful, system of penal discipline we might might hope almost to extinguish professional crime. It would be the fundamental princi ple of his system to punish, or rather to extinguish, inveterate and incurable crimi nality by confinement of the offenders in a special penal establishment for life. We fear his Honor in anticipating such resutts does not make sufficient allowance for the badness j of depraved human nature constantly develop [ ing itself. He lays too great stress on the convict taint inherited from the adjoining colonies. To what previous exhibition of crime would he ascribe Cain's early trans gression. The .scarcity of labour in the Wanganui district is so great that flock-masters com plained that the price they had to pay for shearing was such that a very trifling fall in the price of wool would leave them without profit for the last season ; similar complaints are being heard from farmers. The Road Boards suffer severely by the dearness of labour, the amount of road-work procurable by the expenditure of their revonuo being very much loss, than before,

It-will be pleasing to the friends of humanity and progress to learn that the early closing movement is not likely to break down, and that the narrow minority will not rule the broad-spirited many. The drapers have be come a numerous and important body ox citizens, and we believe there is heart enough amongst them to perpetuate the movement so well begun, and which has the sympathy of all thoughtful and rightly disposed persons. The members of the Auckland Harmonic Society will meet for practice this evening in the large room of the Young Mens Christian Association. After the late oppressive time of drought the gentle rain which fell through the dreamy hours of last night has had a revivi fying and cheerful effect upon the grassland gardens, although the complaint is "the rain has not gone deep enough." Man is rarely satisfied, and is ever yearning for some unpossessed fanciful good. We.intimate to our many readers that the celebrated Gourlay family, with the Scotch dwarf, will appear to-night in the Prince of \Vales' Theatre, with the laughable comedy of "Mrs McGregor's Levee," introducing all the original chai-acters, musical interludes, and dances. As many persons have expressed a wish to see the whole of " Mrs McGregor's Levee," which hitherto has only been partly given, the opportunity will now be afforded for the gratification of the cherished wish. The grand farewell concert to Madame Winter, previous to her departure for the South, will take place this evening in the City Hall, under the distinguished patronage of his Honor the Superintendent, his Wor ship the Mayor, the Masons and Volunteers, Madame Winter has long been amongst us, and has done much in promoting a taste for music among the people. ' It seems meet therefore that those young ladie3 and gentle men who have benefited by her instructions should recognize her labours in the most practical and appropiate manner, viz., by giving a parting concert. A reference to the programme in another column will convince readers that this will bo far superior to Madame Winter's previous con certs. We notice among the names of lady-singers, the favourite and popular vocalist Mrs Mitchell. The gentlemen who have promised assistance are Messi's Hampton and Wareham ; and among the musicians we trace the names of Messrs Beale ; Impey (our first clarionet player) and Mr Cullimore, while Madame Winter will perform several solos and duets assisted by her daughter. The ballads chosen are sentimental and poetical, such as "Jessie, the Flower of Dumblano," " Sweet Spirit," " Yesterday," and a new song which bids fair to become popular, entitled " Marie." The concert, therefore, as the programme shews, will be of such a character as to securo a large audience. We have been requested to state that Mr Brett's name has been added to the programme without his authority. That gentleman will not take part in the concert to-night. It is gratifying to notice that the Me chanics' Institute Exhibition was last even . ing crowded to excess, as it should be. The many beautiful productions of industry— beautiful and utilitarian—commanded the attention of the intelligent visitors ; and what added in no small degree to the in terest of the scenes was Mr Goodall's lecture, illustrated by a splendid series of electric light experiments. The engineering and machine department was eagerly inspected, and the result of the day was satisfactory. We notice that A. Sheath, Esq., of the Tele graph Department, will deliver a lecture on "Telegraphy" this evening, a subject of special interest. The monthly inspection of the Hobson, Scottish, and Engineer Companies of Volun teers took place last night at the Drill-shed. It is refreshing to have to notice, amid the ordinary ditch-water apathy that pervaded a good deal of the volunteering in Auckland, the energy and discipline which seem to ani mate these three fine corps. The attendance last night was well up to the mark, and Major Cooper, the Inspecting Officer, complimented the men and officers upon this and the steadinessof their drill. He expressed a hope that they would keep up their pre sont efficiency, as it was more than probable that Sir .Tames Fergusson would himself re view them shortly after his arrival in Auck land. The stakes for the different races of the recent Auckland Jockey Club meeting were paid over at a meeting of the club held yes terday at the Auckland Hotel. By the appended list of winnings it will be seen that Messrs. Watt, Walters, and Redwood came in for the lion's share, as they were bound to do. It is somewhat singular, however, that the amounts won by these gentlemen are nearly identical. The sums paid over were as follows :— Mr. James Watt, £323 os. ; Mr. W. Walters, £299 ss. ; Mr. H. Redwood, £294 10s. ; Mr. Munn, £57 ; Mr O. MeG-ec, £47 10s ; Mr McGeehan, £44 10s; Mr Campbell, £23 15s; Mr Kavanagh, £15 5s ■; Mr Fitzgerald, £9 10s ; Mr Standish, £4 5s ; total, £1,118 15s. After the business a dozen of host Boulter's best were cracked, and a pleasant hour was spent by the members and friends present in chatting over the past meetiuo and in discussing future events. The Papa° *kura Handicap was touched upon in a playful _ manner, and the adjustment of the weights freely criticised. Mr Watt made a very plain declaration that he should not send Calumny for the race with such a horse as lOst. 4_b. on her back. A little finnessing took place about Yatterina, and Tatler's chance was spoken favourably of. No betting took place that we are aware of. The nearest approach to it was an offer from Mr H. Prince to take evens about namin°* the winner in twice. We visited the hairless horse, known as Caoutchouc, last evening, and were gratified by the visit. The horse is apparently young, gentle, and altogether a phenomenon in his way. Those who suppose that there is anything _ repulsive in the appearance of the animal will be agreeably dissapointed in find ing a most beautiful quadruped, with a smooth shiny coat, sleek and black, without the slightest indication of a hair, and of the hue of india-rubber. Several ladies were present who expressed a wish that the per fectly formed animal belonged to them. We understand from the proprietor that the last opportunity of seeing this remarkable animal will be Saturday evening, and as the. price of admission is only sixpence no doubt thou sands will visit this noble horse previous to the time of his departure for San Francisco, the scene of Caoutchouc's next venture. A history of him has been published, and from this biography we learn that the horse was captured near Balonne. River, in the territory of Queensland, in company with a mob of wild horses, and nearly six months were passed in hunting him ere his final capture was effected ; and that he derives his name from his india-rubber-like skin. From the colonies Caoutchouc will proceed through America to the cities of Europe, where he will create considerable interest among the savans and the unlearned ; and, before he quits this city in prosecution of his world pilgrimage, we would advise all those who feel interested in the varieties and wonders of natural history to visit and examine this singular and very remarkable animal—>tlic i hairlof... horse ?

A writer in a INelson paper says lie doe not know any other place the colony, he may say in tlie world, where among a thousand or two of people, •" oh ! such pretty girls ! would be found in such numbers. He is compelled to admit, however, that they are all more or less guilty of the folly of woarmgthnse hideous hats now so much in vogue, and which, in recognition of their intense ugliness, are worn as far from the person as possible, being attached to the extremity of the mass of somebody else's hair that stretches away to the rear of the heads of most modern belles. An accident recently occurred in Sydney which shews the necessity for paying atten tion to stages used for connecting vessels with wharves. Fifty people were on a stage between the barque Ocean Wave and the quay, their intention being to embark on an excursion steamer lying the other side of the barque, when the stage gave way, and all Were precipitated into the water — men, women, and children. But for the prompt measures used many would have been drowned, but fortunately all were rescued safely. An emergency meeting of the brethren of Lodge St. Andrew will be held this evening at the Star hotel, Albert-street. From the commennement of the criminal sittings at the Supreme Court a young I woman, apparently beautiful or otherwise, with her features closely veiled, has been walking day by day about the Court-house, evidently in a state of mental anxiety, glancing* in at one doorway and then in at another. In another moment she is seen taking a slight peep from the gallery, and again walking briskly round the outside of the building. She speaks to no one, and nc one speaks to her, or seems able to afford any clue to the particular cause of her trouble, which at present appears wrapt in a mystery as profound as that which hurried thousands of readers in a state of frenzy through the weird pages of the "Woman in White." Among other onslaughts on gambling houses in London one has been made on the keeper of a lolly-shop, where children went in for a " spinning-jenny," where the stakes were a halfpenny on one side and a penny worth of lollies or nothing on the other. The magistrate said it was a shocking thing for boys to be thus led into gambling habits, and sentenced the defendant to a fine of £3 or one month. A London paper remarks :— "We shall hear next of some little boj staking "up to the limit" in lollipops, losing his all, and then committing suicide with a popgun." An addition has been made to the marine objects shewn in the Exhibition. Messrs J. and D. Oxley have sent in a model of the hull of their celebrated yacht the Fleet wing. The model shows most faithfully the beautiful lines of this fast sailing craft. H is well finished off, and is an attractive feature in the Exhibition. A recent New Zealand Gazelle notifies the following A rolunteer appointments :— W. Rrassey, to be Captain of the Thames Naval Volunteers ; H. G. Payne, Sub-Lieutenant of the Royal Company ; J. McConnell, to be Captain of No. 3 Company A.R.V. ; sub- Lieutenant E. Moss, to be Lieutenant of the Volunteer Brigade Cadets. It would appear that the cab proprietors are so tied down with by-laws that they dare not go to the railway station for fear of rendering themselves liable for the pains an el penalties provided by clause 26 of the city by-laws. The multitude and arbitrary character of the laws with reference to hackney carriages and coaches com pletely cripple the action of proprietors and elrivers, and until the Council manifest a more liberal spirit the public must suffer inconvenience. Possibly in a month or two the Council will awake to the fact that a railway is in existence, and will then consider the propriety of making a by law to suit the reepiirements of this traffic. In the meantime wo aelvise cabby to pick up trade where he can find it in a legitimate way, the threats of Town Clerk and Carriage Inspector notwithstanding.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.—This Day.

A MEETING of the Board of Education was held this afternoon. Present : Messrs H. H. Lusk (chairman), Dr Campbell, G. M. Reed, J. Sheehan, A. Beveridge and F. L. Prime. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Som merville, Niccol, and Brown waiteel on the Board to urge that £150, with interest from October last, should be paid by the Board for the purchase of the North Shore school house. The money was voted on the motion oi Dr Campbell, seconded by Mr Sheehan. A letter from the Improvement Commis sioners was. ordered to stand over till a future day. Si. The Scholarships Committee's report was read and adopted, and Messrs Lusk, Sheehan, and Reed adeled to the committee. It was resolved that application be made to his Honor the Superintendent for infor mation as to the provision that has been made for carrying on the operations of the Board pending the next meeting of the Pro vincial Council.

DOTING DADDY.

Come near my Charlie, darling, With your peepers blue and bright; "With your brow so like your father's, And your heart so glad and light. Come near, my lively rompling, Skipping round with childlike glee ; "With loud laughter, like your mamma's, Come and sit on daddy's knee ! I feel whene'er I see thee "What a happy dad am I To possess a "priceless treasure, Which all Auckland cannot buy. One kiss-away to mamma— OfXI go in quest of bread. But I'll bring you home some lollies, Charlie's doting father said. B.

THE LATE MR. CHESHIRE.

To the Editor of the Evening Stah. Sir, —Touching Mrs Cheshire's letter of yes terday, Mr Thomas Williams and myseli have already published a statement, which I will again give to the public for the last time :— a „ , £ s. d. £ s. d. Sundry subscriptions as per book 34 3 1 Mrs Cheshire's order to pay under taker 8 0 0 Mrs Cheshire's order to pay Glan ville and Ellyett for groceries ..531 Mrs Cheshire's order to pay Mur phy Brothers for groceries .. 512 7 Handed by Williams and Casey to Mrs Cheshire ". 15 7 2 Total £34 3 1 At the time this collection was going on there was £22 5s belonging to the vessel in Mrs Cheshire's house, the proceeds of a bill of lading worth £23 sold by Mr Cheshire before his death. He appointed another master for the vessel thinking his illness would be temporary, and strange to say, succeeded in drawing a portion of the freight in advance. I very much regret Mrs Cheshire's illness, but her sons are in a position to support their mother and two younger children. Touching Mr Read, I know, him to be an honourable man. Anything that he does will bear ventilation, ~=l am, &c, n ,„»a ,T ' Casey. January 8 ? i§74,

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thos. Beckham, Esq., R.M.) V' ": ITARV ItfDINO. f^f* George McCaslin was charged with abre.-i.li of the Municipal Police Act by riding a horse furiously in Symonds-streot on the -20th December last. Defendant said his pony started off Bud denly. He stopped the animal as soon as possible. His Worship inflicted a fine of £1 and costs. a cnnnvKY on fire. John Beamish, who was represented by lfi. wife, was charged with allowing the chimney of his house, in Symonds-street, to catch fire on the 19fch ult. Defendant pleaded guilty ; but said the chimney was not on fire. His Worshfp asked the woman why she pleaded guilty then. Defendant said she did not plead guilty herself, she pleaded the chimney guilty. (Laughter.) Fined 5s and costs. BREACH OF BY-LAWS. Francis Campbell was charged with throw ing stones into the Solid Rock Bath, to the danger of persons in bath on the 31st ult. Sergt.-Major Pardy said the practice of throwing stones into the bath was becoming a serious nuisance. Several complaints had been made about it. There was generally great difficulty in identifying the delinquents. The bath proprietor had caught the prisoner in the act. Even broken bottles had been at times thrown into the bath. His Worship, after remarking upon the reprehensible carelessness of the parents of children allowed thus to endanger people's lives, inflicted a fine of 40s and costs, and in default ordered the prisoner to be com mitted to prison for seven days. Arthur Nicholson was called upon to answer a charge of the same nature. 1 Defendant did not appear, and the magis trate ordered the summons to be proved and a warrant issued for his apprehension. 'I'll RE.VTEX TXG I.AXGtTaVGE. Edward Pearse, charged in the sheet with the above offence towards Robert Roach, did not appear. The prosecutor also not being in attendance the case was struck out. LUSACY. John McDonald, who has been frequently brought before the Court charged with bein^ of unsound mind, was brought up again this ' morning, and on the testimony of Drs Stoclt well and Kennedy sent to the Asjdum. This was all the business.

SUPREME COURT.

QUARTERLY CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

Yesterday—Continued. (Before his Honor Sir George A. Arney, Knight, Chief Justice.) His Honor upon resuming his seat stated that he had cai-efully examined the authori ties, and had come to the conclusion that the proper cause under the circumstance for the course to adopt was to discharge the jury from giving a verdict. The prisoner William Good must therefore be remanded, and a new jury empanelled to deal with the case.

THIS DAY.

His Honor took his seat at 10 o'clock. STEALING FROM A MINK. John Hawkins, 25, and George Sly, 29, miners, were arraigned upon indictments charging Hawkins with stealing from the Caledonian mine, Grahauistowu, on the 15th day of June last, live pounds weight of gold bearing quartz, the property of the Caleelonian Goldmining Company, and Sly with receiving the same, well knoM'ing it to have been stolen. Prisoners pleaded not guilty. Mr Brooktield appeared for the prosecu tion, and Mr Hesketh for the defence. Captain Stephen Richards, on being sworn, deposed I am manager of the Cale" donian Golil-mining, which has been properly registered and incorporated. I know the prisoners, who were working in the mine on gold-bearing quartz in the month of June last. It is the custom to search men on leaving the mine. Prisoners were employed in No. 3 shaft, and left work at seven o'clock on Saturdays. Prisoner's ceased to work in the mine about the beginning of July. Catherine Gleeson deposed : I know John Hawkins and the prisoner Sly. I have been living with Hawkins for* some time as his wife. I remember the even ing in June ; it was on a Saturday, when Hawkins told me that ho and Sly and a man named HaU were going to get some speci mens. He had tea, then dressed himself and went out. Ha returned about eleven o'clock and put on bis working clothes again. I asked him how they were going to get down the mine ; he replied by a ladder ; that this was the only time they could bring specimens away, as the works were stopped, and they should not be searched. Hawkins then left, saying he was off to the mine. I was in bed when he returned. I heard some one come into the house and thrust a carpet-bag into my bed-room, which I found contained specimens. It was a carpet-bag, and fuU of specimeus. I was curious, and opened a corner of the bag, and thus found out what the contents were. When Hawkins sub- . sequently returned I enquired if he-had brought the specimens? He said "No, it was George Hall, the dark man." Hawkins told me that the specimens came from the Caledonian mine. Sly came to my house on the Monday following at tea time (five o'clock) and enquired for Hall, but as Hall was not present Sly said he would take some of the specimens. Hawkins then lugged out the carpet-bag, when Hall came ia. The specimens were then put on the floor, and part put into a small bag, which Sly was about to take away. Hawkins said " Don't go yet, wait tiU it gets a little darker." Hawkins and HaU then waited, and went out by the backway with the specimens towards Grahamstown. They returned at a late hour. I asked them whether they had been to Spence and Hall's battery. Haw kins replied that they had, and had got the stuff crushed. I took the receipt (produced) out of Hawkins' pocket. I asked if the sum stated was what the specimens pro duced. Hawkins replied that it was the result of the carpet bag, which had been divided amongst the three. I then called Hawkins a Caledonian specimen stealer, and that Sly and Hall were in the mess. I tried _. to strike him, and when I was afterwards getting a light for Constable Brennan Haw kins knocked me clown. Since I have been waiting here several persons, in the interest' of Hawkins, have tried to induce me to with hold my evidence. I am lodging ab Gar- = dene-re', on the wharf. Cross-examined by Mr Hesketh: Hall produced the key of the carpet bag on the Monday evening, and opened the bag in my presence. Sly's little bag is still in my pos session. lam not married to prisoner ; he left some of the proceeds of the crushing with me, which I put by. I saw the division of the specimens. I was in the habit of searching Hawkins' pockets whenever I could ~ get a chance. The particulars of the sale of. the specimens on the paper I had torn, buf—• pasted them together and gave it in its pre —"" sent state to Sub-Inspector Bullen. I tokl'_- I upon him on the Prince of Wales' birthday, "' 'We IwA row, &m\ I was 4®.i?mm?<i to Jmyq

fHE IYOTTO SfA.Br;-. THURSBA.Y, JAHtTAIfiY 8 lg?_



LADY BOWEN TESTIMONIAL. SUBSCRIBERS are informed .that the Gift to Lady Bo wen from the Ladies of Auckland will be exhibited at Mr Upton's on Mon day first, l°th instant, between the hours of ten and four. Aitckland, January 7,1874. [Established 1864.] T\ STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" 'EAGLE BRAND " , " C R 0 ~ N BEAN D," * Are to be proeitred at all respectable Geooekh and Storekeepers tb.oughout the Province of Auck and. ..,.''■ D. STEPHENSON & CO. "WYNDHAM STREET A U O X L A 1* D. .pa ~~U t I o ST. LSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. \_onnoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the BEST for general use in households, and, in con sequence of its high reputation, soma unprirtcipled 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 j 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 tho name is Stamped on Bottle and B topper, and wrapped round with his well-known eJ. "



M 0 W O P E N E T), | EX II YDAS PE S, A MAGNIFICENT ASSORTMENT CHILDREN'S, GIRLS' AND LADIES' TUSCAN, LEGHORN, & STRAW HATS, MEN'S & BOYS, DITTO DITTO, VERY CnEAP. SILK SUNSHADES, MUSLIN COLLARETTES LACE TIES Etc., Etc., Etc GENTLEMEN'S SUMMER CLOTHING, BOYS' & YOUTHS' DITTO. i A CHOICE LOT OF BOYS' KNICKERBOCKER SUITS IN VARIOUS MATERIALS & STYLES, ' ALPACCA COATS (BLACK & COLORED), WHITE DRESS SHIRTS, Etc., Etc., Etc. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, W HOLT-HALE AND RETAIL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, AO. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, | (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen -stbeet, Auckland. 4_r N.B.— | Parties in the country favouring R. & B. with their orders may depend upon their receiving careful atten tion and despatch. Patterns, Ac, forwarded post I free. INSURANCE. THE NATIONAL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND PROTECTS Insurers against Loss from either Fire or Sea disasters at Lowest Rates of Premium. Advantageous arrangements can be made whereby Wool-growers and others can have their Clips covered from Sheep's back through to London. Open Policies are issued by this Company covering Merchandise to any amottnt to New Zealand and Australian ports, saving both trouble and expense to insurers. By a simple plan also Importers can Insure in Auckland Merchandise coming to them from United Kingdom, and all settlements in event of loss can be made with the office here, thus avoiding the vexatious delay attending adjustments in England. Auckland Branch Offices : 25, Queen street. ANDREW G. MILLAR, Local Manager. rtHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS J. CfOSGRAVE & CO. Arc now holding their usual CHEAP SALE OE DRAPERY & CLOTHING At their Premises CANADA BUILDINGS. THE SALE IS 3NOW ON, And will continue during tho CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. Queen street.



p.HEISTMAS PRESENTS AXT) NEW YEAE'S GIFTS, TRO-M* FIVE TO TWENTY-FIVE PER CENT DISCOUNT. R. BECK, JEWELLER AND WATCHMAKER, Will supply JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS, &c, FOR CHRISTMAS" PRESENTS AND NEW YEAR'S GIFTS, At a Reduction 0p.5 to 25 per cent. Discount. .B.—All Goods marked in plain figures, and ranteed, 198, QUEEN-STREET. Y^TALKATO GOALS (the best in use for Household purposes). For Sale in s to suit buyers at the Timber Yard Governraen Wharf, Onehunga. Orders can be left at the office. JAMES W. WALLER, Customhouse-street, Auckland. "WILL BE PUBLISHED MONDAY NEXT, " THE AUCKLAND CRICKETERS' TRIP TO THE SOUTH," A History or the late Successful Tour. PKICE: ONE SH-ILLING. E. WAYTE, Publisher.