SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

HIGH WATER: This evening, 12 ; 10-morro« morning, 0.33 SUN-SET : This evening, 5.19; SUN-RISE : To morrow ronrninsf, 6.88 MOON'S AGE: First Quarter, 2ith, 11.42 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Murray, s.s., from Tauranga Southern Cross, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

Golden Isle, scliooner, for Bussell Clyde, schooner, for Wangarei

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Sydney—Hero, s.s., Saturday, 12 noon ; Alacrity, H.M Gunboat, this day San Francisco—Allahabad, ship, to-morrow Lyttelton—Belle Brandon, schooner, to-morrow Napier-Star of the South, s.s., to-morrow Southern ports—Wellington, s s , 27th instant Samoa, via Wangapoa—lvanhoe, schooner Newcastle—Hvlton Castle, to morrow Levuka, via Wangapoa—Daphne, early Kaipara—Derwent, brig, early Napier and Southern potts—Cyphrenes, s.s , early London—Anazi, barque, early-

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Cyphrenes, S.s., Mail Steamer, from Kandavu Rangatira. s.s., from Sydney, 28th instant Southern Cross, s.s., from England Empreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October 15 Jubilee, ship, from London, Sailed January 21 Rouparell, ship from London. Sliled February 19 Bella Mary, from Hobsrt Town. early- Mary King, schooner, from Adelaide, early Coronet, schooner, from Tahiti Edith, schooner, from South Sea Islands, early Excelsior, schooner, from Dunedin, early Serene, barque, from Wellington Clematis, ketcb, from Lyttelton, early FTerald, schooner, from Lyttelton Merlin, schooner, from Lyttelton Ryno, schooner, from Lyttelton Flirt, brigantine, from Lyttelton

Captain Braddick, of the Countess of Kintore, has forwarded us the following par ticulars of his voyage home :—According to promise I take the first opportunity of ad vising you of the arrival of the Countess of Kintore. We had a pleasant passage and sighted the Start eighty-seven dp.y out, get ting the ship into Dock on the 90th day. The Wild Duck, from Otago, I spoke on the passage. He arrived in Dock two days after me. The Lady Bowen, barque, arrived in Dock yesterday. I give dates :—Countess of Kintore : Left Auckland, 18th November, 1873 ;to Horn thirty days; to Line sixty days ; Start, 15th February, 1874; Dock, 17th February, 1874. Wild Duck: Left Otago 18th November, 1873; Dock, 19th February, 1874. Lady Bowen arrived in Dock 19th February. 1874. The ship is entered out for Auckland to sail soon.

While the ship Allahabad was clearing her cables yesterday in preparation for her departure for San Francisco the lashing con necting the two chains gave way, and the detached anchor, with 40 fathoms of chain was lost. The ship drifted down about a couple of her own lengths, but was then brought up by her other anchor. The Cioss notice speaks of a strong S. W. gale as having caused the accident. A fine S.S.W. breeze was blowing, but nothing more. The fouling of the hawse is the common result of a ship lying in anchor in a tideway for any length of time, and in the case of the Allahabad was not particularly the occurrence of yesterday. The s.s. Murray, A. Palmer, left Tauranga at noon on the 22nd,. and Tairua at 6 p.m. ; arrived at Kohimarama at 5.30 a.m. on the 23rd, discharged, 118 sheep, and arrived at the Wharf at 6 a.m. Had westerly winds throughout the passage. Passengers: Miss Maxwell, Miss Anderson, Rev. Mr Burrpws, Captain Yates, Messrs E. S. Yates, Wrigley, Daly, Clarke, Prsece, and Tim. Cargo : 118 sheep, Hunter and Nolan ; 30 bags potatoes, Bell Brothers ; ,5 raShs, Buckland ; 1 box, Cousins* and- _i_k__s ; 1 horse, Daly. We are obliged to. the. purser for the report. ." " The fbllowingis the opinion.qf "the 'Otago Guardian respecting the new mail service :— " The American, Australian, and New Zea-

land mail seemg to be fairly set on foot, but its usefulness so far as Otago is concerned does not seem to. be very greaty as it was perfectly impossible to reply by the return mail, and consequently Otago must fall back upon the Suezljfor her replies," It must be admitted that Dunedin had some cause for complaint under the circuGumstances of the last visit of the Mongol. Three hours is rather sharp work for perusing and replying --important business communications.

The New Zealand Shipping Company, says the Otago. Guardian, intend to take one of their steamers off the coastal service and place her on the Fiji trade.

The committee appointed by the Harbour, Board to-inquire into and report upon the! condition of athe pilot service of this port are to proceed to Rangitoto- Reef and Tiri Tiri to-morrow for the purpose oi examining those places as suitable sites for a pilot station. They leave at 9 a.m. in the p.s. Devonport. | The revenue cutter Ringleader has arrived from a cruise to Tauranga, having on board. Mr. Seed (Commissioner of Customs) and Mrs. Seedr _- h C.y.,y 'a

The schooner Ivanhoe, after being repaired, will leave for Wangaproua en route for Samoa.; The s.s. Southern .Cross arrived from Tau ranga early this morning, bringing passen J gers and cargo. ■-■''■' The ketch Clio has cleared for Norfolk ■rslands and New with a general argo and passengers. She has hauled off c he wharf and-will'sail immediately.

ENGLISH SHIPPING.

From our LondoffCorrespondent, in a com-, munication dated jFebruary 18, we learn; that the Rooparell embarked her passengers for Auckland on the 17th of Febjuary.! She carries 290 adult^, and was to sail on th. 19th of February. " JThb ' fine new ship; Ballochinyle was to leave London onthe_.-6hj of February for Plymouth, where she was to take in 522 immigrants for Canterbury. The New Zealand Shipping, Company's new ship -Waikato wasdto leave Sunderland on the 19fch! of February Jfi^ London, to load immigr-nt-j for Wellington. "MDur correspondent promises a full description of this ship in his next letter. Following on the Rooparell the next ship was to be the .^mes Wishart, 77-6 Jams register. Her cargo was nearly-_i_r,*-figaged at the date the letter was sent, and.it was announced that she would sail on the 10th1 of March, Our correspondent mentions that a vessel was to sail from Belfast for Auck land on the 17th ult. j

COMMERCIAL.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Bank of New Zealand, £17 15s ; buyers, £17.12s 6d ; sellers, £17 17s 6d National Bank, 75s ; sellers, 765. South British Insurance, 51s, 52s ; buyers, 51s

National Insurance —Buyers, 32s ; sellers, 355.

Standard Insurance—lss ; Buyers, 15s ; , sellers, 16s Thames Gas—Sellers, 33s Fiji Bank—Sellers 54s Moanatairi—3ss ; Sellers, 38s Alburnia (new), 445, 45s ; buyers, 48s Do. (paid up), 50s ; sellers, 545. - Do. (double)—£s to £5 2s 6d : sellers, £5 2s 6d .

Windsor Castle—Sellers, 3s 6d - • Caledonian, £9, £9 [5s ; buyers, £9 • sellers, £9 5s " _ i" '«' City* of London—24s, 24s 6d; buyersr^s"; sellers, 255. Queen of the Thames— 3a Od ; buyers, 3b od ;, sellers, 4s. Crown Prince, 16 Qd j seller*., 16a

Central Italy "(double) —Sellers, 13a ; new 5s ; buyers, 5s 3d Watchman—Sellers, 8s 6d Queen of May—Buyers, 12s Old Whau', £6, £5 17s 6_; buyers, £51756 d ; sellers, £6'osod Golden Calf (new issue)—9s, 10s, 10s 6d, lis ; buyers, 10s ; sellers, lis. Sons of Freedom, £4, £4 ss ; sellers, £4 5s Bird in Hand—Sellers, 21s 6d Exchange—Sellers, 14s Union Beach—2os Coliban—los Gd to lis Cure, 7s 7s 6d ; buyers, 7s ; sellers, 8s Thames CM. Co.,—Buyers, 62s 6d. Ruby—Buyers, 6s 3d. ; sellers, 6s 6d. i 'Hi '

MESSRS. HUNTER AND NOLAN'S WEEKLY REPORT.

Horses : The supply has been limited, but a good demand existed. A limited number were submitted for sale by auction, but satisfactory prices were obtained, and nearly all in disposed of. There was an unsatis fied enquiry for good upstanding horses suitable for saddle and light harness, and good medium and heavy draught stock would have found purchasers.

Cattle: The number yarded at Newmarket was not so large as. the previous week, but at Waiuku quarterly sale quite the antici pated number were offered. Dairy cows of a good description are scarce, and sell com pnratively high. Stores were slow of sale, but maintained last week's quotations. Fat beasts short of requirements and higher in value ; prices ranging from 25s to 28s per lOOlbs. '

Sheep continue plentiful, and have re ceded in price. No store ewes offered, but wethers sold at from 14s 6d to 15s 6d j fat sheep from Is lOd to 2s per 8 lbs. Pigs : There was a tolerable muster, and good competition. Prices had an upward tendency.

CALL AND DIVIDEND LIST.

The following are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below:— Calls. £ s. d. Date Queen of the Thames .. ..010 April 27 National Bank of NZ. .. 010 0 July 1

COLONIAL PRODUCE.

Buying Prices, Corrected by Auckland Dealers. s. d. s. d. a d. s. d Butter, per lb. 0 0-1 0 1 Ducks, pair.. 2 o—4 0 Cheese (new) 0 s—o 71 Geese, each 2 6—4 0 Eggs, per doz. 0 o—l 9 | Turkeys .. 2 C —4 0 Lard, per lb. 0 7—o" 0 I Canterbury Bacon & Hams Fowls, pair.. 2 o—4 CI (bare) ..0 8— 9 Good Salt Butter Is —1 3I Do (in cloth) 9-0 10 Canter. Cheese C—o 8 | Auckland 0 6-07 Hams, lOd to 13d per lb. Retail Prices, Farm and Dairy Produce. s. d. s. d. s. d s. d. Milk, per ijt. 0 o—o 6 I Ducks each 5 0-60 Butter (fresh) 1 6-1 9 | Geese, each 5 o—6 0 Cheese (new) 0 B—l 0 I Turkeys, per 5 0-73 Eggs,per doz. 1 2—o 0 | Bacon, per lb. 0 B—. lo Lard, per lb. 0 6-0 01 Hams .. .. 0 9-1 0 Fowls, pair.. 4 6-5 01 Salt Butter.. 1 3—l 6 Butchers' Meat. Beef, per lb. 0 4—o 7 I Pork, per lb 0 6 Mutton .. 0 4—o o|Veal 0 6 . BREADSTUFF 3. FLOUR. WHOLESALE. Millers' Price, per ton—lst quality £10 Fine Flour—household .. .- £14 Adelaide Flour £18 Canterbury £12 to £15 Seconds, £12. Sharps, £710s Bakers' Price, per lb 3d Bran, Is 9d per bushel. Bread, per 21b. loaf, 4d to 4d. Maize, crushed and whole, 7s BISCUIT. Cabin Biscuit, per 1001b Beta! 22a MAIZE, OATS, POTATOES, ETC. WHOLESALE. Maine, 7s 6d good ; very scarce Oats, 6s Od per bushel. . Potatoes, £5 to £5 10s Hay, £2 to £4 10s per ton. > Straw, £2 10s to £3 per ton. Chaff, £6 10s per ton. Onions, scarce, 2d to 2Ad lb retail. • Maize, per bushel, crushed, 7s 6£ . . Oat 3, .6s per bushel. Potatoes, 6s 6d per cwt. Hay, cwt., 4s to os. Straw, 4s to 5s per cwt. Chaff, 7s 6d to 8s per cwt. . KAURI GUM AND FLAX MARKET The following are the prices in the Auckland market:— - Gum—"Well scraped, best quality .. .. £20 to £28 Ordinary sorts .. .. £25 to £26 Flax.-Finest quality .. .. .. ..' ..£l3 to £16 Second ditto £10 to £14 Tow .... £7 to £8.: BUILDING MATERIALS. Timber.—Boards and scantling, 100 f t, 9s to 10s ; at mills, lis 6d; planed, tongued, and grooved, lis 6d to 17s F . New Zealand palings, 5-feet, 10s; 0-feet, 12s; ti tree raib, £215s to £3 per 100 ; pnriri posts, £5 per 10O; shingles, 8s to 18s per 1000; HoDart Town palipgs sft., 17s; 6ft., 19s ; Hobartown rails, 755. -" COAL AND FIREWOOD MARKET. Coal.—Newcastle, on Wharf, nominal; delivered, 15s per ton. ','•'- Firewood.—Uncut, 14s 6d per ton, delivered cut, \ 17s per ton. delivered.," ..,.,'

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mailb will C_ob_ >_JE*_-«m— ..~^- — For Thames,"to morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.80 p.ta. For -6"row«_d_l..*Q-iaQjTOw, at 12 10 p.m. * ~/: For Wangarei, per Clyde, to-morrow, at noon For Napier and Gisborno, per Star of tUo South, to morrow, at 3 p.m. For Whitlangi, Talma, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per

Southern Cross, to-morrow, at 3 p. m. For Mahurangi, M&takana, Mangawai, &c., Fe* Lady Bowen, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For the Australian Colonies, per Hero, on Saturday

, next, at 11 a m. For Napier pnd Southern provinces, per Mikado, si hours alter arrival .:■■•' For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Wel-

lington, on Monday next, at 11 a.m. For Russell, Wangaroa. and Mongenui, per Rowena, on Mpnday next, at 3 p.m.r ■_■' ~ [A'.'J ffigned) R- B. Btw, Chief Postmacter.

BIRTHS.

Haase—This m< rning, at New-street, _»eawood. the wife of Henry Haase, of a daughter.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1874.

• - •_-■ "i .■ - For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong that noeds resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do . ',

We know that we shall create a sympathetic throb in the hearts of "many of pur lady \ readers, and also a dark frown of disapproval -on many a charming feminine countenance I when we declare that in the colonies ' 'Servants are a nuisance." not gentle patrons of th 6 -Star*, -andj.frequent visitors to our ! smart young counter clerk who lpoks after , the" "wanteds," of which the inquiries fdryou form the chief pari?5;-it may s_ioothyour ruffled feelings, to„., heap yl j %9,t wo Tiave a pretty -clear notion, ,thii|t mistresses II are often ■#& nuisance to. We*!ban also well imagine how very hard it must b*e for young; ladies who are Justus good^and indeed., far better thai theh. n-_£resseg£-to be cQmpe-ISJJ by a cruehfate fegjaj^ptJ)_lp_ob_-qftd iodg-' ing, • and only ten shillings a week for pocket-money, and then be denied two nights a week and Sunday out. It is with a full knowledge of the deep-seated causes of discontent that disturb the mind of our population of domestics that we write,,and yet we are compelled to repeat that servants are a nuisance, ' and happy are they who know them not. On no account would we have this taken as a slander levelled at the whole of so important a section of our com munity—one so bound up with our joys and sorrows—and we would, therefore, qualify the remark 'so far as to" venture an opinion .thata the fair creatures are not so much to blame themselves, as are the surrounding circumstances. Just J as a pretty girl bothered with a dozen lovers runs a great chance of becoming a coquette, so have our -maids of the btoom been carried away by the high premium placed upon their services by those who still cry out against them as an unbearable nuisance. Be the cause what it may, difficulty arising out of servantgalism has reached such propor tions as to have called forth suggestions for its remedy in the Southern provinces and the j neighbouring colonies, whwe the evil is »ia ■

great, as here. We notice from a Dunedin paper that as high as £1 a week has been offered unsuccessfully for a good genera] servant. Two remedies at once suggest them selves. The first, and perhaps most important,

is the necessity for a more general education of daughters in household work, even at a sacrifice of less useful "accomplish ments." This would also aid in establishing the second remedy, which might be found iv raising the standard of domestic service, so that the single girls of those classes that now seek employment in other worse paid branches of labour on account of the odium generally attached to domestic service may be induced to engage themselves for household work. This can only be done by securing suitable girls as helps, and treating them to a certain extent as belonging to the family. In small houses the admission of servants into confidences which would under more favourable conditions be kept secret from strangers is a necessity with any class of servant that offers, and it would become more endurable if a better standard of " help" .were available. An other suggestion is made by the Melbourne Age, which is worthy of great atten tion. It is to the following effect: —

"If well-to-do families were to organise a scheme for introducing female servants they could easily effect their object. Suppose that fifty or a hundred families club together for the purpose of bringing out two girls each They could within a week make arrangements for sending a trustworthy female agent to the old country to select the young womeu. If the agent were to select two hundred lirst-class servants, and en gage them for three years on their arrival here, the contributors to the fund for their introduction could be admitted by lot to make their choice, and ratify the agree ment, subject always lo the concurrence of the women themselves. This is no new thing. It has been put in practice before, and with success. If failures have occurred they have been mainly through a foolish attempt to pay the servants so introduced loss than the current rate of wages}" at the time of their arrival. It is expecting too much from human nature to give servants ten or fifteen pounds a year less then the current rate, and yet require them to be contented as well as faithful. It might even be possible to keep up a constant in Jinx of good servants by means of a company, so that persons who may not have advanced money to aid in their introduction might be allowed to hire them upon lirst paying the incurred expenses." An association of ladies, formed with the view of effecting a reform in a matter which they are all so largely interested in, would be as useful an organisation as any of those devised for benevolent purposes, and would be equally fruitful of beneficial results to tho community.

The husband of the renowned trapezist, Lottie, who was .performing some months trince in, this city, and Who was unfortu nately drowned in Deadman's Hole, in the Broken Biver, Melbourne, about three weeka ago, was a young man of very re spectable parents. He was born in Loudon, in the neighbourhood of Hoxton, and his proper narufe was not Victor Angell, but Richard Swift Better. His father held a responsible situation till the period of his death in the General Post Office, St. Mar tin's Le Grand. He was fairly educated, and served his apprenticeship to a plumber, but some time after the expiration of his term he took to the uncertain profes sion of a gymnast in connection with Miss Armstrong (Lottie), to whom he wa rn arried in Melbourne. The Victorian and Melbourne journals, in noticing his death, report that he was a bad swimmer, which is not correct, as we learn from a communica tion from his brother, in Melbourne, to Mr Fleming, in Wyndham-street, that "poor Dick was an excellent swimmer, having learndd the art under Pamphlin, one of the first professional swimmers of the day." It I appears that the young man was subject to | disease of the heart, and his brother is of Opinion that he probably had an attack while inthe water, which rendered him helpless and resulted in his death. " Deadman's Hole " is a very dangerous part of the river, as its name implies, from the fact of so many .fatalities of a simila^ character having "becurred there' in consequence of logs of •jfrood and branches ott trees washed down .he river during high foods, and caught by .the curves and slightly-projecting banks at rthif.-*'dangerouß locality. His companion, Loiich, who was bathmg near," tried to save hito, and nearly.lost hip his own life in the 'attempt. Victor struggled for lire, but was .overpowered, and sank for the last time to rise no more. - Hid bojijr was at length re covered, and' itttejrredi/in the Melbourne ( Cemetery v< , •! ft This, twenty -third dfcy of April, 1874, is the 3loth anniversary of Shakespeare's birth, iand.<he 258 th of his death. Thegreatpoetwas boj-i on tho '23rd of April, 1564, and died April 23rd, 1616, inhisi&tivetown, Stratford :<U-rAvdn, Warwickshiife. It _s remarkable that .Shakespeare ashoald have made his entrance into, and. !*_. exit from, the world • which he was destined to adorn by the light of-his extraordinary Junius. The poet, in four^lMes, beautifttfiySlescribed the pastoral characteristics of h&ltiatal mouth, April, when— ; Daises pied and violets blue, And ladies'smocks .all silver white, And cuckOo buds of yellow hue, Do paint the meadoWs with delight. The members of the Auckland Rifle Volunteers, No. 2, City Company, are re quested to attend parage this evening in the Drill-shed at the usual hour, by order of Captain Robinson. j The Auckland Whaling Company will hold an extraordinary^general meeting to morrow 'afternoon in Captain Clayton's offices, Insurance Buildings,\for the purpose; of considering the refitbr tiie ship Albion. The shareholders of Dixon's No. 1 Gold Mining Company will hold their annual meeting to-moi.owafternoo_intheCompany's offices (Mr Thomas L. White's), Canada Buildings, for the purpose of adopting the report and balance-sheet, and for other business. ,

On Mondey evening next a lectue will. be delivered on Milton, by Mr Blackman, with musical illustrations by the choir, in the school-room of All Saints,': Ponsonby load. The proceeds will go towards a new har monium for the. choir in connection with the, school. The annual meeting of the subscribers of the Parnell Orphan Home Will be held this evening for the general business of the institution, Right Key. DrOowie, Bishop of Auckland, in tho chair. .

A special parade of Nos. 3 and 4 Com panies of the Auckland Royal Volunteers will take place this evening in the Drill-shed.

The following is the rota of attendance of Justices of the Peace for the Petty Sessions on Tuesday next, April 28th George Patrick Pierce, Richard Field Porter, Allap Kerr Taylor, William St Clair Tisdall, W Esdaile Thomas. Henry Hanson Turton, John Williamson, John Alexander Wilson, Reader Cilson Wood, William Young. John R. Nicholson, Esq., M D., chairman each time.

We thought Kaukapakapa was bad enough, but a Nelson paper has improved on it. In a telegram announcing the wreck of the Albion the journal mentioned refers to the accident as having occurred in the Kaiukapakip.iki river.

The fame of the Danlury Neios has ex tended to New Zealand. It is a good speci mon of peculiar American journalism. The following, cut indiscriminately from the locals in a copy which we have been courteously furnished with, form a good specimen of the general style :— There is no position drearier than _ that of a carpenter's apprentice in a village where there is no town olock.-~o_e of the hardest working men in Danbury earns his bread by the sweat of other people's brows. He makes sweat leathers for hats. —We never understand the value of those huge fur gloves until we are caucht out ridhng without a handkerchief.—A North-street man mistook a two - story - and- a-half Newfoundland dog for a skunk on Friday night and put a bullet in him.—There is a general opinion that the ice crop for 1874 will prove a complete failure, and much suf fering has been apprehended among the wealthy next summer.—There is always some incentive to the American youth to study and work. He may not become President of tho United States, but he may be the Oldest Mason.—Mr Philip E. Martin, who recently died in Sherman, was a man of marked purity and uprightness. With the single exception of twenty-three years ago, when he took a few lessons on a violin, his life has been blameless.—The amount of en joyment a bad boy manages to squeeze out of this vale of tears is certainly astonishing.

A Swiss author, Alphonse de Candolle, in a recently published book, says that the growth of the English speaking people is so rapid in proportion to that of those who speak other languages that within a century the English speaking races in tbe United Kingdom, the Australian Colonies, and the United States will number eight hundred and sixty millions, while the German-speak ing peoples will be ouly one hundred and twenty-four millions, and those speaking French will number only about sixty millions, or one person who speaks French for every twelve or thirteen who speak English throughout the world. It is sincerely to be honed that during the coming century the efforts of our Noah Webstcrs and Richard Grant Whites will have so far perfected the language that its educated users may not be dumfounded with its current corruption.

Jn commenting on the probable cession of the Fijian Group to Great Britain, and the larcfi trade which is now springing up be tween New South Wales and the Pacific Islands, the Melbourne Age of Saturday last observes :—" The simple establishment of the Californian steam service, with its calling place at Kandavu, and its termini at Sydney and New Zealand, is a circumstance that cannot fail to act to our prejudice. Had we been sufficiently alive-to the advantages that must nltfrnately follow from the possession of the trade of the Pacific Islands we should not have allowed it to be diverted from our port on aDy pretext whatever, and certainly not for the sake of making Melbourne the nominal terminus of the Peninsular and Oriental Company's boats. We have got the boats in spite of Sydney ; and we should like to know what we have gained by them compared with what we are losing in other respects."

To the Editor: Sir, —A man named Joseph Redshaw ended his existence by hanging himself. His widow (the second wife) is left in an absolute state of destitution. For the information of Good Templars I may say that she never ceased entreating him to join the order, and at length prevailed on him to do so. That the unfortunate fellow re lapsed into his drinking habits is clearly no fault of hers. I therefore trust the brother hood will add a.small sum to the contribu tion I shall cheerfully contribute. Any moneys forwarded to me I will acknowledge through the papers, and I trust, sir, you will kindly receive donations from the charitably disposed to set her up in some little busi ness.—Yours truly, T. B. Hanna.ord.— [We shall be glad to aid in any way we can the good object mentioned.by our correspon dent.]

The most stupendous tunnel enterprise has lately been accomplished at the silver mines in the German Hartz mountains. The mines were over 3000 feet deep, and scarcity of fuel prevented the use of steam for pump ing, which was done by water wheels; aided by tunnel drains. But the great depth reached in 1859 precluded further progress in that manner, and a tunnel was commenced for deep drainage, which is just finished. The tunnel is 22 miles long ; two million cubic yards of solid rock were excavated, ten thousand pounds of powder used, and the total extent of blasting holos drilled is one hundred and eight miles. Naturally, on the successful completion of this colossal work; thirty-two thousand miners, whose livelihood is now assured for twenty years, celebrated the event with great rejoicing.

In the course of business yesterday before the Improvement Commissioners the list of accounts were read over, and a small item due to the proprietors of the Evening Star was mentioned, which immediately stirred, a lively and interested discussion, rapid", fluent, and energetic, on the part at least of one of the commissioners. This gentleman enquired what discount the journals allowed on advertisements ; he considered that the same discount should be allowed to public bodies as to auctioneers ; he spoke as an auctioneer, and when he sold potatoes to a black man he dealt with him on the same terms as with a white man; he had no personal feeling towards newspaper men and gentle men of the press, although they were not backward in walking into public bodies; but if they did not get treated by public; journalists like other white men, it was aj downright robbery, as it was levying black mail on the public. He regarded the news paperbusiness as next to the chemists in the matter of profits. Mr- Fenton considered that cordmissioners had a perfect right to" choose their own newspaper for advertising in, and that the} should not tie them selves to one newspaper any more than they bind themselves to one tea dealer. Mr. Macready thought they should treat all the journals with equal fair ness. The secretary, Mr Stevenson, having explained that gentlemen connected with the newspapers were liberal in their dealings, the little outburst of honest feeling subsided into the utmost good humour, and the belief was at once established that newspaper men, though subject to small gusts of temper and the infirmities of human nature, were no worse thanthe .rest of mankind.

The Auckland Harmonic Society will meet for practice this evening in the Wellesley street room. All members are requested to attend in order that the forthcoming concert may be a success.

We have been shown a petition now in course of signature to his Excellency the Governor, praying that an Artillery Company might be formed to take the place of the existing one, the members of which have tendered their resignation. Some good names are appended to the petition, and many more have promised, a_d if the petitioners obtain their wish we prophecy one of the smartest and most efficient batteries in the colony. The petition now lies for signature at Mr Kohn's the jeweller, Queen-street, and we call upon citizens to sign it, as an Artillery company in these days of warfare is an actual necessity. A meeting of the shareholders of the Junction G.M.Co. wafheld at the Company's office this afternoon. Mr T. Peacock in the chair. The minutes of the last general meet ing were read and confirmed. The Chairman stated that tbe meeting had been called to consider the desirableness of letting all or any portion of the company's mine on tribute. Mr Leighton proposed, and Mr Edmonds seconded, and it was resolved, " That the directors be empowered to let ali or any portion of the company's mine on tribute as |they consider desirable in the interest of the shareholders." This was all the business. We are glad to notice the names of Auck land artists mentioned very favourably in connection with the Academy of Art Exhibi tion, Sydney. Mr J. C. Hoyte has been especially successful. We have seen a letter from E. L. Monfcifiore, Esq., President of the Academy, referring to Mr Hoyte's pictures, "in which be says :—" _our pictures by the Hero arrived in time for our exhibition. You will be gratified to hear that they have been very much admired, and that the artists' silver medal wasawarded by the judges to your picture of Castle Hill, Canterbury. I am very glad to ,be able to tell you that we have found purchasers for that, and its companion picture ; also for the two large ones—tbe pink and white terraces at the prices named by you. The prize picture has been purchased by the Council of the Academy. The exhi bits were transferred to the Agricultural Society exhibition, and I have much pleasure in stating that the verdict of the Academy judges "was endorsed by the judges of the Agricultural Society, who awarded the first prize to your picture of Castle Hill." Mr E. Bartley's pictures of the North Shore, Auckland, and Kapanga Harbour, Coromandel, were awarded certificates by the Academy. Mr Hanriaford also exhibited, and his productions attracted a good deal of attention. The Sydney Mail, referring to one of them, says :—" Mr Han naford's picture of the Pink Terrace, Roto mahana, has been much admired. It is a warm piece of colouring, depicting a good specimen of the romantic landscape.peculiar to the country." It is very gratifying to find Auckland artists thus maintaining the credit of the colony among our neighbours, jj

THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

TnE announcement that "Lady Audley's Secret," dramatized from the popular novel of that name, written by Miss Braddon, a writer of great dramatic power, would be per formed last night was sufficient to draw a full house at the Prince of Wales Theatre., The appearance for the^first time ,of Misel Tilly Andrews am_ Mr Soikth also heightened pub lic expectation, and assisted Li swelling the audience. It will not be necessary to notice in detail the romantic features of the book from which the drama was adapted, as the majority of young women, if not in the bosom of their families, in their bedrooms on the sly—but no ; young ladies do nothing on the sly—have closely conned this novel. The play was . cleverly put upon the stage, and was received with considerable applause. The leading character, Lady Audley, was represented by Miss Clara Stephenson with much success.' It was evi dent to the audience that this lady had studied the character she exhibited with all the Audley peculiarities of twist, anxiety, temper, and emotional feeling; in fact her every look was such as the studious novel reader would expect to bo reproduced by the actors. The audience testified»their sense of appreciation by calling several times for Miss Stephenson, and were not to be satisfied until she had as many times ap peared before the curtain in obedience, to their wishes. Luke Marks, by Mr J. South, was very "creditably shewn with Mark's idiosyncrasies." This gentleman is a very good performer, and an old favorite, and always welcome, and always pleasing. Phcebe was fairly represented by Mrs C. F. -Searle. Miss Tilly Andrews, in the character pf Alicia, won much favor with the audience. Her style was natural, vivacious, and very pleasing. Mr Collier, as George Talboys, the friend of Audley, re presented that mythical personage, according to the text, with fidelity and justice Mr Searle, as Sir Michaal, portrayed the old man to the life with all the apparent # feeble ness of age. Mr Booth ialso did full* credit to his part as the impersonater of Robert Audley. As a whole we must pronounce the performance as a decided success. The humourous farce of "Alladin" con cluded the entertainment, the"- basis of which is to be found among the mysteries of the "Arabian Nights." This little-burlesque was a happy conclusion with its songs and dances. Widow Twankey was Well executed by Mr South, and put the audience, as if by magic, in excellent humour. The .perform ances will be repeated this evening.

SUPREME COURT.—This Day.

SITTINGS IN BANKRUPTCY

(Before His Honor Sir G. A. Arney, Knight, Chief Justice.) Re WALTER HENRY CURTIS. The bankrupt in this case had been a proyidore on the Waikato steamers. His liabilities were £285, and the assets were stated £98 15s. * The bankrupt now came up for his final examination. No creditors had proved in the estate, and there was no opposition. Discharge granted. Mr Laishley appeared for the bankrupt. Re JONATHAN WORRALL HINDS. It will be recollected that at the last sitting of the Court Mr. Brookfield, on behalf of the trustee, asked for and obtained an order to compel the bankrupt to appear and show cause why he had failed to carry .out an arrange ment with his creditors on condition of which he had received .his discharge last April. The bankrupt now submitted himself for examination. He denied that he had promised to pay £5 per month as long as he had his allowance from home. He had only promised .to pay it as long as he could. He had no reason to believe his allowance was to be a permanent one. It was £16 13s "4d per month, and had been paid regularly up to the present-time. Since his discharge his expenses had' been about £12 per month. A sum of. £18-had been paid to the creditors in the ten month's. Messrs Jackson and Russell had received £28 for law expenses. Bankrupt also stated that bo had inourrod liabiUt. 08 %o tho extent? ol'

£1S ,°\acc^t"^^com^W^ which he had put hs name to T ®k people. me t0 f <* o^,^ After some further examination W. n ' directed the bankrupt to furnish an - 0r of his liability and assets to the tii^1"1* fore the next Court day. be- Mr Brookfield appeated for the trnai Re G_o. THORNE, JUN «. * Mr Whitaker appeared for the" to and,Mr MacCormick for the BankW. ' South Wales, who are the largest _Lv c * in the estate. & ote% The bankrupt is described as k m_J. of Auckland, trading under the stole*?? * Roberton and Co. "^V Tbe report furnished by MrW. Hr the trustee appointed by the B_mk(|(S c8> South Wales, which was read, disd^ remarkble state of the bankrupt's affamr * The report began by regret onife^ of the trustee that owing to the <»___A the bankrupt he had been unable few pare a report in the terms of the Act % trustee was appointed .on the to January, 1874. When he arrived ia tmmi took possession of the books of theban_on i On examining them he found thatth^ very much in arreaf, and not properly; U? or posted up. He had employ^ accountant to make .up the accoa_. Gave the bankrupt every opportunit£s°* cess to the books. • Qn the 28th Febr&u had written to the bankrupt reminding v* that the time fixed for his final exaiiS was Thursday, the 12th of March, __2S he would be required to furnish \mfab. ment 10 days prior to that date. He reply by asking for an extenson of time. ;^. i was granted, and the 2nd of April "wagfe .On that day the bankrupt, did -Sk, pear, and the trustee did nptseeanlE of him till the 7th April, he havinpfeett away from town since the 23rd Mar<_h|jiik out the trustee's consent, and witfillpljjg his statement. A further exteiuw^ granted to the 23rd inst., and on the lift Mr G. Thorne filed certain statements) aid on the 13th inst. informed the trustee tint he had done so, and gave him partial comes i of. the same.. Of the documents filed there were assets and liabilities on 30th Jm 1872, profit and commissions, January, 18f4: losses and expenses, January, 187_; mort.' gages, January, 1874 ; and receipts aad«. penditure to the same date purportirig tyfe a copy of the cash-book-. On exaMaioa the trustee found that, with the e-deptian'of the assets and liabilities sheet for 1872, the documents were in no way in coffipfiace with the Act. The objections to theni w»e as follow :— The profits and commisS-M up t 0 £rd January, 1&74, show a^ total of £14,89- l? 8 11<- a8 against losses and ex penses £-_57_ 18b 2d, leaving a.bal_«. of £5865 19s 9a. Of these profits the ta_fcnpt had put down the -urn of £4£ lo f &™$ from the sale of goods * ™un„ng to; flßs 3s Bd, being simply a guess ™? e by a calm. lationof 5 per cent, on the i^-^Sj and not in any way borne out by >'* ™"®> nor could the trustee find any (lata ™* which he could arrive at the amount of gbb™ sold being £98,229 3s Bd. Losses, and __ penses showed an amount of £9027 18s 2i but how the whole of this sum was .arrived at it was impossible to ascertain from the books without detailed particnliit As an instance, there was an amount of £209 charged to losses on mining ventures. TaJriaj the mining venture balances on the ledger, and which amounted to £595 5i .7(1., and i deducting the amount put down in the 1 bankrupt's asset sheet (£453), it on'.y left._ 1 loss of £142 ss. 7d. The list" of moTtpS,H did not give sufficient ...p-rticitl^fc^; ffijy' 1 ceipts and e_pen_it__B g_r|->__|g to $£ 1 I copy of the cash book were only pirti_l|*, 1 as the bankrupt kept two accounts ilthe I cash book not referred to by him in his , copy, which was consequently lis#'j n | arriving at a knowledge of the stattfra tbe I bankrupt's affairs. Assets, and M-Bia, | The bankrupt showed assets £26,511 ■■!_ fid liabilities, £22.194 16s ; surplus, &3l6fe. Bd, instead of £5865 19s 9d, as shown by his profit and loss sheets. TMs thebanfafj* explained by' saying the difference might have arisen from his havinggivenan excess*" estimate of the profit on merchandize * or possibly from the rapid realizaticaof goods to the value of £25,000/^oll* asset-sheet there was no stock list of .P •goods valued by the bankrupt at <E3!'00; a list-which was necessary for thetrustee to arrive at the knowledge whether he was.1 possession of all the goods of the estate:, The stock, shares, and mining and insnraaoejro* perty is first put down as £453 ; in » m sum, whereas it ought toT.be particd**^ Notes and bills held by the._^;W<s«* South Wales was extended in the****/ column as £3,081 10s 9d, without- exfm, tion. The. sum^f £2,600: is earned as estimated, surplus on consignments^ -w y_t realized, which sum, accorctog. W-;» bankrupt's expression, "he _adWl f $ out of the books the.best wd§f«jj Cash in box, bills, and sundrydm^' had been aggregated as £8,299 l^M of this large sum should have wf£^™ The report went on to say that mM®* regretted the bankrupt did not giv«a^*| opportunity of examining his stateffi^ fij accounts before filing it, as_ i\Am | have enabled him to point out | matters now referred to. As it.-W*jE^'. H informed the bankrupt that the.*gj ft being such as it was, it was quite '«■£%,* §5 to prepare an abstract for the creditor* ? m the state of the books the t^ig » that on his taking-possession, of W*^ ,» he found things had been kept m -'; 3973; 'X unsatisfactory way since, 9° - ■ and he beheved entries had been "f p ally made to mislead V^'faM might afterwards have to,examine s m In reference to the /state of ,*wa»&.-rf m .accounts the trustee mentioned i«gj |j, Messrs Tonks and Co., w_ichj* J^g | ; per ledger, for £8978 6. 4d, I be a debit of a few pounds, jfr jR quired at least 25 entries te f»Jg,gy|| X Account of Joseph Howard l JWs*£stj B, of £1250 Us 3d, yet it should Wj»^ j| Several entries purporting toWjJ^gi §|f on a certain date upon exan-irt^ MY-. led to believe had been made suuwh. g| These are found in the accpna** | Thorne, junr., G. H. Fletcher, L , #w, T. Waterhouse. (The V^f^Ad * ft entries are given in «^ UJJ A '"L.#< WA the report, which we are> unable, w uK; than refer to.) The last timerg-Jg ■- ivas balanced was September jgj X date given is the 24th De«J%IJ 1 although seveialentneswere maj p sequent dates. * The ban^igf.tff H out of.the Bank of Australasia « late as the 6th January, 187J # X day previous had obtained^ J « Sydney in his favour J«J>^ I National Bank (where he Jss*«f ft .for £500. Hehad |' * private hands as late as^e B^ oOB t« H Charge for doing^ *£***s I the extent of £6078 . A™XL-)&f'a '■'; 4s 4d. amount to about £10. "j .^ m. .charged the payment as » £74 9s 5d ;- commission, 4J> * | disc, £105 lld* , H Wcei^M* By telegrams and lette" gJ«»SS(JSk ba ynkru P &t the trustee found^< September he received a >**&£'& Wp him that ajshipmen of wool «| aU sold at an estimated l^o^ p it would appear the bankrnP |, mean dollars ; but on «W^ ft F | * mws& pother w$ ""^ f .

ggj iviirßiigfA&^HtrESDAt, Aran.-£& 18*4



SPECIALTIES FOR- THE SEASON. RUSH-ROOK & BRIDGMAN, (LATE R. HOBBS), Abe Now^-jusiho, in? thier WIN T __ R --S H IP MEN T S EX NORHAM CASTLE andi HYLTON "CASTLE Comprising- SILK AND ALPACCA UMBRELLAS. LADIES' BLACK CLOTH JACKETS, CHILDREN'S, "MAIDS, • AND LADIES' WATERERQOF TWEED W - MANTLES, * In Great Variety, and Newest Styles. ; CHOICE .NEW DRESS GOODS \ t -,_ . .a**., i lb Greatly Variety. i FRENCH: MERINOS in all shades ! COBURGB, *WTNOEYB', FLANNELS All W6ol Plaids; Union, and All Wool Crimean •Shirtings ■■■». | STRONG TWEEDS. GAMBROONS WATERPROOF TWEEDS < j . In Great Variety^ a.;.■ '; I Fiirnisbing Goods, Blankets, Shee„n|s(-rtiite and grey; "White Linen Da_taw^L'6oi_ Damask _ • Window Muslins,: Musjin, and Leno __*taina* f A ! Victoria Table Covers,-Printed ClotbaliltO; Drnggets, WhiteAnd-led Mattingr&c., &c. ;- : also; to ARBive ex dorette— - j 34 CASES AND BALES OF GENERAL DRAPERY GOODS, CLOTHINGi Em,. Eto;, Etc. - -; RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN WHOLESALE and Retail Drapers, Clothiers, *o JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, . (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Q___N-s_n___, Afoklai-D. TJ.ETIRING FROM THE RETAIL. J. COSGRAVE & CO. Aro giving up their Retail Business in Queen-street. ..... A SALE of the Goods will be held TO-MORROW, the 14th of March, and will continue until the entire Stock is disposed of v We are now landing THIRTY THOUSAND POUNDS WORTH of DRAPERY and MEN'S CLOTHING, purchased by Mr' Cosoravh from the English and French Manufacturers, which will be Old at UH_B_a_p_S__D_Y LOW PRICES. $o owd yrtll be given during tbo Sale .



Tf H. LEWIS ON Begs to inform his numerous friones and tho public at large that having been success ful in disposing of all his old STOCK at the recent CLEARING-OUT SALE, He has determined to RE-OPEN with an ENTIRELY NEW SELECTION OF EVERY DESCRIPTION o_ JEWELLERY, WATCHES, &c, And is resolved to offer to the Public Goods of the best Quality at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE. jj3T Extensve Alterations are about to be made in tbe Business Premises, which when completed will make them second to none in the Colonies. a he Manufacturing Branch of the Business will be carried on as usual, and all Repairs or Orders for Cutting and Mounting Greenstone and Quartz will be executed with promptness, A • F. H. LEWISSON, OPPOSITE UNION BANK, quk-n-stiieet, auckland. [Ektaiu.isiifd 1804 ] -pv STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAN D," " EAGLE BRAND," "CROWN BRAN D," Are to be procured "at all respectable Groc-Ks and Sto_r_.__.eks throughout the Provinco of Auckland. D. STEPHENSON & CO., wyndham street, Auckland. 150 000 FRET TmBBR FOR SALE, AT MY YABDS, GOVERNMENT WHARF; ONEHUNGA. JAMES W. WALLEB. fi . A U T I ON OLSON'B TOMATO SAUCE. Connoisseurs pronounce tills Sauce to be tbe BEST for general use in households, and, in con sequence of its high reputation, som* unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon, md pass the same off aa "Olson's Universal Tomato Sance." The proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 1806," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public aro cautioned to ASK FOR OLSONS SAUCE, and see that the name is Slumped on Bottle and stopper, and wrapped round, with his well-known label.