SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

B2GB WATEK : ltls avensajf, 6.42 ; Scwbom w SUlf-SBT : Ibit evening, 6.42 ; STO-BIBB: To morrow looming, 6.11 SJOOIf'S AGE: New Moon, 11th, 549 a.in.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

ARRIVALS. Christina, schooner, 65 tons, from Coromandel

DEPARTURES.

Hpiena hrleantine, for Wamaroa Fanny Kelfy, ketch, for Opotikl Queen, fcuooner, for Russell Golden Isle, schooner, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Newcastle-Montana, and Memento, Darques, soon , , For the South-Phrebe, s.s.. Monday For Samoa—Suzanne, brig, early For sin M£>, via Honolulu-City of Melbourne, For Sydneylnd Melbourne-Victoria, s.s., three days after arrival

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Titv oi Melbourne, s.a., from Sydney, doubtful Macgregor s^from San Francisco and Honolulu. about 14th instant . Victoria, s.s , from Sydney uncertain Phcpbe s s.. from the South, to-morrow Magellan Cioud, from Chatham Elands early Locn TTrr, barqne, from London ; sailed 3rd June Pearl, ketch, from South Se* glands early Pacific, schocner. from South Sea Islands Waitwgi, ship, from London : ~ . Stanley Castle, barque, from London ; sailed 5 ien Tsin, barque, from Launceston Glimpse, barque, from Newcastle .. Prince Alfred, barquentme, from Lyttelton Jackson, ship, from London ; sailed

The barquentine Prince Alfred left Lyttel ton on Monday last for the Thames direct. She has been loaded by Messrs Meyers and Co. and comes with her cargo consigned to Messrs Osborne Bros, and Messrs Veale and Hodson of Grahatnsfcown. After putting out her cargo at the Thames she is to come on here. . . , The brigantine Flirt leftOamaru for Auck land on Tuesday last. She brings a cargo of grain, flour, etc., consigned to D. H. Mac ! A fine new powerful fore-and-aft schooner named the Christina arrived in harbour this afternnon at four o'clock from Kikowha karere, where she has been built by Mr Calloway for Mr Williams, the sailmakcr. A barque is signalled as we go to press. It is supposed to be the East Lothian, which is known to have been on the coast for some days The barques Loch Urr, from England, and 'the Tien Tain, from Launcesfcon, are also due. , - ~ . ~ We have as usual no clue to the time when the s.s. Victoria may be expected. The Hero was advertised to leave Melbourne on the Bth inst, so that it is more than probable we shall have the two steamers on the top of one another the same as last time. The ss. Pretty Jane has been on the gridiron during the last day or two. She came off to-day, and will leave for Napier and Gisborne on Friday. The barque Moneynick sailed yesterday from Lyttelton for this port with a cargo of Southern produce. She comes consigned to H. S. Meyers and Co. The ketch Fanny Kelly took her depar ture for Opotiki this morning. The hatches of the City were broken open this afternoon and the work of discharging the cargo commenced. The barques Helen Malcolm, •Harriett Armytage, Montana, and.Fleur de Maurice are to come alongside the Wharf The ship Countess of Kintore liaa about half filled up with cargo for England. The great demand for passenger accommodation speaks well for the estimation in which Cap tain Braddick and his ship are held. The ship City of Auckland, after lyinj; in the stream for nearly a week owing to the boisterous weather, was brought alongside the wharf this morning and moored in the berth lately occupied by the Miltiades. The brig Wave ia putting out her cargo at the new eastern T. ■ ,V, The brigantine Resolution, which put back the day before yesterday, sailed for Wanga roa this morning with a line B.W. breeze. The barque Helen Malcolm was to come alongside the wharf this afternoon to load cargo for Sydney. After discharging her cargo of Southern produce, the topsail schooner Dauntless will load timber for Norfolk Island and New Caledonia. It is somewhat unfortunate that both the schooners at present engaged in this trade should have the same name. If the proprietors of both have a fondness for a name expressing fearlessness, the designation of one of them might be altered to the "Undaunted." ~: A rather singular occurrence is narrated in connection with the last trip of the schooner Melanie, and the brigantine Hannah Bloom field, to Kaipara. They both left Wellington on Friday, the 7th August, the schooner in the morning, and the brigantine in the even ing. They experienced light airs and calms until 5 D.m. on Saturday, at which time they were abreast of each other, midway between Wellington heads and Terawiti. A south-east breeze coming- up they kept on their course for Kaipara. On Sunday morning at daylight the vessels were still level, and maintained the same position at sundown. Monday mornmgjdiselosed no change, the crafts being only some five or six miles apart They arrived at Kaipara, side by side, atlL3o.a;m same day, having made the run from Ter,a witi in 42£ hours, distance 300 miles. As the wind was doWri iit the time of the arrival and the tide late they'stood to sea for the night, and crossed the bar side by side the following morning, arriving at Te Koporo saw-mills at 10.30. a.m. on Thursday, after being towed by their boats nearly all the way up. - -Each of the masters did his best to arrive first, so that the sailing capabilities of the two vessels must be remarkably equal, The Hannah Bloomfield arrived in harbour yesterday after noon, and the Melanie was signalled at the Heads very shortly afterwards ; but we have not yet learned when they respectively sailed.— New Zealand 'Times, 28th ulti'

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Lyttjslton, September 9,

Sailed—Moneynick, for Auckland, with 154 sa^ks, 570 bigs flour, 200* sacks barley, 150 sacks malb, 50 tons bran, 283 baga potatoes, 5 ton 3 cheese, 28."tons sundries, the whole shipped by Meyers Bros, and Co.

COMMERCIAL.

COLONIAL PRODUCE.

• Bitting Prices, Cokp.ectb» by Auckland, Beaxbrs. s. d. s. d. '.: a, d. Batter,per Ib. 1 9—2 0; Ducks, pair.. 2 6-^-4 6 Cheese (new) 0 s—o 8J Geese, each 3 6—4 0 Eggs, per doz. 0 10—0 0 Turkeys .. 2 6—3 6 Lard; t>jr lb: 0 fl—o 0 ! Canterbury Bacon & Hams Fowls each 1 I—2 0 1 (bare) ..0 9— 91 Good Salt Buttsr-l 2 0| Do (in cloth) 9V-0 10 Canter. Cheese B—o 91 Auckland (>'~6-0 G Hams, 9id to IOJd per lb. Ebtau, Prices, - : "Pakm akb BAraz'PßODtrcß. ■'■ s. d. 8. d. 's. ds. d. Milk, per qt. 0 o—o 6 Ducks pair 5 o—6 6 Butter (fresh) 2 0-0 0 Geese, each 5 o—6 0 Cheese (new) 0 10—0 11 turkeys, each 4 6-0 0 E(?gs,per doz. 1 o—o 0 Bacon, per lb. 0 9—o 1 Lard, per lb. 0 6—o 9 Haws .. ..• 0 9-1 0 Fowls, pair,, 3 6-5 0 Salt Butter.. ,0,7—1 0/

Btttchehs' Meat. Beef, per lb. 0 5-0 7 I Pork, per lb. 0 6-fj 7| Second quality 3^o-0 3 | Veal.. .. 05-0 8 Mutton .. 0 4—o G, Steaks .. 7 0-0 9 BREADSTUFFS. FLOUE,. WHOLESALE. Millers' Price, per.ton—lst quality £L 6 Fine Flour—household £»* Adelaide Flour fi\ 9 Y n t\l Canterbury £12 to £13 Seconds, £12. Sharps, £8 Bakers' Price, per lb •• •• 3d Bran, Is 6d per bushel. a Bread, per 21b. loaf, 4d to 4Jd. Maize, crushed and whole, 7s BISCUIT. Cabin Biscuit, per 1001b Retail 22s MAIZE, OATS, POTATOES, ETC. WHOLESALE. Maize, <ss6d Prime Sydney Oats, 5s to 5s 6d per bushel American Oat 3, 4s to 4s 6d Potatoes, £7 and £8 Hobsrtown Hay, £6 to £7 10a per ton. Straw, £3 5a to £3 10s per ton. Chaff, £< 10s per ton. Onions, scarce, 9d lb RETAIL. Maize, per bushel, 5s to 6s Oats, 6s per bushel. Potatoes, 8s 6d per cwt. Hay, cwt., 7s 6d. Straw, 4s to 5s per cwt. C haff, 7s to 8s per cwt. KAURI GUM AND FLAX MARKET. The following are the prices in the Auckland market :— Gum—Well scraped, best quality .. .. £28 to £29 Ordinary sorts £27 to £28 Flax.-Finest quality £17 to £19 Second ditto £13 to £10 Tow £7 to £8 BUILDING MATERIALS. Timber.—Boards and scantling, 100 f t, 9s to 15s ; at mills, 11s 6d ; planed, tongued, and grooved, 11s 6d to 18s New Zealand palings, 5-feet, 10s ; C-feet, 13s; ti tree rails, £210s to £3 per 100 ; puriri posts, £5 per 100 ; shingles, 8s to 15s per 1000 ; HoDart Town palings sft., 17s; 6ft., 18s ; Hobartown rails, 75s CO4L AND FIREWOOD MARKET.

Coal.— Newcastle, on Wharf, 475; delivered, 50s per ton. Firewood.—Unout, 15s per ton, delivered cut ISs 6d per ton

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as .follows :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 am.

For Coromandel, per Hauraki, to-morrow, at 11.30 a.m.

For Mahurangi, Matakana Mangawai, Waipu, &c, per Lady Bowen, oh Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane, on Saturday next, at 11 a.m. For Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, Opotiki, and Napier, via Tauranga, per Southern Cross, on Saturday next, at 1 p.m. For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and. Australian Colonies, on Monday next, at 8 a.m For Napier and Gisborne, per Southern Cross, on Monday next, at 10 a.m. Far Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonni, on Monday .next, at 4 p.m. For the undermentioned places, per Wellington, on Saturday next, as under :— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 5 p.m. For Taranaki. Southern provinces, Australian

Oilonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton,- an 1 United Kingdom, via Brindisi, at 5 p.m. . , - For money orders, registered and letters, at 5 p.m. N.B —Should a later opportunity offer, Supplemen tary Mails will be forwarded.

Mails for Australian Colonies, via Melbourne, per Alhambra, close on Saturday, 12thinstant, at 11 a.m. ■ ' 8, B. Bish, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

MrHALE—On September 9, at her residence, Queen street, the wife of M. Mcllale, of a son.

MARRIAGES.

Übquiiabt-Murphy.—At St Patrick's Cathedral, by the Rev Father O'Dwyer, Capt Hector Urquhart, fourth son of Mr Alexander TJrquharfc, of Scotland, to Mary Ann Murphy, only daughter of the late Thomas Murphy, of Auckland.—lnverness papers please copy. Poolby—Nkddry.—On Ist instant, at the residence of the Rev Mr Macnicol, William Pooley to Read Harriet Neddry, both of this city.

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1874.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance. Ami th« r«od that ire can do.

Political apathy has been the bnne o Auckland, arid every manifestation of awakened interest in public affairs should be hailed with pleasure by every one that wills well to the common weal. The public meet ing invited for to-night at the Choral Hall affords such manifestations, and if it results in diffusing an interest in important public questions among the people, and even nofhing more, it? work will be good. It is difficult to tell what form the League intended will ultimately assume. Judging from the reso lutions intended to be proposed to-night it

has already cb.injjed front, and from what-

ever cause ari-ing it has abandoned one of i lh<3 cardinal principles in its originally in" I tended creed. The basis on which this movo- I ment started wag contained in certain j resolutions, to which were appended the ' signatures of its promoters, and it con ' tamed this programme, "To effect the fol- I lowing objects, to make theland fundscolonial revenue, and abolish the Provincial system.' Tt was the outshoot of the late monster meeting at the Choral Hall, and was inten ded to be protective against Mr VogeFg dangerous resolutions for confirming theland rovenueofthoSouthern provinces while absorh | ing the Northern provinces and all their be i longings in the South. It appears however now •• that it is considered imprudent to put for ward this land question, lestitmight alarm the South, and prevent the League assuming those national proportions which are desired. It is still asserted that the making the land revenue colonial revenue is distinctly j within the intentions of those who arc form ing the League, and that this result must necessarily follow, but that this particular object—the original object—must be kept in the background, and that Southern sup porters are to be caught by guile. Wei] this may be expedient, but it is exceedingly dishonest, and we fear it augurs ill for the success of the League if with oVq thing flaunted on its banners it carries another tenet concealed, or attempted to be concealed in its bosom. In fact the bare confession of such a double purpose only shows how demoralization in high quar ters descends, and it is evident that the double dealing of Mr Vogel as towards North and South, on which some of his Auckland supporters base their hopes, is being imitated in the founding of a League that might do good service to the State. Far more honest, far more wise, would it be to boldly put for ward, as at first intended, a declaration of war against the principle on which the pro ceeds of the people's lands are unjustly appropriated. Believing as we do in the advantages of one central government and that alone, and holding with the 'desirability of the provincial system being wholly, and forever abolished, we assert the groat constitutional change should' never be tolerated without all revenue being received in a common puree. The proceeds of the Queen's lands are as much the right and common property of the whole people as are the proceeds of the Queen's Custom house. It may offend some of the Southern provinces to say so, but if fear of offending the South is the principle on which our leaguers begin their campaign we sadly fear that career of the League will be marked by that pusillanimity which has always damned the cause of Auckland. To form a League to destroy provincialism, as proposed in the first resolution to-night, is like throw ing water on a drowned rat. Provincialism is doomed not by its own' valuelessness, not by popular agitation, but through sheer star vation. Every one knows it must go ; and to form a league to dance on it is simple folly. It is the parb of wise men to see that in the change we are not robbed, and as the change is inevitiable to see that all New Zealand is placed on a level platform. If this ia what the Reform League proposes, let it be emblazoned on its banners, and not concealed in its breeches pocket. Let it state in distinct and intelli gible words that its war cry will be " Equal justice to all New Zealand," and let it ap peal to those principles of equity and that sense of fair play which are somewhere or another lying hidden away in the bosoms even of the worst. Without a re-adjustmentof revenue and burthens a great constitutional change like that proposed would but con firm injustice and perpetuate heart burnings. It is the rankest nonsense to say that the mere substitution of Government at Welling ton for Government at Auckland would be a benefit to our people, unless there is some new arrangement respecting the "sinews of war." It would simply necessitate the im position on our province of special and direct taxation far more grinding than the education rate. Everyone knows this that knows anything. It is sheer stuff to attempt to conceal it; and yet forsooth our Leaguers, "for fear of offending the South," will keep this matter in the background. We trust that if the League is really formed it will be honest in its declaration of objects. If it is not honest, or if it ignores this great wrong in relation to the land revenue, it will soon, and the sooner the better, fall into the limbo of forgotten Auckland projects. We may be wrong, but we think that some of Mr Vogel's emissaries have had to do with divert ing the League from its original pbjects and that the meeting to-night is intended to stul tify and nullify the noble outburst of popular indignation, which lately rang from the monster meeting at the Choral Hall. By passing the resolutions intended, affirming the abolition of the provinces, and remaining ominously silent on the associated question of the land revenue, the meeting will, as desired, place the ball at the foot of Mr Vogel, and he knows how to kick |t.

The "Auckland Harbour Act,' which has passed the General Assembly is the most important measure affecting Auckland that has passed through the House tor several sessions. It repeals the " Harbour Docks Act, 1871," and substitutes entirely new provisions for the construction of neces sary works at this port. The fifth clause of the Act empowers the Government to con tinue the railway along the seaward side of Custom - house - street to the Queen-street wharf. This provision we do not regard as the best that could have been devised, because, if put into effect the whole sea frontage of the Custom-house-street timber yards, as at present existing, will be des troyed. There is, however, no immediate pros pect of this. The Act empowers the Board to construct the following works at the cost set forth: — 1. Railway wharf and breastwork in extension and adjoining the present breakwater £30,000 2. Reclamation of land between Hardinge and Hobson-streets 8,000 3. Dock or Hydraulic Lift, and re clamation of adjacent land between Hobson-street and the west side of wharf ... 9G,000 4. Reclamation of land between the railway embankment in Me chanics' Bay and the Strand 2,000 5. Surplus for contingencies ... 14,000 Total £150,000 The railway wharf at the break-water with breast work on either side of the present break-water, must be the first work com menced, the time for completing it being limited by the Act to two years. The wharf is to be built with a T at the end and two smaller T's on the western side. When finished it will extend some little distance further into the harbour than the Queen street wharf. The land occupied by the present railway station, and that required for the further extension of the line to the Queen-street wharf is secured te Her Majesty. A clause providing compensation for loss of sea frontage in consequence of the reclama tions is contained in the Act, and may not improbably prove fatal to the whole scheme. Although the clause distinctly states that owners of any property from which the frontage is taken " shall " receive compensation, to be deter mined under the " Land Clauses Consolida tion Acta," yet in no place do wo finl any provision for supplying the necessary funds, the borrowing powers of the Board being limited to £150,000, nearly a,U of which is apportioned for (specific works. The money authorised under the Act is to be raised on debentures at interest not exceed ing six per cent, and a sinking fund of one per cent must bo provided. The debentures will be a first charge on the rents and rates derived from the property. The works authorised by the Act are all of a very requisite character, and if its object is not defeated by largo compensation claims, we anticipate a considerable amount of benefit to the city from the measure.

Owing to a breakage of type shortly before going to press, we are obliged to hold over till to-morrow a leader and other local matter.

The Wade returns in the Waitemata elec tion were received last night, and ware ua follows :—Mr Yon der Heydo, 7; Mr Mac farlane, 25. An error appeared in the re turns from Helensvillo. The correct numbers were :Mr Yon der Heydo, 11 ; Mr Macfar lane, G . This makes the total for each candidate—Mr Yon der Heyde, 284 • Mr Macfarlane, 220. Mr Yon dor Heyue is therefore eleoted by ix majority of 55.

We remind our readers that the inaugural mooting of the New Zealand Reform League will be hold this evening in the Choral Hall at eight o'clock. As thiß is a very important meeting wo trust the people of Auckland, on whom the burden of taxation falls, nnd whose political diligence or apathy will influence for good or evil the future of this country, will congregate in hundreds within the walls of the Choral Hall this evening.

[Referring to a telegram in our yesterday's issue we are requested to state that some newspaper bags only were missed from Wei linijton to Napier, the letter portion of the Pboobo's mails having come on by that vessel.

To the Editor : Sir,—Can you possibly give me any information what benefits ariae from a man being returned as a M.G.A. ? Some, I think, there must be, for I have observed at electioneering times the candi dates will stop an elector in the street and make as much fuss of him as if he were some confidential friend or they were going to make something very handsome out of him ; whereas, if you called on a matter of business to either of them, the probability is you would be snubbed or be treated with consider able coolness, and in fact they would most likely scarcely know you. —I am, etc., Enquirer.

The single women from the ship Oxford were landed this morning by the Takapuna, and were taken up to the depot by Mr Ellis, the Immigration Commissioner. They are a strong, hardy-looking set of girls, and ap pear well calculated to do good service in thw colony. The rest of the immigrants were landed later on in the day. Persons intend ing to engage any of tkern had better be early at the Barracks to-morrow morning.

Dr Goldsbro' held an inquest yesterday at the Whau Lunatic Asylum on the body of John Fergusson, formerly a plumber, who died on Tuesday evening. A verdict of " Death from natural causes " was returned.

The members of the Auckland Harmonic Society will meet this evening at the usual place for practice. Previous to practice a special meeting will ba held ab which a full attendance of members is requested. At a special meeting of the New Zealand Insurance Company, held yesterday, it was resolved that the capital of the company be increased to £1,000,000, divided into £100 ---000 shares of £10 each, that 50,000 of such shares be retained by the present shareholders, and that the remainder be offered to the public. The various details were left to the Board of Directors. It was agreed that £2 per share be considered as paid up. A pros pectus drawn up by the directors embodying the terms on which the shares are to be allotted will be issued shortly.

To the Editor: Sir, —Referring to the reoent appointment of a perfect stranger to office of superintendent of the Fire Brigade in place of Mr A. Asher, I think that the time has arrived when the inhabitants of Auckland should arouse themselves to a sense of duty and gratitude in recognising the valuable and gratuitous services which Mr Asher has so ably rendered to the insurance companies and to the people of this city for upwards of twenty years. I think the prompt attention, self-sacrifice and zeal which Mr Asher has at all times displayed in extinguishing fires (notwithstanding the dif ficulties he had to encounter through the want of water), in managing to save both life and property, besides having fore gone his own interests and maintained a company from his own pocket, should have been enough to entitle him to a pension for the rest of his life. I know many places where people have held similar positions and served less time who have been allowed a comfort able annuity. And why should not this able officer receive the same, which he ia so justly entitled to ? —I am, &c, Justitia,.

Some very unjustifiable insinuations are again made in to-day's Cross regarding the quality of "New Zealand spirits. These very unfair statements, which have appeared in our contemporary from time to time, received ample refutation by the award of a medal to the Crown Distillery of Auckland at the Vienna exhibitions, but another unbiassed opinion is that given by Mr Heaps, inspector of distilleries, before a committee of the House of Represenat'vea this tession. The following quesnous and answers are taken from the offi :i 1 repoit of the evidence taken by tUn cO'n-iuttee : " 39. Of course, you are aware ilni there haw been considerable amount of prejivli'-eag i"»t colonial spirit. Does that prejudice still exist ?—I have no doubt than it does, but it is not so great now as it was. 94. It ba* operated very much against the success of the undertaking ?—Yes, I think it has. 95.1 suppose your are a judge of spirits. What is your opinion of the' spirits turned out ?—I can say that the material used is the best quality, and that the principle upon which distilling is taking place is also the best for turning out good spirits. Tho system of making is that which is adopted in the North of Scotland.

The annual meeting of the Auckland United Cricket Club was held yesterday evening at the Thames Hotel. There was a moderate attendance of members of this old established club. Mr Geo. Johnstone took the chair, and called upon the secretary, W. F. Clifton, to read the report for the last season. This set forth that the club was in a flourishing condition, and had a small balance on the right side to start the ensuing year with. The election of officers took place and resulted as follows :—President, James Watt, Esq. ; vice-presidents, Thos. Russell and A. Heather, Esqs., Messrs. A. Aitken and W. F. Clifton we-e appointed treasurer and secretary respectively. The following gentlemen are to comprise the committee:—Messrs. R. J. Yates^ W W. Robinson, J. Mumford, W. F. Buckland, and G. Johnstone. A discussion arose as to the advisability of increasing the subscrip tion from half-a-guinea to a guinea, but the proposition did not meet with general favor, and was allowed to drop. Mr W. F. Clifton the secretary, and the committee of the past season, received votes of thanks for their

services

The monthly meeting of the City of Auck land No. 1 Loyal Orange Lodge will be held this evening in the Wellesley-street lodge room, at half-past seven.

An analysis with the view of detecting adulteration has been carried on by Mr Skey, colonial analyst, and from his report we learn that of the 120 samples tested 97 were found to be free from adulteration, and the remainder to be more or less open to ob jection. This result, we are scarcely war ranted in considering unsatisfactory. The teas examined were first on the black list. Every sample, whether green or black, was adulter ated, and in the case of the green to such an extent as to be injurious if it were made an article of daily use. All were faced with a mineral compound—green tea with Prussian blue and chromate of lead. Coffees, it was notorious are a mixed com pound, as also are cocoas ; usually the same remark applies to mustard, of which five samples out of seven were found to be adulterated. Snuff, also, it was known, was scented and otherwise treated. For us to remark that v/ine3 and spirits are not always pure would be to give utterance to a fact that requires no establishment. These ai tides exhaust the black list. To their credit be it spoken, colonial beers, which Dr Hector states are constantly being examined in the Custom House laboratory, have always stood any test to which they were subjected. The texile cabrics came out of the ordeal very well, cotton being sold as cotton, woll as wool, silk as silk, and mixed goods according to the description given of them. On the whole the report appears to be of a more satisfactory nature than we uhould have anticipated.

In view of the approaching transit of Venus, and the preparations made for obser ving it, our readers will be interested in learning that the instrumental outfit of the various expeditions is said to be the largest and most perfect of its kind which has ever been brought together. The telescopes will be driven by clockwork in such a manner as to remain steadfastly iixed on the sun after having been once pointed to it, thus leaving the hands free for other ' purposes. The observations of next December will pro bably resnlt in the determination of the dis tance of the sun from the earth within 50,000 miles. As already stated, France, Germany, America and Russia will co-operate in this great undertaking, and " altogether there will be at least 70 or SO stations scattered ever the illuminated side of the earth from which between the hours of about half-past one and half-past six, Greenwich time, on the morning of the 9th of December, a small army of astrpnomers will be anxiously scan ning, measuring, and photographing the move ments over the sun's face of the little black spot which is to afford us a solution of one of the sublime3t problems of the universe.

The following is from the Wellington Evening Post :—" One of the disastrous effects of the commune in Paris was the sacking of the Louvre, and the distribution of the col lection of art treasures, the accumulation of centuries to the four corners of heaven. A curious relic of this pillage is now to be seen in Wellington in the shape of two superb oil paintings which were cut from their frames at the time the louvre was Backed. The Communist who secured them escaped the retribution which overtook so many of his comrades, and managed to make good his escape to this colony. Very recently he died in a neighboring province, and his effects passed into the hands of a gentleman in this city, amongst them being the two canvases in question. The pictures are companion pieces, and are evidently the work of one of the old masters. They are allegorical representations of Temp tation, and the result of yielding to it. In, the first, a nobly-proportioned man, a very Antinous, is beiag tempted by a lovely woman, a pefect model of the female form in proportion and beauty as a painting what the Venus de Medici is as a statue. The man's guardian angel stands behind him urging him to look upward, where heaven is represented. The man's eyes, however, remain obstinately fixed on the lovely, sensuous form beside him. In the second picture the result is shown. A group of Satyrs, magnificently painted, have hxed on the man, and are hurrying him towards the hell which is seen opening in the back ground. His temptress, also in the grasp of Satyrs, is being hurried to the same destination. It is impossible to do justice in words to the beauty of the painting of these pictures. They are evidently art treasures, probably well known in the art world of Europe, and they would certainly command an enormous price there. At first it was the intention of their present owner to have sent them home, but several con noisseurs having seen them here, and expressed an earnest desire to have a chance of possessing them, it lias, we believe, been determined to dispose of them by art union. They are to be seen in the office of Messrs Sidey and Co., Central Chambers, and are well worthy of a visit from all lovers of the beautiful,"

His Honor the Superintendent, accom panied by the Provincial Secretary and Mr Holloway, proceeded to the Thames in the Golden Crown this morning. The Prince of Wales Theatre was well at tended last evening despite other attractions. The programme was the same as on the previous occasion, and was gone through with eclat. Miss Knight's Dutch persona tions and her song and dance with Mr Ma^rm met with especial favour, and el cited a re demand. Mrs Knight and Mr Ma-ui appeared in a humourous sketch called •• Pnuipey'a Troubles," which provoked much Hug !er For to-night, the last appearance, a R.iecial programme has been prepared. Miss Knight Avill make her appearance as Nancy StolTer, in the comedy of " Irish Assurance and Yankee Modesty," apart in which she attained a reputation in California ; also in her famous Chinese clog-dance. Some of our readers may not understand the real nature of the Ward - Chapman scandal, which occupied such a large amount of attention during the last session of the Assembly. The affair arose out of the libel action brought by Mr Macassey, solicitor of Dunedin, against the Dunedin Star for an article deemed to be of a libellous character, which it was alleged had been written by Judge Ward. The action, it will be re membered, was determined on all issues for the defendant. Prior, however, to the hearing of the cause Judge Ward sent various telegrams to the Government representing ! that Mr Justice Chapman, being related to Mr Macassey, should not be allowed to hear the case ; also, making various charges of partiality against his Honor. Out of these telegrams several important issues have arisen. In the first place Mr Macassey applied in Chambers to Mr Justice Chapman for an order of the Court for the production of all telegrams which had passed between Judge Ward and any parties relating to the libel action. His Honor made this order without even giving the other side notice of it, or allowing them any opportunity for offering objections. The Otago Guardian took up the matter on the ground that the secrecy of the Telegraph ' department was endangered, and was fol lowed by the vhole press of the colony. Notwithstanding an order to attach the Guardian for contempt of Court, such pressure was brought to bear on the Government that they announced their in tention of resisting the Judge's order, and Mr Justice Chapman was compelled to acknow ledge his error and rescind the rule. After the trial, however, the public were astonished by the publication in the Otago Times of a column of telegrams purporting to have ' passed between Judge Ward and the Go vernment. Judge Ward denied their authenticity, and threatened the Otago Times with legal proceedings. It soon leaked out, however, that the telegrams were sub stantially correct, and the question now was how had the secrecy of the department been violated. Judge Ward cer tainly had not furnished the Times with copies of the messages, nor had the Govern ment. A committee of the House was ap pointed to inquire into the matter, and took a large amount of evidence, the substance of which is given in the Wellington Post as follows :—" So far aa we have been able to gather Mr Macassey has admitted giving what purported to ba copies of Judge Ward's telegrams to the Olayo Times. His explanation of the manner in which these came into his possession "is that Mrs Croker (a lady re siding at Oamaru, whose husband is counter clerk in the Telegraph-office there) called upon him aud gave him the telegrams, assuring him that they were genuine. He alleges that he gave her the sum of £10 for them, and the theory set np as accounting for her possession of them is that being on friendly terms with Judge Ward she had seen on his table either the original telegrams or copies of them, and had re-written them from memory. In fact on this side the evidence i 3 that Judge Ward was betrayed like a second Sampson by Delilah; but the Judge himself upsets this theory by saying he wrote his tele grams in the Telegraph-office and kept no copies. The morality of the transac tion by which according to this version the telegrams were" published we need not comment on On the other side the story is that Mrs Croker was sent for by Mr Macassey and offered £50 if she would through her husband procure copies of the genuine tele grams cent from Oamaru, and that Mr Macassey showed her the copies he possessed, but expressed doubts as to their absolute correctness. Mrs Croker says that she absolutely refused to have anything to do with the affair, and the next day the copies she had been shown appeared in the Daily Times. Here are the two stories, and of course it is evident that both parties having given their evidence on oath one or the other must have committed the most deliberate perjury. It was to endeavour to sift this matter further that the committee recommended the appointment of a -Royal commission. Strange to say up to a certain point both stories are corroborated by a good deal of other evidence, and it is certainly desirable that if possible it should be ascer tained on which side the truth rests."

The disgraceful proceedings in the Welling ton City Council referred to in a recent issue are more than matched by the civic chamber of Hokitika. At a recent meeting that august body abandoned the siiaviter in modo for the fort'der in re. We are told by the West Coast Times that Crs. Barret and Lynch went outside and endeavoured to break each other's heads. The combatants,1 with the characteristic tenacity of Borough Councillors, held each other by the hair and whiskers, until a blessed peace-maker named Cassidy dissevered their affectionate embrace. He and Mr Hudson of the Cleveland experienced great difficulty iv preventing a re-engagement.

A meeting of the joint committee repre sentine; various societies which have taken up the cause of the widow of the late William Gribble, who met his death by an accident on board the ketch Clematis, took place last night. The committee consists of four shipwrights, three Rechabites, and three Good Templars. It was Be-

solved to appoinb Mr D. Goldie treasurer of tho relief fund, and that the money re ceived should be lodged in the Auckland Savings Bank in the names of Mr Goldie as representing the Good Templars, Mr Carr representing the Rechabites, and Mr Ellis on behalf of the shipwrights. It was further resolved to secure a mangle and sewing machine, and that the balance of the money raised either be appropriated in the purchase of a house or in supplementing Mrs Gribble's income by weekly payments until she gets fairly established in a way of making a living; for herself and her seven little ones. The reci pient of these charitable efforts has expressed her confidence in the constitution of the com mittee now exerting itself in her behalf, and has agreed in writing to accept their adminis tration of the trust.

We noticed to-day in the] shopfof Messrs Champtaloup aud * Cooper, stationers, of Queen-street, two beautiful views of Rudes heim, on the Rhine, aristically framed, and which are for sale. The little German town which the oleographs represent is situated in the duchy of Nassau, in the centre of a mining district, and where a large quantity of the famous wine knenvn as hock is pro duqed,

The bakers' annual ball inconir &£*'", the Association last evening at ;'&ss. was pleasantly patronised. A^'"^?^ couple werej present, and two-' :/ V eight beat time to the notes? ]§: • ji monious instruments furnished '*■ : :«.;! <* The hall was decorated for thr . : &. much taste, and the entertainment ~* 1'' 1 details was complete and orderly 5 '111! 8 Bell, the superintendent o f Enfranchised Bakers' Association ** ably superintended the outer 'gjL k ments. Messrs Johnson "and Stone** 11^' ducted the ceremonies -with great siti?"" tion. An excellent motto, wreathed^ flowers, ornamented the westward e n a, the room, "We unite to prosper not ♦ injure." The dances included walfefcg "- a rilles, and polkas, and all went" Merry a marriage bell." A cold collation » provided under the judicious prenatoi of Mr Wright. The bakers are to S? plimated on their second annual ball a i the triumph they have achieved in legaeniS the hours of labour and of giving elaiKeitf to limb and freedom to mind. . ' The new cricket ground in the Domain ' rapidly approaching a state of Hervieeai/ ness The grass has come up thickly all ov the surface, and over the major portion tk herbage is clean and fine. In some spots«, growth of the grass is hindered by aga weed, which appears to grow with obectiorT able rapidity to the destruction of all other verdue. The trustees of the ground areoiTj.' it every attention, at any rate Mr R. Jj Y a J look 3 after it well, 'i he grass is howfJeW mown. We presume that when this ig!<j< )1 ° sheep will be put on to the field to give the grass strength and additional bushineag, United Cricket Club entertain the project of playing a match here in a few weeks rtiine • but we fear that the condition of the groimj by that time will not be sufficiently advanced to warrant a wicket being pitched. Even if it is just fit to play on a slight delay w^ fe wise.

At the request of the ofScerJ cbmaianfe, the Corps, the monthly iaapection^efvthe Artillery Company will take place ojfftj on the evening of Thursday, the 17th mat,, instead of on the 14fch as -was previously ordered.

To the Editor : Sir,--Permit me to thank "Maria," your fair correspondent of bat evening, for'putting myself and others upon the matter of the "Harbinger of Peace " collection. " Maria " has done it kindly and wittily ; but the chairman should have stated the fact that the extra collection was for Mrs Gribble and her children, and " Simon " would have added to his tatiner.~ Yours, &c, S.B

A grand amateur entertainment; wiU'be given to-morrow evening, in the Prince'of Wales Theatre for the benefit of Mrs Gribble and family. We learn that the bestsamatenr talent of Auckland will be produced ■onihia occasion. The programme is prolific of good and cannot fail in giving general satisfaction, Among other great attractions there ; :w|ll be the boneles3 boy and the one-legjed'gyfljtot, songs, comic and sentimental, readjKgs, trapeze performances, and a host of other Highly entertaining exhibitions are comprised in the bill of fare, which is one which, apart from the excellence of the cause, should attract a crowded house.

A new chum, a fine Bturdy Englishnuui fond of his drops, was found quite overcome last night in Chancery lane. He was assisted by a humane constable, Mr o'K.eilly, to tbe police station. The Jock-up-keeper, a Good ' Templar, felt something heavy in Sam's pockets, which proved to be two ginger-beer bottles filled with brandy, which the honest Templar turned into the yard with a feeling of righteous indignation. gflProphetic reporting has again led a contem porary into error. The Cross yeßterdav anuounoed the occurrence of Mrs Tomes' concert, while in reality the concert did not come off at all, having been postponed until Tuesday week. To the Editor : Sir, —Per favour mil yon permit me to make a comment on a criticism which appeared in this morning's Soutliern Gross in reference to my performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre last night, in'which the writer accuses me of copying Harry Rickards in "intonation and peculiarity,'.' besides indulging in other sneering remarks, which statements I do not hesitate to assert is not only false, but dictated by spite (as it was threatened), the proof of which I can furnish. 1 may state that I not only have never heard Mr Richards* sing, but on the contrary that gentleman has been recom mended by more than one Australian paper to take a lesson from me in more than one; specialty of mine. Permit me, in conclusion, to protest against the unfair system of criticism to which actors are subjected by; certain members of the Press, many of which I regret to say are written -wholly' irrespective of the merits of the entertain-1 ment, and the tone of which is dictated either from personal liking or receipt of a j substantial consideration. — Yours, etc., Johnsy Gourlay.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

deviations. ' Three new arrivals by the Oxford and two old hands were introduced, to his "Worship this morning charged with being drunk; yesterday ; two women and three men, who pleaded as an excuse the strength of *"6 colonial beer, which upon testing had caused them to deviate from the right way. They were fined 10s each. UNLICENSED. ) hj& Henry Holman was charged with a breach of Arms Act by importing a quantity of lead without being duly licensed, also with stealing a quantity of lead and copper from \ the ship Countess of Kintore on the «» insiant. ~, Sergeant-Major Pardy said he would with draw the first charge against the prisoner," as it appears that he had stolen the lead. _* Prisoner said he was not guilty. Ihe materials were given to him to sell for the boatswain of the Countess of Kintore. Mr Dalton proved to seeing the prisoner take the lead and copper, and when he spoke . to him about what he was doing prisoner was impertinent. ■ . ■' ;: The boatswain said he had never seen pri soner before, nor did he give him leave to sell the goods. . ~ Prisoner said he met the boatswain in t&e Waitemata hotel, and he gave him. leare to : sell the lead. , f The chief mate said he gave no orders W* the lead was to be sold. fAB Prisoner: I've nothing more to say. It was shown that prisoner was a person of very bad character, the associate 01 thieves, and given to lying. , >■ The Court sentenced him to six montM imprisonment with hard labour. miss m'kknzie'S pet.' ". , James Johnston, on remand, was charged with stealing Miss McKenzie's little dog on Saturday last.. . , ■; . »■; .'-. •< ~_S 'm? Mr ' Laishley appeared for prisonerp»uu— pleaded not guilty. ' . , Miss McKenzie deposed that she missec . her little dog " Venus " on Saturday it was a valuable dog, worth at least £2, *-~-^* the collar 4s Sd. The dog in Court was jwr dog. She did not give prisoner leave to »«» it pwiy. She had found the dog in prisoner ; i !.• „ bio a before,

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