SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATE'S : This evening, 828 ; to morrow morning. 8.48 oUS s(si : Ttiis evening, 7.7 ; SUNRISE: to rn irriw raorninir, 4 40 MOON'd AOiC; First; Quwter, 17th, 0.3 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Fairy, sdnonpr, Caruucuaei, imu Hokianga and Pay of Isla ds

In the IVTanukau Dawn, cutt-r from "WMfeato Duite, cutter, from Waikatn ; Wellington, s,s , from the South

DEPARTURES

Kesnlt. s s . Baxter, fjr Nat>irr vi* Gisborne Lupa. Government p»., FaircMld, tot Wellington (from vhe Manukau)

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Newcastle— Hnton, birqae to-morrow For tttirot ct.a—Blanche, scho ncr, evily For Lyitelton Atrn<-s brigautine. early For -ydney—Hjdaspes, ship, early For Lyitelton P.erless sch ioner early; Waitangi,

ship, early ; William Gifford early For San Francisco—Couoor-n, ship 22nd instant;

Cyphrenes, R M 8 s,, 24th December For London—City of Auckland, ship, early For a Craise—Southern Cross, Missionary barquentine early.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Assaye, ship, frsm London: sailed September 3 Cospa'.rick, sap, from London ; s&ilea Bth September Glenlora ship, from London ; sailed September 26 Dilharee, barque fr >na London ; sailed October 2 Inverend, ship, from London ; sail-d October Warwick ship, from London; sailed October Kapido barque, from New York,via Adelaide.ng load! Edith Rose, barque, from New York; s«led Sept. 18 Chanticleer, brig, f om Hobart Town, early Jfturopa, b.vrqne, from Sydney, early Kenilworth, schooner, from Samoa, early Ivanhef,, schooner, from L&vuka

IMPORTS.

Per Wellington, from the South : 1 trunk and 1 case, Green and Co. ; 1 bag seed, A. Buckland; 1 case, Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. ; 9 cases, 1 package, I bar iron, 1 plate iron, 4 bales wool, 1 portmanteau, Combes and Daldy ; 1 truss, Potter, Ford and Co. ; 1 parcel, A. Pearse ; 2 boxes gold, 876 ounces do., Bank of New Zealand ; 1 case, J. F. Carter; 1 case, 1 trunk. Lewis Brothers ; 4 blocks stone, Smart and Co. ; 3 horses, Haines; 5 horses, Cutts ; 1 case, 1 bale, Major Tisdall ; 1 truss, Colonel Lyon; 7 bales, "Southern Cross;" 1 case, H. Gilfil lan ; 6 cases, K. Arthur; 3 cases, G. W. Binney ; 1 case, H. Stebbing ; 14 boxes of butter, Veale ; 12 boxes butter, Hoskin ; 20 hides, Gittos ; 1 bale leather, Hemus ; 1 case, Cruickshank ; 6 hhds., Seccombe.

EXPORTS.

Per Peerless, for Lyttelton: 68 pieces tosara timber (3,410 feet), H. B. Morton ; 58,000 feet kauri timber, 15 casks, D. H. Mackenzie ; 108 bundles empty sacks, Low and Motion.—M. .Niccol, agent.

The R.M. s.s. Cyphrenes left at six o'clock last evening for Sydney. Passengers:— Saloon from Auckland to Sydney—Lieut. Challis, and Mr H. S. Meyers. Sterage— Messrs. M. Moonin, D. Sweeney, Miss G. Billing. Saloon for Melbourne —Mr Fred. Earl.—H. M. Jervis, agent.

The s.s. Southern Cross, Captain Sellars, arrived from Tauranga last evening. Pas sengers : Mesdames Davies, Watson, Falkner, Smith, Waleyan; Sergeant-Major Heany, wife and two children, < aptain Lloyd, Messrs Kelly, Laybourne, Wall, Caringa, Carina, and two natives.

Later advices from Bussell by the schooner Fairy saj nothing about the reported wreck of the Albion, whaler, at the Islands. The explanation ot the rumour given by our con temporay the Herald, commends itself to us as probaoly the correct one.

The scnooner Fairy arrived from Hokianga via the Bay of Islands at 8 o'clock this morn ing having left Russell on Wednesday at noon bh« had tine we ither with N.W. to S.W. winds throughout the passage. Passed the Policeman, schooner, and Speedwell, ketch, off B earn Tail; also the Emu, the Bella Mary, and the Atlantic off the Kawau. A full rigged American whaling ship was stand ing into the Bay of Islands as the Fairy left. The Fairy brings 35 tons of coal. She has made no water dv ing the voyage Messrs Thwaites and Newburn intend giving the Bcbooner a thoroug overhaul.

The schooner Mary Mellville left Napier for the Bay of Islands on Wednesday. She will load there for Auck'and.

The s. s. Result has left for Napier, her future working ground. She took several tons of cargo, and Mr Baxter, one of her owners, accompanied her in charge. The schooner Kenilworth was sighted by the Cyphrenes near Tatuita, one of the Samoan Group, oh the 2nd instant The schooner was apparently standing in for the Island.

Tbe s.s. Wonga Wonga is advertised as due on the 21st instant. She is to sail for Sydney and Melbourne three days after arrival.

The barque Otago was to leave Dunedin for Auckland on the 4th inst the day the Wellington left. During her stay in Dunedin this last trip the Welliogbon was thoroughly cleaned inside and outside and freshly painted. Speaking of the barquentine Falcon, which arrived at Port Chalmers on the Ist iosfc , the Otago Times says: "Taking her altogether she is a sightly craft indeed, and if not a heeler on any tack she certainly belies her appearance. It is gratifying to note the marvellous strides that the .Northern shipwrights are making, and we heartily congrhtulate our Auckland friends upon the high reputation they have won as " builders of ships." The Falcon is their latest effort, and very worthily she sustains their credit."

We heartily congratulate Mr. Drewin. late chief officer of the City of Auckland, on his promotion 1o the command of the ship Bebington, now loading at Napier for Lon don. Mr. Drewin has secured many friends by his uniform courtesy and kindliness of disposition, as well as by his business-like straightforwardness.

Latest advices from London shew the fol lowing vessels loading there for Aucklmd :— Invereme, September 30 ; Anazi, October 7 ; India, October 14. The Warwick sailed fiom London on October 11.

The &hip Hydaspes linishes taking in her 600 tons of ballast this evening. She has discharged hea large cargo in fine condition. Monday morning at daybreak is fixed for hauling her away from the wharf prior to her departure for Sydney. It will be seen from our telegrams per Claude Hamilton, that the Macgregor arrived at San Francisco on the 26ta ulc.

The brigaatine Kate Brain is advertised in the Dunedin papers as about to sail for thf Pa'mer diggings.

The barque Pleur de Maurice has been placed on the berth for Auckland at Dun edin.

The schooner Peerless cleared to-day, at the Customs for Lyttelton with a cargo of timher, shipped by Mr D. JB. Mckenz c and Mr H. B. Morton. Captain Lewis intends to sail to-morrow. This will allow plenty of time for the vessel to arrive in Lyttelton and get out his cargo before the Kegitta on the Ist January, in which she is to compete The vessel takes the good wishes of Auck lanlers.

The cutters Dawn and Dante arrived in the Maaukau yesterday afternoon from Port Waikato.

The s.s. Wellington Captain Casey ar rived in the Manukau shortly before 9 o'clock this morning and came alongside the Onehunga wharf soon after ten o'clock. She left Port Chalmers at 1.30 p.m. o ■ the 4th inst., arrived at Lyttelton at 915 am on the srh ; left at 6p m , arrived at Wellington at 11 45 am. on the 6th; lef at midnight on the 7th, reached Pictoa at 6 a.m. ; left again at 9 a.m., aad arrived at Nelson at 7 p.m. on the Bth ; left Nelson at 8 pm. on the 9ob, arrived at Taranaki at 11 30 a.m. ; and sailed at 6 30 p.m. on the 10:h, arriving as above. Experienced variable winds and fine weather throughout. We are indebted to Mr W. Willcocks, purser, for files, &c. Passengers : Saloon— Mr and Mrs Ingram, Mrs and Miss Linabury, , Mrs Wiigg, Misses Fleming and Sheehan;,

Messrs Way, Haines, Hales, Wrigg, Cutts, Kelly |Yon Tempsky, Douglas, Simon, Hay man, vVright, Snera, Masters Buokland (2), and Beetham. Steerage—Mr and MiS Kayner ; Messrs White, Fleming;, Casson, Dalton, Donovan ; 5 grooms and 3 Maories.

RUSSELL.

CARGO BROACHING AND DESERTION. —MAORI

BOUXCB,

On Monday morning last seven men of the crew of the Dunedin Whaler Splendid broke into the store, stole a quantity of rum and then bolted in otic of the whaling boats. A reward of £20 was offered ny the Captain for their capture, and in the evening the deserters were taken by a party of Maories at Whangamumu and brought back to Rus sell on Tuesday morning and delivered up. The Maories at first detained the boat and said they would not give it up till they had £10 more. The Captain however soon re moved the difficulty by telling them that if they did not give it up at once, he should send and lake it, and clap them in prison for keeping it. At this they altered their tone, and soon afterwards the boat was brought to the vessel.

The Rowena arrived at Russell at her usual time on Tuesday. When the Fairy left the Bay of Islands, the following whalers were there :—Barques: The Martha (condemned), the Splendid, the Callao, the Chance, and an American ship, name unknown.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Matls will Close as follows :—

For Thames, this day, at 6.30 p m, and to-

morrow, at 9 30 a m For Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago, per Luna :

this day at 4 p m For Mahurangi, Matakana, Mangawai, Waipu, &c,

per Lady Bowen, to-morrow, at 10 a m For Whitiangi, Tairua, Opotiki, and Napier, via Tauranga, per, t'outhern Cross, to-morrow, at i p ni Per s.s Fhcebe, on Monday next, 14th instant, as under :—

For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 9 a m For'Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, at 10 a m For United Kingdom, via Suez and South ampton, (for letters specially addressed), at 9am

For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters for Southern provinces and iU.elbour.ae at 10 isa.ru

For money orders, and registered letters, at 6p.m, For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Rowena, on Monday next, at 4 p m Mails for London, &c via S»n Francisco, will close at 6 p m on December 24, per Cyparenes For the undermentioned pla es per Cyphrenes, en Thursday, 24th instant, as follows :—

For Sandwich Islands, United State 3of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Jniies, at 6 p m. Kor the 'United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 5 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 4 p. m Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d will be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing.

S. B. Brss, Chief Postmaster

BIRTH.

Hbwsow —At Parnell Decembsr 10, the wife of Mr R Hews.jn, H M.U., of a daughter.

DEATH.

AfcLEN— On the T6th October, at Gloucester, England, Fanny, daughter of the late Mr M. Allen, and s.sttr of Mrs J, S. Welsman, oi this city.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1874.

For th« cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong n:at needs resmtaao*, For the fsture tn the distance. And th« ffeod that wa can ie.

Last month we published an account of the dangers to which travellers by the Central Pacific Railway are subjected from the in cursions of gaugs of gamblers, armed and threatening if travellers manifest an unwill ingness to be plundered. We were taken severely to task as we always are whenever we presume to reveal unpleasant truths, and those whose interests are indentified with the success of this route regarded the state ment as detrimental and mischievous. We have now before us confirmation of the truth of the statement in an extract article from the Alfa California under the heading "The Robbers on the Kail." Our Califor nian contemporary says : —"The scandalous outrages perpetrated by gamblers upon per sons travelling upon the Central Pacific Railroad have not been in the least degree exaggerated," and adds that " there is grouud for the assumption that the full extent of the rascalities com mitted in the cars has never pub licly transpired, the victims of adroit monte- Dacn, straps and tobacco box thieves genera'ly deeming silence the best policy." This is followed by distinct and specific statements of cases that if correctly stated, and we at least have no grounds presented to us for doubting the statement, should demand prompt rectification, if this route is to become popular with travellers. Indeed it is not those who let light in on such an evil as this who should be regarded as acting inimcally towards a line of travel, buttheyaretbe enemies who would coveithem with the pall of silence and leave travellers to fall unwittingly into the snare. Most mem bers of British communities have rightly or wrongly a timidity respecting some of the social development among our cousins, and suppression of such evils in the public press will not prevent them from telling on the minds of travellers and working their own cure ia a manner that will be even more detrinr'ntal to the interests of the route. Our hope is not that the revelation of these excesses will deter any one from going by a route that is the moss delightful of all the possible routes between Europe and the Southern Onlonies, but that it will compel the rectification of an evil that is at least a nuisance if not a danger, and which cannot, if continued, be other than deterrent to trans- American travel.

Texas comes up with it 3 dish of horrors by the mail. It now tells us that it has a vendetta of twenty years standing, and the coats have been fifty lives. It originated twenty years ago in Alabama when a Taylor killed a Sutton in a druaken affray. Two years later the Taylors came to Texas, and the Sutton3 fol lowed, where for years they lived in proxi mity without being aware of each others whereabouts. Then a Taylor and a com panion stole a cow and thus revealed the posi tion, and both were killed by the Sut ton party who pursued. Then for several years the vende'ta raged, and the whole country around was drawn into the vortex until the principals and their adherents numbered fifteen hundred souls. At one time it was a button man, then a Taylor man, now in ambosh a party js cut off. then a confederate wearing the livery of the United States police kills fifteen men and calls it duty. Then the two armies meet in battle array, and the Suttons sur- I round the Taylors, and are proceeding to blot them out fioin the face of the earth. Then a parley sounds, and all proceed t>elo>e a District Judge and swear amity. Wild delirious joy fills the country at the end of the trouble, but in the following month, in March last, on board a steamer, a young Taylor of twenty yea>s deliberately shoots the veteran William S ittoa and now lies in gaol for murder. Then Taylor's you"gar brother, in gaol for caitle-sfceahug is taken out at night by a mob and shot: and the Taylors are now scattered and flying across the frontiers, and from sheer lack of objects !

fco be shot at the vendetta is ended. Such is life in the " Lone Star."

In addition to the telegrams from all parts

of New Zealand published by us yesterday, we also received (besides the copious items from our Wellington correspondent on the same subject,) one from the Anglo Australian Press Agency, giving further details of pro ceedings of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church of New Zealand now sitting in Wellington. Ii told of the accep tance by the Assembly of rheUnionproposds of the Synod of O'ago, and the intention of bringing the principle of Synodical action into operation throughout the church. It also told that the question in Mr Bruce's overture from the Auckland Presbytery relative to a Theological Hall had been remitted to the Presbytery for a report as to the opportunities available for the training of Art students in this city, and also on the pecuniary assistance likely to be obtained for eari'ying out suoh a theo logical institution. This telegram we re ceived in proper time, but with the press of matter, and with over three columns of the day's telegrams, we felt justified in leaving it out, together with one from our own cor respondent at Napier. As it appears in full in this morning's papers, its re-publication is unnecessary. But while we admit that this one came in time, we haw to repeat for ourselves the complaint made by our Punedin evening contemporary as telegraphed in another column, as to the great embarrassment caused by the delay in the transmission of telegrams. To the morning papers, who have also their tele grams at one-fourth the cost charged to evening papers, this delay is a matter of no moment, but it is tantalising in the extreme to have frequently telegrams paid for at 8 very high rate, transmitted early in the day, and received at such an hour as to delay publication, and very frequently to be 1 omitted altogether. We have the betto; right to make this complaint, seeing that the Auckland iSTAJR is the best customer of the Telegraph Depart ment among all the journals, and, we presume, all the private senders of telegrams in New Zealand. No other paper in New Zealand has ever attempted giving the quan tity of telegraphic information which we have habitually'given to our readers ; and we can go further and say that no! one paper in tht Australasian colonies can be pointed ou which gives an average of telegraphic newt equal to that which we supply. Yesterday': three columns of telegrams — at, da\ rates of a halfpenny per word — repre sent over six pounds, as anyone can verify for himself by going to the trouble of making the calculation, and this is for mere wire charges, and in addition to what is ptid to the agency and our private corres pondents for collecting and compiling and transmitting the items. Our wire charges alone cost at present a minimum average ovei a thousand pounds a year, and in such cir cumstances it is too bad to have valuable and costly telegrams tlnown away, the cost of which is of course not returned. Wen- Government departments managed as an private business establishments, not merely good treatment but something more, and a little indulgence into the bargain, would be shown tobestcustomcrs, butGovernmcntways are not as our ways, nor their thoughts as our thoughts. We suppose therefore we mus only grin and bear io, but we cannot refrain from uniting with our brother of Duucdin in a growl of discontent.

The Luna did not leave the Manukau this morning as was expected She will probab'y proceed to s^a this evening or early tomorrow morning wtather permuting A stiff breeze is blowing ab tlie heads, but is lulling away fa->t. His Excellency and suite are still ai the Mauukau Hotel.

The steamer Wellington which arrived in the Manukau brought several horses, some among them belonging to Mr Watt. Im mediately on getting alongside the wharf the tide being suitable they were all walked on shore without any hitches.

The election of Mayor of Auckland comes off in the Oif-y Council on Wednesday next. We understand that Councillors .Prime and Hursfc are the only candidates.

In our supplement of entertaining reading to-mmorow, will appear complete "The Dia mond Bracelet," a story by the author of ' East Lynne.' Also, So 2 from Miss Letty Forbisher of Pt. John's Wood, . extracted from the Hannafordean diary ; new verses by Mr Blackman, and other poets ; humour ous readings, and a variety of other interest ing matter.

In our Oamaru telegrams it will be seen that M'cAdam, .4 well-educated man, formerly schoolmaster at Drury, whose drunken habits led him from one degree of degradation to another, has finally ended his caieer by a miserable dsath in the streets of Oamaru. McAdamwas tried at the Supreme Court, a session or two ago for alleged arson, but got dff Lately he had been missing, bub the telegram referred to gives the final chaptei of his career

A Church Union or Guild i 3 about to be inaugurated in connection with St. Matthew's Church. All men who are regular members of the congregation are invited to attend a meeting, to be held to-morrow (Saturday) evening, at 7 p.m., in St. Matthew's school room. The obj ct of the Guild is to unite the members of the Church, especially the young men, by means of both church and social bonds. There is to be a reading-room, and possibly also a cricket club, in connection with the Union. There will also be a course of lectures during the winter months, and classes for mutual improvements.

A cricket match is announced for to morrow in the Domain, between the Pon sonby and Carlton Clubs, to commence at half-past two. Ponsonby will send to the field some of itg best men, namely, Messrs Willis (captain), Winter, Regan, Masefield, Harrison, Lublin, Burke, McDermott, Howard, Jones, Forder, and Dignan. Carl ton will be represented by Messrs Lawry (captain), J. Lawry, Tonks, Kent, Kwen, Haresnape, Stone, Mears, JLeggett, Bodle, and Dickenson.

The Rev Dr Antliff, President of the Pri mitive Methodist Connection, will deliver a lecture this evening in the Edwarde-street Chapel, on the question, " Can we preserve our drinking usages without perpetuating drunkenness ?"

The new fire bell structure in Princes-street has been completed, and forms an agreeable contrast to the unsightly three-pole arrange ment which has done duty during the last few weeks. The new support takes the shape of a handsome double ciosa, the shaft is comp'sed of four kauri beams 40 feet long about 10 inchessquare at the base, and placed in the ground about a j'ard apart. These in cline towards one another till they meet at the top. The branches of the cross spring about 4 ft from the apex, on which is a plain capi tal. The bell is protected by a metal roof or cap which is again surmounted by a weather cock. The City Council and Fire Insurance Company between them defray the cost which is about £70. Mr Watson has su perintended the errection. The Princess street firebell now forms a prominent and agreeable looking object in the neighbour hood of Princess-street.

A gig race took place yesterday afternoon, for silver medals, between the "Stranger" and the "Wonder." " Stranger " crew :G. Henderson (iifcroke), G. Hales. W. Caverhell, D. Oxley, Wilson (coxswain). "Wonder" crew : J. Marshall (stroke), W. RatclifFe, B. M. C ark, J Dacre, A, H. Jones (coxswain). The course being from the Breakwater round the yacht Daphne, and back to the wharf A good start was effected, and both boats kept well together, till nearing the Daphne, when the " Stranger" drew ahead, and in creased her lead towards the end, and won by several lengths. It is intended to have a series of scratch matches.

In our amusement colnmn it will be seen that the charges for admission to Madame Goddard's concerts are announced, and also the names of the artistes who aid her in forming the evening's programme. We are also glad to learn that, in view of an event which must afford pleasure to the whole of the musical world of Auckland, the Har monic Society have detei mined to postpone the performance previously announced by them.

At the Education Board meeting yester day, the business was light and of an ordinary character. Col. Haultain announced that the Grammar School committee had selected the Rev C. M. * elson, M. A., to examinejjthe j boys in Mathematics, and French and Kng lish Literature, and Mr Lusk in English ! History and Geography. Mr Martin's appli cation for the aid of the Board iv establish ing a model training school for technical i education, will be cousidered at the next j nieetiug. The other part of business was the granting of various sums for various purposes in country districts.

We notice that, according to promise made last year, the members of Sfc. Andrew's choir purpose giving one of their popular musical entertainments this evening in Mr. Fraser's High School; the proceeds to be expended in ' prizes and gifts to the pupils attending the school at the breaking up. We understand that Mr. Fraser will resign the mastership at the end of the year, so that in a sense this entertainment is a complimentary one. We i hope, therefore, to see a full house. The programme, comprising an overture by the band, choruses, solos, clu-ts, and readings, promises a very enjoyable evening.

The cases set down for heating at the Residenb Magistrate's Court to-day, were un avoidably adjourned until Friday next, Mr Lidqe having received a telegram from Mr Beckham, intimating his inability to return o Auckland from the Thames until this

evening.

AMERICAN NEWS.

STEAMER FOUNDERED rtf TAKE SUPERIOR. Tfie steamer Lotta Bernard, from Pigeon River to Dnluth, foundered in Lake Supe rior on the 29ch ultimo, during a fearful gale. There was one passenger and a crewr of four teen on board. The passenger and one of ■he crew were drowned. The reßt escaped in the long-boat, la ruling the next day, after ■.uffering severely. ATTEMPT TO SITOOT GOVEROR KEXLOGO. The disturbances caused by rival claims to the Governorship of Louisiana, have resulted in an attempt to shoot Governor Kellogg. The Governor, with Judge Atooha, was going home in a cab, when Major Ira Burke stooped the cab near the corner of Rampart and Canal-streets, and was walking up to it, when Kellogg extended his hand, which Burke took, and at the same time seized the Governor by the wrist with the other hand, and attempted to pull him out of the cab ; hut the Governor being strong, he quickly released it, and drawing a pistol tired at Burke, the ball grazing him. Burke then Irew a revolver and fired three or four shots without effect, the cab driving off. ~'^^Z, LAWLESSNESS TN SOI'TFI AMERICA Shocking murders are reported from Monte video. At Minas a whole family were mur lered in broad noonday, by fifteen ruffians, who stopped for an hour at a tavern in the neighbourhood ; such was their contempt for whf.t is calli-d the police there. The nume rous assassinations in Bncnos Ay res have led to severe meaeures being adopted, and several of those convicted have been sen tenced to death, and shot in the sight of more than 20,000 persons. Ou the 24th of August, a petition was presented to Gov ernor Acosta, bearing 800 signatures, inclu ding English, Scotch, and Irish chaplains, merchants, sheep farmers, natives, estan cieros. etc., calling on the Government to check the torrent of cr;nic and bloodshed in the province The Governor said that as Governor and Estanciero, he was well aware of the deplorable state of the camp, but the fault lny with the Legislature, which crippled his efforts. He has just heard of two fresh murders in Chivilcoy, but thanks to Gorl, the people rose o.n, masse to aid the local authorities, ami captured the whole band of assassins, eighteen in number. Tho greater part of these murders are committed by foreigners. AX OWNER FOR £1,000.000 WANTRIJ. A meeting called by advertisement was held in the American Hall, Toronto, of those claiming to be heirs of Lawrence Townlev The estimated value of the estate is 500,000,000 dollars. There were fifty in terest-id persons present. The estate is at present without owners, as Miss Townley, in the seventeenth century, ran away with a man named Lawrence Kswell to the United States, and became lost to their relations. The estate at present is administered by the British. Government. DARING ATTEMPT AT ROBBBRY. A daring attempt at robbery was made in Harris. At an early hour in the morning, the residence of Mr Carnage, manager of the branch of the Bank of British North America, was entered by three masked men. Carnagie was handcuffed and gagged, and fastened by a cord rouud the neck to a staple screwed into the wall of the closet. The servant girl was treated in the same way in another room Mrs Carnagie was handcuffed and gagged, and tied down in bed. The keys of tho bank were obtained, and the party left. After a short time Oirnagie got the gag out of his month and gave the alarm. The robbers escaped. Three men were sub sequently arrested, and one of them was identified by the servant girl. ROBBERY AND lIOtSE BURNING. The house of Jacob Pell, at Cincinnati, was burglarised, and fired in two places The family became alarmed, and, finding escape by the stairway impossible, Mrs Fell escaped by a rope from the second storey window. Solomon Fell, a son, jumped safely from a second storey window. Joseph Fell, another son, was seriously injured in attempt ing to rush through the flames. The servant girl, Margaret I ynch, was suffocated while running down from the third storey. The robbers took plate and other valuables. No trace of them has yet been discovered. SHOCKING MURDER IN" ST. PAUL. A horrible murder was committed at St. Paul's on November 1. Joseph Lick and wife, while returning home from a visit, about half-past ten o'clock, were assailed in their own yard by George Rapp and wife, and George Lanchtenschlager, who were evidently lying in wait for them. Mrs Lick was mur dered on the ppot with a hatchet, and terribly mutilated. Rapp and wife attacked Lick, the former with a soldering iron, the woman with a knife. Finally Lick was thrown, with his face down, into a small creek in the door yard, and Rapp stood upon the back of Lick'u neck fco hold his face in the water until strangula'ion should ensue. Rapp was f righteDed by foot-steps, and Lick was picked up insensible, but may die from his wounds. The coroner's jury returned a verdict of wil ful murder against all three of the assassins, who are in custody. AN ABSCONDING AND ELOPING PRIEST. The Rev John W. Genderman, of St. Bon iface (German) Catholic Church, Philadelphia baa absconded wi;h the funds of the parish, estimated at 40,000 dollars. He is also supposed to have eloped with the young lady organist of the church, who is also missing. Depositors will receive cash out of the funds of the church, by order of Bishop Woods. DTABOLICAL ATTEMPT TO BURN A BOY. One afternoon lately the attention of a Pittsburgh policeman was attracted to three boys who were attempting to build a bonfire on the Monongabel* wharf. On approaching them the officer found that in a barrel, around which they were piling kindling wood, there was a fourth lad. It appears that the boys had become engaged in some quarrel with the inmate of the barrel, and that to avenge themselves on him they had placed him in this position and were prepar ing to kindle a fire around him. The arrange ment was promptly broken up, the captive released, and his tormentors arrested.

OUR LONDON SHIPPING LETTER.

(From our own Correspondent.) London, October 20. AtjoklA-ND still holds her head above all other ports, for ships on the berth for that port fill up with less difficulty than others loading for various ports. The"tine little iron ship Invererne will sail for Auckland on the 28th ; she will have >. 185 Government emigrants, 25 of those will be single females. She will be quite full of Your ship for November will be a fine new iron doubie-topgalhnt-yard ship, viz , Baron Aberdair, 1,629 tons register ; and tor December, a fine new iron ship, viz., Fern glen, 850 tons, commanded by Capt. Frazer, late of the Ferndale. Auckland cannot complain of a fair quan tity of new ships. Your last ship, Dilharree, was detained with strong adverse winds in the Channel. She was off the Isle of Wight on the 13th. We have had along continuance of westerly winds, which have detained all the ships bound out, therefore you must not expect to hear of many crack passages by vessels leaving about the Dilharree's time. The Company's new ship Rakaia returned from her first voyage on the 12th of October, 102 days from Canterbury, and the com pany's new ship Scimitar arrived from Otago. 106 days out, with 35 saloon passengers; everything reported all well. I wrote you from Sunderland and gave you all the shipping intelligence for the month of September. The New Zealand Shipping Company's new ship Damiate, 1,123 tons register, has arrived in London, and sails for Canterbury on the 22nd instant. She is full of saloon passengers and a full complement of emigrants. During the last three weeks shipping has not been so brisk as anticipated | for New Zealand generally, although the company has done a fair share of the work. We have found dead weight exceedingly scarce to every port, and in many instances ballast had to be put on board, not at all a profitable item.

SAN FRANCISCO SHIPPING.

The barque Naworth, which was here some time back, left San Francisco on the 24th of October for Cork.

The barque Syren, bound from Lyttelton to San Francisco, was spoken on September 24, in lat .34-42 8., and long. 128 W. The ship Cartsburn, 50 days from Otago arrived at San Francisco on the 24th October, the had fine weather throughout the passage.

The Panama steamer Costa Rica was towed into San Francisco on the 2nd November disabled.

The ship Sussex, 57 days out from Otago, arrived at San Francisco on the sth Novem ber.

The Bchooner Greyhound arrived at San Francisco from Tahiti on the Bth November. She brought full particulars of the burning of the ships Centaur and Mogul, the first news of which was brought to Auckland by the Coronet niarly two months ago. Capt. W. Freeman, of the Mogul, and 18 seamen, survivors of the crews of the two ill-fn,ted vessels, had passage by the Greyhound.

ENGLISH TELEGRAMS.

[PER JAVA CABLE.]

(EX ALBION, AT THE BLUFF.)

Steamer Foundered.—Loss of

Sixty Lives

SLAVERY IN THK AFRICAN SETTLE-

MENTS.

THE WOOL SALES

BLUFF

This day

The Claud Hdmilton left Melbourne at 6 p.m., on the sth, and arrived at the Bluff at daylight of the llth. She brings 34 saloon, and 35 steerage passengers, 280 tons of cargo for all ports. She sails for Duncdin at 5 p.m.

[REUTERS SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.]

PRUSSIA.

December 1.

Bismarck, speaking in Parliament, declared that the policy to be adopted towards Alsace and Lorraine would be solely guided by the interests of the Empire.

PARIS.

December 1

The Assembly has met, but the proceed ings were merely formal. All the parties have agreed to defer the constitution dis cussion till January.

LONDON.

December 2.

The attendance at the wool sales is declin ing, and competition becoming languid. Sixty thousand bales were sold, and two thousand five hundred withdrawn.

The Budget speech was delivered by the treasurer, and well received (?).

Captain Strachan, Governor of the West African Settlement, assembled the chiefs at Cape Coast, and delivered to them a message from the Queen expressing the determination of the British Government to abolish slavery. The chiefs assented, but stipulated for per mission to retain their actual slaves if kindly treated.

The steamer Laplata, with the South American Cable, foundered off Ashantee. It is feared that sixty peisons perished. The Benchers of Grays Inn have unani mously disbarred Dr. Keanelly for his con duct in the Tichborne case.

AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

EARTHQUAKES IN GIPP'S LAND

OVATION TO THE GOVERNOR

OF TASMANIA,

MELBOURNE.

December 5,

Parliament has done some good work in the matter of practical legislation, but the subjects dealt with have been most of local interest.

The Payment of Members Bill has passed the Assembly, and reached the Council where notice has been given for call ing together the House for the consideration of the Judicature Bill which has passed the Assembly. It contains a clause providing for grand juries in certain erimiaal cases

Attention has recently been aroused to gross evasions of the Land Act and an amendment of the existing law is loudly called for. A writ has been issued for Richmond, and two candidates are in the field, Messrs L. L. Smith and Bassisto.

Rumours are current as to the prebable early resignation of Judge Fellows. The population of the colony at the end of September w»s 803,000. Mr buOane, late Governor of Tasmania, proceeds to England to-day by the steamer Northumberland. He received quite an ovation on leaving Hobart Town yesterday. He was presented with Governor Bowen at the Parliament and Press cricket match, and made a most admirable speech. The match was won by the PreßS easily. A severe shock of an earthquake was felt at Gipps' Land district early on the morning of the 30th November. Mining machinery was stopped, under ground workings dis placed, and articles fell from shelves. The shocks lasted over an hour and a-half.

The Macgregor, with the Californian mails, reached San Francisco on the 26th Novem ber.

The Normanby, with the Torres' Straits mail, left Batavia on the 25th November, she having been detained five days for the Suez steamer. The Suez mail steamer Ceylon is expected to reach htSre about next Saturday, 12th instant. , The transit of Venus parties left lot Inert respective stations. IB* Mr Matthews Harvey, Commissioner Public Works in 1863, and acting President of the Legislative Council has died. Land in CoJlins-stteet recently sold for £400 a foot. Madame Ristoris's agent has engaged the Opera house for next August. Great prepara tions are making by Catholics for the recep tion of Archbishop Gould. Measles are very prevalent all over the colony, several schools are closed. The Garrison Artillery are bivouacked. The old Grammar school boys intended presenting Dr Bromley, head master with a teatimonial aud 350 soys. A conference of Stock Inspectors, held at Sydney, recommended that the prohibition of the importation of cattle from Europe be rescinded. Commercial. —Breadstuff's firm, likely to rise ; flour, £12 10s; wheat, 5s lOd ; oats oats inactive, 5s to 5s 4d ; Hennessey's brandy hardening, 8s being asked, but sales made under that figure. Stock running low of Hennessy's case. Sugars are firm ; there has been an advance of 15s per to a, owing to telegraphic advices from Mauritius of short shipment to the colonies. Teas are improved. There are large buyers of candles. Dried fruit is in good request.

SYDNEY.

December 5,

Owing to the adverse vote on the Gover nor's minute respecting Gardiner's release, Parliament has been hastily dissolved, and the writs issued for a new electtions all re turnable by the 25ih of January. Educational reform is to be made the pro minent topic of the elections, and already the Denominational Defence Society and the Educational League have their candidates. Mr. Arnold is unlikely to offer himself for the Speakership, and Mr. Allen will probably be nominated.

King Cakabau has arrived in Sydney as the guest of the Govern^ r, and was accorded an official landing. He is very anxious to visit Melbourne. The Governor has presen ted him with a yacht in the Queen's name.

F. McCallum, sentenced to death for the Circular Quay murder, has bad the penalty commuted to imprisonment for life.

Mr Parkes has issued an address, but announced nothiDg more than was contained ing the Governor's at the opening, of Parlia ment.

ADELAIDE.

November 5.

Mr Ernpst Gillies is about to proceed per Elden on an expedition to Perth. He is proceeding to the southward of Forrests route.

NEWCASTLE.

December 5. A rrived, December 3 —Isabella, brig, from Auckland. Sailed, December 2 —Frowning Beauty, barque, for Auckland.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

The attractive drama of the " Geneva Cross " was played for the last time this season, last evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre, and to a very good house. The play was repre sented in a highly satisfactory manner, every performer was eqnal to his or her assigned positi n, Miss May Howard heing the central figure in the character of " Gabrielle " This gifted company will appear to-night jin the drama of " East Lynne," adapted from Mrs Henry Woods' celebrated novel of that name by Frank fayleur, Esq. The adaptation was made especially for Miss May Howard, in which she will represent Lady Isabel and Madame Vine ; Messrs Collier, Poole, Aveling. and Hollowaj% and Mis 3 Patty Holt wil take leading parts in this popular piece. Miss Maggie Knight, an Auckland lady, and favourite actress, will impersonate Baibara Hare. We learn that the spirited managers of this company are piepariug for other dramatic representatu m.

THE LOYAL GOOD INTENT LODGE AND THE ONtHUNGA MEMBER. To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir, —As you desire some explanation in reference to the case of the sic'i brother of the Good Intent Lodge at Onehunga, whose name, however, you do not mention, but whom, I presume, is Mr Lenstrom, allow me sir, to place the matter in its true character before you. Mr L. has paid no contribu tions into the lodge for 50 weeks, and was, at the time he was taken ill, receiving pay from the Government as postmaster and tele graphist at Alexa dra. Mr L. knew the laws of our Order well—no one better—hav ing been secretary of the lodge for some time. When he had been for seven months a non payer to the coffers of the lodge, he Cd led at my shop, and asked me how he stood on the Order's books. I told him he had pdd no money for that period, and could not be reinstated without a doctor's certificate. I am really astonished at your statins; the brother is badly off, as I am in a position to assure yon he is now receiving a salary of £2 2s per week from the Government. I may likewise state that our Benevolent Fund is kept up by members paying a penny or twopence a quarter, and is only dis pensed in cases of real distress, which the present decidedly is not. I have the honor of being a member of the committee, and can assure you this case was never brought under its notice, so our worthy secretary could not have withheld £10 voted by us, simply because no such amount, or any other sum, whs placed in his hands for payment to the sick brother in question, and I am sure the whole Order will endorse my statement when I say thac our secietary is a honest, painstaking, and ener getic mau, and would have be»_-n proud and happy to have sent the money had it been voted, and he had had it given him for hand ing over ; indeed, you have been grossly mis informed, and the fair fame of a valuable officer of the 1 idge unjustifiably assailed. In your issue of Friday last, I think, you quo! Ed another case where the brethren subscribed a member's contributions to keep him good on the books. I may say that the money was ordered to be returned to him by the district officers, and was returne i, as he could not be reinstated, as to do so would have been to set all our rules and laws as defiance. Every member knows our laws, by which we are all, without distinction, bound, and if a brother insist on an infraction of these laws, or fails in carrying out their provisions, he really has only himself to blame in the matter. Brother Lenstrum states he was good on the books in March last. He called upon me the last time he was in town, I think, and asked me to see what I could do for him. He was then aware he was nine months bad on the books, and not entitled to sick pay. I would ask you, sir, if the other* members of the Order were to follow his example and cease paying, where is the money to com« from to pay a sick member ? I believe this particulai case would have been sent to the Benevo lent Committee, but having heard he was receiving regular pay the Lodge did not con sider themselves .justified in using the funds for that purpose. I may, in conclusion, remind you our affairs are not matters of public business. I trust this exp anation will be deemed sufficient. —I am, etc Thos Cole, P.KG.M., Tiea ß urer, Good Intent Lodge.—[On no occasion has it been stated m our columns that the secretary had re ceived money for Mr Lenstrom and withheld it. Mr. JSmith was himself the oniy one who ever hinted at such a thing. While we are still and always have been satisfied of Mr. Smith's honesty, we etill very much doubt his discretion, and in future he ought j to be placed under stronger control by the

officers of the lodge. WeliT V, "^^ from Mr Cole that had lt Z "H* J*a from town the above explanation llu^ been furnished us at once for ia^ *•* of the public, and the sccreta™?SS** have been saved from platinlVrT v V very foolish position, and SlriSff * * sento in a false and injurious Hghf **£(»• as the lodge conducts its buainess ;„ ?? and straightforward manner, itshLu fair the tone,, cmioi™ of «+*£«£»

IS THE TRANSIT A HOAX OR A SWINDLE?

(To the Editor of the Evening Stab.) ' Sir,—l do not pretend to be a man of * P L but I can sometimes see the meaninorf ' little game being played off a 8 Well Vmi neighbours. Would you oblige some of readers by kindly letting us know HZ candid opinion whether all this busf about the transit of the sun is moonshin^? do not wish to spin a long yarn • but ™»> allow me to jot down one or two suawaE that occur to my own mind. Prom ft statements that have appeared lately T f if that the first transit was seen only by on man, and how we can be sure he saw it is question. Then came the great affair of the illustrious Captain Cook. On that occasion as on the present, the astronomers announced' that the thing could not be seen in Enwjf and they were quite right; so they sen?* ship to the antipodes. Captain Cook I have no doubt, was an honest seaman ; but I am not so sure about the truthfulness of Ma scientific companions, who had the manaetv ment of the business. At all events they B ay now that some great mistake was made Again people have come from Europe to these countries to see the transit, and they fix on a day in December when the weather ia apt to be cloudy. Some of the papers eaid that Tuesday was to be the day, but that day was tolerably clear, and we were put o ff till Wednesday If the latter day had been fine, Ido believe that a dark spot—and more than one would have been seen on the sun for I find that there are constantly dark spots on his bright face, and that they move across with considerable regularity. Some of the papers say that at six o'clock ia the evening, or thereabouts, Venus was to have been on the east side of the luminary and some on the west side ; they do not seem to have remember< d that at that hoar the sua is entirely in the west, and that there is no ea3t or west side of the sun at that time of the day. T have little donbt myßelf that there were such things to be spotted, and more than one, especially near the west by east angle of the disc, wich a tendency towards the north and south. If yon, sir will favour us with a few words of common sense upon the subject, now that the thing is over for the present, and if you would tell us what the little game of some of these astronomers is, you would much oblige.— Your obedient servant, Questioner. [Just so.— kx>. E.S.]

PANORAMA OF IRELAND.

The Baker Troupe, which arrived yesterday by the Cyphrenes, have with them a splendid panorama cf the most interesting scenes in Ireland, past and present. The views are 11 feet by 14 feat, and include the beautiful Lake of Ivillarney. Mr H. Baker gives a descriptive lecture of the panorama. In addition to this great attraction, the com pany comprises several first-class vocalists and character delineators. Mr W. F. Baker, formerly of Lyster's Opera Company, is a tenor of considerable reputation, and Mrs Baker, a sopiano. posses-ing a powerful and ft xible voice. Mr Moran is a clever delinea tor of character, humourist, and comic vocalist, and is assisted in his various specialities by Mrs Moran. The company thus offer an entertainment of a superior, varied, and novel character. They open at the t_ity Hall on Saturday night, and remain here six nights only, during which many novelties will be introduced each evening.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before Joseph May and George S, Graliani Jisquires, Justices ) DRUNKENNESS. William Mctlwee, and James Macdonald, were charged with drunkenness and fiued 10s each. VAGRANCY. Elizabeth Hart, with a baby in her arms was charged with a breach of the Vagrauoy Act, and with being drunk and whi'e in that state interfering with persons in passing. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Constable Mulville proved that the prisoner was a person of indifferent character, and had kept a disorderly house in Grey-street. He saw her in the street at midnight and cautioned her on the impropriety of her con duct, but as she continued to molest persons he arrested her. The Bench subjected the prisoner to a fine of £1, or fourteen days' imprisonment. OVER t LOWING. ' Charles Hawkswood was summoned for a breach of by-law, No 6, for allowing a water closet on his property in Hobson street to overflow on the 7th iust. Mr Thorne, for defendant pleaded guilty under extenuating circumstances. Mr Hawkswood had been ill and the error oc curred during his absence. As soon as he became aware of the nuisance he had it immediately remedied to the satisfaction of the Inspector. MrPiiilipssaid that Mr Thome's state ment was quite correct, and he would only ask for a nominal fine.

Defendant was fined 5s and costs. UNLK^SED. Thomas Gidney was charged with a breach of No 1 by-law, with having traded as a l>otatoe-dealer without a license, on the 4tll instant.

Mr Armstrong appeared for*defendant. Mr Greenwood, Market Inspector, deposed that defendant offered potatoes for sale in the public street on Friday last, without a licerse, and in direct opposition to the market regulations. He had cautioned nun on a previous occasion. It was not, however, clearly shewn that defendant had effected a sale, and as the Bench considered that proof of sale was insufficient, the case was dismissed.

I ins was all the business,

CRICKET.

AUCKLAND V. UNITED. # , The cricket match Auckland v. United, took an unexpected turn alter four o'clock yesterday afternoon, when our last published pigeon express was sent off. The last io** wickets of the United fell very quickly, »nd at 415 they were all out for 82 runs. The Auckland men followed, and made a very poor show, only totalling 39 in about an hour's play. The United thus w<j n by 44 runs. We congratulate the pla club on its success, and in doing so, express a hope that its officers will place its affairs in a more satisfactory state. At present its principal members ge their practice in the Auckland Oiub, a ia° which materially affeced the result of yester day's game. Another of those unseemly ou ches against the decision of the umpire toot place ou the cricket field yesterday, in a cas of leg-before-the-wicket; and we were sm prised to see an old and experieucea cricketer prominent in the eqaabble. x wrangles are very unsportsmanlike. A if entitled to his own opinkn, but he Jias ri^hfc to express it in opposition to umpire's decision on the fie id. It « , veisive of good discipline. Tne eeoasioaj tf these unplea^antuetses might be retnov c properly qualified men were always v pointed as umpires, and not any l-oay offers for the pose: but "anybody "» ». accepted, his decision is final. NOKTH SHURK AND WEST BND- .. Next Saturday the Worth^Shorei andvv End cricket clubs will meet to try for vicww As the Worth Shore has always held * »•"-

T±n^EVjSNTNGnSTB?nP^IPAY * DECEMBER 11, 13V4.