SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

ARRIVALS.

Murray, s.s., frem Russell and Wangarel Mercury, cutter, from Mercury Bay- Prince Rupert, ketch, from Pakiri

DEPARTURES.

Prince Alfred, barquentine, Bennett, for Lyttelton Paterson, p.s.. Mnndle, for Napier and South Rover, schooner, for Poverty Bay

IMPORTS.

Per barque Lady Franklin, from JNew castle, 370 tons coals, 10 tons coke, J. Reid.

EXPORTS.

Per Prince Alfred, for Lyttelton : 100,000 feet of timber, [J. W. Waller.

The barque Lady Franklin arrived on Saturday evening from Newcastle with a cargo of coal consigned to Mr Jno. Reid. Captain Ellis reports having had strong contrary winds throughout the passage. The barquentine Prince Alfred sailed for Lyttelton yesterday with a cargo of timber, shipped by Mr. J. W. Waller. The s.s. Murray arrived from the Bay of Islands and Wangarei on Saturday evening. She brought the following passengers :— Major Heaphy, Miss Thurburn, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, Misses Braithwaite (two), Miss Carter, Messrs. Davis, Blackmore, Mclnnes, Hewlett, and Phillips. HThe barquentine Southern Cross and the schooner Daphne have both been laid along side the Gore-street jetty to complete their preparations for sea. The cutter Catherine brings 800 bushels of lime from Kawakawa. The cutter" Nancy brings 15,000 feet tim ber from Port Charles. The cutter Fawn is to proceed to Russell for coals. The p.s. Paterson took her departure for the South via Napier and the East Coast on Saturday evening. She took a full general cargo and the folio R-ing passengers : —Saloon : Misses Walker (2), Messrs Brown, Finlayson, Hayden, S. Graham, H. Evans, Coher. Steerage : Messrs Boyd, Gibson (2), and 50 labourers (from the Thames). The schooner Rover has cleared for Poverty Bay via the East Coast with 10,000 feet of timber and a quantity of general stores. The timber is shipped by Mr Holdship, and the stores by Lewis Bros, and Owen and Graham. The ketch Prince Rupert arrived early this morning from Pakiri with 35,000 feet timber. The cutter Vincent has 'cleared for Tau ranga with a full general cargo shipped by Owen and Graham and other firms. The cutter Mercury brings 22000 ft timber from Mercury Bay.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellington, This day. The Luna arrived last night from her Northern trip. The steamer Storm Bird-is about to be Had on for the Taranrki trade by Messrs Turn bull.

COMMERCIAL.

The valuable property situated at Ep3om, and offered for sale to-day by Messrs. Coch rane at their land mart, was not sold in con sequence of a paucity of bifders.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING RE PORT.

South British Insurance—Sellers, 51s. National Insurance —Buyers, 31s. Thames Gas, 33s 6d ; sellers, 335. Auckland Gas—Buyers, £11 ss. Moanatairi, 355. Alburnia (new issue), 35s to 35s 6d ; buyers, 355. Bright Smile, 97s 6d. Eldorado, 3s 7d. Windsor Castle, 3s Gd; sellers, 4s 6d. . Caledonian, £10, £11 £11 2s 6d, £11 ss, and £10 12s 6d ; buyers, £10 ; sellers, £10 15s. Red Queen—Buyers, Is 6d; sellers, Is 9d Crown Prince—Sellers, 17s Exchange, 10s City of London, 245; buyers, 23s 6d GoldenJCalf (paid up)—lls 6d. Bismarck—lss. Bird in Hand—l7s 3d ; buyers, 17s. Old Whau—L6 ss; buyers, L62s 6d ; Rollers, L 6 ss. Union Beach, 19s; sellers, 20s Coliban—Buyers, 11s 6d; sellers, 12s 6d Cure, 6s 6d, 7s. Thames G.M.C.—Buyers, 62s 6d. Ruby, 6s 6d, 6s 3d ; buyers, 6s ; sellers, 6b 6d.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close AS TJNDKK :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and tomorrow

at 10.30 a.m. For Matakarta and Kawau, per Lady Bowen, to-

morrow, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Phoebe, on Wednesday next, at 10 a.m. (Signed) 8. B. Bib?, Cliiof Poatmartor.

BIRTHS.

Cash—On the 10th Instant, at Symonds-strcet, Mrs B.

Cass of a son. Rcthsell— On April 18, at St. Mary's Road, Mrs A. S.

Russell, of a *on. AVALsn-On April 20, Mrs P. W. Walsh, Mbcrt Barracks, of a daughter.

DEATH.

Shaw— On the 19th instant, at the Globe Hotel, Shortlarid, Thames, William Shaw, lato of the British and Exchange Hotels, Auckland; age, 29.

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

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1874.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And t-hfi good that we can do

We are far from questioning the right of Mr H. H. Lusk to produce the leaders on educa tion which at short intervals are appearing from his pen in the Southern CroSs. But we do think that it is hardly the proper thing for him to assume the sneering tone which he has, and especially in his leader of Satur day last, towards his Honor the Superinten dent. There is something chivalrous, there is something noble in the action of a man who when defeated generously and frankly holds out his hand and says let us be friends, and if Mt Lusk would learn a lesson from Mr Dargaville who, since his defeat, has exhibited nothing but the most generous i sentiments towards his vanquisher, he would occupy a more dignified position than by thus endeavouring to undermine Mr Williamson's influence m the dark. It is all very good to fight a fight bravely and well when a fight lasts, but we are confident that most if not all of Mr Lusk's recent supporters would rather see him take the very van in the desire and the effort to make Mr. Williamson's administration a blessing to the province and an honor to Mr. Lusk's old opponent. Mr. Lusk has had his innings, and with all candour we say that he might now permit Mr. Williamson to have his innings without making any wry faces at him. This much we say on the spiteful way in which the Super intendent is handled by Mr. Lusk on Saturday last. As for the purport of the leader, it is to explain away the "weakness" of a measure which has failed to the extent of £12,000. It will bo admitted that {here was nothing whatever in that Act distinctive save its finance. It essayed, by a new method,, to provide the entire funds for education in the province. And the plain unvarnished result is that, of some £20,000 expenditure, it has provided £8,000. If this has not been "weakness," if this has not been failure, then we know not the force of terms. We were of the multitude who rejoiced with bright anticipations of promised results, and we are of the multitude who keenly feel the disappointment. We aro sorry to see the

casuistry with which Mr Lusk endeavours to account for the deficit. He says: "The expenditure of the Board during the first year did not amount to much more than £14,000." Now why does Mr Lusk try to throw dust in the eyes ? What are we to understand by the "first year?" Is it from January to December, 1873? He knows very well that the expenditure did not begin in January, but that on the contrary a whole year's receipts were intended to meet some nine months' expenditure. The "first year" of expendi ture did not end in December, and £14,000 was not its amount. But Mr Lusk makes a more extraordinary statement still. In accounting for the expenditure of the £20,000 made up of £8,000 of rates and £12,000 of Provincial revenue, after explaining £14,000 he adds, " Its other expenditure was in con nection with the Grammar School." And , does Mr Luak mean to tell us that this highly endowed class institution has been actually robbing the common schools of the amounts derived from the household rates, and from provincial revenues voted for common schools alone ? This certainly is what he asserts in his strained effort to account for the extra ordinary failure in the finance of his act; but we are loth to believe that the Board has been guilty of uhat would be nothing short of malversation. Again with regard to the capitation rate, Mr Lusk uses the following words: — "That the capitation money was not collected seems a mistake, although possibly there may have been some cjood reason for it "; and in another passage, " The capitation rate which, for some reason we do not understand, seems scarcely to have been collected at all." Then if lie does not understand it nobody else should ; but we think we can explain. The "some good reason " to which Mr Lusk so delicately refers was the approaching election of Superintendent, in view of which it would have been exceedingly impolitic to have pressed the capitation rate, and the same " good reason" accounts for the fact that a large portion of the household ratn for last year remained uncollccted. We always like to speak plainly on any subject on which we speak at all, and it is therefore that we explain the "good reason" as above. Not that we blame Mr Lusk. We should have done the same ourselves in the circum stances —had wo been standing for Super intendent, — but .then wo should not have subsequently referred to the matter in this fashion, or said we did not "under stand it," as if somebody else wns to blame for it. In fact we would not have spoken of the thing at all. But the most note worthy part of Mr. Lusk's leader is that in which he throws the blame of the finan cial failuro of his measure on the present Provincial Government. " For the present condition of the Board financially, " says Mr Lusk, "it is but fair to say that the Provincial Council and Executive, and not the Board of Education or the Act are responsible ;" and again he adds " The Board fixed the tax at the highest rate allowed by the Act, and thus threw if vpon the Superintendent and Executive to levy or not the money requisite for education." That is precisely what we knew long ago. The Board did this at the instigation of Mr Lusk, who prilled tho strings in the back ground, exactly as stated for tho first time with candour, in order " tc throw upon" Mr Williamson and his Executive the responsi bility, so that capital might subsequently be made of it. We need not explain the posi tion of the Provincial Government in this matter. The Provincial Council voted £7,500, very nearly the same as the whole of last year's household rate, to sustain educa tion for four months. And wherefore ? Solely to obviate the necessity for re-imposing this household rate until the Council meet again in May when the whole question wns to be considered. It was distinctly understood by the Provincial Council that the rate should not be levied till Council met again and resolved on the subject; and the Council made moat liberal provision for the meantime. But Mr Lusk, solely to spite Mr Williamson, and to place him and his Execu tive if possible in a false position, moved the Board, as he knows how, to levy the rate, so that when the Superintendent, in accordance with the wish of the Provincial Council, did not proclaim it, Mr Lusk might be able to say, as now he has said, that the Superintendent and his Executive are to blame for the financial deficit. Why, if all the rate for this year had been collected, in the first four months, the whole amount would not have exceeded what has been already paid by order of the Provincial Council to the Board; and if the Provincial Council had expected that any rate would have been levied before the meeting in May it would not have voted a sixpence of the liberal provision made for the interim* The intrigue to which the Board of Education, at the instigation of Mr Lusk, has lent itself in this matter is exceedingly discreditable to it; and Mr Lusk himself has been a littla premature in letting the cat out of the bag. For the rest, it is not right for Mr Lusk from behind the shelter of anony mity found in the columns of the Cross thus to keep popping away at' Mr Williamson. Had there been anything like fair play in this we should have been the last to draw aside the veil of anonymity from Mr Lusk, but it is so exceedingly ungenerous, -and his remarks are so unjust, to use no stronger term, that we deem it right that the public ■ see the pen. The Education Act has grossly failed in finance. That was its sole distin guishing feature Without that it has no individuality, and whether it is licked into shape or thrown utterly aside can be of very little moment.

While we sincereyl regret to learn that Mr Dargaville has retired from the City Council it affords us great satisfaction to learn that an influential movement is on foot to place Captain Daldy in the vacant place. We have been more severe than any other per haps on some of Captain Daldy's actions in the Harbour Board, but however we may have differed onspecificquestionsthiswillnotinduce us to call in question either his ability, in tegrity, experience, or fitness for a share in the administration of city affairs. When we look back o^er a few years and see the depth of degradation to which affairs civic had sunk, we plead guilty to a sensation of exultation when we see the class of irien that now aspire to the City Council. We may have occasion to criticise Captain Daldy's proceedings in affairs municipal just as severely as we have criticised a few of hig -1 actions in the Harbour Board ; nevertheless we very cordially congratulate the city on the prospect of obtaining the adminis trative ability and commercial experience of Captain Daldy to assist in the conduct of municipal business. 'We hope as we believe that no opposition will be raised to Captain Daldy's return, and1 we sinccirely

rejoice at this increasing evidence of the advent of a,time for which we long laboured when a seat at our Municipal Council board would be an honor coveted by the foremost men in the province.

His Excellency the Governor and suite left for the Waikato in one of Mr. G. C. Quick's traps early this morning. As already stated, his Excellency's visit'is purely one of cour tesy to the settlers and friendly natives of the district, and has no political significance. This evening the celebrated tragic actress Miss ClaraStephensonwillmake her appearance in the Prince of Wales Theatre, in the classical drama of " Medea," supported by a host of talent, after which the humorous farce, en titled the " Greenwich White-bait Dinner " will be introduced. For the information of those who may not be acquainted with the Greek story of Medea upon which this tragedy is founded, we may state that Medea was a famous sorceress, daughter of Aetes, King of Colehes; that she was married to Jason, the leader of the Argonauts, and aided him in obtaining the Golden Fleece. After Jason's return from the struggle he and his wife were conneoted with the execution of a diabolical deed, namely that of cutting up and boiling down Pelias, for the purpose of making him young again. Jason and Medea then fled to Corinth, where he repu diated her for another damsel. Medea, not liking this kind of treatment, managed to poison her rival, and she then slew .her children born to Jason. She finally became immortal, and the spouse of Achilles in the Elysian fields. This story, with its strange associations, has supplied subjects for poets, painters, sculptors, and dramatists in past ages, and to-night will be presented at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

We would again draw attention to the en tertainment to be given this evening by E. Clair's troupe of minstrels in aidjof the widow and orphans of the late Mr Grange, who was drowned at Napier some months back. It is to be hoped a bumper house will reward the efforts of this company in the cause of charity. A quadrille party closes the even ing's amusement.

At the close of last week, as Mr Lawry, of Pousonby-road, was driving his cows through his paddock for the purpose of milking them he discovered to his surpriso one of his horses (a lino animal worth £50) lying dead, with liis brains knocked out ; but how, or in what manner the accident occurred, Mr Lawry could form no idea. To add to Mr Lawry's loss, however, a second singular accident followed. On coming to the body of the horse one of the cows made a rush at another, and the latter stumbled over the body of the horse, fell, and broke her neck. The anniversary services of the Wellesley street Baptist Sunday School were preached yesterday, intho morniugby Rev. Mr Tinsloy, and in the evening by Key. A. Keid. The collections during the day amounted to £15 6s (id. The afternoon was devoted to the annual gathering of the children, who were addressed by Air Ewington. The children sang sweetly their anniversary hymns under theguidingvoice of Mr Mathews.- It certainly was a pretty sight to see such a school assembled on their anniversary day. Many of the parents attended, and all were de lighted. The annual tea will be held to morrow evening, and we hope a large number will be present to show their sympathy.

We have been asked to publish the follow ing : _" Te the Editor : Sir,—l see in this morning's Cross that Mr W. J. Hurst returns thanks to the captain and officers of the Blanche ' who kindly assisted to save some of the goods in our store on Saturday night.' Sir, J was one of those who helped to save some of his dirty potato-bags, and I- am neither the captain nor officer of the Blanche. As Mr Hurst refuses to pay the men who helped, myself among the number, he might at lt=ast have given us thanks if nothing else. T wonder he has forgotton to mention that his Excellency the Governor was seen shouldering a bag of onions across the street. I would only say more that from the stock I saw I think Mr Hurst has been more lucky this time thau he was at Kikiwakoriri. —1 am, etc., Thos. Jones. —[Tom ! Tom ! you are a low fellow. Ed. E.B.] The Prince of Wales Theatre was well attended on Saturday evening, and the per formances passed off with the usual eclat. The farce of " Cupboard Love " was sustained throughout by Miss Melville and Messrs Vivian and Mason with remarkable success.

With regard to the correspondence be tween Mr. Burnside and others, which ap peared in our columns last week, an impres sion having got abroad that A. H. Burnside is J. H. Burnside, formerly principal of the firm of J. H. Burnside and Co., of Queen street, we have to state that such is not the case. ~The performance of "Israel in Egypt," by the Choral Society, announced for to-morrow night, is postponed until the 28th instant, in order that his Excellency the Governor may be present. The third elementary singing-class on the popular Tonic Sol-fa method was commenced on Thursday last by Mr Charles Blomh'eld in the Edwardes-street schoolroom, and will be continued during the ensuing six months on the Thursday evenings in each week. After the next meeting night however no new members can be admitted, so that those young persons who may be desirous of join ing the class will have to do so on Thursday next or wait until another session. Mr Blom field, who fully understands the system, is in every respect competent to lead such a class, and he has hitherto been eminently success ful aa a teacher in cultivating a taste for song and music among those of his own order, and this success _is owing in a great measure to the simplicity of the-system and the observance of the rules of punctuality, without which nothing satis factory can bo accomplished either in art or science. We were particularly struck, on a visit to Mr Blomtield's class some time ago, with the easy method of the Edwardes-street system, and how, in a remarkably brief space of time, the mind of the pupil com prehends it. Music and singing must ba classed among the rational and more inno cent amusements of the people, and are calcu lated to kindle one emotion'in the enjoyment of the same pleasure. Persons who listen to song and music rarely, except perhaps in a few instances, realize the fact that they are surrounded by an atmos phere which may be shaped into sweet sounds, simply because they are not careful to cultivate the organ by which this divine provision is to be enjoyed. The people called Quakers never cultivate the art of singing, henpe despite their e-xactitude in mdrals,Jhow very prosaic they are in all the affairs of business life. Singing has a tend ency to lighten care, and drive the demon of discord from family and social circles ; there fore it is that we would encourage music and singing among the people, and as a first stage towards higher things we recommend tho Tonic Sol-fa system as taught by Mr Charles Blomfield. The friends and supporters of the Welles ley-street Sunday-school, will hold their annual tea-meeting to-morrow evening at half-past six o'clock, after which the report for the past year and the general business will be presented and discussed.

A precocious young colonial in Sydney named Bone recently claimed to the posses sion of abnormal sight which enabled him, when securely blindfolded, to tell the colour of any object which he touches, to describe with the utmost accuracy such things as portraits (even under glass), colored pictures., woollens, figured cotton or silk fabrics, and other articles, as glasses of all shades of colour and the petals of flowers, point ing out even the minutest spots of different hues, and reading letters. Several medical gentlemen, owing to the fuss that was being made by the parents of this genius, determined to put his claims to the test, and the result seems to indicate that the usuaj deceitfulnes-s of human nature has been specially developed in his case. The follow ing is an extract from their report :— W c consider that we are justified in asserting that no evidence was given by him of faculties which would not be easily acquired by any other child of his age equally sharp-sighted and intelligent. Upon the suggestion that an experiment should be made as to the boy s power of reading or distinguishing colour with his hands, and the test articles P^ced beneath a tablecloth, we were informed by Mr Bone that this was beyond his reach. In several experiments with objects upon the tablecloth, and easily to be seen by every one around, it was noticed that no power of per ception was displayed when the pads of cotton wadding and bandage were to us satisfactorily arranged below the orbit ; that great intolerance of a very slight pressure of the fingers of an experimenter was shown, and a constant desire on the part of the boy to lift and re-arrange the bandage with his bands and. the muscles which raise the eye brows and forehead ; and that the objects under examination were only recognised when placed in the exact axis of vision, downwards and beneath the bandage, corresponding to the position and varying with the direction to his head. We are unanimous, as the result of our observations on this particular occasion in concluding that there was nothing approach ing the marvellous in the exhibition of Mr Bone's son ; that objects were only dis tinguished by him when he was in a position to see them ; and that a very few experi ments of sharp-sighted persons, like some successfully performed by one of our party, in the art of seeing from beneath a bandage and cotton-wadding pad, placed so as to effectually blindfold, would, upon this point, satisfy all but certain philosophers of the marvel-loving and credulous type.—G. For teßCue, M.8., Lond. ; Walter Spencer, M.R.C.S. ; F. R. Quaife, M.D. ; E. S. Pattison. L.lt. C. P., and L. 11 C. S.

Messrs Townshend Brothers announce that they have removed to those premises lately occupied by Mr J. Reid, two doors above Mr Binney's Corn Exchange. On Saturday last our sensitive reporter was invited out to tea, where everything suitable to the dignity of the profession was provided at the table ; but among the good things that which struck the man of letters with peculiar satisfaction was the Excelsior Canterbury cakes, which for richness and flavour equalled, if not surpassed, anything in the cake line he had previously enjoyed. But why the cakes should be named Excel sior he could not surmise, as Longfellow in tended his poem to convey the idea of "upward and onward," when the Canter bury cakes, said our reporter, as he smacked his lips, went downward with astonishing rapidity. We learn from an advertisement in the Evening Star that F. J. Brown and Co., of Queen-street, are the sole Auckland agents for these sweet dainties.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO MRS YON DER HEYDE AND MRS G. S. GRAHAM.

We regret to learn that a serious accident occurred to Mrs. Yon der Heyde and Mrs. (i. S. Graham this afternoon. The two ladies were driving down the Kyber Pass Road in a gig, when the pony was frightened by some passing object and bolted. Both ladies were thrown out upon the road, and Mrs Graham was picked up in an unconscious state by some passers-by, and carried into a neigh bouhing store. Mrs Yon der Heyde, although very much shaken and bruised, was less seri ously injured than her companion. A messen ger was at once despatched for Dr Philson, who arrived a short time after the accident, and is now. in attendance on the sufferers. After tho ladies had been thrown out the pony was stopped by a man on the road, and an attempt was made to drive it into town with the news of the accident, but it again bolted. We sincerely trust that the injuries to both ladies will prove to be less serious than is at present feared.

CITY COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held this afternoon, his Wor ship the Mayor presiding. Councillor Isaacs rose andjsaid he thought the Council ought to allow no more wooden signboards to be placed on verandahs. The presence of such a board had proved very dangerous to Messrs Vaile's buildings. If it was thoroughly understood that no such per mission would be given persons would not apply. Councillor Macready supported Councillor Isaacs' remarks, and his Worship said he fully concurred in what had been said. A letter was read from Cr. Dargaville resigning his seat at the Board. His Worship the Mayor then read some communications received from His Honor the Superintendent. On the question of water supply His Honor said he was not aware of any steps that could be taken by the Council prior to the meeting of the Provincial Council. His Worship said he was authorised to say that the Government intended supporting the proposed measures of the Council to obtain a water supply. On the subject of Fire Brigade his Honor referred the Corporation to the Provincial Council. A discussion took place as to the drainage of the City Road, about the state of which there were complaints. It was moved by Councillor Holdship, end seconded by Councillor Williams, " That the recommsndation of the City Surveyor towards removing the. nuisance be adopted provided the residents pay the expenses of a retaining wall." An application from Mr Jagger, respecting a piece of ground in Freeman s Bay, was noi acceded to. CITY CLOCK. A letter was read from Charles Crawford relative to lighting the town, clock, stating that he had examinedgthejlock, jandfound it very much out of order, and proposing to light it properly, repair and light it with bright illuminating power for the sum of L 25, and if not successful he (Mr Crawford) would bear the entire loss ; he would also take the entire charge of lighting for 30s a-quarter, and commence at once. The question was referred to the Lighting and Paving Com mittee. APPLICATION. -An application from Mr Hurst, requesting permission to erect an iron or wood office (temporary) to enable him to carry on his business, was read.

After some discussion it was resolved that the application stand over for further con sideration, and to enable Councillor Hurst to explain fully what he requires: TENDERS. The following tenders were received for the repairs of Wynclbarn-street, viz., Mr Larkins, £540 ; Mr Kirby. £830 ; Mr Demp sey, £340; Mr Faller £387. FAKNELL IMPROVEMENTS. It was moved by Councillor Isaacs, and seconded by Councillor Holdship—" That a sum not exceeding £80 be handed over to tire Parnell Highway Board to assist in making a certain road in that district. Mr Hurst now put in an appearance, and the question of permitting that gentleman to erect a temporary store was resumed. Councilor Holdship moved, and Councillor Jones seconded—" That |the Council give consent to Mr Hurst to erect an office 10 x 12 covered with iron for a term of three months;. carried.

ANOTHER FIRE IN QUEEN-STREET.

GREAT DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY

SEVEN HOUSES BURNT,

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE DAILY

SOUTHERN CROSS OFFICE,

It never rains bat it pours. Some six or seven months ago it was generally remarked that fires had become much less frequent than they had been, and the fact was ascribed rightly or wrongly to the safe custody of Cyrus Haley and the deterrent effect of his punishment. Now, however, we are becoming accustomed to look for a blaze of some description nearly every week, while at least every month we have to chronicle a large conflagration involving the destruction of much valuable property. Such is our office now. On Saturday night, shortly before seven o'clock, a fire broke out at Mr King's, the chemist, on the west side of lower Queen-street, immediately opposite Messrs Porter and Co., theirongmongers, and was (as is the rule in fires which occur in Auckland) not put out till it had consumed everything inflammable within its reach, an amount of damage, which com prised the annihilation of seven build ings, with very nearly the whole of their contents. These were the premises occupied by Mr James King, chemist, and Mr Redf crn, photographer (one building), Mr Seymour, fruiterer ; Mr Marshall, fruiterer ; Mr Cleal, hairdresser . and perfumer ; Mr Ruby, oyster dealer ; Messis Townshend Bros., Canterbury warehousemen, and Mr W. J. Hurst, potato and grain salesman. The value of the property destroyed is variously esti mated at from £GOOO to £8000, of which only £3,500 was covered by insurance. The Bank of New Zealandjofßce is the largest loser, hav ing to make good £1,600 to the sufferers. The other losses are distributed among the Victoria, Royal, Norwich Union, and Scottish Commercial Companies. Unlike nearly all recent fires in Auckland the origin of the disaster on Saturday is well known. Mr King was engaged in manipu lating some spirits of turpentine when a bottlejof this inflammableliquid wasaccidently capßized, and the contenra fell over the counter and floor of the shop. The fumes rose, and a jet of gas being immediately over ;the spirit the result was the latter's sudden ignition. Mr King did not at this juncture show that presence of mind which a man whose "business involves the daily handling of dangerous compounds should possess. Instead of attempting to crush the flames out by throwing his coat over them, he tried to extinguish them rith water, which of course ouly served to make the spirit sputter and extend its area of com bustion. Seeing that matters were looking serious Mr King then raised an alarm of fire, and going outside the shop door closed it behind him to prevent as far as possible the air from getting to the flames. Conway and Hunter.twoof the Insuranceßrigademeli,were near at hand, and soon arrived flrn the^-spot- Seeing at a glance that nothing could be done without the engines they wentwithoutdelay to procure them. In the meantime, the In surance Buildings' fire-bell had begun to ring out its noisy alarm notes, and the crowds in the street looked anxiously for the where abouts of the conflagration. For some minutes few could tell, for no flames had up to this time come through the roof or even out of the shop-windows or door. Those who were close to the burning pre mises could see the smoke, and this was sufficient to collect in a short time a large crowd round the shop. In about five minutes the two firemen returned with the hose-reel, and Messrs Asher and Matthews having arrived on the spot within a minute or so of the outbreak, the hose was made fast to the plug on the opposite side of the road, and an engine having been got into| position, was set to work promptly. Just at this moment whenit appearednearly certain that the promp titude of our iiremen would have saved the total destruction of the burning place, or at any rate prove effectual in arresting the extension of the flames, news came that Secombe's pumping machinery had broken down during the afternoon, and that only the water in the pipes was available. The truth of this was soon apparent in the feeble streams which- issued from the the hose jet when the firemen began plaj ing. Still it was for some i time matter of speculation whether the fire was not decreasing. There was not so much i smoke, and hopes were raised that were des tined to be dashed very quickly. Checked for a minute or two by the opposing element i the body of fire inside the premises had in deed snowed signs of being subdued, but the failing supply of water proved fatal, and ! the fierce bright glare, attended by the i flickering tongues of fire showing thro High crack and crevice, and immediately preced ing the sudden bursting of the whole build ing into flames, told with graphic force | the old, old tale of willing hauds, but no efficient preventive Water supply. ***With in fifteen minutes of the first alarm the flames had taken entire possession of the building, and the fact was patent that nothing short of a miracle could save the .adjoining premises. It was indeed difficult to say to what extent the fire might not spread. The position was one of extreme danger. At the back were outhouses in close proximity to the rear of the houses at the bottom of Wyndham-street, while near at hand, but fortunately to windward, were the hay stores and yard of Mr Alfred Buckland.,, It was apparent that any efforts towards repression would have to be expended in preventing the from exceeding, the limits of Vaile's buildings on the one side and the offices of the Southern Cross newspaper on the other. The buildings between these two bricks edifices were all of wood, and burnt furiously. Luckily there was little wind, and what there was came from the S.W., which was about the safest quarter it could come from, as the sparks were mainly carried intothe street. The chemicals in Mr King's shop burnt with the usual readiness, and sent forth huge black volumes of smoke and a horrible smell. No time was given to Mr Kedfern to clear out any|of his stock, and the same remark applies to Messrs Seymour, Marshall, CleaV and Ruby. With trifling exceptions the whole of the stocks in trade of these tradesmen were consumed. Queen-street now presented its

usual aspect during a fire. In +W ■Ts'' the scene the burning -hm]6il^\i forth their columns of flaS belched showers of sparks. ImmediateW*' the heat and the efforts of the ««£? St cleared an open space for the ope 2%* the firemen w£o somehow or other!? 118 «* be insensible to heat under the JL excitement. While persons on the 3?* of of the street shielded their faces S^e hats or shawls, these hardy sonstf » seemed to dare even the very contact!?* glowing element. Outside this ol^ swarmed the army of spectator fifr gathered to witness the calamity *M" Saturday night this crowd of BpechfoT* -n^ ually lar Se> numbering not ]«?> 5,000 people. As a rule they wS orderly, and no accident or police **& corded from any one's misbehaviour^ greatest anxiety was felt for the sHnT Messrs Vaile's buildings. If these Zj Wyndham-streetfwould be in great d*T The proprietors wisely resolved not ft tempt to move their stock. All efforts* directed towards preventing the fireJaSf hold. On the roof and on the verandah^ worked hard with this object. The shutC the establishment had been put up atfa* alarm, and being covered with iron, resS het volumes of fire which at one time »v? Marshall's shop was burning, lapped JJ' the corner of the premises. Several ftT the verandah took fire but it was nftZ each time. Bricks and mortar proved, usual their immeasurable superiority Jr aided by the gallant efforts of the enmWg of the establishment, were successful withstanding the flames. The 'ownera of offices in Wyndham-street, -aW Messrs Vaile's, were greatly amcerW for the safety of their property, Zt in the cases of the New Zealand Shipping Company and other companies having their places of business in thisloctftv measures were taken for the security of documents and valuables. Meanwhile at the opposite end of the wooden block, whichwas in flames, strenuous exertions were being made to save Messrs Townsend Bros and Mr Hurst's stock. Sacks of grain, gnaj seed potatoes, &c., were hurriedly removed into the street. Before these building were taken possession of by the destroying god a large amount of property was rescued although in many instances the thhra brought out were not worth the trouble of moving. For instance we noticed one man lagging along an old set of shelves which would have cost perhaps £1 when new. Ko. thing remarkable attended the progress o{ the flames along the doomed block. They simply burned along with fearful, steadi ness, and with an uninterrupted course. The efforts of the firemen were, not from any fault of theirs, so puny as to be not worth notice. If their exertions were of?any avail it was in keeping the fire off Messrs Vaile's premises. Ik pressure of water was just sufficient to- seiii a stream as high as the first floor windowi. These had been properly protected with zinc-sheeting and blankets, and the water kept these wet. The scene at the office of the "(Southern Cross" was all this timemost animated. No one could say whether the building would be involved in the. general destruction or not. Here again the danger was principally at the bacfc But the engine tanks were fortunately well supplied with water, and the working staff of the company laboured hard to render the chance of ignition as small as possible, ill the roofs in which wood was a compojient article were covered with blankets and *et cloths, and the most careful look-out was kept for falling sparks. About half-an-honr. after the commencement of the fire it Had* enveloped the entire block, and the heat: and glareNvas intense.. Each fall of tho wooden buildings was signalled by a shoot; of flame and sparks in the sky, and en several occasions it seemed next to im possible that our contemporary would es cape having the Phcsnix properties claimed in its motto being put to the test. Almost all the directors of the company were on the spot, together with the Editor and manager, and many and various were the suggestion? made. One gentleman we understand advised*' that all the machinery should be moved at once, and was rather surprised at being smiled at. He evidently put great reliance on the scientific abilities of the editor. The sub-editor wore a look of dogged resolu tion, and, wrapped-in his military cloak, flitted hither and thither with a con stancy of zeal that was most praiseworthy. The account-books of the establishment^ as well as the editor's library, were removed to places of safety. Mr Gamble, the inde fatigable head of the compositor's staff, se cured all the forms of standing matter, and they were taken below so as to be removed at a moment's notice. By eight o'clock the downfall of Mr Hurst's front store marked the commencement of the end. After this, though the sites of the buildings consumed, burned with con siderable violence for another half-an-honr, the chance of the fire [spreading became re mote. From the time of the outbreak io toe time when all danger to the adjoining premises may "be said to haTe been past jmß about an hour, though, as is always tie cue, it seemed much longer. On the* opposite sm of the street precautions were taken to pro tect windows and woodwork. All the veran dahs were deluged with water, and..*** cloths and blankets were hung in aU_ daw tions. In taking tliese precautions w>^p sons employed were not so careful ss tney should have been of the safety of others or . of themselves. In many places the glass °/_ the verandahs was crushed in and fell upon *" people's heads below, while in one instance* man fell through Messrs Upton's veranda^ to the pavement, without, however, «*"* much injured. The property rescued *¥ carted away as soon as possible^ m* Waikato Steam Navigation Company »yw«> Durham-street. Carts were busy; lor.Z wards of an hour after the lextincnon.oi w flames. . . __/«.a'— The following are the various insurances :. ' Nbw Zealand Commnt. ; '■ Mr Kinr, on stock .. ~ " flO9 Mr Redf era, on stock .. .. •• Mgf.j.i Mr Seymour, on stock ... .. "t0 Mr Townshend, on stock .. ••. ___ . Total.. .. - •• »**,, ■ . Victoria Instoanob Cohpast. £76() Mr Hurst, en stock .. •• , •'•• KOYAX INSCBANGI COMPANT. . Mr Marshall, on stock .. •■ " Norwich Union. #00 Mr Goodfellow's buildings • •• Scottish Commercial. Mr Goodfellow's buildlags .. - ifo- The whole block of bmldings f^ n]>r Mr W. Goodfellow. Messrs C^^bis ~ were uninsured, and the last nM^'S**"' only recently started in thepnanuwß. ,i ( he possessed. Mr Cleal, we are v understand, exhibited very wonden ness under the circumstances. ,<o } the file had taken hold of his *^ t what little he could, pining went and engaged him x s^ or i befo* establishment, where he was a- the fire wasout. " Mr; ClealjhouW 1 in the world if HJgttnW g element. of success. f YC l. r besto*"* its brighter side, and atter . a word S of W^d^&q&i nate sufferers, more especia^ jgg jf we canlafford to say that the % oli)^ " good in removing a?oth^ ct XuW*S ings from our main street, u^tf wire a source of !»a^J£&m&" tiaUy built premisw. A»*i

ttSGJt Ifimm«i*Al,MOKßAt, AmiLJbjM



SPECIALTIES FOR THE SEASON. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (lATE R. HOBBS), Abe Tfovr Opening xtp their WINTER SHIPMENTS EX NORHAM CASTLE and HYLTON CASTLE Comprising— SILK AND ALPACCA UMBRELLAS. LADIES' BLACK CLOTH JACKETS, CHILDREN'S, MAIDS, AND LADIES' WATERPROOF TWEED . MANTLES, In Great Variety and Newest Styles. CHOICE NEW DRESS GOODS In Greatly Variety. FRENCH MERINOS in all shades COBURGS, "WINCEYS', FLANNELS All Wool Plaid 3, Union, and All "Wool Crimean Shirtings STRONG TWEEDS, GA.MBROONS WATERPROOF TWEEDS In Great Variety. Furnishing Goods, Blankets, Sheetings., white and grey White Linen Damask, Loom Damask "Window Muslins, Muslin, and Leno Curtains Victoria Table Covers, Printed Cloth' ditto Druggets, White and Red Matting, &c, &c. AliSO, TO ARRIVE EX DORETTE— 34 CASES AND BALES OF GENERAL DRAPERY GOODS, CLOTHING, Etc., Etc., Etc. . RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothikks, &a JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) "Upper Queen-shiest, Auckland. TJETIRING FROM THE RETAIL. J. COSGRAVE & CO. . Are giving up thoir Retail Business In Queen-street. A SALE of the Goods will be held TO-MORROW, the 14th of March, and will continue until the entire Stock is disposed of. t We Ma now landing THIRTY THOUSAND POUKDS WORTH of DRAPERY and MEN'S CLOTHING, purchased by Mr Cosorave from the English and French Manufacturers, which will be Old at UNPKECJEDENTKDLY LOW PRICKS. j credit£wHl b« given during the Bale *



"TO H. LEWISSON Begs to inform his numerous frienes and the public at large that having been success ful in disposing o" all his old .STOCK at the recent CLEARING-OUT SALE, He has determined to RE-OPEN with an ENTIBELY NEW SE LECTION. OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF JEWELLERY, WATCHES, &C, And is resolved to offer to the Public Goods of the best Quality at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE. SST Extensve Alterations are about to be made in the Business Premises, which -when completed will make them second to none in the Colonies. The Manufacturing Branch of the Business will be carried en as usual, and all Repairs or Orders for Cutting and Mounting Greenstone and Quartz will be executed with promptness, F. H. LEWISSON, OPPOSITE UNION BANK," QUEEN-STTIEET, AUCKLAND.



[Established 1864.] T\ STEPHENS ON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAN D," " EAGLE BRAND," "CROWN BRAND," ■ Are to be procured "at all respectable Grocers and BTORIKTSBPKRS throughout tho Province of Auckland. D. STEPHENSON & CO., W V N D II A M STREET, Auckland. /->( A U T [ ON OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the BEST for general use in households, and, in con sequence of its high reputation, som« unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's- name stamped thereon, md pass the same off as "'Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE 3TARR to" be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade 'Marks Act, 1860," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned to * ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE, and see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and stopper, ond wrapped round with hin well-known label.