SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Ryno, b'iganiine, Va'hi^son, from Napier BeJla Miry, barque, 23- tons, McArthur,.from Hobart

Town Bnwena, s s , from ihe North Charylidis, schooner, from _Uipara (in the Manukau) Cleop.tr*. schooner, irom Waikato He^ds (in the Manukau)

DEPARTURES

j_a_y_ira, s s., tor the Soutli (trom tne __a_.u_.»uj

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

sV>r San Francisp.o—Condorsn, ship, early For Sydney— Hj daspes, ship, early ; Hero, ss.,

early For New Caledonia— Omaha, soTiooner. early For a Cruise—Southern Cross. Missionary barquentme early

IMPORTS.

Per Ryno from Napier, 5 tons bones, 400 bushels maize.—D. H. McKenzie agent.

The barque Bella Mary arrived from Hobart Town yesterday evening after a passage of twenty days. Strong westerly gales were experienced for 13 days, after leaving on the 7th. From 11th to 24th (the day in which the Three Kings were sighted), light N. and N. E. winds, down the coast strong S. W. and S. E. winds. The Bella Mary briugs her usual cargo of fruit, pre serves, palings, &c.

EXPORTS.

P5 Per Ladybird, for the South : 1 bale, "Williams and Co. ; 20 pkgs. machinery, H. Weston ; 1G pkgs. sundries, Owen and Gra ham ; 47 pkgs. sundries. L. D. Nathan and Co. ; 1 case, Sharland ; 1 bale, Williams and Co. ; 4 cases, Buchanan ; 3 pkgs., T. and S. Morriu ; 12 cases, E. Arthur ; 13 pieces of castings, Masefield and Co. ; 7 pkgs. sashes, Sash and Door Campany; 1 case glass, W. Phillips and Son. For New Plymouth : 7 packages, Cruickshank ; 1 box, Weston ; 4 gunnies of sugar, Owen and Graham ; 2 cases, Jackson ; 70 kits oysters, Welby ; bales paper, R. Lusk; 1 case, Montague; 14 pgs, Sash and Door Company ; 1 stamper box, 6 false bottoms, A. and G. Price. For Wellington : 1 case, W. G. Jackson ; 150 kits oysters, Welby ; 10 bales, Brown Campbell and Co. ; 13 cases, Mc Arthur Sheraand Co. ; 3 pgs, Lusk ; 1 case, Clark and Son ; 1 do, Jervis. For Picton: 16 cases fruit; Eaton ; 4 pkgs., Sash and Door Company. For I.yttelton : 100 kits oysters, Welby ; 1 case, Lewis Bros.; 3 bags potatoes, Walters ; 1 box, Harrison. For Dunedin : 10 hhds., Williams and Co. ; 2 do. J. Reid ; 2 cases, Kempthorne and Co. ; 13 sacks potatoes, order ; 1 pkg Wiseman ; 1 do, J. Carr ; 1 trawl and gear, Mc Andrews ; .12 boxes tobacco, J. Waller.

DEPARTURE OF THE LADYBIRD.

The Ladybird left Manukau at 12 30 p.m. to-day for Taranaki and Southern ports,with a large cargo (as .per exports) and the follow ing passengers :—Saloon : Mrs Noakes and child, Mr and Mrs Hodson and child, Mrs Tomlinson, Messrs Johnston, McMillan, Joyce, Evinson, Miss Cawkwell, and 12 in the steerage.

The s.s. Rowena left Russell at 12.30 yes terday, with fresh easterly wind, and arrived in Tamaki at five o'clock this morning. Passengers : Mrs H. H. Lusk and servant, Mrs Carpenter, Mr and Mrs H. G. .Shepherd, Miss Smith, Messrs S. Yates, Col. McDon nell, S. Jones, Capt. King, Wilber, J. Christie, J. Adamson, L. C. Goffe, C. Atkin, Neil sou, W. Earl, Yen. Archdeacon Clarke, Rev Mr Stewart, and seven in the steerage. Cargo : 7 head cattle, 50 sheep, 15 bales wool, A. Buckland ; 14} bags gum, H. D. Rolph and Co. ; 1 bale wool, 6 bags gum, Owen and Graham; 11 bags gum, Stone Bros.

The brigantine Ryno was signalled at five o'clock yesterday afternoon, and arrived at sundown after a long passage from Napier, which was left on the 18th. Strong head winds prevailed during the run. The Ryno brings a cargo of maize for Mr D. H. McKenzie.

The p.s. Golden Crown was sighted by the Rowena on Wednesday off Cape Brett, again in the evening at about 7 o'closk being then about off Mangonui. There was a smooth sea at the time and a fair wind to Sydney.

The Bella Mary and the Ryno came along side the wharf this morning for the purpose of discharging their cargoes. Mr. T. Niccol and Son's new yacht is making satisfactory progress, and some idea can now be gained of the kind of vessel she is likely to turn out. She has remarkably fine lines, her stern especially being very light. Under good hands she should at least prove a match for anything we have in the same line.

The barque Stanley Castle cleared at the Customs to-day for New York with a cargo of kauri gum shipped by Messrs. Arnold. Hines and Co., and Messrs. R. D. Rolph and Co. Her cargo has already been published. Captain Austin will only wait for a fair wind to sail. Very few vessels have the luck like the Stanley Castle to arrive in Auckland, unload, load, £nd get away in less than a month. The Stanley Castle arrived on the 4th inst.

The Omaha is detained in harbour by con trary winds. The new steamer for the Northern trade, being built for Captain McGregor and Messrs. Cruickshank and Co., is now all but finished. She is to be launched in about a f ornight's time. The schooner Tawera cleared for Hokianga this morning with 15 cases spirits, Lewis Bros,; quantity of timber and building ma terial, F. Archaad; 24 packages J. Bryers ; 70 packages!* C. Bryers ; 21 packages, Andrewes and Yarborough ; 10 packages, J. Webster ; 14 packages, Yon Stunner; 12 packages, Maxwell; 2 packages, Rouse ;15 packages, J. Lundon ; 13 packages, Pilot Department; 12 packages, J. Herbert : 156 packages, Waller.

BAY OF ISLANDS SHIPPING.

The following vessels are loading at the Bay of Islands coal mines : —Mariner, Fawn, Gem, Coralie, Policeman, Ebenezar, Rowena, and Speedwell. The following vessels have cleared out wards coastwise :—November 23, Echo, for the Thames, with 45 tons of coal; November 25, Onward, for Auckland, with 55 tons of coal.

MANGONUI.-WHALER'S REPORT.

The whaling barque Abraham Barker, Cap tain Potter, arrived from the fishing ground on Friday, the 20th. The take since leaving Russell has been 500 barrels of black oil. The barques Callao and Coral are expected daily at Bay of Islands, and take 500 barrels each.

The barque Pyreie is loading at Mangonui.

WHANGAROA.

The brig Syren arrived at Wangaroa on Thursday forenoon.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Greymouth, this day. The Albion with the Suez Mail arrived at half-past six to-day.

COMMERCIAL.

Ma Buckla-Nd's Report. — At Reinuera, on Thursday, dairy cows were in moderate numbers, and better inquiry. Store cattle in usual supply, and : power in price 5s each. Fat cattle in moderate \ numbers and good quality ; were fairly competed ;for up to a' slight advance over late values. j Middling and inferior quality dull of sale. No store sheep offered Fat sheep in full supply and at late ; values. Lambs plentiful, with no alteration in price. Pigs in average numbers, of good quality, and cattle lower in priue. Prices realised wvrs:—Dairy cows, lli7 to L 9 10s ; ten-months-old calves, 40s to 45s ; yearlings. 60s to 70s ; 18-months to two-year-old steers, L 3 15s tcr L4 7s 6d ; three-year-old steers, L 6 *o 18 5s ; best fat cattle, 27s 6d to 32s 6d ; inferior, from 22s 6d the lOOlbs ; sheep, 3_d per lb ; limbs 12s to 16s each • pigs of good quality, _d per lb. ' i There was a good show of vegetables in jthe market to-day, and mostly at lower ipriceß. Cabbages were selling at 2d to 2£d tor average, and 3d to4d for very fine heads; green peas, is 6d ; strawberries," 6d per lb. There was very little rhubarb offering, and ;or that 4d a bunch is required ; new pota joea, five and bLx pounda for a shilling.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :— For Thames, this day, at 6.30 p.m., and on Monday SJnest, at 8 a.m. For Whiti.ngi, Tairua, Opotiki, and Napier, via Tauranga, per Southern Cross, on Monday next, at 4 p.m.. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Rowena,

on Monday next;, at 4 p m. For Taranaki, and Southern provinces, per Taranaki, on Thursday next, at 1 p.m. S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Bach—On the 26th inst, at her residence, Nelson street, the wife of Mr Thomas Bach of twin daughters.

DEATH.

Hunt— On the 28th inst, at Remuera, Douglas, Infant

son of William and Jessie Hunt. The funeral will leave his late residence on Mon day at three o'clock. Friends will please accept / this intimation.

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

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1874.

__r tha cause that lacks assistanc*, For the wront tliat needs resiatamce. For tha feature in the distance, Aai tha good that we can do.

We believe it will afford general satisfaction to learn that Mr B. Tonks has accepted office as Provincial Treasurer. That gentleman's business experience, good practical sense and knowledge of provincial affairs, will unquestionably be a strength to the Execu tive, and be of great service to the Superin tendent in administering the affairs of the province. To those who believe that political differences should never be buried, the accession of Mr Tonks to Mr Williamson's administration will doubtless be an offence, and mayhap he will be charged with political treason in manifesting a desire to assist the efforts, for the welfare of the province, of a Superintendent to whose election he has been opposed. Mr Tonks, however, probably believes that a well, fought battle should be followed by truce and friendship rather than by desire to undermine and thwart; and that if he differs on any points of policy his influence for the public good will be better employed in advising and,modifying than in merely opposing. We believe that Mr Tonks' acces sion to office will be for the good of the ptoviuce ; whether it will be for his own pecuniary advantage is a matter about which no one need concern himself but Mr Tonks. Few will doubt that it will be to his pecuniary loss, and that in the trans action of an extensive business like that carried on by the new Treasurer, the profits of office will bo a small return for the loaa '

resulting from his attention and time being taken from his own concerns. And ib does seem hard where there are so many with no business at all, or business of such a character that the emoluments of office would be to them of vital importance, in fact a means of livelihood, and whose teeth water and hearts yearn for the f-leshpots, that these should be passed over and a gentleman like Mr Tonks .elected, to whom, office cannot be otherwise than a pecuniary loss. However, such is the lot of life ; to him that hath shall be given. With these we cannot but sympathise, knowing what gnashing of teeth will be caused by Mr Tonks' accept ance of office. Looking at the matter, how ever, only in the light of public interest, we cordially congratulate the province on the appointment, for we do not hesitate to say that the new Treasurer will prove himself an able, honest, and straightforward adminis trator.

In our yesterday's telegrams we had the report of the meeting of Mr W. Kelly with his constituents down the East Coast. Mr Kelly is esteemed by every one that knows him as one of the finest, worthiest fellows in their acquaintance, but Mr Kelly, like many another apparently, can talk unmitigated bunkum when he likes. A correspondent in our issue to-day draws attention to this, but we think there are few that read the brief report yesterday who required their attention being drawn to it. We entirely sympathise with Mr Kelly's views in favour of central administration, though we have not the same cause for it that he has. It is no disparagement to Mr Kelly to say that he has made his fortune mainly throu.h the favour of the Native De partment. His part in it has becen perfectly legitimate, and entirely as a matter of busi ness, and he feels kindly towards the native administration in particular, and the Govern ment in general. He would be a thumping fool if he did not. But Mr Kelly is drawing it too strong when he de nounced "Provincialism as another word for neglect of the out-districts. The money was expended in Auckland and suburbs." This was however utteredinan "out district," and was doubtless successful in doing what alone was intended-tickling the ears of the groundlings. Provincialism is being called to account just now foe many a shortcoming, by those whose desires it lias not gratified, but this chaige against Auck land ciry of having all Provincial money expended within its limits and its suburbs, is the unkindest cut of all. That Auckland and suburbs are wionged to the benefit of the out-districts year after year in thoappro priat ous, is admitted by any one that knows any thing about it, and appears in the simple fact that there is hardly any expenditure at all from Provincial funds on the city and suburbs. But when we see a decent worthy fellow, like William Kelly, talking such rot, what next '!

By the Ladybird to-day there left for Wel lington : the Rev. .lames Hill, Moderator o* the Pre.byt.riau Church of New Zealand ; liev R. MacKioney, the coming Moderator ; and the .Reverends D. Bruce, and It. F, MacNicol, all on their way to attend the General Assembly of tho Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, which is to com. mence its sittings on Friday next. We wish them I, on voyage, but we can fancy how every seaman on board pulled a face as long as the moral law as the four parsons stepped on board. It is known to those who are known to know all about it, that one parson is enough at sea to excite the wrath of the Prince of the power of the air, and that a tedious and nasty passage is sure to result. Sailoi-s say so, and they ought to know; and how will it be with four aboard. We have heard it said on the other hand that two parsons are not as baid as one, for that their influences neutralize one another, and a pleasant passage may result. So we heard a sailor say, and he said he knew it ; but how it will work with four on board, we believe is not laid down in the ethics of the fore, castle. We should think the old boy wil give it up altogether as too much for him> and won't go near the Ladybird, but let her

Last evening we referred to the failure of the Victorian loan, and the opinion expressed by the ex-Premier of Victoria relative to the effect of New Zealand borrowing. It will be seen by our Wellington telegrams that the Post yesterday made allusion to the same subject, basing its remarks on the information conveyed by Mr Westgarth's well known circular, received by the last Suez Mail. Mr Westgarth is regarded as the best authority in London on colonial securities, and as we received by the s.s. Mikado a copy of the circular re ferred to by our Wellington contemporary, it may be interesting, in connection with the "Post's" remarks, to quote the passage in question. Mr Westgarth says :—" Abun dance of money and the low bank rate of 3 per cent, have been favourable to the Colo nial Government securities. At the same time only the old issues have maintained the late high values. There has been, as usual, comparatively small business.during the last two or three months, and the late new colonial issues have all been very heavy of sale, particularly the New Zealand 4_ per cents., of which a million and a half were sold in May last. Almost all the colonies are coming largely on this market during this year and next. Victoria will shortly open the ball with £1,500,000; afterwards New South Wales, for a little over £800,000 ; South Australia for £000,000 ; and at a later date, no doubt, New Zealand again, for fur ther large sums. Such unusual amounts of colonial stocks cannot be realised within short intervals, without material reduction, for the time at least, in value. This is now being experienced in the gradual depreciation of the New Zealand 4£ per cents. They were first issued last January at 98 ex accrued interest, and they are now under 9G ex interest, and apparently stillj declining under pressure of a full market. The large New Zealand stocks, are lower in sympathy with the great mass of new stock still press ing on the market."

We have received the following letter: "To the Editor : Sir,— During an argument which arose from reading a paragraph in last night's Stab, on the proper way to address a marquis, a bet was made'by two of the dis putants, and the awarding of the stakes left to the Star. " Can an untitled person say 'Your Lordship' to a titled person without at the same time conferring on him self the titie of ' your bumpkinship.'—l am &c, Loyal."—[The question is a difficult one. We assume that the solution is intended mainly as bearing on the parties to this wager themselves. Our opinion is that in bothering about such a question they manifest that they are not "untitled per sons " to this extent, that Nature must have conferred on them the title in question. If then they are titled, they cannot confer on themselves the title again ; and again, on the contrary, if Nature ennobled them by affix ing this title, then they are entitled to be called by their proper title—Bumpkins. From this it appears that while they are titled they are not entitled, and being entitled to the title they already bear the title, and must therefore be regarded as entitled- to re-assert their title to the title. The whole thing is as clear as mud. Our decision accordingly is that the stakes go to the Destitute Children's Home.—Ed. E.S.]

A Provincial Government Gazette was pub lished to-day, containing a notification of the appointment of B. Tonks, Esq., M.P.C., to the office of Provincial Treasurer. "The Auckland Municipal Police Act, 1866," is brought into operation in the township of Gisbome, Poverty Ray, and the District Board appointed the " local authority' re ferred to in the Act. The appointment of J. M. Gunny, Esq) as local analysist for the province of Auckland under "The Adultera tion of Food Act, 1866," has been approved of by the Governor. The Gazette also con tains various highway notifications.

We understand that there is every pros pect of the forthcoming citizens' ball in honor of His Excellency the Marquis and Marchioness of Normanby being a brilliant success. A large number of tickets have already being applied for, and early applica tion should be made to any member of the committee by those who desire to be present.

•A singular accident of a rather expensive character happened to Mr. G. Coombes, stevadore on the wharf, this morning. Mr. Coombes, we hear, was walking along one of the stringers under the main planking of the outer T, when a pocket book, which was in his breast pocket, and contained no less than £62 in gold and paper, fell into the water and sank before any effort could be made to save it. An attempt is to be made to recover the lost property by the aid of the diving apparatus, but we fear that there is little chance of the sea yielding up its treasure.

Mr H. H. Lusk. in accordance with announcement in both the morning papers, delivered a lecture in the Mechanics' Insti tute last night on the question "Why should the Provincial System be Abolished." Capt. Daldy occupied the chair. At the commence ment of the lecture there were, besides reporters, sixteen persons in the hall, and during its continuance a few stragglers dropped in, until there were, at the close of the address, thirty-seven gentlemen, exclusive of the members of the Press, present. Mr Lusk dwelt at considerable length on the causes that had prepared the way for Ihe final destinction of Provincial Institutions, especially the gradual disestment of their original functions. As the address is fully reported by both our morning contempor aries, it is uneces?ary for us to repeat it here. The proceedings terminated with the usual vote of thanks.

We have before us an extract from the statistics of the colony of a very curious kind. It gives the queer births in all the provinces, including twins, triplets, etc , but it also gives those of illegitimacy, and we are proud to see that Auckland comes out with honor. While there were forty-five illegiti mate births in Ot:igo, in the year, there have only been twenty-nine in Auckland. Surely there is something wrong in the social ethics of the South. With moral and reli gious institutions in full vigor, and with a line cold bracing climate, we would not ha%'e expected such a disregard for propriety as thi_ record reveals. We are really aston ished at the people of Otago, and would recommend them 10 look into this matter and set themselves in a more respectable position before the eyes of the colony and ot the world. The remarkable contrast be tween the North and .South of the colony is all the more remarkable in that it is in vio lation of all established ideas of climatic influences Byron says — " What men call gallantry and gods adultery, is far more com mon wh.re the climate's sultry ;" but either this dogma is as baseless as tho baseless fabric of a vision, or the people of Otago are in a hopeless condition.

The address which will be presented by his Worship the Mayor on behalf of the Cor poration to his Excellency the Marquis of Normanby on arrival, has been handsomely illuminated by Mr. E. B. Dickson, of the Insurance buildings. On the left margin of the address is a deep blue ilowered orna mental band. Tho lettering has been done with great neatness in black and red inks, with gilded initials for the title.

We learn from a private source that Sir James Fergusgon may possibly be appointed the next Governor-General of India, in succession to Lord Northbrook (a partner in the well-known banking firm of Baring Brothers), whose term of oflice is about to expire. Next to the Lord Lieutenancy of Ireland, this is the highest gift in the posses sion of the Ministry of the day. The " reign" is limited to live years, and is considered to be worth for the term about £150,000 or £30,00. a-year. When it is further r.nioin bered that Sir James is connected by marriage with the family of the late Marquis of Dalhousie, one of the most distinguished statesman that ever ruled India, as well as having himself been Under-Secretary of State for India in ISGO, we consider the rumour a most likely one. Firmness, com bined with dignity, appear to be more appreciated by Mr Disraeli than they are by Mr Vogel. But then there is no accounting for the whims of great men ! Is there V

The Rev. Father Lonergan who has fulfilled the duties of j pastor at the Thames since the death of the Rev. J. Norris, received a very pleasing testimonial from his congregation upon being relieved of his charge by the Rev. Father Chastainon. The testimonial was beautifully illuminated and was Jsigned by 300 Catholics of the Thames. It set forth the respect and esteem which the congregation entertain towards him, and speaks in high terms of his zeal in the cause of religion. In reply, Father Lonergan spoke in hopeful terms of the work he had been engaged in at the Thames, and of the convincing proofs that his labours had not been in vain.

Seeing in the announcement of our sup plement last night the title of a story '' How a Tailor's bill was Settled," an esteemed correspondent of ours, an old army officer, was reminded of on incident in his own career, which he has forwarded us as follows : —" In 1825, at theParkhurst Barracks (the depfit of the East and West India Regi ments), were stationed many detatchments of the different Regiments under orders to proceed to head-quarters. The transports had been detained for some time wailing for a change of wind (viz., a fair wind). The dress of the army with dress coats, c.c, &c, was expensive. There were many of the officers heavily in debt to their tailors, amongst the rest a tailor named Lewis, of St. James-street, who charged from 30s to £2 2s. for duck or drill trousers, white jackets in proportion. I was one of his customers, but as I was to have gone out some months previous, I had squared up, and having been appointed Ad jutant on account of a thorough know ledge of Torren's new drill, the Regi mental tailor had no claim upon me, as I had, as before stated, paid his exorbitant demand, but with a deduction of about one half of his charge for cash. Snip, however, one day called uponme and saidhe had coraeto see if he could obtain a share of the advance made to the officers leaving. I informed him that my brother officers had been expecting him some time, and having ordered refresh ments for him, promised to let them know he was here. Of course they came to see him, asked him to dinner, and appointed an hour the following morning when ths pay master couid be seen. He was introduced at the mess table, and pat_ bnised amazingly at dinner, where champagne, with a little to qualify it, flowed freely. It was, "Lewis, champagne with you," from every part of the table. The night had not passed over before the poor little tailor was completely floored ; a carriage had been sent for, and he was hande. in duly ticketed to his address to be delivered with care by the night mail to London. His pockets had previously been searched, and various slips of paper known as "John Doe and Richard Roe " were found I for every one in his debt all ready for execu tion. The guard, Will Faulkner, was told to see him delivered. His men came up the following day, and about a week afterwards he returned too. Some years later Lewis j informed me he had received about one-third J of the amounts due.—" B."

We learn that a cricket match which was talked about all last season, is likely to eventuate on Monday next between the " Auckland," and the (Jnited Cricket Clubs. Great exertions are being made to get the best men of both clubs to the front.

We give insertion to the following, though we are not aware of the particular office to which the gentleman has b.en appointed :— To the Editor : Sir,-The public will be glad to hear, as well a3 your subscribers, that James Wrigley, Esq., architect, has received a Government appointment. . This gentleman has had much colonial experience, is related to some very old colonists, and much re spected, and it is an unusual thing for such persons to get such appointments^ I am glad to be able to congratulate Mr. Wrigley, and feel sure that he will fulfil his important duties with satisfaction to his fellow colonists and with credit to himself.—l am, &c, An old Colonist.

Officials seem to have pleasant times in Tauranga. A correspondent writes, on the 19th of November :—"The Public Works Office closed ; holiday of members to cele brate Sir D. McLean's departure to the Fijis as Governor. Large picnic at Maunganui, of officers of Public Works department, headed by Captains Turner, Crapp, Haigh. It was beautiful day, and I am quite sure they enjoyed themselves, considering they have little to do while in office. But a gentleman from the South, a member of the Upper House, who wished for some information on this particular day, called and found the members of this office away, and was com pelled to leave the following morning by the mail coach, disgusted .with Tauranga ofhcials. To-day, the 24th, great rejoicings amongst the officials of the Board of Works office and Native departments, who started yesterday to be present at a grand wedding at Maketu !"

The infant mortality on some of the im migrant ships that have arrived in the colony is fearful. No less than thirty-four infants died during tbe voyage of the Douglas, re cently arrived at Wellington from London. There must be some removable cause for this shocking state of things, and it is the duty of the Government to institute a searching inquiry into the matter.

Noah's Ark. situated at the end of Moreton street. is slowly passing away plank by plank ; it is doomed but not as yet absolutely destroyed. This windy vestage of other days has been deserted for some weeks past, both by homeless women and colonial boys. The story that the place was haunted by the "host of a woman has not been without its influence. If boys and women, however, have been deterred from venturing into the Ark after sunset and sleeping in its silent shadows ; the fearless fowls have held un molested revelry beneath its broken roof. The fowls roo3t on its dubious beam, and one old cock crows voriferously at break of day from one of the lonely chamber-windows. There also, the neighbouring cats "do con gregate," and squeal unseen. One prolific hen belonging to a neighbour, has lately caused some disappointment as the spot where she secreted her eggs could not be found. Her disappointed owner rightly con jectured that the hen deposited her eggs somewhere. A hunt was made under the house, and along the hedge - rows, but without success. Yesterday, however, the secret hiding place was discovered, and a quantity of eggs found in a mysterious corner of the Ark. The foolish hen was heard cackling by the doorless doorway, and a shrewed colonial youth bawled out, " Mother, mother, old speckle-back has laid in tho ark, I'll bet a bob'on't." The un kempt uiv-hin crept through the mystic chambers, and to the joy of his mother's heart found the eggs in a corner, partly screened by an old pair of trousers left there possibly by the last lodger in this mysterious building.

At the adjourned meeting of Mr J. C. Morrin's creditors yesterday, it was resolved that the trustees, Messrs Isaacs, Tonks, and T. Monin, with Mr Founds, manaser of the Union Bank, as supervisor, should realise the estate for the benefit of the creditors as speedily as possible. The business will be sold by tender. The estate is expected to realise about 10s in th« pound. Mr Morrin's residence in Pitt street is one of the securities held by the Bank.

A young reader of the Star draws atten tion to the fact that " there are two public baths in Auckland, but in neither of these can a boy, unable to swim, bathe. He might certainly use a belt; but it is at all times safer, and most boys prefer to acquire the art of swimming xvithout one." As concern ing the danger from sharks to persons bathing on tho open beach, he says : —"There is little or no danger from them when the tide is running out, as during that time they keep away in the deep water. At any time of the tide they seldom venture nearer shore than six or eight feet of water."

Divine service will be held to-morrow (Sunday) at Newton Kirk, by RevDr Wallis. Morning—" Daniel's last Prophecy ;" even ing, " Why stand ye here all the day idle ?" —Lome-street Hall services, by Samuel Edger, 3.A., —morning, " Education of cha racter;" evening, "The existence of evil in a world governed by infinite love."— Beresford-street Congregational Church— morning and evening discourses by Rev Warlow Davis, M.A.—Baptist Church, Wel lesley-street, by P. H. Cornford, pastor— morning, '' God's work in man's salvation ; evening, "The Wise Man."—Wesleyan Church, Grafton road—morning Mr J. Mar tin ; evening, Key W. C. Oliver. — Pitt-street —morning Rev W. C. Oliver ; evening, Rev Alexander Reid.—Parnell—morning, Rev A. Reid ; evening, Rev H. H. Lawry.—Services at the usual hours at United Methodist Free Church, by Rev G. H. Turner; Edwardes street, by Rev W. Tinsley ; Sheridan-street and Newton Hall. An open-air service on the green, near Soppett's mill, Freeman's Bay, at three o'clock in the afternoon.

A Taranaki journal waxes quite poetical over the increase of birds in that province, and the " numbers of young fledglings which may now be seen trying their young plumes." Young pheasants are so numerous that they can often be taken by hand. The young farmers, more practical and less poetical than our contemporary, complain loudly of the ravages in the seed corn, and have arrived at the conclusion that sporting mast not merely be carried on for pleasure, but as a necessary duty.

Mr Roberts, of Onehunga, informs us by letter of a case which he considers a great hardship. He states that a member of the Auckland Good Intent Lodge of the Manches ter Unity, now lies dangerously ill at One hunga, and that owing to the member being " out of compliance " on the books of his Lodge when he first fell ill in May last, he has not been in receipt of the usual sick pay, although he has been a member of the Lodge for upwards of eight years. He further states that the wife of the member has been informed that the members of the Lodge had subscribed £10 towards the sick member's reli.f, but that the money has never been forwaded. We cannot but believe that there is a mistake somewhere. We are aware that although members of friendly societies cannot legally claim sick pay if they fail to keep their pay ments good, yet there is a distinct fund kept for the purpose of meeting exigencies of this nature, and we feel confident that this notice will be the means of rectifying any error which may have occurred.

The members of the Naval Brigade went successfully through their weekly drill last evening in the usual place, nnder command of Drill-Sergeant Haslem. The membere and band of the Brigade were requested to attend the funeral of a young member of the Sir George Grey cadets, to-morrow afternoon.

Millions of grasshoppers have over-run some districts of New South Wales, and the carrying capacity of many of the runs has been decreased from this cause. The air in some places is thick with these insects.

Subscribers to Mr Hoyte's Art Union, are informed that prizes will be drawn at Messrs Upton and Go's. Booksellers, on Tuesday evening next, at half-past four o'clock.

During one of the performances in the Wellington Theatre lately, a man fell asleep, and was left to finish his nap. It was grey dawn before he awoke, cold and comfortless euough, and after battering at the doors for some time ineffectually, he got upon the stage and managed to make his exit by a window, a sadder and wiser man.

The Maoris in Wanganui, considering the prices charged for admission to the Opera, too high, made what appeared to be an attempt at opposition one day lately. Six or seven women were standing in one of the streets yelling out some of their songs, some of their own colour standing round ad miringly. A cloud of dust sweeping past put a stop to their efforts. Although the press, not only in Auckland but throughout the colony, has been very severe on the Auckland Fire Brigade, so much sothatit has become a by-word throughout the ccdony, statistics do not show that we have been behind other cities of the colony in the strength of our fire brigade, if our men have not been up to the mark in point of organi zation. In December last there were three fire brigades in Auckland, with a total of 49 men *one in Grahamstown of 25 ; one in Shortland of 22 ; one in New Plymouth of 27 ; one in Wanganui of 20 ; two in Welling ton of S4; two in kelson of 44; one in Christchurch of 40 ; one in Kaiapoi of 2 ; one in Timaru of IS ; one in Dunedin of 30.

THE QUARANTINE STATION.

PIG HUNT, AND SAD DEATH OVER THE CLIFF.

[PER STAR CARRIER PIGEOJT.]

Motuihi, November 23. THRRE are no fresh cases of fever. We cau_ht a wild pig to-day, took him up to the grounds, and let him loose for a hunt. There was grand sport. About 150 immi grants of all sizes and ages, set off in full cry after him. In his flurry, his pigship jumped clean over the cliff, and broke his neck. Great rejoicing. Pork for dinner ! Arrived : Cutter with more piles for the wharf. Death I—A fine old pig ; also fifty rabbits, and live dozen schnappers.

PIGEON MESSAGE FROM THE MIKADO.

We yesterday dispatched two pigeons by the Mikado. They returned during the afternoon with the following message :— "s.s. Mikado, 2 10 p.m. "Just passed Little Barrier. JNociiing occurred worthy of note. Good bye. E. Moore."

THE MAORI WOMAN SCALDED TO DEATH AT ROTORUA.

(From Our Maketu CoitRESPONDENT.) At the Resident Magistrate's Court, Maketu, on November 18, 1874, before F. K. Hamlin, Esq., R.M., Mr. Thomas Bennett was charged by Isaac Wilson, of Ohinemutu, hotelkeeper, with a breach of the Licensing Act, 1871, in asmuch as he did "abandon the occupation of his licensed house as his usual place of residence for more than thirty, consecutive days."—The defendant pleaded ignorance, but at the same time admitted the charge- Judgment waß deferred until the next case was gone on with.—At the close of that, the Magistrate said ho had no alternative but to cancel Mr. Bennett's liaense. —The next case was as follows :-Thomas Bennett was again charged, on the information of Hone Wera hiko, with a breach of the Licensing Act for supplying certain quantities of alcoholic liquors to Arihia Hone, her mental and physical faculties being at that time affected by alcoholic liquors. The defendant pleaded not guilty. —Mr. Sub-Inspector Naden con ducted the case on behalf of the prosecution. —Hone Werahiko, sworn, stated : Arihia was my wife. On the Ist September, 1574, I ac companied her to Bennett's. 1 left her about i) o'clock a.m. in defendant's house. I subse quently learned that about 10 o'clock a m. of that day she was scalded in a boiling spring at Ohinemutu, and died in consequence. She and I went to the Rotorua Hotel. I had three glasses of rum, and left.—Mita Mekai, Bworn, stated : Arihia used to live at Ohine mutu. On or about the 2nd of September, 1874, she was scalded in a boiling sprint., at Ohinemutu, called " Waikite." She came to Morrisson's hotel, the place where I was em ployed as cook. She was sober when she came, but drunk when she left. I saw her drink six glasses, and I gave her the seventh. She was drunk then. When she left I s;«,w she was very drunk, and I predicted she I would fall into a boiling spring. If she had not taken the seventh, I believe no accident would have happened. The house I call Morrisson's is the property of the defendant. —Cross-examined by defendant: Arihia paid for all. Nobody had any money but her. I drank six glasses, Arihia had seven, Taro had four, Mihikorama had perhaps six, Pere rika had three. I got drunk and went to bed, and could not cook. —Taro Mekai corroborated the evidence of Mita. Arihia was scalded, and placed in the hands of the Maori doctors. Their decision was that her death arose from scalding and witchcraft. —The evidence of the next witness, John Murphy, of Tau ranga, was unimportant. — Mr. A Horn, V.S., testified that he saw Arihia go to the Rotorua Hotel sober, and leave it drunk ; that he made use of this remark to Te Matatu, "That he had often seen Arihia drunk before, but never saw her in such a state that she could not keep her legs."—The Court then adjourned until Mon day, the 30th instant.

LAUNCH AT THE NORTH SHORE.

The new topsail schooner, built for Captain Lewis and Mr M. Niccol, of Custom-house street, by Messrs Niccol and Son, at their shipbuilding yard at the North Shore, was launched successfully this morning at half past ten o'clock. The fineness of the morning brought together a large concourse of spec tators. The yard presented a very busy appearance from early morning, for it is the case in shipbuilding as in other things, that when the day for an important event arrives, however hard the master may have worked to keep work close up, much is sure to remain to be done at the last moment. By the time it was high water, everything was ready and a start was made to knock away the blocks and shores. The vessel was de corated with flags and pennants and pre sented a brave appearance. Her lines were universally admired, and there is no doubt that as a model of a good, useful craft with powerful sea qualities, and great carrying capacity combined, she is among tho fleet of Auckland what her name declares, " Peerless." When at last the word was

given to knock away the only remaining hindrances to the vessel's progress to the sea, she answered at once, and seemed to spring with eagerness towards the arms of her future lord, '' the ocean old." The waysbeing placed at a steep gradient, the graceful craft swept swiftly down, and without a check settled dowu on her keel evenly and steadily. A general cheer was the spontaneous result of so successful a launch, and Messrs Niccol and Son were congratulated all round on such a splendid finish to their work. The Peerless re ceived her name from Miss Sarah Niccol, a daughter of the head of the firm, who perfor med the usual ceremony of breaking a bottle of champayne on her bows in the descent. The vessel was launched with all her masts, and rigging set up. Her dimensions are as fo-1 lows :—Length 76ft. breadth of beam 19ft. 9in, depth of hold 9ft. 3in, tonnage about 78 register. She is expected to carry quite 1130 tons of cargo. Immediately after

the launch, Capt. Lewis, who was on board at the time, had the jib hoisted, and sailed over to the Gore-street jetty, where she was at once moored to commence loading for h.t first voyage, which will be to Lyttelton with timber. She is intended for either the southern or island trade. Captain Sotham, - of the Waitangi, and Captain Ralls, of the,^ City of Auckland, witnessed the launch, and^ both of them complimented Mr. T. Niccol ■ • the designer, on shaping such a sightly vessel. The business of the morniDg over Messrs. Niccol invited a large party up to their residence, where refreshments were laid out and many congratulating toasts were diunk in sparkling champagne. Captain Ralls proposed "The Builders." He alluded to the success which had attanded he building and launch of the Peerless, and expressed a wish that they might always have their hands full of similar -work. Mr Niccol Sen., responded. The health of the owners, Mr Malcolm Niccol, and Captain Lewis, were proposed by a visitor, and responded to by Mr M. Niccol, who on doing so, paid a graceful tribute to his elder brother's skill, . exhibited in the design. The company returned to town by the half-past eleven boat. We v nderstand that it is the owner's intention to sail the Peerless both in the Lyttelton and Auckland regattas.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

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

UNFORTUNATE JAMES.

James McDonald was charged with being in a state of moonyism last evening in Wei lesley-street. Not being in a capable con dition he was taken by the arm by Constable O'Reilly, who introduced him to a lodging on the "cold, cold ground" in the home for wanderers in High-street, where he was duly fed upon bread and water. Prisoner said he was guilty, for he was sure he could not walk. This being his third offence, he was fined 203. and costs.

A SWEET CAS!?,

George Hesford, David Kelly, and Charles Hughes, on remand, were again brought up on a charge of stealing two bags of sugar, on the Ist instant, value £3 Gs, the property of Joseph '^tacev, of Auckland. Sergeant-M^jor Pardy said that as Mr Stacey was not quite clear upon the matter, he wished, with his Worship's permission, to withdraw the charge. Withdrawn accordingly. The prisoners were discharged.

MY POOR, Dof> "?rN TAP."

Anne Lynch was summoned under tie Dog .Nuisance Act of 1854, sec. 14, with being the owner of a terrible dog, " Snap," which dog did, on the 3rd inst., attack and bite Mary Jane Alexander, whereby her life Was endangered. Mrs Lynch here burs_t into tears, and commenced to say that "Snap " was not her 1 dog ; and heaven knows she could not tall . what had become of the blessed dog. Your Worship, I'm a woman of honor, and would not tell your Worship a lie ; no, indeed I would not Honor bright sir, I don't mow. what the divil'sbecome of "Snap." Letme off your Worship, and I'll kill all the dogs that come near me. Sergeant-Major Pardy stated that the dog I bit the person of Mary Jane Alexander, mM Wyndham-street, on the 3rd inst. Mrs Lynch here began to shed tears copi-i 1 ously, and implored his Worship to have j mercy upon her, the dog was not hers. m His Worship : Mulville. take Mrs Lynch I out of court, she will be better presently. i Ihe constable then led Mrs Lynch out ofl court, weeping bitterly, and declaring that I " Snap " was now as dead as a door naiL Wa The case was then allowed to stand over I for a few days to ascertain if " Snap" had ij really departed this life, and if so the charge | against Mrs Lynch would be withdrawn.

A DISSATISFIED APPRENTICE,

William L. Roth appeared in answerto a J summons charging him with failingto sap- I ply proper food and lodging to his appren tice, Edward McManus. : Mr James Russell for complainant, and

Mr Joy for the defence. "- Edward McManus deposed that he only had one sheet to his bed, and his bed clothes had not been washed for a long time. He was also obliged to make his own bed which was : a hard case. His sheets were also holy, and interfered with the liberty of his toes.! His 1 bedding had lately improved. He had to sweep out the room. To Mr Joy : You said the other day that your food was bad. Why have you dropped that charge to-day ? . . , fe Complainant: Because my principal wit ness, McLean, is away. - Mr Russell said that he advised his client to drop that charge. „ , , . To Mr Joy : Mr Roth called him a young dog, which was not the thing. He did want to be free, and no wonder. He did not think it worth while to bring a charge against Mr Roth for calling him a dog. He gave notice for the defendant to produce the blanket in Court. His Worship: The Court has no wish to 86 Alexander McLean here stepped into court, and deposed that Mr Roth threatened to lock him up if he came forward to-day. He deposed that he was a fellow-sleeper wito McManus; and was allowed one sheet, .but he could not say how often it was washed. He was allowed two blankets, a sheet, ana counterpane. Their mattresses had recently been re-stuffed. He slept very comfortably now at night. To Mr Joy : He was very comfortable now he slept warm and cosy. His Worship : If you have only sheet, on which side do you wear it j sometimes on one side, and sometimes on the other, 1 SU Witness : I wear it under me your Wor-

Mr Joy addressed the court at some length on the paltry nature of the charge, and to the fact that the most serious of the charges that of insufficient food had been dropped. Mr Roth, the defendant, deposed that the food he provided for his family was of the best quality, and his apprentices sat down to the same table, and shared the same food; he made no distinction. The statement about the things not being changed often was false. The sheets were changed every fortnight. , . - _ The blanket complained of was never on the boys bed. They had never complained of their bedding. To Mr Russell: He did not tell McLean that he would lock him up if he attempted to go. to court; but if he would not go on an errand he would lock him up : he did not intimidate him- . , _3 « Mrs Roth deposed that the boys had a change of linen every fortnight; the blank M was not in the state represented by the Mr Russell wished te have the blanket produced in court. , His Worship : I really have no desire to Mrßoth fetched the blanket in and spread it before the court. Mrs Roth deposed that the.blanket m never on the boys' bed ; she had been like a mother to the boys, and they had rebelled agjimes hMcEllwain and George Barker, two other apprentices, deposed that the bed things were changed once a jg they had not heard of any grumbling onjp» part of MpManus and McLean. Mr Joy said he had other witnesses, but thought it was not necessary to call them. | Hia Worship said the weight of evidence, was certainly against complainant, cautioned him not to bring f "gjfg^' his master which he could ™t ButatobJ^ he was intelligent, and he would advise^m to go back to his master, and S^^M services willingly. The case was then d« missed. This was all the business.

THE EVENING STAfe, SATURDAY* NOVEMBER 28, IM.



9<POO SIJMMEII VESTS > 2s 6d EACH. SAMUEL COOMBES, CITY CLOTHING MART, 92, Q-EKN-STREET. yrr E HAVE OPENED Per Sbtp Hydaspes: 2 2 CASES OF MEN'S AND B'Y'S CLOTHING, PANAMA HATS. FELT DO, in Men's and Youth's Sizes. J. COSG RA V E & CO., IMPORTERS. TTTE ARE NOW SHOWING OUR MAIL GOODS Received i> c b s. s. Hero, Consisting of COSTUMES, PAWS BONNETS, TRIMMED HATS, MANTLES, FJ.A.THER., FLOWERS, GLOVES, &c, &c, &c. ; Also, 72 CASES Per Zealand, a, Comprising— PRINTS, DRESSES, and MANCHESTER GOOD 3 J. COSGRAVE & CO. IVTEW SUMMER DSESS GOODS. We have just i pened a Very choice lot of NEW SUMMER DRESS GOODS, C NEW PRINTED MUSLINS, IN GREAT VARIETY. GRENADINES. PLAIN BLACK, BLACK STRIPED, and COLOURED STRIPED GRENADINES. WHITE SATIN, STRIPED MUSLINS, CHECK MUSLINS, Etc., [Etc., Etc. The above are NEW GOODS, just landed, and worthy of special attention. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (LATE R. HOBBS,) Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen - street, Auckland.