SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

m?S^f KB: TUsevejlin^3: to-morrow ■SSatlJS^p"l**6>43J ******* *■ MOOtf'SAGE 1: Last Quarter, 10th instant,9.s9 a.m.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

ARRIVALS.

I/ana, p. S)( Fairchild, from the North Murray, g.s , from Tauranga Alacrity, H.M. gunboat, Saunrters, from a cruise Go-ahead, s.s., from Waitpra. Ringleader, revenue cutter, Grey, from a cruise

DEPARTURES.

Amaranthe, schooner, for Kaipara (from MaTrakau)

PROJECTED DEPARTURES, ivandavu (English mail}- s s. Mongol, 13th instant London—Anazi, barque, early New York-East Lothian, barque, early . , • Southern Ports—Wellington, s.s., Tuesday San Francisco—Allahabad, ship, early Levuka—Marion Rennie, schooner, early Russell-Rowena, s.s , and Murray, s.s., to-morrow Tahiti—Pearl, ketch,'early.: Friendly Tslands—Kenilworth, schooner, early Newcastle—Woodbine, barque, early Hokianga—Nightingale, brigantine, early Poverty Bay - Julius Vogel, schooner, at once Lyttelton—Dauntless^ schooner

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Southern Cross, s.s., from England Fiery Cross, schooner, from Lyttelton : Ivanhoe, schooner, from Lyttelton jDenvent, brig, from Oamaru Coronet, schooner, from Tahiti Serene, brig, from Dunedin Clio, schooner, from New Caledonia Empreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October 15 lone, ship, from London. Sailed Dec 20 Borette, ship, from London. Sailed January 14

The s.s. Go-Ahead came into the Manukau on Saturday evening ab 6 o'clock, from Wai tara, haying left that port at 9 o'clock on the 3rd. She brought a full cargo of pro duce and the following passengers :—Messrs Bayley, Tin'ne, Margetts, and Turner, and Miss Bayley. The schooner Kenilworth will probably sail for the Friendly Islands to-morrow. The s.s. Murray arrived yesterday morn ing^ from Tauranga with a cargo of cattle which were landed at Orakei. She brought the following passengers : Messrs McKenna, Manning, Hooper, Spenar, Leahy, and Sellar.

The s.s. Mongol arrived at Napier at 1. o'clock on Saturday afternoon. The p.s. Golden Crown left this morning for the Thames at 9 o'clock. Taking ad vantage of the day being a holiday and beautifully fine a large number of excursion ists went down by her. The p.s. Luna arrived in harbour at eight o'clock last night from a lighthouse inspec tion tour round the Northern coast." She left the Manukau on the 24th ultimo, and has since visited almost every port, cape, and inlet; round the coast, including Kaipara, Mongawhare (Northern Wairoa), Hokianga, Port Albert, Wangapae, Herekino, Ahipara, lhree.Kmgs/'Cape Maria Van Dieman, Cape Reinga, Spirits Bay, North Cape, Parenga renga, Mongonui, Wangaroa, Bay of Islands, Mopohinbn Islets, Hen and Chickens, Wan garei, Flat Rock, Kawau, and Tiritiri. At Tmtiri 100 drums of oil and some other stores for the lighthouse were landed. During the'tour Mr Seed, Commissioner of Customs, hag been making an official inspec tion of the Customs Department at the various ports of entry, and Captain Johnson, assisted by Mr Blackett, a E., have made surveys for lighthouses along the coast. The Luna brought the following passengers :— Mr and Mrs Seed, Captain Johnson, Mr Blackett, C.E., Mr Wilson, Mr Stevenson, Mr Thome, Captain Wood, Mr James. The s.s. Taranoki is due in the Manakau from the. South next Wednesday. By some mistake this vessel was posted up at the Telegraph Office as having arrived on Satur day. This no doubt accounts for the fact of the steamer's arrival being notified in the Herald this morning. The commencement of|fche unloading of the barque Hylton Castle is postponed till to morrow.

The barque Norham Castle is engaged in taking in ballast prfor to clearing out for Newcastle. '

>* The following vessels have cleared at the Customs to-day :—Saucy Lass, schooner, for Napier, with 20,000 feet timber, 18,000 shingles, D. H. McKenzie ; and 18 tons fur niture, T. S. TVeston. Nightingale, brigan tine, f6r Hokianga, in ballast. _ The following have entered inwards: Morning Light, from Port Chalmers, with 18,000 ft timber. Helen, | schooner, from Wangaroa, with 16.000 ft timber. Coralie cutter, with 21 tons gum, and! 2 cases matches. Mercury cutter, from Mercury Bay, with 26,000 ft timber. Murray, s.s., with 300 sheep.and 79 bags of potatoesfrom Tauranga.

COMMERCIAL.

There was a lai'ge number of persons in attendance to day at Mr E,. Arthur's fruit sale. About 600 cases of apples, pears, &c, ex Prince Alfred and Jane, from Hobart Town, and a large portion of the cases wei-e sold at very good prices. Golden russets, ribstone pippins, port rimples, French crabs, &c., sold at from 3Jd to 5d per lb. Pears of various descriptions at similar prices. Jams r ealised the average price.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

Mails wrti, Close as Under :— For Thames, to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. For Coromandel, per Lalla Rookh on Wednesday next, at 12 30 p.m. For Eussell, Wangaroa, and Mongouui, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 3 p m. For Whangarei, and Russell, per Murray, to-morrow at 4 p.m. For Taiiua, per Coralie, to-morrow, at 5 p.m. For Whitiangi, per Mercury, to-morrow, at 9 a.m. For Matakana and Kawau, per Lady Eowen, to-mor row, at 10 a.m. " . For the undermentioned places, per "Wellington, on Tuesday, 7th April, as under :— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 9 a m For Taranaki and Southern provinces, ar 10 - a m For the Australian Colonies, and United King dom, via Southampton, at 10 a m For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi. and late letters for Southern provinces and Melbourne, at 10.30 am For newspapers at 8a m For money orders, and registered letters, on Monday, Cth April, at 5 p m For the undermentioned places, per Mongol, on Monday,,l3th instant, as under :— For Fiji.Sandwich Islands.United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central "and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies at 10.30 a.m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe via San Francisco, at 10.30 a.m. Letters bearing late fee will be received until 11 a m For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 9.30 a m ( Signed) S. B. Brsp, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

S"c'S l-On the eth instant at Newton R O ad, Mrs A. H. Spicer, of a daughter.

MARRIAGES.

BENZONi-KiNG.-On the 2nd instant, at St. Paul's Church, by the Rev. C. Nelson, Charles Thomas Benzoni, NZ Civil Service, to Amelia, youngest daughter of the late Captain Benjamin Edward X.ing, of the port of London. KusHßßooic-WKLLs.-On April 2, by the Rev. P. H. COmford, at the residence of the bride's mother, East-street, Newton, William Rushbrook, to Jane Ameha, youngest daughter of the late Mr James >V Oils,

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1874.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And Urn food that we can do

We yield to no one in Auckland in an anxi ous desire for the suppression of the demon of intemperance. We heartily 'recognise every agency that has this as its object. With these feelings we hailed the advent o* Good Templary, and rejoiced in its advance. But from the first we were suspicious of the hands that were guiding this interesting movement, nor did it require the early-evi dences of its intermeddling in politics to tell us that it would soon show the admixture of carnal elements in its constitution. We felt no disposition to defend the action of Mr T. B. Hannaford in writing the " True Good Templar Prayer." On the contrary, on perusing it, we had as we have already stated misgivings>s to the propriety of its having ap peared in print. We have no misgivings now, and we take on us its responsibility. For Mr Hannaford is the victim of the tyranny>bf this imperiicm in imperio which appears now so consolidated for the defence of its heads and rulers that with one consent the lodges have joined in a common howl of execration against la man who dared to question the ne cessity for implicit obedience and submission. Of Mr Hannaford it maj be truly said that he is a "brand plucked from the burning," and whatever may be the merits of Good Templary it is evident that there are in it higher considerations than saving from a drunkard's hell, and that within this temple at least it; can hardly be said that there is more joy over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety and nine just persons that needjiot repentance. For what has been Mr Hannaford's offence ? Has he got drunk?' Has he reviled the principles of Templary ? Has he divulged the secrets of the order ? Has he done any thing that exhibited hostility to the objects of this temperance organisation? No. His con version to sobriety is like a standing miracle in^Auckland, and has closed the mouths of hundreds who otherwise would have scoffed. We do not hesitate to say that the consistent discipleship of Mr. Hannaford has1 reflected more honor and conferred more solid benefits on the cause of temperance than has the adhesion or the advocacy of the very highest in the Order. And now Mr, Hannaford is expelled—driven from the organised ranks of teetotalism; driven from the society of those whose sympathy would have been his solace in retracing his path in life; driven fortn to seek companionship among the hangers on of taverns; driven forth to the bar parlour, to the tap—to hell if it must be so. And why? Because he has blas phemed. Blasphemed whom ? Almighty God ? Certainly not; but he has blasphemed the name of those to whom the cause of their own dear selves in dearer far than that of God or of their fellow creatures. Mr Hannaford prayed, and he published hia prayer, and that prayer has been decreed |.' blasphemy." And what is prayer ? It is either a humbug and a sham, or it is real. And if it is real, it is the earnest natural flowing forth of the most ardent feelings in the heart. Mr Hannaford might well love Good Templary. It had saved him. If he had loved it more than salvation we could hardly have wondered when we remember what he was and what he is. And Mr Hannaford prayed or Templary as another would, pray

for his soul's salvation. He prayed that it might be delivered from enemies as one might pray for the cause of the gospel to be saved from Antichrist and the devil. He believed that certain persons have fastened themselves on Templary for their own ag grandisement, and for selfish objects mainly if not entirely. And so do we. And he prayed that God would save it from their clutches, and so would we if we loved the cause as Mr Hannaford does. And would we be blaspheming if in the depths of our soul, and from our tongue, and from our pen we prayed as in our noble National Anthem, .." Confound their politics, frustrate ■ their knavish tricks." No! Mr Hannaford has not blasphemed God unless it is blasphem ing to give utterance to the soul's sincere desire, instead of adhering to the string of pointless platitudes with which God is so often affronted in our public and private devotions. There are more than Mr Hanna ford who observe whither Good Templary is tending. There are those cunning enough to see that any great public movement affords an opportunity for distinction, and for the attainment of one's special ambi tions in whatever direction they may tend. They may be the building up of an ecclesias tical organization, they may be for the attainment of political power ; and cunning men are cool and calculating enough to get up on the backs of enthusiasts in their noviciate, and work the movement aright. Those outside Templary in Auckland can readily enough see this at the present hour. Those within are still under the inspirations of their recent baptism, and of course see nothing but what is generous and chivalrous and noble in all within the sacred fold. It is with sincere regret that we see this tendency Jn this new movement, and now if Templary places the ban on honesty and independence within its ranks, and expels from those ranks all who will not minister to the am bitious desires of the heads of the move ment, the end cannot be far off. Even the very feeble publication Avhich acts as organ to the movement appears to be bound to the chariot ■wheels, and its unhappy parodies of editorials are but'the faint echoes of authority. We do not hesitate to say that the miserable subserviency of the various lodgeß in this matter of Mr Hannaford is a disgrace, to the young cause, and a bad augury of future independence.

Within the last fortnight a respectable landowner of Mahurangi (a widower) was in Auckland on business, when, in the course of conversation with a friend, he said he should like to get settled if he could meet with a suitable partner. "Do you mean it?" rejoined the friend. "I know of a nice little widow at Otahuhu who is only waiting for an offer." It was at once agreed that they should go by railway and see the widow, and towards evening the widow's home was reached and the Mahurangi farmer intro duced. The business was briefly talked over in the adjoining room, and in a quarter of an hour the farmer came forth with the widow, and took his friend's hand, saying, " 'Tis all right, Mrs.—•— ha's consented to be mine." _ "Yes,".chimed in the smiling widow, "Like Barkis, the Yarmouth carrier, he said he was ready if I were willing, and, of course, like Peggotty, I could not say no!" This middle-aged couple were married the next morning, and are now in Mahurangi with their united families of twelve children. May they be happy !

Some difficulty is already experienced in England on the subject of lady clerks. It i s found that when the weather is bad, or the streets of London'obstructed by snowjorfog a very, large per centage- send excuses for non-attendance. The proportion of these ex cuses to those sent by men under similar circumstances is as 10 to 1. Recently when a dense fog enveloped the city over 110 young ladies absented themselves from their duties in the Telegraph offices in JVoorgate street. i

A man, whose name is supposed to be Campion, formerly a bugler in the 18th Regiment, was burned to death in his whare at Riverhead on Saturday while in a state of intoxication. It is conjectured that he must have set his place on fire in attempting to get a light. He was discovered in almost a dying state, and conveyed to the s.s. Eclipse, and brought on to Auckland under care of Mr John Lamb. Soon after his arrival in the Provincial Hospital the unfortunate man expired. An inquest will be held on the body to-morrow.

A " School Boy" writes that he has been confused in his figures by a local almanac stating that Captain Cook sighted Botany Bay on the 28th of April, 1870, while he had always been led to understand that Captain Cook was killed by the natires on the 14th of Fqbruary, 1779.

The performances at the Prince of * Wales Theatre on Saturday evening attracted a large number of persons, and the lower part of the house was full. The programme was a lengthy one, and sufficiently weighty and varied to please those who require " plenty for money," and although the sentimental was apparently wanting there was no lack of the comic element. We feel bound in common justice to the musicians, Messrs Cullimore, McComish, and Lord, to pro nounce at the outset in their favour. They not only' played some exquisite selections of music, but played them remarkably well. In our eagerness to witness the players we are too apt to overlook this important feature of the playhouse, and the members of the Vivian Variety Troupe have been most fortunate in the acquisition of a first class orchestra. Music is unquestion ably a lovely art, and its frequent use after the toils, of the day singularly increases the innocent enjoyment of life, and without music any social gathering would be, com parativelyj uninteresting. Mr. McOomish is a master of the cornopeon (the instrument which he wields with so much skill), whilst to Mr. Lord must be accorded a leading position among our city violinists. If the opinion of a writer in a popular magazine is worth anything, the violin requires more of mind than other instruments for the emis sion of its richest sounds, being only '.' in ferior to the voice in vividness, and superior to all else in tone, flexibility, and grace." The violin (in the hands of a great performer) is the finest of human inventions, for it is the most expressive." Mr Lord is a master of the violin, as Mr. Cullimore is of the pianoforte and harmonium. The entertainment gene rally was of a fair character—nothing offen sive to the taste, but calculated in its entirety to create mirth and innocent amusement. Locke's Macbeth music, with chants and echoes, preceded the more humourous parts, but though rendered with appreciative ability, occupied too much time for the patience of the whistling gods of the shadows. Mr Collier sang the "Wearing of the Green" exceedingly well, and the several comic songs, including the "Mad Butcher" by Mr Vivian were highly acceptable, and were answered with thunders of applause. Mr and Mrs Vivian sang with much consistency " Courting in the Rain." The dancing of Miss Melville was at least equal to her singing, and of an agreeable character. The ''Highland Fling " by Miss Lizzie Busche was also creditable. Mr Hooper's songs and dances won deserved applause. The coming on of Mr Ned Mason was the signal for a general roar among the larrikins, to whose finite conception a black face and a nigger melody form the loftiest and most musical of human productions. The performances in the aggregate were credit able and interesting. The burlesque of " Wilikinsjand His Dinah," and a musical melange will comprise the feast of this evening.

The working men on the wharf are abou* to form themselves into a protection society and for that purpose will hold a meeting to" morrow evening at the Foresters' Arms' Albert-street, at eight o'clock.

Some time ago we published a note taken from the summit of Rangitoto by a party of visitors. Another party mounted the hill on Good Eriday, and found the following in a bottle :—" 1.0. G.T. Xmas, 1873.—Repre sentatives of the Pioneer Eden Terrace and

The quarterly meeting of the Grand Orange Lodge of New Zealand will be held this evening in. the Lodge-room, Wellesley street, at 7.30 p.m. All Grand Lodge mem bers are requested to be in attendance. A young man met with xan accident on Friday last in the district of Waitakerei. He was out on a shooting ramble, and, not being an expert gunner, upon firing at a bird got three of his fingers blown off. He was taken to the Whau Asylum by his com panions, where he was promptly attended to by Dr Aicken, the surgeon of the place, and we learn that he is doing as well as can be expected. The anniversary services of the Sunday schoolJPitt-street, were held yesterday. Rev Alexander Reid preached an Easter service in the morning from 1 Cor. c. 19. v. 20. and in the evening Eev. J. J. Lewis preached from Hebrews c. 13, v. 8. The collections at the close of the services amounted to £24 3s 7£d. High Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick's Cathedral yesterday, the Rev. Father Mac donald being the celebrant and the Revs. Fathers Londergan and Dwyer the deacons. The efficient choir was assisted»by Mr Henry Gordon, and the effect was striking and im pressive. The following query will, perhaps, excite some difference of opinion :—To the Editor : Sir, —Can you tell me whether I was right or wrong in going to help a woman who was bejng beat in a cowardly manner by her husband ? -By some I was told I was right to help the weak ; others, again, say you ought not to interfere, but I could not stand by and see a woman struck ; my English blood would not let me. I merely want your opinion as to whether I was right to take a female's part. The woman was covered with black marks and blood from her nose.—l am, &c., Englishman. — [Many prudent people would remind pur correspondent of the innumerable old saws cautioning all wise people against interfering between husband and wife, yet, notwithstanding these, we think we should, under similar circum stances, have acted as our correspondent did.—Ed. JS. S.]

Sir Henry Hayelock Lodges left the Auck land wharf at 0.30 a.m. ; reached Rangitoto Top 10.30, none missing. Took note left by former visitors to Star office as requested. Had a long rest, but repented coming with out a bottle of water to quench thirst ; we leave this on record for others in similar cir cumstances to sympathise with when like us they cannot help themselves. Should like to hear of this being found by next excursionists.—Charles Spragg, Henry Wai te, Elijah Spragg, James Blakey, Wesley Spragg." It would appear from the time that has elapsed since the deposit of the ' t bottle and its discovery that ascents of the mountain are not of very frequent occur rence. A public meeting was hold in the church, East Pukekohe, for the purpose of explaining the subject of Good Templarism and forming a lodge. Mr J. Robinson occupied the chair, and expressed his satisfaction at seeing the movement of Good Templarism started in this district. Mr Caleb Hosking, of Waiuku, dilated upon the evils of public-houses, and expressed his conviction that if public-houses were done away that houses of accommoda tion for travellers would be started, in a very short time. He compared the progress of the settlers in West Pukekohe before the

hotel was opened with that of some of the settlers in Waiuku, who were in the habit of spending their weekly earnings in the public house ; but he was sorry to say that, from what he had heard, this district was not-pro gressing so favorably since the public-house was opened.—Mr W. Morgan was very pleased to see this movement, and hoped all present would heartily join in it.—Mr Hemus, from Auckland, gave a very amus ing and interesting speech in support of Good Templarism, showing the evils of intemper ance, and the advanaages of becoming a Good Templar.—After the public meeting was over twelve persons remained to be initiated into the mysteries of Good Templary. We may expect-to hear by the next mail steamer from Australia the result of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race of 1874. -By quotations received last mail it will be

seen that the befctiug was, at the beginning of the practice, ruling at two to one on Cam bridge. Probably this favouritism of th< light blue is owing more to their repeatec successes of late years than to any market superiority on the part of this year's crew Going by the' test of previous results it h now time that the tide of victory turned, anc were we inclined to speculate we should b< more inclined to accept than lay the odds There can be no doubt that Oxford this yeai will put forth all her strength to maintaii her small majority of victories. The success of Cambridge during the last five years has been a complete demonstration of the valu< of style, coupled with power, as againsi power alone. During the nine years of darl blue pre-eminence the. contest was a trial oi style against lasting power, and the formei was nowhere. Oxford then became slovenly, while Cambridge, profiting by defeat, mended its defective strength and turned the tables, Let us see if the men of Isis take as long tc learn their lesson as the sons of Cam did. An inquest was held to-day at noon at the Whau Lunatic Asylum on the body of Edward Alag, an inmate, who died yesterday afternoon at half-past two o'clock, before Di Goldsbro', coroner, and a jury, Mr Richard Grigg foreman. The jury having viewed the body, and the evidence of Dr Aicken taken, which shewed that Alag had been gradually sinking ever nince his admission into the Hospital, and that he had. received due treatment, the jury returned the verdict— " Died from natural causes." The Good Templars of the Whau will give * concert this evening in the public hall of the district consisting of the " Battle Cry," the "Cold Water Cure," and other select pieces with musical accompaniments. The members of the Grand Lodge of the Loyal Orange Institution wiirhold a meeting this evening in the Lodge-roomof the Young Mens Christian Association.

A meeting of the City Council was held this a f ternoon, but the business was unim port ant.

The majority of the shops are closed to- ; day, and all the drapers with the exception of two or three who are not mindful of the Easter Festival. Numbers of holiday keepers, robed foi- the ocoasion, may be seen loiteriug at the corners of the streets apparently wast ing for the quiet Lamb 'bus, or a quick con veyance to settlements beyond the city. As it is impossible to walk about the city with one's eyes and ears closed we give the sub stance of a small bit of cha* between two Auckland lasses. "Oh ! Polly have you seen the new hat?" "No—What hat?" "Oh, the new-fashioned Mrs Rolisby.j elegantly turned up on one side in pork-pie style, ybit can see it in the window of one of the anti holiday drapers below." "Who was Mrs Rousby ?" " Why, Polly, don't you know ? She was a Ballarat digger's wife, who was separted from her husband, bolted with another man, and was caught disguised in one of these new-fangled hats, which is now in troduced to the ladies of Auckland as splendid wear for the winter season." ",Pooh ! let's be off to the Noith Shore— we shall see Frank and Harry there."

At the Art Union Lottery which came off to-day at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Wyndham street, the three prizes were awarded to :-— Ist. Miss Donaldson!;-2nd. Mr Ghas. Woo ds; 3rd. Master John Davis.

The petition in favour of Me. Dornwell's release has been presented to his Excellency the Governor, and was treated in the only Way it could justly iiave been dealt with. His Excellency referred it to the committing magistrate, Mr Beckham, who, failing to per ceive any mitigating circumstances in the case, declined to recommend it prayer ; and the iaw must, therefore, take its course. The result shews that his Excellency does not believe in the dogma of one law for the rich and another for the poor, and it places the petitioners in a very unenviable position. We are sure that the defeat of this miserable attempt to upset a righteous judgment wilt give general satisfaction.

The cricket match at the North Shore on Saturday, Auckland Club against the North Shore Club, resulted in a victory for the for mer by two wickets. The scores of the different innings were as follows :—North Shore, 65 and 73 ; Auckland, 110 and 29, for eight wickets down. The North Shore men fielded splendidly in the second innings of the Auckland men, and nearly pulled the game out of the. lire. E Whitaker, Swanson, nnd sundries on the' side of the

Metropolitan Club were the principal scorers, while Mills (27 and notoutll), and Browning (27 and 7) were the prominent performers for the North Shore.

THE GOOD TEMPLAR PRAYER—THE WRITER'S VINDICATION.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir, —I was quite prepared when writing the " True Good Templar's Prayer" for the outburst of indignation which appeared in the Templar Standard of Saturday last. You cannot perform any righteous action without bringing a hornet's nest about your ears. It may appear at the first blush strange that I should not rather have answered the tirade of abuse and downright tissue of falsehood which appeared in that> journal through the Standard itself. Not so, and here is the reason why. The Standard is entirely under the thumb of the Grand Lodge. The pro prietor and editor whether he likes it or not dares not run counter to its commands. No matter of moment, ' and "more especially matters affecting the Grand Lodge itself, will obtain admission into its columns without the approval of that body, and therefore I think it only just and right that when you find it necessary to cross weapons with that journal I warn you that you are not warring against the luckless proprietor and editor. Were he to kick over the traces, good bye to all informations of lodge meetings and con tributions of any kind from that quarter. In one word the Grand Lodge can shut up the Templar Standard ,at any moment it thinks proper. A " too clever-by-half" individual has written in last Saturday's Standard what he fondly hoped would pass current as a sub-leader. I fancy I see his comical ex pression of countenance when he finds the editor has had the manliness to ear mark it "communicated." II cannot resist the temptation of enclosing the choice morceau, it is so full of pointless arguments and exe crable grammar that Lombard-street to a China orange he is one of the illiterate dun derheads the " Prayer" entreats might be weeded from our "Literary committees." He says the " Prayer" contains statements and imputations which we do not entertain for a moment, but say unhesitatingly they are utterly false and untrue." What is false ? What is untrue ? Is it not a libel to single out any one man by his plain name and brand him in the newspapers. Did he never hear that " the plainer the truth the grosser the libel ?" or is it possible that the whole of the pestilent members the " prayer" beseeches to be quitted of have each of them a representative centred in himself ? and in all combined he is only taking his own part ? Mr Would-be-sub leader asks me for facts. Well I will in dulge him with one at least. In choosing the P.G.W.C.T. and P.G.W.C. had not the Rsv S. Edger and Brother W. Cole got four teen delegates' votes from the Pioneer and Fraternal Home Lodges in the total thirty five delegates present ? and out of the other fourteen lodges were there not nine reliable votes in subordinate officers—making twenty three certain out of thirty-five? and isn't that very like thimblerig? But, says Mr Would-be-considered-sub-leader, the dele gates from the Pioneer and Fraternal Home were chosen from the whole of those lodges' members. Bosh ! I went twice abd saw the "rope trick" s,t the Theatre, and know everything about it. The man was tied on each occasion by the same parties-—to be plain, by his confederates. The list of dele gates from those lodges was all arranged beforehand, even to the three sisters (bless their hearts! may they each attain to a green old age, and carry their good looks with them to the end !). All that was required was rapidity of proposing and seconding. It is very simple, my dear sir. Jf ractiee perfects all things. Look, sir, at the list of officers who have thus unblushingly thrust themselves forward as the forerunners of the Grand Lodge itself. The eye ia pained in running down the column, save when it rests on Le Roy, but what his duties are I am utterly unable to fathom ; for as the P.G.L. is cii- S. relX i, n ™C£ n, t of honestly acquired funds the P.G.W.T.'s only duty will be to carry an empty bag and account at the end of his term for the money he has taken out of it I cordially endorse the language made use of by a respectable Queen-street tradesman a member of the order:—"With one or two exceptions I wouldn't trust the whole boil ing of them with a pair of boots !" The writer says the " Prayer" savours of a crav ing desire "to be seen of men," and then with characteristic consistency upbra ids me for not having blazoned forth my name to the world—the very course one would naturally pursue if such had been his aim ! I may, however, in passing, Bay that laiever have concealed it. Any one curious about that matter my readily obtain it with my full permision from the Cross and Star, Th

worthy writer winds tip with the " Spider and the Fly " dodge : he invites me to meet the parties whom I denounce as the Orders Black Sheep, face to face, i.e. to go before an investigation committee. Now, I was once before persuaded to play that game, and nearly got euchred. No—No ! "Once bit twice shy." Lord ! the programme is mapped out in my mind's eye as plainly as a photo-, graph ! The Expounder of Lorne-street ctim-Choral Hall in the Chair, supported -by Oily Gammon Axletree on one side, and the " Nevvy " on the left, possibly assisted by the bankrupts' advocate, and the rejected for Town Clerk of this city ; the pert assur ance of the "corner" of- course taking down the facts, and very likely distorting them. Lord! I can see it all, even to "True Glory " —the P.G.GL at the dpor to prevent the ingress of any one to act as my advocate, and opposing my egress when the Fire Inquisitors had made the rnnm too' hot to hold me. Yes—l can see it all, and there fore decline. No—give me my pen ■as a weapon, and the columns of the Templar, Standard as a fair, impartial battle field then, "Come one, come all," the solid rock shall fly from its firm base as surely as will I. With regard to F. I.'s letter I have nothing to say, save that it commences with a huge cowardly lie, . and finishes with a greater. What is to be done I cannot tell. A mightier pen that mine, and an ampler brain than I possess is needed to pilot the majestic ship—Good Templarism—clear of the rocks and shoals I plainly perceive beseii her onward progress. I have urged our worthy Resident Magistrate to become one of us. Would to God I had powers of persuasion to induce him so to do. Long, long will he be remembered as a just and upright judge, but immeasur ably longer would his memory remain green in the far coming years of this world's age if he stood at the helm of this heaven-born Order. We look in vain amongst the names of its Auckland directorate for the honoured names of a Cornford, a Mason, and'a Turner to trim its?sails to a prosperous breeze. I myself am charged with hostility to that which has been a priceless blessing to me ; and blpsphemed my Maker for mercifully arresting my onward course of drunkenness. Is it, sir, likely that feeling as I do the re turned respect towards myself of the good and the influential of Auckland I should fly in the face of the means which has brought it about ? A change to me which has resulted in a magistrate openly familiarly conversing with me, a change which has induced even you to offer me your editorial hand ; but so it is, the tocsin has sounded in this night's Star from the Good (?) Samaritan Lodge, recommending all the others to deny me admission and expel me from the Order. Well, I may be expelled from the lodge rooms, but with God's blessing they shall fail in propelling me into the tap-rooms. There may have been parts in the " True Good Templar's Prayer " which may have pained some excellent hearts ;it was never intended so to do, and that it has done so is a source of true regret to him Who Wrote It.

THE HOLIDAY.

As a people we are dear lovers of holidays, and Easter above all periods of the year should be kept as a season of rejoicing, 1 especially by members of Christian com munities, as the bright festival of the resur rection of the Saviour of mankind. Here, t however, Easter as far as nature is concerned, does not assume that full beautiful signifi -1 canceas i^ does in the old land. Here the year is on the wane, but there spring smiles softly with azure skies, sparkling showers and mild breezes. The trees are full of singing birds, the banks crowded with prim roses, and the woods redolent of anemones. Easter in the old land has a natural as well as religious meaning—it is the resurrection of the beautiful from the sleep of winter. We were wont in our own fatherland to walk amid the lights of April in her green dress, and image with: somewhat of poetic fancy a portrait of spring at Eastertide as a goddess with tints of apple-blossoms on her cheeks, silver dews upon her feet, holding in her lily-white hands bunches of wall-flowers and daisies, glancing sideways with her blue eyes at the flowering hawthorn, while the wily blackbird whistled from some leafy covert in the woods. Among all those tender promises of an English spring there is much of human misery, and the people of the lower grades of English life en joy but few real holidays. Apart from the outward manifestations of Easter the majority of the people-of Auckland and its surround ings enjoy a freedom of action in connection with holidays which is not enjoyed in the land of Milton and Locke. They seem to put on the gaudy wings of the butterfly and revel on land and water. We learn that "many of the popular observances connected with Easter are clearly of Pagan origin. The goddess Ostara or Eastre seems to have been the personification of the morning or east, and also of the opening year or spring. The Anglo-Saxon name of April was Estormonath, and is still known in Germany as " Oster monath." A custom at Easter which is now dying out was the eating of eggs for break fast on Easter day, but the matrons of Auck land just now complain that " the tiresome hens won't lay." The Easter egg breakfast was not confined alone to England and Scotland, but was and still is practised in Persia, according to Dr. Kitto's "History of Persia." The city this morning did not present such a holi day aspect as on some occasions, as for instance that of a royal birthday ; still many holiday-loving persons emerged from their cosy tenements into the glorious light of nature, apparently forgetful of the cares arid vexations of this mortal life, with the view of lounging in the Domain, or taking a trip either by steamboat or railway.

AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH OF MISS COTTER.

It ia with sincere regret that we have to chronicle a very sudden death which occurred in the household of Mr Cotter, cabinet maker, Queen-street, last evening, or early this morning. It appears that Miss Cotter has been suffering for several months back from neuralgia. She had been under medical treatment for this painful complaint until within the last few weeks, but had received very little relief. Yesterday she was in very great pain, and in the evening sent her sister to Mr J. C. Sharland, chemist, of Shortland-street, for a sleeping draught, in order to obtain some repose. The draught made up by Mr Sharland per sonally was a very mild one, not stronger than might have been taken safely by a healthy child, namely, chloral fifteen grains, with syrup and water one ounce The directions given were one half to be taken at once, and the remainder in four hours if necessary. The patient took the first half as directed, and repeated the dose in two instead of four hours. She then went to bed and fell asleep. Mrs Cotter occupied the same apartment as her daughter, andjdidnot notice anything unusual during the night i In the morning Miss Cotter still seemed to be asleep, and her mother" left the room quietly in order not to disturb her mucW needed rest. About half-past seven o'clock aoweYer, a sister, noticing that Miss Cotter's

hand hung strangely overt^T • 7^ bed, felt it, nS &*& &*.**»% She gave the alarm, and ,'t aatkit ascertained that Miss Cott Was m dead. A messenger was at ■rpa w for a medical man. and I) r t> ISMck and pronounced life to K^e T° n some hours. A post mortem pv, • e*tiM fee held to ascertain the S nalio>>4 whitl 1 1S believed to have been he °J There is at present no reason to si lieeW there was aiiy mistake in conmn, j°Se H draught, or thai it was an bver-Z ne tte thirty to sixty grah,.? of chloral a asfroi!i be administered to an auult. Tv^ Sa% Was nineteen years of age, and to, v Sed es teemed by her large circle itf &3« 6hly

BISHOP COWIE ON SUNDAY OBSER VANCE.

The Bight Rev. Dr. Cowie, Anglican)/ of Auckland, preached at St. Pal' 0)) evening on the observance' of the I' 3* Day, selecting as his text Revekti^' 3 ■ chapter 10th verse. He entered? ? history of the day at considerable V i and summarised his conclusion,, > garding its right observance as Z\ te" -I have thus far directed 0^1 your attention to two plain matter «* 'I 0* viz, 1. That the observance fjf First Day of the week h a g> universal amon^ Christians since h," Resurrection of Jesus Christ • m * That the Church of England ■£ \ teach the sabbatical obligation of i children to observe any one day of if week I come now, lastly, to the &&£ tion of what is our own practical duty in tv* matter of Sunday observance, as mJLhI , the Church of England; and here to? think, we shall find that there need b ' uncertainty as to the mind of the Chntl° I have already compared our Church's mod of dealing with the q.uestfonof Sunday<T Rervancß to her dealing with that of {T inspiration of the Bible. As in the - latter case, she has wisely refrained from mid any_ definition to burden men's consciences so in the former baa she abstained from laying down any hard and fast rt ,i e } 0 hamper their conduct. But it jg not on this account any the less clear what the Church considers to be the rightpaths for herychildren to walk in. Her mindintlis matter of Sunday observance may be plainly inferred from the position'which, the Fourth Commandment holds in her services, and from her explanation of that commandment eiven in the Catechism,which she requires "to be learned by every person before he be brought to he confirmed." With respect to the former, thefirst rubric at the end of the Communion service directs that the Ten Commandments shall be read not only every Sunday but also on otlsr holy days throughouj^the year, and when. ever this commandment is read by the minister, it is directed that all present shall say, '' Lord have mercy upon us, and in. cline our hearts to keep this law." Koir, it is obvious that we are not meant toprujfor strength to keep this commandment in h letter, inasmuch as, whilst the comman(f ment says expressly that " the sevenih day is the Sabhath." the Church keeps July the first. The mind of the Church, to, is that our conduct in this matter should he regulated by the spirit of the old command' ment. The Sabbath day was to tha Jew a standing memorial that the world and all that is therein were created by a persons! God, to whom every human being ■« accountable for the use he makes of M days ; and the primary idea of til Sabbath was one of rest—rest from those everyday duties in which God may In continually worshipped, in order tba« the soul may have leisure for closer, more con tinuous, and more special converse with Him. If this be the spirit of the command ment, it is plainly impossible to prescribe ex actly what things may and may not be done, under all circumstances, by Christian peopla on the Lord's Day. For those who are in earnest about the salvation of their souls, their present state, that is, of spiritual health ; for those whose daily endeavonrit is to " live by the faith of the SonofW it is enough to know that they, like tie apostle, should be much "in.thegpiritonfi» Lord's Day." To such' persons I haven special advice to offer in this matter. !Uj| who know—it may be by painful if humiliating experience—how difficult it .H even when the ordinary means of graced not neglected, to live at all worthily of W Christian profession, will not be likely™ undervalue the blessed privilege of a oaj set apart in each week for the direct woww of their loving Father, in His house« prayer, in company with their love<t oKV and with His faithful people in the place*1 their sojourn. But to others, and especial? to- the younger members of thecongrep* tion, according to my promise, I will venton to give some definite advice as to the om vance of the day. First of all, we BJ seen from the New Testament what W the chief features of the observance of »• Lord's Day, as practised by the to' ™* ciples, namely, the assembling of *emße;L together, "united prayer^ ."^J bread," giving alms, and, preaching '»■ I hearing the Word. If the first Ghnwg I then, are to be our pattern -ln-^ matter,. I say advisedly that:_ f\j I do not understand, how any...oft \ prevented by sickness or otherwise w<w» can habitually and deliberately neglect" public worship of God on the Lords m and yet consistently call himself a Cnris» 2. That it is much to be lamented. ff» any of our ohurches, ,a member of tne gregation cannot, if he so desires, ' Lord's Day receive the Holy Commo* 3. That to give, in' some proportion ,* man's means, - each Lord's Day,, ;»j spraad of the Gospel and,for : W 8^ support of the Church's work,.is an^ tial part of the public worship of wa, L That Christian people are negW i I important part of the proper ob»r»», | the Lord's Day, if they take no pa">% | to improve their own knowledge oi r will, and to make that will better■ bw» | others. These are definite acts ,ot | worship, from whioh none ■OlS°^'J'.J l | would think of excusing y°*m"J^ft I therefore, on them it is not;""TO* 1 me to dwell. Only be careful m^ I use of these means of grace you °t..^ 1 Spirit on the Lord's Day. "% c «; I expect to receive no blessing tnroßS^ | they are but means-though gener^ M sary means, not ends. In them rhr jgt, Ht fl and heavy laden may come y I. they are not Christ. You '^"rf* | the living among the dead nf w^ M tented with the mere-outward oh of any religious rite, even tW^ | highest of all-that.on^vrhich g,^ f instituted when he said; "Do »«• B brance of me. 1' I am^ofc, b^iJ I mending that our young people en H the whole of Sunday in ** rt it | services, or in teaching or ™lliss*f I home or in the Sunday-flonooi. | indeed be lading th«r,jwg '^,U * | too heavy to be bornd. y.%<>*, th«y pass the rest o£>the rl^-^fU them not to have neglected, g acts of worship,of whioh^j \^y\ M spoken? Their own hearfs >«s>J W f supply the best .M. f X J | their desire be I will. I had intended how w^.rfjff H propriety of the quiet,Sund»y B

fHI IVBirmg WEAK. MONDAY. APHIL C 1874



TJETIRING FKOM THE RETAIL. J. COSGRAVE & CO. Are giving up their Retail Business in Queen-street. A SALE of the Goods will be held TO-MORROW, the 14th of March, and will continue until the entir Stock is disposed of. "We are now landing THIRTY THOUSAND POUNDS WORTH of DRAPERY and MEN'S CLOTHING, purchased by Mr Cosgravb from the English and French Manufacturers, which will be SOld at TTNPREOEDENTEDLY IOTV PRICES. No credit will be given during the Sale. "DUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN . (LATE R. HOBBS), . Aie now opening up, and have to arrive EX NORHAM CASTLE, HYLTON CASTLE, INVERALLA.N, and KOBIIN . CAS T L E, A Very Large and Choice Assortment or ' AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY GOODS IN EVERY DEPARTMENT/ It To which they respectfully invite attention. These Goods coming direct to their own order from thelflrst Home Houses they are prepared to dispose of at LOWEST KEMTOEfiA'XXVS RAS'JSS, : __: Bwihet patfciculan fa faiara adVestlseiftaajfc. RUSHBSOOK & BPvIDGMAH WHoLKaLTr,AHi>:a22Aa.Di^Bi. gt c^ra m « fto •' JUNCTION DaiPBEY WAREHOUSE," (Q2>posit.e the Army &H Navy Hotel,)' '