SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

HKVH "WjETSB : Thit evening, 8.36 ; tc-namso* teoruiiiß, 4.11

ST7K-SKT1 : Tfcl.. eventa*. 53; BUK-Rie3P: To tucrr^'v rrr?r}r;f 7.(3 MOOK'S AGK : Full rccon, 29th, 4.22 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Knwpjia. Ps . McCiresor f-om the Bay of Inlands Snutberr CrofS. s s , Ppllnrs. fr-rn Tauranga* Fanny Kel'y, ketch, from Opotiki

DEPARTURES.

Ocean, schooner, for Mercury Bay

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Kandavu— Cyphrenes, ss , (English Mail), 3rd

AufTlst For LTttelton—Flm Grove, barque, Helena, brigan-

tine. parly For RoKianea—Fairy, "chooner. Jones, Bt once For Wellington, via Mercury Bay—Herald, schooner For Hobart Town—Bella Mary, barque, early For Newcastle —Isabellas, brig, e*rly ; ITadda, barque,

early For the Islands—PApn» BTid "Edith, .onhooners. early ForChatJism Tslauds-Magellan Cloud, biigantine, 25th instant

EXPORTS.

Per Helena, fo- 1 yttelton : 00,000 feet timber, 30.000 shingles, J. W. Waller; 27.000 feet timber, Henderson, Macfarlane, and Co.— G. W. Owen, agent.

The s.s. T^owenn arrived early this- morning from Bussell. Captain Macgregor reports leaving at noon yesterday, and having fine weather with westerly wind throughout the passage. We are indebted to Mr Stodart, purser, for list of passengers, Russell news, etc. Passengers : Messrs. G. H. CJarke, W. Clarke, C. Hettly, H. Wright, Nelson, Poole. McPuff, Adair, Lunden, Mrs Poole, Mrs Hanseri, and Mrs Colenso. Cargo: 80 sheep. 34 pigs. d. TT. Clarke ; 53 bags gum, H. D. Bolfe : 10 bales flax. 4 bales tow, A. BwcTdancl ; 24 hnsst grim. H. P. Arobpr.

The bripantine Augusta, Captain Bendell, has been londingr timber at Whangapoa at' Mr J S. Macfnrlane's mill. We hear that when the cutter Fannie left the upper mill at the beginning of this week she came foul of the stern line of the Aususta, -which bad been taken across the creek and hauled tiglit. The Fannie swung round on the mud in con sequence of the collision and damaged her mainsail and ringing. She was also delayed till the next tide. On board of the Fanme were Mr Harris, jun , and seme of the wit nesses in the trial just finished so unsatijfac torily at the Supreme Court. Of course it is not likely that this fact had anyihing to do with the stoppage. We understand that this is the third occasion on which a similar obstruction has been met with by Mr Harris' vessels. That gentleman has sent in a claim for £100 against Captain Bendell for the detention.

It will be seen byp our Fnssell shipping tews that another successful American whsler has just called in for stores at the Bay of Jstands, previous to returning to New Bedford. The vessel is the "Emma C. .Tones," Captain Gifford. In a three years cruise, she Las taken 2,G00 barrels of sperm oil. -Asa rule, from ten to twelve barrels to the tun. and the average price of the oil is from £70 to £75 per tun. This brings the value of the cargo up to about £16.000, a very handsome return, which we should have great' pleasure in seeing surpassed by our local whaler, the Albion. May it be so. ia our earnest but not very confident prayer.

The barque lately arrived from Pu get's Sound, and purchased by Messrs IToldship and Mcllroy, has had her name altered from the Hokulele to the Comet, which was her original appellation. She has cleared out for Port Chalmers with her original cargo of timber.

The schooner Faiiy has cleared with a cargo of stores for Hokianga. The fine ship loch Awe, 1,053 tons. Cap tain Weir, cleared to-day for San Francisco in ballast. She is to sail at once.

The natty fore-and-aft schooner Edith, Captain Trayte, has cleared for Rarotonga' and the Islands. She takes a cargo of sun dries, and will sail most probably to-morrow. The barque Hadda has cleared for New castle, in ballast, and with some original cargo from Duned'n.

The brig IsabeUr sh,a^ cleared for Newcastle. She is to sail in ballasb at once.

The schooner Ivanhoe is announced for sale.

The s.s. Southern Cross, Captain Sellars, arrived yesterday from Tauranga with cargo and passengers as already published.

The ship Miltiades entered inwards at the Customs this morning, as also the Flirt, brisantine, from Lyttelton ; the William Gifiord, barque, from New York via Dune din ; Ihe Ivanhoe, ecbooner, from Samoa; and the cutter Miranda, from Tairua.

The Helena, brigantine, has cleared out for Lyttelton with a cargo of timber shipped by Mr J. W. WsJler and Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane.

The new pilot boat built by Mr W. Bailey at the North Shore, was used for the first time to put the pilot on board the Militiades. It is a finely shaped whale-boat capable of carrying over a dozen passengers, and is row ed by four men. At present it is fitted with the sailing gear of the old boat, but this is not half large enough and will<jnot be seen to advantage till her own canvas is ready. Phe rows very lightly and is a good weatherly craft.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Go-ahead, s.s , McGillivray, from Waitara

IMPORTS.

Per Go-ahead, from Wanganui: 40 head cattle, 250 sheep, 1 horse, Seaton and David son ;40 kegs butter, order ; 3 pgs, Larnach.

The s.s. Go-ahead, Captain McGillivray, arrived here this morning at 5 a.m. She left Wanganui at 3 p.m. on the 23rd, and cleared the bar at 4.30 p.m. - Arrived at New Ply mouth at 7.30 a.m. on the 24th, and left again at 8 a.m., arriving as above. Ex perienced light variable winds with fine weather throughout. Passengers :—Mr and Mrs Howe, Messrs J. H. Smith and McCaul. We are indebted to Mr Newman, purser, for files.

PORT OF RUSSELL.

VESSELS ENTERED OUTWARDS.

July 20—Blanch, Hansen. for coast, with general cargo"; Maid of the Mill, Short, for Thames, with 47 tons coal; Kbenezer, Skinner, for Thames, with 44 tons coal July 22-Speedwell. Omus, for Thames, with 55 tons coal; Nancy, Shepherd, for Thames, with 40 tons caal

July 24 -Mariner, Austen, for Thames, with 106 tons coal ; •'

The whale ship Emma C. Jones, 307 tons. Captain Gifford, which put in for stores at the beginning of the week has since cleared out for New Bedford with her original cargo. Her cruise has now lasted three years, and has been very successful. She has on board as her catch during that period 2,600 barrels of sperm oil valued, at over L 16.000.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

iv :>m>■.■ ! ■ . ■ . Nelson, "^his day. •- : .i-The s.s. Marray arrived at 9 last night '"from New Plymouth, and sailed for Westport at.midnight with the English, mail. fit 5 p.m. for New Ply mouth and Auckland.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr B. Arthur reports having sold at his mart yesterday :—Fowls at Is to 2s od each; turkeys '2s Id to 3s 3d ; (no ducks) ; geese, 3s lid ; Flour' £13 10s to £14 j Can terbury bacon, S^d to 9Ad ; Auckland bacon, 4d to Sid ; butter 15|d ; pastry butter 7-£ d to Is; Canterbury cheese Sid to 9d ; ditto damaged, Cid ; Canterbury beef Igd to 2d ; Auckland beef, Hd ; pork, Hd ; oats, 5s per bushel ; Melbourne mould candles, 4^d ; apples, Ifd to 3d ; sugar, assorted, 4dto sd; j bran Is 6d to Is 9d per bushel. The sale of i furniture was postponed on account of liaviug. so much to deliver.

A larger quantity of poultry than usual was disposed of by auction, by Mr. W. Dow den, at the 2 o'clock poultry sale held in the marketyesterday. Prices realisedasfollows: — Turkeys (small), 2s 6d to 3s each ; do (large) 3s 6d to 4s 7d each ; geese 4s to 4s Gd each ; towls (ordinary), Is Id to Is 6d ; ditto (good) Is 6d to 2s Id each ; game fowls, 5s each ; chicl;eps, 9d to Is each ; guinea fowls, Is Cd to 2s each. There was a large quantity of miscellaneous goods, tinware, whips, etc, which realised good prices.

Extraordinary Shooting Case in Queen Street.

An extraordinary ehoo^rg case occurred in Queen-street about half-past four o'clock this afternoon, when a man named Finlay fired two shots from a six-barrelled revolver1 through the window of Mr Young, butcher, shots were apparently aimed at Mr Davis, Mr Young's clerk, but did not take effect, both balls lorl^ing harmlessly in the wall. Con stable Mrpdy who was) passing, took the re volver | from Finlay, and arrested him. The weapon was loaded and 'cocked for another shot when the timely interference of the constable prevented what would probably have been a murden A 1 present no cause can be assigned for the deed, which Favours much more of American than of colonial lawlessness.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :— For Thames, on Monday next, at 10.30 a.m. For Coromandel, on Monday next, at 11 30 a.m. For Taranaki, via Waitara, per Go-ahead, this day, at 4.15 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Itowena, •''on Monday next, at 4 p m.- For the undermentioned places, per Ladybird, on Tuesday, 28th instant, as under :— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 5 30 a m. For Taranaki, Southern provinces, Australian Colonies, *t 6 SO a. m. ' For the United Kingdom, via Suez and via Brindisi, at 6 30 am For newspapers at 6 30 p.m. For money orders, and registered letters, on Monday, 27th instant, at 6 pm. For Chatham Islands, per Magellan Cloud, on Fri day. 31st instant For the undermentioned places, per Cyphrenes, on August 3, as under : — For Fiji, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and Siuth America, and British and Foreign We3t Indies, at 12.30 p.m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 12 30 p.m For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 11 a m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d will be received by the mail agent on board up to time of sailing, 8. B, B-TH3, Chief Postmaster.

MARRIAGE.

Macfabt.ane—"Win'-MAN— At. Honnluln, on Satur day cv- niDjr, .Tune 20. at the residar.ee of the brine s father, by the Pev. Abbe Hermnnt!, Henry Macfar lare. Efq., to Miss Kmma, daughter of Hon. H. A. Widtman ; both of Honolulu.

DEATH .

BAvnt v—Or July 23, at Allanbank, Epsom, "WiH'em Fat tray ; sped 52 Tears. Tlie funeral will leave his late residence at 3 v m. on Sunday. Friends will please accept this intima tion. O'KKvru-On 25 instart, D. ,T. O'Keefe : aeert 41. Tlip. funeral »ill leave the Provincial Hospital at 3 o'clock on Monday. Friends will please accept tins irivit'tiou.

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

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1874.

For 1h? rause that lack* assistance. For tliß wrong that needs resistance, For the fniv.re in th» flistnncp.

And the good that v- o CAn

TThe jury could not agree. If they sat for three weeks they would be ho hearer an agreement. So said the foreman of the jury that tried the case of Macfarlane versus Harris ; and we do not hesitate to append the opinion that such a result is a burning disgrace to Auckland that should make every Aucklander hang hiw head in nhanie. After such evidence as eaire before the jury, after such a clear, explicit, and unmistakable charge from one of the most pure minded and impartial and uprislit judges that evpr ■wore the ermine ; after conviction ha 3 been forced on the minds of the whole community as to the only way in which Justice fhould speak, the jury could not ntrree, nor if they sat for three weeks longer would they no any thing nearer an agreement. It is not for ■us to p?y into the Bf-cretf; of the jury-room, or to opine the causes th;it would have induced some of the jury to have held out for three weeks or for ever. The pub lic will forma pretty fair estimate on this point ; in fact they have done so during the pi ogress of the trial, ar.d the present rrsult has been anticipated by somo with absolute certainty. That no special jury will be found to agree against certain interests in Auckland has been inado a boast.; and last night's proceedings are but one of a series that confirm its truth. We solemnly declare our belief that there are those in Auckland who might commit murder in Queen-street in broad daylight, nor could there bo brought together in Auckland a bench that would have the daring to commit for trial, nor a jury that would agree to a conviction. The terrorism and the vile influences that prevail have corrupted the strea ms of justice and no man is safe. It is in vain that we have on the bench of the Supreire Court a man who holds the scales of justice with impartial hand; in vain that he lays down the law of equity and of common sense so that a child may understand ; for so much scoundrelism have

we in our midst, so much villainy have we enrolled from among us on our jury list, that' the very prntes of justice are closed and barred. The machinery of our law Courts can be used by some for oppression and wrong, to ruin by costs and grind under the iron heel of power ; and it can be made to stand still when others appeal to it for protection. Law, as we know it in Auckland, is a mockery . trial by jury a delusion and a snare. There is no need for any explanation of the causes that produced no verdict last night. There is no need to scrutinise the names of the jurors or to enquire who they are that held for Harris and who for Macfar lane. This will all doubtless soon be known, but cut bono ? There will be impunity and commendation and more for those that were prepared to endure starvation in behalf of power ; the others will be marked. Heaven help the weak in Auckland ! for'in the law courts there is no protection. The result of last night is in defiance of evidence, in con tempt of the ruling and direction of the Judge, and an insult to the moral sense of the community. What are we coming to ?

We have received the following letter this afternoon from Mr Kirby :—To the Editor of the S'J'ar : Sir, —Having ascertained that Mr William Buchanan is the owner of a large amount of freehold property in this town, on that account only, I beg to retire in his favour.—l am, sir, Wm. Kirby. We are glad to see that Mr Kirby, satisfied that Mr Buchanan will be a true and loyal defender of the interests of the people, has lesolved to Dot stand in the way of his election. Mr Buchanan will accordingly have a walk over, and we do not hesitate to say that he will be found among the worthiest and best of the members of the City Council. We regret that misapprehension was con veyed in a paragraph inserted in our yester day's issue respecting the Devonport wharf. That it is finished or nearly so, is correct enough, but that the Perry Company refuse to use it is the fancy of a disordered imagina tion, and did the Company so refuse they would be simply compelled to use it by the Harbour Board, who will continue to fix as they have heretofore fixed the time-table for the convenience of the pubiic. The North Headers may leave their minds perfectly at ease on that point. As to the A.S.P. Company being invited to] establish a ferry service, and as to the necessity for another £210 being spent on the Devouport wharf, somebody has been spinning a twister to our reporter. The immigrantes from the Miltiedes have been lodged in the Barracks and Drill-shed, where they have been made as comfortable as circumstances would permit. As usual there has been a great run upon the single girls, a large proportion of whom are already engaged The married people and single men represent useful trades and callings, and will, we doubt not, be gradually absorbed. Miss Meredith comes out as matron over the single girls. She has succeeded in commanding their res pect and obedience during the voyage. ' Divine service to-morrow (Sunday) at New ton Kirk by Rev Dr Wallis : Morning, "Pro phecies concerning the Estimation of the Jews;" evening, "Spring, and its moral analogies." City Hall : ser vices conducted by Key W. Butland, of the Thames. Lome-street Hall by Samuel Edger, B.A. : Morning, " The power of re generation ;" evening, "The war of Cathol ics and Protestants, and the peace of Christ." Wellesley-street Baptist Church : Morning, "Hope waiting Christ's return;" evening, "Afterdeath,what then." United Methodist Free Church, morning and, evening, by Rev George H. Turner,

The fourth monthly meeting of the Auck land iDßtiiute will be held on Monday even ing next at the Museum buildings.

The residents in and about the suburb of Ponsonbv are again being annoyed with .herds of wandering goats and cows. The cows in particular are sent out to graze upon the several streets, and thus trample down every thingintheirwaybesidesdestroyingthenewly- marle paths. The people have to keep a sharp look-out or the goats would eat down every plant in their gardens. Another dodge now practised is to set a small boy driving the cows as they graze, iv order to protect the owner from the law.

We observe that the Loyals will leave Auckland on Tuesday next for the Thames, so that there will be only two more evenings of their unique entertainment in the Lorne streetHall This entertainment is one ot the best of the kind that has been presented to the public of this city. The dancm- - Miss Shapter and Mr McLen- fl^_ rare character, e™Z*»i<? the Scotch dances. While thA rr!ipf!g - fe i j ei .f orrn&nc - e& D f Mddle. -•««» fthi! MbbstS Toyal and Araletti are nn- B^cebii'on&bia in their eymnas'ic exhibitions. Mr (leoraa Turner's songs are exceedingly inteifestincr. The " Mill Stream "is a pretty, rustic ballad, and despite itis .defective rhyme was admirably snVig by this vocalist. A plrjasahi: evening may be passed with this company, and as there are only two more nights that can be enjoyed vith the troupe in Auckland wereconimen'd avisitto Lome-street Hall. Mi?s Lizzie Shapter will take her benefit on Monday night, when, a fine pro gramme will be presented.

A letter has. reached iis from "A Pas senger »of the Miltiades. We are unable to publish ifcatlength, but it will be sufficient to {jive the tenor of it. The writer bears testi mony to the harmony which prevailed on board th" ship during the voyoge, »ml speaks in the V k-hpst terms of everyone in authority on Hoard! He says "I am glad to be able tosay that the co-operation of the captain, surgeon, officers, and men of the Miltiades lms been so thorough as to rehder the harmonious work ing of the Vessel little short of perfect. The courtesy of Captain Pcrrit, both towards his ttrew and towards the immigrants, was bo well appreciated as to render the mainten ance of discipline amongst them an easy matter." * * "One could not but re mark the'approvinp way on which the officers, Mr Breach and Mr Laws, ppoke of their sub ordinates throughout the whole passage, and the total absence of that fuss and superfluous noise with which orders on board ship arc too often given and executed." _It gives us great plcntiue to a<M 8 cv^ence *° that which has already appeared as to the popularity which the captain, doctor ami officers of the Milh'ndes.have gained. Tt is the more so as unfortunately recent experi ence has pi (sented very different spectacles on board immigrant ships.

The Great Siamese and Asiatic Circuß Company, will re-t>pen the Mammoth Pavil ion on Monday evening for one week, pre vious to toing to (Sydney. The prices will be reduced in order* to place the privilege of peeing /the -wonders of the pavilion within the reach of all classes.

The Naval Brigade paraded last night between the showers in the pale moonlight, sud Captain LePoy commanded the men, who acquitted themselves very well, and then they were ]ut thioufh their motions and usual drill. Sergeant-Wajor Haslem observed that with heart and will, and the men went back from the old drill-shed and sought repose each man in his bed.

The annual meeting of the Forth Shore ratepayers will be held at Woodside on Mon day, at three o'clock. The ferry steamer leaves the wharf at two; so that ratepayers living in town will have ample opportunity for attending without unnecessary loss of time. The district iff a rising one, and cs £400 will shortly be spent by the Govern ment on a main trunk road th« administra tion o*f the funds locally raised is a matter requiring careful attention.

Special sermons will be preached to-mor row (Sunday) at the United Methodist Free Church in aid of the Sunday-school in con nection with that place of worship. The sermon in the morning will be preached by Rev A. Reid, Wesleyan minister, and that in the evening by Rev G. H Turner, min ister of tho chapel. Mr George Hemus will deliver an address to the teachers and child ren in the afternoon. The collection will be in aid of the school funds. On the following Tuesday the anniversary soiree and meeting will be held, in which several ministers and gentlemen will take part. Mr. Staines, on behalf of Mr. Rees, at tended the meeting convened to be held at Lake Takapnna last ui^ht, and announced the retirement of Mr Rees and his inability to attend that night owing to his engage ment in the case of Macfarlane v. Harm proceeding at the Supreme Court. Mr. Staines addressed the electors ah some length, and was well received. General approval was expressed regarding the course adopted by Mr Rees in order to take away any shadow of a chance which the splitting of the independent votes mi£;ht have given Mr Macfarlane; and the numerous supporters of Messrs Rees and Yon der Heyde resolved to unite their forces and redouble their exer tions with the view of placing the latter gen tleman as high above his opponent at the poll as he is superior to him in all the points that constitute a worthy representative of the people. The Good Templars' brass band was formed last evening in the Newton School room, when Mr David Goldio was appointed treasure., and W. W. Carlaw, hon. secre tary of the baud. It was announced that subscriptions were needed, and possibly ere long a movement will be made in that direction. The jury in the case of Macfarlane-v Harris* when called in last night at eight o'clock' stated that they were no nearer agreement J than before. The foreman said they could give a verdict of two-thirds. After some consultation Mr MacCormack said the defend ant was willing to accept the verdict. Mr Heske +,h observed that he had offered to take the verdict of a majority when the jury first came in shortly after two o'clock, but he was not prepared to do so now. He was willing that the jury should be discharged. Mr MacCormick said that although very reluctant to detain the jury unnecessarily, yet he could not consent to their dis charge until they had remained a longer time, because he looked upon the case as one of great importance to the whole community, as involving the question of the right of a citizen to take the. proceedings he was entitled to by law. The jury were then teat back to their room, refreshments being allowed. At ten o'clock, as there was no likelihood of agreement, and as Mr Macfar lane still declined to take a majority, Mr McCormick consented to their release, and they received their guinea each and were dis charged. It is understood that eight of the jurors were in favor of a verdict for tho de fendant on all material issues, and four for the plaintiff with nominal damages.

We understand that the committee of Volunteer officers appointed by the' officer commanding the district has agreed with the Improvement Commissioners upon a site for the Drill-shed, which will be removed forth with ; and a meeting of the committees will be held on Monday to arraDge_(prelirniaaries.

The following was handed to us by a correspondent for publication. It refers to the marriage of a gentleman well known in Auckland:—Papakanene, the well-known mansion of the late Governor Kekuanaoa, now owned and occupied by Hon. HA Wide man, was on Saturday evening last the scene of the most brilliant and fashionable assem blage that Honolulu has witnessed for a long tkne. Is was the occasion of the marriage of Mr Wideman's eldest daughter Emma to Henry Macfarlane, Esq., {Secretary to the Legislative Assembly. There were present, His Majesty the King, accompanied with his staff in uniform, H.&.JEL Prince Leleiohoku, H.ii.H.Luka Keelilkolani, Governor and Mrs Dominis, Hon A.S. Clegborn and wife, their Excellencies the King's Ministers, and the American, British and French Ministers, the Consular Corps, with the officers - r e-g g" ship Benicia. Ti- uiarri ~£ monJ waH perror-^ Htirtaahnj of the Jlotniln Catholic .Church. The ample salortns were" crowded with the numerous guests, who tarried till the midnight clock announced the sacred hour of the day of rest; We "have never seen at any wedding in. tm city, such a display of rich arid valuable gifts thu bridal bail- wore the recipient of.

The Eight Pvcv Dr Cowie, Bishop of Auck land, delivered a most interesting lecture last evening in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association, on "The Manu scripts of the Bible." The Rev Dr Maunselk, president of the Association; Occupied the chair and introduced. tb»). Bishop. ■ Any attempt to give portions of the lecturer's dis course wouid be to disturb its course, as it must be given in its completeness to be thoroughly appreciated and understood. The lecture shtwed how deeply the Bishop had studied his subjiiufc iv order to present it in an intelligent and acceptable form to his audience. On the motion of Mr linid a vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to the rev. leotuier, who gratefully acknowledged the compliment. The next lecture will be given on tha H'-h August by tlae Rev. David Bruce. Orders have been issued by Captain Der rom for a general meeting of the Victoria Company, to be held in the Drill-shed on Tuesday evening next, at 7.30 p.m., on im portant business. The usual weekly parade of thi.-s Company will until further orders be held without aims and accoutrements, and we arc informed that the must regular atten ders will receive the new rillei first. All members should therefore make themselves efficient.

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

To the Editor of the Evenixo Stab. Sib,—-The intelligent public is exulting with pleasure that the infamous attempt on the part of some (no doubt well-meaning persons) " to throw open the institute on the Sabbath," his been completely frustrated. The com mittee very wisely did not attempt to press the matter, but merely introduced the sub ject as pioiaised to a few members who fancy that it must be so pleasant to pass a few hours at the room 3 poiing over the current literature of the day. One or two persons, as the matter was being discussed, said "It was only right that the rooms should be opened, as they had heard of other other places of the kind bting now thrown open ; and added that it would be the saving of - the institute if huch were the case in Auckland." I won der what kind of spirit these poor creatures have. Whore do they spend their Sunday evenings ''. I am certain that if such a thing had Leeu carried by these few Sabbath ilesecrators, the Mechanics' in less than a month would have been let for a bowling saloon, or something of that soit, aud every respectable member have closed accounts with it for ever. I trufet the day will never dawn when any institution, having for its object the good of humanity and the education of the public mind, shall ever fall so low, and become, instead of a blessing to society, a contagion aud a curse. The men who ad vocate the opening, say that they have only time on the Sabbath. I do not believe them. There is not a man in the city but has ample means at his command to read and to generally improve his mind, on the ordinary evenings of the week, yea, and plenty of time to spare. It would I think be fonnd the case to a very great extent, that the men who want the Sabbath to be thus violated are found in the evening walk ing our streets, at the Theatre, or doing the grog game at some hotel, and then of course because they happen to pay 2s Gd or so to the Mechanics', they must try to ignore, and trample upon the rights of seven-eights of the members But out of all the meeting only say, three were found bold enough to support the pro position. We have, in common with most other cities, enough of evils in our midst in stead of such a vile addition. We owe to a great extent our national greatness to our at least formal sanctity of the Lord's Day. We care not what day may be set apart as our seventh, that we may rest, so long as it is sanctioned by the laws of the land ; but we must give a seventh to the Almighty if we would nationally and individually pro gress in the truest sense of the term. We trust such a question will never creep up again among the members of the Institute, and this first attempt and its complete failure will be a salutary lesson for all time to come. —Yours, &c., Hy. T.

A PLEA FOR THE IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS.

To the Editor : Sir, —Success covers a mul titude of sins, but only give a dog a bad name and how it will stick to him. Fair play is a jewel, so let us see wherein and in what the Improvement Commissioners have been to blame, against whom just now the public are rather open mouthed. We hear all sorts of accusations of how the Commissioners have begun at the wrong end—how they did not get then money a year ago when they might have got it (?), and, in round sweeping term, how th«y made a jolly mess of the whole thing. Granted : the non-completion, of the intended improvements will make a deplor able mess—themoredeplorable as it will leave unswept away the ugly blot of our city—the Chancery Lane slums—the one great im provement hoped for, —unaccomplished. Sir, the whole thing sums it3elf up in one word— money. Had money been forthcoming the improvements would have been carried to a successful completion in some four months from the present time. It stands on record that the Comissiouers had the highest autho rity for believing that the money would be forthcoming whenever wanted*. And in this belief the Commissioners borrowed, and in this belief the Bank (authority aforesaid) meanwhile ad vanced, the required money to carry out the works. The Commissioners being thus as sured that the ways and means would be forthcoming did a nice thing in not floating their debentures at commencement of their operations, for they would have been paying interest on a large amount of unemployed capital. By using a bank over-draft they only paid interest upon the actual money as they expended it from day to day and in payment of the contracts as they fell due. Pursuing this course, and carrying on the least expen° sive of their works first, they judiciously financed towards the final accomplishment of their scheme, which would require and absorb the larger half of their money,

■ The whole of the works are com pleted (or nearly so) save this final completion — namely, the opening the street from Coburg-street through Shortland sfreet to Fort-street. Tt was in the pur chase of the properties to accomplish this that the larger half of the money was wanted, r,nd now that the time has arrived for the purchase of these the Commissioners are told the money is not forthcoming, as was held out it would be. Give the Commissioners the promised balance of their f'50,000 and before Christmas the public may drive from Symonds-Btrcet down new WeHesley-strcet, through the new street across Shortland strcet and Commerce-street to the railway station. Moral : The poor Commissioners are Hlore sinned against than sinning.—l | am, &c, Fatk Play.

THE STRANDING OF THE TARTAR.

NARRATIVE OF AN AUCKLAND PASSENGER;

' The following graphic account o&the ground f ing of the R.M. steamship Tartar on the reef is extracted from a private letter from an Auckland passenger, received by the last mail. It is dated 20th June, 1874:—At Kandavau we trnnshipperi into the Tartar, a large Biropg steamer* but. with only half.the n^commoci^tioh required for the large num bers of passengers. We left on Sunday the 14th. Everything -went well up to Sunday the 21st. On Mod day morning at about 3 o'clock something woke me up with a start, and I found the engines stopping. I thought at first nothing of it, but when I felt the ship give two or three hard bumps and found the engines going hard astern I got up, and you may imagine my horror at finding we had run on a coral reef, wiih breakers all round. Soon the,whole of the male passengers came on deck, half afraid to speak to one another lest the ladies should get to know wh^t was the matter, as we all hoped before morning to get off the reef. But they had felt the shock as well as we, and before sunrise most of them came on deck, betraying their anxiety in their alarmed looks and questions. When daylight broke we could see the dangerous position we were in. The ship seemed literally surrounded, by reefs. They extended as far as we could see fore and aft. We were fifty miles out of our course, arid with ho hope of any, vessel coming to our assistance. I thought the ladies would give way to their fears, and by creating a panic make matters worse, but they behaved nobly. Not a murmur was heard. All seemed resigned and determined ) to await the issue. Had the breeze freshened we should indeed have been in a bad case. The boats were all got ready for lowering, but they were only capable of taking about half of us ; besides it is a poor chance when it conies to the boats in the middle of the ocean. My thoughts at this fearful time where of my old father and of all of you. Had we gone down it is possible you would never have known our fate. The Captain com missioned one of the passengers to address us. Tf we could only keep calm. and bear with him in this critical and dangerous position he would do all in his power to get the vessel off. He should expect all of us to lend a willing hand to assist. Fortunately the wind kept Heht, and the surf was nothing to speak of. When it blows hard this breaks on the reef in large rollers. When it was found that the engines would not move the ship, an anchor was carried out astern, and an attemptwasmade to heave her off that way; but after a short time the hawser parted and the anchor was lost, our hopes of escape at the same time becoming less buoyant. The word was then passed to lighten the ship by throwing overboard the coals for we had no other cargo. We had about 1000 tons on board. All the male passengers were told off into four watches or relays for-^this purpose, the officers and crew being en gaged in sounding all round the ship and ill carrying out a second anchor. The warp, however, broke again, and all chance of dragging her off in this way was lost. We now commenced our work. There were nine Europeans and three Chinamen in each ■watch. You do not know what it is for hands which have never been used to it to shovel up coals out of a ship's hold in the tropical heat of these regions. We were only about six degrees from the equator. Oh my God I trust never to be obliged to go through it again. Some of us went down the hold and the rest remained on deck to empty the baskets as fast as the steam-engine could hoist them. Hardly a word was spoken from the time we

went below until our watch was relieved, as we all understoood how much our chance of saving our lives depended on our exertions.

It is not an easy task to lighten a heavy ship. You should have seen us coming from our work. Our singlets and trousers were the only clothes we had on, and you could wring them out, so profusely did the perspiration stream from us. This and the coal dust to jrether made us miserable-looking objects. It would have puzzled our nearest friends to have recognised us. For twenty-five hours we -woi-ked like Englishmen can work when they are put to it. Old and young alike stuck to it manfully. When the watch I

belonged to went down on Tuesday at eleven o'clock we were told that every basket would now tell. The coals were being sent up out of three hatches. We

were discharging about 80 baskets an

hour, the engines going full speed astern all the time. All at once the captain, whether in despair or as an experiment I do not

know, ordered the engines to be put full spead ahead. Immediately after the change we felfc the ship right herself. She had before been lying over on one side. Then we felt her begin to movrf sover the rocks. We knew at once what it meant, but we continued working might and main. A heavy surf swell coming in at this moment lifted her up over the reef, and our hearts gave a bound of thankfulness as we felt her settle down in deeper water. A loud hurrah burst from all of us, and we rushed on deck in a great state of joy and excitement. You should have seen the faces of our passengers and heard the congratulations all round. Then, and not till then, did the ladies give' way, and their pent up feelings found vent in tears, and, in some cases, hysterical sobs. You may fancy the position of a large ship, with 210 souls on board on a coral reef, right oat of the track of a friendly sail ; add to this shoals of sharks swimming round the ship, as if waiting with diabolical patience for their prey. Our boats were all in good order except one which, was smashed m the surf- an accident which nearly cost the second officer his life. The moment we got into deeper water the captain anchored till the crew in the steam-launch should find an outlet in the encircling reefs. Although we had sufficient water to float us we could see the bottom plainly. On Wednesday we started, the little steamer taking soundings ahe*d of us. We had steamed very s.owly for about half-an-hour when our little pilot-boat put up the red danger nag. By reversing the engines we just escaped going on another reef. The captain now determined to remain where he was until the launch had discovered a channel into deep water. This took a long time, and the time seemed longer from our anxious susoense. At last she returned, having found an outlet We started again, and this time got safely ' out into the open sea. Thank God for ou escape, We arrived here without furth >

mishap lastnight. The vessel is, I hear *c little the worse for her bumping on tl? i** rocks. My bands are getting better no* They have been very badly blistered a W in-all directions, and quite stiff. OnSund ' before we struck the captain could not fefr the sun, as it was aveiy cloudy day, end* found that a current which is £uppoaedt! run in the opposite direction had carried m out of our course very nearly to our desW tion."

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Dr. Home and G*" *aaame, Esq. Jus£nt§RlM I: .. _ f T f HE A'to 10in. c-x Levi Watts %.. \ x* Lestrange, John Jackson, ai/ic. -, \ -•js; each for being driink last nig jJ/i \ iNCOP.RIGIBL'FS. Vis I . Mary Ann Curtis, aged 21, <$fk- Morgan, aged 23, were separat jfc-i?Ji& with being rogues and vagabbnds^^lSl*^ Mary Ann said she might as ;3Eg# pj e J guilty, it was all the same. Jemima Morgan also pleaded guilty. ■■..,'■ Sergeant-Major Pardy said the prisoners were notoriously bad characters and a nui sance to the neighbourhood, and he would ask the Bench to give them a long sentence. The Bench sentenced Curtis to twelve months' and Morgan to iiine months' iiiipt}: Eonrhent. : Curtis said she did "not care a button for that : she could do that bit on her head. Prisoners were then removed. ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE. Peter Caprera was sentenced to one month's imprisonment for being absent without leave from the schooner Albert Rose since Tuesday last. This was all the business.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

BUSINESS DOM-r Bank of ISTew Zealand —Sellers, £17 15s. National Bank—72s 6d ; sellers, 745. South British Insurance —Buyers, 51s; sellers, 525. National Insurance —Buyers, 293. Thames G.M.C.— Sellers, 625. Alburnia (con.)—3ls ; sellers, 31s. Caledonian, buyers, £10; sellers, £10 ss. Crown Prince —29s 6d : buyers, 29 j sellers 30j. . , Old Whau- 44s ; buyers, 445; sellers; ; 45i Od. City of York—Buyers, 10s 6d; sellers, 15a; Cure—Buyers, 14s. Otago—Buyers, 10a. Vanguard—Buyers, 2s 8d ; sellers, 33 6d. Central Italy (double)— Sellers, 7s3d.

ENGLISH OPERA COMPANY.

Balte's magnificent opera of "Satanella" was performed last evening at the Prince of ' Wales Theatre for the second time by the English Opera Company. The house was filled on the occasion, and every part was sustained par excellence. The singing and ; playing of Miss Alice May, as the leading character, was aitistical. and perfect. ThiS artiste is so thoroughly natural in her ■ portrayal of character that she is always sue-, cessful. Nothing could be finer than her dramatic representation of Satanella last night. The scenery also was of the most gorgeous description, and does great credit to the talent and taste of Mr Willis and his assistants. Count Rupert was rendered with commendable skill by Mr Hallatn, who gave the several ballads in hia part with much taste. The ballad, "Our hearts are not own to give," by Miss Lambert as Stella, was very sweetly sung, and the character pictured with truth and effect. Mr Eainford, as Arimanes, was eminently, successful. His impersonation was fufl of energy and power. The "Pirate" scene was very full of life and animation, and Mr Templeton and his comrades were very fine with their melodies, and justly re- . ceived an encore. The little slave that danced the mimic dance behind the Grand Vizier (which was personated by Mr Evans : with dumb show acting, was really ex cellent) in the slave-market of Tunis was much admired. This is his second appear ance on the stage, and we may state that Master Fernandez exhibited an amount o£ cleverness which was very noticeable in one so young. We noticed a marked improve- > ment in Miss Howe, both in her acting and voice, and she performed her part gracefully. Mr Hallam sang, we thought, with much, more energy than on some previous occasions. >. The subordinate parts were also brought out more efficiently, and consequently thia v . beautiful opera was the more perfect. ; The scenery and the associations of * L the opera were all in keeping, and the music was excellent. This evening Bene« diet's '' Lily of Killarney" will be pro duced. CINDERELLA. On Monday night is to be represented Ros sini's grand opera of Cinderella. This is the fitst of Rossini's which the Company have ventured on in Auckland, and it will be looked forward to with a great amount of in- ] terest. No composer's music possesses moro ; charms than Rossini's. In addition to its intrinsic artistic merit it has an attractive melodiousness which appeals to the general equally with the educated ear. Its sparkling play ol* expression eminently fits it for forming the vehicle for convey ing the fairy straias of the beauti* ful story of the " Glass Slipper." No fairy legend is so generally a favourite as "Cm« derella." Every child goes into raptures over it, and its charm lasts into the later life of its readers,.? j The tale is so artistically con« structed in spite of its simplicity; the moral, which the story has in common with all other nursery legends, is pointed so plea santly and with such an utter absence of all that goody-goody-ness which is apt to spoil the interest of such fairy yarns, that its: pages are always perused with pleasure alike by young and old, by those who practice the \ lessons it teaches, and by those who readmit for its owu interest, oblivious of any additional merit. Preparations for the performance are being made on a grand scale. Being a fairy opera the spectac ular effects constitute a great feature, while the metamorphoses which- the performers have to undergo under the magic wand of the good fairy require special apparatus aisd machinery. To meet all these requirements tbe Company are striving manfully, having determined to eclipse even the acknowledged success of " Satanella." .New scenery has been specially painted by Mr Willis. We hear privately that some scenic effects will bo attempted that have never before been aspired to by any company in the colony. The greatest care is being taken to ensure a triumph The dresses will be va. accordance with the brilliant scenes in which the characters have to appear. " Der Freichutz" is in actic^j- — *!£"*•■ and will be given at au earlys&totY; . ' ~i the famous incantation scenet^—* Market*/ caused such a furore at 4 Christchurch. " ' - **-*-r —-'•*

Mr Bailey has also just finished a new dingy for Messrs Kisaling's yacht, the Dapi^e- This is aa elegant little boat made to carry about six passengers. It is tastefully painted and decorated with the flag of the Thames Yacht Club, to which the Daphne belongs. It can be carried under the raainboom of the yacht without interfering with tto working of th^Yessel,

*HI Itißttm I*A», SATITRMf, 3ULY 25, li! 4



T COSGRAVE& CO. ' S if • FINAL CLEARANCE SALE op WINTER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING COMMENCES TO-DAY, When the Sa'e will be ront.i'rmed until the Stock is disposed of cither by tender or auction. rsaut i o n . OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. Connoispenrs rrr.nnunce this Fance to be tho BEST for crenei-al nee in households, ar.d. in con seqnerco of it=i high refutation, srnno unprincipled pers r.s have been induced to Collect Empty Battles beaiing the Manufacturer's name stamped thereon, and parsed the same nff ai " Olson's Universal Tomato Sauff." The proprietor has in conscqu«sce caused his TRADE MASK to he Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Minks Act, l.'OB," and proceedings will be takeu against such persons as may for»e or counterfeit such mark. Tlie public are cautioned to ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE. and see that the name is Stamped on !to£*'e and stopper, and wrapped round with his well-known abel. [Established 1564 J T\ STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, EXHIBITION BRAND, BAOI.E BRAND, CROWN BRAND, Are to be procured at all respectable Grocers and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auckland. D. STEPHENSON & CO., ■ W V N D H A M STREET, » AUCKLAND. rTIBDE attention of Purchasers is requested to oar LARGE, NEW, AND WELL-ASSORTED STOCK OF GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, SUITABLE FOB THE PRESENT SEASON. BLACK SILKS, Prom 3s 9d per yard, wide width, and much below regular price. 10 BALES WHITE BLANKETS, 9-4, 10-4, and 11-4. BLUE AND GREY Bl ANKETS AND RUGS-, SHEETINGS, QUILTS, and all-kinds of FURNISHING GOODS. A Lot of Double width GREY SHEETING, from lOjd yard Cheap Flannels, Crimean Shirtings New Dress Materials, Cheap Winceys Children's, Girl's, and Ladies' Winter Hosiery Ladies' Waterproof Tweed Mantles A Choice Lot of LADIES' BLACK CLOTH JACKETS, New and richly trimmed. Black Straw Hats, Flowers and Ribbons Silk, Alpaca, and Gingham Umbrellas Gig Umbrellas, extra sizes New Wool Ties, Scarfs, &c. BOYS', YOUTH'S, AND MEN'S CLOTHING. Mackintoshes, Pilot Jackets, and Overcoats Boys' Overcoats. A Splendid New Stock of Gentlemen's New Silk Scarfs. Ties, Braces and Belts, Felt Hats Warm Winter Gloves Boy's Caps, from Is 6d Hosiery, &c. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAIT, . (LATE R. H0BB5,) Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothikbs, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen - stkeet, Auckland.