SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

HIGH WATER: This evening, 0.25 ; to-monow morning. 9.49

SUN-SET: 1%-f cnraalng, 4.54; STTN-RISBs To morrow morning, 6.58 MOON'S AGE: Full Moon,Blst, 6.25 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Tasso, barque, from Lyttelton Tawera, schooner, from Kaipara (in the Manukau) Agnes, and Dawn, cutters, from Waikato (in the Manukau)

DEPARTURES.

m-uray, s. s ., for Tauranga, Poverty Bay, Napier, and Wellington Rowena, as,. f or Russell Isabella, brig, for Newcastle JSbenezer, schooner, for Wangaroa <-»em, schooner, for Wangapoa Mercury, cutter, for Mercury Bay Corahe, cutter, for Tairua Hero, cutter, for Kaipara (from the Manukau)

VESSELS EXPECTED.

JHero, s.g., from Sydney, early Kourarell, ship, from London. Sailed February 19 Huntley Castle, ship, from London. Sailed Feb 21 Southern Cross, s.s., from England Ampreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October 15 Pakeha brig; from Lyttelton pretty Jane, s.s.. from Napier and Gisborne, early Fateraon, p.s., from the South, early Mary King, schooner, from Adelaide, early Augusta, schooner, from Sydney, early JMiUi, schooner, from Pouth Sea Islands, early i_ cm*tl, s' ketcb» from Lyttelton, early Cnarybdis, schooner, from Lyttelton James Wishart, ship, from London, sailed v_neen of Nations, ship, from Liverpool, via Belfast, sailed William Gifford, barque, frcm New York, via Dunedin. Sailed Feb 15 Thames, barque, from Boston, loar_i_ig Hylton Castle, barque, from Newcastle, early £.0.1_., barque, from Newcastle. Sailed April 18 Florence barque, from New York. Sailed Feb 14 Wonga Wonga, !>.s., from Sydney, about Ith June

The barque Lady Emma, John Shimens, master, arrived at the Thames yesterday from Newcastle, after a run of 13 days, with a cargo of 386 tons of coal consigned to Capt.

The barque TienTsin, we hear by telegram, arriye<i at Lyttelton from Kaipara yesterday. The Golden Crown, after being overhauled on the gridiron yesterday, took her usual trip to the Thames this morning. The barque Serene hauled into the wharf this morning, and commenced putting out her cargo. _ She is a splendidly built barque, and Captain Segerman evidently takes a pride in keeping her in apple-pie order. Her decks, cabin, and state-rooms are the perfection of neatness, while the last mentioned are also spacious and lofty. The Serene has, up to the present, delivered all her cargo in the finest condition. In spite of her long detention on the coast what remains in her appears to be equally well preserved. Persons who desire to get to New York cannot do better than secure passages by the Serene. She sails about the Ist proximo. fhe Jubilee will commence discharging to morrow.

The Mission barque got up Bteam this morning, and had another trial in the har bour.

The barque Tasso, from has arrived off Rangitoto Reef as we go to press. She left Lytteiton on the 11th, and has made therefore a good passage of 6-£ days. She brings the following cargo :— 375 sacks wheat, J. and J. Soppett; 703 sacks oats, 253 sacks bran, 704 sacks pota toes, 30 sacks flour, 6 cases cheese. Notice is given at the Custom House that Monday next, the 25th instant, will be observed as a close holiday in that depart ment in honor of Her Majesty's birthday. The schooner Swallow has cleared for Mercury Bay with a cargo of stores. The schooner Helen has entered in from Ngunguru with 8000 feet of timber, 24 tons firewood, and 20,000 shingles. She has since cleared for the same port. The brig Pakeha left Lyttelton on the 12th for this port.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as TJndsp. :—

For Thames. to-mor-OW, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.50 p.m. For Coromandel, 10-morrow, at 11.30 a m. For Tauranga, per Bonit.a, to-morrow, at 9 ?,m For Taranaki, via Waitara, per Go-ahead, to-

morrow, at 10 a.m. For St Andrew's, Kennedy's Bay, per Merlin, to-

morrow, at 11 a m. For Wanganui, per St. Kilda, on Thursday next, at

10 am. For Waiwera and Warkworth, per Lady Bowcn, on Thursday next, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per Taranaki, on Friday next, at 10 a.m. For Whitiangi, Tairua, Tanrarga, and Opoliki, and Napier, via Taurar.ga. per Southern Cross, on Saturd.y next, at 1 p m.

Signed) 8. B Bibp, Chief Postm sorter.

BIRTH

Stupp— On the 17th instant, at her residence, Cook street, the wife of Mr George Stupp, of a daughter. Bui-Rows-At Bella "Vista, Ponsorby, the wife of Mr P. F. M. Burrows of a daughter.

DEATH.

Bond—On May 18, Mary, the beloved wife of Mr James Bond, aged 51 years. The funeral will lewe her late residence, Victoria street, on Wednesday. May 20, at 3 p.m- Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Conway—At her brother's- residence, Susan Conway, after a long and painful illness ; aged 2_. Her cad was peace.

The Funeral will leave her brother's residence, Mount-street, on Wednesday at 4.20 o'clock. Friends will please accept this invitation.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENT

Censor has not sent his name.

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

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1874.

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

The census returns of the province of Auck land, which are now complete, contain various features of interest. The total population is 67,467, being an increase of 5,132 since 1871. This number is divided into 37,119 males and 30,348 females, shewing room for female immigration to supply the matri monial as well as the labour market. The popu lation of City East and West jointly is only 12,982, but with Newton and Parnell, which must be included within the real boundaries of Auckland, the city population numbers ■ 21,803, having increased 1,584 during the past three years. The tendency of the city to extend rather than centralize its popula tion by building closer is shewn from the fact that out of the total increase, 1,301 . persons have become located in the suburbs, the district!, of City East and West having only multiplied their population to the very limited extent of 281 persons. The direction in which the city is becoming peopled is further indicated by the relative in creases East and West of Queen-street, the main dividing thoroughfare. East the in crease numbers only 443, against 1,139 West, these figures being represented chiefly by an increase of 411 persons in Parnell against 890 in Newton. The census returns set at rest the popularly received delusion that the fair sex of Parnell is largely dominant. On the contrary we find that the population of our aristocratic suburb is most evenly divided in this respect, there being only eight ladies in excess of the gentlemen, while in the New ton district there are 59. This predominance of the gentle portion of the citj population in two districts is more than counter-balanced by an excess of men to the extent of 740 in the districts of City East and West. It is quite clear, therefore, that there are no wives for 673 unluoky individuals, unless

they import them. Eligible bachelors should ' take warning, and come to terms with the ladies that are available, and at the same time '' willing." Leaving the city, we lind in the returns evidence of substantial progress in settlement throughout the province. The goldfields population, which it was assumed by some had decreased, has in reality in creased 681 persons, numbering now in all 12,271 souls. There is evidently an open ingforsome marriagable spinsters to settle the nomadic population in this part of the pro vince, the masculine element being in excess to the extent of no less than 1,665 souls. Of the country districts, Waikato shews by far I the largest increase, amounting to 1,322 per sons, a very considerable growth for three years under many disadvantages. Here, also, there is a lack of the feminine element which, if it may be tolerated on a goldfield, is not creditable to a farming community, 1,253 substantial country lasses are required to relieve the solitude of the male residents in the Waikttto, who at present have no prospect but bachelorhood. Young ladies in the Waikato must be at a premium judging from the fact that more than two-thirds of tho people in the district belong to the sterner sex. With the exception of Waite mata, in which there has been a slight decrease, all the other districts shew in creases of from one to five hundred. The town of Onehunga is also making steady progress, having now a population of 2,084 against 1,589 in 1871. The return of houses in the province shows that there are 14,995 inhabited and 1,782 uninhabited houses, which lepresent an increase of 1,328 in the number of inhabited houses, and a decrease of 259 in the uninhabited, or a total of 1,069 new buildings, exclusive of courso of those which replace others pulled down or de stroyed by fire—a by no means inconsider able number. There has, in round numbers, thus been a new building added for every increase of fivo to our population. These results are on the whole very encouraging, and show. satisfactorily that although the outward signs may not always be apparent tho province is nevertheless steadily pro gressing in material prosperity, and will compare, very favourably with its Southern sisters.

A piece of information has come to our ears which is of so extraordinary a character that we will not trust ourselves to comment uponit until it shall have been more fully authenticated. We are told that the authori ties of the University of New Zealand pro posed to our Board of Education, some months ago, to make a complete alteration in the way of disposing of the £.'SOO a year granted by the University ; that they re commended that instead of the past arrange ments there should be one or two lona fide professors for the evening classes, and that, acting on the advice of the head-master of the Auckland College and Grammar-school, tho Board has ultimately replied to the Chancellor of the University that they pre ferred the discontinuance of lectureships or professorships supported by University grant, and they have accordingly requested that it should be so. Is it possible that this should be done in the face of the educational ■ position of Auckland, as compared with the rest of the colony, just after we have let slip from Auckland a Hutton and a Kirk ? We will not at present add a word of comment, but only say this : For mercy's sake let the new members of the Board cease to defer im plicitly, as they seem to have been doing, to those who have been the managers for years past; and let older members of the Board think and act for themselves instead of leav ing the real control in the hands of a very few. As to this particular transaction, if it is not too late—and we do not see why the step should be irrevocable—let them at once stay proceedings, investigate, and *'' age as accords."

Five Maoris were last evening introduced into the Harbinger of Peace Lodge of Good Templars by Baron De Thierry, and went through the mysteries of initiation. This lodge is strong in regalia, and the brilliancy of the spectacle in which they were taking part seemed to make a great impression on the minds of the new converts. The Order seems likely to become very popular with the natives.

To the Editor: Sir, —Can any of your readers inform me why St. Marks' Sunday School-room was locked and closed on Sun day morning, so that the children and their teachers were unable to gain admission ?—a most unwarrantable proceeding, as the build ing was erected for the special purpose of holding Sunday School. For myself I can only see one motive, viz., a vindictive feel ing against the esteemed lady who has hitherto conducted the school with such entire satisfaction to the parish.—Yours, etc., A Member of St. Marks'.

The examination of the children of Mr Harrison's school, No. 2, City West, was re cently held by Messrs Lusk and Shanaghan, and last night the successful scholars received book-prizes at the hands of the former gentleman with words of advice. Mr Lusk in a long introductory speech said that it always gave him pleasure to take part in any meeting in connection with education, a matter in which he had always taken deep interest, not on account of one class only, but for all classes. He had examined the children in the, school, aDd he must con scientiously say that the result was satisfactory and No. 2, City West, was entitled to high rank among the schools of the province ; not that the boys of that school possessed greater natural abilities, but they had been regular and attentive in their studies. The evening was devoted to music and singing, chiefly by the children. The hour from ten to eleven was spent by young persons in dancing. The new and interesting panorama of coal and coalfields was exhibited last evening to a fair audience in the All Saints' school room, accompanied with music and singing by members of the choir. The descriptive lecture was given by Mr Brooks in a pleas ing and intelligent manner to the young persons present, who testified their approval by frequent cheers. The science of the Hartley Colliery explosion elicited especial interest as the lecturer was engaged at one of the offices at the time of the accident. Mr Johnson played with much effect at in tervals. This is the second of a series of most teresting entertainments designed by the teach ei s as an instructive course of amusements for the winter season, as well as being the means of raising funds for a harmonium, and it was remarked by the Superintendent that the coalfields panorama called for special notice amongst our youths, as capable of leading them to the same valuable field of enter prise, which assisted them in New Zealand. The evening was a pleasant one, and the lecturer was thanked for his information, .and the Chairman for his par.t of the pro ceedings, and tho meeting separated at a reasonable hour.

To the Editor: Sir,—Allow me as a' crioketer to offer my thanks to the Star for the manner in which it has given publicity to all matters connected with the noble game during the past season, and especially for the review and statistics in your issue of Friday and Saturday, which is the first thing of the kind I have seen published here. The lengthy telegraphic reports which appeared in your journal, giv ing full particulars of the Inter provincial matches, shewed that no ex pense was spared by the Star in furnish ing information so generally acceptable. Establishing the "Pigeon Express," which enabled matches at EllerslieJ and the North Shore to be reported and printed on the aatne day, gkve great satisfaction to cricketers and those who take ati interest in the game. While the Star lends its po-. erful assistance to keep the ball rolliug cricket will flourish ; and in return, cricketers will support such papers as the Stats, which I trust will have a long and successful iniliiigs.—l atti, &c, LoNGSTOf.

Capt. Tuttle delivered a preliminary lecture at the Governor Browne hotel yesterday on "The Whale and its Habits, "in which he gave much interesting information. Th« worthy skipper is waiting for his vessel, and he con templates improving the time by giving some of his whaling experiences in a lecture at the Mechanics' Institute. We believe that among other things he is prepared to prove what some scientific men have denied —that a whale is quite capable of swallowing Jonah or any other man. The idea that its gullet is too small is, he maintains, a mistake. The lecture will no doubt prove interesting and instructive, and we hope the captain will be able to fulfil his promise at an early date.

Tho wharf lumpers will hold a meeting this evening at the Thames Hotel in connec tion with their Accident Relief Association.

The monthly inspection of the Auckland Scottish Volunteers will take place this even ing in the Diill-shed, under command of Captain John Mowbray. A meeting of the corps will be held after parade for import ant business in relation to the future of the promising Scottish Volunteers.

There being no other nominations Mr Cos grave becomes a member of the City Council without opposition.

The bootmakers and leather-workers of the city will hold a trade meeting this evening in the Mechanics' Institute, when all per sons connected with the ciaft are invited to attend.

At the opening of the Provincial Council of Otago the Superintendent in his address said tho past year had been one in ' which the manifestations of progress had never been greater. The trade returns of exports and imports exhibited a satis factory increase with the exception of gold, which showed a slight decrease. This was accounted for by the circum stance that many miners had availed themselves of the high wages to be gained on the railway contracts. The pay ments into the Treasury during the |3 7ear were £451,425, while the expenditure bad been £37(5,507. There had been 258,810 acres of agricultural land sold during the year to 404 purchasers. The agricultural leases on the goldfields amounted to 30,000 acres, granted to 350 lessees. Measures would be proposed to deepen Dunedin har bour in order to bring the largest ships up to Dunedin, and for the proclamation of new hundredp, and for the^openiiif; ofj]oo,ooo acres of land annually under deferred pay ment. Steps would also be taken to givo the miners tho freehold of the land they mine on, in order to prevent the wasteful destruction of the surface of the country. An Asylum for Inebriates, a new Industrial School for criminal children, and several new lines of branch railways would be constructed with borrowed money, raised on security of specified blocks of land. It would be proposed that the price of land in the province should be raised to say £8 per acre. He regretted that the Council and the professors of the Otago University had agreed to relinquish the powers and status conferred upon the University by the Provincial Legislature, for the problematic advantage of being connected with tho University of New Zealand. He also stated that the Provincial Executive would resign next day.

To the Editor : Sir, —In your issue of Saturday last a letter appears from Mr Sceats complaining of the " frivolous objec tions " urged by Good Templars to names standing on the electoral rolls, and especially referring to my objection to his name. In reply I beg to state that when on a recent occasion I applied to Mr Sceats for rates on the land in question he referred me to Mr Empen, who resides on the land, giving me to understand that Empen had purchased it from him. If there has been any misunder standing in the matter, and Mr Sceats will communicate with me direct, I shall be happy to rectify it.—l am, &c, Tnos. W. Seaman.

The talented Kennedy family afforded great pleasure to a very large number of citizens last evening in the City Hall, who evidently shared a glorious " nicht wi' Burns," the poet of nature. Mr Kennedy's introductory sketch of the poet was perfect in its way as a biographical gem, while his glimpses of Scottish character were most effective and picturesque. The best songs of Burns were given in a manner which reached the heart of every bonnie Scot in that crowded hall. Who is there that does not feel elevated by the soul-stirring senti ments of "A man's a man for a' that," and his heart warm with tender feelings over " John Anderson, my Jo," and memories of some lost one once near and dear revive under the religious influence of the song of "Highland Mary," and feel some thing of the sadness ever associated with the poetic temperament in listening to "Ye Banks and Braes." A number of humourous songs were also given in true character and just appreciation. The sons and daughters of Mr Kennedy, by their united and separate voices, rendered inval uable aid towards the success of the evening. The reciting of " Tarn O'Shanter " was ren dered as perfectly as it possibly could be rendered and its beautiful similes and ac ceptable degressions brought out with consummate tenderness and humour. The trio, " 0 ! Willie brewed a peck o' maut," was admirably executed, and set the au dience in roars of laughter. The finale o' the nicht wi'Burns closed as usual wi' "Auld Lang Syne." A change of programme will be made to-night, and will include the " Married Man's Lament," and musical reminiscences of Mr Kennedy's visit to Mor- ' monland in 1869.

At the meeting of the City Council, yester day, his Worship the Mayor moved—"That the Market Committee be authorized to prepare conditions and terms upon which to offer the Market for lease by public auction next month." A considerable • amount of discussion followed, in which Councillors Macready, Williams, and Holdship took part,—some contending that the year should expire before any new step should be taken. Councillor Holdship considered that at the year's end a balance-sheet should be drawn up, shewing the actual state of the Market. Councillor Macready, however, was of opinion that too much money had been wasted in the Market already, and action should be taken at once. The motion was seconded by Councillor Williams and carried,

Cremation societies are the order of the day now in Switzerland. Several have been organized in Geneva, Berne, and Zurich, and are doing their best, by means of public lec tures and the'distribution of pamphlets on the subject, to familiarize the public with the notion of burning the dead. Ever so many methods are being devised for reducing the body in the cheapest way to the least possi ble quantity of ashes, leaving the rest to es cape in the form of smoke and gas. In England and Italy the agitation is also spreading, Similar steps have been taken in New York city, and a few days ago the World published, a list of members of one of the societies. The signers mutually agree to permit their bodies to be burned to ashes by their surviving associates, who also agree to superintend the process.

There are in Blenheim some ladies and gen tlemen who devote a portion of their spare time to perfecting themselves in singing, with the object of appearing before the public in musical entertainments. They are joined together in a society, and the body to whicn they belong does not play for personal gain, but allows the proceeds of the entertainments they gi-e to be bestowed on worthy objects of charity or for other purposes equally praiseworthy. Some little time since the society gave a concert for the benefit of the Provincial Hospital, and as tho Institution is supported entirely by Government, tbey could not give the proceeds to the sup port of the Hospital, but they did better, they bought a number of books of history, travels, light literature, and reading suitable to divert the attention of the patients as much as possible from their bodily ailments. The number of books furnished to the Pro vincial Hospital by the instrumentality of the ladies and gentlemen connected with the Philharmonic Society in Blenheim is quite sufficient to form a small library, and men suffering from sickness or accidents will often think with gratitude of the persons who showed their benevolence in so thoughtful and practical a manner.

The first lecture of the winter series at the Young Men's Christian Association will take place to-morrow night, when Mr Severn will treat of " Progress and Chemistry of Artifi cial Illumination," with experiments on various lights, gases, etc. We have been requested to correct the error in this morn ing's [Cross with) reference to the lecture, in which it is stated that he is expected from the Thames to-morrow, and will lecture on Friday. The lecture will take place to-morrow, and he will arrive from the Thames this even ing. Mr Severn intimated his intention of shewing the magnesium light from the Golden Crown when off the Bean Rock lighthouse, so that those curious to see the effect of this powerful light should be on the look-out.

The Victoria Company, A.R.V., under Captain Derrom, will parade this evening at half-past seven, at the Drill-shed, for their monthly inspection.

The Fountain of Friendship Oddfellows anniversary ball will be held in the Lome street new Hall on Monday evening, the 25th instant

THE BARQUE EMPREZA.

The barque Empreza, which left Liverpool for this port, via Brazil, on tho Kith of October, has now been out 215 days. We learn from our Correspondent at Porto Alegrc, province of San Pedro de Rio Grande, that she arrived at Rio Grande, Brazil, on December S, after a voyage of 53 days. Allowing thirty days for detention at Brazil the barque is now out 132 days from thenco, and, consequently, long overdue.

HARBOUR BOARD.—This Day.

A meeting of the members of the Harbour Board was held in the offices this afternoon. Present: Captain Daldy (Chairman), Messrs Hill, Williams, Isaacs, Kissling, McKenzie, Niccol, Stewart, Eaton, and Yon der Heyde. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. LETTER. A letter was read from the Town Clerk as to the re-appointment of Mr Williams on the Harbour Board. A letter was read from Mr J. C. Stovin complaining of the state of lots 16 and 17 of Freeman's Bay allotments, which he wished the Board would assist in putting into repair in such a manner as to prevent it becoming the receptacle of the drainage and filth flowing down from Hardinge-street ; and, also, be asked for perraissiom to be allowed to erect a large galvanised iron store thereon, which was impossible to erect at present on account of its condition. It was resolved, on the motion of Captain Daldy, that the engineer be instructed to see to the allotments with the view of repairing the steps, but it was not considered within the province of the Board to do more. Leave was also given for the erection of a store. A letter was also read from Captain Tilly with respect to the mortgage on the mission schooner, when it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Yon dor Heyde, seconded by Mr Kissling, " That the port dues and wharf charges be remitted." FINANCE REPORT. The report of the Finance Committee was broughtup and passed. TELEGRAM. A telegram was read from Wellington, in reply to a letter forwarded by Captain Daldy respecting the Harbour Board Act, in the matter of providing railway accommodation for shipping, and stating that a letter had been forwarded with full explanations. The Chairman then suggested that, if the gentlemen had no objection, he would on re ceipt of the said letter call a special meeting to discuss the question before a full Board. MOTION. Captain Daldy then moved that the name of Mr W. H. MacKenzie be placed on the works, wharf, aud pilot service committee in place of Mr J. Casey. Carried. This was all the business.

AUTUMN RACE MEETING.

The nominations for the Autumn Races were made at the Auckland Hotel last night as follows :—

The Trial Stakes—Perkins' Discord, McGee's Bismarck, Young's Bedouin, Watts' Rangi.

Autumn Handicap — Perkins' Discord, McGee's Golden Ciown, Young's Tattler, Watt's Calumny, Batter, and Parawhenua. The Champagne Stakes—Watt's Ran<ri and The Bird.

The Selling Stakes—Wynyard's Bun darra, £20; McGee's Bismarck, £20 ; Watt's Never Miss, £30. Autumn (Handicap) Steeplechase—Mur ray's Mount, Mcßae's Rustic, Bank's Cos tello, Thorpe's Rarey. The St. Leger Stakes—Perkin's Discord, Young's Tattler, and Bedouin. Selling Hurdle Race—Wynyard's Sam, to be sold for £40 ; Murray's Mount, £40 ; Kirkwood's Middy Ashore, £40; Sultan, £30; McGee's Golden Crown, £50; Hal stead's Gameboy, £20. Novel Handicap—Wynyard's Bundarra, Bobbett's Fair Helen, Watt's Never Miss, and Batter.

THE THEATRE.

SMITH'S ENGLISH AND CONTINENTAL

COMBINATION TROUPE,

This newly-arrived company inaugurated their season last night at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The fame of the troupe had evidently preceded them for we do not re collect ever seeing a more crowded or en thusiastic house. The theatre was crammed to overflowing. In the dress circle a row of standing spectators three or four deep sur rounded the seats, while in the stalls and pit there was not even standing room for all. Before criticising the performances we must pay the company the compliment due to it, viz., that it is the best variety troupe yet seen in Auckland. Mr Smith, it is clear, has spared no pains to render the entertainment afforded one of the very highest class. The performance opened with an overture of rather a melancholy charac ter, by Mr St Vincent and Mdlle Montebelle, followed by a duet of the very opposite tone, entitled " Love-making v Heart-breaking." There was certainly an amount of cleverness in this, and it appealed to the sympathies of a large portion of the house ; but we cannot give it extravagant praise for it was deficient in polish. This over, a " Petite Gymnastic Scene" succeeded, and introduced us to some children who are most advanced scholars in the art of tumbling. They are called severally Young England, nine years ; Annette, seven years ; Alberto, five years ; and are accompanied by their tutor, A. de Castro. A hearty laugh was raised by the youngest performer being brought on in a carpet-bag. This little brat is no bigger than a baby, and must have taken to his profession literally in the cradle. His cleverness on the rings is supplemented by a good deal of humorous fun, which coming from such a tiny mite goes for more perhaps than it would be worth in an older performer. Mr de Castro eviuces the greatest eae for the safety of his little charges, who in their turn show the greatest confidence in him. This fact takes away at once any feeling of uneasiness in the audience. Their feats on rings were done with both skill and grace, and were rewarded with general approbation loudly expressed. The next arrival on the stage was Val Vose, the great ventriloquist. We have heard and seen persons who term themselves ventriloquists, and we have read Valentine Vox, but we never remember seeing or heating any one who approaches so nearly to the hero of Cockton's famous novel in his wondrous power of placing his voice. This part of the entertainment is so unique that it demands a detailed description. In the first place the artiste brings out two dummy figures of an old gentleman and an old lady, who are seated on high-backed chairs, and are dubbed Johnny Trotter and §ira Brown. The ventriloquist places him self behind the pair, and commences a conversation with them. The figures are so constructed that as each one is addressed, or addresses Mr Vose, or the other figure, motion is given to the lips, head, hand or foot in snch a life-like manner that, taken in conjunction with the miraculous power of the ventriloquest, the illusion is simply as complete as it could be. After hearing the pretended conversation for a few minutes we found it most difficult to realise the fact that all the voices proceeded from one mouth. Some of our young friends will even now insist upon it that there were people inside the figures, so perfect was the vocal transfer. The conversation besides its leading acoustic singularities, has the additional merit of being witty and sparkling, and this with a marked absence of anything approaching to vulgarity. Mr Val Vose afterwards held conversations with a supposed Mr Joaes up on the roof, with the same good gentleman down in the cellar ; also, while ascending and descending, ap proaching and retreating. In all these the difference of sound accounted for by the various distances from the supposed partners in the dialogues is splendidly distinguished. The effect produced culminated into startling vividness when Mr Vose opened a trap-door while talking to Jones in the cellar. The increase in the volume of the tones was imitated so exactly as to cause a burst of applause, and everyone fully expeoted'to see a head pop up through the trap. This portion of the enter tainment concluded with what is called in the programme the celebrated " Chorus of Five Voices." 1 his is finely executed, but hardly warrants its title of chorus. The first part concluded with a series of pretty and clever feats on the double aerial ropes, by the two children, "Young England," and "Alberto." How the youngsters can possess the strength and agility required for these is wonderful. Go through them they do however with an adroitness which we have frequently seen old and experienced contortionists fail to surpass.

Airic, the Air King, the Apollo Belvidere of Gymnasts, the Admirable Crichton of the Aerovolante, as he is modestly described in the bill, opens the second part of the programme. Grand iloquent as is the title of this artist, a spectator of his performance loses his opinion of its hyperbolical character. Airic may well be called an Air King. He seems while on the trapeze to be independent of all force of gravitation. Where others could with difficulty hold on with both hands he maintains his erect atti tude unsupported on a flying * bar about an inch thick with the utmost coolness and self possession. He lies down on the bar, kneels on it, turns round on it, walks to and fro on it, as it swings through the air, while his face all the while wears a quiet smile of security in splendid contrast with the scared look of many of the spectators. The performance of Airic is of itself worth all the money to see. In regard to this we would, en passant, make a suggestion. There is a certain amount of risk in these performances, and it is not right that the public should be involuntarily included in it. If an accident did occur (and it is of no use waiting till after the mischief is done) the gymnast's fall would, probably, be broken at the expense of some poor fellow's head below. This contingency should not be possible. A net should be spread beneath the performer. The pre caution is one which- is now always insisted on in similar exhibitions in the old country. " The Latest London Duetts" were then given by Mr A. St. Vincent and Mdlle. Monte-* bello, the opening singers. It is possible these duetts may be what they are called ; and they undoubtedly present attractions to certain classes among the audience, but we must confess they are not to our taste. There is in the entertainment so much that is good that we are content to pass over a few defects. To wind up the evening, the De Castro family appeared in their New Scene of Wonderment, the selections being made from the workings in the High-school of the Gymna. Again we say we are at a loss to account for the in credible precocity of these juveniles. Their father and mother assist in their gambols. One ,of the little ones seems to be entirely innocen^ of bones. He doubles himself up like a ball and rolls about in the most gro tesque manner., bringing to one's recollection Sir Walter Scott's description of the dwarf. Not only that, but his father treats him like a ball, for he tosses him about and catches in the most laughable manner. Then one of I the little ones throws double sommersaults,

coming down each time on the^m^TT^ t of the father, and altogether *&?>' such amusing and astonishing reVf* 01* and feats of agility that we are tL.S aback to be able to describe them . then [appearing now so like a dream" & e °! is little need to advise Auckland.; ? e« and see the "Smith Combination Tm> The difficulty we apprehend will £_>•" seats We noticed very few ladies nr2,^ night, but wecanassureourfair -rieiX 11*8* f ormance is one which they can grace kT._* n presence with perfect propriety,!^™* greatdealof pleasuretothemselves h£ * * sion we would just point to the re^lM* dtxcingareally first-class entertainment i theatre. It is after all only second rat! °Uc formances which will not go down in as?' land, and the reflection is one which m v indulged in with considerable cotrmk!! 7 * by our citizens. They are verY „ judges taking them all in all n not be recollected by all our reader. &Jf2 Smith brought the first Japanese wit Auckland. The success which attend his efforts then is not forgotten, and sometV equally good was looked forward to ft t„s Combination Company. It is per. hardly necessary to say that this expectstp' has been fully realised. The company win appear every night, and on Saturday Z give a mid-day performance for schools 3 juveniles generally.' "

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before P. A. Philips, Esq\?R.M.)

DRUNKENNESS. Three men were charged with dnmkennesa and subject to the usual penalty.

WHO own's the goat?

Andrew IrvL. appeared in answer to a summons charging him with permitting his goat to run about Ponsonby Roadont|je4th of May. Mr. Joy appeared for the defence, and stated that Mr. Irvin did not possess agoat. Mr. Broham colled the son of the de fendant, who deposed that he had released the goat from the pound, but it was his own goat which a friend had presented to him. He released the goat in his own name.

The case was then dismissed. ATXEfIED ATTEMPT TO BURN A SCHOOL-HOUSE, Sophia Hunter, residing in Hepburc-atreet appeared again in answer to a charge of at tempting to set fire to a school-house, the property of Mr Harrison, at the comer of Hepburn and Wellington-streets, on the evening of the 7th May. . Mr Joy appeared for the accused, who had been remanded from time to time.

Mr Broham said he had several 'witnesses to call in addition to those whohadpre. viou_ly given evidence. Alfred Keane, a lad of eight years, who understood the nature of an oath,"deposed that he lived with his father in Wellington, street, and remembered the evening of the 7th of May. He saw Miss Hunter on that evening on the school ground about six o'clock lighting afi re. It was on the right hand side of the "school as you go to the golly, and under the school. He pointed out to Detec tive Ternahan the exact spot, and the place where he stood. She came from the gully before she lit the fire, and brought some dry wood and ti-tree with her, which she placed against one of the piles on which the school rests. She then went to her house, and re turned with some paper and matches, and lit the fire in another place, not where she had placed the bushes. She then went to the school-door, and then went back to the fire, when Mr Thomas Parker came out and pulled the fire out, and Gibbs brought a bucket of water and threw on the fire. He should think the fire was burning about two minutes before it was put out. He was sure the person was Miss Hunter, because the boys were, in the habit of calling her names, and he knew her well. He was returning from taking the mangling things to Mrs Mackay's, and he told his mamma all that he had seen. To Mr Joy: He came down.Hepburn street. There was no one with him. -He saw prisoner coming from the gully with sticks. ' She was in dark clothes, with her usual white bonnet on. It was dark at the time. When Mr Parker came out prisoner was standing a little way off, about,two yards. The boys were in the habit of teas ing Miss Hunter ; he teased her once. He had seen Mr Harrison smile at her throng the window. He saw a match struck Me could see the match-box in her hand, a was dark; but he saw it when she struc- a light Miss Hunter was not at the^door step when Gibbs went past withhis.horse. He knew Gibbs well. He did not tell either Parker or Gibbs of what hes had seen, be cause they both knew that Miss Hunter did

The next witness, a lad of twelve year* named Robert Henry Murphy, deposed tha he understood the nature of an oat_. _»■ was the son of John Murphy, carpentej, of Beresford-street, and went to Mr Harmon s school. He knew Miss Hunter, and ■» her on the 7th inst, at five minutes to nx. He was standing by the lamp-post, uiflg burn.street, at the junction o"hetwostreeß. He saw prisoner walk from her gate towanK the school building. . She carried.ijjjjng. in her hand ; he distinctly saw the rag** did not know of the fire untd next moromg. He did not stop to watch her P™*fg but ran away home. He'knew theokLW very well, and was not mistaken as to ncr ide T fS.Joy:Hed^^ gully, nor with any ti-tree nor J|M Lr set the stuff on fire. He never WJ her. He believed the boys teased her, dj he was not one of them He was *«* habit of watching the old l^^^u. a funny old lady. He told Mr GiarJ- au seeing her with the rags. TiM to Wflter Black, a lad of fight, w« *f I be sworn, when he said " R's^ ™y known nothing about it. I did!*rt see* fire." (Laugher.) He reme-nherrf^ng a large lunch that day wrapped up. «■■..- Evening Star. His ma boughtthe from a runner. They always had tie - His ma liked the Star because it; w*> fl{ ful paper. He did not know tkj» the paper; but he was sure it f^M ; They did not take in any other paper- To Mr Joy : After the paper w^^j. was used for many purposes, a down at the end of the school on w *\ ground. -r Lincoln, Mary Lincoln, wife of m . _j, e of Hepburn-street, ™» »nd lived next door to Miss Hun^ she remarked some weeks Jf. th g sr iool should not let her boys Pj*y *» n the school boys, as they, were going to bura g-^ down, and she mentioned of the conspirators. Witaesswg^ -..& . that she had any particular t^'. boys; she would run after-them B iciirloUS she considered Miss Hunter tobeo . eccentric turn of mind. she w^l" * Cross-examined by Mr Joy^#o! « uneasy if the school was oni &«> £ hoU? f>. the wind was m the direction ot^ oB Mr B-oham wished to■ jrfg - { -rfj, r but Mr Joy objected to this moa sa * ingup a case: especially *> f nothing of the fire. .^.-thel^e Mr fiarrisson was asked *^ the evening, «dwtaftj^J *£pg»s boys might see by the lamp tbo»»» &igLo,hood of the,^ V * the fcoy» migW h»T« inww"~

Mm EYSItfM WAB mrtSDAT.kAYift/tiU.



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fi A U T C ON. OLSON'S TOMATO S ATT CE. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the BEST for general use In households, and, in con sequence of its high reputation, som« unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon, and pass the same off as "Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 1866," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forgo or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned to ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE, and see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and stopper, and wrapped round with his well-known label. [Established 1864. T\ STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAN D," " EAGLE BRAND," "CROWN BRAN D," Are to be procured at all respectable Grocers and Stob.skeepers throughout the Province of Auckland. P. STEPHENSON & CO., wyndham street, Auckland. ""OETIRING FROM 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 entire Stock is disposed of. We aro now' landing THIRTY THOUSAND POUNDS WORTH of DRAPERY and MEN'S CLOTHING, purchased by Mr Coscirave from the English and French Manufacturers, which will be Old at UKTRECEEEKTEDLY LOW PRICES. No cred't will be given during the Sale. EOTAL IKBUEANCB COMPANY. NOTICE OF REMOVAL. The Office of this Company hRS been REMOA^ED from No. 15, Shortland-street, to Hobson's Bui-dines; on the opposite side, immediately adjoining the Post office. GEO. WM. JONES, Agent. Auckland, May 8,1874.