SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

STTN-SET: This evening, 7.16 BTTN-RI8E: To morrow morning, 5.7 HIGH WATEK : This evening, 7.49 ; to-morrow ■morning, B.H

ARRIVALS.

Star of tfco South, sb, Farquhar, from Fiji Fairy, schooner, Jackson, from Hokiangn

DEPARTURES.

Eowena, s<s, for Russell and North

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Chile, ship, for London, early Edith, schooner, for South Sea Islands, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney Ladybird, ss, from the South, early Empreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October Dauntless, schooner, from New Caledonia, early Beatrice, barqae, from New York, via Adelaide Wave Queen, ship, from London. Sailed October 14

IMPORTS.

Per Star of the South, from Fiji: 81 bags cobra, 1 cask oil, Owen and Graham; 13 bales cotton; order; 1 case, Cudlip ; 4casks oil, J. S. Macfarlane; 21 bags maize, 1 keg skins, W. P. Brewer; 4 hogsheads oil, 1 barrel oil, A. Macgregor; 7 casks cocoanut oil, I). Levy.

The s.s. Star of the South arrived at half past/cen this morning from Fiji. The Captain reports as follows:—Left Auckland 29th December ; had N. andE.E. winds through oat the passage to Levuka ; arrived 4 p.m. Tuesday, Gth inst. ; left Levuka Saturday 10th, 5 p.m. ; threatening weather with E. S.E. wind till Thursday, 15th, at noon, when the appearance of the weather became very dirty with heavy rain, lat. 30, S. long. 176.47 ; Thursday, at midnight, got into a perfect hurricane which split all the sails ; had to bend small xnizen for a mainsail; vessel behaved first-rate ; wind and sea tremendous ; got out of the hurricane at 10 a.m. Friday; thence light variable winds ; made Poor Knights at noon yesterday, and arrived as above. We are indebted to Mr Murdock, the chief officer, for pi-ompt delivery of our files and other favours. Pas gers—Saloon: Capt. Blair, Messrs Hughes, Evans, Milne, Fitzpatrick, Douglas, Norris and six in steerage.—A.S.P. Co., agents. The s.s. Taranaki, which sailed for the South yesterday, took a general cargo and the following passengers : —Mrs .Reid and family (five), Mrs.nd Mra H. S. Maokellar and family and servant, Rev. Mr McCullam, Mrs Lewisson and child, Mr Kirk, Miss Haultain, Rev. Mr Reid, Mr and Mrs Barnes, Miss Webb, Mr Buller, Mrs Hall, Mr Lambert, Mr Pole, Mr Beere, Madame Winter aad family, Miss Shappere, Miss Buddie, Rev. Mr William, Rev. Mr Crump, Captain Blake, Mr Hammerton, Mr Murray, Miss Tyler, Mr and Mrs Hoskins, Mr Kneebone, Mr Walters, Mr Beayey, Mr Curtis, and twenty-five in the steerage. — Combes and Daldy, agents. The schooner Herald was to leave Levuka on the 15th inst. She was loading with oil, maize, and cotton when the Star of the South left. The barque Glehhuntly has cleared out in ballast for Newcastle. She hauled off the wharf this morning, and dropped down to the powder ground preparatory to sailing. The schooner Fairy arrived in harbour yesterday evening from Hokianga with a small cargo of gum, &c. The schooner Tawera is engaged tran shipping her cargo of wool into the ship Chile for London. The schooner Success is shifting her cargo of cotton and wool into the barque Lady A gnes for New York. The sale of the brigantine Augusta has been postponed till Thursday, in order that the vessel may be brought alongside the fire wood wharf so as to give intending purchases an opportunity for inspecting her bottom. I The scbooner Herald, hence, arrived at Levuka on the Cth instant

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails tvxli. Close as Undks :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p m, and to-morrow, at 10. SO a m and 5.30 p m For Coromandel, on Wednesday, at 1.30 p m For Russell, per Ocean, to-morrow, at 9 am. For Taranaki and "Wanganui, per Ge-ahead, on Thursday, at 1 p m. For Napier, per Star of the South, on Thursday next, at 4 p in. (Signed) S. B. Biss. Chief Postmaster.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Stockenberg (Coromandel). —Your letter on Mr Thomas Russell's illness is in very bad taste, particularly at the present time, aud we decline to publish it.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1874

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance. And thn rood that we can do

We are glad to learn that the protest of the Chamber of Commerce and the indigna tion of the whole people respecting the con duct of the high-handed log-rollers of the Har bour Board are assuming a practical and effective form of expression, and that a me morial to his Excellency is in course of pre paration. We have no doubt that a stop •will be put to the iniquitous dodge which has culminated in the decision of Mr. Moriarty. The scheme was deliberately and well laid, and included, as we now see, the preliminary stuffing of the Harbour Board. But it will be found that " the best laid plan of mouse and man gangs oft agee." It appears that noio, after the decision has been made, an investigation of the bottom of the sea at the proposed site is being made. We would timidly suggest that this operation, as well as a glance at all the possible positions would more appropriately have preceded than suc ceeded the pronouncement of an opinion. We believe nothing that has taken place in public affairs in this city for many a year has excited ao general irritabion as this mis leading of Mr Moriarty at the hands of our wily fellow-citizens. In fulfilment of a promise made last evening we publish in another column a hearer's recollections of the sermon delivered by the Eev. C. M. Nelson on the Early-Closing Movement. The views put forward by the preacher are extremely moderate and well-considered, and should, we think, do much to aid the cause of those who are struggling for a season which they may apply to healthful recreation and intellectual improvement. We cannot but regret that the pulpit does not aid more largely than at present in promot ing and guiding all social reforms. If ministers addressed themselves more fre quently to topics of general interest, ad ducing from the events of everyday life moral and religious lessons of practical value to their hearers, and guiding by their counsel public movements, the pulpit would unquestionably become a far greater power in the land than it now is. Nor should those who' minister in things spiritual neglect the necessary means adopted by all' business-men for reaching the public and securing their attention. The pre judice against making known through 1 the columns of the local journals the sub jects of discourse for Sunday is, we are glad to notice, rapidly givingi way, and if the practice of publicly announcing sermons, taken in connection with the choice of popular subjects, ,were more generally adopted we feel convinced that the church and the people would be equally benefited. One of the most remarkable witnesses that ever stepped into a witness-box was heard to-day in the case of Kirk against Brogden, and who might be termed with much pro priety a "laughing witness," for from the time he entered the box till the time left it he continued laughing and making the most singular facial gestures. His answers, more over, to the learned counsel for the plaintiff were most incongruous, and three or four times questions were put to him before any direct<answer could be elicited,

Arrangements have been come to by the committee of the Auckland Cricket Club and Messrs Brogdcn and Sons whereby the latter have agreed to run excursion trains at single fares for the double journey to Ellers lie and back on Saturday, the day of the match—Auckland Cricket Club v. Waikato. It is anticipated that the game will lie one of tho best of the .season. The Waikatos are said to be very strong, while great care is being taken to yet a first-class team against them. Strenuous efforts are being made to bring the ground into good playing condition. The railway fare will include admission to the ground. The rr.an William Blyth, master of the cutter Leader, who was drowned on Sunday evening by falling from the Breakwater, bore a good character for sobriety. He had been in Auckland about five years. He was born in St. Mary's, Bermondsey, London, and went to sea when 'quite a youth. His friends still live at 20, Princes street, Rotherhitho. The young man Charles Hopkins, who made such desperate efforts to save the life of Blyth, has been the means of saving others from a watery grave; hence, upon tho suggestion of the Coroner (Dr. Philson), the jury added as a rider the fol lowing : —" The jury express their higli admiration of the conduct of Mr. Charles Hopkins in so promptly rescuing the body of deceased from the bottom of the harbour, and strongly recommend him to the favour able notice of the authorities, as well as to the local Harbour Board. They think him worthy of the Koyal Humane Society's medal." The examination of candidates for the positions of teachers will commence to morrow morning, at ten o'clock, in the offices of the Education Board, Wyndham strect. The concert of tho Misses Taylor last evening was of a iirst-class character, and was received in the most encouraging man ner. These ladies, as previously stated, have won laurels in tho musical world of England, have aided in charming thousands in the central transept of Sir Joseph I'ax ton's Sydenhiim Palace, and recently on the shores of New Zealand. We noticed a goodly scries of familiar faces of singers whoso voices are well known in this city, especially those of Madame Moller and Mr Reed. "Sing, Birdie, Sing," was given with grace and feeling by Miss Ada Taylor in that peculiarly sweet and simple manner which evolves the true meaning of this favorite lyric. The "Monks of Old " and the " Sexton " were given with power by Mr Reid. The performances of Miss Lavinia Taylor on the English concertina were un exceptional, and evidenced the hand of an accomplished concortinaist. The Scottish airs were extremely beautiful, and sounded of tho soul of music. "Oh take mo to thy heart again " Avas feelingly rendered by Madame Moller, and tho song "If doughty deeds " was correctly given by a gentlemen possessing a very good bass voice. A public meeting will bo hold to-morrow evening in the All Saints' school-room for the purpose of advocating the claims of Good Tcmplary in that neighbourhood. Wo learn that some of the leading orators in the movement will be present on the occasion. It is remarkable that in the localities of Ponsonby and Dedwood there is but one tavern, and the inhabitants bear the character of a remarkably sober people ; still it ap pears that our Templars think it necessary to form a lodge where new milk anil pure water are almost the only drinkables; where the butcher and baker take their service able rounds, and where roses and rows are the only impediment to perfect happiness. The cabmen of Sydney now on strike suggest that, in order to obviate disputes between cabmen and their "fares" regard ing charges, a uniform rato'of payment per hour should bo fixed. They propose 3s as a fair rate of remuneration for every hour they are employed, a shorter time of engagoment being paid proportionately. The suggestion is one worthy of consideration by our own Council, as its adoption would very mucli simplify cab charges, and would probably increase the amount of business done on the Stand. A full dress parade of the Victoria Com pany, A.R.V., will beheld this evening in the Drill-shed, and afterwards a meeting will be held for business of importanco to members. Cadets arc warned to attend. An enormous swordfish was picked up yes terday morning in a dying state at Shelly Beach by a crew of our local watermen. It appears that the fish was seen on Sunday by people living near the harbour, and was then apparently engaged in combat with a shark or other large fish. Yesterday morn ing the retiring tide left the swordfish on the beach, when Marshall, Keene, Holbrook and another rowed down to the spot and suc ceeded in getting the monster, which is over 12 feet long, into the boat. It is now on view at McLean's on the wharf. The skeleton has been purchased for the Auck land Museum. Mr Henry Worthington, secretary of the Teachers' Association, desires us to state that if any member of the association desirous of having the subject of corporal punishment discussed will communicate with him ho will endeavour to arrange that the subject may be brought on at the next monthly meeting of the association, to be held on the 21st February. The p.s. Takapuna left the Devonport wharf this morning at half-past ten on a trip to Motuihi, having on board the children of the Sabbath Schools at the North Shore. The children looked very pretty in their holiday clothes, and appeared intent on mak ing the most of their day's outing. They will return this evening. A letter appeared in this morning's Cross soliciting subscriptions to pay Dr. Rosenthal's fee for attendance on an unfortunate man named Alexander MoKenzie, now living in the Old Men's Refuge, and suffering from total blindness. The letter is no doubt written with a friendly intention, but is cal culated to convey a wvpng impres sion, and to do Dr. Itosenthal an in justice. We have much pleasure therefore in publishing the following correction : — " Sir, —With reference to a localin the Cross of this morning allow me to state that from the tenor of it it would appear that I had applied to Dr Rosen thai to undertake my case, and that my inability to pay his fee was in the way. In order to render to Dr R. that meed of praise which is his due I beg to state that on my application to the doctor, and stating my circumstances to him, that gentleman said that my indigent state should be no bar, and that he would rather head a subscription in my than accept a fee from your obedient servant, Alexander McKbkzie."—We believe this is not a solitary instance of Dr Rosenthal's kindness to poor patients, of whom he has now more than a dozen under his care. The panorama of the Arctic Regions, the habits and customs of the Esquimaux, with illustrations of the expedition of Sir John Franklin, was exhibited last evening in tho Mount Eden school to a very fair audience. The juveniles were delighted with the scenes. rhe panorama wiH be shown this evening to i larger audience in the Rev. G. H. Turner's ;hapel, corner of Vincent and Pifct-streets.

The ordinary half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of the Union Steam Saw Moulding Sash and Door Company (limited) was held at the office of Mr T. L. White, Canada Buildings, this day (the 20th inst.) The only business transacted, was the decla ration of a dividend at the rate of ten per cent., payable at the office of the company on and after Thursday next, the 22nd inst. Auckland, although bad enough, is scarcely in such a plight as the little town of Napier seems to be at present, judging from the following picture drawn by a local journal:—" The heat during the last few days has been excessive—on Tuesday the thermometer registered 98 c in the shade. Every breath of wind raises a cloud of dust which eddies round street corners, andinvades the shops and dwellings; and the Carlyle-street swamps, many of which are nearly dry, exhale a fetid odour, nauseating to the passer-by, and intolerable, one would suppose, to dwellers in the neighbourhood. The single artesian well is often the centre of an impatient crowd waiting for the water-carriers to fill their casks." We have received from the publisher Mr G. L. Griffiths, Fiji Time* office, Levuka, a copy of a pamphlet entitled, "Fiji: its Political Aspect from 1870 to 1873." We shall take an early opportunity of noticing it at greater length. There are a few copies also for sale, which may bo obtained on application at the Star oilice. As will be seen by advertisement Messrs Samuel C'ochrane and Son will submit to public auction to-morrow, for a lease of twenty-one years, nine large building allot ments on the best part of the North Shore, some of which having an immediate frontage to the harbour makes them most desirable sites for villa residences. Wo have much pleasure in giving publicity to the following letter from Dr ilosenthal: — Sir, —1 have read with considerable surprise and indignation a letter in this morning's Cross soliciting subscriptions for the purpose of enabling a blind inmate of the Old Men's Refuge to avail himself of my treatment. I desire to caution tho public against contri buting towards any such object. 1 have never yet, and trust I never shall, have to become the recipient of public charity, and I have always, both here and in New South Wales, been ready to treat poor people gratis, and also to aid any deserving patient with assistance from my private purse. The letter in question is the more inexcusable from the fact that when McKenzio came to me 1 told him at once that under the circumstances I would wil lingly treat him gratuitously, and on his mentioning a subscription list informed him that it would afford mo much more satisfaction to subscribe to a fund on his behalf thun accept the proceeds. This morning McKenxie has admitted the facts as 1 have now stated them in tho presence of Messrs James Knox and William Win stone. 1 have reason to believe, however, thiitsomeofMclCenzie's associates are moving in the matter of the subscription for uuknown benefits. Similar cases of imposition have occurred in New South Wales, where persons ! have collected sums of money professedly ! for the purpose of going under my treatment, but in reality with no such intention. For thia reason I wpuld caution the public against giving towards any object of the kind. '1 hero arc already a dozen poor people under my care without charge, and I shall always be i>lad to do any »ood I can for others in destitute circumstances. —I am, &C, I. S. Ito.SKNTJIAL. The attractions of the Supreme Court proved too great for tho majority of our sharebrokcr's to-day. This afternoon at four o'clock thcro were not sullicient at hand to compile a list of quotations. The noon list was consequently tho only one published during the day. The City Band will play on Government House lawn at half-past six to-morrow even- ! ing. Programme :—Grand March—Festal (Sir G. Elvey). Bijou Fantasia, from Adam's Opera (J. .Kiverc.) Quadrilles —English Girls (Go ifroy). Selection—Martha(Flotow). Waltzes — Princess Alexandra (Coote). Galop-Sparkling Moselle (P. Young). God Save the Queen. Host Perkins, of the Occidental Hotel, is determined to keep his patrons supplied with all procurable cuisine delicacies. He has another handsome turtle from Fiji on exhibition at the Occidental hotel. W. J. S. puts the following query which perhaps some of ourjreaders may be in a posi tion to answer : Sir, —I would wish to ask the question whether, when laying out the present City of Auckland, Governor Hobson forgot to have |placed in his plan anything about docks.

PANTOMIME AT THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

The production of a pantomime in Auck land is an event of such rare occurrence as to deserve especial notice. The theatre after being closed for a week was opened last night by the Collier-McGowan Com pany with a burlesque and pantomime. The burlesque wan simply introduced as to prelude to the piece de resistance of the evening, and beyond Baying that it was lively and well sustained does not call for extended comment. '' The House that Jack Built," that fine old nursery legend, was the subject upon which the mimic play was sounded. Tho original story was well inter woven with local references, and several points were made in the dialogue which called forth loudly appreciative applause. Produced in the iirst place at the Thames, gold and gold mines supplied the staple witticisms of the piece, but it was evident that considerable pains had been expended to localise the allusions more immediately to Auckland. The puns were of the usually outrageous character, and some of them we do not recollect having heard before. The songs introduced were as a rule good. "Beautiful Swells" and "Speculation is my Game"—two which bespeak themselves as parodies of well-known ditties—were among the best. " That's what I think about it," sung by Mr Collier, as clown, was a daring hit at the weak side of Auckland ; and the references to the late Chile scandal, and the fashionable pretensions of a certain rubicund Dame Quickly of Queen-street were received as if they were enjoyed by the audience. The clever rigmarole '' This is the House that Jack built" was sung by the whole company with capital effect. The scenery had been painted and arranged by Mr Williams, and that gentleman and Messrs Collier and McGowan may be congratulated upon the successful nature of the work. Some excellent effects were produced with coloured lire. One of the features of the performance was the march of the '' Lilliputian army." For this about forty children had been trained and drilled with such good result that a variety of intricate manceuvres were gone through in a highly creditable manner. Some of the mistakes made by the tiny little soldiers were as amusing as anything during the evening, and the way in which some of the more retentive kepjfc dealing out reminders to the delinquents was ludicipus in the extreme. There was the usual extravagant fun at the end of the performance. Tho pranks of the clown with policemen, pie men, fish salesmen, and other standard butts for mirth made the juveniles presenjb shout w^th

delight. The various characters were well distributed. Mr McGowan appeared as king of the gold mines, and was as funny as usual, which is, perhaps, the highest praise that could be given him. Mrs McGowan made a capital "Jack For tunio," and created a very favorable impression. Miss B. Vivian had by far the most arduous work of the company, and went through it with considerable grace and seeming ease. This young lady deserves high praise for her endoav*urs, as they were greatly instrumental in assuring the success of the evening. Mr Collier makes a fair clown, though somewhat heavy, and the same may be said of Mr Hooper, as "Harlequin." Mr Clinton as the " lean and slippered pantaloon," suc ceeded in completely hiding his usual vigorous appearance, and acted the old buffer extremely well. Little Miss Collier sang with extraordinary spirit and taste for such a little one. The audience seemed in high good humour, and the pantomime ought to have a good run. The way in which the whole thing is put upon the boards is highly creditable to the manager of the company. Some of our tradesmen had taken advantage of the shop scenes in tho after part to advertise their wares. Among these wo noticed Messrs Blair and Lambert, Hill and Fenton, and Mr Barnett. The orchestra led by Mr Lord gave great satisfaction. A little more piano and not quite so much forte would perhaps be an improvement.

FIJI.

(From our own Correspondent.)

LeVUKA. January 10th, 1874.

(From the Fiji Times and Gazette.)

FEARFUL HURRICANE AND DE STRUCTION OF PROPERTY.

This is the first opportunity Fiji has had of wishing its Auckland friends the " com pliments of the season." In Levuka our Christinas and New Year holidays passed off very quietly. On Boxing and the following day we had some athletic sports, which were marred by the inclement weather ; and on December 30th the old year was wept and blown out by a perfect deluge of rain and a hurricane of wind. The damage done, lam sorry to say, is very considerable. Koro Island has been swept nearly clean; the Savu savu district has suffered fearfully; Taviuni has also sufFered greatly, picking being quite stopped; Bua felt the gale in great force, and it also travelled along the Yassawa Islands, doing considerable damage in its course. H.M.s. Pearl encountered it off Kandavu, where it came ou so suddenly they had not time to clew up the topsails. A heavy sea broke through the ports into the Commodore's cabin, destroying many of his papers. In Levuka we folt the blow severely. Fortunately its duration was only short, or I would have to i ecord much heavier damages.

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL STEAMER.

On December 29 a great event for Fiji transpired, namely, the arrival at Kandavu of the s.s. Macgregor—the first of tho new line from Sydney to San Francisco via Fiji and Sandwich Isilands. Great dis satisfaction is felt here on account of the station being fixed at Kandavu. Pas sengers and mails have to be sent on from Levuka to meet the steamers, a dis tance of eighty miles, and that too in small uncomfortable vessels, with the possibility, and not by any means improbability, of being delayed by contrary winds or calms, and so missing the .stuamer altogether. This is a great drawback to the utility of tho service to Fiji. It will no doubt considerably affect freight by the mail-boat for Fiji.

ARRIVAL OV THE NEW CONSUL.

Mr. Consul Layard and his son, who is Vice-Consul, arrived by the mail boat, and, together with the passengers for Fiji, vero brought up to Levuka by the Pearl. Mr. Layard landed here officially on New Year's Day, and was met by the Mayor and a number of settlers. Three hearty cheers were given him on landing, after which addresses of welcome were presented. His arrival completes the Commission sent out by the Home Government, and they will at once commence their labours. Both gentle men are now over at Koro enquiring into the case of tho prisoners of war whom the Fijian Government was selling out to servi tude, under the guise and mockery of " penal servitude," as a punishment for "treason." The Commodore, prior to the Consul's arrival, had in a public notice charac terised the proceeding as an act of slavery. The Commission will visit Koro at a time when these unfortunate " pri soners" are in a semi-state of starvation. In connection with the Consulate I must not forget to notice the presentation of two addresses to ifhe late Acting-British Consul, Mr A. T. D. Nettleton, of H.M.S. Blanche. This gentleman has made himself a favorite in our small community by the gentlemanly and business manner in which he discharged the duties of his office.

IMPECUNIOUS STATE OF THE GO-

VERNMENT,

The Fiji Bank is refusing to cash any Treasury notes. The Treasurer says that the suspension is only for a few days. The Bank says that so soon as the Government supplies them with cash it will bo prepared to redeem the Treasury notes. In the mean time the Government coffers are empty civil servants unpaid for some months, and taxes coming in very slowly. So, all things con sidered, holders of Treasury notes have a poor prospect. The Ministers are imploring their supporters to stand by them at this critical juncture. The Treasurer and Premier have had a quarrel, and things for the Government look rather dark. Cakobau seems wavering on the question of annexa tion, and it is not improbable that when he has to give his reply to the Commission it will be in favour of that step. Many of the chiefs and people are strongly in its favour, but their voice will go with the King which ever way he decides, Fijians do no not act or speak independently of their chiefs.

GROWTH OF SUGAR,

With the bad news of the effects of the hurricane from Savu Savu comes a small sample of sugar on view at the Fiji Times office. It is a sample of the "first hundredweight " manufactured in that dis trict, and is a really fine sugar, worth I should think £36 per ton. Sugar appears to be progressing wonderfully. Nearly all the planters are going in for for it on a smaller or greater scale. In the liowa dis trict they will shortly be crushing. We look to annexation and supar—the one aa the saviour of the country from a weak and unprincipled Government; the other to make these islands rich and prosperous.

DAMAGE BY THE HURRICANE.

At Levuka the frightful casualties caused by the recent hurricane were:—Mr Hobson's house unroofed ; the verandah of Dr Cruik ahank's house, a new building, wrenched off blown right over the house on to the hill side; the bures or native-built houses at Mr Butters' razed to the ground j a two roomed house near Totoga Square was lifted

bodily into the road; while fences have been I levelled in all directions, and gardens laid waste. Amongst the shipping the Amy schooner was driven ashore early in the afternoon; the cutter Abergeldie was beached at Vagadace; and the Ida cutter, which won the cutter race on last Saturday, was driven ashore at Lnvuka town. The damage done to any of this<! cmfts was however only slight, as there was plenty of assistance from shore in hauling them from the worst violence of the sea. The aneroid stood at three-tenths above ninety during the worst of tbtt storm. From Savu Savu we learn that the damage done there by the hurricane was exces sive. In some plantations most of the cotton trees were positively blown out of the ground, while hardly a house upon the coast is left standing. A number of natives have been killed by falling trees, whilst the white residents have suft'erel great hardships and privations. The brunt of the gale seems to have come from the northward and eastward, and its violence has been extreme—sheets of iron on the house of Messrs Ashmore- and Deane having been literally torn into strips, and the tops only of cocoanut trees wrenched off, absolutely tearing open the trees from top to bottom. At the above gentleman's place the barometer read 284GB. Everything seems to have been ruined, and the tale of devastation is pitiable. The gale, after leaving the islands, seems to have worked to the southward, as it was encountered by the Herald some 200 miles to the southward of the Group. From Taviuni we learn that the gale com menced from about north, and. by the settlers is considered to have been equal in violence to the hurricane of IS7I- Its duration, however, was only nine hours, and with varying force. At the north end of the island the effect upon the cotton has been that the pods have black ened, and the picking stopped. Previous to the blow large quantities of cotton had been housed. The same remarks apply to the south end of the island. The cocoanut trees have been damaged in many cases, whilst many breadfruit trees, bananas, and mummy apples have been destroyed Labourers' houses have also suffered severely, At Vuna Point Mr. Moore's cutter Alacrity was blown out to sea and lost. She had the iron storo, late Mr. McC'lintock's, on board for transport to Levuka. The King Tom, Mr. Tarte's cutter, was likewise blown away and lost ; the cutter Cinderella was wrecked. Advices from Koro state that the island is completely devastated by the late gale. Nearly all the houses have been blown down, and a very large number of fruit trees destroyed. A considerable scarcity of food is anticipated in consequence of this visita tion. Koro has suffered vory severely. Houses and trees have been thrown down, and on one side of the island much damage has been dono, wo hear, by the wash of the waves. At Batiki too, great numbers of houses have been destroyed, and also fruit troes, but this island is only occupied by Fijians. They will be severe sufferers how ever. The gale appears to have swept down past Bua, and taken the Yasawa group on its way, strange to say, avoiding the northern and western coasts of Viti Lovh. Ilewa has escaped well. WRECK OF THE VIVID. Intelligence has been received in Levuka of the probable tetal loss of the Vivid an the reef to the lee ot Mokagai, where she struck on Monday night, between eight and nine o'clock. Everything was done by the officers that oould be done to get her off, but without avail, an^l accordingly Sir Charles St Julian, Mr Burt, Mr Justice Marika, and Mr Laugton, took the vessel's boat to Moka gai to secure assistance. 7J he next morning a vessel despatched from Mokagai bore in sight, and took the remainder of those on board straijiit to Levuka, leaving Captain Guadry ancf the mate in charge of the wreck. Some anxiety ia expressed about them, as, if the sea rises, the vessel will probably go to pieces. The blame appears to attach to the comjjasses, which were noticed during the evening to be sluggish. MURDERERS OF THE BURKES FAMILY. The dollars have been the means of cap turing Soviroviro, the villian who murdered the little girl in the Burnes family by dash ing her brains out against the door post. There are two more to got—Tiloko, who murdered Mrs Burnes, and Rokoqera, since the murder of Macintosh and Spiers, the self-styled king of the white men. It is very satisfactory to know that the real mur derers are in custody, and that they acknow ledge the deed. They told one of our settlers they had not done the murder out of any revenge ; they had nothing against Mr Burnes or his family more than anyone else. They said it wa3 a certain priest in the mountains who said he had had a dream, and told them it would be good for them (the Kaicolo) to murder the whites and take their goods. Tawasi admitted being the principal leader. Nerabako killed Mr Burnes with a club ; Goneva killed the little boy also with a club, beating out his brains and then throwing him outside the verandah where ho was picked up by the whites.

THE REV. C. M. NELSON ON EARLY CLOSING.

On Sunday evening last the Eev. Mr. Nelson preached a remarkable sermon ia St. Paul's Church in favour of the early-closing system. He took for his text the words—" And He said to them, render therefore unto Caaar the the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. "—Luke xx. 25th verse. The sermon commenced with a des cription of our Lord as He appeared at tbe time these words were spoken by Him How, preaching the glad tidings of salvation, He acquired great influence with the people, but at the same time thcurred the bitter enmity of the Scribes and fhansees, who lost no opportunity which they thought might bs taken advan tage of, to compass His destruction They had at various times endeavoured to accuse Him—now in matters of religion, now of morality; but having failed, they asked what may be termed a politico-religious question, setting as they thought, a trap for Him to bnng Him under the power of the Roman Governor The Jews were at that time subjects of the Roman Emperor. Harassed by ware and intestine troubles, they had Placed themselves under the protection of the ■ Roman Government, which in return exacted of them a certain tribute This tax was £t all times a much vexed question. Ihe lhansees and Scribes argued that it was illegal, as it was acknowledging a foreign prince as their king, and by the law of Moses the Jews were to have no king who was not one of their own people. On the other hand there were those who from motives of self-interest or advance? mn#* urged t^e payment of this Sute. Both these parties, though at enmity among themselves joined together to compass i? £XF* *&■?**' Oi the Teacher, Pwhose dootnne an^life were so distasteful to them, lhe question put seemed impossible to tome e rnr fch? tgivi?g CaUse foraccusatiou l ia T« S ?£ rtA° r the other- If our L°rd had said that it was lawful to pay this tax SarT d*T 8^ ed v? against him the lhansees and the' common people, as favoanng the subjeetioa of the aationj a^d if

—*————*—— "*' ' — m /'*-',.;■> I on the otiher hand He stated that ■ /~jai were illegal, He would have Laid mrf'sel! open to the crave charge of sedition. But. .while we marvel .at the deep cunning and covert malice of these -lews, every one must be impressed with a feeling of admiration for Our (Saviour's reply. Under such circumstances a direct answer would have been out of place ; so He vouchsafed none but asked whose image the penny presented to Him bore, and on being answered Caesar's, said, " Render therefore to C&sar the things which be Cresai 's, and unto God the things which are God's." "¥ou have Cajsar's protection, pay him therefore his penny, but forget not God, to whom you » owe your souls and bodies, your worship and r adoration, your talents and possessions. The coin bearing his image to Qesar: the tithes, the offerings, the first-fruits/the1: Sabbath.3 to God. j The preacher then made some short com-I. ments on the application of these words' to therelations existing Bfctwecn subjectsand ; "thepowers that be;" after which he entered ! upon the more special consideration of the subject, which he had announced %vould be brought before the congregation that evening viz., the claims of the Early-closing Move ment. Apology, he said, was harddy needed for travelling from the beaten track of ordinary '"• sermons. The question in hand was of such J vital importance, and ' had so much of the I religious element in it, that he thought it " but right that all the clergy should give it their best assistance. As for himself he could look upon it from only a few points of view, and had to leave the whole subject far from exhausted. What was really the question ? "Why,'" to limit the hours of labour from'; eight a.m. to six p.m. on all days* save Saturday. And this seemed really a most reasonable proposal. Would anybody ' contend that ten hours, or say nine hours * (allowing one hour for a meal), for five days ", of the week, and a much longer period for the Saturday, was not Jong enough •? Surely an average of ten hours a day for six days ought to be quite sufficient of labour. Is not that a good and honest penny for Cresar ? If more time be consumed for work what isG-od "1 to have ? How much time can be in that case devoted to His service? Truly, some would " say, '' We carry our relis^on with us into our business." That might be very true A and very praiseworthy; but after all, God'"'' wanted more than that. He required ais certain proportion'of our time for Himself. •'■- Or, totakeaDother viewof thecase. Would any one contend that confinement in a shop ' z. or store for those houcs was not enough if t the health of those occupied be taken vm® consideration ? Health is one of God's best ■ gifts. Should any employer trifle with the ! health of those under him ? We know what "'I is requisite for health, a certain amount' of labour, recreation, exercise, fresh air. How was a man to get this if he had to consume in business, or behind a counter, 7 more than ten hours a day? And in this matter we deal not only with tradesmen,' but many other establishments where the rule is to get the most work done for the ) least money, and in the least possible time, 1 Yes, doubtless, but at what a cost! The, health and strength, the physical, intellectual;-; and moral degradation of the victims. : > But a step farther. Man is not a mere,, machine made for business. He iv sn intellectual being. Say then, those who would occupy more than ten hours a. day in work and business, when is the time for cultivating the intellectual powers? Does not the late hours' system pro duce and rear up a race of narrow minded prejudiced men who wi& ulti mately Work mischief ? The intellect is like the soil ; it must be cultivated, fed and nourished, or else it will be worked oat When must and can all this be done if the hours of labour be so long ? The preacher here gave some excellent advice to the young men, whose cause he was pleading. Ha spoke hopefully of the future, saying that sooner or later the short hours must be universally conceded. It would then be for the young men to show themselves worthy of the boon obtained by employing their time in improvement and mental cultivation,1 and not in idle and vicious pastimes. Again a step farther. Man has a soul; he is a moral being ; and that soul re-" quires culture as well as the mind. The present life is not all, there is a life before us for which we must all prepare. What time do they, who oppose the early system, leave for that solemn preparation? The result of the long hours was, that young , men became tired and jaded, and unfit for] any but the most sensual and degrading of 1 pleasures: such for example as strong drink, ; whereby soul and body are ruined for time ; and eternity. Again, God claims one day in v seven. Not & large claim. But the late hours on Saturday evening virtually prevent 1 that. With, business carried on till 12 ■■'"■. o'clock is it to be wondered at. that the ; Sunday morning service is missed by so 4' many, worn out and eager for fresh air— „ which desire is encouraged by extra trains"' a,t reduced prices—another Sunday deseera- : ; tiori. Sunday traics might be necessary , and admissible, but not extra trains instead^* of fewer, and those extra trains running at-.; times and fares which offer, a premium for Sunday travelling. ' In conolusion the preacher disproved?;-; some of the objections to the earlier clos-;--: ing movement. The principal of these;; objections were : The small houses of^ business. The proprietors said that the"' large houses did all the business in the time '■'] all were open. But this was an error. It,- :! was pretty well kaown that each class "of ' business establishment had a different kmd of customers, and did not interfere with each other. Thus the objection was a fallacy.' The next and most serious objector was" the man who commenced with little or no J capital, and so kad to pay interest to a large V amount, and stated that he must work long , honors, indeed all hours, to meet bis liabili-' ties." That man was guilty of something very much akin to commercial dishonesty.1;' Andtheman who said "I employ but my ■■ own family"—that main was the worst of :: all. For if he were not in difficulties then he worked himself and his family to an un reasonable extent, and caused others to be ■ overworked irorn a reprehensible greed of-: money. He gave indeed the penny to q Cassar ; but how was he to answer the fear- j ful reckoning; to the Almighty? And the E , last of all— the poor working man's wife.' : She ccvuld not get out to make her little purchases. She had children to take ; care of, and other household duties. But surely she might get some kind neighbour • to help her, or she might wait till Saturday, especiallly as her husband would in nowise j work one minute over eight hours, without extra pay, and then often unwillingly. , ; ;j The preacher concluded a most telling ) sermon with an earnest admonition to wives and daughters to do their best to further the movement by making their purchases in.;: the day time, and not at night.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckhaca, Esq., U.M.) - .' . '. DRUNKENNESS. : . ' «■' Daniel Allans, for this offence, was fined 10s and oosts, with the alternative of 48 1 hours' imprisonment. PETTY LARCKNY."— A ' WABKIMO TO YOUNG ' KOOUES. f; i: Stephen Home and Anthony Nicholson. t 2v. ...,, , /

THE BVBKINO STAB, TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 1874



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