SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER : This evening, 7.47 ; to morrow morning. 8 SUN SET : This evening, 7,6 ; SUN RISE : to morrow mornins, _-3_ MOON'S AGE: First aar ter, 17th, 0.8 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Cyphrenes, tt.'Xs.-., 1600 tons, Captain Woods, from San Frar^is,.^ ~i a Honolulu (English Mall)

DEPARTURES.

Luna-, Government p.s, Fairchild, for Welllnffton '(from the Manukau)

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Karotinga— Blanche, schooner, cany For Lyttelton -Agnes, brigantine, early For Sydney—Hydaspes, ship, early ForLyitelton-P^erless, schooner, early ; waitangi, ship, early ; William Gifford. early For San Francisco-Condoren, ship, early; Cyphrenes,

R M s s„ 24th December For London—City of Auckland, ship, early For a Cruise—Southern Cross, Missionary barquentme early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Assaye, ship, from London : sailed September 3 Cospau-ick, ship, from London ; sailed Bth September Glenlora, ship, from London ; sailed September 26 Dilharee, barque, from London; sailed October 2 Inverene, ship, from London; sailed October

The mail steamer Cyphrenes, Capt. Wood arrived in harbour this morning after a stormy passage from San Francisco. We are indebted to Mr H. Adams, purser for the following report:—The Cyphrenes left San Francisco with 100 first and second class passengers, dealing the Golden Gate at 2.30 p.m. on 10th Nov., being three days three hours behind time, caused by the length of the passage made by the Atlantic boat. W.S.W. and foggy, unsettled weather contined to lat. 34*0 N, long. 120 S.W. ; thence to lat. 310 N., 1310 W., moderate W. and N.W. winds, and fine clear weather. 13th Nov. wind N.E., light and cloudy; passed several vessels standing to the north ; signalled the Hereford, of London. In the evening the wind veered to E.S.E. ; thence toiat. 25 ON, long. 153 0, strong S. and S.W. breezes and dirty weather ; in lat. 22 0 N. we encountered a strong S.W. gale, which blew with great force, and heavy head sea, which greatly retarded the ship's progress. The gale continued for three days, with very fierce squalls at intervals. Friday, 20th, more moderate, but hazy. Sighted east end of Malakai Islands, bearing south. Ten p.m. arrived off the entrance to Honolulu, but too much sea on the bar to enter. Next morning finer weather; entered at 7 p.m., landed mails, passengers and cargo 8 a.m. 22nd, received outward mails and sailed again for Auckland ; variable winds. Mid night, light N.E. wind and fine clear weather, which continued till 26th, when we lost the N.E. trades in lat. 600 N„ long. 163 W. ; S.S.E. wind and fine for a few hours. 27tb, met with S.E. trades in lat. 3 N., long. 164 W. 164 lat. ; current set to N, 50 deg. <*~ 1 mile per hour. Crossed Equator on 28th, in long. 165 W., passed Swain 3 Islands a.m., Ist December; passed Sayan Island (Navigators Group) 2.30 p.m. 2nd, 5 p.m., passed about 10 miles W. of Boocawas. S. E. trades extended to lat. 160 S., long. 173 W., thence variable winds and cloudy to lat. 20 S., long. 176 deg. W., and to lat. 30 178 deg. E. strong S. and s.S E. breezes and heavy chopping sea. Crossed the meridan on Sunday, the sth, in lat. 24 S. ; thence to Auckland, fresh S.W. breeze and fine weather, sighting the Great Barrier at 2 a.m. ; thick weather.

Passengers to -Auckland—Saloon : Mrs Veal and 2 children, Key Dr Antliffe, Rev A. T&. Tomlinson, Rev Dr Copeland, for Port Chalmers, *lf Hoare, RoberS Graham, junr., and 20 in the steerage. From Honolulu to Auckland : sin the steerage; also 40 for Australia.

The cutter Miranda, after landing 19,000 ft. •timber from Tairua for Messrs Preece Howard and Co., has cleared with a general cargo for the same port. The schooner Onward, after discharging her coal, is to sail at once for Wangaroa. She- has cleared 'with 2 tons flour, 3 cases beef, aad 1 case cheese.

The cutter Wanderer has cleared for Cabbage Bay with a small quantity of stores. Cargo for Auckland:—4 cases merchan dize, !*argood, Son and Co ; 1 pge do, L. D. Nathan and Co. ; 1 do, Lewis Brothers ; 2 do, H. M. Jervis ; 6 do, E. Porter and Co. ; 1 do. Wm. Wilson ; 1 do, Mr Hosking; 7 do, Auckland Steam Navigation Company ; 1 pge seed, A. M. Johnson ; 1 box, Oliver Gulph ; 1 do, Grey River Hospital. The barque Bella Mary was at anchor this morning in RingUoto channel. The ship Condoren is announced to sail for San Francisco on the 22 instant.

We notice that some of our contemporaries state that when the Memento left Newcastle there was no news of the arrival in Sydney of the p. s. Golden Crown. Considering that the Crown only left here on the 24 th ult. and tbe Memento left New castle on the 26th we are not suprised.

An enquiry into the cause of the late col lision at Port Waikato between the Merlin and the Wild Duck took place at Onehunga yesterri ay before Mr. R. C. Barstow, R.M., Mr. H. N. Brewer, H.M.C., and Captain Clayton, Nautical Assessor. Captain Waite, of the Wild Duck, and Mr. John King, the mate, gave evidence, which exactly tallied with the account of the occurrence sent in by a correspondent, and published immedi diately after the accident. There was no appearance on behalf of the captain or crew of the Merlin. The Court was of opinion that the blame rested with the Merlin.

Tbe Bella Mar' ,§ barque, took her depar ture from Rangitoto Channel early this morn ing- ,

COLONIAL PRODUCE.

Buying Prices, Cor.r_c._d by Auckland Dealers. a. d. s. d. s d. s. d. Butter, per lb. 0 10-0 0 I Ducks, pair.. 3 o—s 0 Cheese (new) 0 o—o 7 Geese, each 4 0-5 0 Eggs, per doz. 1 3—o 0 | Turkey ..3 o—s 0 Lard uer lb 0 6—o 0 | Canterbury Bacon & Hams Fowls each 1 o—2 0 1 (bare) .. 1 o—l 2 Good Salt Butter—9 1 0| Do (in cloth) 11 — 10J Canter. Cheese B—o 9 | Auckland 0 B—o 11 Hams, 9*d to 10£ d per lb. Retail Prices, Farm and Dairy Produce.

s. d. s. d. s. d s. d Milk, per _t. 0 o—o 6 I Ducks pair 5 o—6 0 Butter (fresh) 0 0-1 01 Geese, each 5 o—6 6 Cheese (new) 0 10—0 0 I Turkeys, each 4 6—6 0 Eggs per doz. 0 o—l 6 | Bacon, per lb. 0 10—1 0 Lard per lb. 0 6—o 91 Hams .. .. 0 10-1 0 Fowls, pair.. 3 6-5 01 Salt Butter.. 1 3-1 6 Butchers' Meat. Bee. per lb. 0 s—o 7 I Pork, per lb. 0 7-0 7. Second quality 3. 0-0 5 | Veal.. .. 0 4-07 Mutton .. 4—o 6, Steaks .. 6 0-0 8 BREaDSTUFFS. FLOUR. WHOLESALE. Millers' Price, per ton—lst quality £17 Fine Flour—household £16 Adelaide Flour .. £17 Canterbury „ £12 to £13 Seconds, £14. Sharps, £8 Bakers' Price, per lb 3d Bras. Is 9d per bushel. Brkab, per 21b. loaf, 4d Maize, crushed and whole, 6? 011 j7s 3d ' BISCUIT. Cabin Biscuit, per 1001b, .. .. •• -Retail 22s MAIZE, OATS, POTATOES, ETC. WHOLESALr. Maize, 6s 9rt Prime Sytney Oats, 6s to 6s 6d per bushel Potatofis, £12 per ton Hay, £7 10s to £9 per ton. Straw, £3 to £3 10s per ton. Chaff, £7 10s per ton. BEl_r_. Maize, per bushel, 7s Oats, 6s 6d per bushel. Potatoes, 14<s per cwt. Hay, cwt., 9s Straw, 4s to 5s per cwt. Chaff, 8s to 9s per cwt. KAURI GUM AND FLAX MARKET. The following are the prices In the Auckland market V— Gum—Well scraped, best quality .. .. £41 to £42 Ordinary sorts SX £40 to £41 Flax.- Finest quality £17to£l8 Second ditto £14 to £16 Tow £7 to £8 BUILDING MATERIALS. Timber.—Boards and scantling, 100 ft, 9s to 15s at mills, lis 6d; planed, tongued, and grooved, 15s 6d to 18s ' New Zealand palings, 5-feet, lis; 6-feet, 13s; ti tree rail., £210s to £3 per 100 ; puriri posts, £5 per 100 • shingles, 8s to 15s per 1000; HoDart Town palings' 6ft., 17s; 6ft., 19s ; Hobartown rails, 80s. ' COAL AND FIREWOOD MARKET. Coai,.— Newcastle, on Wharf, 45s ; delivered I 60s per ton. I Firewood.—-Uncut, 16s per ten; de_»"vered cut I 18s 6d per ton. J

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will, Close as follows :— For Thame?, to-morrow, at 6.30 p m 1 For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 10 30 a.m. For Mahurangi, Matakana, Mangawai, Walpu, &c. per Lady Rowen, on Saturday next, at 10 a m For Russell, per Golden Isle, on Saturday next, al

11 a v ._,.__ For Whitiangi, Tairua, Opotiki, and Napier, via Tauranga, per Southern Cros3, on Saturday r,"* at 1p m ... ■■■ jyiais lorTaranaki, Southern provinces, Austrau__ Colonies, Tncia, China, Mediterranean parts, Conti nent of Europe, and TTnited Kingdom, via SoutU ampton, and Brtndisi, will be made up per Welling ton, on Monday, the 14th instant __&| Mails for Loudon, &c, via »*n Francisco, will close at 5 p m on December 2_, per Cyp.renes For the undermentioned pla/es per Cyphrenes, on Thursday, 24th instant, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of

America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 5 p m. For the 'United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 5 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at _ p.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d will be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing. 9.30 am

S. R. RISS, Chief Postmaster

BIRTH.

Hogarth—On the Kth inst, at Symonds-st eet, the wife of Mr Hugh Hogarth of a son.

DEATH.

Hammond—On December 10, at his residence. Grey street, Frederick Henry, the beloved husband ol Catherine H.immond.

The funeral will leave his late residence at 4 o'clock to-morrow. Friends please accept this inti mation

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Mr Thomas Cole, P. P.<*.M. has forwarded us a letter explaining the position of tbt- Loyal Good Intent in relation to the One hunga member. Had tbis course beei, pursued at first, a great deal of misuu'l-r standing would have been avoided. The letter will appear to-morrow.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1874.

Ker th« cause th_t lacki> sssifttanco, (for the wrong thai newdn rtMiktuctb Vor too f»tiire in Mie [iist-nee. .... fcbc „___ ch.t w. ca.li de

Science has met with a great dissappoin*" ment in the attempted observations of the transit of Venus. From most of the stations yet reported, the observations have not been satisfactory ; and old Sol has put forth a vigorous effort to prevent the solution of the mystery still surrounding his distance in the heaven 3. It is rare that such a general obscuration of the sky has characterised our climate, and tantalising it is that this unfortunate peculiarity should have occurred on an occasion of world-wide interest. It will be seen from our tele graphic columns that some stations have been less unfortunate than others, and as the observations at the instant of ingress and egress are not essential, it may be hoped that the observations made, and the photographs taken, may prove at least auxiliary to more successful observa tions made elsewhere. Great interest will now attach to the reports from the Auckland, Chatham, and Campbell's Islands, where, jf full opportunities for watching the event have been afforded, there may be obtained sufficient data to obviate the disappointment that has occurred to astronomers stationed in New Zealand. The disappointment to the curiosity of our world of unscientific stargazers is of course of not so material impor tance, still it is a loss that we have failed to enjoy the sensations to be evoked by the recurrence of an event that so excited the interest of our grandfathers. New Zealand was expected to play the most important part in the solution of this great astronomi cal question ; but we trust that from the stations in Australia and scattered all over our hemisphere, there will be collected such an amount of observations as will dispel the disappointment caused by the gloomy skies that have been frowning on New Zealand.

I A very eminent man in connection with religious movements arrived by the Cy ! phrenes to-day in the person of the Rev. Dr. Antliffe. He is President of the Primitive Methodist Connection all over the world, and is at present on a three-years' tour around the world, visiting the churches. This visitation is, we understand, in conse quence of representations made to the home churches as to the necessities of the American and Colonial churches of this denomination, and the wisdom of taking note of the peculi arities of colonial life and its requirements in the selection of ministers to be sent out from England. Dr. Antliffe has already visited the brethren in the United States and Canada, and after visiting the connection in Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington, and Invercargill, will proceed through the Aus tralias. He is a most eminent preacher, and also a lecturer of great ability ; and although the denomination with which he is connected has not the prominence and influence |among us which it has elsewhere, we believe he will be welcomed by every denomination as a distinguished labourer in the same field of usefulness. Such a man is common pro perty, and we trust that ere he leaves Auok land, an opportunity will be afforded to the public of coming face to face with one whose ability and character alone, have won him eminence. His (stay in Auckland will not extend beyond a week, and while here he is the guest of Mr J. C. Firth.

Thf Beecher-Tilton scandal still drags its slow length along, leaving its slimy track behind it. Tilton now, with an effronting characteristic of his share in the transaction, sues Beecher for damages, and the case came before Judge Reynolds, of the Brooklyn CoUrt, on November 9. The Court was crowded. Tilton appeared with his counsel.i

Beecher, who was not present, was repre sented by General Trac> and Mr Sherman, as counsel. Argument took place between counsel as to the order of procedure, and the case, without being gone into, waa j adjourned till the following week. Same day the charge of libel, brought by Miss Proctor against Moulton, arising out of this same affair, came up in the same Court, and

was deferred after argument till the next term of Court. Moulton has filed the reply

to the complaint of Miss Proctor. It consisos j of 67 pages of foolscap, admits publication, j but denies that the alleged libel is either

false, scandalous, or libellous. It alleges the truth of the assertions made in the state-

ment, and asserts that it was|made in self-dc

fence. The|scan_alhas evidently beenspicedto Yankee taste, and it will be long before we have the last of it.

A NEWSPAPER'S CIRCULATION.

The art of successful and profitable advertis ing is less understood by the thousands whose business daily necessitates the em ployment of that means of gaining publicity, than any other kind of expenditure entailed upon business men. The London "{Spectator," in a clever article on the perma nent influence of particular journals, shew s how advertisers are victimised by quack advertising mediums, and what a serious tax such impostures become upon trading firms. Nor is it surprising that this should be the case, when we consider that those tests of value which are self-evident ia nearly all business matters, are absent in judging of the money value of au announcement to a trader. The sole end an advertiser has in view is publicity, and as a consequence the basis on which must rest the value of any advertising medium is circulation.

HOW IS IT FOUND ?

But how is an advertiser to arrive at any sound judgment on this most vital point? We confess that it is difficult even for an expert to do so, and owing to the impostures perpetrated by pub lications giving in reality no return whatever for money expended upon them by the public, the leading English and American journals have devised various means with tho view of affording their supporters a substantial guar antee that they really receive wh.t they pay for. One of tho most common devices re sorted to, is the employment of a self acting register on the printing machine, by which the number of sheets that have passed through the machine, become at once apparent. Some journals follow the practice of publishing these returns daily either without authentication or certified to by affidavit. But this lias been shown to be delusive. In the first place a newspaper that announces a fixed number as a standard, naturally, and perhaps not inexcusably, takes the highest number issued oa some special occasion. It has also befm proved that even the daily returns on affidavit arc not always reliable. There are men unscru pulous enough to testify on oath to figures that do not represent facts. The San Fran cisco "Newsletter," referring to the returns published by the newspapers of that city, proves conclusively that they claim a very much wider radius of circulation than ihe whole population of the State could afford, and the " Newsletter " leaves people to draw their own inferences.

THE MELBOURNE AGE.

A plan adopted by the Melbourne Age gives to advertisers a greater guarantee of security than any of tho ways men tioned above. For one week that journal published daily an affidavit by two of the leading accountants of Melbourne tes tifying to the number of copies printed. But here again, it will be observed, there is a loophole for fraud To meet any test applied to a specified week the cir culation might be cooked, and a fictitious number be struck off for that period. Endeavouring, as we have done, to keep pace with our English and American con temporaries, we have repeatedly made allu sion to the circulation of the Star, and have even gone so far as to issue a challenge to the whole newspaper jjress of the colony, for the sum of £100, to be decided by a compari son of circulation, an iavitatiou which was not accepted, although published in every city of New Zealand. We still consider that it is the duty of all newspapers to give ad vertisers every facility for ascertaining the extent to which they can gain publicity through their columns. To profess to do so by exhibiting any set of books would be manifestly unsatisfactory and worthless.

A CRUCIAL TEST

But there is one way in connection with the issue of the Star and mo3t other colonial journals which places deception completely out of the ques tion. Each side of the sheet is printed separately. The working of the outside advertisement pages for the whole issue is commenced before noon every day and finished by three o'clock. We now invite every advertiser of the Star to come

in at any hour he may choose on any day during the next twelve months, and not only investigate the publishing books and cash sales, but examine the sheets already printed for the evening's issue and satisfy himself as to their numbers. We also desire that our advertisers or any committee appointed by them should employ a thorough accountant to carry out these investigations at any time to be chosen by himself, and we

CHALLENGE

Him to disprove the following state ments :— 1. That the lowest minimum number of copies of the Star issued in any one week during the past two years has never been less than 22,000 copies. 2. That, calculated on the basis of specified days representing the maximum circulation of the Star, there has been printed equal to 25,000 copies per week. 3. That on no one day during the past two years has the circulation been lower than a proportion of the minimum weekly circulation above stated. The mini mum circulation that we claim, therefore, and which we are earnestly solicitous of having put to the proof, is one million four hundred and forty-four thousand (1,444,000) copies per annum. The figures really look astounding, considering the small population of Auckland, but these are facts which every inserter of a shilling " wanted" advertisement can satisfy himself of, if he chooses to do so, as we have everything to gain by careful investigation and the widest publicity. We are also prepared to prove that the Star circulates one thousand six hundred copies (1,600), at least, daily, more than any journal published in the North Island of New Zealand, and six hundred (600) copies daily more than the most largely circulated daily journal published in the South Island, namely, the Dunedin Evening Star.

HOW MANY READERS ?

The conclusion from these facts, which advertisers have the fullest opportu nity for examining into and verifying or disproving is not difficult to draw. It is estimated by the best authorities on such subjects that —including the publi city in families, hotels, and public institu tions—every paper is read by six persons. The population of the city is well known, and, with the figures now given before them, our readers can extend the calculations to any point they please. It must also be borne in mind that there is not only a posi tive but a negative side to advertising, and the facts stated above should serve to show those who do not advertise at all the enormous disadvantage at which they stand in relation to advertisers in the same line of business. Ihe great maxim of successful advertising sets forth that no saving in cost can in any way compensate for a want of publicity. On the contrary the very failure to accomplish that which a

person may be led to believe he is securing, is a source of danger to him none the less serious because unperceived. Nor can the steady, regular, aud undeviating publicity which comes spontaneously from the people be replaced by any artificial effort to reach them in spite of their own inclinations and wishes. ANOTHER TEST. _ There is, of course, in the foregoingremarks,

one obvious omission of a fact that serves to regulate what would otherwise be an anomaly

unknown in any other business. Circulation necessarily brings advertising support from the thousands who constitute the readers of

a paper. This we have always found to De the case with the Star. The number of

advertisers has invariably increased with the

circulation, and at no time of its existence has there been such a pressure of advertise ments on our columns as at the present.

Circulation is also subject to laws regulating it. The number of readers must be limited by population, and when that limit is reached a publication arrives at an unvarying stand ard. This we have also found to be the case with the Star. Since it first shed light on the people, till the present, there has been no period when its circulation has been more uniform and unvarying than during the past six months, a fact testified to by the uniform number printed each night, as shewn on our publishing books, and represented by the figures given above.

The steamship Cyphrenes arrived with the English mail on board this morning. Her detention was caused in the fir.t place by tbe non-appearance of the mail train till two days after its due date—a delay which was owing to the late arrival of the trans-Atlantic steamer—and in the next place her voyage from San Francisco has been prolonged, and then two days by heavy gales experienced between San Francisco and Honolulu. A large supplement is issued with to-night's paper giving copious extracts of English and American news.

A correspondent, "J.P.," writes to us as follows:—"Sir, —The people of Auckland have to thank you for the spirited manner in which you try to protect the little girl, Cecilia Allen, from what you properly call the ' fiendish' article in the Cross. Ido not know how any one could write such an article as that before the little girl, or any one for her had an opportunity of being heard, and I feel sure that very few will set much value on the so-called ' confession' until it is corroborated by independent evidence. Instead of the girl being the offshoot of a French petroleuse. she is, I am informed, the daughter of a hardworking and respectable woman, who by her industry has deceit ly snpported a family of six children, and who must be a respectable woman from the way in which she urged the girl to tell the whole truth about the lire, whatever might be the consequences. To say nothing worse it was surely very bad taste for a paper to take the place of judge and jury, to try and con demn and sentence a little girl before she is heard, and 1 am proud to see that we have one paper in Auckland at least one paper that is not afraid to run counter to the prejudices of the hour, and demand a fair hearing and fair play for all. Even sir, if the girl Cecilia Allen is found guilty, you hive no reason to regrst that you held out tha hand of protection to her. for it is a dan gerous tiling to the liberty of the subject if the public are incited to condemn an accused before trial, and to outstrip justice by fixing the penalty before the Courts have said she is guilty."

The farewell complimentary concert ten dered to Mrs Morressy has been unavoidably postponed from this evening till the 10th instant. This lady, during the yearn she has been connected with educational institu tions in Auckland, has gained the esteem of all who know her, and the periodical con certs given by her pupils have been among the most successful entertainments of the kind held in Auckland. Her farewell concert will, we hope, be a complete success, as it deserves and promises to be.

The members of No 2 Company, A.11.V, are reminded thataparado for drill takes place on this evening, with arm 3. A meeting will be held afterwards for consideration of the question of finance.

The coming of Christmas is usually heralded by the announcement of suitable Christmas presents. Among the seasonable notices, is one from Mr. if .slop, whose sewing machines —from the " Little Stranger" to " Singer" have become " familiar as household words." Mr. Hoslop has forwarded us an illustrated price-list of sewing machines by various makers sold at his establishment, which gives the fullest information on the subject that any house-wife need desire to know. It also contains many valuable hints to parties about to purchase, or already possessing sew fng machines. For one of these complete brochures on this important subject, application should be made to the Fitting Shop, Vulcan Lane.

A correspondent residing in Kyber Pass Road thinks the larrikins dislodged from Freeman's Bay, by the location of a police man there, and who were supposed to have migrated to Parnell, have finally taken up their abode near the Kyber Pass. He wishes us to inform them that the neighbours are on the look-out, and it will not be good for their health if caught. He also makes allusion to the reformatory influences of shot, in a way that may lead to the supposition that he contemplates trying its effects.

Among the holiday amusements for the Christmas week, are races announced to take place at Henderson's mill. A pleasant ride to the course, with the prospect of enjoyable sports, should attract a goodly number of visitors from the city.

Mr W. F. Baker, the proprietor of the Baker Troupe, received the following on board the Cyphrenes :—"R. M. as. Cvphre nes, at sea. Bth December, 1874. William F. Baker, Esq. : Sir, —We, the undersigned, by the present, beg to convey to you our appreciative recognition alike of the spirit you displayed in undertaking at a short notice, the kindness you evinced in giving, and the able manner in which—with the artistic aid of Mrs W. F. Baker, Mr Henry Baker, and John and Jennie Morau—you entertained us by the impromptu concert on Wednesday evening last ; and we sincerely tender to you our wishes that your tour in New Zealand and Australia may prove generally, and in a pecuniary sense, advan tageous to your company, whilst we antici pate its complete success." Signed by the Captain and officers, and many of the passen gers.

The grand pictorial panorama of a trip through the States of America, with descrip tive lecture, will be given this evening in the City Hall, through Captain Babot, by W. C Dennes, ifisq. The proceeds will be given to. the funds of the Merchant Seamen's Orphan Asylum. H. Isaacs, Esq., Mayor of Auck land, has kindly promised to fill the chair on this interesting occasion.

The fourth concert of the Auckland Har monic Society is announced for Thursday, the 17th inst., at the Choral Hall. Handel's grand Oratorio of "Judas Maccabeus" will be performed with full orchestral accompani ment.

The Concert*at Devonport Hall last even ing for the benefit of the Rowing Club was very successful, the Hall was full, and all present appeared perfectly satisfied. The song of Miss Hunter, and those by Messrs Harding and Hankin, were greatly praised. Without specifying particulars we may say generally, that the singers and musicians ac quitted themselves with great credit.

Last night Mr George Bowring, violinist, was proceeding home at midnight, and when passing the late residence of Mr S. H. Smith Ponsonby road, a ruffian leaped out from under a fence and tried to stick him up, but Mr Bowring having a heavy umbrella in his hand struck his assailant a severe blow across the head, the ruffian no doubt, after receiving such a reception, thought that discretion was the better part of valour, and skedaddled.

The Cyphrenes passed a barque standing off the coast yfestefday eveniffg. Madame Goddard's Mb concert will, _#c place positively on Tuesday next,' tto ttte Choral Hall. The plan of seats will bS open at Mr Upton's on Saturday morning. We would call attention to the sale of splended horses, ex Hero, at Mr A. Buck land's yards to-morrow, at 11 o clock.

Among the passengers of the Cyphrenes are severol representatives of the theatrical profession. We notice among those booked for Auckland, the Baker Comedy Troupe, a new company, who are to play here for the first time. They are said to be very good. Among those bound for Sydney are the Hibernia Troupe, a first-class company, who have enjoyed extensive patronage in the States. They intend travelling through Australia, and afterwards visiting this colony. Mr E. D. Davies, the ventriloquist, is a passenger to Sydney. This gentleman is spoken of as superior to Val Vose. He has lately had a very successful run in London. After " doing" the other side, he also in tends paying New Zealand a visit. Lastly we observed Mrs Harry Ricird., who is re turning to Sydney,

The No. 1 L.O. Lodge meet at 7.30 this evening.

A special meeting of the Loyal Orange Institution is convened for Friday evening, at 7.30.

The steamer Cyphrenes proceeds on to Sydney at five o'clock. A letter from " Questioner." He believes the transit business a hoax. The mail news shuts him out to-day. He shall have his say to-morrow. We believe in every man's views having fair play.

DEPARTURE OF HIS EXCEL LENCY THE GOVERNOR.

Hi* Excellency the Governor, with the Marchioness and suite, proceeded to One hunga, by train, at 10.50. The train pro ceeded to the wharf platform, and they im mediately proceeded on board the Luna. They were accompanied down the wharf by some of the residents (a score or two) of Onehunga. A triumphal arch had been er ected across the wharf, decked with ever greens and flowers. Mr. Hardington had a great display of bunting, and several other residents near the wharf had their places decorated with flags, &c. The vessels along side the wharf also displayed their colours. As Captain Fairchild either did not deem the weather very favourable for starting, or was waiting for the mail, the vice regal party shortly afterwards returned from on board, and took up temporary quarters at MrHardington's Manukau Hotel. For the convenience of his Excellency a special train was provided by Mr Lloyd the traffic clerk It consisted of one locomotive, one first-class carriage, one composite car riage, one second-class carriage and a break van. The train was ordered for 10 50 a.m, and punctually to that time his Excellency and suite arrived in carriages from Govern ment House. Accompanying the Marquis and Marchioness, were Lord Henery Phipps, A.D.C., Captain Maling, private secretary, Mrs Maling and children, and eight servants. The train started true to time. There was no demonstration at the departure.

THE LUNA DETAINED.

ONEHUNGA. (From our Own Correspondent.) This day.

The Luna has been detained till to-morrow. The Governor and party will remain at Har dington's Manukau hotel.

CLEVER CAPTURE.

AN EXCITING CHASE

As we announce din the Star last evening J. J. Thompson, manager at F. Quick's stables, had absconded, and tbe steamer Eclipse, with Sergeant - Major Pardy, Mr. Frank Quick, and Mr. Howden, had gone down to watch the Bella Mary, then sailing out for Hobart Town as it was surmised that Thompson intended to board her outside the Heads. The steamer returned at half-past eight o'clock with the fugitive. The capture was a very clever one. Detective Jetfrey first suggested the idea that Thompson would levant in the Bella Mary, and acting upon his suggestion Mr. Frank Quick remained aboard that vessel all Wednesday night, but there was no sign of the man he wanted. Mr. G. C. Quick relieved his brother at 5 a.m. yesterday, and hiring Johnstone's—the watermans boat, accompanied the barque down the harbou ad been ascertained.hat H. Holbrook'a nad een absent from the waterman's steps since Tuesd ay morning at xis o'clock. After the Bella ary had roudded the Heads Mr. G. C. Quick break fasted with Captain McArthur, who assured him no one was on board.

A BOAT LEAVING RANGITOTO,

Looking round from the deck with a good glass he observed a boat coming out from Rongitoto reef, which was recognised as Hol brook's. Only one man was visible when the boat was first seen, but shortly afterwards another head appeared, which Mr. Quick was sure was Thompson's. He at once des patched Johnstone to town to inform his brother, Mr. F. Quick, and get a small steamer. Meantime he remained on the Bella Mary, and never took his glass off the boat, which now left Rangitoto, and made across rapidly towards the Wade, finally en tering a bay between the Lake and Gull Point. On receipt of the intelligence, Mr. F. Quick chartered the smart little steamer Eclipse, and was soon alongside the Bella Mary outside the Heads. They took Mr. G. C. Quick on board the Eclipse, and di rected their course for the bay. On arrival there, Holbrook's boat was found lying with its owner only only in it, and he stated that he had been out fishing. An overcoat was, however, lying in the boat, which Mr. Quick at once recognised as his property. Sergeant-Major Pardy said he must take Hoi brook in custody for stealing the coat, unless he could accout for the way he got it in his possession. He replied that a gentle man had left it there, but on the Sergt.-Mjor preparing to take him in custody he ad mitted that it was Thompson, and promised to render the pursuers evey assist ance. He then informed them that a bundle containing Thompson's things had been thrown aboard the cutter Evening Star, lying aground in the bay near at hand. A man on the cutter was at once applied to, and proved rather obdurate, threatening to knock Ser geant-Major Pardy and Mr Howden over board, a challenge which was promptly re sponded to in equally forcible terms by Mr G. E. Quick. He then told them where the parcel was, and pointed to the part of the bush where Thompson had entered.

SEARCH IN THE BCSH.

The whole party, including Holbrook, went ashore to search for the missing man. The scrub at this place was densely thick, and although the party divided and pushed around in all directions for miles no trace of him rould be found during a five hours' search. The hunt was most fatiguing— wading up the creek, pushing through thick tea-tree scrub, and scrambling about almost inaccessible places. As it was afterwards discovered, the searchers must frequently have passed so close to Thompson lying down that he could have seized them by the leg had he chosen.

THE DISCOVERY.

When the whole of the party were worn out by five hours of this hard work, Hol brook, who was wandering apart from the rest, kept calling out in a low, confidential tone "Thompson ! Thomson ! Come here !" At length Thompson answered. Holbrook told him it was no good hiding any longer, an the searchers were all round him, and i

would be better to give triraself up. He de clined to do so, and Holbrotfk,- remarking that he had got him into a mess, arid Mr G, C. Quick and others of the pat./ cain'e tte M. Quick advanced and holding oii.hiW _&_<! to" shake hands, said "Well, Thompson, tot* -re yoi_ f' The fugitive seemecl completely broke*, dwvn at this un- Sed greeting. He W-W *_* *tf ««* Xusted, having been without MM Tuesday morning, waiting for an outward bound vessel During the whole time occu pied in the return to town he was crying ii_e a child, and seemed to feel his position very keenly, speaking at one time of committing suicide by throwing himself over the chit. CAUSE OF THE ACT".

Thompson has always been considered a most trustworthy, active, and conscientious man, but recently he has got into difficulties, partly we are informed through the laches of some friends he trusted. Several promis sory notes are understood to be Coming due, and these combined troubles led him to drink heavily during the past few weeks. When captured he said, "Its all through drink." Much sympathy is felt in town for the unfortunate man, his wife, and four chil dren. When caught about £160 in gold were found in his possession. His defalca tions from Mr Quick are estimated at £150. He had two partners in the Occidental sweep ticket which took the second prize of £92. It is stated that one of these partners, Mr. Leonard, a commercial traveller now down South, has received nothing, and the other —Mr. George Bennett —only £10 of his share. The prisoner was brought up to-day at the Police Court on one charge of larceny from Mr. Quick, and was remanded. The defalcations only date back, we believe, to the 2nd December, shewing that it was a final act of absolute madness that brought about the unfortunate event, and that he was not guilty of ' deliberately and systema tically betraying the confidence of his em ployers. JThe capture is the smartest that has been made in Auckland since the cap ture of Cyrus Haley by Inspector Broham, and would never have been effected but for the energy of Messrs Quick. To Sergeant- Major Pardy also great credit is due for his prompt action, excellent organisation of the search, and great energy.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

Large Native Meeting Awaiting Sir Donald.

Creation of one Educational District

GRAHAMSTOWN,

This day

The Old Whau had another splendid haul of specimens to-day. A sample of what was taken out yesterday was placed in the Bank of New Zealand to-day. It is equally as rich as anything ever taken out of the mine. The Coliban trial crushing of ten tons from the winze yielded 20 ozs. 3 dwts. of gold. The Candlelight tribute crushed 30 tons for 16 ozs. 5 dwts.

Horses were run for the first time under ground at the Thames to-day in the Moana tairi tunnel.

At the District Court to-day the case of Donnelly v. Donnelly was called. Claim, £10, damages for detention of letters. The plaintiff's counsel offered no evidence and a nonsuit was recorded.

A large number of natives are assembled at Shortland, waiting the arrival of Sir Donald McLean.

The creation of the Thames into one dis trict for educational purposes by the Central Board, has given some dissatisfaction. At a meeting of the Kauaeranga and Waiekiti committees yesterday, a resolution was pas sed condemning the change, as no provision is made by law for increasing the number of members of committees in large districts.

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

DUNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent). This day,

Emigration from the Colony. Referring to the Wellington " Times" statement that while the colony in 1573 im ported 8754 immigrants, it lost 4761 persons, a large proportion of whom were experienced colonists. The " Guardian" says that when the figures are closely analysed, it is evident that the bulk of the seeming emigration is occasioned by ordinary intercolonial traffic. In reality only 1300 emigrants are to be accounted for, of which it may be safely assumed not more than one-tenth, if so many, are colonists who have emigrated for good. Rifle Firing under Difficulties. The Guards fired in a thick pelting rain, which made it next to impossible to see the target at 600 yards. Nightingale—2oo, 23 ; 400, 24 ; 500, 21 ; 600, 17. Tresider—2oo, 26 ; 400, 20 ; 500, 22 ; 600, 13. McLean, of Port Chalmers, retires from the shooting. The Racing Scandal.—Appeal to other Race Clubs Refsrring to the Mabel affair, the "Times" says editorially that it sincerely trusts the Club will not be bullied or worried into retracting the decision, such as is sure to be attempted. The penalty was not one whit too severe, and more especially do we hope other clubs in New Zealand and other colonies will recognise the justice of the decision, and enforce it over their own race courses. If this is not done, the decision of our Club will be baulked of much of its effect, and rendered prugatory. We have little doubt such a course will be pursued, and shall not be surprised if a strong effort is made to reverse the decision." Fashionable Larrikinism in Dunedin. In an assault case in which a well-known citizen was charged with assaulting a doctor, Mr Bathgate said he intended to put down fashionable larrikinism. Had the case been proven, he would have sent the defendent to prison without option of fine. Opinion of a Victorian Volunteer Oflicer. The Guards yesterday were inspected by Major Sargood, of the Victorian Artillery, who complimented the men on their drill, their uniforms, the condition of their rifles, which in Victoria subjected them to fines. He suggested that they should follow the Victorian plan of dividing companies into squads, and giving prizes for the best attend ance.

The Woollen Mill.—Heavy Casting. The Kaikoura Woollen Mill has started work. The first plant for the mill was lost in the Surat.

The heaviest casting of iron in the colony was made at the railway foundry yesterday. It is a tube for one pillar of the Waitaki Bridge piers. The weight is over 2| tons. The casting was very successful.

Mr Macandrew on Provincialism

At the banquet at Tokomariro celebrating the starting of the pottery works, Mr Mae andrew said he was sorry to see that people seemed anxious to part with local self- Government, which they would regret, as they would be governed by a lot of clerks" from Wellington. I

Mr Turnbull spoke in similar terms. He said that although the cry to abolish the provinses was popular just now, he did not expect that Provincialism would be so speed ily done away with. The press condemns this introduction of politics on such an occasion, and calls upon Mr Macandrew to meet his constituents.

Night Licenses for Hotels. The Licensing Act proves very unwork able. At a sitting yesterday, Mr Bathgate delivered the judgment of the Commissioners on applications for night licenses. He said it was the opinion of the majority of the Commissioners that they had no power grant night licenses, but he held a differeto view himself. The bar complained of tnt

utterly unworkabitity of the~_ T"^ Hams said it was impossible to «_ M_ it. The legislature and not S, ?&derst4 should be fined. Ultimately l^Z the-difficulty was suggested by U%°* * One d the applications was W-thL*^ person withdrawing it continuesi to .^' th * ten, and is to be summoned by t_« vafW a test case. The other cases were LP*" ** pending the decision of the Sunrerni 0?,1^ on the point. * c Another school donation -His* ittt . Mr. bargood has donated £30 for cm*- _- tion at the end of next year hi i, mp4 cated in the State school. kellS^f to make gifts to that amount Wteada As an instance of the value of land tigson- to the railway, the Tokomairiro t,-^" mentions a sale yesterday of seventeeni a which cost a few years since 10s an aerT\ £3432 acre > at

The Land Fund and Abolition of Provinces. Mr Barton, the lawyer, was the prbcin^T questioner c. Mr Reynolds, who, referrins t_ the abolition question, said the guaranty that Canterbury and Otago had, that their Governments would not be abolished wai that their members, and other strong mem bers opposed to the Government, could not stand before them an hour. If contrary to his expectations, a vote was carried in tha Lower House appropriating the land funds* tbe Ministry, after the opinion they had ex pressed, could not hold office. For Himself he would nob remain a member of a Ministry proposing such a thing. If the resolution was carried, independent of the Minis try, they could not hold office another hour. The "Substantial Eevenue," wJtj, which the local boards of the abolished provinces would be endowed would be fW land revenues, then rates and capitation allowance.

A Serious Charge Against a Medical Man.

A serious charge was laid last ooigbfc against a medical man by a lodge of Odd fellows with which he was connected. They dismissed him on a charge of alleged neglect in refusing to attend the dying wife of a member, and took steps to see if .liminal proceedings would not lie. He, on the other hand, threatens criminal proceedings for libel.

Prospective Income Tax

Most information was got out of Mr Rev. nolds by questioning. The meeting was very tame. The principal points were. He paid that if an income tax was to be levied he would support levying it on absentees' and if he could, would make them pay donble' Free immigration should be continued as long as necessary and no longer. He was not in favour of making the Upper House elective. The land fundjjwas not to be absorbed. Otago and Canterbury could defeat any Government ■attempting it, and he would himself instantly retire from the Government if it was pro posed. Judge Ward had not been promised Judge Chapman'B place, nor was he likely to pet it while he (Mr Reynolds) was Minister of Justice. The Government did not consider it desirable to concentrate the Supreme Court judges in Wellington.

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.)

This day. Turf Roguery in Wellington. A light is being thrown upon the secrets of racing. Yesterday, one of the owners of horses that ran at the last meeting went to another with whom he had come to an under standing to let him take first place, but that the stakes were to be divided. It was all very well until the losing rogue applied for his moiety of the stakes, when the other laughed in his face, and asked him if he; thought him such a sanguinary adjective fool as to do business that way ? The same little games are reported to be in prepara-' tion for the Wairarapa races, _for.es well known to be capable of winning, though ostentatiously entered, are not going to run, and others will be _cratc_ed before the race comes off.

Ho-w a Sweepstake Worked. Amongst many sweeps got up here, there; was one for the Derby of £5.0. The person who drew Ngaro was interviewed by a well known horsey man, who wished to buy his chance right or wrong. The other declined to sell at all. The story goes that Jock said, "Well, I must have half the ebance or the horse may not win." The hint was taken, the half chance sold for £50, the horse won, and the money was divided yesterday^ Mr Moorhouse's Candidature for

Mayorship. Very stormy under current opposition being got up against Mr Moorhouse's election as Mayor. He is certain now to have a keener contest than he anticipated.

Presbyterian General Assembly. # '.'..! The Presbyterian General Assembly _ going on. The following resolution was passed :—The Rev Mr Brice moved, "That the General Assembly having considered an application on the part of the clergyman and congregation of St. Andrew's, Wellington, for incorporation with the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, together with the relative documents, the Assembly does unanimoualy accede to their request, and cordially welcome the Rev Charles Summer Ogg and St. Andrew's congregation into union with the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, and declare them from this time to be possessed of all privileges commonly belonging to the Church and recognise their right and title to admin ister the properties at present belonging to them according to the trust set forth in this Act of incorporation." The motion was; agreed to. Permission was granted to the Nelson Presbytery to sit in this city. A long discussion took place on the report of th« Committee on intemperance. The result was that the second Sabbath in March was fixed as a day specially for Temperanne sermons.

The Rev. Bruce resigned the office of con vener of the Church Property Committee. With regard to church extension, it was moved by Mr. Paterson, seconded by Mr. Sheriff, and agreed to, "That the report be adopted, and that tha AssembJy record to churches its cordial thanks for the libetal grant of money which had been made during the past year towards the church-extension fund." .

A committee was appointed to examine into Presbytery records ; also to draw up an address to the Governor.

The treasurer's report was adopted. 7 Reports were received upon questions of the order of Divine service, education, an" foreign missions. With regard to the report of the deputies to the Synods of Otago and Southland, the following resolution was passed : " *ffiM the Commision of deputies from the Synods of Otago and Southland appointing the Key. Mr. Stuart, the Rev. Messrs. Reyley ana Chisholm (ministers), and Messrs. Archi bald Anderson and Alex. Ramie (elders)_to represent the Synod at this assembly, having been read, and the deputies having addressea the House, the General Assembly dgHffiS record the great satisfaction which jjfi. presence and addresses of the deputies _a furnished to it, and instruct the Moderator to convey to them the cordial thanks ot * . Assembly, and request them to carry mc* to their Church the expression of the sincere sympathy which is cherished towards v. 3 the Presbyterian Church of New Zealano.

NAPIER.

(From our own Correspondent,) This day. Contract Jobbery in Napier.. It has at last been decided owing *° " elegraph engineers remonstrance to rem the site of the new postal andk-**gjg offices so as not to encroach on tne -_» , peareroad. It is reported that tta. arfg» eost of removing the old buddings Jo » Jg porary site was *22. The amount tobe p». to the contractor for the woi* « *IW.

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY. DECEMBER lb, HM.



A. LINABURY AND CO. Saving taken those CENTRALLY-SITUATED PREMISES (Three doors belatv the City Mall), Lately in the occupation of Mr S. Smith, ' Chemist, WILL OPEN On TUESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 27, With an ENTIRE NEW STOCK of I SPRING AND SUMMER DRESS GO ODS AND GENERAL DRAPERY. Full particulars in future advertisement.