SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATKis,: Xhis evening, 0.22 ; to-mono* 'morning, 9.49 STXN-SKX : This evening:. 5.35 ; SUN'BISB: TO' nurron morning, 6 25 MOON'S AGE: Lest Quarter, 3rd pros, 4.38 p.m

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

ARRIVALS. Star of the South, s.s., Palmer, frr.m Southern porls Fiery Cross, ashoor er, from Tairua Helena, bii^antine, from Tauranga Swallow, schooner, from Tairwa Coralie, cutter, from Tairua Gam, schooner, from Wangapoa Vincent, cutter, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

Sjnthern Cross, s.s , Sel'ars, for Tauranga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

FortheSouth—Taranaki, s.s., Friday For New Caledonia and Norfolk Island—Dauntless,

schooner, early l"or Lyttelton—Kio Loge, brig, early Jfor Melbourne- -Mtltiades, ship, early For Londen—Countess of Kintore. ship, and Thames,

barque, early For San Fraucisco, via Honolulu—City of Melbourne,

a^out 4th September For Srdney and Melbourne—Victoria, s.s., three days after arrival iiy

VESSELS EXPECTED.

City of Melbourne, s.s., from Sydrey, abouUth Sept. Macgregor, s.s., from San Francisco and Honolulu, abaut 10th prox Victoria, s.s , from Sydney, about 4th September Magellan Cloud from Chatham Islands, early Taranaki, s s., from the South, early City "f Auckland, ship, from London; sailed 20th Staf Soch Urr, barque, from London ; sailed 3rd June rerndale, barque, from London ; sailed May 5 Oxford, ship, from Lodcloh : sailed 7th June Pearl, ketch, from South Se* Islands, early Pacific, scho< ncr, from South Sea Islands Dauntless, schooner, from the South Waitingi, ship, from London : loading Stanley Castle, barque, from London ; sailed 7ien Tsin, barque, from Launceston Glimpse, barque, from Newcastle Jackson, ship, from London ; sailed Zealandia, ship, from London ; sa led EenUwovth, schooner, from tho Islands

IMPORTS.

Per Helena, from Dunedin : 2 cases bacon, Tpwnshend Bros. ; 9 kegs dripping, G. W. Binney ; 4 cases cheese, W. Hough ; 40 sacks bran, 2 cases bacon, 9 cases cheese, 60 bags flour, G. W. Owen; 5 cases cheese, 4 cases bacon, 100 sacks oats, L. W. Eaton ; 2 casks, J. Hart; 10 cases chee3e, sdo bacon, Barnett and Levy ; o do do, J. Buchanan ; 5 do do, R. Arthur ; 7 do do, 60 boxes soap, W. Hough ; 7 cases meat, Hewia and Co. ; 8 cases cheese, S ensks cheese, 5 sacks bacon, L. W. Eaton ; 1.4 cases cheese, 1 side bacon, W. Hough ; 80 sacks flour, B. Tonks & Co. ; 100 bags flour (lOOlbs), 100 sacks flour, G, W. Owen ; 11 do sharps, 122 do bran, 447 do potatees. order. From Tauranga : 4 ciates, Hart.—G. W. Owen, agent.

The barquentine Prince Alfred arrived at Lyttelton from this port on rhe 18 th instant, after a run cf ten days against baffling winds.

Tho cutter Coralie and the schooners Fiery Crass and Swallow all arrived from Tairua yesterday. Captain Clayton and Mr Hender son, who went down to Tairaa to take measures for floating the Onward, have re turned. They renort that th^-ir efforts have proved successful, and that the schooner after some temporary repairs will be able to proceed to Auckland. We hear from Mr Headerson that the gchooner whileon therocks was very much knocked about by the gale last Monday. Her keel was completely des troyed. Her bottom was very much bat tared on one side, while a small hole was knocked through the other side. She was made water-tight from the inside prior to being floated. Her permanent repairs will be effected in Auckland. Fortunately the Onwards hull was built in the strongest ■possible manner by Mr Hanson, at Coro mandel, otherwise it is nearly certain she would be now a total wreck. The expense of repairing her will be about £300. The Fiery Cross brings 40,000 feet timber, tbe Swallow 12,800 feet timber and the Coralie 13 tons gum.

The schooner Gem, from Wangapoa, brings 23.500 feet timber.

The brigantine Helena arrived this morn ing from Dunedin and Tauranga. Captain Campbell jreports the following of his passage: —Left Lyttelton on Tuesday, 18th inst. Had strong N. E. winds to Cape Pallisssp, and from thence to the East Cape moderate W. ■winds. Arrived at Tauranga on Monday 24th and ran in past the Heads with a strong easterly gale. After entering the harbour, owing to the conflicting .winds round the mountain, the vessel took the ground inside. Remained ashore till Thursday morning wheif after putting out the Tauranga portion! of the cargo into the cutterS Vincent and the Glance, the ship was lightened sufficiently to get her into deep water. Left Tauranga on Saturday evening, and arrived this morn ing at six o'clock. Had squally weather, with, strong N.E. winds, to Cape Colville. Thence into port N.W. winds, with heavy rain squalls and thunder and lightning. The brigantine Helena, after putting out her Dunedin cargo, is chartered by Mr G. Hold ship to load timber at Wangaroa for Dunedin.

The cutter Vincent arrived from Tatoanga laat night, having left on Saturday morning. The s.s. Star of the South arrived from the South yesterday affcernoon. Her last port was Napier, from whence she brings a cargo of sheep -which bavo been landed in the Tamaki. She came alongside the wharf at tea o'clock last night. The Star was docked at Dunedin for the purpose of having her •opprjr cle.ned. She is to leave for Levuka ftts p.m. on Wednesday. The following is & list of her passengers.— Saloon : Mr J. Cun ■iagham, Mra Melton, Mrs Palmer, Mr W.D Brewer. For Fiji: Mr and Mrs McGregor. The ship Miltiades has mow nearly com pleted her ballasting, and wilt haul away i the wharf about the middle of the week.

It will be seen by our Southern telegrams that no less than 5 English, ships have arrived during the last two or three days, viz. : at Port Chalmers—the Otago, ship, 83 days out with. 364 immigrants all well'; Columbus, barque, 87 days out with 10 passengers ; the Corona, ship, 95 days out with 596 immi grants. At Lyttelton —the St. Lawrence, ship, from Plymouth, 97 days out with 343 immigrants ; the Cathcart, ship, with 410 passengers, representing a total of 1,723 additional population to the colony. We may shortly expect to see severall English ships arrivt in the port of Auckland. The Ferndale, barque, is now 118 day out; the City of Auckland, 104 days f the Loch Urp, barque, 86 days o.ut; and the Oxford, ship 83 days out. It is very probable that the City of Auckland, who usually makes a fast | »un, and the Eerndale have been hindered by fales aad contrary winds since passing 'asmania. In that case we shall expect to ■cc them come in close together within the sext day or two. The Oxford is a fine 1,200 ton ship, and should not be over the 90 days. She brings a large complement of immi grants. Since the foregoing was written, news has been received^of the arrival at Wellington of the Euterpe fiom London, 124 days out, with 410 immigranis, all well. The cutter Fawn and the schooner Ebenezer cleared out to-day fur Russell, the Ebenezer with original cargo from the Thames, and the Fawn in ballast.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING. Wellington, this day. Arrived—Enterpe, 124 days from Lon don, with 410 Immigrants. All well. .

.Tatteancia, this day. The s.s. Southern Cross, Captain Sellars, arrived from Auckland at 3 o'clock ©n Sunday. Napier, this day. The s.s. Southern Cross (A-S.P. Co.'s), Captain Holmes, left for Auckland on Satur day night at 6 o'clock. Geeymottth, this day. The Murray arrived at 10 a.m. yesterday ■with the 'Frisco mail. Pot?t Chalmers, this day. The Phcebe with the 'Frisco mail arrived from Lyttelton at half past one Sunday afternoon. Wellington, this day. The Albion, with the Sues mail arrived at 6 o'clock yesterday morning. The Luna having had transhipped into her the Suez mail, left for tbe Manukau at 20 minutes past eleven on Sunday.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as .follows :— For Thame?, this day, at 5 30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 am. For Coromandel, on Wednesday next, at 11.30 a m. For Melbourne, per Miltiades, to-morrow, at 9 a.m. For Taranaki, Wellington, and Southern provinces, per Luna, to morrow, at 10 a.m. For Russell, per Queen, to-morrow, at 3 p m. For Norfolk Island and New Caledonia, per Dauntless, on Wednesday next, at 11 a.m. For Tairua, per Effort, on Wednesday nexfc, at 2 p.m. For Tauranga, per Vincent, on Wednesday next, at 4 p.m. ifor TaranaH, Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Taranakt, on Friday next, at noon N.B.—Mails for Australian Colonies and United Kingdom, per / Tbion, will close this day, at 6 p m. Mails for AustraMan Colonies and United Kingdom, via Melbourne, will close at Bluff, to morrow, at 9 a»m. 8. B. &ss, Chief Postmaster.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Ex-Aetillersman. —The publication of your letter is rendered unnecessary by the announcement given of a meeting of the Artillery corps. Wearing o' the Green .had better try again, his lines are somewhat out of joint, A Stranger inquires if there are any institutes, or reading-roomswherea strange* may see the daily papers without incurring the expense of a quarterly subscription. We believe such a provision exists in con nection with the Mechanics' Institute.

BIRTHS.

Pouter—On tho 31st Argust, at her residence, Cook street, the wife of Mr R. Porter, of a daughter. Weils—On August 26th, at Tairua, the wife of Mr

T. Wells, of a still-born son. Stitt—On August 12, . Victoria-street, Mrs James Stitt, ef a daughter.

MARRIAGES.

Jajheson—Williamson—On the 2Gth August, at St Matthews' Church, by the Rev R. S. Hassard, Mr James Jamieson, to Matilda S. Williamson, both of Auckland.

Choyoe— MiLVE-^On August 29th, at Pt Mark's, Remuera by Eev R ,S Henry Charles, younger son of Mr John Choyce Harris Bridge, ! eicesterchirs, to Charlotte, younger daughter of Mr James S. Milne, Auckland.

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

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 1874.

For ttre cause that locks assistanoo, For the wrong timt needs resistance. Per the future in the distance. A&4 ths good that we can do.

We would draw the attention of working men who have as yet made no provision for their families to tho paper written by an officer of an Oddfellows Lodge, which appears in another part of to-day's paper. We have heard it remaikcd that a specialty in the columns of the Star found in few other English or colonial journals are the frequent appeals for assistance on behalf of poor families left in distress by the sickness or death of the bread winner of the family. We have at all times been willing to further such efforts, when of a lona fide character, to the utmost in our power, but at best such aid can only be of a very insufficient and temporary character, and oven at that it comes in the form of charity, which is so dis tasteful to an independent spirit. We can conceive of nothing mofe reprehensible than for a man with a family dependent for the necessaries of life on his daily pay to per sistently neglect all provision against disease and death. Yet we venture to assert that more than one-balf of our labouring popula tion at tho present moment do not know where their next week's bread would com c from in the event of any of the numerous accidents of life befalling their main support. This is the more inexcusable considering the facilities that are afforded by insurance and benefit societies, for guarding against the evil day. As distinguished from colonial in difference in these matters it is satis, factory to find evidence of a growing prudence among tho industrial classes of Great Britain. For the past three years a Royal Commission has been ouiployed investigating tho working of Friendly Societies and has examined over three hundred witnesses. We learn by the last mail that tho result of their labours has been embodied in a voluminous report, pre sented to the House of Commons. From this we gather that the accumulated funds of such societies in Britain, amount to eleven millions sterling and eight million persons are in terested in them. Tho publication of these gigantic figures has drawn moro attention to tho working of such societies, and it is ad mitted that they are tho means of diminish inc to a very great extent tho amount of poor reliof afforded by parish authorities. All credit be given to those who thus struggle to prepare by their industry and providence for the days of evil and mis fortune, and wo hope to sco the time when an Oddfellows' sash or a Foresters' quiver will be deemed the most honourable distinction a working man can wear, proving that he is fighting bravely tho battle of life, and that he is not forgetful, amid the hard necessities of the present, that there may be in the future - a time of severe trial for those he holds most dear, which it is his duty to provide for while in tho enjoyment of health and prosperity.

The seats in the City Council held by Messrs Hurst, Holdship, and Williams have become vacant by the eflluxion of time, and the nomination of candidates to fill the vacancies takes place to-morrow. Mr Williams has in" timated his intention to retire from the Council, but Messrs Hurst and Holdship have become candidates for ro-election, and their past services afford both gentlemen reasonable cause for expecting a renewal of the confidence of ratepayers. For the remaining seat the only gentleman at present nominated is Mr H. Brett, who comes forward at the lequest of a number of citizens. There does not seem to be much probability of a contest. Vacancies in the Council have lately been filled up without exciting much interest in the city. This is, we believe, for the most part due to a general feeling of satisfaction with the constitution of the Council and the management of city affairs, and in so ar it is a matter for congratulation. On the whole we think the gentlemen already announced form as suitable a trio as • oonld be selected, and in all probability any contest; would be ineffectual in altering the result at present foreshadowed by the nomi nation board. Yesterday's flood must have made a clean sweep of Turner - street, judging from the letter of "A Sufferer," who desires to draw the attention of the authorities to the bad state of the lower end of that thoroughfare. He says : —"During the heavy fall of rain the water came down from the surrounding hills in great volumes. The drainage proving ineffectual, the road was soon covered with a sheet of water. It found its way over the edge of the road, leaving behind it a great gulf, into which the water fell with a roar j from thence it found its way over a flat, thence into private yards, creating sad havoc and destruction! " I think, sir," continues our correspondent, "the City Council ought to be made aware of the waste of water. It would have done the eyes of those councillors who are wanting a water supply good.- It was truly a grand sitfht — something, I suppose, like a miniature Niagara. In the meaatime will the City Surveyor take a walk round this na^t of our city and see what can 'be (^ERgftike place to prevent a future wasttf dfii^njireeious liquid. By so doing he WHw^f."••.in the thanks of the neighbdurhownry •,<x,££>ti being supplied with boats, 4c, cou]Bi>ii» g«t out to Church. I would warn peaeyfcnaiis to keep to the centre af the road, and. J& no account to walk on lyhat was once a tjftpath, unless they want in inquest held over tl.wea." t

Numbers of persons, principally young ladies, suffered serious disappointment on bat urday last in not witnessing a wedding which was expected to take place at noon, m bt. Matthew's Church. From twelve to two o'clock groups of expectant persons wei c in tently watching the church doors and the corners of Wellesley and Hobson streets, but neither the minister nor the happy ccrapl® made their appearance, nor did the church doors open. At length the people left the scene, some murmuring and others laughing. One pretty girl, with glossy ringlets, wished to see how the fair young bride was dressed, and how she looked, declared somewhat angrily that "it was a cruel hoax. The truth at length flashed out ; it was ascertain ed that the happy couple had gone in an opposite direction, towards Remuera, and shortly after in the presence of a few select friends consummated their dearest wish at the sacred altar of St. Mark's, the pleasant little church of the lady's choice.

Another landslip at St. Barnabus Point was caused by the heavy rains yesterday, which carried away the road close up to the fence of the house occupied by Mr Eyre. The road at Selwyn Terrace is now blocked up even for pedestrians. While the Harbour Board and Parnell Highway Board are disputing as to their respective liability for the work there is a probability of even more serious damage occurring which will add to the responsibility. It is now a considerable time since attention was drawn to the necessity for prompt mtasui es to prevent the furtherfalling away of earth at the Point, and if the land had been at once shoied up the cost would have been small compared with that now requisite. The " stitch in time," however, was not applied, and ib devolves upon those whose duty it is to provide remedy to do so without further delay.

The popular belief that the residence of a City Councillor is a guarantee of good roads \n certainly not borne out in the case of Waterloo Quadrant, especially that part of it between the Mayor's house and the Supreme Court fence, which is now almost impassable. The heavy rains have also cleared the scoria oil" Constitution Hill, which has been left as slippery as if it had been greased with the refuse of the Parnell candle-works. The effect yesterday was anything but productive of a right frame of mind for ohurch service. This and other water-washed hills and places where scoria has been recently laid, such as Wellington street, bliemlan-street, and similar localities, should be at once attended to before danger ous furrows are worn by the running water. In the last-mentioned thoroughfares the water has formed channels in the loose scoria which will mostly find its way into the gutters unless at once re-sspread.

A Coromandel exchange states that the Right Rev. Dr. Croke, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, has been offered the See of Cloyne, South Ireland. It is not known whether he will accept the offer, but from his assurance of a speedy return and hi 3 warm interest in the affairs of the Church hero it is hoped that ho will soon be on hie way back to New Zealand.

To the Editor : Sir,—One of the mysteries of Auckland is "Cameo," who must either by a photographer or a precious stone, for his identification is as difficult as that of Junius in tho gambling age of Pitt and Fox. At one time I felt sure that this pungent and poetical writer was a young mau, but from his last cluster of sketches 1 fancy he must be in his dotage. He talks about his old carpet-bag and tokens of early friendship and love ; then of trinkets and rosebuds, and tho dear Angelina who jilted him and married an editor. No wonder, therefore, that Cameo has an aversion to editors, and loves to sing of coals which seem to be in happ" unison with his feeling 3. "From that time," he says with much sincerity, " 1 have hated editors." "Cameo" then de livers himself of a tirade against scandalizing newspapers, which he likens to forced hot house plants which may be destroyed by a single blast. Who can this weakly humourist be? I shrewdly guess that ho is a poetical coal merchant, for who else would be dis posed to sing— Hunting after coals AM alone, and in the dark. I am, &0., Raphael.

The Union-street anniversary services in connection with the Sunday-school were held yesterday, but as tho weather was very un favorable the attendance was not large. The preachers wore tho Ilevs. A. Iteid, W. Oliver, and W. Tinsley. Tho collection for the day amounted to £G. 4s.

A private telegram states that Mr. R. J. Creighton has been appointed Immigration Agent, and proceeds home shortly. If true this will cause a vacancy for the Eden electoral district.

The law forbidding the playing of music in an hotel was put into operation rather harshly at the Army and Navy Hotel on Saturday night. A band was playing on the balcony while dinner was proceeding inside, but the police having no alternative but to follow the letter of the law were compelled to interfere and stop the music.

We understand that already fifteen appli cations have been received in reply to the invitation by the pastor of St. Paul's Church for chorister boys. The number of applica tions to be received is not restricted, but at the end of the present week a selection of the best voices will be isade from those offered. The openings are not reserved for little boys only, but any respectable youth possessing a good voice, f either treble, alto, tenor, or bass, will be accepted and trained for church singing.

j The want of a cricket ground in the city, but especially in City West, for practice, is adverted to by our correspondent "Long stop." He says :—"Now that the barracks have been cut up, and a little patch left fit only for drying old women's clothes on, the only grounds are Elleislie, which is some miles distant, and therefore only available for matches. The North Shore ground, and the one in the Domain which has been nursed and looked after during winter by Mr Yates and one or two others, and one I believe laid down by Mr Graham on his farm not far from Ellerslie. Yes, Mr Editor, these are the only cricket grounds that our noble city possesses. Look at Melbourne (but perhaps some will say we are not so far advanced), it has got six almost all in the town and we have got, well we wont repeat what we have got ; but Auckland, possesses some good cricketers, notwithstanding the paucity of grounds, and I hope to see our men thrash the other side as they did all the Southern elevens. Yet our cricketers would improve very much if there was a ground to turn to for an hour or two after business. Hoping that those with the means will look a little to this matter/and that the authorities will see their way to grant a piece of ground."

The monthly inspection of the Auckland Troop Royal Volunteers will take place this evening in the Drill-shed at half-past seven, under command of Captain A. B. Slsaacs. Members in full uniform, dismounted.

A general meeting of members of the Loyal Orange Institution will be hold to morrow evening in the Wellesley-street Lodge room. The chief business of the meeting will be to receive the repert of the building committee respecting the contem« platedjnew Orange Hall.

Captain Casey has offered to submit to arbi tration the question how much of the Mil tiades salvage money the captain and crew of the p.s. Lady Bowen are entitled to. A meeting of the committee of the Race Club was held to-day, and resolved to hold the summer meeting on Boxing Day and the first and second of January. The Auckland Club Handicap of 10 soys. each with 2.UU soys. added should attract some good blood. This race will be run on Boxing Day. lhe meeting then proceeded to the election ot stewards, when the following gentlemen were chosen:—Hon. James Williamson, Messrs J. Cosgrave, S. Morrin, Captain Fraser, and Major Walmsley; Judge, JL« Beckham, Esq., R.M, ; handicapper, J. Bennett. The subscribers of the Auckland Chora* Society will be glad to learn that the opera of " Maritana " is now in course of prepara tion for the next concert. Working member having scores of the opera are requested to bring them to-morrow evening.

The rain yesterday afternoon was quite aP event in the city and the districts round abou* and has not we believe been equalled in Auck land for many months. The damage among the shipping "was nothing to speak of, as the wind was easy; but on land and in the gardens the rain-storm was more severely felt. At Parnell the water was grand in its descent down the paths and hilly slopes ; but being on the Sabbath, and between the services, the people beheld its flow with Christian serenity. Young trees and shrubs were washed up by the roots, cabbages swam merrily on the bosom of the flood, and rumerous fences were broken down. We have not heard that a single life was lost nor any house destroyed. In the localities of IN'ewton, Kyber-pass, and Grafton-road the ptlting rain intruded among the trees and vegetables, sweeping some part of the scoria from the paths. Dedwood presented, the ap peaiance of a vast lake, many parts being com pletely under water, and the same remark will fa'thfully apply to other paita of our district. In the marshy district of Freeman's Bay i;.e rain poured down the sides of the gully, washing the bloom from the gorse in nature's wild garden, rushing over the gully-bridge and across the foot of College road into the open bay. At this point the water was knee-deep and furious ; so deep, indeed, that persons were prevented from crossing, save those who pulled of their boots and stocking 3 and drew high their unmentionables. Groups of individuals on either side stood like drowning rats gazing upon the raging waters in Feemiug despair. A carcase of some animal at this time came floating in the current, and in its progress down the stream caused quite a sensa tion. The cry was raised "Campbell's donkey is drowned." A good-looking young woman, residing in Hepburn street, rushed out of doors into the pelting rain, exclaiming " \V here ? where ?" I never saw a dead donkey in all my life ; it is a si^ht only seen once in a life-time. Several sighed over the hapless fate of the animal, as Laurance Sterne pretended to sigh over a dead ass. On approaching the carcase it was found to be, not a donkey, but the body of an old horse, which departed this life on the 20th inst, and was decently buried by Mrs Davis in the sands behinds the little Wellington-street school. A philosophic kind of man sitting under his verandah smoking the pipe of peace looked on complacently, and sighed, after the manner of Falconer—

Perhaps this storm is sont with healing breath i'rotu Auckland's shores to scourge disease and death.

The Auckland portion of the Suez mail is on board the steamer Luna which lsffc Wel lington for tho Manukau, via Taranaki, yes terday morniug at 11.20. We may, there fore, look for our home correspondence to morrow (Tuesday.) A paragraph to the above effect was given to the printer on Saturday, but tho probable date of the Luna's arrival was erroneously misprinted "Friday " in. the notice as it appeared in our last issue. His Honor the Superintendent is, we believe, a passenger by tho Luna.

Tho opening ride match of the season will take place on Monday, September 12, at the Mount Eden range. Tho competition is to be an open one, and there will probably be a gooi muster of our marksmen.

THE VIVIAN COMIQUE COMPANY.

This company of comedians, step-dancers, and songsters commenced a brief season on Saturday evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre. We regret to notice, however, that the performances were not adequately patronised by the public. There was a good sprinkling of visitors below in the stalls and pit; but the dress-circle held but few attend ants. We had hoped to have seen a larger number of persona because there was very considerable merit in the original ballad and farcical representations. Mr. Vivian sang about half-a-dozen «omio songs, which were most amusing, and elicited quite a storm of applause. Miss Melville gave several songs in very good taste ; these were of a comic character, but as the lady appeared to be suffering from a cold Bbc was not in her best mood. We should imagine that this lady would be more successful in sentimental strains. The negro-dances and songs by Ned Mason and Harry Franklin were exceedingly good, and their dancing was received with great favour, and deservedly encored. The farce of the evening, in three scenes, by Mr Lancelot Booth, entitled the "New Chum," was a very fair production occasionally sparkling with wit and repartee, Mr Booth taking the leading part, assisted by Miss Fairleigh and the strength of the Vivian Company. This farce with other ad ventures of the new chum will again be given this evening. Mr Booth gave two new songs of a lively local character. The song on the Good Templar and the man in the puddle went well; a corrected edition will be given , to-night. Tlie following portion was ea cored :— Poor Tom fell down >n Hobson-street, All helpless in a puddle, Which was, you know, most indiscreet, Bat Tom was on the fuddle. A generous Templar passing by Said, friend, you smell of brandy ; Poor Tom on H then fixed his eye, Aid muttered ' Sugar-candy.' Then with a limp out from his store There came an honest gi'ocer, Saying, brother come, you're wet and poor ; The fa'lon man hiccupped ' No, sir.' Best, rest in peace, the Templar said, A sorWnj get, my honey ! Then to tiie station Tom was led By Mooney and Maroney.

THAMES GAS COMPANY.

IA meeting of the shareholders and directors lof the Thames Gas Company (Limited) was I held to-day at noon in the office of Mr F. A. White, Shortland-street,—Mr' Owen Jones in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, the Secre tary read the Directors' Third Annual Report, which showed that the Company's business has steadily improved, the net profit for the half-year being £1,143 2s 7d. Out of this it is proposed to appropriate the sum of £1,122 19s 6d to the payment of a dividend of 2s 3d per share, being equal to 6 per cent, for the half-year, and leaving a small balance to carry forward to the next account. The balance-Bhset waa also read, whiol*

showed a balance of £1,143 2s 7d in favour of the company. ~ The Chairman said he was called on racner suddenly to act as chairman, but he was glad to say that the company was in a most flourishing condition, and he would beg, witJi much pleasure, to move the adoption of the report and balance-sheet which, upon being seconded by Mr Boardman, was carried unanimously. Mr Howard moved, and Mr Bleazard se conded, "That Messrs Wilson and^Earl be re-elected directors of the company." It was moved by Mr Wilson, seconded by Mr Dignanjaml carried, "That Mr George Fraser be re-elected auditor for, the ensuing year." The Secretary announced that the dividend would be payable at the office of the Company on the 7th September next. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Dr. Home and Colonel Balneavis, Justices of the Peace.) DRUNKENNESS. The following individuals were charged with being drunk on Saturday night;- Robert Leary, with a black eye and dis coloured face, fined 5s ; James Mason, ss; Ann Johnstone, 203 ; John-Kelly and Frank Howard, 20s each for being drunk on Sunday. Mary Robinson, an habitual drunkard, was ' sent to prison for two months. VAGRANTS. James Holloway for drunkenness and vagrancy waa sentenced to seven days im prisonment. A CANDLESTICK. James Kelly was charged with stealing a candlestick, value 7s 6d, the property of J. S. Cousins, on the 2Sth inst. Prisoner said he was drunk at the time, and had no recollection of stealing the candle-

Mr Broham informed the Bench that prisoner was a very bad charac ter ; he had been convicted of larceny eight times within a few months, cind a groat number of times of drunkenness. Three months' imprisonment with hard labour.

AN IKON BAR. Isaac Taylor, an elderly man, was charged with stealing an iron fire-bar, value ss, the property of Charles Jones, on the 29th mst. Prison fir said he picked it up on the road, and off c 1 it for a shilling ; he considered " finding ■ '-"re keepings." Ifc was fehixvn that prisoner was an old hand, and well known at the Thames as a man who made himself at home wherever he went, and invariably helped himself without leave.

Fourteen days' hard labour. SQUABBLES BETWEEN THE PEXES. Samuel Antonia, a black man of Italian origin, was charged with violently assaulting his paramour, Sarah Ann Powell, by striking her on the head with a bill-hook.

Prisoner pleaded not guilty. As the woman did not appear Mr. Broham asked for a remand until tomorrow. The prisoner and the wretched woman lived a most miserable life together, and were the post of the neighbourhood. PLobert Anderson, a man of short stature, was charged with assaulting his wedded wife by knocking her down and kicking her on the head on the 29th insfc.

Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Catherine Andrews, who appeared to be the worse for liquor, here burst into a violent fit of sobbing, and said, "Your Worships I have been married two and twenty years to my Bob, and I loves him dearly, I does, and I can't find it in my nature to proceed against my Bobby, I can't, your Worships. Let him off, gentlemen, let him off please. Bob only blacked my eye, and that wai accidental, as I run against his fist. '

Prisoner said his wife got very drunk, and was a great trouble to him. He would like to allow her a separate maintenance, and let her go altogether ; her talk about love was all moonshine.

Catherine still said she loved her Bobby, and could not go against him. The Bench discharged prisoner with a caution. THE WRONG SIDE. Joseph Hamilton was summoned for obstinately driving on the wrong side of the way, in Symonds-street, on the 20fch inst. The cased being proved the defendant was fined 10a and costs. This was all the business.

THE ODD FELLOWS' SOCIETY.

We have much, pleasure in giving publicity to the following remarks upon the advantage of Odd Fellovs ship by an Auckland member of the order, and we commend them to the consideration of all working men :— 1; As it is the indispensable duty of every man who earns his bread by the sweat of his brow to provide for times of sickness, more especially if he be a married man, and still more it is his duty if he has a family depend ant on him for support, he cannot do it more cheaply or so effectual as by at once joining our order, or one similar to ours, that will ensure him a weekly allow ance when sick, the attendance of an experienced surgeon, and medicine provided for himself and family free of cost; those who do not belong to a benefit society, and have had sickness in their family, may per haps understand the value of having a sur geon and medicine free of cost. Much of the distress that happens to many families when the bread-winner is struck down with sick ness would be alleviated had he when in good health taken the precaution of joining a benefit society. In prosperous time like at present, when every one is earning goad wages, provision should be made in case of sickness. Surely no working man with any re gard for the comfort of his family would object to pay twopence or threepence per day as insurance money for a benefit in sickness of from 12s 6d to 20s per week, as he may feel disposed to insure for. It is not money thrown away ; it is the best investment they can make of so small a sum, and is produc i tive of more good and brings comfort and help to many sick homes in Auckland than is generally known. Some persons insure their life or their house—both very good; but tell me, |sir, what good is, a life policy to a man who breaks his arm or his leg, or injures himself, and in his helplessness sees his family want ing bread ; yes, sir, wanting bread. The sight may perhaps be very seldom seen in Auckland ; but it is an every day occur rence in the old country. What good is his policy then to him ? It will not pay for the doctor or buy medicine or food. What will be his thought after seeing the misery around him which in some measure he could have prevented ? How sincerely will he wish that in the time of his health he had joined a benefit society ! Sickness may happen us at any moment ; therefore we should as far as we are able in this and in other matters in this life be prepared. It will be of great interest to the large number of members of our order in the province of Auckland to learn that, from the report of the proceed ings of the Odd Fellows' Parliament i (known to the members by the letters A.M.C.) held at Brighton in May last daring Whitsun week that tho numbi-- of ! persona admitted into the order during 1873 was 30,050; the number qf members belong

ing to the order on the Ist JtainWv was 481,630, thereby showing that estimation of the Manchester Unity of/fis fellows continues unabated. At the puj^l'^ time we cannot number less than hatf * million of members. The financial matter* was not stated in the information jusfc hand, but will doubtless be received by nirf mail, when I shall be happy with your pet! mission to give some quotations f or y,"* information of the public. Hoping V f or iv fl good that you can do " you will allow tha insertion of this ip. your paper, youis, &^

CALEDONIAN GOLD MINING COMPANY.

ANNUAL MEETING,

The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Caledonian Gold Mining Company Wag held at Mr Tothill's office to-day. Mr C. J, Stone occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of shareholders. The Chairman moved the adoption of the Mine Manager's report and balance-sheet which he proposed should be taken as read! They were as follow: — The annexed report from the mining manager will inform shareholders of the operations during the past year and of tke state of "the mine. The blance-sheet and statement of receipig and expenditure, also annexed, will show the financial position of the company. ' The Directors recommend the appropriation of the sum of £250 for the directors'hono rarium for the current year Mr C. J. Stone retires by rotation from the directory, but being eligible offers hunl self for re-election. For the directors, C. J. Stoke, chairman. Auckland, August 24th, 1874. MINE MANAGER'S REPORT. To the directors of the Caledonian Gold* mining Company, Registered : Gentlemen,—ln submitting my report o{ this company's operations daring the last twelve months I have the honor to'infona you that the quantity of quartz crushed has been about 4,821 tons for a yield of 4,4760za,

7 dwts. gold. In July, 1873, the mine having beeir effectually cleared of ''carbonic acid gas," ■'■ preparations were at once made for sinking the'engine shaft a further depth of 90 feet. Having reached this depth a chamber was formed and a cross-cut started westerly fer the purpose of intersecting the No. 1 and 2 reefs. In consequence of a large influx of I watei our progress was slow at first, but I since the water has been drained off by the United Pumping Association- we have been enabled to open up a large section of the mine. The No. 2 reef was struck and cut through at a point 60 feet from the shaft, I showing a strong body of stone, with well- '\, defined walls, nine feet thick. A crashing cf 20 tons showed only a trace of gold,. The cross-cut was continued on towards the Albion Company's boundary, and at a point G5 feet north-west of No. 2 reef a large body | of stone was cut through. The principal feature in connexion with this reef, and which 1 believe is a portion of No. 1, is the very distorted and broken-up appearance it pre sents. There are several veins of quartz varying from six to nine inches thick, with alternate bands of sandstone, the whole form ing a confused mass some 20 feet thick. There have been 20 tons crushed from this plane, but the result was very poor. The No. 2 reef has been driven on north a ; distance of ISO feet, showing unmistakable signs of having been subjected to some dis turbing influence. I believe the eastern por tion on" which we are now working to be the most promising. Various trial crushings have been made from these workings, none :of which have given more than a trace of gold. . . '' \ That portion of the ground east and south east of the engine-shaft being thoroughly; drained, a cross-cut has been driven in the direction indicated for the purpose of strik ing any reefs that may exist in that direction, a distance of 128 feet from the shaft, without meeting with any quartz ; and there yet re mains IC2 feet more to drive before reaching the Manakau boundary. Communication has been jg»pened between the 270 and 360 feet levels through the No. 2 and 4 winzes, affording through ventila tion.

Gold has been traced down No. 4 winze : for a distance of 50 feet, at and near the '\ point of junction of the No. 1 and 2 reefs. We are now stoping in this place, and hope to be able to trace down what is known as< the Otago run, from which we obtained so much gold at a higher level. A prospecting cross-cut has been driven into the foot-wall of No. 2 reef, at a point 90 feet north of the head of No. 4 winze. _ There is a large block of ground in this direction unprospected ; and should the No. 1 reef have gone through the No. 2, as many believe it has, this drive will be the means of findingit. What I consider a most important work has lately been undertaken, namely—to ex plore and prove that portion of the ground between No. 1 reef and north-western boun dary. A distance of 130 feet has to be driven, the coat to be borne between the Albion and thi3 Company. Should we be fortunate enough to discover anything payable their ifl plenty of room in height and length before coming in contact with other companies ground. The old working have been well turned over, and have yielded quite up to my expec« tations—affording funds for more thoroughly developing the deeper portions of the mine. There is still a block of.the old stopes to be reworked ; this is now in hand and lI expect ' payable results. The directors and myself have kept in view the necessity for a thorough development of the ground, heucs the various prospecting works in hand. lam not without hopes that some of these may yet lead to paying results,?? and a season of prosperity again dawn on ns. I am, gentleman, yours, &c, S. E. EICHARDS.

Grahamstown, August 13th, 1874. The balance-sheet shewed receipts :By gold, £12,156 j tailings, £1227 ; receipts from other sources, (including £3400 balanec from laat year) made a total of £17,086. Expend- - iture : Permanent works,; £1705 on claim £7374 ; battery £2239 ; Pumping Associatioa calls £4000 ; honorariuia,£l44 ; | balance at bank, £1362J ■ The Chairman said he would not trouble the meeting with any remarks. The report would show them that the past year had been spent in prospecting^ the mine. They had taken out a fair quantity of gold, but a had been absorbed in the ways detailed in the report, more especially in the payment of £4000 to the Pumping Association, through whose assistance alone they had been able to work the lower levels of the mine. He did not see why the shareholders should not see a return of their good old days. . , Dr Campbell seconded the adoption, ana, and it wa3 carried unanimously. Mr Tonson Garlick moved that Mr 0. J- Stone be re-elected a director of the Com pany. Mr Thompson, in seconding; the motion, said the thanks of the shareholders were due to Mr Stone for his strenuous efforts, for the good of the mine. . , Mr Stone's election was -carried unani mously. ~r: *\ This was all the business, the proceeau^ only occupying about t§n minutes* -^~~*.

«n imiw ska* M6ifßAf, Atrwsq? si, sm



EST± BLISHED 1864. J T\ STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, EXHIBITION BRAND, FAGLE BRAND, C E O AY N B E A N D, Are to|be procured at all respectable Grocers B*id Storekeepers throughout Uie Province of AueKand. D. STEPHENSON & CO., WYNDIIAM S T E E E T, AUCKLAND. mHE LAST THREE WEEKS OF THE WINTER SALE. From tlii? date tho WHOLE OP THE GOODS WfLL Jt! SOLD AT ENGLISH COST. J. COSGRAVB & CO. . */r ECH ANICS' INSTITUTE. TECHNICAL CLASSES. The FourfH Term of these Classes will commence [on MONDAY, 3!st August. RICHARD. T. TALBOT, Scjrclavy Mcc'n '.cs' Ins'ituto. attention of Purchasers is requeated L to our LARGE, NEW, AND WELL-ASSORTED STOCJ* OF GENERAL DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, Stria'AJßLK FOII TUB PRK9SNT BKASON. BLACK SILKS, From 3s 9d per yard, wid° width, and iiudi betow regular Price. . 10 BABES WHITE BLANKETS, 9-4, 10-4, and 11-4. BLUE AND GREY BLANKETS SWD RU«S SHEETINGS, QUILTS, andall kinds of FURNISHING GOODS. A Lot of Double width GREY SHEETING, from lOjd yard Cheap Flannels, Crimean Bhirtinj?s New Dress Materials, Cheap Winceys Children's, aid's, and Ladies' Winter Hosiery LaOies' Waterproof Tweed Mantles A Choice Lot of LA.IHES" BLACK CLOTH JACKET 3, New and richly triirmed. ' Black Straw Hats, Flowers and Ribbon* Silk, Alpaca, and Gingham Umbrellas Gig Umbrellas, extra sizes New Wool Ties, Scarfs, &c. BOYS', YOUTH'S, AND MEN'S CLOTHING. Mackintoshes, Pilot Jaqkets, and Overcoats Boys' Overcoats. A Splendid New St:ck of Gentlemen's New Silk Scarfs. Ties, Braces and Belts, Feftt Hats Warm Winter Gloves Boy's Caps, from Is Cd Hosiery, &c. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (LATE E. HOBB3,) Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clot&iep.s, JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite tha Army and Navy H0t91,) Upper Qcteew - street, Auckland. TO FAEMERB AND INTEND ING SETTLERS. FOE IMMEDIATE SALE —A BABGAIN. A fine FARM of 543 acres, situated at Pokeno. within quarter of a mile of the Railway Station, There are about 60 acres in roHgh grass ; also, a resi dence, and a large number of Buildings upon the Farm. The owner, who is now residing in England, has instructed fno to Sell the Farm at a very low urica. J. M. LENNOX, Estate Agent, Queen-street, Auckland, ON BHUN Q- A PERPETUAL LATSi.B, BUILDING AND IN^ESTME^T SOCIETY. Investing Shores £20 each, by payments of One Shilling per week, bearing eight par cent interest, with pronits. Money advanced without delay en approved Mortgages, repaffl t>y weekly instalments of principal and interest. Offices—Ouehnnga. ' J. J). JAOxLbOJN, ■ !•! Secretary.