SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUN-SET : This evening, 7.4 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 5.25 HIGH WATER : This evening, 9.2Q ; to-morrow morning, 9.42

ARRIVALS.

Victoria, s s., from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

Herald, schooner, for Russell Merlin, schooner, for Russell Southern Cross, s.s., for Wangarei.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Chile, ship, for London, early Clio, ketch, for Wangapoa

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Victoria, from Melbourne, S9 f-quarter boxes tobacco, 9 cases do.. order ; 3 cases stationery, M. Wilson ; 10 cases drugs, Kempthome and Co. ; 1 truss, B. Gittos; 2 cases varnish, Holland and Butler ; 7 cases varnish, 2 bundles hides, E. Porter and Co. ; 12 cases wine, Hon. C. J. Taylor ; 25 rolls matting, Winks and Hall; 1 pge., E. Wayte ; 1 parcel. C. Foley ;' 1 bale, 1 case, Reed and Brett ; 200 packages sugar, order ; 5 cases, Lewis Brothers ; 5 trunks, Lewis Brothers. ; 10 firkins white leads, 1 tierce, Holland & Butler ; 13 cases, E. Porter & Co. ; 1 do., Owen and Graham ; 32 pgs sugar, J. Reed ; 32 boxes tin plates, D. Stephenson ; 11 pgs., Cousins and Atkins ; 2 do., J. Hancock ; 1 case cigars, 10 fboxea tobacco, J. C. Morrin; 5 do., Close Bros. ; 2 cases cigars, Barnett and Levy ; 25 do. Geneva, Brown, Campbell and Co. ; 3 do. tobacco, LOf boxes do., Buchanan ; 4 ;Jcasks, Longdill and Co. ; 53 f boxes tobacco, L. D. Nathan and Co ; 3 cases iron, E. Porter & Co. From Sydney—9 plates iron, Hawkeswood ; 1 bale, Stewart and Anderson ; 92 bags maize, Hurst and Co. ; 1 case periodicals, Turrell; 2 do. do., E. Wayte ; 5 do. do., Upton and Co. ; 1 do. do., Bank of New South Wales ; 1 pg, Lamer ; 1 parcel, Miss M. Payne ; 5 bundles leather, B Gittos ; 1 case seeds, 1 bag do., H. Lipscombe ; 3 cases periodicals, E. Wayte ; 1 case, Southern Cross; 1 parcel, Gourlay's ; 2 hhds, W. Ewen; 4 cases, agent A.S.N. Co.; 1 case, P. A. Philips; 30 bags maize, W. Hogg ; 2 bales, Wanganui Chronicle ; 1 case, Irelaud, Bros.; 3 cases N. me^al, order ; 2 do. drugs, H. Potter ; 1 do. boots, L. D. Nathan; 20 do. geneva, 3 do. brandy, Owen and Graham; 4 wine, Brown and Campbell; 1 ca3e books, Turrell; 1 do. do., J. Harris ; 200 gunnies sugar, order; 2 bales, H. M. Jervis; 2 cases, Macks and McClay ; 200 bags maize, order ; 12 packages, McArbhur; 25 cases, H. B. Morton; 50 cases wine, H. S. Meyers; 1 box. Reed and Brett; 1 bdle, order; 1 box, W. C. Wilson; 1 case drugs, Kemp thome, and Co. ; 1 case, Bank of New South Wales ; 1 case, A. Clarke and Son ; 320 pkts sugar, Owen and Graham; 20 cases order; 10 hhds rum, Meyer ; 74 cases brandy, J. O. ; 112 gunnies sugar, J. S. Macfar lane ; ISS bags bark, B. Gittos ; 42; cases fruit, H. Ganham ; 28 do fruit G. Binney ; 6 do nichdze, H. M. Jervis ; 377 pkts sugar, order; 1. ca?e, E. G. Fleming ; 100. bags maize, G. Sibbin ; 3 pkgs, W. M. Forster ; 300 cases fruit, R. Arthur; 1 prcl, T. Wal ters ; 341 cases fruit, Marshall; 20 do do, Eaton: 1 pg, Cosgrave.—A.S.N. Co., agents.

THE RUMOURED WRECK OF THE AMATEUR.—A SELL.

The report which reached us yesterday of the wreck of the barque Amateur at the bar of the Kaipara Harbour, and which was not then considered by us to be accompanied with sufficient credibility to warrant asserting its circulation, turns out to have been a "sell." The. matter is made amusing by both the morning papers publishing particu lars of the occurrence, the number of sheets of copper knocked off, list of cargo, and in fact " a full, true, and particular account." In addition to this a leading article appeared reflecting on the serious loss that would have' been, sustained by the province if the, machinery of the Fibre Company on^ board the Amateur had gone to the bottom of the deep bine sea. The truth, is the Amateur has not'yet arrived at Kaipara;-she is now only ten days out -from Auckland) It is true however that a ves sel did get aground on the bar. This was the schooner May. from Wellington. The May after grounding got off the bar but stuck on" a mud-bank inside the heads. The only injury sustained was the straining of her rudder-post, and this was repaired by the carpenter of the steamer Lily, who was obligingly placed on board the May by the captain. Mr Clayton, Marine Surveyor, had been despatched to the Kaipara by the New Zealand Insurance Company on the strength of the reports in circulation relative to the Amateur, over which that company held a policy,-but fortunately he found that his services were not required.

The A.S.N. Co's e.s. Victoria, Captain J. .S. Durrell, arrived in harbour shortly after 1 p.m. to-day. The following is the Cap tain's report of passage : —Left the Go's whai'f at 6 p.m. on January 29th ; cleared Sydney Heads at 6.50 p.m.- same day ; rounded North Cape at 3 p.m. the 4th inst; entered Auckland harbour at 1 p.m. the sth inst, and made fast to the Queen-street -wharf at 1.45 same day. Experienced strong east and S.E. winds with high sea to the Three Kings ; from thence moderate southerly winds and fine weather remainder of pas sage. .'Spoke the A.S.N. Company's s.s. Governor B lackall for Sydney afc 1 p.m. the 4th inst, 10 miles west of North Cape. We are indebted to Mr Banks, chief officer, for prompt delivery of. files. The copy of manifest supplied was, without consignees' names, and consequently to present it to our readers we' have had to obtain a fresh list from the agents. The Victoria brings a general cargo as per imports, and the follow ing passengers :-Mrs Boulton, Mrs W. Walker, Messrs Boulton, Nicols, Morton, Hinson, F. Brooks, W. Dbw,: Caffin, A. J. Wright, 12 in the steerage. The ship Akbar arrived at San Francisco, from thlSiport, October 23rd. The ss. Hero, which left here on the 17th ult.y arrived at Sydney, on January 23rd. r . . The Freetrader, barque, arrived at New castle on the 23rd ult.

-The.s.s. Mikado, from Dunedin, arrived at Sydney on the 27th ulfc. Since discharg ing she hasbeen.'docked, and was to leave for.New Zealand on the 3rd inst. " ■'■'■ ■<

The repairing of the s.s. Star of the South is now finished, and,the'steamer is consider ably improved in appearance by the renovat ing she;has.undergone on the gridiron. Her bottom prior to the last few days was very foul, and Captain Farquhar reported that her speed was very much interfered with; from this cause. She is appointed to sail for Levuka to-morrow.

The s.s. Southern -Cross took her depart ure for Wangarei last evening with cargo arid passengers. The barque Margarita hauled off the wharf this morning preparatory to sailing for Kaipara. The new cutter Coralie, 28 tons, Jackson, master, has arrived from Tairua. She is a trim vessel with good carrying powers, and was built by George Thorpe at the port from which she t now ; arrives. She brings as cargo 19 ■ toria; gum, pohutukawa knees, 500 feet 'timber, "1; engine, 1 boiler, 2 cases machinery; 3 bundles iron, 25 empty casks, 3 bundle*; sheepskins, 3 bundles hides.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, to-morrow, at 10.30 a m and 5.30 p m For Coromanrtel, to-morrow, at 1.30 p m For Gisborne, per Mercury, to-morrow, at 9 a m For Levnka, (Fiji), per Star of the South, to- I morrow, at 2 p m For "Whitiangi, per Maiy Ellen, to-morrow, at 5 pm fFor Mahurangi, Maj»kana, Mangawai, Waipu, &c, | per Lady Bowen 6b Saturday next, at 10 a m For WhitianKi, Tair.ua, Tauranga, Opotiki. and . Napier, via Tauranga, per Southern Cross, on Saturday next, at 3pm ForTaranaki and Southern Provinces, pel Taranaki, on Monday next, at 11,30 a m For the undermentioned places, per on Thursday, 12th February, as under :-- For Fiji.Sanrlwich Islands.United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South : America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 10.30 a.m. . For the UDited Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco, at 10.30 a.m. Letters bearing late fee will be received until 11 a.m For money orders, registered letters, ana news papers, at 9.30 a.m. N.B.—Mails for Austra"an Colonies,via Melbourne, will close at Bluff on Saturday next, at 10 a m (Signed) S. B. Bias. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Lawrence—On the 4th February, the wife of Edward D. Lawrence of a son.

MARRIAGE.

Brown—Bi/eazabd —OnFebrunry 3, at the residence of the bride's father, Roche House. Mount Eden, by the Rev. Dr. WaUis, John Brown, Esq., M.P.C., Thames Goldfield, to Harriette, eldest daughter of E. Bleazard, Esq. ••, ]

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1874.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And *hfi trood that we can do

j At a special meeting of the City Council this afternoon Mr Moriarty's report relative to water supply was laid on the table. It is printed in the form of a pamphlet. Mr Moriarty reviews the various ■, schemes and reports " on-the score of quantity alone Mhotupu seems to me to be out of the ques tion." -Of the Western Springs he says this is the source: £' which I have no hesitation in recommending for adoption." He estimates the dry weather flow from Low and Motion's at 1,734,048 gallons, and ■ Edgecombe's 693,792 gallons. The cost; of the works at £66,714, and the annual .working expenses £3,039 ; interest, £3,336. Total annual charge, £7,075. Pressure on our space pre cludes further reference to the subject to day.

We regrefc to learn that Mr Al Carson, connected with the Mercury Bay Saw Mills, was drowned onFriday afternoon last about three o'clock, at Mercury Bay. We learn from a communication received in !Auckland by Mr J. Anserine" that the deceased had undressed and gone into the river to bathe, and shortly afterwards, either from cramp or some other cause, he was observed strug gling in the water. A boy named Inman saw him and gave the alarm, but the deceased had sunk before any assistance could be rendered. His bodyxwas found on Saturday, but owing to the absence of the coroner it was impossible to hold an inquest at once, and the body lay awaiting| this in quiry on Sunday last, when the vessel bring ing the intelligence left. It was intended to, bury .the, deceased;at Mercury Bay, a grave having been dug close to where Mr §eliapp*s chi^dwaa interred, i; % : ' '•'

Out of the thirty-two immigrants by the Lauderdale, designated " single girls," only eleven were available to supply the large and increasing demand for servants. All the rest had come out under the nominated system, and were married or went at once to their friends. It may be easily im agined that the eleven were soon engaged. Only one single eirl by the ship remains at the barracks. She is a barmaid, and has, we are informed, a situation in view. The matron at the barracks says she has now eighty applications forservants on her books. Coming in at the slow rate that female immigrants are at present, it will be a long time before this demand can be satisfied.

The thanks of the Ladies' Committee of the Home for Neglected and Destitue Child ren are presented to the following friends of the institution :—To Mr Crowe, for twenty five loaves of bread ; to the teachers of All Saints' school, for tea, sugar, and cake ; to Mrs Clarke, for boys' boots ; to Mrs Cooper, for clothing ; to a friend, for pictures and magazines ; to .7. S., for chiltlrens' toys ; to Messrs Watkins, and Co., for a bale of flax.

At the first meeting of the creditors of William Irvin Smith, held in the Trustee's office yesterday, at tie Supreme Court, the bankrupt's liabilities were set down at £106 ; assets, nil.

The Rev. William Tinsley, the successor of Mr Waters, in Edwardes-sh eet, has been appointed to the Auckland station by the Primitive Methodist district meeting held on Tuesday at New Plymouth. Rev. W. Sharp was chosen for the Thames.

A Good Templar lodge will be opened this evening in the school room of the United Methodist Free Church, Pitt-street, after the public meeting at half-pasb seven.

The four Thames representatives, to com pete at the colonial prize firing besides Lieut. Hoskinp, are Sergeant Campbell and Volunteers Gordon, Clark, and Grundy.

An interesting discussion will probably take placo ere long between Dr Maunseil and Mr TCclger. if the latter gentleman will come oufc in defence of Ms views on the Sunday question. Dr Maunsell says "If Mr Edger is so enger for the fray I shall be happy to meet him wherever he pleases to discuss the question."

The members of the Auckland Harmonic Society will hold their usual practice meet ing this evening in the Wellesley-strect rooms. The selections will be from Mozart's " Twelfth Mass " and Hadyn's " Creation."

Thp. members of the Auckland Drum and Fife Band will strike up this evening as the clock strikes eight on board the Hindostan, with the permission of the commander,. Capt Peek. We often wonder that Good Templars and their cousins, the Tetotal'ers,»do not avail themselves occasionally of the musical talents of this merry-hearted brotherhood. A little music at intervals would he a posi tive relief, and tend to sweeten tho invari ably dry and monotonous oratory of Good Tcmplary. Tf the evening should prove pro pitious the strains of this lively little band Avill be very effective upon the water.

We lenrn that Miss Annie Merton, wife of Mr W. H. Newton, a talented actress, who was once a favorite with the Auckland public, died at Bavenswood, Queensland, of fever on the 29th day of last December.

■ At the meeting of thn Domain Board yesterday Mr Brighton made another appli cation for a further reduction of his rent on accoTtnt of loss caused'by the partial failure of his fiuit crop, which request was not complied with.

Prom Coromandel we have particulars of a recent serious accident to a son of Dr Hovell. It appears that the youth was bathing in the Kapanga Creek, at the back of Mr C. Ring's hou3e, and in jumping into the water from off the bank, a distance of about six feet, his foot struck either upon a sharp piece of rock or broken bottle, his heel was divided to the bone, and a terrible gash inflicted. He is we hear progressing favorable under his father's care, but the wound is serious.

This moraine an iron tank filled with malt, and weighing about 2 cwt was being hoisted with block and tackle from O'Con ncll-street to an upper story in Messrs Brown, Campbell and Co's store, when something aloft gave way, and down came the heavy tank with a crash. Fortunately there were no passers-by close to the spot at the time, although several persons were in close proximity thereto. Had any one been near enough to have been struck by the ponderous mass of iron as it fell there can be little doubt that fatal, or at all events, very serious results would have ensued.

The Thames people, despite the general depression which prevails hi the localities, are doing their utmost to raise a substantial fund for the widows and orphans of the men who were killed by the recent boiler accident at the Kurauui. A gentleman on Tuesday last collected £50 in a few hours.

j This morning a large number of lumpers refused to work on the wharf owing to the non-society men being taken on befere others who had joined. The dispute threatens to become serious.

There are some hundreds of marriageable young ladies' in Auckland— some with blue eyes and flaxen hair, and who are equal to '■ Father Come Home," but whom we pre sume, although in the verdure of woman hood, are not green enough to correspond with and send their pretty portraits to the Tokatea " bachelor " who wants a wife, and professes to be prepared to make proposals of life assurance.

A young miner aged twenty-five, named Edward Clark, met with his death yesterday in the Bright Smile mine, Crahamstown.- He rung the proper signal for hoisting the men to the top of the mine, but in jumping into, the cage he unfortunately missed his footing, and was caught between the cage and the timbers and dragged some distance up the shaft before hia position' was discovered. He was ' immediately lowered into the chamber, when it was found that his lower jaw had been carried away and the body fearfully .mutilated and lifeless. An in quest was held this afternoon at the Corn wall Arms. Deceased leaves a wife and one child.

■ For a week or two past posters have been up inOnehunga intimating that a meeting to explain all about Good Templarisiu would be held in the Choral Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 3. A crowded meeting was the result. Mr. Neale, of Epsom, was voted to the chair, and took his seat supported by a number of other Good Templars on the platform in the showy regalia'of the order. After speeches by Messrs Hemus, sen., G. Hemus, Rev. G. H. Turner it was announced that a lodge would be formed in Onehunga, and those who intended joining remained after the meeting. ■Thirty-three persons were then initiated in to the mysteries of the order, and three joined by clearance card. The new lodge started 36 strong, under the title " Hope of Manu kau." The election of officers came on, but their installation was deferred. Bio. Joseph Loughley, W.O.T. ;. Bro. J. J Austin, W.V.T. ; Bro. Wesley Spragg, Secretary; Bro. Ebßert Bycroft, W.P.S ; Bro. J. K. Hendry, Treasurer; Bro. A. Dunwoodie, W.C. ; JBro. William Lapp W.M, ; Bro. Frederick Moore, W.T.G. • Bro. Wm. Settledale, W,o.G.—[Correspon dent\H, , '

Keferring to the oil springs on the East Coast a special correspondent, writing to the Poverty Bay Jlera?d,lsaya :—" The extent of the line along which they lie scattered here and there seems to place it beyond doubt that the vein, if not an inexhaustible one, is, at any rate, one which it will take years to exhaust; and the evidence in favour of this conclusion is strengthened by the fact of other veins being known to exist in the neighbourhood, and, indeed all along the East Coast from Hawke's Bay and the Bay of Plenii/. The^whole district, in short, appears to be a rich oil-bearing one. It, is moreover. I should sajr, little short of certain that the oil, when tapped, will come up in an abun dant and spontaneous stream, and will require no pumping. If, as it seems, the reservoir extends up to the summit of the hill, the law of gravitation alone will surely secure a copious and rapid outflow from any boring which touches it loM'er down."

THE ALL-ENGLAND ELEVEN V. EIGHTEEN OF N.S. WALES.

The above match resulted in a victory for the eighteen • with \ nine wickets to spare. The following were the score :— ALL ENGLAND ELEVEN. Fibst Innings. W. G. Grace, c Lawrence, b Coates ... 7 •Tupp, c Sheridan, b Tindall ... ... 8 Greenwood, c Lawrence, b Coates ... 25 Oscroft, c and 1) Coates ... ... ... 0 G. F. Grace, c Fairweather, b Tindall ... 8 Gilbert, run out ... ... ... ... 10 Humphrey, c Lawrence, ,b Coates ... 2 Macintyre, b Tindall 20 Lilly white, cE. Gregory, b Coates ... 8 Southerton, not out ... ... ... 2 Bush, b Coates 1 Leg-bye .... ' ... 1 92 Second Innings. W. G. Grace, c Lawrence, b Coates ... 12 Jtipp, b Coates 4 Greenwood, b Spoffortb ... ... ... 17 Oscroft, c Bannornian, b Tindall... ... 1] G. F. Grace, c Oliver, b Moore 20 Gilbert, c Oliver, b Spofforth ... ... 9 Humphrey, c Woods, b Faithful 0 Macintyre, c Oliver, b Tindall .. ... 4 Lilly white, run out ... ... ... 12 Southerton, cD. Gregory, b Tindall ... 0 Bush, not out ... ... ... 0 Leg-bye l 90 NEW SOUTH WALES. First Innings. Thompson, lbw, b W. G. Grace ... ..18 D. Gregory, st Bush, 1) W. G. Grace ... 32 Jceton, bW. G. Grace ... ... ... 0 Sheridan, 1) Southerton 2 Baimennan, c Greenwood, bW. G. Grace 2 Oliver, st Bush, b W. G. Grace l Powell, b W. G. firaee 4 Hewitt, st Bush, 1) W. G. Grace ... 3 Spofforth, cW. G. Grace, b Soulherton f> E.. Gregory, I>W. G. Grace ... ... 9 Coates, b Southerton ... ... ... 8 Lawrence, b Southerton j Pocock, not out ... ... ... ... 1(3 Fairweather, bW. G. Grace .., o Faithful, b W. Ci'. Grace ..13 Tindall, b Southerton 0 Woods, c Oscroft, b Southerton ... ... 2 Moore, bW. G. Grace ... ... ... 7 Byes ... ... ... ... t>i o Sf.cond Innings. Thompson, c Bush, b Lilly white 0 Pocock, c and bW. G. Grace ... ... 27 Sheridan, c Bush, b Lilly white 0 Lawrence, c G. F. Grace, b Southerton 19 Powell, lbw, b G. F. Grace ] Spofforth, run out ... "' Bannerman, c lluruprey, b G. F. Grace E. Gregory, b G. F. Grace 1 D. Gi-egory, 1 4, not out '. Hcwett, c Humphrey, bG. F. Grace ... Oliver, 1 2, not out Leg-bye ';,' ;;; 9 wickets for 57

A VAGRANT PIGEON.—THE MASONIC PICNIC.

We declare that we shall send, no more pigeons to festive gatherings. The morals of our birds, previously immaculate, are becom ing rapidly deteriorated and undermined by the dissipation they are called upon to wit ness. -, We yesterday sent a bird to the Masonic picnic, but he failed to put in an appearance until a late hour in the evening, although he has previously borne an excel lent character for despatch, having re peatedly come from Mahurangi in three quarters-of-an-hour. Upon reading the message we are not surprised that the bird, with his intelligence and sagacity, should have hesitated about presenting himself with such a missive. Here it is, and our readers may judge for themselves :—

Quarantine Buildings, Motuihi, 3.30 p.m. The Crown, with her valuable cargo, ar rived off the island at eleven o'clock. The landing in boats was expeditiously effected without any mishap. The excursionists are in the highest spirits imaginable.

There are about six ladies to , one gentle man, consequently the gentlemen are in clover.

The visitors roamed over the island and through the buildings, and greatly enjoyed themselves.

: At two o'clock a bugle called them to dinner.

Mr Diethelm occupied the chair, and Messrs. Brassey and Livingstone the vice chairs. The Chairman was supported on the right by his Honor the Superintendent and the Provincial Solicitor, and on the left by ladies.

: I don't know who is the caterer [Mr Gor man of the Alexandra Hotel] but the viands and drinks were of the very best, and the whole' get-up was one reflecting the greatest credit on all concerned.

People had excellent appetites—ladies especially. The ladies threatened to eat Brassey before dinner, but they took turkey instead and goose. I never saw so many pretty faces in pro portion to the number present. But, scissors —can't they eat roast turkey, the darlings ! 11 The first toast proposed by the Chairman was "The Queen and Graft," the band playing the National Anthem.'

Then the " Prince of Wales " was given, and the rest; the band playing " God Bless the Prince of. Wales.'' -

" His Excellency the"Governor " was pro posed by Mr Livingstone. Band, "National Anthem."

"His Honor the Superintendent" was proposed by Mr Bennett; the band playing ,"Wheh Johnny Comes Marching Home Again, Hurrah!" The whole assembly joined in the chorus. The toast was replied to by his Honor and Mr Beveridge. The next toast was "The Press," pro posed by the Rev C. M. Nelson ; the band playing " Star of the Evening, Beautiful Star." The toast was responded to by Messrs G, M- Reed ? J, Browne, and 0. Williamson,

" His Worship the Mayor" was next pro posed by Major Green ; the band playing 1 '' For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." The toast ■ was duly responded to by Mr Philips. Lastly, " The Ladies," proposed by Mr Brassey ; band playing " For they are Jolly Good Fellows,", and the whole company joining vociferously.

This ended the repast., His Honor the Superintendent and Executive are now making an inspection of the quarantine buildings. The picnic party is scattered over the island.

The day has been exceedingly enjoyable. The Crown will call at the island at eight p.m., and land the passengers at Queen street wharf at half-past nine. The Pretty Jane is expected at six p.m. to take the Superintendent and party on to the East Coast.

All are well and happy and exceedingly jolly.

It is a pity there are not more gentlemen, who are at a frightful premium.

Dancing commences at four. I B/:st regards to the people of Auckland Adieu. ;..

TELEGRAPHIC.

From our Own Correspondent.)

HAMILTON.

This day.

At the E.M. Court, yesterday, before W. N. Searancke, E.M. Shine v. Burke, L 2, labour ; Mr Leary for defendant—judgment for plaintiff with costs.—Athol v. Whiting, £20, wages ; Mr Leary for plaintiff, Mr Hay for defendant, £10 Is paid into Court— judgment for the amount paid in, the plain tiff to pay costs.—Whiting v. Athol, £4 Is, money paid ; Mr Hay for plaintiff, Mr Leary for defendant—judgment for plaintiff with costs. — Jackson v. Thomson, £20, money lent ; Mr Hay for plaintiff, Mr Leary for de fendant. After plaintiff's case had been proved the defendant agreed to pay the amount claimed and costs.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

GKAHAMSTOWN,

This day. An inquest was held to-day on the body of Edwin Clark, killed yesterday at the Bright Smile shaft. A verdict of accidental death was returned, and a rider added that recommended the Government to enforce the adoption of a universal code of signals in all mines.

The Caledonian sent lewt of specimens and 4cwt of picked stuff to the battery to day. Gold is showing freely in the inter mediate level. The Mo. 4 winze stopes also show gold. The Pumping Association shaft is pumped out. Men went below on the 12 o'clock shift. The Unicorn tribute crushed 12 tons for a yield of Boz Gdwt. The Sons of Fieedomhave obtained 20 lbs of rich fpecimoiis from the 90 feet level, and crushed tome stuff from the main level last night, which made as good a show as the upper level general stuff.

Two tons frcm the Old Pacific claim, Collarbone, yielded 1 oz. 13 dwts. gold.

ACTIVITY IN MINING.

COROMANDEL.

This day. The Tokatea have now 350 lbs specimens and picked stone. There is a splendid show of gold still left in the face and along the roof of the stope. Another haul is expected to-day.

The Kapanga men are working late and early. Steam will be started at the end of the present month.

The Royal Oak start crushing 150 tons to-day at the Nil Desperandum battery. The prospects of the Wakaroa claim are very good. The Union Beach and Good Templars both crushed small parcels of specimens yesterday. The New Zealand Company's beach bat tery has been taken over by Mr Ford for twelve months. He contemplate crushing for the Union Beach, Pacific, Neptune, and surrounding claims at 14s a ton, making a great deduction where the stuff is poor. The New Paciiic is getting good gold. Bennett's battery is working still on Bis marck stuff with five head stampers.

THE SUPERINTENDENT AT TAURANGA.

TAURANGA

This day. The Superintendent and party, after a very calm and pleasant passage landed at half-past one. A very large crowd was wait ing, seemingly all Tauranga to the front. Loud and prolonged cheers were given for the Superintendent, who was received on landing by a deputation headed by Capt. Tunks, who read a long and enthusiastic and cordial address of welcome. The Superin tendent replied. The party is staying at Cook's hotel, and will remain here till Mon day, on which day at ten a great native gathering is to meet his Honor.

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

[Per Anglo-Australian legram Company.]

LYTTELTON.

This day. Arrived: Claud Hamilton; she sails South to-night. Australian Sovereign, from Newcastle. .

Mr Wilkin, postmaster, retires on a pen sion. Mr Allwright, of Christchurch, suc ceeds him.

The Isles of the South immigrants, number ing 320, were landed all well. They are a good lot.

Mr Packard, railway manager, has re signed.

The breakwater wharf is to be opened to morrow.

Five sailors of the W. E. Gladstone have been sentenced to eight weeks' imprison ment for broaching cargo.

WELLINGTON.

This day. The City Council to-day discuss the ques tion of drainage and the advisability of elect ing the Mayor direct by the people. A public meeting was held last night to appoint a committee to select representatives for the Canterbury Inter-provincial Regatta. The Wellington Club declined to co-operate, as they were determined to send their own crew sooner than allow it to be broken up.

We are indebted to Mr F. H. Lewisson for the following telegram :— BULLS. Yesterday. The races were -a, success. The day was fine. Over a thousand on the ground. The Hurdle race was won by Isleman. The Produce Stakes by Whitefoot. There were three hundred Maoris present.

This day. The Goodwood Stakes were won by Lochinvac. F. H. Lewisson's Cup, value twenty pounds, by Plyger. For the Plate Race, Siason's Lochinvar hard held. . -

Three cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Lewissqij,

SUPREME COURT.

Civil Sittings.—Yesterday.

(Before His Honor Sir Gr. A. Arney, Knight

Chief Justice.) GRAHAM v. -THOMAS

The whole of yesterday Was occupied in connection with this protracted land case in examining Willoughby Taipara, Aperahama, Te Raioa, and other native chiefs, who signed the agreement by which the goldfield was ceded to the Government, and certain lands reserved for cultivation ; and the Court rose at five o'clock.

THIS DAY.

His Honor, in calling upon Mr Whitaker to address the jury for the defence, said that it appeared, that the Queen of Sheba had actually ceased to exist. It had been stated in course of evidence that there had been an amalgamation ; but he thought there had been no such amalgamation. The register presented a variety of difficulties. In the remark column it was said to have been re linquished. To his mind there was such a mass of confusion as rendered the points at issue very difficult to determine. Mr Whif aker then proceeded to address the jury, and contended that there was a gold field at the Thames in 1867, and at that date and subsequently the defendants were in possession of the land in dispute, and that they had been living and working and doing other acts upon it previous to plaintiff putting up the fence. He then reviewed the evidence before the Court at length, and asserted that, previously plaintiff had not been in possession, and the verdict should be in favour of defendants. Mr Whitaker then called the attention of the jury to the description and boundary of the land, as laid down in the plan of 18G8, which showed that then it was a properly consti tuted goldfield, and it was clearly expressed in the Goldmining Act of 1866 that these pieces of land were Crown lands subject to statutory rights. It had been shewn that the defendants worked there under miners' rights, and a miner's right of possession was a gold-fields' right, and it hadbeensatisfactorily shewn that defendants held those special allotments under miners' rights. On 24th March defendants amalgamated the two claims, now known as the Queen of Beauty. They registered that claim in the June, and were then in posession of a gold fields' title, which was a title superior to that held by plaintiff, and from the date of the agreement the defendants were the rightful occupiers of the land, notwithstanding that a Crown grant had been issued and the land was within the boundaries of the goldfield, as had been proved by an important witness. Mr Whitaker then referred to the native evidence, and never in the course of his ex perience had he witnessed so many Maori scholars brought together on any former occasion, and these gentlemen' were pretty well agreed as to the interpretation of the word "mara" and the clause in the agreement, and to ihe meaning which the words conveyed to the* Maori mind. With • respect to the interpreta tion given by Mr Williams it would seem to refer more to building of houses than to reserves for cultivation.

His Honor remarked here that if it re ferred to castles they might be castles in the air.

Mr Whitaker continued—Prior to 1867 the goldfield boundary excluded the land worked by defendants, and the agreement shewed that the reserves were left out when the goldfield was extended in 1868, which covered the Waiotahi flat. He then dwelt upon the pointsf at issue, and considering that these were within a very small convpass, the jury would have no difficulty in finding a verdict for defendants on all issues.

Mr Gillies then opened his address for the plaintiff.

His Honor is now summing up

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M.)

DRUNKENNESS,

Thomas McCaul and Mary Howley were each fined ten shillings and costs for this offence. BREACH OP VAGRANT ACT. George Berres was charged under the above Act with conducting himself in Queen-street in such a manner as was calcu lated to provoke a breach of the peace. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined twenty shillings and costs, or in default seven days' imprisonment. ASSAULT. Maria Lysaght, charged with unlawfully assaulting Anne Cummons, did not appear when called upon, and his Worship directed a warrant to be issued for her-apprehension. ANOTHER CASE. John Finlay was charged with assaulting Thos. Waterworth on the 3rd February by striking him in the face and pulling out his whiskers.

The complainant appeared in Court with a beard and no whiskers, which caused his Worship to say the defendant must have performed a very difficult feat. His Worship asked if there was no chance of the case being settled. ' Mr Beveridge appeared for the complain ant, and stated that the assault was of a very aggravated character, and committed under circumstances which made it call fora serious punishment. Complainant was foreman for Mr Taylor the contractor for the silt basins. ' On the night of 3rd inst. defendant forced himself into the engine shedat theworksonthe wharf and attempted to turn on the machinery He was in liquor at the time. Com plainant tried to prevent him, and told him to go out of the place. The assault described in the information was then com mitted. He trusted that punishment by im prisonment would be inflicted, j Mr Joy, for the defendant, pleaded guilty, but denied that the case was as aggravated as,Mr-Beveridge made it out. c° His Worship ordered defendant to put £o 5s into the poor-box, and to enter into bonds for his good behaviour for six months in two sureties of £25 and himself in £50.

STRAYING CATTLE. Malachi Monaghan was fiDed £5 and costs for allowing his horse to stray in Graf ton road on the 24th ultimo.

BREACHES OF BY-LAW. Michael McCorarick was charged with plying a cart for hire without previously taking out a license.

, Defendant said he did not know he had to take out a license at first, and afterwards he had no money. Fined 10s and costs. Francis Connolly was charged with allow ing a horse to stray in Union-street on the 24th ultimo.

I Defendant pleaded guilty and was fined 5s and costs.

This was all the business

THE WRECK OF THE FLORA. MACDONALD.

We have received the following letter on this painful subject :—Sir,—Your leading article of last evening, also remarks in the morning papers regarding the wreck of the Flora McDonald, would lead those who were not acquainted with the late Captain Kenny to infer that he knew h.ia vessel was unse&

worthy, but that for the sake of »&;„ T * risked his own life, and the lives oi ha and passengers. From what I can eWu the reports they were furnished bVIL whom Captain Kenny informed me^i*' bought a share of the cutter, and wh( f?f sale was not completed Mr Dean wellkL Captain Kenny told me the particukrf!^ the affair the day before he left the Man kau.. and I can assert that the cause of Dea J leaving the vessel was not owing to her hem* in a bad condition. Whether spite bad an* thing to do with the reports or not I cannnt* say, but to show that Captain KennyT^ every confidence in his vessel only twci day before he left the wharf, as I was wantin a master for the schooner Amaranth 3 offered her to him. He declined my^B^ remarking that he would stick to his own' vessel; and I am certain had he taken th<> schooner his pay would have , been better' I feel confident that Captain Kenny hai every faith in his vessel being able to carre himself and passengers in safety, as gU had often done before. If we only Jjj the means of proving how the loss occurred we should find it was not on account of the vessel being unnseaworthy, but an.unaVoid^ able accident. I had no interest in the yes" .■ sel whatever, but knowing Captain Kenny^ as an honest steady man, and a thorough', soilor, and for the sake of his wife and babes J who are left to mourn his loss, I would aak that his good name should not be damned without a cause.—l am, etc.,

Jameh. W. ■ Waller ; ; f [We are sure all who knew Captain Keany will acquit him of any wilful intention to expose the lives of his passengers to need less dangers, but the strength of a nian'i" faith does not prove the soundness of ftg foundation on which his faith restej: Cap tain Kenny no doubt firmly beliered <W vessel would reach Raglan in safety, aa V had done oftentimes before, but the result shews his faith to have been .mistaken. It" ' is, we believe, capable of proof that certaitt?, material alterations to the'cutter, which was fifteen years* old, were in! contemplation for • months^ and'had never been carried oat A new rudder to replace the old one,'which was found too small, has been lyingrgadtf for a long time past, but had not been_fittea and we are informed that a new stern-poßtfw" -the vessel lias been frequently spoken of. JA cannot for a moment be doubted that the Flora Macdonald was in a condition to wift." stand ordinary weather, but there is Buff cient reason for believing that she was not" equal to encountering the, _ buffeimg of a heavy sea, which is no.'infre^ quent occurrence on the West; \GoasK And all Captain Kenny's faith, and what is of much more importance bis known slrillj; as a seaman, did not avail in saving-the?■ vessel when the trial came. This matter will no doubt be fully investigated, and except so far as is necessary in order to urg« a rigid inquiry, it is unfair to ; assume* on the present meagre evidence, that; the Flora Macdonald was really- 4;nn'i' .seaworthy ; indeed we specially avoided doing so yesterday. But there are beyond question at this present moment ; veisels sailing our coasts that are not" seaworthy, and should one of these meet a fateSttehis that which has befallen the Flora Macdonald! it might still be said of those on board that they could not have anticipated "what was' to happen or they never would have gone in her. We must remember, however, that constant exposure to danger almost invari ably engenders an utter callousness, and causes a feeling of security amid circum stances of real peril.—Ed. U.S.]

ARRIVAL OF THE VICTORIA.

LATER ENGLISH TELEGRAMS.

THE MARRIAGE OF THE DUKE Of EDINBURGH. -:-^Loxdox, January24.j ; The marriage .of his Royal Highness thfai Duke of Edinburgh with the Grand Duchess Marie of Russia waa celebrated; at St. Petersburg on the 23rd inst M i§™| afternoon. The ceremony prescribed by the Greek Church was celebrated hrst and thft" that according to the Church of England followed—ithe ceremonies being; magnificent. A grand review and other festivities will take place, lasting over three days, and eachnightj* St. Petersburg will be illuminated, pal Duke and his bride proceed to Moscow,[andj? will arrive in England early in March: ';

THE TICHBORNE CASE.

''■■- ; London, January 24A'j- Mr Whalley was summoned for conteinpt't of Court, and fined £250 by Chief Justice"; Cockburn. He refused to pay the fine,'Mm has been'imprisoned. ! The contempt for which Mr Whalley was* fined was in upholding the accuracy of Jean-i. Luie's original statement that he saw. thef claimant rescued. , .• M

THE AUSTRIAN CONCORDAT.

The Austrian Government have presented! a bill to the Reich svath to abolish the Cony*

cordat with Rome,

THE POPE.

His Holiness the Pope is reported to be unwell. . :: .

A deputation waited on Mr Gladstone urging the assimilation of the borougji and county franchises. The Premier declined to give any reply, hinting that the position; ol the Government was not sufficiently strong, and, as Parliament would be short-lived, the question was premature. : :.,( i j The dissolution of the Imperial Parliament has taken the country by surprise. Itw'fj not expected that an appealto the constitu encies would be made so soon.

DEATH OF DR. LIVINGSTONE.

- Singapore, January 27.. s Dr Livingstone died of dysentry in J^ last, at Lake Bemba, after wading throngll, the water during four days. Hif PW has been preserved in salt by Msvnaw" servants, who are proceeding with " i Zanzibar. ■■'■'tri At a meeting of the Royal Geography Society Sir Bartle Frere and Dr,Kirkf»^r that they had very strong doubts, as to Wj , authenticity of the statement concerning ? f death of Dr> Livingstone. t v v

THE ASHANTEE WAR.

Singapore, Jan. &. News received from the Cape Coast now date 11th instant states that the troops oo , tinue to advance steadily towards Coomass and that their health is good.

Mr Whalley has paid the fine <*fStf posed upon him for contempt.of ti o?» or j. upholding the accuracy of Jean, W eJ a s ginal statement as to the rescue » , claimant, and has been released.

DR. FEATHERSTONE.

DrFeatherstone has received a deC"v* 10 , In the case of Bear and Stevenso^^, which an appeal was allowed with c^V le!1 i" Court held that there had been no fraua misrepresentation.

MONETARY AND COMMERCIAL.

i Silver is in demand on ac<"V"ii of t <-, • changes with India being ad^Rjo.i

¥H1 BfltllTOgTAß, THirkSDAY, IBBRITaET 5 ljfct



JJ AT S! HAT S! SUMMER HATS AT REDUCED P E.I CE S. i IN . ORDER TO EFFECT A:CLEARANCE RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN have, decided to Sell the Balance of their Summer Stock Children's and Ladies' Straw Hats at COST P RIC E. , A Great Variety to select from. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN (LATETR. H0BB3), Wholksale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers, &a JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-si beet, Auckland. 15000O IFEET TIMBEE FOR SALE, AT MY YARDS, GOVERNMENT "WHARF, ONEHUNGA. JAMES W. WALLER. pHBISTMAS HOLIDAYS, J. ICOSGRAVE & CO. Are now holding their usual CHEAP SAL OF DRAPERY & CLOTHING At their Premises CANADA BUILDINGS. THE SALE IS HOW ON, And will continue during tho [CHRISTMAS HOLI DA VS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. QtJEEN STREET. R B AD SAMUEL COOMBES' ADVERTISEMENT 4th Column, 3rd Page.