SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

POST OF AUCKLAND.

mo^,To Ais. EE: TbiS eVening ' a6S : t°-nsorroW

ARRIVALS.

r , , , ss, from Wanganui Wellington, ss, from the South Amateur, barque, from Oamaru

DEPARTURES.

TRW , ' srlloone', for Napier Ringleader, revenue cutter, for a cruise

VESSELS EXPECTED.

i> ero, s s, from Sydney, eaU* lmn~i, he T,SoUth' ss-"totaLevuka, early D?JZ .'JJ'TV^ "verpool. Sailed October ttSEft uS' from Newcastle, early Wave n{,l£TO fr°m New York > ''ia Adelaide »W« iSt ' Shi p' from L°ndon. Sailed October 14 rS? M;. tan London. Sailed October 31 oS2?7m{ Sh\ P' from London. Sailed October 19 Ween of the Age, ship, from London

IMPORTS.

-Per Atalanta, from Napier and East Coast —10 bales wool, Soloman and Margetts ; 13 bags grass seed, Lewis Bros.—D. H. McKenzie, agent. * 'Sf r from the South : 40 head cattle, 200 sheep, W. Brewer.

The s.s. Wellington arrived in the Manu kva this morning from the South with the following passengers :—Mrs Ellis, Mrs Wil liams, Mrs Simpson, Misses Mackay, Tay lor (2), Brent, Mr and Miss Connell, Cap tain Loverock, Rev -— Ferguson, Messrs Thompson, Mahone, Pye, Cook, Thomas, Mcßea, Beaumont, Pole, Harker, Dewes, ifrent, Seccombe, Clarke, Bagnell, Moss, Hammerton, Arden ; ten steerage. The s.s. Go-ahead, Captain McGilpvray, arrived at Onehunga this morning at 4 a.m. She left Wanganui at 11 a.m. on the sth; crossed the bar at noon, and arrived at New Plymouth at 6 a.m. on the 6th : left again at S a.m., and crossed the Manukau bar at 1 a.m. this morning, arriving as above. Ex perienced strong north-west winds with heavy head sea to Cape Egmont ; from thence light southerly airs with smooth water. Passengers : Messrs. Perston, Hos km, Mears, Street, Walker, and Brown. We are indebted to Mr Newman, purser, for report and files.

The ship City of Auckland, whose de parture we announced last evening, cleared the harbour at nine p.m. yesterday. Cap tain Rails was fortunate in getting a favour able wind at starting, and is no doubt by this time well clear of the land.

The brig Lalla Rookh, from this port via Wangaroa, made Sydney harbour on Boxing day with a cargo of timber. Tho s.s. Southern Cross did not make her usual trip to Tauranga last night, as she is laid up on the gridiron for repairs. The barque Amateur, from Oamaru, arrived in harbour last night after a rather long passage of 16 days. The Amateur, as we announced at the time, was sighted off White Island by the schooner Columbia, which arrived on Sunday. She brings a cargo of grain, etc., consigned to Mr G. W. Barney.

The barque Lady Ague? was to-day keeled over for the purpose of mending her copper. The shipHindostanis turning out her cargo in Srst-class condition.

The barque Freetrader has cleared in baliaat for Newcastle. She takes as passen ger.-j: James Ross and William Blakie.

COMMERCIAL,

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING

REPORT,

Business done :— Bank of New Zealand, £16 17s Gd to £16 19a.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, to-day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow at 10.30 am and 5.30 pm. For Coromandel. on Friday, at 1.30 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Phoebe, to morrow, at 10 a m Mails for the Uuited Kingdom, Continent of Europe, &c. via Suez, will be despatched on Mon day, 12th instant, per sa. Wellington. Should a later opportunity offer, supplementary mails will be forwarded For the undermentioned places, per Governor Black all, on Thursday, 15th instant, as under : —

"For Sandwich 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 United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco, at 10.30 a.m. Letters bearing late fee will be received untill 11 a.m For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 9.30 a.m. Mail 3 for the United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, &c, via Suez, will be despatched on Mon day, 12th instant, per ss Wellington. Should a later opportunity offer Supplementary Mails will be forwarded.

N.B.—The mails for Tokatota, Aratapu, Manga whare, &c, will in future close at this office on Monday, at 10 a.m., and the return ma'ls will arrive on Thursday, at 6 p.m. Mails for Paparoa, Port Albert, &c, will close on Wednesday, at 10 a.m., and the return mails will arrive on Saturday at 6 p.m. The mail for Puhoi will close on Wednesday, at 7.30 a.m., return Friday, at 3 p.m. (Signed) S. B. Bias. Chief Postmaster,

DEATH

The funeral takes place to-morrow (Thursday), at half-past eleven.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1874.

Wood.—On January 6, at Ponsonby Road, Harold Sharrott, son of N. Wood ; aged 10 months.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance. And t.hft ffood that we can do

! The intimation made by telegram in our yesterday's issue has doubtless come on most with surprise. That the railway should be pushed on from Mercer ultimately has been doubted by few ; but equally few they are who could have looked for a telegram briefly announcing the commencement of the works within a few days. Yet this com mencement will be made on Saturday, and

we may accept it as an augury of cordial relations between the General and Provincial Governments for the

future, that his Honor the Superintendent has been invited to perform the initial

ceremony. The portion of line to be com menced on Saturday is that which will reach from Mercer to Ngaruawahia, some fort"... ;lcs,

as referred to in Mr Vogel's speech of last

night at Dunedin ; although the performance of the ceremony of commencement at the further end might lead to the supposition that the work is on the portion af line which in the future will extend to Taupo from the ''Meeting of the Waters." It will be a source of extreme satisfaction to all who look forward to the development of the magnificent basin of the Waikato to see the promptness with which this work has been at last undertaken, and we have every reason for believing that the officers of the General Government havihg this por tion of line in their oAvn hands will vie with the engineers of the "Eminent Eng lish contracting firm" in expedition, and so bring out in more striking relief the slow coachism that has 30 much characterised almost all other railway operations in the colony. We understand that his Honor the Superintendent, accompanied by mem bers of his Executive, will proceed to the Waikato on Friday, on the invitation of the Hon. Dr. Pollen ; and that the ceremony— at whicli a very large assemblage is ex pected—will take place on Saturday after' noon on the eastern bank of the river, and

opposite Ngaruawahia

The Hon. J. A^ogel has been entertained at a banquet in Dunedin, which was at tended by the leading merchants and resi dents of Otago. Sir James Fergusson was also present, and spoke in very eulogistic terms of tlie Premier's abilities. His Honor the Superintendent (who occupied the chair) intimated that £500 had been subscribed with which it was intended to purchase a piece of plate for presentation to the guest of the evening. The reception ac corded Mr Yogcl in Dunedin, where, per haps, he is better known than in any other part of the colony, has been altogether most enthusiastic: ami, quite apart from political considerations, it must be very gratifying to the Premier to receive such proofs of per sonal friendship and esteem as those which have been showered upon him. Mr Yogel's influence has doubtless been due in a very large measure to his poWer of gaining friends in private society, and his circle ol admirers in this respect includes many who do not coincide with his political creed, or are inclined to doubt the soundness of his administrative talent. The banquet of Mon day night, however, is of importance to the whole colony, from the fact that the Premier, in responding to the toast of his health, entered into a lengthy statement regarding the position and prospects of the colony. A few of the leading points of his speech will prove interesting to our readers. Alluding to the conflicting estimates of the public debt, Mr Yogel said that " on the 30th June last the amount of colonial and provinoial in debtedness, after deducting accrued sinking fund, was £9,022,000, of which £3,150,000 was provincial. When he stated that the land revenue from the Ist July, 1802, to 20th December, 1573, exclusive of gold and native, amounted to £1,370,000, it would be seen that the provincial indebtness need not be regarded as a very serious liability as long as it had at its back the land revenue of the colony. There remained to be negotiated on the 30th June last, £2,342,000 of authorised loans, making with the amount before stated, £11,974,000.' There must be added £1,886,900 required to complete the railways authorised up to June, 1872, thus making a total of £13,800,000, which would be the debt when all those rail ways, namely 707 miles were completed, and when £1,000,000 had been spent upon im migration, £200,000 upon native lands, £400,000 upon roads in the North Island, and £300,000 upon goldfielcls works. Then the debt would amount to £13,800,000, but that was not our present debt. This amount included £6,000,000 for public works, of which on the 30th June last only about £2,000,000 had. been expended." This statement is suffiiciently clear. Mr Vogel then proceeded to show that if the public debt was increasing the ability to meet it, as represented by the colonial revenue, was rising in a proportionate ratio. The figures adduced with this view showed that during the first half of the present financial year the revenue receipts were £131,000 in excess of the receipts of the previous year, being at the rate of £202,000 per annum. This is no doubt very satisfactory, but while it serves to support the position assumed by Mr Vogel in the present instance it also disproves in the most decisive manner possible certain assertions made by the Premier six months ago, when the new tariff was under discussion in the General Assembly, in contradiction of calculations made by our local Chamber of Commerce and commercial men in various parts of the colony. After making every reasonable allowance for the legitimate growth of the colonial trade the figures above quoted will carry to the mind of the taxpayer pretty clear notions of the extent to which his ppying capacity has been drawn npon during the past six months. Mr Vogel showed that the nominations under the immigration scheme were rapidly increasing, and spoke of the difficulties which the Agent-General has to contend against. His statement with reference to railway works contains some satisfactory information for Auckland. He catalogued the railways in the province as follows :—Kaipara to Riverhead, 17 miles under contract; Riverhead to Auckland, 24 miles, surveys prepared for contract ; Auckland to Onehunga, open and nearly completed ; Auckland to Mercer, 40 miles under contract ; Mercer south, about 40 miles, surveys prepared for contract. Prom this it will be understood that the Government have determined to pro ceed with the Waikato railway extension from Mercer to Ngaruawahia, in relation to the commencement of which a telegram appeared in our issue last night. The Kai para extension to Auckland would also appear to be finally decided upon. Mr Vogel made sparing allusion to the subject of pro vincial borrowing, but his remarks were de cidedly of an adverse character, and his arguments such as jinight have been used by the opponents of the "little pigs" I last session. He also referred to i the land laws of Canterbury and Otago, considering the former very much superior to the latter. He thought the question which was at present of most importance to the colony was the conservation of the exist ing forests, and planting of forests for the future ; and he dwelt upon the extravagant wastefulness of the mode in which our forests were destroyed, rather than used, and upon the fact that much of the timber really used was so dealt with as not to secure a just reputation for New Zealand wood. This and the question of securing for the colony the '

South Sea trade must be dealt with by the G ovevnmeut. On the whole M r Vogel'sjspeeck was. cautious, and had a conservative tone which must be regarded as satisfactory when compared with that "go-aheadness"—re garded by many as absolute recklessness— which has been characteristic of many of the Premier's previous utterances. Mr Yogel, in the course of his tour through the South, and from the expressions Of tho press, must have gathered that the popular feeling is favourable to A steadier pace, and to the rapid completion of the works already un dertaken in preference to tlie commencement of new works, however advantageous their construction might be the districts where situated. Mr Vogel claimed an his ambition the advancement of New Zealand to the foremost position among the Austra lasian colonies, and. notwithstanding the errors committed by the administra tions of which he has been the mov ing spirit,—errors which alienated many of those who were warm suppor ters of the great colonising policy when first enunciated, and rendered others fearful of the ultimate result —no one will deny him the credit of earnestness, broad ness of View, and a gertiiine desire to bring to a Successful completion what he conceived and undertook to cahy out.

We understand that certain ratepayers have memorialised the Superintendent, asking for a special audit of the ac counts of the city as provided for in clause 172 of the Municipal Corpora tions' _ Act. There is no doubt that the requisitioiiists are on the scent of a mare' 3 nest; still, as no groat halm eah be done, we can hardly expect the Superintendent to take on him the onus of saying " no, there- shall he no special audit." It is true that the Chief Magistrate of the province is not required to make such appointment as that of spocial auditors on the request of any number of ratepayers, but as it is providedin tho clause bearing on tho sub ject that the machinery being provided, it is to 1j c put in motion by the request of twenty ratepayers, itmight with some force bo argued that if the Superintendent does not provide the machinery he prevents the action of such ratepayers. We believe the accounts of the city, whatever they were in the past, are now in the hiost intelligible and satisfactory state. Still if even a few rate payers, offended at the muddle which char acterised civic (inance in years gone by, de sire light on the subject we are confident that the City Council itself will ha tlie last to nay, but on *he contrary that it will court the fullest and freest enquiry. What may be tlie result of the application to his Honor we know not ; but even should it be in favour of suck special audit being ordered it cannot be regarded as more than.providing machi nery which the law contemplates being put in motion by any twenty ratepayers witli a bee in their bonnet.

It is reported that Mr Hardiugton, who was so severely injured the other day at Ellerslie, is slowly recovering. Ho is now able to sit with tolerable ease, and does not suffer so acutely. It is hoped therefore that in the course of a few weeks Air Hardington will be able to resume his ordinary business

The monthly parade of the Volunteer Artillery and Victoria companies took place last night. There was a very poor muster, and the drill was not characterised by any particular excellence.

Tho city nf Edinburgh, ■■which alrcacly possesses a good water supply—but requires a better one—has encountered difficulties precisely similar to those experienced in Auckland in deciding between the rival schemes that have been advocated inside and outside of the council. An Edinburgh journal of late date contains the following allusion to the subject, and the mode of settlement in contemplation:-—" The great Water Question- —which has so long been a source of irritation and bewilderment to every one—does at last, under the manage ment of the Lord-Provost, seem to be ap proaching a settlement. "Warned by the storm which broke over their unlucky heads in re St. Mary's Loch, the Town Council have resolved to throw the whole weight of a decision upon the citizens themselves. With this view they have drawn up a statement of the various rival schemes—including the fovs origo mail, St. Mary's, itself, which they intend to send, accompanied by a post-card, to each and every ratepayer, so that he may judge for himself ; and, having so judged, he is to return the post-card, marked with the scheme which he especially favours. Ratepayers not returning the card within a certain date are to be held as having no opinion upon the subject. A second _p7ej;.s' cite is to be taken in the same manner as to whether or not the expenses of tho abortive St. Mary's Loch Scheme are to be paid by the town. At the present moment, by a decision of the Court of Session, the promo ters are held personally liable for that little bill—somewhere about £1000 each ;—and servo them right, too, is still the opinion of the great bulk of the community, as the Town Council will doubtless discover in good time."

It will be seen by advertisement that " The Auckland Cricketers' Trip to the South" will be published on Monday by Mr E. Wayte. At a time like the present, when cricket is in everybody's mouth, the little volume, which is to be sold at the small price of one shilling, ought to have a ready sale.

The waters of the harbour have, during the last few days, been swarming with two kinds of fish which only make'their appear ance inthe height of summer, usually about a month later than the present date. They are the "garfish," which are about the size of herrings, and have long projected snouts liko a swordfish, and the sardine, a small fish like a sprat, but lighter coloured and of better flavour. Both kinds of fish are spoken of as the most delicate moisels for the .table. They can be seen swimming about in shoals, but no attempts are made to render them articles of commerce.

The new Customs shed on the North Shore Perry Tis nearly completed. A good wide margin is left round the shed for the convenience of the passengers by the North Shore boats.

"The contract for re-constructing a part of the Queen-street wharf, lately taken at a price of £2400 by Mr Taylor, was entered upon this morning. The part to be re-built is that adjoining the new portion to the length of 120 feet below Messrs Anderson and Elliott's store-houses. It may not be generally known that the old lines of the wharf are being slightly altered in the restoring of the structure. At present the right boundary of the wharf looking to wards the south strikes Queen-street nearly in the middle of the road. When the im provements are completed this will be carried down in a line with the corner of the Waitemata hotel, thus adding greatly to the convenience of persons driving vehicles up or down, and also being a much more sightly arrangement. To maintain an equal width a corresponding widening will take place at the northern or lower end on- the left hand side. The wharf will thus acquire nearly ten feet additional breadth. The new T between the A.S.P. Co.'s T. and the North Shore Perry T, also contracted for by Mi- Taylor at a price of £ICOO, will be commenced in a very few days.

We have been requested by Mrs Cheshire to publish the following letter:—To the Editor: Sir, — The letter of "Humanity" in last evening's Star evidently applies to my 'own case, and with your permission I would like to state the particulars.—My late husband was in Captain Casey's employ for six or seven years ; and about six months ago, after a very short illness, I had tlie sad inisi'urttine to lose him, leaving myself and two little children quite destitute. Captain Casey then got up a subscription on my be half ; the total amount collected amounted to L 34 3s Id, of which I received from Cap tain Casey Lls 7s 2d. The sum LlO 1.5s lid being used, by Captain Casey to pay debts belonging to the vessel, &c. The parties to whom this money was due were sent by Captain Casey to get my order for payment, which I certainly gave, but had no idea of what t was doing at the time—being so abs tracted with grief, my poor husband haying only been buried a day or two at the time. I consider that the "public who so kindly contributed intended that I should have all the money; and hot that it should be used to pay debts belonging to the vessel. He also paid L Btq the undertaker for funeral expenses, which I do not object to. Soon after my husband's death I was attacked by inflammation of the lungs and spitting of blood, and since that time I have been con stantly under the care of Dr Kenderdine, and have been unable to do anything what ever towards my own supporb.—Yours ie, Emma Cheshire.—P.S.—Mr Read, of the Thames, also collected £/ ss, out of which I only received £l ss, the remainder being paid bn the vessel's accbtmt. I have all the papers by iiie to substantiate my statements.

Colonial cricket is going ahead with giant strides. The telegrams received from Victoria bring word of the victory in one innings of the colonial over the famous Eng lish team is conclusive proof of this. We may all feel proud of the advance these colo nies have made in cricket as in other institu tions. When all things come to be con sidered the expression used in the telegram that small surprise is felt at the result is fully intelligible. Things are widely altered since the last visit of the English eleven. j Caffyn's tuition has borne its fruit, ahd cricket in Aiistralia has received great accessions of strength frcrn home. We notice that the highest scorer for Victoria is a Mr Cooper, who made 84. This is, no doubt, Mr B. B. Cooper, late of the M.C. Club, who came out to the colony Fiomefour orfiveyearsago. Thisgentleman v as then considered one of the most scientific amateur batsmen of his day, and invariably was selected to do battle for the gentlemen against the players. With men of this stamp against them, and eighteen in the field, it is really no wonder the eleven find themselves over matched. Mr W. G. Grace only made 31 and 51—quite small scores for him. We trust after this victory that Victorians will offer to play a match on equal terms, and then we shall be able to judge of the exact advancement the colonials have made. If Auckland had a good ground she would also have an opportunity of dis tinguishing herself, in company with the other provinces, by arranging a match against the eleven to come off here.

A little before eight o'clock on Monday evening a party of nine or ten young persons of both sexes took a waterman's boat by the wharf side, near to Messrs -T. and D. Oxley's store, with the view of enjoying an excur sion on the Waitemata. For the con venience of the ladies a plank was placed from the wall to the boat, and seven out of the number were comfortably seated in the boat; but when a young man and two ladies were crossing, the faithless plank snapped and the three w rent down into the water and were soused to their necks. A cry of terror was immediately raised, but before assist ance came the young man with considerable gallantry had scrambled out of the water and saved his fair companions amid the cheers of tlie bystanders. The young gal lant, a volunteer, led the ladies to their homes, dripping wet, and fortunately their misadventure resulted in nothing more serious than slight colds and tremulousness.

One or two excellent additions have been made to the Mechanics' Institute Exhibition. Chief among these is a harmonium made by MrHowden, jeweller, of Queen-street, who has long been known as a skilful repairer of musical instruments. Except the ivory keys everything about the instrument, case included, was made by Mr Howden, and the difficulties which he encountered in procur ing suitable materials were such as would have daunted any one less persevering. No suitable wood could beobtained for the wind chest, and the maker therefore had to fall back on the ends of an old packing case of beech. The lining of the partitions was formed from the wood of cigar boxes, that being deemed the best available material for the purpose. The bottom once formed part of tho mast of the ship Ida Zeigler, and is of pine. The pallettes are of beech, and were made out of the staves of a barrel. Suitable kid not being available the necessary padding was made with a Free Mason's apron. The springs were constructed partly -with wire that once formed a portion of a brass bird cage, and the rest out of the wire of an old umbrella. The stops once did duty in an'old brass clock and a chronometer, and the stops were printed on paper with pen and ink and put behind glass. Com plete, this harmonium is a handsome full toned instrument which would have done credit to a maker with the best materials to hand. Mr Howden also exhibits a very ingeniously made music or reading-stand, constructed out of one piece of wood without joint or pin. Among fresh contributions we also notice a picture in wood, a curiosity by Mr Chitham, of Parnell, and a very old picture of a female in the act of worshipping the sun, exhibited by Mr Eyre, of Victoria-street, which is said to be of the 17th century, although nails and recent framework would seem to indicate that it is of a more modern date. We are glad to learn that the Exhibition is attracting the satisfactory attention and patronage which it eminently deserves, and that Mr Chappell, the secretary, and the committee, feel assured that their labours are thoroughly appreciated. The second of the Exhibition course of lectures will be delivered this evening in the Mechanics' Institute by T. Goodall, Esq., C.E., in which he will explain the construction'and uses of the collection of philosophic instru ments exhibited, with interesting experiments. The advantage of a prisoner employing counsel, if possible, was strikingly exempli" fied yesterday in the case of the young man Taylor, accused of sheep-stealing in the neighbourhood of Russell, Bay of Islands. The case, though somewhat mystified by circumstances, might have resulted in a verdict unfavourable to the prisoner had he been undefended. Mr Joy appeared for the prisoner, and in a very able speech pointed out clearly certain discrepancies and probabilities, which no doubt had »reat weight with the Court and jury, as" his Honor, in summing up, referred to them and the issue was pronounced to be satisfac tory, and may not be without beneficial effect upon the young man's mind in his future course. j

The Auckland Cricket Club have decided to play the Waikato eleven on the 21st instant, and the North Shore on) Saturday next.

Cabby must shake his ears and whisk the cobwebs out of them with the end of his whip. No doubt it will take time for people to make up to the sound of tho railway whistle ; but the thirty or forty people who arrived to- ay by train, having come from the South by the " Wellington," have been speaking in very disrespectful terms of us. And it was all because of cabby. When the train arrived there was heither cab nor vehicle of any kind, and every man had to shoulder his portmanteau, and every lady had to bundle up her fal-de-lals and walk. And the travellers said well this is a sleepy hol'3 ; and it was all because of cabby. Jehu, where arb thOU :

We have received a long and intensely bit ter letter from "A Hater of Humbugs," on " Cameo and Mr Sceats." It is a personal attack of the most virulent and unwarrant able kind, and sympathy with its style of de fence of him is disowned by Mr Sceats him self. In any circumstances we should not have given insertion to anything so grossly personal and so libellous even if bearing the authentic signature of any writer.

The extraordinary general meeting of share holders in the Union Beach Company, which was to have been held to-day, lapsed for want of a quorum. The meeting is again announced for 11 o'clock to-morrow in the great hall of the Insurance Buildings.

A disgusting scene was witnessed this morning in Chancery lane. A man in years was in a disgraceful state of intoxica tion, so much so that he could not possibly stand on his legs. A dirty pall rushed for ward from an adjacent den and struggled without success to keep the poor wretch in an upright condition. Another man then proffered, assistance, when out came a female shoeless, with her hair flowing in the rude fashion of the time, and began abusing the men in un-Johnsondike fashion, and hammered away at the men's hands, swearing that the old scoundrel should be left by the wayside to be picked up by the police, and, as she expressively saidj "trotted into chokee," for the old wil lain owed her 10s and would not pay her. The helpless inebriate was accordingly drop ped upon the stones, and will probably make his bow in the Police Court in the morning.

Caoutchouc, the hairless horse, attracted a goodly number of visitors to his tent in the market reserve yesterday, and we may state authoritatively that he will receive visitors on the same agreeable terms this, evening and during the remaining evening 3of the present week. Caoutchouc will then quietly depart for " fresh scenes and pastures new." The latest cablegrams from London, among other intelligence, bring the fact that Sir John Duke Coleridge has been raised to the British peerage. Sir John is a member of a gifted family, the principal members of which have resided in the village of Ottery St Mary, Devon, for more than a century. Samuel Taylor Coleridge perhaps was the most philosophic, but not the most practical of the Coleridges ; but if Samuel was the greater poet, his nephew's son, Sir John, was the greatest lawyer of this distinguished Devonshire family.

Tlie Rev. Mother and the Sisters of Mercy request us to acknowledge with sincere thanks a donation of £50 from the Right Rev. Dr. Croke, as a Christmas gift towards the orphans under their care.

Few of our readers probably have ever been to Kauri Forest or are even acquainted with the locality of that unequalled resort for picnickers. Some there are, however, who have enjoyed the pleasure of a drive to the forest, and a party beneath'tke giant trees. Those who have will bear a kindly recollec of Mrs Bishop who so willingly supplies all comers with splendid milk, and refuses to accept any remuneration. Kauri forest is in the Titirangi district, about fifteen miles from Auckland, and i 3 reached in line weather by a passable road branching from the Whau. A splendid view of the Manukau bar, and harbour, and of the Waiteinafca is obtainable, and the roar of the waters breaking on the bar is combined with the soft music of winds rustling through the foliage of the giant forest trees. A very pleasant party from town gathered here on Friday, and passed a most enjoyable day. In the evening the rising district of Titi rangi had a soiree in aid of the funds of the district school. The affair was got up mainly through the exertions of Air Pugh, the chair man of the School Committee, "and through his zeal and untiring energy the immense success attending on the preparations is entirely due. Alesdanies Wilson, Spiers, Bishop, Pugh, Porter, Matheson and Dobson provided. Tables containing every thing that could be desired in the way of eatables, and Airs Pogh, assisted by Alessrs Dobson and Hill, had the hall most tastefully deco rated. A stage had been erected amidst amass of foliage taken from the adjoining bush, and speeches, songs, and recitations followed in quick succession. A farce followed, " More Blunders than One." Dancing commenced immediately after the farce and an enjoyable evening was spent. On Tuesday last Mr Pugh presented Air Rowland Hill with a purse containing a subscription from the settlers around as a small token of their res pect and esteem for him since he has con ducted public worship in the district. It is satisfactory to find the Auckland Almanac universally approved of. The Thames Advertiser says:—"We have re ceived a copy of Reed & Brett's Auckland Almanac for 1574, and have much pleasure in again awarding it favourable mention as a most useful annual provincial hand book and strangers' vade mecum, carefully compiled, complete in detail, accurate and concise in descriptive facts and figures, and leaving nothing more to be said on matters relating to the position and progress of city, suburban, and country districts, of commercial and generally inter esting items suited to the pages of such an annual. The provincial directory, the re vised tariff, the garden and farm calendar, and postal information, appear to have passed through the hands of careful and competent revisers, and the work appears on the occasion of its second publication as com plete and perfect as the most reliable authori ties on the various subjects could render it or the most critical desire. It contains nearly 200 pages of such information, including a very carefully-compiled calendar, descrip tions of every district in the province alpha betically arranged, etc. The matter is all well arranged, so that the reader finds no difficulty in turning up without trouble the precise information he is seeking, and the typography of the book would be a credit to the best English printing-houses. There is an excellent gazette of the goldfield, with list of crushing-machines and schedule of fees to be taken by wardens."

Mr and Mrs Gourlay will entertain their friends, assisted by Miss Gourlay, in "Mrs McGregor's Levee " to-morrow evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The Scotch Dwarf will close the proceedings in his extraordinary way.

Inspector Goldie desires us to intimate to owners of vehicles, porters, lodging-house keepers, &c., that licenses are being issued for the current' year. All those who may require licenses are requested to take them out forthwith, and save themselves the expense of an information.

Mr John Churton, land agent, &c., has removed his offices from Vulcan lane to Must and Co.'s buildings, Shortlpnd-cres cent,

g§Mr Higgins and a few friends cf M* Waldie, newsvendor, who met witHy iii'" accident which confines him to the ' «TK vincial Hospital, are making efforts to gath*lll V"™ f T n°y f?' J he temP°raiT assistant " of his family, and from what we learn th result is likely to be liberal. The winners of the Summer Sweep d raw for at the Globe hotel arc requested to . on Thursday, Sth instant, at eight n, ___ * the purpose of receiving their prizes. ' ;

ANNUAL ASSEMBLAGE OF ORANGEMEN.

The annual meeting of the Grand Lod^e of the Orange Institution in New Zealand Wa held last evening in the lodge-room, Weiw ley-street. Delegates and members from the Thames, Coromandel, Waikato, Napi er Wellington, and other portions of the Northern Island were present. No repre sentatives from the lodges in the Southern Island attended. After the returns were read the election of officers was proceeded with with the following result: TS_tM W rorshipful Grand Master Brother J. Jf Burns, W,M. of No. 3 Lodge, Auckland was unanimously elected to that high office- Brother T. Scott, of No. 6, Thames wj elected D.G.M. ; Brother R. J. Tdbot G. sec.; Brother R G. Allorn, D.G. sec '• Brother J. Young, G., treasurer ; Brother the Rev W. Olliver, G., P. H. Cornford J. Hill, chaplains ; Brother Horan, I.G,'. Brother Alcock, tyler. The retiring Grand Master installed Brother Burns as R. W.G.lf of New Zealand, with all the honours of '_U Order. The R.W.G.M. then installed his officers.^ Affer the installation, the lodge was adjourned for two hours to enable the brethren to attend a banquet provided by Bro. Sceats, of the British Hotel. After full justice had been done to the festive board the following toasts were drank:— "The Queen," " Prince of Wales, and rest of Royal family," " H.R. the Governor," "I. M. Prince of Orange, G. Master of the United Kingdom of Kent, Britain and Ireland," "The R. W. G. Master, N Z " " The P. G. Master, N.Z.," " The D. Master of the Thames," " Orangemen throughout the Globe," " The Press, " Ladies," "Host and Hostess." The banquet was concluded by all tlie brethren singing the National Anthem.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM WAIKATO.

STORE TO BE PLUNDERED

ALEXANDRA.

.. •• This day. The new store opened lately at Hone te Hone's place at Aotea, near Kawhia, has been ordered off immediately by Hauhans or it will be plundered.

TAURANGA.

This day. For the races to-morrow there are 18 entries for 4 events.

The Town Plate is worth 30sovs

The weather is fearfulhy hot—96 degrees in the shade. There is much sickness in consequence.

The Times will not publish thrico a week as announced. The Vincent sailed for Auckland last night at ten o'clock. Pas sengers—Alessrs Thomas Wrigley, Jacob solm, Spieriiig, Hori Haupapa, Turner, and Snodgrass.

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

CRICKET AIATCH BETWEEN CAN TERBURY AND OTAGO.

THE WRECK OF THE SURAT

LOSSES OF PASSENGERS.

[Per Anglo-Austrailian Telegram Company.]

DUNEDIN.

This day. At a meeting of the Surat Relief Com mittee yesterday it Was resolved to collect LSOO for distribution among the married people only. The losses of passengers amount to L 2500. One man had 264 soys. in a box. The passengers' luggage and effects were sold with the wreck notwithstanding a pro test of some of the passengers. The official enquiry commences to-morrow. Strange rumours are afloat concerning the Captain's and first and second officers' conduct. A number of steamers have left for the wreck, and view the saving of much as possi ble, if the fine weather lasts. It is believed the/vessel may be got off in ten days. Several passengers by the Surat have been admitted to the hospital with illness brought on by exposure.

Private advices state that the steamer Mongol left London for this port direct on the 23rd of December.

CHRISTCHURCH.

This day. The eleven selected to play the cricket matches are : Barnes, Baker, A. J. Cotterill, Daw, E. Fowler, 0. Fowler, Fuller, Alonck, Moore, Souter, and Worbner. It is a much weaker team than played against Auckland. The prize medals for the awards at the In ter-provincial Exhibition of 1573 have arrived from London. The design and workmanship are splendid.

Dr Berggren, Professor of the University of Lund, Sweden, has arrived, and intends remaining twelve months in New Zealand investigating its botany for the Swedish Government. He makes Christchurch his head-quarters.

At the opening of the Criminal Sessions of the Supreme Court Air Justice Gresson favorably reviewed the statutes passed last session of the Assembly, but deprecated them coming into operation so early after receiving the Governor's assent, as it rendered it impos sible for the general public in parts of the colony distant from the seat of Government to be acquainted with the laws they are bound to obey.—James Adams, for forgery and uttering, was sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour.— William Thompson, for house-breaking to five years imprisonment.— Walter Johnston, larceny from dwelling, seven years. John Walsh, charged with larceny from the person, was sentenced to seven years imprisonment; Antonio lohnson, for assault with intent, to two years ; Peter Johnson, for larceny, |to one year; Alexander McLellan, larceny of a cheque, one year. This con cluded the criminal sessions.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before Thos. Beckham, Esq., R.M.) DRUNKENNESS. James Heaton, John O'Brien, W. C. Clarke, and Wm. Annan were convicted of this offence and punished in the usual man ner.

MALICIOUS INJURY TO PROPERTY ACT. | "William Annan was charged under the , j above Act with wilfully pulling down the shutters of the window of C. Wilsons oyster saloon, in Queen-street wharf, on'^Sß| 7th January instant. jpt There was no damage estimated ia*ts|glj case, and his Worship said the case c_\itp,]( not lie within the meaning of the Act. j. ;| The case was therefore dismissed. i /

fHE SVBKXNGt STAB,. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 1874



National Bank, 64s ; sellers, 655. National Insurance—Sellers, 21s Gd. ,- Black Angel, 21s Gd ; sellers, 225. Caledonian, £11 12s Gd ; buyers, £11 10s ; sellers, £11 15s. Thames Gas Company—Sellers, 3Ss Gd. Alburnia (new issue)— Sellers, Gs Gd. Tookey (double), £8. Waitemata—Sellers, 6s 3d. ' City of London, sellers, 21s 6cl. Crown Prince, sellers, 15s Gd. Golden Calf (second issue)— Sellers, 4s. Moanatairi—Sellers, 40s. Oriana—Sellers, 2s 3d. I N SURANCE~ THE NATIONAL MRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COAIPANY OP NEW ZEALAND "DKOTECTS Insurers against Loss J- from either Fire or Sea disasters at Lowest -Kates or Premium. Advantageous arrangements can be made whereby Wool-growers and others can have their Clips covered from Sheep's back through to London. Open Policies are issued by this Company covering Merchandise to any amount to New Zealand and Australian ports, saving both trouble and expense to By a simple plan also Importers can Insure in Auckland Merchandise coming to them from United -Kingdom, and all settlements in event of loss can be made with the office here, thus avoiding the vexatious delay attending adjustments in England. Auckland Branch Offices: 25, Queen street. ANDREW G. MILLAR, Local Manager. nPHENEWZEALAND SHIPPING -*- COMPANY (LIMITEE). NOTICE. The SECOND CALL of TEN SHILLINGS per share, made by the Directors on the Cth October, 1873 (being the first call after allotment), IS DUE, and payable on or before the 7th day of January, 18/4, at any of the Branches of the Bank of New Zealand, at the following places :- Auckland Nelson . Timaru Napier Picton Dunedin New laymouth Wellington Oamaru Wangcjfcut - Christchurch Invercargill By order of the General Board of Directors. JOSEPH GOULD, — . , . Secretary. Christchurch, December 13,1873. [Established 1864.] T\ STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" *' EAGLE BRAND " "CROWN BRAN D," Are to be procured at all respectable Grocers and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auck and. D. STEPHENSON & CO. wyndham street Auckland r\ a v t r o n. LSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the i BEST for general use in households, and, in con sequence of its high reputation, sorn« unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon, and pass the same off as "'Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 1866," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned to ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE, ' and see that the namo is Stamped on Bottle and | stopper, and wrapped round with Ma well-known J cl. *



jq~ow OPENED, EX HYDASPES, A MAGNIFICENT ASSORTMENT OF CHILDREN'S, GIRLS' AND LADIES' | TUSCAN, LEGHORN, & STRAW HATS, MEN'S & BOYS, DITTO DITTO, VERY CHEAP. SILK SUNSHADES.. MUSLIN COLLARETTES LACE TIES Etc., Etc., Etc. GENTLEMEN'S SUMMER CLOTHING, BOYS' & YOUTHS' DITTO. A CHOICE LOT OF BOYS' KNICKERBOCKER SUITS IN VARIOUS MATERIALS & STYLES, ALPACCA COATS (BLACK & COLORED), WHITE DRESS SHIRTS, Etc., Etc, Etc RUSHBROOR & BRIDGMAN, Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers, &o. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen -street, Auckland. tW N.B.— Parties in the country favouring R. & B. with their orders may depend upon their receiving careful atten tion and despatch. Patterns, &c, forwarded post free. /CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY S J. CjOSGRAVE & CO. Are now holding their usual CHEAP SALE OF DRAPERY & CLOTHING At their Premises CANADA BUILDINGS. THE SALE IS NOW ON, And will continue during the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. QUEEN STREET. QHEISTMAS PEJESENTS AND NEW TEAE'S GIFTS, FROM FIVE TO TWENTY-FIVE PER CENT DISCOUNT. E. BECK, JEWELLER AND WATCHMAKER, "Will supply JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS, &c, FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS AND NEW YEAR'S GIFTS, At a Reduction op 5 to 25 per cent. Discount. .B.—All Goods marked in plain figures, and ranteed. 198, QUEEN-STREET. iLL BE PUBLISHED MONDAY NEXT, "TRPI AUCKLAND CRICKETERS' TRIP TO THE SOUTH," A History ot the late Successful Tour. PRICE: ONE SHILLING. E. WAYTB, Publisher.