SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HI-7H WATER : This evening, 6.18 ; to lnor 0* morning 6 42 SUN SET : This evening, 7.5 ; SUN RISE : 10 ---mt.rr-w moraine, 4 39 MOON'S AGE : New Moon, 9th, 11.45 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Helena, brigant?ne, Camnbel', from Dunedin Pen ' • vis, brie, from N woastle Wanderer, cutter, frcm Cabbage Bay

DEPARTURES.

Pontliem Cross, s.s., < Baker), for Napier Clyde, schooner, for Wangarei Jessie Henderson, schooner, for Wangaroa

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Wellington- Luna, p.s, Thursday For Karot nta— Blanche, seho< ncr, e»ily For Lyttelton-Agn-s brteantine, early For Newcastle- Hella Mary, barque, to-morrow For Sydney— Eydaspes, ship, early For Lyttelton-P. erl^ss, schooner, early ; Waitangi, ship, early ; William Gifford early For Sin Francisco—Concor-m, ship, early; Cyphrenes,

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

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Cypbranes. s.s., (English Mail, via 'Frisco), now due Assaye. ship, frsni London : stilcd September 3 Cnspa-rick, sVp, from London ; sa lea Bth September Glenlora ship, from London ; sailed September 20 Mharee, barque fr m London ; sail*-! October 2 Inverene, ship, from London ; sa 1 d October Warwick ship, from London ; sailed October Rapido barque, from New York.via *delaid»,ngloadi Edith Rose, barque, from New York ; sailed Sept. 18 Chanticleer, briir, f om Hobart Town early Europa, barque, from Sydney, early Kenilworth, schooner, from Samoa, early Ivan hoe, schooner, from Levuba Pacific, schooner, from Samoa, early Hebe, brig, from Tasmania ; sa led 7th instant Citato, barque, from Melbourne, via Dunedin, early Flirt, brieantice, from Lyttelton. early Kate McGregor, schooner, <rom Napier, early

IMPORTS.

Per Helena, from Dunedin : 50 sacks flour, 100 half do., 200 quarter do., James Coup land ; 530 sacks flour, 20 half do , 60 charter do . 140 sacks wi-eat, parcel stamps, J. H. H=dl and Co. ; 400 quarter sacks flour, 120 half do., Bamett and Levy ; 240 quarter sacks flour. 56 do. pollard, G. W. Binney ; 360 sacks wheat, 160 do. flour, 120 half-sacks flour, 240 quarter-sacks flour, order. — G. W. Owen, aoent. Per Ben Nevis, brig, from Newcastle :— 399 tons coal, 77 pieces shaf's, 2,764 felloes, W. Kirby.—J. S. Maefarlane, agent.

Dr Haynes, the surgeon-superintendent of the Hyda«pes, was a passenger to Wellington by 'he Phcebe this afternoon. The brigantine Helena arrived hrharbour from the South this afternoon. Captain Campbell reports leaving Dunedin on the 24th ult. ; and Port Chalmers on the 25th. Had southerly winds for 12 hours after start ing ; remainder of the passage to the East Cape characterised by N., and N E., winds. Rounded the East Cape on Sunday; and from thence into pott W, and JS'.W., winds and fine weather. The voyage was a dr»ad beat from first to last. The Helena brings a cargo of breadstuff's. The brig Ben Nevis, Captain Clough, arrived in harbour at three o'clock this morn ing, after a lengthy passage of 20 days frrom Newcastle. She brings a cargo of coals con signed to Mr W. X irby. The ketch Wild Duck from Greymouth brings 54 tons of coal, fcihe^arrived yester day. TheA.S.P. Co.'s steamer Southern Cross left late yesterday afternoon for Napier, with a full general cargo and the following pas sengers : Saloon— Mrs Walch, Mrs Palmer, Mr and Mrs Tooth, Mrs Simpson, and seven in the steerage.

The ketch Prince Eupert has been placed close in alongside the Custom Bouse quay to put out her cargo of timber. The following vessels have already sailed, or are to sail within the next few days, from Tairua with cargoes of timber : Sir Isaac Newton, schooner, for Lyttelton ; Colonist, schooner, for Naoier; Fiery Cross, schooner, for Moeraki; Miranda, cutter, for Auck land.

The barque Bella Mary cleared out this afternoon for Newcastle in ballast.

The brig Syren is loading timber at Wai kato Heads for Lyttplton. The cargo is shipped by Mr J. W. Waller. The s s. Hero left the harbour immediately after the publication of our last night's issue. There were no other passengers than those given in our list already pixblished.

It is a fortnight to-day since the ps. Golden Crown left. Ws shall look with interest for any news of her by the next Mel bourne steamer arriving down South.

The p.s. Phcebe left the Manukau this afternoon for the South.

The schooner Jes.de Henderson left yester day to fetch a cargo of timber from Wan go roa.

The Kate McGregor sailed yesterday from Napier for Auckland via the Coast.

The cutter Wanderer brings 19,000 feet timber from Cabbage Bay.

The cutter Coralie has entered outwards for Russell in ballast.

The ba'quentine Emu will shortly leave for the Bay of Islands for a cargo of coal. Ciptain O'Conneli, late of the Mary Thom son, succeeds Captain Baker in charge.

The schooner Blanche is to come alongside the Queen-street wharf to be fitted out for her new service.

Captam Baker, late of the Emu, took the A.S.P. Co.'s Southern Cross to Napier this trip.

The brig Vision is loading at Dunedin for Auckland.

The cutter Fawn is to sail at once for Russell in ballast.

The ship Hydaspes entered outwards to day for Sydney.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

(From our Own Correspondent). ARRIVALS, llorence, schooner, Brown, from Greymouth

DEPARTURES.

Phceb". Sb,s b, Worsp, for ihe South ."■t Kilda, s p., He werd.y, for Wanganui Dawu, cutter, for Waikato Dame, c. iter, for Waikato

The schooner Florence, from Greymouth, bri-ys 84 tons coal to Mr J. W. Waller

The s.s. St Kdda, for Wanganui, sailed at 10 30 am., with ihe following cargo:—l 7 casks spiiits, 10 do btld beer (under bond), H. S. Meyers and Co. ; 109 pgs (duty paid and free), do ; 20 cases jams, do; 146 pes. Sash and Door Co : 5 do, Owen and Graham ; 10 do, L. D. Natnan and Co. Passengers Miss Kermensneider, Mr and Mrs Stimpson and family (3) ; Messr3 Brownlee and Levison.

The cutters Dante and Dawn left the Mar.ukau ye.-terday for the Waikato, with cargoes of timber, shipped by Mr J. W. Waller.

The following vessels are loading 1 with timber at Onehunga : Wild Duck, ketch, for Waikato; Mercury, cutter, for Raglan; Cleopatra, schooner, for Lyttelton.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :— For Thame*, to-morrow, at 6 30 p m,

For Corommdel. on Friday next, at 10 30 a.m,

For Napier and Gf-isborne, per Result, to-morrow, at

11 am For Wa^era and Watkworth, per Lady Bowen, on

Thursday next, at 10 a tn For Au^tra'ian Colonies, per Cyhhrene3, six hours after arrival Mai's for Taranaki, Southern provinces, Australian Colonies, Innia, Ctnna,*Mediterranean ports, Conti nent of Euroj.e. and United Kinednn. via South ampton, and Brindisi will be made up per Welling ion. on Monday, the 14th instant Mails for London, *o via Snn Franbisco, will close at 6 p na on December 24, per Cyphrenes

For the undermentioned placet per Cyphrenes, en Thursday, 24th instant, as follows :—

For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign "West In ties, at 6 p no. For the Kingdom and Continent of Furono, at 5 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 4 p.m

Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d will be received by the Mall Agent on board up to time of sailing.

S, B, Bibs, (Met Fost&Mtoi

BIRTH.

Roixmrson—On December 6, the wife of G. E. Rollerson, of a son. j

DEATHS

Shaw —On the 7ih inst, at the residence of h's

parents. Howe-street. Albert S»aw ; aged 9 Teira.

The funeral will take place i o-morrow (Wednesday), at 3 p.m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend. PECKHAM-On the Bth instant, Henry Peckba.ru; aged 44 years. Tne fuueral will leave hislate residence, Foresters' Arms, Albert-street, at 3 pm to-morrow (Wednes day). Friends will please receive this intimation.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1874.

For the cause t.liat lacks assistance. For t!i? wrong thai. ne..\is resihtaaca, Ve-v '.-in fature in the distance, i«d ta« trood that w« can <50.

The transit of Venus across the sun's disc to morrow is the most important astronomical event of the present century. Thousands of pounds have been expended in fitting out expeditions to accurately observe it, yet there is agpossibility of these careful preparations beiug rendered absolutely futile, so far as this colony is concerned, by unfavour able weather. It will be seen by telegrams from various Southern sta tions that the sky is cloudy and weather threatening. In Auckland the sky has not been favourable to astronomical observa tions, heavy banks of cloud having obscured the sun during the greater part of the day. As we write, however, there is a cheering prospect of the clouds breaking and clearing away before to morrow. It would be exceedingly un forturate if the observations in this colony proved a failure. As we stated in last night's- Star, the planet will enter on the sun's disc at sixteen minutes past one o'clock. It wil be first observable on the right-band side of the lower part of the sun. Twenty-eight minutes will elapse from the time of the first contact until the whole of the planet is shewn on the sun's face. At this time the planet will have an elongated appearance. The course of the planet will be towards the left-hand side of the lowci part of the sun in a downward direc tion, and it will reach the other side of th( sun's disc at 5.1S p.m., dually emerging cleat at 5.5S mm. These calculations are, of course, based on the last observation of tin transit, which was far from complete. Mail) important astronomical calculations depend on the progress of the transit being carefullj observed, and the prospects of to-morrow's weather will be noted at an early|houi by many anxious eyes in all parts of New Zealand.

THE, subject of the Arch Hill nuisance is it self a nuisance, and tho obliteration of the subject from the public papers would be th< next best boon to the suppression of the depot itself. But the subject again obtrudes itself in the form of an order for the imme diate removal of the accumulations of years from that unsavoury locality. There are, we think, few who do not sympathise with tin desire so often expressed by residents in the neighbourhood, and by all interested in the public health, that the deposit should cease, but there will be fewer still who would advocate tbe actual removal of the deposits as now ordered. Yet such is what appears to be intended. An order has been sent to Mr Faulder in the name of the Board of Health, "to remove from his premises the accumulation of night soil thereon." This is surely overdoing the thing and cannot be with the authority of the Board, if it is to be taken in its literal meaning. Foi some six years the deposition of the material has been proceeding. Jt has been buried, oi such of it as has not been buried, should have been buried for purposes of deodorization, aud if now the whole of this is to be exposed to air in removal elsewhere, we may confi dently anticipate that mischief will result to thf health of the community. We can hardly thiuk that this order has been other than an oversight, and as the Board of Health, at the instance of the City Council, meets to consider the subject to-morrow, we trust that the evil of Arch-hill will not be so over done in its cure as to create a nuisance com pared with which all its past has been as nothing.

The meeting last evening at the Edwardes street school-room, called chiefly for the purpose of giving a genial welcome to th< Rev. W. Harris, recently from England, was one of unusual interest. An excellent tea was provided by the ladies of the chapel, and the tables amply spread by the thought ful caterers with the fruits and flowers of the season. This grateful repast terminated evidently to the satisfaction of the two hundred friends who were present. The Rev W. Tinsley presided over the subsequent meeting, and spoke on its two fold object—viz , the New Zealand Mission Fund in connection with the Primitive Methodists of the two hemispheres, and the presenting the hand of fellowship to their fellow-worker (Rev. W. Harris), who was about to share their ministerial labours in Auckland. Interesting speeches were de livered by Revs. George H. Turner and J. Sharp on the immediate business of the evening ; also, by Messrs. Smith and Rout. The speech of the evening was that by Mr Harris, in which he referred to the spread of Primitive Methodism in the old country, and to the satisfactory position it was gradually assuming in New Zeatand. His remarks were often eloquent and impres sive, and accepted with cheers. The evening was most agreeably passed and appropriately closed with the benediction.

We have been requested to put in a plea on behalf of a widow who arrived by the Miltiades some months ago, and is now in a states of destitution through lack of employ ment. She has a child five months old, which is the cause of her inability to get a situation, and has been compelled to sell her clothing to support herself. This has reduced her to a very poor sate. She has in her possession credentials from a clergyman in Warwickshire. Information will be afforded anyone who can belp her to a situation, on application at the Star office. Last week a splendid sample of lead was brought into town. It is well known that there is copper and other minerals, slate, marble, etc. Specimens have been brought in at various times. Alluding to this subject a correspondent says :—" Cannot the Pro vincial Government indicate the localities in which these minerals may be found, so that practical men might at once know where to go and judge for themselves as to the extent and value, of the lodes, not persons like those higb authorities who said of the Thames : 'They would eat all the gold found there.' It has been long known that the province of Auckland abounds in mineral wealth, with coal in many places in the same locality."

Several buildings have been recently er ected in Onehunga. One for Mr. O'BrieD, Queen-street, and another for Mr. Colling's, Princes - street, near the beach, are to be used as shops. Both are two-storied build ings of good size and appearance, and will help to improve that part of the streets where they are situated. The house for the station-master is also begun. Mr. Shepherd, the contractor, having the framework up, will no doubt have it finished in a week or two,

There are always in large mixed assemblies some shailow^brained persons who are pretty sure at some time or other to expose their ignorance in a most ludicrous manner. It was once the wi iters fortune to be present at a public dinner, wheh a stupid fellow, no doubt thinking he was doing the correct thing encored the "noa nobis." Last night at the ball a somewhat similar "mal apropos" incident occurred. His Excellency the Governor, in responding to the toast of his health, with that discriminating delicacy which has already characterised his utterances in public, said, "I am not vain enough to suppose that this reception has been accorded to me, coming as' I do amongst you as a perfect stranger, for any merits of my own." Hear ! hear ! shouted an idiot in the garb of a gen tlemen. Who can be surprised tnat his Excellency looked just for one instant slightly taken aback at having his words so readily adopted?

The member of the Loyal Good Intent Lodge at Onehunga referred to in several previous issues, is, we regret to learn, now in a dying condition. He has written to the friend who first took up his case a letter, in which he explains his position in relation to the lodge. He says:—"lam sincerely obliged to you for your kindness in bringing to notice my case, which is a very hard one The only thing omitted in your letter as read to me, which please allow me to tell you of, was, that I declared on the sick funds on March Ist on which date I was j ' good on the books,' consequently am still I good, and the lodge owe me sick money. Is it likely I, in my state, would allow myself to run off ? The secretary says he did not get a medical certificate, and so I must lose benefits, as if I was expected to carry it all those miles from Otahuhu. I hope you will not let the matter drop if they insist ou wronging me. I may say that all the time only two members have visited me." As we before stated, we have received no ex planation whatever of this case from the lodge officers, and we are reluctantly driven to tbe conclusion that the facts, as first com municated to us and subsequently confirmed, are correct, and that, seeing his sickness was likely to be a protracted one, advantage is being taken of some rule of the lodge to deprive this member of the henefits he has become entitled to by six years of payments. Nothing could be more damaging to the reputation of a benefit society, and we again call upon the body of members who, we are convinced, arc not to blame, and whose own case may one day be.ideutical with that of this sick brother, to compel an investigation and place the lodge in a better light before the public. The mortality returns for the month of November, and the comparative returns for the preceding year were a3 follows :—Novem ber 1874, under 5 years 7 ; under 20 years 1 ; under 50 years 4 ; over 50 years 'A ; total 15. The returns for November, 187^, were :— under 5 years 5 ; under 20 years 1 ; under 50 years 2 ; over 50 years 2 ; total 10. The annual sermon to teachers in connec tion with the Auckland Sunday School Union, will be preached by the Rev. I. H Coruford in the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association, to-morrow, AVednes day, at half past seven o'clock. All Sunday school teachers and friends are cordially in vited. The annual meeting of members to receive the reports and elect officers, will be idd in the Depot Room on Friday evening, December 11th, at half-past seven o'clock. T. C. Firtli, Esq., presitlcnt, in the chair. Members of the Union are earnestly reques ted to attend. We have received for insertion the follow ing respecting the state of Government EctHft :—To the Editor: Sir, —It i 3 cur rently reported that Government House is out of repair ; musty and fusty. If this is really so, how can we expect to keep the Governor and his lady in Auckland ''. Surely st^p3 should be taken to render their resi dence here as pleasant as possible, and if we are to have a Government House in name, let us have one in reality. Thousands are lieing spent freely enough in Wellington, whde the Government seem to begrudge spending what is necessary to render our Governor's residence habitable.—Yours, &c, Kino. The Acclimatisation Socioty'.s meeting yesterday lapsed for want of a quorum. This ia a rare circumstance, as the members are usually very attentive to business. The several matters of interest were consequently postponed until the next ordinary meeting.

An entertaining open lodge meeting of the members of the Harbinger of Peace frater nity was held last night in Cook-street, which was well p.tronised by the Templars. Mrs Hertz presided at the piano. Several capital recitations and songs were given by -everal ladies and gentlemen of the order. Mr Keesing gave a humorous recitation with considerable power. Ballads were sung by Miss Jessie Woods, Coleman, Jackson, and other ladies ; also by Messrs. Marsden, Mil lington, Murray, and Holder. The evening was pleasantly passed.

On the lively and interesting subject of -uicide, a home journal makes the following considerate and sensible remarks. We are sure they will be kindly ta'en by those who ire forming their arrangements for making a sudden s'art from this troublesome world. We shall be very happy to supplement them with various other little counsels on minor matters of detail, if any person so intending will be good enough to call on us during office hours : -"People who commit suicide should really have some consideration for the feelines of those they leave behind them, if they have none for their own. But, in nine cases out of ten, your self-murderer is as selfish as he is cowardly. The lunatics who flung themselves off the Monument rarely had the sensibility to look down to ascertain if fish-street hill wer; clear before making their dip into eternity. They thought they had a perfect right to smash their own skulls, poor idiots that they were, but never stopped to ask themselves if they had the right to stave in the cranium and knock out the brains of some horny-banded son of toil strolling, clay pipe in mouth and hands in pockets, on the pavement underneath. We have a confirmed antipathy to these theatri cal French suicides, performed before the public, and protest that they should be strongly discouraged. When men are so far forgetful of their duties by society as to meditate felo de se in future, we trust they -will prefer poison to the uncertain pistol, the clumsy razor, or the fragile rope, and that they will slay themselves in the seclusion of their own apartments. Or, if a difficulty be met in procuring poison—the law is so stupidly strict—a leaf might be borrowed from the book of our neighbours of Paris, and and a pan of char coal lit in an hermetically - sealed room. Blighted beings imbued with classical re miniscences might even go to one of the baths and have an Epicurean euthanasia by opening a vein ; but they should pay more than the ordinary price for the bath, or give their clothes as a legacy to the attendant. These thoughts have been suggested to us by the conduct of a gentleman at Berne, disap pointed in love, who made up his mind to commit suicide the other day by throwing himself into the bear's pit. There was an originality in the idea, but it did not suc ceed, a police-agent having pulled him over the rails by the collar of the coat. We do not relish the open nature of the attempt — it looks too much like bravado—but then, the bears at Berne are lean, and there may have been a scintilla of good-nature at the bottom of this gentleman's act which entitles him to forgiveness." % „

The honorary secretary of the Auckland Dispensary i 3 making an appeal to the sub scribers and public on behalf of this useful institution, in order that the increasing demands for medical assistance may be duly met. The appeal no doubt will meet with a generous response. The No 3 Company's Club rifle match will takojplaoe at 5 a.m, to-morrow,

A levanting debtor was, it is reported, a passenger by the Hero yesterday. The indi vidual in question had been carrying on busi : ness as a grocer at the Thames, and recently ! : failed for a considerable sum. He is said to ' i have shaved, dyed his moustaches and hair, j wished good-bye to his friends, and left his i creditors lamenting. His name is familiarly j j associated in the minds of some with j "potato," but beyond stating so much, it j would probably, in the present state of I affairs, be injudicious to give any more direct ] indication of identity. The delegates appointed by the different Masonic Lodges to carry out arrangements for the erection of a Masonic Hall, meet this evening at seven o'clock, at the Masonic Hotel. We call attention to the re-opening of the Prince of Wales Theatre this evening by the new dramatic company just arrived from Australia. The beautiful dramatic piece, en titled "the Geneva Cross," will be performed

for the first time in this city, in which Miss May Howard, in praise of whose histrionic talents, the Melbourne press are unanimous, will take the leading character. She will be supported by the whole strength of the com pany. The play itself has been much praised for its intrinsic merits, apart from outer associations ; but to night in the midst of new scenic illustrations, and by the aids of accomplished artistes, it will be reproduced in a manner which must enhance the popu larity of the new dramatic company. We are very glad to learn that Mr Martin, whose character as an educationist has been so thoroughly established by his proceedings in connection with the Grafton-road School, has taken up a more central position, and has secured the southern wing of the Choral Hall for the scene of future operations. This independent effort on the part of Mr Martin is deserving of encouragement. We understand that he seeks and has some hope of obtaining the co-operation of the Provin cial Government and the Board of Education. But even if from the limited means at the disposal of the authorities for educational purposes, Mr. Martin's effort is found outside the limits within which public funds can be expended accord ing to present arrangements, we feel confi dent that Mr Martin has no reason for discouragement, inasmuch as a teacher of his varied acquirements and skill in imparcing instruction in an interesting and impressive way will be sure to carve out success for himself. Mr Martin's system is eminently practical, and goes to applying knowledge as acquired immediately to the circumstances in which his pupils are or may be placed. It is greatly to be regretted that circumstances prevent our educational system from embracing the extended and pratical curriculum which has made American schools famous. But we venture to say that the independent efforts of such men as Mr Mar tin may supply what is wanting, and in this new enterprise we wish him cordially the most complete success. On Saturday night there was an alarm of fire on board the schooner Cleopatra, lying at the Government wharf, Onehunga. It appears that the galley stove was placed upon temporary wooden frames. These had ignited and the flames had reached the boards of the galley itself. The fire was promptly put out, and the wharf soon sub sided to its usual quiet. Sharks are beginning to make their appear ance in our harbour, and during the ensuing summer months, bathers in exposed places should exercise great caution. One of these voracious fishes, five feet long, was caught by Mr. Merrick at the North Shore to-day.

POLICE COURT.— This Day.

(Before John Cosgrave, Esq., Justice of the Peace.) POTATIONS AND PEOPLE, William Nicholson (an old man), Elizabeth Kilshaw, alias "Romping Ba3S," Joseph Robinson, and Joseph Byrne wero severally charged with being drunk last night in various parts of the city, and were lined 5s each, with the exception of " Bess," who was sent to prison for seven days, it being her third offence within a short period of ti ma. OIJ) NANCY FXINN. This elderly individual was brought up for the thirty-third time on a charge of drunk ennesss aud vagrancy. Nancy pleaded guilty to the charges. The bench sentenced her to three months imprisonment with hard labour.

A FADING FLOWER

Mary Storey, otherwise the flower of West-Queen-strest, who had recently been blooming unseen within the boundaries of Eden, was brought into court this morning, on charges of drunkenness and vagrancy.

Oa being asked if she was guilty, Mary said she did not understand the charge, she was a lady and not a vagrant.

This young person was dressed in white, with her hair wreathed in the latest fashion, adorned with flowers wbish appeared as though they had been subjected to rough usage. Detective Jeffrey deposed to Mary's char acter. She left Mount Eden a week ago, and had since taken up her abode in West- Queeu-street, where by her noise and ill conduct she had become a pest to that quiet locality. Mary, with a dignified air, contradicted the evidence of the officer of justice.

Sergeant O'Connor was called in corrobora tion of the said evidence, but the Bench considered further disclosures unnece-sary, and ordered this fading flower to be again transferred to the volcanic soil of Mount Eden.

Mary shook her wreath at th 3 constable and retired. AXING NORAH. Henry John Copeland appeared in answer to a summons charging him with threatening to injure Norah Pollock with an axe on the 2Sth November.

Mr Joy appeared for defendant, and apolo gised for Copeland on the score of drink, or it would not have happened. He was willing to apologise to Miss Norah.

Miss Norah Pollock said she could not accept the apology now; she was really afraid of defendant.

The Bench ordered defendant to find sureties, himself in £10, and two others in £5 each, for his good behaviour for three months

This was all the business

PAPAL INFALLIBILITY.

To the Editor of the Eveving Star. Sir, —The conversion of so eminent a poli tical character as the Marquis of Ripon to the Catholic Church, and other recent cir cumstances, it would appear, have again excited a great desire in the English public mind to prove tbat the Pope has anathema tised as " a damnable hei-esy," a belief in the Copernican system of astronomy. Your home contributor "Greenstone," and your local correspondent "Observer," falling in with the prevailing feeling, have tried to show that Roman Catholics must either give up the Pope's claim to infallibility, or reject the Copernican system of astronomy. They fancy they have us on the ho-ns of a dilemma They have treated the subject in a very learned, and as they no doubt flatter them selves, a very logical manner. The strength of their argument mainly lies in the assertion of the Jesuit commentators on Newton, who say that "they must not oppose the Papal decrees against the Copernican system of astronomy." " Latis a summis Pontiflcibus contra telluris nistum decretis non obsequi probitemur." If either of youi* learned correspondents would give us the "text" of the proper "decrees" against the Copernican system of astronomy, we should be in a better position than now to see our way clearly in the matter under dispute. The mere existence of the "Gregorian Calendar" ought to lead a candid and learned Protestant to doubt the correctness of the interpretation uoually put on the Pope's " decrees* " In j

reference to tho Copernican system of astro nomy, Pope Gregory, XIIL, not only embrace I that system, but turned it to a most valuable, practical purpose, namely, that of correcting the calender. The Roman Catholic Church has set its seal to that calendar. How then is it possible the Pope can anathematise astronomical principles on which that calender is base 1 ? Perhaps "Observer" will explain this. "Greenstone" and he appear to think they understand Catholic subjects better than Catholics them selves do. We should be thankful to them for their generous efforts to illuminate our darkened minds.—l am, Ac,

A Roma isr Catholic.

ANCHOVIES AND TOAST.

(From our London Correspondent.)

SHOCKING IMMORALITY OF PARIS

London, October 2

WheK the horrors of invasion spread a panic in the hearts of the inhabitants of the gayest capital in the world, the owners cried " pec cavi" with a vengeance. Confessions, pil grimages, and vows were ad the go. On be half of wicked France they acknowledged to all kinds of sins and wickedness of which the orovinces were entirely ignorant. But then Paris thinks Bhe is France, and so she asked pardon in the name of the Em pire for the filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness which really had been confined within her own barriers. And there was cause and room for repentance. There could be no doubt about that, and foremost amongst those who clothed them selves in sackcloth and ashes was the younger Duma 3 the notorious author of La Dame aux Camelias. The ephemeral literature of the day had long been of a nature which made it proverbial, and French novels were tabooed ia all respectable English families, and as the appetites of the people became cloyed, authors had to cast about for tresh filth with which to sharpen the depraved appetites of those for whom they pandered Some of these books were written with extreme ability, and in many cases might have been reid by 'he uninitiated without much harm, for all the>r p >mo was to be found in the double entendres with which they were thickly studied and which were caviare to the illiterate or th >*c who ' had not graduated in the peiites maisons and in the salons of the Paris'an demimonde. Ordinary vice such as Miss Braddon and Ouida can pourtray, had loug ceased to charm your Grande dame of Paris. It was too commonplace—too 'azy, so the novel sss took to even worse things, and hinted at what could scarcely be named in the way of refine 1 sensuality. Well, when the Prussians fell like a thundercloud on the fair city and all was ruin and desolation, everyone took to prayers and penitence, and for a couple of years or more society behaved itself with toler able decency. Authors dared not trench upon the old forbidden ground and the odour of sanctily surrounded the beaten nation. No one believed there was any reali'y io this, vice was far too deeply ingrained in Parisian society to be so easily excised, and now that the city is beginning to wear an aspect of pleasure on a more ; now that gay equipages once more rumble along the Bois ; now that sporting and dancing and late suppers are once again becoming possible, and people are beginuing to feel the (onis dors chinking in their purses, the old leaven is beginning to show up. There is a story told in an old book about a man who was possessed with a devil of whom he was happy enough to get quit of for a time But the devil in question went and looked up seven other devils more wicked than himself, and then retook possession of the unhappy man, whose after condition was worse than the first The ease of Paiis is somewhat analagous, and judging from the plays that are now finding favour at the minor theatres (which, by the way, are alone well patronised), and from the novels which aro coming out in force and run ning through seven editions in a week, she has not yet filled up the measure of her iniquity. The last rag 3of decency are snatched away and vice, vice of the most fearful and disgusting nature, is Haunted openly in the hands, and on the boudoir tables, of the best society in Paris. A spade is called with awful frankness—a spade, and language descriptive and conversational, which would have made Mrs. Aphra Behn's long hair stand right on end, and which the author of Peregrine Pieke and Tom Jones

would have considered impossible ; language which would put to the blush half the pub lications of Holy well-street, and make the genius of Lord Campbell's Act howl with horror, is to be found on every page of the popular fashionable French novel of the pre sent day. It is a shocking state of things, but probably it was weak on the part of any one to expect the leopard to change his spots. CHAGRIN OF THE CARLISTS. The Carlists are in a terrible pucker about the recognition of the Repuohcan Government by most of the European powers It has been the heaviest blow they have yet experienced. Don Carlos is fright fully indignant, and has issued all sorts of manifestoes and proclamations to the effect that he is little, if anything, inferior to the Messiah in the love which he entertains to mankind in general, and all Spaniards in particular. This love he has certainly ex hibited largely during the war in which he is engaged, not indeed by sacrificing himself on the altar of his country, but by sacrificing whole hetacombs of his subjects, and of , those whom he desires to make his obedient slaves. This type of the patriot of tbe period has been comforted in some small degree by the refusal of the Cz*r to join in recognising the Republicans, but still His Majesty of Russia says that he simply holds back because he does not think Serrano's Government strong enough to be permanent. He expresses no sympathy with Carlism, and how should h^ indeed? despob though he be ; he is ai enbghtene 1 man and has a disposition to remove and not impose restrictions on liberty. The Pope, has " per emptorily" declined to recognise the Madrid Cabinet.

Greenstone,

MR. BROWN'S CONCERT.

Mr. Joseph Brown's grand vocal and in strumental concert will be held this evening in the Choral HaU, and Hopkinson and Son's grand piano will be used on this occasion. The programme, a very interesh'ug one, will be seen in another column. Tne parts will open with overtures from "Figaro" an 1 " Maritana." The part songs by the Choral Society will be. "Up, quit the Bower," " Onward to the Battle," and " Hymn of the Fishermen's Children." The band will per form Mendelssohn's "Weddin? March," "Dublin Bay," "The Inchape Bell," "I Know," and other ballads will be given by ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Brown has laboured long and successfully among the people of Auckland in assisting to impart a correct musical taste among them, he deserves encouragement, and his ventnre should be eminently successful tonight. The sweetly simple and poetical duet, " Sing. birdie, sing," music by Ganz, will be sung; the words of which we give for the benefit of our musical readers :—.

Sing, birdie, si- g, and let thy song _ Be of this earth so bright: Sing birdie, sin* thy not«<s prolong, Tiil day glides nato night. Be. birdie, th» lavs in sweet,nature's praise, S ng. birdie, sing. Sitig. bir-li* sing, when mountains glow _Witn blushes to meet day's Ring ; Sing b rdie, when the waters flow, And murmur ncr praises ring Be. birdie .thy l*vs in sweet nstare's praise, Sing, birdie, sing

i The proprietors of toe Great American circus gave their final equestrian entertain ment last night to a full house, with the. usual result. The company staged to-day for the south!

DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR.

W« learn that his Excellency the Gn„ will take his departure for the Lf vernment on Thursday, the t! V 5 under orders to leave the Manukan being day at eleven o'clock in the Si °n th« Excellency will not be^cctp 2?^ ? members of his Ministry, but hv w 7 tbe holdand suite alone. ItiUe^ZhS^ special train wi.l be laid on for th P 6thata to leave at half-past ten°and e°» the usual complimentary guard It -iX The details of proceeding? JSSwI W the departure of the Governor *?£/«* msh to-morrow. The stay of His F. , lency on the present occasion has a brief one but we venture to say ft*!? Marquis and Marchioness of NormanbvU ' already by their pleasing and uuostenL demeanour, laid the basis of a wIInTSS ment on the part of our citizens, that Si give a very hearty welcome to the vice-rJS party, whenever again it may p l eaße thei X visit and reside in the city. *°

ACCIDENT BY FIRE.

A serious accident occurred yestenk afternoon to a little girl named Lamb £^1 seven seven years of age, living with W parents in Hatdinge-street. The" mother nf the child left the house for a short time f the purpose of posting a letter, and duri™ her absence the girl got the matches from the mantel-shelf, and commenced striking them and in so doing set herself on fire. Ji screams attracted a neighbour to the snot; 1 who found the girl enveloped in flames. She caught her up with great presence of mind and soused her in a tub of water, and thn' extinguished the flames. It was form/ however, tbat the girl was very severely burnt about the lower part of her person [Since the above was written our reporter has called upon Mrs. Lamb and seen the little sufferer. Mr3. Lamb informs him that she was only away about twenty minutes from her house for the purpose of posting __ lettsr to Melbourne, when, on her retnrn she lparned of the accident, and had it not been for the prompt assistance of Mrs. Gunner her next-door neighbour, the child would ia all probability have been burnt to death. Mk. Lamb states that she is not quite certain as to whether the chdd got the matches from the shelf, or whether she did not catch fire in connection with other children on the green with whom she was at play. She pro cured 'he assistance of Dr. Kenderdine, who promptly attended and recommended such restoratives as he considered the ease required. We have seen the child, who is v-ry much burnt about the legs and thighs, and suff-riog great pain, but as the flames were fortunately extinguished by MrsGun n^r before they reached the vital parts, it is possible tbe child may recover. This acci dent shews how careful parents ought to be in leaving children ia the house, even for a short limo, and especially should they be c ireful ia keeping matches out of their way, as there seems to be a disposition in children generally topliy with matches.]

STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP.

The following are the entries for theahove event : — st lb Isleman ... ... 12 1 Butcher Boy ... ... 11 10 Barey .. ... 11 6 The Arrow ... ... 11 2 Highflyer ... ... 10 0 Darkie ... ... 10 0 Moore ...* ... 9 9'

THE REPORTED ALLUVIAL DISCO VERY AT CABBAGE BAY.

Captain Ratley, of the cutter Wandere? which arrived this morning from Cabbqji Bay. briugs no confirmation of the rumourdl alluvial gold being found in that district. He was there three days, and did not hear a word about any discovery of the kind. The paragraph, Therefore, whiqh appeared in tie " Cross" two or three days ago, founded upon the assertion of the Captain oiWeMary, in reference to the finding of alluvial gold by Maoris, still requires verification. /Captain Bailey, who has had nearly twenty years' experience on the gold diggings, says that there is no formation in the district which would leal oue to suppose tbat alluvial gold exists at Cabbage Bay.

CITY COUNCIL DEPUTATION.

A deputation consisting of his Worship tha Mayor, Councillors Macready and ' 'osgrave, and the Town Clerk, waited upon his Honor the Superintendent at two o'clock, in refer ence to the charge for royalty for road metal, etc., taken from the Mount Eden reserve by the contractors for the repairs of the streets of the city. The deputation requested that the old arrangements be reverted to under which the city carts were exempted from royalty in consideration of the City Council undertaking to keep the road in repair. His Honor stated that this arrangement had three years ago been altered by his predecessor, who had decided'that the royalty should be paid, and that the maintenance of the road should be under taken by the Highway Board of the distnc receiving the royalty and other tolls. B» if the City Council would make a written application on the subject, the Government wou:d consider the same and would con sult the District Board on the matter.

TRIAL TRIP OF THE S.S. RESULT.

The official trial trip of this new^* steamer took place last evening in t&e Mf" bour. The boat, as our readers are a«fl was launched some days back from* North Shore, where it was built for Meß' Baxter and L^ght of Napier by Mr I tiolmes. The engines have been con»t>o§ and fitted by Mr Hawkeswood of the S* fordshire Foundry. They are construct* on the hiuh-pressure principle. T&e cyi!* is 12 inches in diameter, the length of stro|» 11 inches, diameter of propeller, 3 inches, with'a pitch of 6 feet. The b<W which has been tested up to the pressor of 120 lbs to the square inch. » 7 fett 6 inches long by 5 feet 6in. in di?m«r i'he dimensions of the vessel were give? J, the occasion of her launch. It is enough M1* peat that her tonnage is about 30 tonsl gister. Steam was got up about four °'clol T and having taken a few tons of coal froa}° of the hulks, the Result was brought along side the North Shore Ferry Company«*t. where she received on board several gej> men desirous of participating in *he &ft aad started away shortly before a quarter five. '! he day was a splendid one for a g fair trial. There was a slight breeze no the West which just caused the ""^ ripple on the water, and at the tlID^ D g departure a very . slack tide, ° to its being not far from Wb^id She first took a preliminary run up JWWjg bour, nearly to the Watchman, wfiere met and challenged the Gemini;- wiw owner on board. Captain Casey, fiQ&ffi was not game to stow his sail ana m fair race of it, so the Kesulthavnng «J after her, started in chase. Ia sP 1*9 j^d unequal conditions, the new ye^ seis be f fo e considerably on her oppoaent; Dj» she caught her the bearings ?B^mge began to heat, and it was deemed aov to shut off steam. After this the meas mile was run three times; wiea * ffg , twice and against it once. A mean sv $. attained of 8£ knots This was **&£&& .factory by both Mr Ha^keswoodanC | owners, who were on board ■»" ,^ k at least another half knot may m^Me when the machinery wo,ks more total cost of the boat is set do"£-^j sot* The question occurs to us, w. n J. y'-gere snndar boat do for the pilot \*%^s&A are strength, speed and handing co „ What can be wanted more ( lw> -^ ( to leave for Napier shortly.

THE EVENING STAR THURSDAYM MARCH LKAF



QOMPULSOEY SALE AT THE CITY HALL, (Late A. Linabury and Co. A SALE DRAPERY, MEN'S * BOYS' CLOTHING, CARPETS, PLOOR CLOTHS, MATTINGS FURNISHINGS Of every description WILL TAKE PLACE CITY HALL, ON SATURDAY, 24th OCTOBER, And will continue for ONE MONTH, After which tho »*Mm of the STOCK Will U soft by



A. LINABURY AND CO. Having talcen those CENTRALLY-SITUATED PREMISES (Three doors below ihe City Hall), Lately in the occupation of Mr S. Smith, Chemist, WILL OPEN On TUESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 27, With an ENTIRE NEW STOCK Of SPRING AND SUMMER DRESS GO ODS AND GENERAL DRAPERY. Full particulars in future advertisement. Tjrr E HAVE OPENED P.er Ship Hydaspes: 3 2 CASES OP MEN'S AND BOY'S CLOTHING, PANAMA HATS, FELT DO, ia Msn's and Youth's Sizes.



J. COSGRAVB k CO., IMPORTRRS. E ARE NOW SHOWING OUP MAIL GOODS Received per s. s. Hero, Consisting of COSTUMES, PARIS BONNETS, TRIMMKD HATsi, MANTLTCS, FEaTHKR3, FLOWERS, GLOVES. <Stc, &c, &c. ; Also, 72 CASES Per Zealandia, Comprising— PRINTS, DRESSES, and MANCHESTER GOODS J. COSGPAVE & CO. YJ. OR SAL E; Ij A Piano nearly new, modern make, iv handsome rosewood case, to be sokl a3 the party is leaving for hngland. To be seen at tbe private I'esidence, of J. Lackland, Esq., opposite J. W. Robinson's Parnell. TVTEW SUMMER DRESS GOODS-



"Wo have just opened a vny choice lot of NEW SUMMER DRESS GOODS, Comprising— NEW PRINTED MUSLINS, IN CHEAT VAiIIETY. GRENADINES. PLAIN BLACK, BLACK STRIPED, and COLOURED STRIPED GRENADINES. WHITE SATIN, STRIPED MUSLINS, CHECK MUSLINS, Etc., Etc., Etc. The above are NEW GOODS, just landed, and worthy of special attention.



RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (LATE R. HOBB8.) Wholesale aud Retail Drapers, Clothiers JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite tho Axmy and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen - street, Auckland. T^TEW ZEALAND FERNS. HANDSOMELY-BOUND BOOKS OP PERNS Collected and Mounted by T. CRANWELL, PARNELL.



EXTRACT TKOM LETTER R»a«TVWT> BY T. CRAN WELL.—"The collection of ferns shewed me were crrectly named and tcaut'fully pr> served "— .7. B. Hooker. F R S L.S ; Royal Gardens. Kew, London



■'The book is ex*ctlv r,he hi dot thing to choose for a present "— Sew Zealand Herald.



" For a drawing-room table no more tas! eful orna ment could be foii"d."— Southern Cross.



411 Kerns mounted by T. Cranwk't.l bear bis name and address. May b-> obtained of ChamDtaloup and Coopar Upton and Co. Wayte, Cranwell and Co : or of T. Cr*nwell, Parnell.



Y\ STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, EXHIBITION BRAND, VAGLE BRA.ND, CROWN BRAND, Are to be procured at all respectable Grocers and storekeepers throughout the Province of Auckland. D. STEPHENSON & CO., WYKDHAM STREET, ATTCK.LAND.