SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

AErjrvAT.a.

FSfPf 1. 3- s-; G^l, from the South txo-ahead, 5.8., from vVaitara

DEPARTURES.

nit* «p w n Uty of Mel]- jOlu . ne3SSi)BroWllj for Sydney

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Wellington from the Sonth: 33 sacks rape seed, A. Buckland; 2 cases, 1 &eg, 3 bales, Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. ; 6 cases meat, L. D. Nathan ; 2 cases, Carter; 2 do, Newbold; 1 bag, 1 bdle, Knipe; 5 cases geneva, 3 do, ham, 5 kegs butter, Longdill and Co. ; 2 parcels, Combes and Daldy ; 137 sacks barley, Seccombe ; 3 boxes gold,: 28290z5. 4dwts. 12grs., B.N.Z. ; 10 kegs butter, 20 cases fruit, 2 bales hops, Tonks; 38 casesjapples, Arthur ; 4 qr-cask brandy, Tonks ; 75 boxes candles, 10 cases corn flour, 18 do raisins, 80 gunnies sugar, 12 boxes tea, 1 pocket hops, 1 qr-casks brandy, order; 6 cases fruit, Constable; 5 do i do, Rogers; 1 box, M. Levy and Co. :9' cases, M. Hood ; 8 cases, T. Veale;; 1 par cel, A. Barnes ; 270 sheep, Clare.

ARRIVAL OF THE S.S. WELLINGTON.

The N.Z.S.S. Co.'s s.s. Wellington, M.j Carey, commander, arrived at Onehunga at eight o'clock on Thursday. She left Napier with the Volunteer Representatives at 0.30 p.m. on the 28th ult., arrived at Wellington at 9 a.m. on the 29th; left again at 2.45 p.m. on 30th, reached Picton at 8.15 p.m; left again at 10 p.m., and arrived at Nelson at 6.45 a.m. on 31st; left at 7.45 p.m., arrived off New Plymouth at 10.30 a.m. on Ist April j left at 4.30 p.m., and arrived as above. Experienced heavy S.E. gale between Wei-: lington and Nelson, and during the rest of the voyage light variable winds and fine weather. Passengers : Saloon—Mr and Mrs Waller and family (3), Mrs Pollock and infant, Mrs Leys, Mrs Jeffrey, Major Gordon,; Captain Hamlin, Captain Derrom; Captain Rough, Sub-Lieutenant Barriball, Miss Bar-' riball, Sub-Lieutenant King, Messrs Cox, Constable, Scarfe, Palmer, Hazard, Leigh, Gordon, Partington, Grundy, Hedge, Rogers, Alderton, Haslett, Campbell, Clark, Bowden, Payne, Crawford, Williams, McCullogh,: McConnell, Blake, Clare, and Sedgewick.: Steerage—Messrs Sykes, Thomas (2), Arm strong, Gavin, Day, Browne, Wood, Fidder, Jones, Long, and Williams. We are in-; debtedtoMrW. J. Wilcocks, purser, for' report and files.

The Mongol will take her departure this evening. She has - taken in 300 tons of ballast during the day. She caries away the following passengers :— We also hear that Mr E. J. Ellis, the ship ping reporter of the Southern Gross, has been offered the refusal of the post of purser. Should he accept the responsible post we wish him . success. The following, are the passengers by the Mongol:— Saloon.: IT. Ching, Miss Buckland G.< Tanqye; H. B. Fox, Messrs Findale, Price, Williams, Miss Williams (2), Mrs •j Ellis and servant, Mrs ; Weston, two children, and two servants, A. McHardy, Mr Palmer, Mr Engel, Mrs Guthrie, Enoch Wood, Mrs Rich, and Miss Rich, Miss&Cheesema'a, C Smale, F. S. Peppercorn, E. J. Stachaa, Mr Ewing. Steerage: Mr Pubble, and 2 childen, and Mr C. F. Aickin.

:» Among the cargo brought by the Kangatira yesterday was a large quantity of stores for H.M.S. Blanche. This morning a party of the'man-o-war's men were ! engaged' in tran shipping them from one vessel to the other.

Captain Flamank, of the s.s. Mongol, speaks very highly of the conduct of the natives during the time the Macgregor was ashore at Kandavu. They worked like Trojans, and, whether pitching out car£o or engaged in cleaning decks, their, smartness was ; the, theme of admiration among the white men. ■ The wife of the governor of Kandavu herself, a coloured ■ woman, remained on board night and day while the great steamer was on the reef and cheered on the natives to greater exertion. Captain Flamank is of opinion that to the zeal of the population of the. island must be ascribed a share in the successful extrication of the vessel from her dangerous position. While the Mongol was lying at Kandavu eighty natives were engaged at one shilling per diem (think.of this ye who grumble at 9s) to clean the ship. They went at it as hard and as willingly as any Europeans could have done, and turned out their work in capital condition. . , i'c'.

We hear that the s.s. Mongol is to undergo extensive alterations before she returns here next time. At present the saloon accommo dation is not so large as could be wished, and the alterations will remedy this defect by the addition of about thirty more' .saloon berths. It is intended to remove the fore partition of the saloon and carry it f oreward about 40 feet. The' berths on either j side will then be built in accordance with the style of those already in use. The per-: manent fitting out is to be accomplished in Sydney,bbust s in the meanwhile temporary' berths are'being constructed which will be: ready for occupation this trip should the: number of passengers be such to render it! necessary. When the alterations are' finished the Mongol will provide berth-: ing for over 70 saloon passengers, and: this fact, coupled with her acknow- '■ hedged speed, should make her a favorite! boat in the service, more especially as Cap tain; Flamank's . efforts for his passengers >. comfort during the voyage have been always handsomely acknowledged. The schooner Agusta left Newcastle for ! the tThames on the 17th ult. '•

By a printer's error last night it was stated that the brigantine Pamilla was load ing at Hobart Town for this port. It should have been the brigantine Camilla., The schooner Kenilwbrth has nearly finished loading ; for the .Friendly Islands. She is to sail on Saturday. The Go-ahead arrived from Waitara yes terday' evening. She brings 42 head of cattle, 250 sheep, and 1 horse as cargo. .:- The s.s. Rangatira was berthed on' the west side of the wharf yesterday to discharge her cargo. = . She is to sail on the 4th inst for Sydney. " . . The ship Hindustan cleared out from the wharf this morning and anchored in the stream. She is to take her departure for London immediately.

The s.s. City of Melbourne took her departure for Sydney at an early hour this morning.

The s.s. Mongol was engaged up to a late hour last night in putting out iron rails part (of her original cargo from London. They were again at work at day-light this morn ing. '••■•'

COMMERCIAL.

At Mr G-. Sibbin's mart to-day, by order of the Board of Education, only three lease holds were disposed of at £9, £7, and £6 per annum. An error occurred in the local calling attention to the sale. It should have been two-thirds of the value would be given at the end of the lease. The lateness of the season, and especially the Devonport wharf being broken down, and seemingly no effort being made to replace it, caused the slowness in leasing. Messrs. B. Tonks and Co. sold to-day, at their Queen-street mart, the hull and furni ture of the schooner Hercules for the sum. of £55. Messrs. J. and D. Oxley were the purchasers; The same gentlemen also bought the cargo of 100,000 feet of timber on the beach for £105. The cutter Severn, of 20 tons, was purchased by Mr Niccol for £200.

At Mr. Arthur's poultry sale to-day, in the Market, bidders were few, and although therejwas a fair supply of poultry, prices were low. Fowls sold at Sd to Is lOd; ducks, Is Id to 2s Id ; turkeys, 2s 6d to 4s lid ; and geese, 2s Id to 2s 2d. j

The Moanatairi Union Gold Mining Com pany's lease of six men's ground, with office,1 blacksmith's shop, tools, &c, were sold by Mr. Arthur to-day at £22 10a.

CALL AND DIVIDEND LIST.

COLONIAL PRODUCE.

Buying Prices, Corrected by Auckland Dealers. s. d. s. d. s d. s. d Butter, per lb. 0 o—l6 Ducks, pair 2 6—5 0 Cheese (new) 0 s—o 7 Geese, each 4 o—s 9 Eggs, per doz. 0 o—l 3 Turkeys .. 3 o—4 i Lard, per lb. 0 7—o 0 | Canterbury Bacon & Hams Fowls, pair.. 3 0-5 0 1 (bare) .. 0 8— 10* Good Salt Butter Is—l 3 Do (in cloth) 10—0 1U Canter. Cheese. 6—o S Auckland 0 0-07 Hams, lid to 14d per lb. .Retail Prices, Farm and Dairy Produce. „,..„ s. d. a. d. s. d s. d. Milk, per qt. 0 o—o 6 Ducks each 5 o—6o Butter (fresh) 16-19 Geese, each 5 o—6 0 Cheese (new) 0 B—l 0 Turkeys, per 5 o—7 3 Eggs.per doz. 1 9—o 0 Bacon, per lb. 0 B—o lo Lard, per lb. 0 6—o 0 Hams .. ..09-10 Fowls, pair.. 4 6-5 0 | Salt Butter.. 1 3—l 6 Butchers' Meat. Beef, per lb. 0 4—o 7 Pork, per lb 0 6 Mutton .. 0 4—o 5 Veal 0 6 BREADSTUFFS. PLOUR. "WHOLESALE. Millers' Price, per ton—lst quality £16 Fine Flour—household .... £14 Adelaide Flour .. ~ ~ .. .. £\& Canterbury £12 to £14 , Seconds, £12. Sharps, £710a Bakers' Price, per lb 3d Bran, Is 9d per bushel. Bread, per 21b. loaf, 4d to 4d. Maize, crushed and whole, 7s BISCUIT. Cabin Biscuit, per 1001b, • JJetai ], 22s MAIZE, OATS, POTATOES, ETC. ■WHOLESALE. Maize, 7s 6d good ; veryscatce Oats, 4s 6d to 5a per bushel. Potatoes, £5 to £5 10s. • Hay, £2 to £4 10s per ton. Straw, £2 10s to £3 per ton. Chaff, £6 10s per ton. RETAIL. Maize, per bushel, crushed, 8s Oats, 5s 6d per bushel. Potatoes, 6s 6d per cwt. ! Hay, cwt., 43 to 6s. ■.■•, . • Straw, 4s to 5s per cwt. <• ■ ' ....'■ Chaff, 7s 6d to Ss per cwt. KAURI GUM AND FLAX MARKET The following are the prices in the Auckland market :— Gum—Well scraped, best quality .. .. £30 to £32 Ordinary sorts .; £26 to £29 Flax.—Finest quality £13 to £16 Second ditto .... .. £10 to £14 "BuiLDING MATERIALS.' ° " Timber.— Boards and scantling, 100 f t, 9s to 16a ; at mills, 11s 6d ; planed, tongued, and grooved. 11s 6d to 17s New Zealand palings, 6-feet, 10s; 6-feet, 12s; ti tree raite. £215s to £3 per 100 ; puriri posts, £5 per 100 • shingles, 8s to 18s per 1000; HoDart Town palings j sft., 17s; 6ft., 19s ; Hobartown rails, 755. 1 ° COAL AND FIREWOOD MARKET. Coal.—Newcastle, on Wharf, nominal; delivered, 50s per ton. Firewood.—TJncut, 14a 6d per ton, delivered'cut, 17s per ton. delivered. '

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Vxtdtsb. :—

For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m, and on Saturday next, at 10.30 a.m. For Coromanrfel, on Saturday next, at 9 a.m. For Great Barrier, per Victoria, this day, at 4.30 p.m. For Russell, per Fawn, this day, at 5 p.m. For Earotonga. prr Papua, this day, at 5 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tairua. TauraDga, and Opotiki, per Southern Cross, this day, at 5 p.m. For Napier and Southern provinces, per Mongol, this day, at 5 p.m. For Mahurangi, Matakana, Mangawai, Waipu, &c, per Lady Bowen, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. for Australian Colonies, per Bangatira, on Saturday next, at 1 p.m. For the undermentioned: places, per Wellington, on Tiifisday, 7th April, as imder:— For India. China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 9 a m . '■ For Taranaki and Southern provinces, ar 10 a m For the Australian Colonies, and United King dom, via Southampton, at 10 a m For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters for Southern provinces and Melbourne, at 10.30 am For newspapers at 8a m For money orders, and registered letters, on Monday, Cth April, at 5 pm For the undermentioned places, per Mongol, on Monday, 13th instant, as under •:-- |J For Fiji.Sand wich Islands.United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South A merica. 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 feo will be received until 11 a-m For money orders, registered letters, and news^ papers, at 9.30 am (Signed) S. B. Bis?, Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

Prince.— On April 2, at her parent's residence, Edwin-street, Newton. Alice J., youngest daughter of Henry G. and Elizabeth Prince, aged 15 months. The funeral will leave her father's residence to morrow (Friday), at 2 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1874.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And th n d- 00 ,i that we can do

Although the experiment being made in Fiji of building up a kingdom from the blended materials of barbarism and civiliza tion wa3 an exceedingly interesting ono to observers, we cannot but heartily rejoice at the announcement published yesterday that Fiji has been taken under the protecting wing of England, and that annexation is actually resolved. Many will say it was high time, for those lovely islands in be coming the harbour of refuge for the acoundrelism of the colonies gave promise of realising the poet's words, " where every prospect pleases and only man is vile." We are not indeed of those who dread such a substratum on which to rear sooial and political institutions, for even our own province had its foundations mainly in affording refuge in early days to runaways from Australia, and a good deal of the early superstructure was built up by smuggling and kindred questionable prac tices. There is a vigour in rascality that suits the stern realities of incipient nation, ality, and the evil is generally removed in subsequent times by the accretion of elements of a purer kind. No doubt immigration would ultimately have made Fiji, as it has made Auckland, moral and decent ; but the Act of annexation will so hasten the reign of order that we shall in our own day derive all the advantages of peace, order, and com mercial security i,n these neighbouring islands which otherwise would only have come about in the .lapue of years. It is im possible to over-estimate the advantages to New Zealand, and we would add specially to Auckland, from this manifestation of the old progressive and colonising spirit of England. Fiji will now rapidly become a place where the Queen's writ can run without the , inter vention of bowie knives and revolvers, and will soon cease to be the paradise to which the lawless will take the "happy despatch" when feeling inconvenienced by the laws and usages of settled communities. Recently our New Zealand world has been startled at the premature revelations of the Vogelian scheme of consolidating and "annexing" the trade of those islands through a three; .million loan. Of bourse that scheme is now; blown upon. It was genuine though, and was known to our correspondents in the Islands; and we cannot but express our sincere regret tbat the mischievous proclivi ties of newspaper inquisitors have brought it to an untimely end. But even if such a bold enterprise is not realised* we sincerely hope that the mercantile circles of New Zea land will awake to the vast importance o the present juncture, and not in the peddling way in which. Auckland has hitherto treated the islands' trade, but in a manner becoming the future of those magnificent islands, endeavour to secure to New. Zealand a com merce the most interesting as it is the most promising yet presented in these Southern Seas. . ,

In accordance with our usual custom we! shall suspend the issue of the Star to morrow (Good Friday). We hope to see our morning contemporaries follow the example on Saturday, in order that their employe's may have the day to themselves. A con temporary made large capital at Christmas out of the liberality displayed in giving " a whole holiday " to the men in the establish- '

inent, and we hope to see the practice so well begun kept up. There is no more reason for keeping open a newspaper office on such a day than could be urged on behalf of any other place of business.

We have received a letter in vindication from the author of the Good Templar's Prayer, which we are compelled to hold over until our columns are relieved from the preß sure of mail news.

Two live seals are announced for exhibition at tlie British Hotel, North Shore, to morrow. As seals are a rarity in these waters the exhibitors will no doubt be well patron ised.

Special services will be conducted to morrow (Good Friday) in the Wesleyan Chapels of the city. The Rev. J. J. Lewis in Graf ton Road, at 11 a.m., and Rev. A. Reid, in Pitt-street, at 7.30 p.m.

Mrs Mitchell's projected concert will take place on Monday evening next in the Choral Hall, Symonda-street. A splendid programme is in preparation, to which we shall refer on its appearance. The new Ponsonby Choral Society will hold their inaugural meeting this eyening in the new hall.

Nominations for the Auckland Autumn Handicap, Steeplechase, and Auckland Cup, close on Saturday next at eight o'clock, at the Auckland Hotel.

The concert last night in Mr. Fraser's High School, Symonds-street, was emi nently successful, and the large room was filled with interested listeners. Previous to the commencement of the concert the Rev. Mr. Bruce made a brief speech on the immediate object of the concert, which was called for the purpose of assisting and en couraging the band in connection with the choir of St. Andrew's Church. The band played several overtures during the progress of the entertainment and with marked suc cess. The ballads generally by members of the choir, were given with care. Mr Hill sang that very old but pathetic song, " The Pilgrim of Love." Mrs Hay, who appeared slightly nervous,' " Who can Tell." The part song, descriptive of Druidical warfare, was splendidly given, and deserved the applause, which followed. Mr Davey did the " Blighted Husband," and a similar effusion to the evidennt delight oE the audience, but Mr Tj c, as a comic singer, carried off the palm of the evening. His several songs " Good Evening," I'll ask my Mother," and others were capitally rendered and drew laughter from the moat serious of the audience. We must give this gentleman credit for the taste displayed in the choice of his songs ; there was nothing coarse or offensive in them ; we have only to add that Mr. Tye, of the Thames, is the best amateur comic singer that we have yet heard in Auckland. The "Minute Gun at Sea" was sung by Miss Leaf and her brother, and very fairly done, but these are not the kind of songs in which this lady excels. "Happy be thy Dreams," -which she afterwards gave, was more in harmony with her capabilities. The "Moon behind the hill" was prettily sung by Mr T. Culpan, and the chorus was most effective by the varying voices of the choir. The brothers Hunter were very happy in a selections from "Norma," and especially beautiful was the rendering of the "Blue Bells of Scotland," by Mr A. Hunter. Master Hill the sweetly mournful ballad " I have no mother now/and the lively song of "Mollie, dar ling," which elicited prolonged cheering. One of the most interesting parts of the concert was a duet performance on the piano by two little girls, the daughters of Mr Hayles of Eden Crescent These little girls played with remarkable skill, and evidenced a knowledge of music far beyond their year 3. Mr C. Harding sang the "Soldier's Dream," a very beautiful song written by Campbell, but rather too hurriedly, and Mr Hampton treated tbo audience to a " Father's Love," recently sung by Mr Henry Gordon. Madame Moller aided the concert considerably by her musi cal talent, and a song, a most difficult one to sing, which she gave in a characteristic manner. We need only add that the St. Andrew's concert was a success, that its selections were in accordance with the rules of taste, that the St. Andrew's band is vigorous and promising, and that the enter tainment closed with the National Anthem.

The Vivian Royal Comique Company gave a highly successful performance last night at the Onehunga Institute. Their repertoire of songs, dances, and comique entertainments drew forth unbounded applause. The hall was well filled, and at the special request of many present they have been induced to repeat the performance this evening.

A detachment of convicts from the gaol ■were this morning told off to clean the precincts of the Supreme Court in propara tion for the approaching Criminal Sessions. The gravel walks round the Court were very much overgrown with weeds and grass, and the work of cleaning has not been done before it was needed.

The following is the testimonial referred to in our last issue as having been presented to Mr A. Mclnnis, late foreman A.H.B. works :— "Dear sir,—We, the undersigned, having heard of your intention of leaving Auckland since your resignation as foreman of the Auckland Harbour Board Works, we cannot therefore allow the present opportunity to pass without expressing ourselves at the sincere regret we feel by your having resigned, and now your final departure. We join, therefore, in wishing you prosperity in whatever future undertaking yoii may engage in, and that you will meet with, that success which merit deserves. We must here remark that we have always found you at your post. In your late capacity you were ever studying the interest of those by whom you were em ployed. And aa a man you were always ready to lend a willing hand to assist those who needed it. We hope, therefore, that you you accept this as a slight token of our appre ciation of your many good qualities. We conclude wishing you health and happiness in whatever part of the world you may be in.—We remain, dear sir, your well-wishers." After the reading of the address Mr Mclnnis responded in a very feeling manner. He said he was glad to see such good feeling existing, and that in whatever part of the world he might he should never forget the men that he had worked with. (Cheers.) The usual toasts were drank and responded to, and a very pleasant evening was brought to a close with some very good songs, which were well rendered ; the song of the even ing, however, was a good old English song by the Chairman, entitled " The English Rose." After singing " Auld Lang Syne" the meet ing terminated at an early hour.

. OnJTuesday evening the Newmarket Liter ary Association gave a general entertainment —the Yen. Archdeacon Pritt presided. The members of the Glee Club assisted, and, though few in number, appear very proficient in the art of singing, their operatic and other selections being loudly applauded. The readings, with the exception of the Arch deacon's "Psalm of Life, "were of a humour ous character, and caused great laughter.— The next meeting announced to hear an essay on the "Darwin Theory."

We haveto chronicle the last matches of the Auckland Cricket Club of this season. On Saturday the Club will send a team to the North Shore to play the final match with the N.S.C.C. the players to be selected from Messrs. Buckland Yates, Russell, Mooney, Browning, Ellis, Heather, McLean, Mills, Wontner, White, Newbury, and Rice, and will leave the wharf by the 9 o'clock boat.— On Monday the A.O.C. will play the West End Club at Ellerslie, and on Saturday week 18 of the country, The Criminal Sessions of the Supreme Court commence on Wednesday next, not on Monday as stated last evening.

We have so many letters on hand that we must cut some of them short. "An Olci Identity" wants to know the origin of " All Fools' Day," and also why the time-table for the railway is not now advertised. With reference to the first query it is doubtful whether the customs peculiar to the day had their origin in heathen mythology, or were typical of the sending of the Saviour from one ruler to another, which was usually in troduced in the old Easter miracle plays; Regarding the railway time-table we pre sume the manager of the railway considers ■■ it sufficient now that the time is generally known to keep time-tables at the various stations, advertising any special alteration. —"Otahuhu District" makes a suggestion which it would perhaps be advantageous to act upon:— f 'Sir,—Would you kindly through your valuable columns trj and induce the railway officials to run, if say only one train, morning and evening on Good Friday to the Portage Roads, Otahuhu ; the distance from the Criterion to temporary terminus is only 1000 yards or so, and the people as a rule would look upon it as an act of courtesy if such was done. lam aware also that numbers would take the advantage from, town, as it is often remarked, • You get tired of always going to Onehunga.' If only on this day I would strongly urge this to be done. If they would do so. a telegram sent to John Hall's or Rogers'could in the meantime be posted up. Please try and use your influence."

. In our report of the banco proceedings a^ the Supreme Court yesterday, we omitted to state that his Honor dismissed the plain tiff's application for decree in the case of Webb v. Graham heard at the last Civil Sessions. The case, therefore, has been determined in favour of Mr Graham.

To the Edicor : Sir,—Could you inform me whether it is usual for the children attending a school in connection with the Anglioan Church to keep as a feast and gala-day the day preceding our Saviour's crucifixion, and oclige yours, &c, A Hobson-street Enquirer.

We are glad to hear that the post of chief officer of thejMongol has been entrusted to Mr Zealand, late chief officer of the Star of the South. Mr Zealand has earned a reputation for gentlemanly bearing and seamanship in his previous appointments, and we are glad to see his merit acknowlenged in such a con spicuous manner.

An olla podrida class of entertainment is announced to open at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Saturday evening next. The range of programme is such as to suit the taste of every one without giving offence to any. The ear of the refined will be de lighted with dulcet operatic strains, while drama, burlesque, and vaudeville will afford enjoyment to those of equally keen but more morbid tastes. Hornpipes, jigs, negro farces, and breakdowns will be judicially introduced during the evening. With such a variety and array of talent the manage ment cannot fail in securing liberal support.

The friends of Mrs You Tempsky have testified their esteem by presenting that lady with a handsome lady's gold hunting watch, purchased from Mr J. Alexander, jeweller, Queen-street. We are sorry we have not space for the text of the accompany ing address to-night, butjit is of^jhighly com plimentary character, andmusthaVe afforded great satisfaction to the recipient, who is es teemed by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance.

ALL FOOL'S DAY.

(To the Editor of the Evening- Star). <. Sir, —A little harmless joking and innocent "chaff" are allowable on " All Fool's Day," and he would be more than a fool who would cavil at it. But what shall we say of a tradesman who, while managing a very large branch of colonial industry in this city, so far imposes on a gentleman in business by a false representation of properties for lease as to induce him to spend nearly the whole of the day and some amount of money in dodging about for tenants ? Surely this man must be far above the category of fools, and must have somewhat of the knave in his composi tion as well. Yet a " joke" of this nature was perpetrated yesterday, and after I had expended much time and trouble in his in terest was coolly reminded this morning that yesterday was the Ist of April. If this isi the way in which business is conducted in this city it is no wonder we are so far behind our neighbours. I lost my time and money, besides prospective advantages.—.lam, &c, A Land Agent.

CACOBA.U AND CACKLING.

To the Editor of the Stab

Sir, —I do not usually read leading articles except those of the Stab., because I seldom find" either wit or wisdom in them, and so I get neither information nor entertainment. They seem to be composed and printed, not because the writer has got something to say, but because it is thought necessary to fill up the orthodox column with some stuff or other of large type editorial. This morning, how ever, my curiosity was excited about Fiji, and I dutifully perused the leading article of' my morning paper. I vow and declare toi you, honored sir, that I know no more about: Fiji or its affairs than I did before, and for' any fun or fancy in the thing it was as flat as sour beer. Would you at your convenience tell us something worth listening to about King Cacobau and his island ? My eldest daughter has been assured by a gentleman who came out in the Mudlark that greatl privileges and " prestige" are enjoyed byi those ladies who have been presented at! Court. Would you kindly inform her whether Lady Fergusson will recognise pre-i sentation to his Fijian Majesty. I shall: write a polite note to the editor of my mofn-i ing paper suggesting that it would be welli to insert a " glossary" at the end of his; articles if he means to go on this sort of pie-1 bald English. I would bet two to one that of the first three men you catch, with decent coats to their backs (barring.members of the School-masters' Association) two of the three1 would be unable to expound the following • ' "resile," "dubiety," (I suppose the learned: writer means doubt) "Bommodore," "it boots not." " inborn intuition," (meaning I presume, .instinct). Is the editor of my paper an ex-hedge schoolmaster.—l am, &c.,| John Bull. |

THE PONSONBY CONCERT AND THE CARANDINIS.

A letter signed " A Member of your Re-" porting Staff" appeared in Wednesday* issue of the Cross in reply to our statement that the reporter who undertook to cast re flections upon our amateur vocalists (who contributed to the success of that concert)' was not present long enough to have the op portunity for criticising even if he possessed: the necessary ability^to do so. The letter is however, written, ;|ji such a way that few person*;would fall into the trap evidently THtended. The writer Bays, "I heard a portion of the said con-i cert. This is quite true ; a reporter from1 the Cross did look in, but after waiting just long enough to verify the advertised pro gramme, he wont away again. We state without fear of contradiction, that he did not hear more than two or three songs at the most. The public are too wide awake too be led away by these downy tricks, "Amem.

ber of the concert committee" also writes a letter to the same paper characterising our notice of the concert as " unfair," the chief reason assigned being that "in all parts of the world the talents of the Carandini family have been acknow ledged as first-rate. Moreover, Miss Lizzie Carandini was not on this occasion singing in her professional capacity, but generously, gratuitously, and at considerable inconveni ence." The correspondent's knowledge of all parts of the world must be very limited ' indeed. If he inquires into the reception of the Carandinis in San Francisco and other places beyond New Zealand, even when Miss Eosini (the favourite) was with the company, he will tbe undeceived. Moreover, Miss Lizzie lias only lately joined the company permanently, and her talents cannot have been "acknowledged in all parts of the world." We have however, no desire to reflect upon the talents of the Oaranclini family so long as they are not offensively lauded at the expense of our local vocalists, as was done by the Cross; nor do we see in what way the merits of the Carandini entertain ments are under reviewin the present instance. As" A Member of Committee " has gone out | of his way to make statements which are very questionable, we should feel obliged to him if he will explain how he can reconcile his asser tions with the fact that Mrs Mitchell, who it had been suggested should conduct the concert, was superseded because her oharge was two guineas, while a member of the com mittee stated that Miss Lizzie Carandini would do it for one, and a free carriage to the hall. We would also ask him whether the free carriage hiro was not provided, and the money paid over to Miss Carandini after the concert, Mrs Mitchell, who has so frequently aided the Auck land charities, being thus deprived of a legi timate fee. It is a matter of notoriety that the Carandinis have not aided the local charities to the extent that other entertain tainments drawing large sums from the pub lic have done. This has been commented on by correspondents of all the local journals. With the exception of the paltry two hours' gratuitous service at the opening of the mar ket we are not aware of any occasion of late years in which the public institutions of Auckland have benefited by the existence of the Carandinis.

As stated in last evening's paper we have two letters on the Ponsonby concert. " Charity Begins at Home" "On Carandini Liberality" is, wo think, too severe. Mr Sherwin, whose vocalistic powers he especially attacks, no doubt does his best, and should be dealt charitably with. Our correspondent also errs, we think, in "looking a gift horse in the mouth." Af ber enjoying the advantages of free admis sion to the City Hall he should not question the propriety of giving publican's dress circle tickets for distribution in order to make a good house. For the present we hold tfver our correspondent's letter. It is quite pos sible that the Carandinis intend to give the long expected charity entertainment before their departure. A good-humoured cores pondent, who is given to sarcasm, writes :— " Sir, —Your able critique on the Ponsonby Hall concert must give unbounded satisfac tion to all who were present, including the performers. But your critic must have been a little foggy towards the close, for he credits the performers with performances that were never given. The profound asser tion also that Miss Leaf " was in truth the melodist of the entertainment " is rather a bold statement in the presence of Miss Lizzie Carandini, who so kindly, and at such in convenience to herself, consented to perform. This may perhaps be attributed to the annoy ances experienced from the knowledge of the existence of refreshments in the under regions of the hall which were not comeat able. To obviate this in future care will no doubt _be taken that the key of the store room is not mislaid, as it unfortunately hap pened on the night in question, and which so raised the bile of many who intended to do justice to the very bountiful good cheer provided.—Yours, &c, Ponsonby."

ENGLISH SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

THE NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING COM-

PANY'S OPERATIONS.

THE A.S.P. CO.'S NEW STEAMER.

(From our own Correspondent.) Since.l wrote you by last Brindisi mail I learn that cargo has not been quite so brisk for shipments as before, but Auckland and Canterbury are decidedly taking the lead for goods. The New Zealand Shipping Com pany's ship Dorette landed the pilot off the Start on the 23rd of January, having an ex cellent run of 48 hours from Gravesend. Being in good trim, and a likely vessel, she ought to make a rapid passage to Auckland, and I believe the shareholders of the Com pany there will approve of the purchase made by the London Board.

The ship Asia, 1446 tons register, sailed from Queenstovn on the Bth January, with 482 souls, for Otago. The next vessel for Auckland will be the fine ship Rooparell ; she has already completed her loading, but will not sail until the 19th instant, when she will take on board 300 immigrants. She is a large fine powerful vessel, and ought, to make a fine run out. •

On the 19th of January the second of the Shipping Company's new ships was launched by, John Blumer and Co., off Sunderland, named the Waikato. She is 1021 tons nett register, a sister ship to the Rakaia, but in every respect better finished, the builders having had more time and better weather. She will leave for Wellington on the 17th of March.

The Company's ship Kakaia was detained in the Channel with veryjsevere weather, and had to put into Plymouth to repair her steering apparatus, and finally sailed from there on the 29 bh of January. I hope in the course of a mail or two to give you encouraging news about the Taranaki iron sand. An offer, I hear, has been made for a very large quantity, but about this I will write more fully shortly. The only drawback will be the heavy ex penses of landing it in this country. I saw Mr T. B. Whifcehead, late of the N. Z. Berald, on my way from Sunderland, andfind he is editor of the Yorkshire Gazette, in York. The New Zealand Shipping Com pany have dispatched to all ports in New- Zealand 7,000 souls since it started. The third ship belonging to the Company will not be launched until the end of April, and will be about 1190 tons register. There have been all kinds of rumours about Shaw, Savill and Co. sending out emigrants again ; but. the reason is the ex traordinary order which was received from New Zealand to send out about three times the quantity this year than was ever sent before, and my private opinion is that no one firm could carry out such a number as requested in the year 1874 to New Zealand. So the Shipping Company are doing three fifths .of the trade, and the balance Messrs Gralbraith and Shaw, Savill, and Co. under take. Since the free emigration I cannot say the class of emigrants that are now going are quite so good as when they were only assisted by the Government, and I have no doubt you will find that out in the course of a few months.

1 -TRIAL .TRIP OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS. On the 21st of January the fine new'screw steamer Southern Gross, built by Mr Joseph

Eltringbam, Stone Quay, SouthsiSj* the New Zealand and Australian &s**> ** to sea for her final trial trip previous I ' Mr* for Newcastle, New South S Southern Cross measures 140 f ep f ,• V '£$\ 23 feet in breadth, and 9 feet in denH, gt^ \ propelled by a pair of compound *$"*■ condensing engines o£ 50 ho^« °6 nominal and 200 horse-power effect! °Wer cylinders measure IS* inches and Sr'- TJl° respectively, with 24-inch stroke • T^ 8 engines, which are well finished 'Ji U« the with all the modern improvem,.! Ed economising fuel. The engines awifor by Messrs Pattison and Atkinson vT^ room, Newcastle. The Southern Cm i the Stone Quay under the command Trs tain Holmes, of Napier, New Zealand '^ on board were Captain Cooper Vi Joseph Eltrhigham, John Atkinson' Dn* 1 Fitzgerald, Francis Mackey, etc anf? Holmes. The vessel was taken for a run tn? eastward for the purpose of adjusts I™ passes, which were supplied by Mr Am? of South Shields, of which a i 4 wafS' from the buoy at the Tynne to the opposite to Sunderland harbour, and a a speed of nine knots was obtained, which ■? sidering that the steamer was heavily kd was considered highly satisfactory to all« board. The behaviour of the Southern pi and the working of the engines were 2 approved of, ■ Ctt

ENGLISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

(From our American Files.) CENTEALASIA. — DISASTROUS ATTACK a\7> DEFEAT OF TURKOMANS London, February 28.—A special d" patch to the Daily Telegraph, from Cental Asia, says the Youmed Turkomans recently made an attack on a Eussian fortification and were defeated, and while crossing a frozen river during their retreat the ice broke and a large number were drowned. London,, March 4.—Prayers were said in churches t,o-day for the safety-, o f the Ashantee expedition. Preparations are being for a monster de monstration in Hyde Park, March 15th- in favor of amnesty to incarcerated Fenians.' "*

JAPAN. —THE INSURGENTS AT NAGASAKI Nagasaki, February 27.—The Insurgent have advanced to the walls of Nagasaki, and there has been some fighting, with what result is unknown. The foreign residents are safe under the protection of their Consuls and men-o-war in the harbour. March 3.—The insurgents have been totally defeated. ~... , ..•■ ALSACE CHAFING UNDER THE NEW ORDER OF ,: AFFAIRS.' '"V^i:/,1,"'■;•;/'•*'■ Berlin, March 3.—ln the Reichstag ; a motion was under discussion to deprire the Governor of Alsace of the power to.declare a state of siege. Prince Bismarck made a strong speech to-day against; the motion. He declared that he never expected that Alsace would greet our institutions with ap plause ; that Alsace shared the responsibility of the war. The motion was reiedted—l39 to 128. ;' •; ' . THE EASTERN QUESTION AGAIN. -% New York, March 3.—The London Times of the 18th ult. has the following telegram ; "Paris, February 17. —Much sensation ha been caused here by an article iri" the Augs burg Allgemeine Zciiung, declaring that the preservation of the Turkish Empire is not a dogma with Germany, and that if Germany and Russia should desire to transform!1 the whole map of Eastern Europe jab one would prevent them. Most of this evening's news papers comment upon this article, and'regard the Eastern question as again open;,, AN INVADER OF EGYPT REPELLED WITH HEAVY LOSS. London, February 18.—A despatch from Koharto, of February Bth', says the Sultan of Darfour invaded the Egyptian territory near Bahrel Gazell, and oapfcured a number of slaves of the Egyptians. Governor Subia Bey gave battle. The lighting lasted six hours, and resulted in the dispersing of the Sultan's army, 10,000 strong, and the cap* turing of four guns; the killing of the Sultan's Vizier and many chiefs. BRITISH INDIA. —MILLIONS IN AIAMISHID CONDITION. ; London, February 23.—A London Jew correspondent, writing from India,.describes the famine as follows :—" Scarcity spreads over a wide tract along .the foot of the Him alayas bounding Nepaul, stretching from Oude to near Darjeeling, remote districts, removed from railroads and other means of communication, and difficult of approach, Lord Northbrbok informs me that the most serious distress is threatened in fifteen dis tricts, in addition to Teras, comprissngatotal population of 26,000,000. Thia is not all. Twelve other districts, with 11,000,000. peo ple, are threatened, and are described as almost entirely without food and water. The coolies and labourers: feel the pinch most owing to the total suspension of work in the rice fields." The correspondent concludes : " From what I have seen, first, neither the Government nor the people can tell, the precisel actual position, nor prognosticate the future. Secondly the Government is most fully alive to its re sponsibility, and measures' have been taken togully cope with the difficulties.'; »t the absence of railroads, in the remote dis tricts is mostly to be dreaded, as the Go vernment is thus without means for the avoidance of grave obstacles," He olose3 with the remark that he is under the de pressing conviction that he has mere*? touched on what to him seems a most rco&}' tous affair. -"V 7,,'-. __ r ~,••,■ „■>, •vJ.un'i

AMERICAN NEWS.

ACCIDENT ON AN ILLINOIS RAILROAD. Chicago, February 5.—A frightful accident at six o'clock this morning occurred on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, near Woodstock, forty miles from this city While the train was crossing a bridge a M broke and one Pullman car, two coaches ana a baggage car were thrown down a. soft e» bankment. Sixteen persons were injured, five of them seriously. One of the passengers a lady, is not expected to live. The «> caught fire and were totally destroyed. W bags of mail were consumed, besides J baggage. There were about seventy pers°" on the train when the accident occurreu. Only a few escaped. The railway comp«tf is settling with the losers of baggage, .P'JJ?* the full amounts-claimed. The loflrfto-g Company by the burning of *be. c*s e \- fl( if is not less than! $20,000: James Cartifl" Sharon, and William Wood, baggag^' are among the injured. '," ~ ■ , W. M. UEILSON BRINGS SUIT AOAINST BANK OF BRITISH NORTH AMERICA,,^.

■ S2 500 ' ■ ■ ■ ' ' ' '■'•'' In'the Third District, Court, San^ng William M. Neilson, well-known in.tw ony, has brought a suit against the ag of the Bank of British North America. W complaint alleges that on the 21st or " ' 1871, the plaintiff delivered to the deten for collection a promissory- note' •P*£* n jj San Francisco for 1,250d01.; .and -«** ti favour of plaintiff by Messrs Coll* bte { and Co., of San Francisco. ; Oa the November, IS7I, the plaintiff deliw fjf the defendant another promissory n"# a .collection for 1,250d0]., also drawn u^ of Neilson by the same firm,, ■+"?%£''» thatiin. consequence of the ne^f p Co u e ctto fendants to present the notes jl^eW the notes were not collected, ana w» in consequence lost the i^Pllll^ &ofi' contained in the notes. He a3»s *>~„! damages in goJd coin* io;.' ;f v

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Una N.Z. Shipping Co. Golden Point ., El Dorado Royal Standard,. Ot»go .. .. WhangapouaG.M.C. .. Cure .. National Bank of N.Z.

£ s. d. 0 0 G 0 10 0 0 0 6 0 10 0 0 3 0 10 0 16 0 10 0 10 0

Date. April 7 April 7 April 8 April 8 April 8 April ' 8 April 8 April 13 July 1



JHE A:PEIL NUM BEE OB1 THE TREBB YTERIAN CM URGE NEWS' IS NOW PUBLISHED. PttlCE — THEEEPENca May be had of the Publishers, Messrs Umon & Co.



mHE INSURANCE OFFICES will CLOSE -* on the 6th April, (Easter. Monday). 150 000 -FBET TIMBEB FOR SALE, AT MY YARDS, GOVERNMENT "WHARF, ONEHUNGA. JAMES W. WALLER. T>ETIRING FROM THE RETAIL. . : J. COSGRAVE & CO. Are giving up their Retail Business in Queen-street. A SALE of the Goods will be held TO-MORROW, the 14th of March, and -will continue until the entire Stock is disposed of. : "We are now landing THIRTY THOUSAND; POUNDS "WORTH of DRAPERY and MEN'S [ CLOTHING, purchased by Mr Cosgravb from the English and French Manufacturers, which will be SOld at TJNPREOEDENTEDLY LOW PRIDES. No credit will be given during the Sale. TJUSHBROOK & BKIDGMAN! ' (LATE R. HOBBS), i Aie now opening up, and have to arrive EX., NORHAM CASTLE, HYLTON OASTLE, INVERALL4N, and , BOSUN CASTLE, A VERy Large and Choice Assortment op Autumn and winter drapery ..• ; ;;in , • GOODS IN EVERY DEPARTMENT, • To which they respectfully invite attention. These Goods coming direct to their own order from tbe first Home Houses they are prepared to dispose of at LOWEST REMUNERATIVE RATES. Further particulars in future advertisement. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Wholesale and Retail Drapsrs, Clothiers, Ao JUNCTION DRAPERY "WAREHOUSE,' (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) ■"JmSK QXTBBN-SIBEBT, AUCKLAND. ,