SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

HIGH WATBB: This evento?, 0,24 ; te'jaonow morning 0.65 SUN-BET: Xbta evening, 4.51; SUW-RISBs To morrow morning, 7.2 MOON'S AGE: Full Moon, 81st, 6.25 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

P.C.E., barque, from Newcastle St. Kilda, s.s , from Wanganui. in the Manukau Jessie Henderson, schooner, Robinson, from Mangawai Pakeha, brig, from Lyttelton Daphne, schooner, from Wangapoa

DEPARTURES.

Southern Cross, for Tauranga From the Manukau: St Kilda, s s., for Wanganui Melaine, schooner, for Kaipara Garibaldi, schooner, for L- ttelton Atalanta, schooner, for Kaipara ■ Go-ahead, s.s, forTaranaM and Wangamu Tawera, schooner, for Kaipara

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Poverty Bay—Rover, schooner. Tuesday For the South—Ladybird, Monday ; Phoabe, Snex

Mail, Ist June "Wangaroa and Melbourne—Rose M., barque, Annie Lisle, barque, about Monday Tor Newcastle—Dorette ship, early For Levuka—Daphne, schooner, Sunday For Kaipara-Araaranthe, schooner, Tuesday For New York—Serene, barque about Ist June For Gisborne and Napier—Pretty Jane, s.s., early London—Anazi, barque, early ; Hylton Castle,

barque, early For a Cruise—Albion, whaling barque, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Ladybird, s.s., from the South to-moirow Hero, s s., from Sydney, about 2nd June Honparell, ship, from London. Sailed February 19 Huntley Castle, ship, from London. Sailed Feb 21 Southern Cross, s.s., from England, sailed Jan 21 Empreza, barque, from Liverpool, sailed October 16 - Pretty Jane, s s., from Napier and Gisborne, early Paterson, p.'s., from the South, early Florence, barque, from New York Sailed Feb 14 Mary King; schooner, from Adelaide, early Augusta, schooner, from Sydney, sailed 6th May Glimpse, barque, from Newcastle, early Dauntless, fore-and-aft schooner, from Lyttelton,

sailed 20th May Edith, schooner, from South Sea Islands, early Clematis, ketch, from Lyttelton, early Charybdis, schooner, from Lyttelton James Wishart, ship, from London, sailed 18th March Queen of Nations, ship, from Liverpool, via Belfast,

sailed 17th March William Gifford, barque, from New York, via

Dunedin. Sailed Feb 15 Thames, barque, from Boston, loading Hylton Castle, barque, from Newcastle, early

IMPORTS.

Per barque P.C.E., from Newcastle: 218 tons screened coals, 176 tons small coals, 10 ton coke, J. S. Macfarlane. Per Pakeha, from Lyttelton : 480 sacks potatoes, 950 do. oats, 763 do. wheat, G. W. Binney ; 440 bags potatoes, 100 do. wheat, 56 do. barley, 50 do. bran. 120 cheeses, 14 cases meat, order. G. W. Binney, agent.

EXPORTS.

Per Daphne, schooner, for Levuka : 32,00 C feet timber, J. S. Macfarlane.

ARRIVAL OF THE BARQUE P.C.E.

The barque P.C.E.,291 tons, Capt. Law, arrived from Newcastle at half-past eight this morning, after a long and tedious pas sage of 35 days, during which she has en countered an. extra share of foul weather. Captain Law* reports leaving Newcastle on the 18th ult. Had N. winds for the first four days; threatening weather from the 22nd to the next day, when it blew a heavy gale from the E. veering to N.E., and the vessel was hove to. This continued without intermission for fourteen days. On the 27th it .was blowing a hurricane. Ship lost two topsails during the gale. On the second day of the bad weather found the. barque had sprung a leak just above the water-line on her port side. Thia made it impossible to keep the ship on the staboard tack, and the result was that she was blown down south till on the 10th in stant Cape Farewell was sighted. On the evening of this day it came on to blow a hurricane from the E.S.JE. Squared away and ran before it, being carried to the Three Kings, which were sighted on Tuesday the 12th- Here again fell in with a gale from the N.E., which lasted two days. From thence baffling winds and calms down the coast, arriving as above. On the 10th sighted a barque off Cape Farewell, with her main topmast gone, apparently bound through the Straits.

There seems at present to be a perfect rage for shipbuilding. Scarcely a day passes but we are called upon to perform the pleasant task of chronicling some fresh ad dition to our fine fleet of sailing vessels. Within the last few weeks we have had launched the Albatross, the Atlantic, the Emu, the Onward, the Helena, and now we have another, the Jessie Henderson. This beautiful schooner, .which, as she lies off the Breakwater in the stream, is conspicuous for her graceful outlines and tapering spars, arrived this morning from Mangawai, where she has been built by Mr Donald Mclnnis (already well known to Auckland ship building fame as the author of the cutter Alarm and the schooner Columbia) to the order of Mr Williams, sailmaker, of Queen street, Mr Morton Jones, and Capt. Robin son conjointly. Her dimensions are as follows: —Length of keel, 76 feet; overall, 90 feet; breadth of beam, 23 feet; depth of hold; 9 feet 6 inches. She will measure, it is expected, about 96 tons register. For material and workmanship this vessel is second to none ever built for this port. All the wood used in her construction was cut during the winter months, when the sap is down; and her deck and out side planking were prepared four months before being used. With extremely beautiful lines for sailing this vessel combines large carrying capacity. She is fore and aft rigged and is to be commanded by Captain J. Robinson, late of the Circular Saw line who will work her in the coasting trade. The Jessie Henderson is to be hauled alongside the wharf to be painted and finished off. The s.s. Go-Ahead left for New Plymouth yesterday taking cargo and the following 'passengers :—■ Mrs and Miss Webster, Mr and Mrs Petty and family, Messrs Leonard, Snell, and 1 native. The schooners Tawera, Melaine, and Ata lanta, all sailed for the Kaipara from the Manukau yesterday with general cargoes. The schooner Garibaldi takes 47,000 ft. of timber from the Manukau to Lyttelton.

The English barque Chandiere, 470 tons, Captain Brown, sailed for New Bedford, Mass., U.S., two days ago, with the follow ing cargo, transhipped ex American whale Bhips in port: 46,792 gallons sperm oil, £14,900; 78,681 do whale oil, £7,834; 15,686 lbs whalebone, £961. Total value, £23,695. MjThe following vensels have entered in wards to-day :—The schooner Ocean with 22,000 feet timber from Mercury Bay ; Janet Grey, cutter, with 20,000 feet timber, from Whangapoua; Daphne, schooner, .with 32,000 feet timber from Whangapoua. The schooner Ocean has cleared out for Mercury Bay with 3000 feet planed and grooved timber shipped by Schappe and Ansenne. The cutter Wynyard, for Wangarei, with 130 sheep, 2 horseß, 1 cow and 2 calves, and the schooner Sunbeam, for Waipu, with stores. The barque Annie lisle has cleared for Melbourne, vice Wangaroa, with 175,000 feet of baulk timber, snipped by J. S. Macfarlane. The barque Rose M has cleared for 'Wan garoa and Melbourne with 250,000 feet timber to be shipped at the former port by Messrs Stewart and Anderson.

His Excellency's yacht Blanche, which was lying at Bussell when the Rowena arrived on Tuesday, left the Bay of Islands yesterday for Wangaroa. The whaling barque Callao has arrived at Wanganui after an eight months' cruise. She has been unfortunate, having only cap tured one whale.

The s.s. Eowena, Captain McGregor, arrived in harbour this morning at five o'clock from Russell and the Bay of Islands. Having landed her cattle at the Tamaki she came up to the wharf at 8.15 a.m. Passen gers : Mrs and Miss Rackstraws and Masters Rackstraws, Miss Featherstone, Mr Callag han, Captain Norris, JMr and Mrs Wallis, Messrs Irving, Davis, J. MoPherson, Aitken, Wright, W. Norm and ten in the steerage. Cargo : 221 boxes gnm, IS bags do., Arnold, Hines and Co. ; 3 bales wool, 71 bags gum, Lewis Brothers ; 7 hides, 1 keg tallow, Gittos ; 9 bags gum, Walker ; 20 bags gum, Rolph and Co. ; 1 parcel, Rev. Mr Burrows ; 16 head cattle, Buckland. The schooner Julia Price was the only vessel loading at the mines when the Eowena leffe

The schooner Daphne, Captain Lamb, ar rived from Wangapoua this morning with a cargo of timber for J. S. Macfarlane. She will nofc unload here but teill take it direct to Levuka. She is appointed to sail to morrow, and has cleared at the Customs with that intention.

The s.b. St. Kilda, which arrived from Wanganui in the Manukau yesterday, sailed again late in the afternoon for the same port, taking a general cargo and the following pas sengers—Mrs Ellis and family, Mr and Mrs McDonald, and Mr Grant. The s.s. Taranaki, which left the Manukau for the South yesterday evening, took a full cargo and the following passengers :—Saloon : Mr and Mrs Nathan, Mr Chapman, Mr and Mrs Smith and family, Mrs Hamilton, Mr Wrigg. Steerage—Mr and Mrs Nangekaru, Mrs Goodman, Messrs Atkins, Taylor, Curtis, Abbott, and Ryan. The'brig Pakeha, Capt. Patterson, arrived in port at noon to-day from Lyttelton, having left Port Cooper on the 13th instant. Up to Saturday, the 15 th, had light winds and calms. On that day breeze sprung up from S.E., veeriDg round to E.N.E., with very high sea. Rounded the East Cape on Wednesday, 20bh insfc., wind at the time strong from the E. S. E. From thence till thia morning light winds and calms. From Barrier passage into port strong N. breeze. The Pakeha brings a cargo of potatoes, ; wheat, &c , consigned to G. W. Binney. H.M.S. Blanche sailed for Auckland early yesterday morning. The whaling barque Merlin, 24G > tons, Captain Thomas, which has arrived in the Bay of Islands, brings a cargo of 400 barrels sperm oil, and 25 ditto whale oil. "The new brigantine Helena has been laid alongside the Breakwater. The new schooner Atlante belonging to Messrs Jagger and Co. has cleared for Napier via Mercury Bay with a general cargo. Tbe barque Palace has arrived at Wanga roa from Lyttelton. She is to load timber for Melbourne.

Messes Holdship and Co. have received a telegram stating that the Belle Brandon is to leave Lyttelton to-day. On her arrival she will be open to freight or charter. Th brigantine Fanny, brig Alarm, and the barque Fleur de Maurice are still loading at Wangaroa. The Fanny is now full up, and the other tw© will be ready for sea in a few days.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Maii,s will Globe ab Ukber :— For Thames, this day. at 5.50 p.m. and on Tuesday next, at 6.50 p.m. For Coromandel, this; day, at 5.30 p.m. For Fiji, per Daphne, this day, at 5 p m. For Napier and ? onthern pro^incos, per City of Adelaide, six hours after arrival For Kawau. per Lady Bowen, on Tuesday nexb, »t 10 a.m. For "Rursell, Wnnparoa. and Mongonui, per Roworia on Tuesday next. stSpra. For Tarantki, Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Ladybird, on Wedneiday next, at 10 a m. For Wangaroa, per Annie Lisle, on Tuesday next, at 8 a.m. For the undermentioned places, per Phfcbo, on Monday, Ist June, as under : — For India. China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 6 am For Southern provinces, Australian Colonies, and United Kingdom, vli Southampton and Brindisi, at 0 30 a m For newspapers at ft n m For registered letters, and money orders, at 5 p.m. on Saturday, 30th instant. Not*.—Monday next will be observed as a postal holid»y. The mails usually made up at this offico on that day will therefore closo on Saturday, 23rd inst., at 7.50 p.m. (Signed) 8. B. Bis?, Chief Postmaster.

DEATHS.

Yoko*—At Balmullet, Ireland, Lieut Duke Yonge, Chief Inspector of Coast Guards, formerly Lieut of H.M.B. Orpheus and Curagoa.

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

SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1874.

tot the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance,

And the good that we can do

Mr J. T. Boylan last evening gave notice of his intention to move for the insertion of a new clause in the Education Bill, with the view of subsidising denominational schooin. In our summary of the Council proceedings "will be found the text of this motion, which has no doubt been framed for the purpose of giving effect to the object urged by the Roman Catholic petitions from various districts presented to the Council this weeki The proposed clause is so utterly opposed to the primary principle of the Act which the Council has repeatedly endorsed, that we cannot for a moment believe Mr Boylan possesses even the faintest hope of carrying it. At any rate, whatever expectations may be entertained outside 1 the Council regarding the fate of this effort to overthrow the elements which alone entitle the educational system of the province to the name of a public school system, we trust that those expectations will receive little sympathy within the walls of the Council Chamber. If public opinion has spoken unmistakably on any question it has done so with reference to secular educa tion. Not, we believe, but that if the ques tion were considered by the inhabitants of this province without reference to the feelings of creed or party there would be a very targe majority in favour of the reading of the Bible in our schools. But the inclinations of a large section of the Protestant portion of the community have been sunk in order that no man's con science shall be violated, and the work of the Government in relation to education has for thisfreason been confined to the imparting of that secular instruction which is recognised-as necessary to all creeds and denominations, leaving to the churches the work that pro perly belongs to them. The exclusion of the Bible from schools is undoubtedly a concession by Protestants, who might by the overwhelming force of numbers carry the rule of intolerance into every depart ment of Government. It is therefore not with the best grace that thiß claim for de nominational aid is brought forward. The system of associating denominationalism with schools has proved a failure every where; the standard of education in such schools is universally low, and the adminis tration unsatisfactory. The duty of the State is to see that children receive such

an amount of secular instruction as wil] qualify them for fulfilling their duties to society and the State. This intellectual training also prepares them for forming an intelligent opinion on the principles of religion and the evidence on which creeds and denominations are based. It is in fact the only platform on which all classes of the community can stand equal. One of the grandest claims that the colonies can make upon the regard of the in habitants of every part of the United King dom is the existence in the eye of the Go vernment of a Commonwealth in which no class distinctions are recognised. The tendency of reform in Britain has been to destroy those distinctions which ages of bigotry have raised up, but the effect of the Catholic petitions and such legislation as that proposed by Mr Boy lan would be to build up class divisions and lay the founda tion of paity feuds and counter-agitation, which years would tend to develop into more formidable proportions rather than allay.

A curious accident happened to the Row ena at about 12 o'clock last night while off Cape Rodney on her way up from 'the Bay of Isiands. At that time a shoal of porposes were playing round the vessel throwing somersaults out of the water as porposes will, when suddenly a jerk was felt by all on board, which caused several of the passengers who were asleep to jump up and in quire what was the matter. From the peculiar action of the screw it became apparent that one of the fans was broken, and the Captain is of opinion that one of the sportive fish came within the range of the propeller which must have come in contact with it. The damage done to the porpoise is not known, but it is probable it received a severe warning not to carry on itsgymnastics so close to a screw Bteamer again. The Rowena was laid alongside the Gore-street Jetty this afternoon to have her injury seen to and repaired. As she is fitted with patent moveable fans the damaged one will simply have to be taken out and a new one substi tuted.

An accident, but not of a very serious naturo, occurred this morning opposite the Clanricanle Hotel, Wyndham-street, as fol low s:—A man in charge of Mr Hanley's cart, loaded with ginger-beer and lemonade, was turning towards Albert-street, but being too near the path the wheel came in contact witb a stone, and the cart, man, basket, and bottles turned over, but, fortunately, with no worae results than the smashing of about three dozen bottles, and taking the tip off the diiver's nose.

The horse belonging to Mr H. Bell, ex press-man, bolted from nearly opposite the Supreme Court to-day and dashed at a rapid pace down the Alten Itoad with a load of furniture. When near the turning into the Strand the horse fell and the cart capsized, throwing the load out on to the roadway The career of the steed was thus brought to asudden termination with less serious results than might have been expected from the ani mal's utter disregard for the life or limb of any person whom it cbaucd to meet in its mad race.

The report relative to a man having been shot at Bombay Settlement, mentioned in last night's Star, proves to have been not without foundation. The facts eeem to be that on Thursday morning Mr Tai-pin, an old settler in the district, went out for a day's shooting, and some hours afterwards was found lying dead on the Portsmouth Road with his gun pointing towards his breast, and a shot wound through his heart. His death is believed to have been accidental. The deceased was married, but leaves no children.

At the last meeting of the Acclimatization Hoeiety of Anckland a discussion was held on the merits and demerits of sparrows. A correspoadent writes as follows on the sub ject : —"The subject is not a now one, and has frequently been discussed in other countries, and generally the result has been in favour of sparrows. In the face of all evidence, however, there lingers a popular prejudice against sparrows, the reason prob ably being that the sparrow boldly commits his thefts in open day, whilo his good deeds, which we believe far outweigh his deliu quencies, are done by stealth. We were not satisfied until sparrows were brought from England, and now some persons begin to think all manner of evil of them. Some years ago Mr Edward Wilson, whose labours in the department of acclimatization are universally recognised, and to whom Aus tralia especially owes its sparrows, gave his opinion on the balance of good and evil in relation to these birds. Mr Wilson ascertained that no less than 1400 cock-chafers' wings had been found below the nest of a pair of sparrows. Each female insect produces about forty grubs, which burrow for three years in the ground, prey ing upon the crops during this time to an enormous extent. As many as 100,000 of these grubs have been found on one acre of land, and as each acre will grow about 40,000 mangolds or turnips there about three grubs to each root! A very simple calcula tion show that, simply feeding their young, a single pair of sparrows annually prevent the production of 14,000 grubs, and the account in favour of sparrows is not yet complete. Mr Wood, the English natural ist, states that in ISO 2 a single pair of these birds were watched for a day, and were seen to carry to their young no less than 40 grubs per hour. These facts are worthy of consid eration by Mr Gillies and other gentlemen of the Auckland Acclimatization Society ere they clear the country of sparrows. Where ever sparrows and other small birds have been exterminated the crops in those districts have been destroyed by the consequent in crease of insects, thus shewing- that the balance of nature cannot be rashly inter fered with without evil consequences."

An amateur concert will be held on Wed nesday evening next, in the Choral Hall, in aid of the fund for providing the congrega tion of St Mary's Church, Parnell, with a suitable organ.

To the Editor : Sir,— Why has Mr Kane taken the alarm at the idea of collecting money for his servant girl ? He states that the girl ia "as well as ever." I am glad to hear it, for I would not have thought so from her appearance when I met her one evening in a grocer's store. She looked so pale and ill I inquired who she was after she had gone out. That night I wrote the letter you published last Thursday. Mr Kane talks about doing justice to Dr. Hooper. I have great faith in that gentleman's skill, and if he says the girl has not been injured there is an end to the matter; but I believe Mr Kane's justice and Mr Greenway's genero sity to be on a par.—Yours, &c, A Servant Girl.

The Hobson Company went through their usual drill last evening in a highly creditable manner in the Catholic Institute. After parade the Captain announced that the com pany and their band purposed mustering, at 8.15 o'clock on the Royal Birthday for the purpose of shewing their loyalty in a right foyal manner.

Among the varied entertainments of our ! city the "Twa Hours at Hame" continues ho occupy a prominent place at the City Hall. The Hall last evening was well filled, and the poetic criticisms of Christopher North were received with much cheering as they fell in true native style from Mr Kennedy in connection with the verses of the Ettrick Shepherd. The Scotch songs were also given in that softness and sweetness of tone which almost exclusively belong to the Doric muse Mr David Kennedy was in excellent voice, and sang " Here's a health, bonnie Scotland" with much spirit. Miss Helen gave the sweetly pathetic ballad "Will ye no come back again?" and Miss Marjory rendered " Ca' the yowes to the knowes," both of which were tastefully per formed. Mr Kennedy introduced "How oor John socht me for bis wife," with its humorous history in a pleasing manner. To-night's entertainment will include Wil son's humorous poem,- "Watty and Meg. The " Blue Bonnets over the Border^ " There cam' a young man to my daddies door," and " Coming thro' the rye," from Burns. As this very attractive series of concerts will close on Wednesday next we recommend all who have not enjoyed a nicht with Scotland's bards to do so ere it is too late.

An immense boiler 23ffc. long by sft. in diameter, constructed by Mr Yeoman, of this city, for Bull's Battery at the Thames, was brought down to the wharf this morning and at high water rolled off into the water to be towed to the Thames.

The English and Continental Combination of singers and gymnasts, which have justly acquired the happy appellation of "star artistes," were the centre of attraction again lost night. The theatre was crowded on the occasion, and Val Vosc, the ventriloquist, introdncrd the chatty friends — Granny Chatterbox and Kobiu Goughhead to the large audience amid roars of laughter. Val Vose is exceedingly cleverinhisattractive per formances. The three young tumblers, known as Young England, Alberto, and Annette, with their guardian, were equally successful as on the previous evening, while the graceful and marvellous Aireo went through his daring feats with a conluess, ease, and perfectability which astonished the spectators. The gyrations and tourbillions of A. and Madame DeCastro were exceedingly clever and com plete. The duetts of A. St. Vincent and Madame Montebello were witty and well performed; and what adds greatly to the value and variety of Smith's entertainment are the almost im promptu songß of St. Vincent, which contain some happy local hits at the foibleß and peculiarities of our people. This entertain ment is full of varied attractions, and forms an excellent antidote to hypochondriacism and the disappointments of iove. The mati nee performances this afternoon were largely attended by the children of the schools of Auckland, viz, Mr Mcßae's Grammar School. Auckland College (Rev. Mr Taylor), Normal School Wellington-street (Mr Harrison), Convent, Parnell, Orphan Homo, Parnell, St. Matthew's (Mr Andrews), St. Paul's (Mr Worthington), Miss Hill'sHobson-street.St I avid's (Mr Edwards), Newton (Mr Watkyn Edwards). There were also numbers of children of families indepen dent of.the above-named schools ; and in fact the theatre was literally crowded with juve niles and their parents and guardians, who appeared to enjoy the treat afforded them by Mr Smith. We should think there were at least one thousand children present.

An Onehunga correspondent writes : —The constantly-increasing amount of shipping at the Onchuuga wharf has begun to cause in convenience to shippers and traders, the present wharf accommodation not being equal to the requirements of the port. The dues yield a large sum, and there is every prospect that by enlarging the wharf the tolls and receipts would be proportionately increased. The present structure is in want of repairs. Considerable dissatisfaction is expressed by the Onehungians at the continued absence from his place in the Council of one of their M.P.O.'b at a time when measures of con siderable importance are under consideration. The electors think ho would be better em ployed in his proper pace in Council than rolling logs and making sleepers in a remote corner of the province.

It has been announced that the Provincial Treasurer will make hia financial statement on Tuesday night. The Council meets at seven o'clock in the evening. The legal opinion on the rating clauses of the Educa tion Bill will also be made known at that time, and Mr Boylan's motion for a new clause will also come on for discussion, so that there appears to be every prospect of a heavy night's business.

In our other columns we notice an adver tisement of the approaching anniversary of the Auckland Auxiliary to the British and Foreign Bible Society, at which. His Excel lency the Right Honorable Sir James Fer gusson, Bart., is to preside, on Wednesday evening next at half-past seven o'clock, in the Young Men's rooms. In addition to the report and financial statement, interesting speeches bearing upon the operations of the Society are expected from several ministers and gentlemen.

A very goood argument in favour of those who are advocating increase of wharf accom modation at Ouehunga is supplied in the fact that no less than eight vessels including three steamers took their departure yesterday from the Manukau for various ports. There is a noticeable increase in the trade of Onehunga, and every facility ought to be afforded for its full and free development. We are glad to see the matter receiving the attention of the Council.

A special general meeting of the members of the Mechanics' Institute will be held on Monday evening next', in the Institute hall, for the purpose of taking into consideration a communication from the Improvement Commissioners in respect of the Institute Hall.

Last night in spite of the shower the Navals met at the usual hour, and did their parade, in the old Drill shed, under com mand of Captain Le Roy, who expressed his pleasure to man and boy, who had shewn their skill at the usual "drill, of the Naval Brigade, at each weekly parade. This even ing at half-past eight, the brigade will meet at the wharf and wait for the G-olden Crown to take them down to the Thames.

The Band of Hope held its usual forbnightly meeting in the Temperance Hall last evening, —Mr Tremain in the chair. Practical ad dresses were given by the Chairman and Messrs McKerras, Hill, and Carr. Several ballads and recitations were given by the juveniles, which were frequently interrupted by a Maori convert, who would shout "Kapai! kapai! Kood tit-tofcler!" which put the audience in excellent humour.

We observe, in another column, a notifi cation that the Good Templars of Onehunga are to indulge in a " tea fight" in the Choral Hall there on Tuesday evening. From the names of the speakers we may expect that the speeches will be up to the mark; and we have no doubt but that the other arrange ments will be conducive to the pleasure and profit of those patronising the first soiree of the 1.0. G.T. in Onehunga.

The drawing of the sweepstake in the Autumn Handicap will come off at,the City Club hotel X\m evening at_eight o'clock.

The message from the Manukau Heads was posted up more intelligibly this morning at the Telegraph Office. It ran, " Wind N.S., Br. C, Bar smooth." This is easy enough. No doubt it means : " Wind North, South breeze, calm, bar smooth." It is only at first these telegrams are puzzling.

The market thia morning presented a gay and animated appearance. The butchers displayed a splendid array of beef and mutton. The greengrocers were peeping over piles of fine cabbage and cauliflower, surrounded by dishes of mushrooms and tomatoes ; and at Mrs Smith's, in the centre, of the market, we observed a prodigious quantity of pudding apples at twopence a pound. The cheesemongers and buttermen were loud in their praises of rose and prim rose and rosy-flavoured butter, which we found upon testing to be worthy of a rose flavoured name. Pheasants and fowls and ducks were also ranged in tempting and beautiful order at so much a head.

* We notice that the new Ellerslie Gardens are advertised to open on Monday next. The gardens afford special attractions, and will, no doubt, become a popular place of resort. We would, however, suggest that the opening be deferred a week, and made a grand gala day. Arrangements could, we believe, be made by the proprietor with Mr Smith, director of the English and Con tinental Combination Troupe now performing at the Princa of Wales Theatre, for his talented Company to take part in the f6te. The troupe includes members specially clever at leaping and other sports which it is impossible to carry out in a building like the theatre. Such a commencement would, we believe, draw immense crowds to the gardens, and give an amount of eclat to the opening which would have a good effect on their future popularity.

We have a parcel of books for the Old Men's Eefuge and Orphan Home, which any one sent from those institutions may receive upon application.

Divine service will be held to-morrow (Sunday) at the usual hours at Newton Kirk, by Rev. Dr. Wallis, morning : "The almost lost saying of Jesus;" evening: ".Religious Toleration". Wellesley - street Baptist Church, by P. H. Cornford, pastor, morning : " Christ worshipped in Heaven ■" evening : •"Obedience in Baptism." City Hall, Rev. Warlow Da vies, M.A., morning: " On the death of Mrs Bond ;" evening : "The trans lation of Enoch." Lome-street Hall, by Samuel Edger, 8.A., morning: "First dissension in the Christian Church ; even ing ; "The Divine side of Human Nature." Oddfellows' Hall, Cook-street, evening ser vice .by Mr Frank Cavanagh, of Dublin. Grafton Road anniversary services, morning : by Rev. R. S. Bunn ; evening: by Rev. Alex. Reid Cook-street Christians' Meet ing House, morning and evening services as usual. United Free Methodist Church, corner of Pitt-street, morning and evening by Rev. G. H. Turner.

Members of the Victoria Company of all ranks are requested to attend the parade on Monday morning next, at 9 o'clock, to assist in the celebration of the anniversary of the birth day of her Majesty the Queen, born May 24th, 1819. Absentees will be fined ss. each. District prizes will be presented on parade. Any member not supplied with the com pany's accoutrements will receive them on application to Captain Derrom this evening at seven o'clock.

Mr H. Eastwood, agent for Bachelder's diorama, who lately met with a severe ac cident, by which his leg was broken, has had a complimentary benefit tendered him in Dunedin, the receipts from which were over £90.

On Monday evening^next the Oddfellows of the Fountain of Friendship Lodge will hold their annual ball in the Lome-street Hall. Dancing will commence at nine o'clock.

To the Editor: Sir—l percieve by you paper last evening that the City Council has decided to have another misnamed tax which they are pleased to call Education rate, but which ought to be called Poll-tax and you think Sir that single Men have a very good right to pay because they are you say in better position to paj and they reap as much benefit now allow me to flatly deny this. For many cases single as much a3 they can do to pay what they are paying without being burdened with other peoples Children why may I ask Sir is single man who has not been so fortunate as to- obtain a partner to bear the expenses of those who have been-so fortunate Do you wish to drive all the single men out of the country if so tax away and you will soon find the country bare of them. Do you wish that} single Men should not get Married if so Tax away for thats the readiest way to keep them from having the Means to get Married. Again Sir I would ask why is there such astir about Education will Education do every thing I trow not For I can prove beyond doubt that those whose are the best Educated generaly speak ing make bad use of it and I cannot see why it should not be compulsory on parrents to send their children to some school but according to their own minds in my opinion if people would keep from Public House drinking every Family would be able to Educate their own Children in their own way So that there would be no cause to Poll Tax single Men to Educate them. —Yours, &c, Sobriety.

THE PAPAKURA CRICKET CLUB.

We are indebted to a correspondent on the spot for the following interesting particulars of this country club :—" The present Papa kura Cricket Club was established on the first of October, 1873. There had been a club in existence at some former period, but no record had been kept of its exploits—it's life was, in fact, very short. At a meeting held of those desirous of forming a Cricket Club at the Papakura Hotel about seventeen members were enrolled and a committee of management formed, of. whom the following were the members :— Mr. David White (chairman), Messrs. Duncan McClennan, William Walters, jun., David Wilson, and William P. O'Callaghan, hon. sec. and trea surer. An entrancefee of five shillings was subscribed, and a sum of one shilling was agreed upon as the monthly subscription to be paid throughout the year in advance. Rules were made, and the secretary em powered to purchase such gear as the fnnds already subscribed would admit «f. Prac: tice was commenced as soon as the things arrived, and shortly afterwards a challenge was received from the Papatoetoe Club to play a friendly game. Three hardly-con tested matches were played with this eleven. On each occasion, however, Papakura was beaten ; in. the last match by only one run, and that, indeed, was disputed, as there is supposed to have been an error on the part of the scorer. However, Papa kura wisely gave in. The next match was against the Otara, on the 20th of February, on a ground somewhere near Howick, the Papakura men having to ride about 15 miles to their work. In this match, entirely through the disorganised state of the Papakura field, they were beaten by a large number of runs—Bs, of which 70 were extras. A good deal of that was owing to the young players becoming discouraged at large hits, and all hands being thoroughly fagged by their journey, In the return

match, which was played at IwTl V the same elevens, the play showed i***^ ferently, Otara in the Brat InniSJtS?* € Papakura 60; second innings • OgT'B fa for £8, Papakura 23 and only <£?*<«* down.i The day, however, was eetfaV Otara would not stay, and the matchl 7*i .in a draw. In the first match plav^M the Bombay Settlers, 28th Februar^* krra was jnost ignominiously beato'- Pa P»- S? 111^8" „In the retura» P^yed on»v $* March, the game was very close, li^ ■ only winning by a wicket. m 7% cricketing closed with a very well cftnJ"®'B match between the married andsiaoU 7*& club, in which the married woa^i tia wickets. By the results of the $p five matches it will te seen that theplay o ft has gradually been improving. The enkQ' d^ ill-luck was principally owing to % hands being nervous and easily dbnn« yOnn? The batting and bowling of the clubt t^' allowed to be above the average of ni* " the country teams, and the losses .n •**■ to bad fielding, and the very bad hTB some of our best batsmen. ThebnJil ■ Messrs Curie, D. White, Stringer 8 °! McClennan have nroved very effectived the season. Messrs Curie and Stta^ 118 both finished cricketers, and are goodl 8 where. The other two are younger wjf" but both promise to become really^^' White's bowling is very swift, aiK' against strangers. McClennan isofaveS' pace, with a considerable break. g e j** 9 little apt to get off the wicket if a few life \J made off him when straight; bnt^henJ! keeps cool his bowling is very effective cJ! can either bowl swift or slow—bothofwluVv styles aie effective. The same may %siM of Stringer, who sometimes putsoaattemen dous break. As a good underhand bowler T might mention Wileon; but now it U t thing of the past almost. As a change, ho*, ever, sometimes he will take wickets. The highest scores of the season havebeenmadehv Messrs, Wileon, White, McClennan, Carl/ and O'Callaghan. Wilson is a most power ful bat when his eyes is in, but his defends' at first uncertain. He has made the highest scores of any for the season, his total in njn 6 matches being 150. Daniel White (upland) hits well and has at times a good defence but unable to sky. He has put together 100 runs. McCknnan is by far the snregthit of the eleven, and has a remarkably-good <}c. fence. His total is 102. Curie is a very pretty bat, and has great power in leshifa Total 100. O'Callaghan's ■ defencekpretty good. He scores slowly but steadily. Hia total is about the same as the lut two, Stringer's batting -powers are also:good. There are several other young hands in the club that in the course of another aeasoa will come to the fore wel],_an~osareno doubt that in the course of time the Papa kura team will, figure at least, not tot, on the list of Auckland Cricket Club;"

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

THE EDUCATION BEX. :%< •:,.. At the Provincial Council yesterdiy the high-class school clauses of the Education Bill were moved by Mr Reed aid carried upon division by 24 against 10r These clauses provide for the establishment oi superior boys' .and girls' schools in sud localities as the Board of Education dcci desirable, the schools to be governed by local committees not exceeding five members, ap pointed by the Board, and supported by school fees, voluntary contrihutioM, and such funds as the Provincial Council may from time to time vote for that specific purpow.' The rating clauses were againt postponed un til Tuesday, the Riovincial Treasurer inti mating that there were legal difficulties in the way of collecting the rate. The opinion of the legal authority consulted by the Govern ment would be laid before the' Council on Tuesday. Mr Boy lan then gave notice to move for the insertion of the following as a new clause :—"Notvdthstandi^anythißg in the said Education Act contajned, wherever throughout the province private common schools are now, or may be hereafter, estab lished, and whose Eufficiency of accommoda tion, competency of teaching, school require ments, and efficiency in the secular instruc tion required by the said Act, are eeriM by the Inspector, the Board shall grant. v support of such schools, such annual sumsioi money respectively as shall, 'wcordßg to the average full attendance <* children at each of the said schools, be■■ suffi cient to meet the same expenses md demand as are incured and required respectively v the other schools established by the Board. And such private commonschools afore said shall be open to children of all deno minations who shall not receive any reli gious instruction without: the express con sent of their parents or other guardians m writing." SUPREME COT/XT SUB. - , A good deal of discussion ensnea on a motion by the ProvincmJJ cretary, endorsing the recommen^ of the Superintendent in making tw « -Supreme Court site an endowment; for p lie schools. Mr Phttps moved* Ma*s ment.that a site for a town -hall;W **"L, therefrom. On division the Mayor■■£» was rejected and the original.;P"ggL. carried by 21 against 7. Tlefollo^J mittee was then appointed to a^fff^the leasing and other matters connected VlV^ . property : Messrs Buckland, nail, Dignan, Dargaville, Goldie, W& Reed, Swanson, and Tonks. -

rA-nxrnRTTSRMENT.I ■

COUNCILLOR MACREADY AN D BARNETT.

(To the Editor of the *ngjfcffi& Siß,-At the last meeting of theCay^ cil, when my letter with^fei^ damage I had sustained from tfte » sireet drainage during_the M*^^ j came up for consideration, M^ J^Jj, reported to have made cer*^' ffl . which I consider a^Z m^ business. I thereupon^addressed tg letter to him, which he hM/^g, «® answer. I therefore request «*#,# make it public. I may that on no occasion has a pig bee»»» * inTl te or offal kept on my premises, w» - V „ inspection at any" time. W,. fae re killed by Mr Fistoer atß^P^. marks of Councillor Macready.^%dy adding insult to injury^ '&-,}£■ fr <& sustained considerable/lo^ 1"1 referred to in my letter *>.■«» pork-butcher, Qo^

TCOPY OF LETTER SENT TC-COT* to be carried onto JXy the limits oy^ a f&tfevto#[p that « P^.ft* JKrflSiffi^?* precincts of the *«■«*' * ent to,^ fr was really .an A? if these expreswoMWW

iffiß IVHTIN6 BfAE / BAttJEBAir i .MAir SftjlfflML



COMMERCIAL. CALL AND DIVIDEND LIST. The following are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below :— CALLS. £ s. d. Bate National Bank of N.Z 010 4 July 8 Eed Queen '■■ 0 0 6 July 11 T^lFirTr^ X E C E I V B D BY. F. H. LEWIS SON: Bussell and Son's Keyless Gold Hunting Levers, Rotherham's Gold Hunting Independent Stop Watches, Rotherham's Gold Hunting English Levers, Rotherham's Gold Hunting Levera, largo size Gold Presentation Watches, SUver English Hunting Levers, Gold Hunting Genevas, best quality, Gold Open-face Genevas. BEST ASSOBTMEITT IN AUCKLAND. •" ' j F. H. LEWISSON, JEWELLER, QUEEN-STREET. pUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Have great pleasure In announcing that they are NOW OPENING TJP THEIR SHIPMENT Ex'Norham Castle, Hylton Castle, and Dorette, Consisting of— 56 CASES AND BALES 07 NEW WINTER GOODS, And respectfully invite attention to the same. GENTLEMEN'S CLOTHING, BOYS' AND YOUTHS' CLOTHING, • HATS AND GAPS, HOSIERY. Children's New Felt Hats, Ladies' Black Straw Hats, Flowers, Feathers, Ribbon* &c. FANCY DRESS GOODS, FRENCH MERINOS, WINCEYS, WOOL PLAIDS, FLANNELS. LADIES' BLACK CLOTH JACKETS. ( CHILDREN'S AND LADIES' WATEPEKOOF TWEED MANTLES. UMBRELLAS, Em, Etc., Etc. FURNISHING GOODS, And a complete New Stock in every Department. RUSHBROOK, & BRIDGMAN Wholtmal* and Retail Dbjlpxbs, CtoTHieaa, &o JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) i TTppke Qttxkn-sukkbt, Auckland.



[Established 1864. T\ STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAN D," " EAOLE BRAND," "CROWN BRAN D," Are to be procured at all respectable Gnoesns and Storfkveperr throughout the Province of Auckland. D. STEPHENSON & CO., WYNDHAM S TJR|K E T, Auckland. TDOTAL INS USANCE J-V COMPANY. NOTICE OF REMOVAL. The Office of this Company h»s been REMOVED from No. 15, Shortfand-st'eet, to Hobson's BuiWlnsß: on the opposite side, immediately adjoining the Post offlce. GEO. WM. JONES, Agent. Auckland, May 8.1874. T> ETIRING FROM THE RETAIL. J. COS&RAVE & CO. Are giving up thfllr Retail Business In Quoen-stroet. A'SALE of the! Goods will bo hold TO-MORROW, the 14th"of March, and will continue until the entire Stock is disposed of. We are now landing THIRTY THOUBAND POUNDS WORTH of DRAPERY and MEN'S CLOTHING, purchased by Mr Cosoravji from the English and French Manufacturers, which will bo Od at UNPBFCEPBNTILDLY LOW PRICKS. No cred't will be given during the Salo. vr o t i c. c. The BANKS will be CLOSED on MONDAY next. 25th instant, Queen's Birthday.