SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

FHIGH WATER"! This evening, 11.12 ; to morrow morning 1t.41 SUN SET : This evening, 7.10 ; SUN RISE : to. m^irrnw morcin , 4-41 MOON'S aGK : First Quarter, 17th, 0.3 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Kosario, H.MS, 913 tons, 3 tons, liomraaßuot Dupuis, from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

Uowena, s s., fortne JNortn Atalauta, schooner, for Kaipara (from the Manukau)

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For L-ittelton (frrom the Mannkaui— Florence, schooner Thursday For Newcastle- Union, bwque, to-morrow For &arot 'n t a—Blanche, scho< ner. e»ily For Lyitelton -Agues brigantine, early For .xydney-fljdaspes, ship, at once For Lyitelton- Waitangi.ship.early; William Gifford, early For San Francisco—Condoren, ship. 22nd instant ; Cyphrenes, X M s s., 24th Dect-mber For London—City of Auckland, ship, early For a Cruise—Southern Cross, Missionary barquentme early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Cyphrenes, s.s, from Sydney, early Assaye, ship, frem London: sailed September 3 Cospa',rick, ship, from London ; sailed Bth September GHenlora ship, from London ; sailed September 26 l)ilharee, barque fr <m London; sailed October 2 Inverene, ship, from London ; sail-d October Warwick ship, from London ; sailed October Kapido barque, fiom New Vrrk.via Adelaide, loading Edith Rose, barque, from New York; sailed Sept. 18 Clunticleer, brig, f om Hobart Tc.wn. early JSuroua, barque, from Sydney, early Kenilworth, scuuoner, from Samoa, early Ivanhoe, schooner, from Levuka Otago, barque, from Melbourne, via Dunedin, early Flirt, bri(;aniine, from Lvtttlton. early Kate M>GrfgoT, schooner, uom Napier, early "Vision, brig, from Dnnedin. early Belle KrauGon, schooner, from Levuka Jcdith, schooner, from aoath Sea Islands, early Daii'-tles", (2), schooners, f-om New Caledonia Pacific, schooi er, from Samoa, early Hebe, brig, from Tasmania; sailed 7th instant

EXPORTS.

Per Union, barque, for Newcastle: 40,000 feet timber, J. S. Macfarlane and Co.—Stone. Bros., tgents.

Per He ena, for Lyttelton, via Mercury Bay : 100 000 feet timber, P. H. McKenzie. — G-. W. Owen, agent.

H.M. s. Rosario arrived in harbour from Sydney at six o'clock yesterday evening. She is last fiom Sydney, which poit she left on the Ist inst. She came acios3 under sail till enteiing the Hauiaki Gulf, when steam was got up, and the voyage finished by that ageiny. Light and variable winds and pleasaiit weather were experienced during the passage T v following is a lifb of the Eosai iv's officers: — Commander A.E. Dupius, Lime. B. Watson, Lieut. L. Jonea ; Nivi a»ting-Li>-ut, John Brown ; Staff Surgeon (2nd class), J. L. Whitney; Paymaster, P Presgrave; J ssistant-Paymaster, Patk Cummins; Sub-Lieub . Montague Hayes; Sub-Lieut, W. D. Pitt; Sub Lieut., J Paginal Daly ; Engineers : John Brown, G. Pai sons.

The barque Chocola, Captain Shepherd, arrived at Sydney from this port on the 27th ultimo, after a run of tixtee-n days.

JB.M.S Dido arrived at Sydney from Fiji on the 29 h ult.

jf The cutler Fancy has put out 16,300 feer of timber for Combes aud Daldy, and lias clear*--d for Waikawa in ballast.

The ship Hydaspes is detained alongside the "wharf waiting for a favourable wind for moving away.

The ship City of Auckland has been re ceiving cart»o pre'ty fast during the last few days. Captain Rails expects more wool for shipment immediately. The City will be filled up with a va'uabe cargo about the end of the m<unh.

The Dawn, Captain Hart, has cleared out wards for Haglaa wiuh 7560 feet of timber, J. W. Waller; 40 packages sundries, to address.

We understand that Mr Ba-bour, well known as the builder of the cutter Fannie and the schooner Albatross, two of our smartest coasting crafts, is at present en gaged at Kaihu (Kaipara) in building a top sail schooner for Mr J M. Dargavilie. The builder has received instructions to put together a fast and useful vessel of about 80 tons and is exeicising his own judgment entirely as to her shape and plan of construc tion. The vessel was begun some weeks back and will be ready for launching about the middle of February- too late unfortunately for the Regatta. We hear that Barbour Kuans to turn out something extra, and is already prepared to back the new unfinished craft, when launched, to beat any thing of her tonnage belonging to the port. It is some time since we have had any sport ing match between coasting craft of any size, and if a challenge to the Peerless, Dauntless, or any other of our crack schooners should result, we shall look fo> - ward with interest to»a match being arranged.

The brigantine Helena is to sail to-morrow morning for Me rcury Bay, where she is t > load timber for Lytte!ton. Her clearance at the Cust"m.3 was effected this morning. The Fiery Cross is to sail to-day from Tairua for Moeraki with timber shipped by Messis. Preece, Howard and Co.

The cutter Morning Light, having dis charged her cargo of 18.000 feet timber for Mr Holdship, has cleared out for Port Charles to fetch another loa^l.

The barque Union is to sul for Newcastle with a part cargo of timber as soon as the wind permits.

The cutter Dawn, loaded with, timber by Mr J. W. Waller for Raglan, is to sail at once from the Mannkau.

The Dante and Wild Duck are now load ing timber for the Waikato at Onehunga. _ The schooner Florence is to sail with timber for Lyttelton on Thursday. The Sir Isaac Newton left Tairua at the end of last week for Lyttelton with a cargo of timber, shipped by Preece, Howard and Co.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Napier, this day. The Cl"mat;s, ketch, sailed for Auckland on the 12fch in t. The s s. Result arrived at ten o'clock this morning from Auckland. DtTNKDiN, this day. The Taranaki left for the North yesterday Passengers for the Manukau : Mrs. Mitchell and Mr. H. Prince.

COMMERCIAL.

CALLS. £ s A. Bate. Albion ( 2nd issued .. .. 010 0 — Dec 16 South British OM Co ..0 1 0 — D«c2l Qic n of tha Thames ..010 — Dec2i Bl etc »ngel 0 10— Jec 26

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows:— ffor Thames to-morrow, at 9 30 am and 5 30 p.m. for Corom-mdel on Kriday next, at 10 30 a m For Whitwngi, ptr Oce»n, this ri»y, at. f> p m ""or Wanetroa, p»r Ruby this day, at 5 p m For Tairua, per Oor»(ie. to-morro.w, at 10 a m For Tauranga, per Vine nt, tomorrow, at 10 a m For Wangarei, etc ,pr Chde, to-morrow, at 6p m For Taranaki and Wanganui, per Go-ahead, to morrow, ntlpm For Opotikl, per FanDy Kelly, on Friday next, at spm For Tiranaki, Sauthern provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Lanyt.ird, on »a v day next, rilpm Late letters will he received until 1.15 pm For the unde-mectloned placei per Oyphrenes, on Monday, 28th instant, as follows : — For Sandwich IsUnds. United Sta*e3 of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and S uth *merica, and British and Foieign West Indies, at 5 p m. for tho United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 5 p.m For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 4 p. m Late Jel.ters bearing an extra fee of Cd will be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing. 8. B. Biss. Chief Postmaster

DEATHS.

Porter.—On December 14, at .Termyn-Btreet, Arthur William, infant son of Mr Alfred Porter; aged 3 weeks. Gribbin —On the 14th inst, Lewis, youngest son of Francis and Jane Gribbin ; »ged 2 years. The funeral will leave Julinburgh-atreet, Newton, at 4 p m , tomorrow.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1874.

for the cauxe that lack!' tutsUtance, For the wrung: liiat m-i/us msi.taac*, for the fsture in the distance. Aid i.tu t-Miil that ■«* can lie

Mr Sewell. as appears in our telegrams, published in our yesterday's issue, has taken the opportunity of ventilating his opinions through the press on the partial abolition of provincialism. This is the only course open for public men, if the resolutions of Mr Vogel in spite of the earnest desires of the country are pressed before an opportu nity is afforded to the public to properly con sider the subject, and to give expression to their views through the ballot box. Mr Sewell's opinions are at all times deserving of consideration, and especially on a constitu tional question like this. As an acknowledged leader among centralists, and regarded as in a sense the " Father of Centralism," his sympathies cannot be suspected of any lurking inclination towards the continuance of the provincial system, and yet he is not in favour of the partial measure which so many lesser lights regard as the thin end of the wedge, that its to split off provincialism from our constitu tional system. And it is not to the n

provinces that he addresses his plea, but in the head-quarters of those who love their own provincial institutions, and who are willing enough to see provincialism abolished elsewhere, so loDg as the movement comes no^ home to their own doors, he warns the people of the danger of this partial revolution, and urges that it would be safer for the Middle Island to support a proposal for the abolish ing of all Provincial Governments than to accept the " anomalous and very dangerous" condition of endeavouring to be under a divided Constitution. That this is the belief throughout the whole people of the North Island who are not prevented by circumstances and relations from thinking for themselves, there can be no manner of doubt. There are those indeed who accept of anything coming from the hand of Mr Vogel as divine, and who would follow and support him with equal readiness if he proposed to abolish the entire Constitution, and set up Julius Eex. But whatever view the Southern Provinces may take of the matter, being less immediately concerned 5 there is no Northern representative, no Northern constituency, but should agree with Mr Sewe 1 in estitnatiag the "anoma lous and very dangerous condition " to which the impulsive pettishness of the Premier would have reduced us. It may require greater prescience on the part of Southern residents to note the future results of this anomaly. Few r fleeting men thtre can' believe that it will continue for ever, and a time passes on, ml politic-1 passions calm we believe it must be generally felt, even there, that the struggle which must Buper v tae will result either in the Southern Pro- r

yinces following those of the >orth in the way of absorption, orwill growintosomething of the dimensions of a civil war, and eventuate

in either virtual or entire disseverance cf the islands. The calm reasoning of such men as Mr Sewell must have the desired effect if time were only given; but such is the headstrong impetuosity of Mr Vogel, and such the sycophancy of his nKserat>le train of hangers-on that it is not improbable thi s «' anomalous and dangerous" position will be taken from which retreat will hot be effected without years of heartburnings and

civil discord. Time is all that is required to brirg about the desired consummation, but

time is the Very thing which the party in power declines to afford. It is indeed humiliating that the derangement of the gastric juices, or the acbing of the big toe of Qiie roan t-hould be enough to throw the whole country in fo this ferment, a ferment which may result in—anything; and more humiliating it is to see so large a body of so-called representatives whose political faith and earthly fortunes are bound up with such digestive disarangements, and who accept the dicta of a distempered toe as the utterances of the Delphic oracle. Mr Sewell's warning notes will reverberate through many a political circle in the South, and may result on calm reflection; but it

seems to us that no warning and no expostu lation, but merely the exercise of a spirit of independence and common sense should be required to inspire our Northern constituen cies to demand the abolition of all the pro vinces or none, and to protesf, and insist on

their representatives protesting, against ac cepting this " anomalous and dangerous con dition of endeavouring to be under a divided Constitution."

We are informed that previous to the Cj pineries leaving San Francisco a meeting of tha Pacific Mail Company was held to consider the question of entering into com petition for the colonial trade. It was stated at the meeting that when the Com pany's steamers City of Pckin and City of Tokaio arrived at Francisco from New Yoik the Company would have two steamers —the Vasco de Gama and Vancouver- at li'ieity, and it was Miggested that these shou-'d be put. on the Australian trade, puivly aa merchantmen. Ore of the chief arguments urged in favour of the sen* me was, that the Company would be al>le to dra-v regular supplies of coal from New -outh Wales. Nearly the whole of the Pacific Mail Company's business is with China and Japan, and their coal supplies ore diawn chiefly from Newcastle, and conveyed in sailing ships. It was believed that the freight guaranteed by the demand for coal would, in connection with general freight and passenger traffic, secure the profit able working of the service The route pro posed is fiom fan Francisco to Honolulu, thence to Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, returning by I he same route to Port Chalmers along the New Zealand coafct and so back to Honolulu and San Francisco. It will be noticed that this proposal embodies an intention to compete in the coasting trade of Australia and New Zealand, and it may be remarked that although an Act was passed specially iw this colony to enable the t>an Francisco mail steamers to trade along the coast, we veiy much doubt whether the Australian law would permit of this species of competition. That the maritime lawb of the United States, at ai>y rate, are not so liberal in favor of foreign thip owners, is pretty clea'ly indicated by the fact that the steamers Vasco de Gamo and Vancouver, which it is proposed to em ploy in this way, being rnglish-built screw steamers, are professedly char tered by the Pacific Mail Company, although really owned by them ; the object of the distinction is to evade a protective enactment svhich prohibits the purchase of English vessels by American Companies. Both are fine steamers about the same ton nage as the'l art ar, but fitted up similar in style to the Mikado The City of Pekin was due in San Francisco when the Cyphrene* left. In her voyage round from New York she lost two of her fans and the Captiin put into Mo for repair?, but after discharging half bis cargo changed his intention and proceeded on his voyage to San Francisco. The City of Tokaio was on the point of leav ing New York at date of last advices. We shall probably hear mure definite newß re garding the scheme in a month or two.

The following has been sent to us, with a request for its publicati n: — "To the Editor : Sir, —In this morning's Cross a leader appears holding up to ridicule a mother who wrote to the school teacher at >t. Matthews, asking that the boy be excused for not bting prepared with a particular day's lesson in grammar. I think, sir, you will agree wiih me that a teauber who has so far forgotten himself as to expose a note of the sort is scarcely fit for his pofcition. There are many parents who have not themselves had ad vantages in their jouth who are anxious that the r children should receive a good education, aud it 18 very bad taste for a teacher to thus hold up a parent to ridicule before her child. Any person reading the short note as given in the Cross can see that it was not from any objection to the learning of grammar, but only an excuse for a single occasion of unpre paredness ; aud an editor must be very hard up for something to write about, when he takes advantage of such a little thing to ventilate his own snobbery. It is worth noting the air of exalced supercilioubiiess with which the editor writes of the poor woman " whose course of life had been fol lowed without that useful accomplishment." There are'many such mothers in Auckland, and it will not benefio the cause of education in this city, if a note relative to a child's education which may happen to contain a word or two incorrectly spelled is not to be treated as a cenfidemial communicauon, but is forwarded to the public press for exposure. 1 can only say that if " Sidney" were my child, and his mother my wife I should pay a visit to the teacher, and leave with him such tokens of my opinion as he Would re member for the remainder of his teaching career. —1 am, etc., A Parent.

Once again we would appeal to the kindly feelings of the people of Auckland, an appeal which never heretofore have we ma<<e in vain. Some three months ago, a man of the name of Jtiobert Irwin, from the accidental slipping! of a plank, broke his leg in Free man's Bay. Since then he has b^en laid up in Hospital, and the leg having been healed he is discharged. But he is utteily helpless and laid up with rheumatism, which has supervened on the accident, and from which it is agony for him even to turn in bed. He has five little children, the eldest of them under eight years of age, who with his wife have been entirely dependent on him for their daily bread. The position to which they are at present reduced is such as to appeal to the heart of any one that can feel for another's woes His wife believes that if she could only procure a mangle she might earn enough to put bread in the mouths of her little ones and of her husband until he recovers, and it will afford us sincere pleasure to be the medium for receiving and transmitting any money that may be kindly handed to us for this object. Truly one half of the world does not know the other's trials, and in this genial Christmas time we hope that some will «f their fullness provide a litoJe to lift trouble from this household on which affliction and poveity have settled down together.

The members of the Fire Brigade held a meeting last evening, Mr Superintendent Hughes in the chair. After the chairman's speech, the immediate business of the meeting was proceeded with, namely, the presen ra;ion of substantial helmets to twenty members of the brigade, and the announce ments that three new members had been elected and others were proposed for membership. The brigade will meet for practice on Monday next.

We receive some rummy queries. Here is one of them :-To the Editor Evening Star : Can you or any of your readers inform me why it is easier to take out a screw with a long-handled screw-driver than with a short-handled one.—Yours, Enquires. [At first blush we say, because you get a better grip of the tool. No, that won t do. With the big oue .you get your elboW at it. and with the little one only your knuckles ot your wrist. ]So, that won'c do, The big oiie will be broader and ybu get more leverage. No, that won't do With the big one you can give a bigger push. No, that won't do. A.h bother him, he's taking a rise out of us. How could he "take out" a Ecrew with a "driver." It is not a driver at all. it's a " drawer" he means. Is Enquirer an Irish man !or did he ever see an iron milestone ? If he takes out his screw by "driving" it must be like the donkey that had to be rushed one way to make him go the other. We give it up.]

At the Supreme Court to-day, there was a special fitting before his Honor, for the further investigation of the bankruptcy case of George Thome, jun. Mr McCormick again appeared for the opposing creditors, and Mr Whitaker for the bankrupt. Mr Ivey's examination in chief having been concluded at the last sitting, his cross examination was proceeded with by Mr Whitaker. The subjects examined upon have all been referred to in our previous reports. Mr Ivey admitted that he had used persuasion to I ap tain Elliott and Mr Belcher to prove against the estate for Is lid and 10b respectively. The object of getting these creditors to prove was, that tb.9 Bank might appoint their own Trustee. At the meeting of creditors on the 22ad January, witness was the only one present. It; was then that Mr Jones was elected Trustee.

Complaints are very prevalent in various parts of the suburbs regarding damage to trees and plants and robberies from gardens. Mr F. J. Jones, one of the sufferers in Newton, announces a reward for the detection of the offenders. Four children "were lately born at a birth— two of them alive in the parish of Cusop, Herefordshire, England. The curate writes that the father, a 1011-keepcr in poor circum stances, and who has already four children to provide for, "though naturally confused, senna grateful."

AYe Iparn that Mr. .T. C. Morrin's tender of £8000, with an addition of £350 for the whole of his eslato, baa been accepted. The amount is payable, £2000 in cash, and the balance at two, four, and six months guar anteed.

The members of the Independent Order of Free Gardeners, recently constituted, will meet this evening at the Lodge - room, Wellesley-street, ao 7 30. Members for initiation should, previous to the meeting, see Dt Daw son, the medical officer of the Society!

We have received a letter from "H.E.W.K " commenting in strong terms on the action of our morning contemporary in relation to the girl charged with the burn ing at the Kotth •-hore ; but as there is not anything advanced in the letter beyond uhat has been ahead> said, and as we think the mutter has been sufficiently commented on, we shall ask our correspondent to excuse our withholding his letter.

" Observer" writes to us all the way from Hamilton to tell ub how the sword of I>finioclcß was hanging over our head, and how some on^ came intent on smiling us in the face, but whose couiage appears to have ouzed out of his linger tips. We are happy to learn that he has retired again to a life of rural (simplicity ■without any evil having be fallen him. l)oubtless he is happy himself.

Ibe season for new almanacs is approach' mc, and we have now received copies of the Isew Zealand Insurance Company's and South British card c .lend«r for 1875. Both are from the Herald steam lithographic establithment, and do infinite credit to that office. Copies can be obtained at the offices of the Companies.

Writing with reference to Auckland iden tities now in San Francisco, a correspondent informs US that Mr E. J. Cox is doing a splendid legal business in Chicago, the largest in that city. Captain Stetson had arrived in !>au Francitco from Few Yoik in the Celestial >tar. He waa again un fortunate, having experienced a very unfavourable passage, with heavy weather, especially round Cape Horn, during which the mainmast was sprung. His vessel had nearly completed repairs when the Cyphrenes left. Captain Shepherd who nold the Hokulele in Auckland is in San Francisco. The owners of that vessel are bo well satisfied witli the price obtained for her that they intend to send another vessel to the colonies, probably to Sydney, for sale. The ship Allahabad which made a splendid run of 41 <lays, loaded wheat at San Francisco at the best prices, and left for Liverpool on the morning of the 30th September, so that the Captain stands a very good chance of clearing the cost of his repairs at Auckland this voyage. Mr Hugh Craig is managing a sawmill at Oakland, and is contemplating matrimony. Mr James O'Neill who went up to San Fi ancisco in the Cyphrenes proceeded straight through to Liverpool. It was under stood that he had a commission from the Government in connection with emigration to New Zealand from Ireland.

Gas has been an unknown luxury for three nights out of the last ttn in Newmarket. We can say if candle*, in comparison with gas, as the Irishman said of the moon when com paring that luminary with the sun. " The moon," argued he, "was far the best, as it shone when there was no other light " In Newmarket last night the candles again had the best of the argument.

Cheap bootsiare what all people want ; it is worthy of note therefore, that in conse qut-nce of a dissolution of partnership, Messrs Marks and Mcl eary of 3 Queen street, have determined to offer their im mense sock of women's and men's boots and shoes of all descriptions ab cost prices. The sale will only continue for one month.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

GRAHAMSTOWN

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. Cricketing, Maori Matters, and Rifle

Shooting. An Auckland cricketing eleven, known as the " Hauhaus," visit the Thames to play a match of cricket on Saturday.

It was stated at the Tararu Wesleyan Sunday-school soiree last night that the scholars showe 1 an increase duriDg the year. The Advertiser has been requested to state that the letter written by Te Monarvui calling Mr Mackay a snake in the grass w*s not written with Mr. Puckey's knowledge, but was written by the natives, with the assist ance of Dixon, who was sent for by them.

The sixteen representatives who qualified for rifle firing are considered a very strong team for the colonial contest. They are ex pscted to fully keep up the reputation of the Thames shots. Several, in fear of sbots, re tired, who allowed Hoskins and others to fire for qualification.

TAURANGA.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day, The Charge of Embezzlement.

David SiuarD Lyell was again arraigned on a charge of embezzl-. ment, and remanded to Auckland. He leaves to-night in the Southern Cross.

TAURANGA.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day. Lyell, accused of embezzlement from the

Jtfartoh batik, appears quite unconcerned and callous.

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

DUNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent). This day. ftews from Calmer laggings. Accounts from the •• star's" own corres pondent, at the Palmer Diggings are not satisfactory, and urge great caution. The Murderer Sullivan in the Colonies again. The notorious Sullivan, of Maungatapu notoriety, was met lately in Sydney, and also in Melbourne. He returned from Eng land a few days ago by one of the late arrivals. The Oneco Tragedy. Dodd, second mate of the Oneco, was dis charged from gaol this morning. Falling off in the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce could not raise a quorum for the annual meeting to-day. The number of members showing great falling off. The report to be submitted recommends before next session that strong steps should be taken to urge upon the Government and individual members of the Assembly the necessity for passing into law the Bill which twice passed the Upper House, and embodies many suggestions for amendment of the present law emanating from the other cham bers in the colony. It states that the revenue returns for the past year show that the tariff of 1873 is. as predicted, a heavier burden upon the imports of tbc colony than that which superseded it. In the Chambers opinion the wisdom of the change to ad valorem duties has been established by the experience of the past year, and it earnestly deprecates further meddling with the tariff ' The comparative tables appended to the ■ report exhibit conspicuously the great com mercial activity experienced during the year, and proves that Dunedin has decisively maintained its position as tho first commer cial port of the colony. Serious Crimes in Out Districts. The country papers contain an unusually heavy record of crime. At Invercargill the police have received information of an attempt to burn down the Laurence Hotel. A man named Dyer has been arrested for stabbing George Haines, a gardener, in a quarrel arising between Dyer and another man. Haines had attempted to make peac* when he felt himself stabbed in the wrist by Dyer, who ran off, bu:; was next day captured by the police at Oamaru. Housebreaking and Attempted Strangulation.

.lames Burnes has been sentenced to twelve months' hard labour for assault. He had entered a dwelling, and being detected, ma^e a savage attack on the londlord, who was in bed, and nearly strangle 1 him. At Tokomauiro the police are investigating an arson case. Picnic to Sargoods' Employees. Sargood and Sons gave a monster picnic to their employes oh Saturday. Over 400 were present. Mr Sargood intimated that within twelve months the firm would erect here if not the largest manufacturing; establishment in the Australian colonies —one that would, at least, equal any in elegance and exterior design. Representative Firing. The south dibtrict firing for representatives, resulted: McLaren, 200 yards, 23; 400 yards. 25 ; 500 yards, 22 ; 600 yards, 22. Total 00. Outwaid San Francisco Mail. The departure of the 8 in Francisco mail from here is delayed until the 19th, to enable people to reply to inward correspondence.

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. Bungle at the Governor's Reception- There appears to have been a perfect muddle over the public reception to the Governor. The fact of the matter is, either our Mayor was a regular nincompoop, or l)r Pollen and the members of the Government misunderstood, or misrepresented, the wishes of the Governor in the matter. Anyhow, not the slightest preparations were marie for his reception. It is all bunkum that the people were much disappointed at there being no reception. Sensible folks were rather favorably impressed on learning what they thought was the Governor's wish, and said "Heis a sensible man He knows that all these things are mere leather and prunella, and ought to be discountenanced at this time of day."

The reception yesterday showed a great want of organization, but passed over well. Probably 5000 people were present, who, after one or two attempts, managed a faint cheer, and they seemed rather proud of it, being the first heard in Wellington for many years.

I am informed, on good authority, that the Provincial Government contemplate erecting on the Adelaide Road a brick hospital. They will have a machine for making bncks, and will utilise prison labour for making them As other conciliatory bits of work are being about to be done in parts of the country, the Provincial Government intends to stand well with the people whether they have to be rubbed out or not. Reclaimed Land- Mr. O'Malley, the contractor for reclaimed land at Thorndon, appears to have made arrangements with the Provincial Govern ment whereby he can go on with the work on a large scale pretty soon. A great deal of preparatory work, however, must necessarily be done first, as the erection of cottages fur labourers on the ground where the ex cavations are to be done Influence of Railways on Hotels. The opening of the railway has doubled the traffic of certain public houses andjplaces of business, and quite ruined it in others. Dunedin New Screw Collier. The Easeby came alongside the wharf yesterday. She is a perfect Noah's Ark of wrought iron, carrying about 2300 tons of coal, besides a lot of miscellaneous cargo. Her object here is to gather up passengers for the South. E. J. Wakefield, M.H.R., inthe hospital. E. J. Wakefield, the incomprehensible M.H.R., is just now a patient in the colonial hospital. Defence of Mr. Reynolds, MH R. The Tribune comes to the rescue of Mr Roynolds, Commissioner of Customs, and defends him against the sneers of the JDune din Times. It considers that the fact of the Government organ damning a Minister with faint praise is altogether inexplicable, unless it displays a lurking love of mischief aad a desire to have a fling all round.

NAPIER.

(From our own Correspondent.) •This day,

Transit of Venus at Poverty Bay. The Poverty Bay Standard is just to hand, and says, " Although the weather was cloudy on Wednesday, many good;observations of the transit were taken." The inter-provincial cricket match, Napier v. Wellington, takes place on Boxing day. Government Railway Bungling. Another Government bungle has occurred on the Napier and Paki Paki railway. The station at Paki Paki is nearly completed, and has had to be removed a distance of two hundred feet. The present time-table gives, great dissatisfaction. Numerous complaints are made, but no notice is taken. The local journals have repeatedly drawn attention to the present unsatisfactory time-table. The Southern Cioss Contract. The Southern Cross, under the preseut , charter has only one more trip to make from Napier.

It is reported that the grass in Poverty Pay is affected with ergot. The report has probably raised the price of seed. Mortality among Shefp. There has been an enormous mortality amongst the sheep in the province during trie past winter. One station which sheared ten thousand last shearing, only sheared six thousand this. Hogget Sockets suffered most.

WELLINGTON.

f Per Press Telegram Agency.] This day.

Governor's Levee— Railway.—Rail-

■way Construction. The Governor holds a full dress levee on Wednesday. Peremptory notice has been given to the contractors for the Kimutuki tunnel on the Wellington and Masterton Railway that they must proceed more energetically, or the Government will interfere in such a manner as to cause the contract to be carried oat properly.

Cruise of the Luna. The Tuna It-ayes this morning with Ameri can mails for the South, and takes a quantity of oil and stows for Southern lighthouses. Messrs Seed, Blackett and Johnston are passengers, and will visit the various light houses on the route.

Purchase of Wool. Wool is being bought here now for direct shipment to America. A large parcel wa3 sold yesterday privately to the agent for an American buyer.

Only One Colonial Representative Qualified. Out of ten town Volunteers who qualified as company representatives, only Piou> tree, of the Scottish^ with 84, qualified as district representative.

DUNEDIN.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day. Three companies have yet to fire for choice of representatives. The following have qualified so far :—McTO-nzie. 94 ; Marshall, 92 ; Wilson, 91 ; McLaren, 90 ; Goldie, 88; Puchardson. 86 ; Nightingale, 85. Dodd. late second mate of the Oneca, has been discharged from gaol under an order fiom Judge Chapman. The Palmerston -Tor-key Hub upheld the decision of the Dunedin club in disqualifying Mabel.

THE SUMMER RACE MEETING.

Or/R Summer Race Meeting is now nigh at hand, and if the number of horses engaged in the races already closed, and those at work for the remaining events is any criterion of the sport we are likely to get, I must con gratulate the public at large, and the Cluh generally, that at our Christmas meeting we are likely to have more horses engaged, and better competition, than has been experi encd in Auckland for several years. I should like to see the sporting men of Auckland, and more especially the promoters of the sport, take a Jittle more interest in our races At most places in the colony, we find men up with the lark, and paying the different training grounds a vis-it to sets which of the cracks they most fancy, but here no one seems to take that amount of interest until a couple of days before the races. An r one turning out in good time— say four o'clock will be' able to see Jack Miliisou out with Sir Charle.«, Never Mise, and Kangi. the latt-r has only just joined his string ; she is by riavt-nswortb, darn Sky) ird, and is engaged in the Auckland Cup and the Derby, amt is the property of vfr George Crumraer; she ran here last May as a two-year-old in the Trial Stakes, but not being half trained, and the distance being too far as a two-year old, she wag beaten by Bismarck, but finished in advance of Bedouin, who won the St. Leger on the following day. She next appeared at Christ church at their late meeting, and ran Tadmor by Caledon dam Brunete out of Hob Keays stable a dead heat for the Derby in 2 mm. 50 sec , in the deciding heat she was beaten by the colt, not having had sufficient work to run another severe race so soou after, against a horse m condition, and tit to run for a man's life. Her next essay was at Welling ton, where she run for the Maiden Plate, won by lough Keagh. Bichardson, Hangi'sjockey however, lodged a protest against the winner on the ground of having gone inside a post, which was not en ertained by the stewards, although another jockey in thesame race confirmed Bichardson's statement. There is not the slightest doubt that Richard son on Kangi thought he had won, from the following report taken from the New Zealand Times :—" Coming up the straight Lough heagh recovered himself, and went in first, although quite at the sufferance of Hangi's jockey, who declared that Lough Keagh ran inside a post, and was therefore disqualified." Nevermiss has several times been seen on the Ellerslie course ; he has won two or three races, and is reported to be very fast for a mile. -He is in great health, and will, I hope, give a good account of himself, for his plucky owner deserves to have a slice of luck, fcir Charles, bred in the Waikato, and the pro perty of Mr Dribble, is a maiden, but nevei having seen him go, I cannot say much about him. I hear he ia looking well, and going as well as his veteran trainer cculd wish ; and as Millison is always dangerous, I should advise my readers not to take any liberties He has some tirst-class boxes at the back of Isaac G Wynne's, and seems to take great ca>e of his charges. I shall continue my notes on the horsee in training either tomorrow or on the following day

Blair Atfol,

Dr. ANTL IFF ON MARRIAGE.

This eminent minister delivered an eloquent lectute last evening, in the Edwardes-street Primitive Methodist Chapel, to a very large assemblage of persons. The lecturer was formally introduced by the chairman, Mr Firth, who made a few remarks on the desirabili y of knitting as closely as possible the bonds which still united the colonies and the old country, Dr AntlifF then delivered his lecture, according to pre vious announcement, on "Happiness in Wedlock," and after an interesting introduction he divided his subject into two parts: "Prudence before marriage," and " Proper conrluct after marriage," both of which were illustrated by numerous anec dotes, which were told exceedingly well, and were direct in their application of the subject, of married life, and which shewed that Dr. Antiiff is eminently a practical man. H» spoke of a young person whom he remembered who bore the interesting name of Mary, who was very careful about her toilet before mar riage, and when he said to her, " Mary, you are as particular as if you had just been married," Mary replied, "If i were married I could do as I liked ; but now that 1 am not married, I must try to catch him," and as to young men, the lecturer recommended, if they would like to know somewhat of their future wives, let them visit them on washing days. They should see how they bake pastry and cleaned Che grate, and if they failed in these matter*, his advice was, " shy off my friend, shy off " The doctor's lecture was full of this kind of easy, practical talk, which kept the audience throughout in capital spirits. Dr Antliffe's lecture reminded us very much of the style of that excellent book of CobbetnV" Advice to young men and women." It was full of sound admonition and practical wisdom, ami quite a treat in this age of false appearances and sad hearts. Dr Antliffe will deliver ; lecture this evening in the Sheridan-street chapel on "Domtstc Happiness."

MADAME GODDARD.

IT is hardly necessary to remind our reader, that Madame Goddard's opening SS takes place in the Choral Hall to-nieht a very large number of seats have already W referved, and we have no doubt whaWT, that the assemblage that will gather to-nieS to receive the Queen of Pianists, will equal my that has graced her nrnst successful con certs in New Zealand. We yesterday made allusion to the programme of to-night's concert, which is again published ia our columns to-day ; but we would again direct attention to the musical gems that have been chosen to give eclat to the first appearance in this city of Madame Goddard, and the clever at present company associated with her!

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before G-. M. Mitford, and G. Yonder Heyde, Esquires, Justices) LITTLE TOM TUCKER An individual, who gave the classical name of Tom Tucker, but which was not literacy accepted by Constable Smyth, who expressed grave doubts as to the truth of prisoner's assertion, "Was found rolling drank in Chapel-street. As Tom Tucker did not appear, his bail was forfeited, henry's love. Henry Barstow was brouehfc up on a charge of striking; Margaret, his wife, on the 14th instant, thereby loosening her tooth and causing her lip to swell. Prisoner said he was drunk, but did not punch Maggie's head. Margaret Barstow said she wished to with draw the charge, as Henry did not usually shew his love in that way. Henry was drunk. The Bench said the case must be heard. In answer to Mr. Broham, complainant said that her husband came home drunk, and made a blow at her. He made the great Bcratch on her nose ; he broke all the tej things. But; she could not go against Henry • h.- had been in the v/ars, and had two wounds in the head. and. oh ! heavens, when the drink was in the wit went out. If Henry would keep out of the public-house he would be all right. She did not wish to punish him. William Joseph Cummins, a drummer deposed that he saw the fracas, and verily there was a great nm'se He laid down big music, and beheld the scene in wonderment. TL«'man not only knocked his wife down] and cracked her nose, but kicked her" violently in the side. He also made use of very bad language ; he actually Bwore in the presence of children. He must say, how. ever, that generally with the Barstows, there was six of one and half-a dozen of the other. They were both mighty fond of a drop. Prisoner said he was about to be initiated into a very respectable Templar Lodge He loved his wife, and hoped the Bench would look over it. He would be good in future. The Bench said he was a very old offender, and ordered him for offences of drunkenness, vagrancy, and assault, to twenty-one days' with hard labour. A CHILD OF THE SEA. William Jones, a seaman of small statnre, was brought up on a charge of absenting birns"lf from the Waitangi without leave on the 14th inst. The captain said that prisoner got drunk, but as he had returned to his work and was repentant, he was willing to withdraw the charge. The case was then withdrawn, prisoner paying court c^sts. AX ALCOHOLIC KICK. Michael McDermott was charged with destroying a pane of glass, value 30s, and a = gbss case, value £12, the property of P. EL uewisson, of Queen-street, on the 14th inst, Mr. Broham stated that prisoner purchased a watch of Mr- Lewrsson, and subsequently went back to the shop in a state of drunken ness, and committed the outrage. .. Mr. Lewisson said he belie?ed the man was mad when he committed the offence. He bad come from Henderson's Mill with a large sum of money, all of which he spent in drink. Be was disposed to withdraw thechitgeif* p-isoner would pay the damage, as themaa was mad drunk. The Bench said that drunkenness should not be niafie an excuse for the commission of crime. The case must be remanded until to morrow in order that enquiries may be made into prisoner's brief eventful history. THE DISADV »STAGE OF A BAD CHARACTER. Charles Hughes was charged with vagrancy, and with having no lawful means of gaining a livelihood. Prisoner said he was a highly respectable man ; he had served in various important unices in the city, which turned out to be those of a "hanger-on" or "loafer" at public-houses. Mr Boham informed the Bench that prisoner bore a very bad character, and had stood in the dock many times tor variou! jffences.

Prisoner said that was six months ago. _ Three months' imprisonment with hard/ labour. EXPENSIVE PETTICOATS. George Moss was brought up on a charge of illegally pawning two petticoats, value£B, the pio f -erty of Mrs. Emma Wells, of Wyndham-street, on th« 13th of November. Mr Laishley appeared for prisoner. _ Emma Weils, the prosecutrix, deposed that in October last the prisoner came to her shop and wished to see some expensive petticoat!, which he required for a Miss Mmphy n Hobson-street, and a Miss Porter, of Reamer* He took one away, and then the others, but did not pay for them. f*ome time after he brought the first petticoat back, as it did not suit Miss Murphy. He took it awaf.. again, saying it was exactly the sortofpetti oat th it Miss Porter wanted. He told net how much they had pleased Miss Porter, and t jat he would bring her the £8 for them- She understood that he was a dealer in snofl; things, and had implicit confidence in IUB honesty. She had dealt with prisoner before. To Mr Laishley : If she bad received tn? money she should not have dissapproved 01 the; sale of the petticoats; the money, «[ course was the chief object. There was as old gentleman, a Mr Harwood, that caj#» upon her, and said Mr Moss was ill, »F would pay for the petticoats on the Mona»J following. He never paid the money. ,i v Morris Marks, pawnbroker, of .Qae?°■ street, deposed that on the 13th November prisoner pledged the petticoats at his snop» in the name of Brown, for 13s, . To Mr Laishley : He could not nndertaw» ■ to value them, as they were fancy pettacosC. He should have sold them for £3 if ¥ n»u them on sale. -a 9 Detective Jeffrey arrested prisoner on i charge on Saturday last, when he acwo ledged that he had sold the goods, bat a not got the money. - The woman he s" them to had gone to the Thames. . Mr Laishley then addressed the &a*»>* and called a witness in prisoner's faVo, ur; ba<i Thomas Harwood, a tailor, deposed he suffered from palpitation of the hew* could not be hurried. He went w Wells as a friend of Moss, but bad no that he was upon petticoat business. Witness here shed tears., A pause, ness : Goon Mr Laishley, I'm bette. now, the palpitation's gone. tifflßi Witness continued : He asked aor Mrs Wells consented to give time iw to pay the money. He went » "«^Jjrf. when he learned that the trouble was »w petticoats. y.uhronsiA^' Palpitation again. Constable brougu ness a chair and s little water. " ofl Witness : 'Tis gone again ; you can g M^Ko, conned: M-JW-J-} M sbe had sold che petticoats to Mo* .n | lie did no. pay, she >h<m d tab»p«jjj J t . Ke was not a tai.or simply, but arenov i great difference, gentlemen. ; _ , qV&> The depositions having been rea the prisonsr, who reserved hl*«J^ rp W' fully committed for trial for illegally? ing. This waa all the business.

frHE EVENING STAR, tUteSDAY, DECEMBER 15, IZH.



EDWIN HOLLOW AY AND J. TONSON GARLICK Beg to inf >rm the inhabitants of Auckland they bave purchased the Stock and Premises known as THE CITY HALL DRAPKRY, CLOTHING, AND CAJ£PET ESTABLISHMENT, UPPER QUEEN-STREET, From Messrs Cosgravb & Co., AT A LAKGE DISCOUNT'OFF ENGLISH COST. A SALE OF THE GOODS Will be held ON FRIDAY, THE 18th DECEMBER, When that New, Extensive, and recently-imported Stock, purchased from th- Manufacturers of England FOX CASH, will re offered to the public at IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. Drapers and S o'ekeepers are invited to attend this great dale. - sit is the intention of the proprietors to CLEAR OUT TEE PRESENT STOCK:, In order to make extensive alterations in the The City Tail will be CLOSED on WEDNESDAY andTHUKSDa V, for marking dowj the Goods. HOLLOWAY & CAALIOK, CIS* HAI&.



VIEW SUMMER DJ*ESS GOODS. We have just opened a very choice lot of NEW SUMMER DRESS GOODS, Comprising— NEW PRINTED MUSLINS, IN GKEAT VaKIBTY. GRENADINES. PL&IN BLACK, BLACK STRIPED, and COLOURED STRIPED GRENADINES. WHITE SATIN, STRIPED MUSLINS, CHECK MUSLINS, Etc., Etc., Etc. 1 The above are NEW GOODS, just landed, and worthy of special attention, EUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (LATE It. HOBBS,) Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers JUNCTION DKAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) nVpTCR QTrEEN - STREET, AtTOKXATTD. independent or< eh of free gardeners (new Zealand). The Fortnightly Meeting of the above Lodge will be held in the lodsrerootn, Wellesley-sirset, this T(TKSD*Y, Ilvils'h mst. at 7 HO p m Members for initiation will pletse apcly to Dr Dawson, Medical Officer, ft Certifica'e of Health. RICHARD. T. TALBOT, Secretary.



COFFEE ! — Brown, Barrett, and Oo.'s Standar Coffees both delicious and strong. Brown, Barrett and Co.'s Excelsior coffee deserves preference t<i tu*d Coffee on account of purity and distinctness|of flavoury Note the brand. Sold at almost every g ocery oa liahment in town and province.—Advt.