SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

HIGH WATER : Thin eveniag, 7.22 ; io-monaw ttioiairig. 7.42 SUN-SET: This evening, 6.10; SUN-BIBB: s?c -morrow morning, 6 45 MOON'S AGE: Full Moon, 2nd May, 3.48 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Pretty Jane, s.s., put back from Waiheke, en route for Gisborne and Napier Vincent, cutter, put back, bound for Tauranga Rowena, s.s , from Russell Murray, s.s., from Russell

DEPARTURES.

Pretty Jane, s.s., for Gisborne and Napier Southern Cross, s.s , for Tauranga Belle Brandon, schooner, for Lyttelton

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Poverty Bay—Julius Vogel. schooner, at once For Hokianga—Lady Franklin, barque, at once For Rtas< ell—Rowena, s s., Monday, 4 p.m. Napier— Effie Meikle, schooner, immediately Mercury Bay—Swallow, and Oce*n, schooners, at

once Whitiangi— Saucy Lass, now ready Levuka, via Wangapoa—Daphne, early Napier and Southern ports- Cyphrenes, s.s , early London—Anazi, barque, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

St. Kilda, from Wanganui, to-movrow Rangatira, s.s., from Sydney, about Bth May Southern Cross, s.s., from England Empreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October 15 Jubilee, ship, from London, Sailed January 21 Rouparell, ship, from London. Sailed February 19 Bella Mary, from Hobsrt Town, early Huntley Castle, ship, from London, loading Isabella, brig, from Newcastle. Sailed 14th instant Annie Lisle, barque, from Newcastle. Sailed about

20th ult. Mary King, schooner, from Adelaide, early Ocean "Wave, from Oamaru, early Rose M., barque, from Oamaru, early Augusta, schooner, from Sydney, early Edith, schooner, from South Sea Islands, early Excelsior, schooner, from Dunedin, early Serene, barque, from Wellington Clematis, ketch, from Lyttelton, early Ryno, schooner, from Lyttelton

The whaling barque Albion has had all her upper masts sent down, and has been placed alongside the Breakwater for a thorough overhaul previous to refitting for another cruise. Messrs Henderson and Spraggon's new schooner is to be launched on Tuesday. The s.s. Pretty Jane, which left on Thurs day, bound for East Coast, was unable to make way against the heavy sea sweeping round Cape Colville, and was obliged to put back into Waiheke Bay yesterday Late in the evening she came back into harbour, anchoring off the wharf. She sailed again early this morning. The s.s. Rowena arrived from Russell at half-past seven this morning, having left that port at 12.20 mid-day yester day. She encountered an E.S.E. half-gale all down the coast, with very heavy sea. She brings the following passengers :— Messrs S. Yates, Dalzie!, Mrs and Master Whitehead, Mrs Hogg, Mr and Mrs Tobias, Mr and Mrs Levoi, and 7 in the steerage. Her cargo consists of 2 casks oil, and 5 bags gum. We are obliged to the purser for report and Russell news. The barquentine Fanny arrived at Wanga roa on the 30fch ultimo to load timber.

The schooner Eliza Mary has nearly finished loading timber at Wangaroa. The schooner Effie Meikle has cleared for Napier via the East Coast. She will sail at the first opportunity. The schooner Swallow takes a small cargo of stores to Mercury Bay. The barque Lady Franklin has cleared at the Customs with a small general cargo for Hokianga. The schooner Ocean is about to sail for Mercury Bay in ballast.

The schooner Julius Vogel has cleared out for Poverty Bay with a general cargo and 30,000 ft. timber to be shipped at Wangapoa.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Ladybird, s.s., Andrews, from the South Go-ahead, McG-illivray, from Wanganui

DEPARTURES.

Tarahaki, s.s, Wheeler, for the South (Suez Mail) Pawn, cutter, for Raglan

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Lady Bird, from the South : 1 cask, 1 keg shot, H. F. Anderson ; 1 bale, McArthur, Shera & Co.; 1 case, order ; 3 cases, 1 pge, 2 grates, Phillips ; 1 case, Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. ; 3 cases, J. W. Hoare - 1 trunk, 1 bag, 1 case, A. Barnes ; 4 eases, Brown, Barrett and Co. ; 1 parcel, Bank of New Zealand ; 1 case, J. F. Carter ; 1 case, Inspector Broham ; 2 cases, x t»ol1o, MtvjoT. Tisdall; 94 bags barley, Seccombe; 1 case, Postmaster; 1 case, McFarlane ; 1 parcel, J. Mwt, . \ pg e , H. Gilfillan ; 6 kegs butter, J. Solomon ; / i^g* butter, Nathan; 1 box, Graham, 1 case, T. H. Hall; 2 cases butter, T. Veal ; 1 bale wool, A. Buckland; 2 cans butter, M. Hood ; 2 cases fish, Solomon and Margetts.

EXPORTS.

Per s.s. Taranaki, for the South.—For New Plymouth :60 cases kerosine, A. Smart; 12 cases, 6 casks, 3 bales, S. W. Hill; 12 cases, 2 \- chests tea, 7trunks, Lewis Bros.; 4 cases, 1 saw, 1 prcl, 7 pgs, 16 barrows, 1 keg, 1 truss, 1 case, A. Clark and Sons; 1 prcl, Barnes ; 3 bags iron-stones, Captain Sym monds; 1 case, Owen and Graham ; 2 cases, Brown and Co.; 3 trusses, McArthur and Co.; 1 pge., Gittos. For Nelson: 1 box, A. and G. Price; 1 case potash, Brown and Co. ; 60 kits oysters, Welby. For Picton : 1 parcel, Kissling; 1 trass, Lewis Bros. For Wellington: 12 cases, 6 casks, 3 bales, S. W. Hill; 6 kegs shot, Morrin; 2 pgs effects, Hill; 1 keg nails, Morrin ; 10 coils rope, Macfarlane; 1 case, Nathan; 2 cases arms, Storekeeper; 1 box, Barnes; 1 spar, Sims; 1 parcel cane, Ah Kew; 4 pgs, 104 bars iron, 11' bdls, Porter and Co. ; 2 cases, Kempthorne ; 2 cases, Lewis Brothers ; 1 case, Levy and Co.; 1 spar, McKenzie ; 110 kits oystere, 4 sacks nuts, Wilby. For Lyttelton : 13 cases, 2 trusses, I parcel, Lewis Bros.; 100 kits oysters, Wilby. For Port Chalmers : 10 empty hhds, Keed; 3 cases, Bank of New Zealand ; 4 pgs, Waller; 5 cases, Lusk ; 6 cases/fire kindlers, Williams ; 1 parcel, Marks; 9 cases Kempthorse;2 bales leather, Ireland; 43 Jbdls sacks, Binney.—Combes and Daldy, •gents.

H The s.s. Lady Bird, H. E. S. Andrew commander, arrived in the Manukau at half past eight o'clock this morning. She left Port Chalmers at 4 p.m. on the 25th ultimo., arrived at Lyttelton at noon on the 2Gth ; Bailed at 7 p.m. on the 27feh, arrived in Wel lington at 1 p.m. on the 28th ; sailed at 2 p.m. on the 29th, arrived at Picton at 8 p.m., and sailed at 10 p.m. same night; arrived at Nelson at 8 a.m. on the 30fch, and Bailed at 7 p.m. same night; arrived at Taranaki at 10 a.m.; sailed at 5 p.m. same day, and arrived in Manukau as above. Ex perienced fine weather throughout the pas sage. Passengers:—Mrs Morley and family, Mrs Biley, Miss Walmsley, Messrs Edger, Prince, Black, Worthington, Smith, Haines, Boardrnau, and 5 steerage. We are indebted to Mr Lougherty, purser, for files and report. The, s.». Taranaki left for the South at 10.30 this morning. She took a general cargo and the following passengers : His Hon. Sir G. A. Arney and secretary (Mr Fitzgerald), the Hon. Dr. Pollen, Mr Seed Inspector of Customs, Mr Browmyell and daughter, Mr

Dignan,?Mrs'Knapp, Jno Martin, Cap. Lloyd, Messrs C. F. Mitford, Hill, Morton, A. H. Hunter, Bichard Lee, James McCallum, D. M. Jacobs, Petchell, H. Kean, E. Fergusson, Mr and Mrs Tizard. About fourteen in the steerage. Amorjg the cargo were two fine kauri spars for a Tessel at Lyttelton. The s.s. Go-Ahead is to sail for Waitara at 10 a m. to-morrow.

The s.s. Go-Ahead, from Wanganui, crossed the Bar at noon to-day. She brings a cargo of live stock.

PORT OF RUSSELL.

Whaling Vessels Entered Inward^. April 27—Atlantic, barque, 291 tonß, Brown, from whalinggr ounds Aprif2e—Rainbow, 351 tons, Cny, from whaling grounds

Whaling Vesseis Entered Outwards. Apiil 24-Osmanli. 202, tons, Williams, for whaling grounds, -with part of original cargs April 27— Jno. Howland,3B4 tons, Cole, for whaling grounds

The barque Osmanli put to sea on Satur day last. The barque John Howland is to sail im mediately. The collier schooners Julia Price and Mariner are lying in harbour windbound, ready to sail. The schooners Golden Isle and William and Julia, and the cutter Fawn, are loading at the mines.

The barque Atlantic, which arrived on the 27th from the whaling grounds, hails from New Bedford. She touched at Mongonui at the beginning of the present 'year, and then landed a good quantity of oil. Since that time she has done very well. She now brings into Eussell 90 ban els sperm oil and 500 barrels of humpback oil, as well as 25001bs of whalebone.

The whaling barque Rainbow, Captain Gray, arrived on the 28th ultimo. Her cruise has extended over nearly a twelve month, and during that time she has managed to boll down 300 barrels sperm and 375 barrels humpback oil. She also brings loOOlbs whalebone. It will be recollected that the Rainbow is the barque on which the murderer Eppright was a sailor and his victim Garrity third mate.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Grahamstown, this day. The s.s. Star of the South arrived here from Napier at 6 o'clock. §pSBS)g WANfiANUi, This day. The St. Kilda, out of Greymouth, will leave here for the Manukau for certain on Monday.

COMMERCIAL.

The market to-day presented a somewhat livelier appearance. Vegetables and apples were plentiful. The butchers were looking up with a good show of beef and mutton.— At Mr Arthur's sale of poultry yesterday fowls realised lOd to 2s 6d ; ducks, Is Id to Is 6d; geese (fine), 2s 9d ; and turkeys, Is lid. to 3s sd. At Mr Fenton's central mart we noticed a splendid sample of country fresh butter, Is Gd to Is 9d ; also^ a quantity of Canterbury bacon—the first of the season.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails vim. Clobb as Under :—

For Thames, on Monday next, at 10.SO a.m. and 5.80

p.m. For Coromandel. on Monday next For Taranaki, via Waitara, per Go-ahead, this day,

at 5 p.m. For Napier and Southern provinces, per Mikado, six

hours after arrival For Tauranga, per Murray, on Monday next, at

3 p.m. For Hussell, Wangarcs, and Mongonui, per Rowena

on Monday next, at 4 p.m. For Rarotonga and Tahiti, per Coronet, on Tuesday next, at 3 p.m. For Kawau and Warkworth, per Lady Bowen, on

Tuesday next, at 10 am. For Chatham Islands, per Ocean Wave, on Monday

next For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Ladybird, on Wednesday next, at 10 a.m. (Signed) R. V. Btsp, Chief FoßtroaHtoT.

BIRTH.

Cafptk—On April 2fi. at Orum, Mougonui, the wifa of John Krancis Capper, of a daughter.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A Regular Reader. —Your effort at sar casm on Mr Tumor and the City Hall soiree is too painfully laboured. It might distress our readers. Your letter is, therefore, thankfully declined.

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

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1874.

For tho catine that lacks assistance, For tho wrong that needs rcslntance, For the future in tho distance, And ♦•'io good that we can do

We think no one will complain of a meagre bill of fare as submitted to the Provincial Council. In the lengthened "Message" transmitted yesterday, and which was given in cxlen.io in our columns, the Superinten dent has taken a somewhat unusual course on the meeting of Council after adjournment, but one that is not unwarranted considering the length of the recess and the importance of the matters that have been transacted in the interval. And in dealing with most of the subjects treated, hiß Honor has indulged in an explicitness of detail that should at least gratify curiosity, if it does not all the better prepare the members of Council for considering the several matters contained as these come up in order during the progress of the session. It has been a chronic griev ance and the cause of a long-continued growl the part of the settlers in outlying districts, that these dis tricts have been too much treated as a " terra incognita," and if a know ledge of these districts is a fitting pre paration for honestly and faithfully dealing with their true requirements the Superinten* dent has adopted the most judicious course in acquiring for himself and affording to the members of his Executive who are to manipu late the Estimates and prepare them for the Council a personal knowledge of the present condition and prospects of the province. That this knowledge has been reduced to a tangible form is evident from the lengthened and important reports and schedules from the Waste Lands Commissioner and the Provincial Engineer yesterday laid on the table of the Council; and that the Provincial Government, although engaged in this peripatetic study has not been indolent in the framing of materials for legisla tion is equally apparent from the number of important bills submitted with or indicated in his Honor's inaugural message. Of these the Highways Bill and the Educa tion Bill will of themselves, if honestly dealt with, afford abundant discussion for no in considerable portion of a sessioD. Important amendments of the legislation now regulating our rural municipalities have been every where asked for, and as a large proportion of the present Council consists of members conversant with and deeply interested in the requirements of Highway districts we may anticipate that a large amount of practical knowledge will be brought to bear on the measure, and that the prorince may at last obtain a compact and comprehensive code capable of dealing with every want that can arise in country districts for years to come. These districts it will be admitted have been greatly retarded by their' inability to under take works of permanence and extent jin or provide that great desideratum of the country—means of communication; and, as Heaven helps those that help them selves, it will be wisest to give to the resi dents themselves the pt wer, under safe res trictions, of bringing their own resources into operation for overcoming the difficulties that may happen to surround them. On the subject of Education it will be seen that a new measure is proposed. There has been a singular sensitiveness on tho part of cer tain, lest a rof the head of the present Act should be touched, as if it were the Alpha and the Omega of right regulation on this important subject ; and the wildest ideas have been darkly rumoured as to the dangerous intentions of those who dare to touch the sacred thing. That such ideas are but the emanations of a disordered fancy will, we think, be apparent; and though to some, doubtless, it is an article of faith that there have been no Acts and no systems of education ever existent anywhere in the whole world, save in the Auckland province, and none of these of any account save the present one, still there are others who have had a more extended experience than is bounded by the limits of the province, and think that

there may be found in the tbeoiies nu? ] r;.< tical doings of educationists all the world over features of excellence that may not be found even in this sacred Act of 1872. There are indeed certain principles which are indispensable in any education measure likely to prove either acceptable or suitable to the people of Auckland, and with these none but a fcol would attempt to tamper. But it seems to us that a new Council has an entire right to discuss a new measure for education or anything else if it wills it, and not necessarily to patch up the failures of its predecessors. Besides these two chief measures there are several others in the sessional programme of very considerable importance ; and as the new Council has not yet learned factiousness, and will in con sequence treat measures on. their merits, without looking to the little victories of division lists, we feel warranted in anticipating a considerable amount of intelligent, and unbiassed, and sensible legislation. The friendly understanding ex isting between the Superintendent and the General Government should be a subject of gratification to any one who has a genuine desire for the welfare of the province ; and the first fruits of that understanding are most satisfactorily exhibited in some of the intimations contained in the message ; and satisfactory as these unquestionably are, we feel confident that the province has only begun to reap the benefits of what has been so often spoken of, and even sneered at by some, as the "cordial relations." That the session will not be a short one is pretty evident; but this will not be regretted if the labours of honorable gentlemen result, as we believe they will, in measures that will con duce to the rapid advancement and perman ent prosperity of the province.

It is to us a matterof the most perfect indiffer ence to us what the Thames people may think or say of us. For their indignation or their approbation we do not care a snap of our fingers, and if they were so offended that their eyes stared in their sockets fat us we should simply wink at them with the corner of our left eye. At the same time we are disposed to mate a remark or two respecting a very ridiculous assumption which has been asserted and 're -asserted in the Thames papers, and at various meetings held there, that we "insulted the whole Thames commmunity," and brandod them as speci men stealers. The "whole Thames com munity " may go to blazes so far as we are concerned, bnt we certainly never in word or thought gave any grounds for a belief that we intended or made such insinuation respecting them. The man ner in which they have voluntarily placed the cap on their own heads affords us abundant temptation to hit them sorely on the point, and say that a guilty conscience needs no accuser. But at the Thames there is quite as large a proportion of upright and respect able and respected people as in Auckland or any other placo ; and nono in the colony have a deeper interest in the suppression of specimen stealing and mining swindling generally than have residents at tho Thames, whose interests aro bound up in the welfare of that district. Wo are quite aware, and we re-assert it in the teeth of any ndignation that there has been enormous specimen stealing practised at the Thames ; but we quite as confidently assert that it is tho interest as wo believe it is the sincere desire of the Thames pcoplo as a community to expel the impurity from their midst. Of course wo know that this statement of our having branded " the whole Thames com munity " as specimen stealers is got up for a purpose, and if it is of any benefit to the cause we make a present of it. But for the sake of those who deserve respect and es teem we indignantly repudiate the false and malignant charge that we have " insulted the whole Thames community."

The Good Templars connected with the Fraternal Home, Pioneer, and Crispin Lodges, held an open meeting last evening in the Albert-street Temperance Hall, Mr Hemus, senior, in the chair. The choir gave the "Templars' Battle Cry," and Messrs Atkin and Tremain made speeches. Miss Proberb sang a pretty song in her own in teresting way; and the sisters, the Misses Edger, played several selections on the piano which gave much satisfaction.

The members of the Hobson Company successfully paraded last evening in the Catholic Institute, Wellington-street. The men mustered in strong force, and went through their duties with remarkable precision under Drill-Inspector Flynn. At the close of the drill it was announced that the annual meeting will be held on Wednesday next.

The Ttev W. H. Root, of Poverty Bay, will preach in St. Andrew's Church to-mor row morning, and at St. James' in the even ing. The Rev R. F. MacNicol has gone on a pastoral visit to Tauranga, and will be absent a fortnight. The Rev Mr Bruce will preach in the morning at St. James. We understand that Mr Root has come up to solicit subscriptions tow ards the erection of his church at Poverty Bay.

We would direct attention to the different conduct of the Gross and Herald in relation to the astounding proceedings of Captain Fraser and his friends re the hoped for apology from the Star. The former inserts a report of the proceedings, and not a word of our reply, intending to convey the im pression to its readers that such apology had been tendered by us. What the citizens of Auckland may think of such conduct we leave time to tell. The Herald, in a chival rous and manly way, on the contrary gives our reply to the insult, thus providing the antidote to the poison. There is not a man in Auckland with a soul the size of a mouse's but can appreciate the contrast. We would also direct attention to the common sense remarks of the Thames Advertiser on these unparalleled proceedings as they appear in our telegraphic columns. A horse race willj be run on Monday at Ellerslie between Mr Owen McGee's eh g Golden Crown and Mr Quinlivan's bl m Fair Helen, with 9st up each. The stakes are £50 a-side, the distance 1J miles, and tho time 2 p.m. The first monthly meeting of the members of the Auckland Institute will be held on Monday evening next in the Museum build ings, to which meeting ladies are respectfully invited,

The weekly parade of the Naval Brigade took place last night, while the moon shone bright, in Princes-street, where the soldiers meet, without the band, under command ol Lieut. Chapman and Captain Leßoy, who felt the thrill of war-like joy on seeing the men perform so well in the Drill-shed where they oft take a spell. A good muster was there, in the lamp's bright glare, and on Friday next, the members will meet, anrl tne band will attend in Princes-street. The new T to the east of the wharf will be opened to the public on Monday. Mr Tay lor took the contract for building for £1,100. It has been constructed under the eye ot Mr. McDonald, the Harbour Board engineer. It is 135 ft long by 30 ftwide. The terms of membership of Captain Daldy and Captain Casey, at the Harbour Board, having expired, it is understood that the former gentleman will be again nominated by the Government, and the place of the latter will be filled by election, which takes place at noon on the 11th of May, at the Mechan ics' Institute. Captain Casey is elegible for re-election. At the new chapel of the United Free Methodists, corner of Pitt and Vincent-streets, last evening, Bunyan's allegory, the Holy War "with musical illustrations, was listened to with great attention by a thoughtful audience. The minister, Rev. Mr Turner, read the intervening passages between the melodies in a clear and impressive manner, while the choir gave the hymns with much life and care. The entertainment was of an excellent character, but the listeners were not numerous, owing probably to the number of other attractions. To-morrow (Sunday) divine service will be held at the usual hours at the following places of worship : —St. Mary's, Parrell, Rev Dr Maunsell, evening, " Labour, its necessity and dignity, ami the Early Closing Movement." Newton Kirk, by Eev Dr. Wallis, morning, "Not far from the King dom of God ;" evening, " The stages in the development of the Christian character." City Hall, by Eev Warlow Da vies, M.A., morning, " Words for the coming year ;" evening, "Unseen realities." Lome-street New Hall, by Samuel Edger, 8.A., morning, " Paul worshipped as a god, and stoned as an imposter ;" evening, " Second lecture on Good Templary." United Methodist Free Church, RevG. H. Turner, morningand even ing. Cook-street Christian Meeting-house, morning, "Breaking of the Bread ;" evening, " The Gospel of the Grace of God." Services at Wellesley-street Baptist Chapel by Rev. P. H. Cornford, pastor. Edwardes-street, Rev. W. Tinsley. Sheridan-street, Messrs Smith and Booth, and at Newton Hall at eleven and six o'clock. At the Resident Magistrate's Court yes terday the case of Knox against Motion for damages said to have been caused by the defendant's boat to that under command of Captain John Knox, caused a good deal of merriment among solicitors and spectators. The plaintiff (Captain John Knox) was com mander of the yacht Venture, and the de fendant was owner of the cutter Elizabeth,

and it was shown in evidence that the Eliza beth ran foul of the Venture. Captain William Knox (brother of the plaintiff), master mariner, and commander of the yacht Lizard, who had fifteen years' ex perience upon tho world of waters, de posed to seeing the accident. He and his brother had seen much life at sea, were

fishermen (a calling which has acquired a kind of sanctity from sacred history), and they were not in the habit of getting drunk.

William Warne, a most original character, gave his evidence in a very humorous manner, and in his cross-examination kept the Court in excellent spirits. Mr Warne, with his dry wit and rolling eye, apparently full of wickedness, was rich in repartee. When questioned by Mr Rees aa to how it was possible for Captain William Knox, who he had stated was standing on the lee side of the mast astern or to leeward of the cock pit, to see the jib and staysail while in that position, with the belly of the mainsail be tween him and them, replied "By looking under it, to be sure." (Laughter.) Charles Lucy, apple merchant, gave evidence of such a nature as did not assist the case on either

side ; he merely supplied the cutter with oil and potatoes. But the interesting part of the Btory of John Knox and his troubles was told by Alexander Lincoln, who deposed that John Knox was three sheets in the wind at half-past nine in the morning. He could not say that he and Knox had had a great row. He was a fish-curer, dryer, and smoker, and Knox, sometime ago, had entrusted thirty dozen of fish for him to smoke, the greater part of which were rotten. His Worship enquired if witness was in the habit of smoking rotten fish, and whether such a process would make them sound. Witness replied that it would, and that it was frequently done. His Worship remarked that this fish smok ing business was a new local industry, and witness really deserved a patent for his excellent discovery. Witness begged to coincide with his Worship's just remarks, and was grateful. The case terminated in favor of plaintiff, but not to the full amount of the claim.

To the Editor : Sir, —In last night's issue you ventilated a subject which calls for imme diate action—the offensive exhalations from the sewers of the city. While not disputing your reasoning with reference to* the action of the silt basins, I am of opinion that the secret of the offensive odours arises in a great measure from a breach of the city by-laws on the part of many of the butchers, who are in the habit of slaughtering pigs on their premises, the offal and refuse from which find their way in the drains. I speak advisedly when I assert that two thirds of the pork that is sold in Auckland is killed on the premises of the respective butcher 3. This fact is well known to the lessee of the slaughter-house, but he is power less to act in the matter in protection of his interest unless he becomes "an informer" Such being the case I think the Inspector of Nuisance should exercise a strict surveillance over the premises indicated, and thereby earn the thanks of the community. -Yours, &c, Argus.

To the Editor: Sir, —I observe in the Bay of Plenty Times of the 25th instant a communi cation on temperance amongst the Arawa tribes of Rotoru, wherein a statement is made to the effect that Te Pokiha, through Mr 0. 0. Davis' influence, became a teetotaller, and firmly adhered to his pledge for twelve months. Sir, I can certify that in September last I had some dealings with him (Te Po kiha Fox), and that ha forced me to give him a bottle of rum before he would come to any arrangement with me. You will, therefore, see that Te Pokiha has not kept his pledge for twelve months, as stated. I have lately travelled through several native districts, and I feel happy to be able to state that I often hear Baron de Thierry's name men tioned in a most friendly way by the natives as being the first person to introduce the Good Templar movement amongst the Maoris of this province, and that upwards of thirty or forty letters have been written to him by some of the most influential chiefs requesting him to open lodges for the Maoris both on the East and West Coasts. Hoping you will favour me by inserting this letter, —I am &c , H. F.

The acceptances of the Auckland Autumn Handicap close thiaieveningjat eight o'clock.

will be seen by our Russell shipping report that the whaling barques Eainbow and Atlantic have arrived at that port withm the last few days. The former vessel (which by-the-bye brings to mind the fcpp right-Garrity tragedy of last year) has been at sea nearly a year, nad has secured a very fair quantity of oil during the time. Her cargo is put clown as 30Q barrels of sperm oil and 375 barrels of humpback. Ihe Atlantic only left Mongonui, where she then landed a quantity of oil, some four months a a o and in that short interval has taken 90 barrels sperm oil and no less than 500 barrels of humpback. These facts ?are significant enough dnd raise the question why cannot our Auckland wnaJ ing vessel go and do likewise ? It is not as if success were the exception with the New Bedford vessels. Nearly all these which have arrived at the Bay of Islands this year have secured more oil than would pay expenses, and the majority enough to make a handsome return of profit. This shows that there are plenty of whales to be taken with ordinary luck if the captain and officers understand their business. The shareholders of the Auck land Company have shewn that they possess pluck by the way they have determined to "try again" after such a run of ill luck as they have bad. We do not, however, think they are acting wisely in foregoing the precaution of insuring. If a valuable cargo were lost from any cause next trip, what a howl there would be ! and plenty would be found to ding the old story, 1 tolrl you so." who are now rather pleased than otherwise at the prospect of the ex penses being slightly less. But it is to be hoped the company will show they have profited by the experience of the past n the choice of those to whom they are about to commit the management of the vessel. It is all-important that the captain should have large ex perience. Next to the captain the boat steerers are the officers upon whom the greatest responsibility rests, and it is most important that the captain should have the fullest confidence in their abilities. It is ot little use for a whaler to start upon a cruise with a captain and officers who know nothing of one another. There is a certain amount of science in the capture of whales, and dif ferent students of the profession entertain different theories and deduce different methods of practice. It is therefore highly desirable that the views of the captain and subordinate officers should be as far as possible alike. If they are not the result is that when the time for action comes the efforts of one are likely to interfere with rather than to assist the efforts of the other. Captain Bailey, the owDer of the barque Bella Mary, of Hobart Town, is one of the most experienced whalers in the colonies, and has intimate knowledge of nearly every whaling sVipper that sails from Tasmania, that home of South Sea whalers. If he were applied to we doubt not he would willingly give the Auckland Company the benefit of his valuable sugges tions. Of course ourmention of Capt. Bailey is merely illustrative of the class of man to whom the matter should be submitted

There are plenty of others, perhaps some nearer home, though we know of none such to whom resort might be had, and who possess as great a practical knowledge of the subject. The shareholders should insist upon proper steps being taken to ensure the selection of a captain being attended with careful consideration. We should like to see

more than one vessel fitted out, but we suppose the shareholders must have more tangible proofs of success before they em

bark further in the enterprise. The Police Court box, in aid of the funds of the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children was opened to-day by Mr W. Kat tray and Mr Waite, and found to contain the sum of £3 10s, contributed during the past month. Much to the creditof the brotherhood of cab drivers it is very rare that one of the fraternity has occasion to appeal to the court of bankruptcy, but such unfortunately appeara to be the case in at least one instance, which we hope •will be the last. There is something in the features and style of a cab-driver that wins

respect: hia very demeanour betokens a care less happiness, apparently quite independent of shopkeepers' debts. On a fine morning Cabby sits like a prince in front of his cab, smokes his pipe, and reads the news of all nations. On a wet morning he gets inside, and does his tobacco ; and, at the regular hour, his mutton and greens from the nearest cook's shop. There is a freedom, a jollity, aud a heartiness about the general demean ours of Cabby which inspires confidence and makes you feel that he will not exact a " threepenny" more than what is just, and permitted by the laws of the Medes and Per sians for his fare. All the members of the Good Samaritan Lodge 1.0.Gr.T. are requested to attend on Monday evening next, being financial night and installation of officers. To the Editor : Sir, —An extract from the Thames Advertiser appears in your issue of last evening referring to the Artillery corps as being disbanded. Allow me as a member of the corps to state that such is not the case, but that they have tendered their resignation as a corps.—l am, &c, Time Fuse.

We extract the following from Mr Tinne's newly published work on the " Wonderland of the Antipodes" :—" Here (i.e. Napier) as elsewhere in New Zealand one meets now and then -with social anomalies which one can look at sometimes from a ludicrous as well as distressing point of view. For instance when I was looking about, on my arrival at the hotel, for some stable in which to put my horse, I suddenly felt a tap on the shoulder, and heard 'How d'ye do?' from a nice-looking young fellow, whose face I had some diffi culty at first recalling. It was N , a pupil of the same tutor at myself at Eton ; and. here he had taken to keeping a livery stable in Napier, and driving a hansom in the streets for hire. Most of the residents knew his history, and looked upon the whole affair rather as a joke than other wise ; so much so, that they did not hesi tate to offer him their hospitality, and ladies would always bow on meeting him unless he was actually on the box driving. They told me an amusing story of his- expe rience. Colonel Russell, the Minister of Instruction, hired the hansom for a ball in the neighbourhood, and on reaching the door of the house gave N— directions to return for him at 1 a.m. N— touched his hat, and rode off, but had not gone far down the road before he stopped, took the horse out and tethered him to a tree, and slipping off his mackintosh, came baok to the house in full evening dress, having received an invitation also himself. The evening wore out and morning arrived. About three o'clock some one walked up to Colonel Russell, whom he saw leaning against the wall and looking rather annoyed, and remarked to him, 'why, Russell, I thought you were an early bird ; what are you doing at the ball still ?' ' Well,' said the Colonel, ' I had intended to go home about two hours ago, but there's that confounded cabby of mine engaged for three more dances, and I can't get away till he's done.' " —Wellington Tribune. Mr Kennedy, the agent for the Kennedy Troupe, arrived by the Ladybird this morn ing-

Messrs Samuel Cochrane andslT^T \ by public auction on Monday next? , V J farm in the Waifeato; itis riUSj^W mm way between Hamilton and rt VianPo and in the centre of the best partoon% trict. The same firm will also soil 8> of freehold allotments at Newra^tv""**' the same day. ' "t on The members of the Auckland p „ Club held their annual meeting W • i the Thames Hotel, when a large mjjf* al gentlemen attended. Mr A. E \Vv5, of was unanimously voted to the 'cW f r Whitaker opened the proceedings *,•«.' very good speech, shewing the Bond* a of footballing in the light of ntfwj ?**!»* respect of strengthening theconstitatiJ 1 m fitting yotmg, men for the greater sCi"'! life, v here stragglers often get aJS". °f than halfpence. -, The next business thef ' ing of a committee, was then proceeded via" and the following gentlemen were elecW f' serve :—Messrs J.Sharland, W. Cuss™. * J, Marshall. Mr T. Henderson, fJ S) d re-elected captain, and Mr H. Whitat secretary and treasurer. The amount If subscription was fixed the same as last 1 viz., 2s 6d, and entrance fee 2s 6d. iCt>{ lowing resolution was then proposed »>S' carried: "That the Rugby Union mL w! adopted by the Auckland Club." TheiLt ing was of a lively description, and » ; number of new members were added to tl roll. The prospects of the club are most a couraging, and members in future will v" distinguished as much by their" col org ?* their feats. The club uniform 'willbey!! and white Guernsey shirts, white hick w ! bockers, blue stockings, and azure can. After several excellent speeches, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the members retired to their respective homes.

A grand amateur concert in aid of the funds of St. Stephen's Orphan Home will }% given this evening at the Choral Hall under the patronage of his Excellency the Governor and Lady Fergusson. The programme appears in another column, and judging fr ola it we anticipate a most successful entertain ment.' Apart from the excellence of the object in view the merits of the concert should attract a large audience, i Jhe Hon, Seymour Egerton has kindly consented to conduct the concert.

gThe concert given by the Clang Bekel Companyjat the City Hall last night was another success in point of sterling merit The attendance was good though not so good as the entertainment deserves. Mdlle Jenny Claus again called down loud applause bj her splendid manipulation of the violin. The other artistes rendered the pieces allotted to them in the highest; style of art. Pressure on our space prevents our ..noticing the performance further.

The tender for the third section of the Mfstertoß line, five miles, was accepted. Mr McKirdy, of Wellington, being the successful tenderer. The price is £19,138.

There will be service to-morrow in the North Shore Presbyterian Church. Subject: Simeon.

The Star Libel.

The remarkable meeting of Captain Fraser's friends.

The Advertiser this morning condemns the action of Captain Fraser's friends in a lead ing article, and says : —

"No doubt the'friends of Captain Fraser assembled with the sincere and honed; desire to pour oil upon the troubled waters, and to endeavour to bring to a satisfactory conclusion at once the grat libel case into which he has plunged, but if this was their object it was most effectually defeated through their want of tact and dis cretion, and the steps taken by the meeting will certainly tend to bring about an mctfy opposite result. In the first place.we W scarcely admit the right—and the press gene rally will never admit such a clainv-of per sonal friends on one side to sit in* judg ment on the abstruse question of libel, to«t both as judge and jury, to condemn the de fendants as guilty without a hearing, fine them £50, and order them to pay the coete on both sides, and exact from them an 'Mnpie, if not an ' abject' apology.' The proposal v too ridiculous to bear investigation, ana would never, we feel convinced, be tow?™ to by any newspaper in the colony. 1M whole of the proceedings were, in fact, »sen ous blunder. One of Captain Fraser s soli citors sent a private note to his W^Ffr happened to beat the Thames, in which w expresses-an opinion that an apology nug" possibly be tendered by the' L&M«g but on what grounds he came to W» conclusion we are not told. This "note ww evidently never intended for publication. De cause a "lawyer would not have b&ngW of the public admission that it "wonld m be judicious to press the mattertpo..rtfflg against defendants." But it was red W meeting by Captain Fraser hmwMkT the strength of the suggestions -contain^ it, was framed the singularresolution Wjj was eventually carried. Of coursetbeije* ing at the Thames has given the defOTW? an opportunity, which they YvZZ readUy embraced, of showing the fohdnjj of the suggestions offered to them. MJ J scorn with which they treat -thewgj proceedings. Viewed in the hght «Mg meeting the counter proposals of JM [«*■■ dants are neither uncalM/or nor ajjjj We must, equally with our Auckl«a too{ temporary, deprecate the fWW^fa actions for libel, which do not alway^. from a desire on the part of plamtittß w.^ dicate injured feelings or character. mistake in this instance appears wa» ~ the meeting of Thursday, when it wm.^, to throw upon the defendants ttjgjj^ compromise which they had and which only appears to- nave , , from the plaintiff's solicitor.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done this day— '\ _„ National Bank-70s; M&i, &'> National Insurance — 34s , i>«J sellers, 355. . „ no . bnyert < P' " Daily Southern Cross, fm&gi Alburnia,. (paid up)-468» WJ Ditto (new issue)-seUers, W- Ditto (double)-£4 10b. Albion (first issue)— &t*'£iQ;t&H Caledonian-£loss; buyers,*^' , £10 10s. ■_. 6"' City of London-233 6d ijgg-'jfc Crown Prince-18s6d; bnjeft Tookej (doubleHßuyew, »^ £7. ■ ■ Exchange— 15s. - :J City of York-Buyers, 2s 6^ g s fii, Nonpareil-Buyers, ss6d-^ . ; t Ota^-13s 8d ;■ buyers, J^"» : . . / Italian-Sellers, 2s. . . (e»**:.^ Old Whau-Buyers,. ** iW" ; XJnion Beach-Sellers, 20«. CoHban-Sellers, IM. ..; Cure-10s3dj sellers^Oa ;^ jgfii

«ftl IfßlTdffe SEA*, BAMraWLf, MAY 2 lfH



jV/T AT, JUNE, JULY. W. RATTRAY'S Establishment will CLOSE at half-past 5 o'clock p.m. (Saturday's excepted) during the above "Winter months. New Zealand House, 06, Queen-street. DUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Have every pleasure in announcing that they are NOW OPENING UP THEIR SHIPMENTS Consisting of— 56 CASES AND BAT ES OF NEW WINTER GOODS, And respectfully invite attention to the same. GENTLEMEN'S CLOTHING, BOYS' AND YOUTHS' CLOTHING, HATS AND CAPd, HOSIERY. Children's New Felt Hats, Ladies' Black Straw Hats, Flowers, Feathers, Ribbons, &c FANCY DRESS GOODS, FRENCH MERINOS, WINCEYS, WOOL PLAIDS, FLANNELS. LADIES' BLACK CLOTH JACKETS. CHILDREN'S AND LADIES' WATEPRROOF TWEED MANTLES. UMBRELLAS, Etc., Etc., Etc. FURNISHING GOODS, And a complete New Stock in every Department. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN WnOLF.SALE AND RETAIL DRAPKRS, CLOTHIERS, 4o JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-street, Auckland. T>ETIRING FROM THE RETAIL. XC J. COSCJRAVE & 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 Cosgravh from the English and French Manufacturers, which will be Old at TTNPREOKDEKTEDLY LOW PRIOfIS. No credit will be given during the Sale. [Established 1864.] T\ STEPHENS ON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND," " EAGLE BRAND," "CROWN BRAND," Are to be procured 'at all respectable Grocers and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auckland. D. STEPHENSON & CO., wyndham street, Auckland.



1 fi A U T I ON. O I. 8 O ITS TOMATO RATJOIS. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the BEST for general use in households, and. in con sequence of its high reputation, som" unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon, we! pass the same off as "Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused hi* TRADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 1866," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned to ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE, and see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and stepper, Bnd wrapped round with 'his well-known label.