SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER : This evening, 1.41 ; to-morrow tnoinmg, 2 92 SUN-set": This evening, 5.59; BUtf-BI3S : Tc •norrow raorffng, 6.13 MOON'S AGE : Full moon, 2nd April, 10.58 a.m.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

AEEIVALS.

uo-aheaa, s.s.,Mc6-i'livray, from'Wariganui Queen, schooner, from Kussell Southern Cross, s.s., from Tauranga Bertha, cutter, from Wangar^ ' ' Fortune, Echooner, from Ospe Eunaway

DEPARTURES.

Vincent, cutter, for Tauranga

VESSELS EXPECTED.

£' anche, Vice-Begal Yacht, from East Coast, Saturday Inoebe, s.s., from the South, early iiylton Castle, barque, from London, due ttang&tira, s.s., from Sydney, about 31st instant J-Jerwent, brig, from Oamaru Coronet/schooner, from Tahiti Serene, brig, from Dunedin Mongol, from TCandavu Prince Alfred, barquentine, from Hobart Town, early Carl, brig, from Lytteltoa, early Cl.o schooner, from New Caledonia manan Kennie, schooner, from Levuka, via Suva •empreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October 15

IMPORTS.

Per a.s. Go-Ahead, from Wanganui : 40 fiiead cattle. 250 sheep, W. Brewer ; 17 boxes butter, Hood ; 5 boxes butter, 14 kegs ditto, Barnes ; 9 kegs butter, 7 boxes ditto, Veale ; 1 cask tallow, Ireland ; 1 trunk, Paterson : I case, Fowler.

r The s.s. Go-Ahead, Capt. McGillivray, arrived at Onehunga this morning at 10 30 She left Wanganui at 2 on the 24th • cleared tbe bar at 4 and arrived at New Plymouth at 9 on the 25th; lett again at 11, and crossed Manukau bar at 7 this rooming, arriving as above. Experienced strong head winds to Cape ■kgmont; from "thence light favorable breeze with moderate weather. Passengers—Mrs Vale and family, Miss Newman, Messrs ?7^' Francis > Scotland, James, Higgins, and. Turner. . .

The s.s. Star of the South is on the point of starting for Levuka as we go to press. ~f c has been takin £]'n sheep and cattle at the Tamaki during the forenoon. The s.s. Mongol, with the San Faaneisco mail, is due on Saturday next. As the City of Melbourne, the connecting boat, is not i so fast as the regular liners, we may have to wait till Sunday. The Columbia schooner cleared out to-day for Napier via Kennedy's Bay with 40,000 feet of timber and a mangle. She is an nounced to sail this evening. The cutter Miranda takes the following cargo to Whangapoa :—1 cask oil, 4 drums «o, 10 gallons rum, 4 bags rice, 1 case boots, 10 tons coal, 4 coils rope, and 2 pgs, shipped by J. S. Macfarlane. '

The schooner Fortune brings 900 bushels of wheat from Cape Eunaway. The Government p.s. Luna entered the -Kaipara harbour yesterday morning and went up the Wairoa river. The s.s. Southern Cross arrived yesterday evening from Tauranga. She brought some general cargo and several passengers. The schooner Queen brings 70 tons of coal from Russell.

The barque Queen of the Seas has cleared out in ballast for Newcastle. She is to take her departure immediately. The Golden Crown resumed her eleven o'clock trips to the Thames and back this morning. We believe it is the intention of the company not again to interrupt the ser vice without full notice being given. The New Zealand Shipping Company's clipper ship Hindostan is announced to sail on the 2nd of next month. Dr. M. E. B Nicholson will go in the vessel to England, and the presence of so skilful a medical practitioner on board ought to be an induce ment, over and above the vessel's splendid accommodation, for passengers to secure berths. v • , .;

The brig Thomas and Henry after hauling off the wharf has come alongside again for the purpose of taking in cargo for Kaipara. The brigantine has been laid alongside the wharf to take in cargo for Hbkianga. The barque Queen of the Sea has hauled off into the stream preparatory to sailing for Newcastle.

The barque Don Bicardo has come into the wharf to put out about 120 tons of coals. She will afterwards be open to freight or charter.

The s.s. Pretty Jane was laid on the grid iron this morning for cleaning. The Allahabadad has received her lower mizen-magt. She has been kept waiting for this owing to the determination of the con tractors to select the very best spar possible for the purpose. We notice that Messrs J. and D. Oxley are having their yacht the Meetwing painted and otherwise specially prepared for receiv ing his Excellency the Governor on his arrival. We trust that all our yacht-owners will do their utmost to make as smart a show as possible on the occasion. Auckland possesses by far the finest yacht fleet in New Zealand, and the coming opportunity of dis playing under canvas many of its beautiful craft in full force to her Majesty's represen tative should not be neglected.

COMMERCIAL.

CALL AND DIVIDEND LIST.

COLONIAL PRODUCE.

BuriNG Prices, Corrected by Auckland Dealers. _■ .. s- as- d- s. d. s. d Butter,perlb. 0 0-16 Ducks,pair.. 2 6—5 0 Cheese (new) 0 s—o 7 Geese, each 4 o—s 0 • Eggs, per doz. 0 o—l 3 Turkeys .. 3 o—4 I Lard, per lb. 0 7—o 0 I Canterbury Bacon & Hams Fowls, pair.. 3 o—s 0 1 (bare) .. 0 8— 10J Good Salt Butter Is—l 3| Do (in cloth) 10—0 111 Canter. Cheese, 6—o 8 j Auckland 0 6-.0 7 ' ,< Hams, lid to 14d per lb. lletail Prices, Farm and Dairy Produoe. , ' " s- d- 3- d- s. d s. d. Milk, per qt. 0 0-0 6 I Ducks each 5 0-6 0 Butter (fresh) 1 6-1 9 | Geese, each 5 0-60 Cheese (new) 0 B—l 0 Turkeys, per 5 o—7 3 Eggs, per doz. 1 9—o 0 Bacon, per lb. 0 B—o lo Lard, per lb. 0 6—o 0 Hams .. .. 0 9-1 0 Fowls, pair.. 4 6-50 Salt Butter.. 1 3—l 6 Butchers' Meat. Beef, per lb. 0 4—o 7 I Pork, per lb 0 6 Mutton ..0. 4—o 5 I Veal 0 6 i BREADSTUEFS. FLOUR. WHOLESALE. Millers' Price, per ton—lst quality £17 Fine Flour—household .. £14 Adelaide Flour " " .g lB Canterbury , t " i'l9j- o .pi a Seconds, £12. Sharps, £710a " " Bakers' Price, per lb .... o,i Bran, Is 6d per bushel. "* Bread, per 21b. loaf, 4d to 4d. Maize, crushed and whole, 7s ;V BISCUIT. Cabin Biscuit, per 1001b, .. .. • RptMi 00. MAIZE, OATS, POTATOES, "ETC. , "WHOLESALE. Maize, 7s 6d good ; very Scarce Oats, 4s 6d to 5s per'bushel. Potatoes, £5 to £5 10s Hay, £2 to £4 10s per ton. Straw, £210s to £3 per ton, , Chaff, £610a per ton. "

LATEST FROM TAURANGA.

DEPARTURE OF THE <^jmNOR FOR OHIN^MUTU.

HE WIT^ RI vE IN TAURANGA

THIS EVENING.

TAURANGA

This day. The s.s. Murray sailed at 11.30 with 300 sheep and a, quantity of settlers' produce. Passengers—Mrs McElwain, Messrs Jacob son, Eraser, Mason, and Detective Kell. The Times's special messenger has just arrived. The Governor left Rotomahana last night. He left Ohinemutu at eight this morning, and is expected in Tauranga at live this afternoon. I will send full particulars of the proceed ings to-morrow.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :—

For Thames, to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.80p m For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 12.30 p m For Gisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane, to morrow, at 4 p.m. For Mahurangi, Matakana, Mangawai, "Waipu, &c., per Lady Bowen, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. ' For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Ladybird, on Saturday next, at 1 p.m. For Russell, &c.,per Murray, on Saturday next ut 2 p.m. ■ ' For "Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, Opotiki, and Napier, via Tauranga, per Southern Cross, on Saturday next, at 3 p m.

(Signed) S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1874.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance For the future in the distance, And tfi« cood that we can do

Wshave already alluded to some of the reasons that impelus to sympathy with the request of the Auckland Teachers' Association "thatap" pointments of teachers to schools under the Board be made by the Board of Education, with the approval of local school committees. '> But it is not alone from the incompetence or tyrannical interference of these local boards with school duties and with teachers that mischief arises, but so long as the system continues of school teachers receiving their appointments and dismissals from local boards there can never exist right relations between these officer 0 and the central authority. At present it may happen that a teacher is either dismissed for what is euphoniously termed "insubordina tion," or his position may be so hot that he would do any thing short of seeing hjg

family starving if be could have deliverance. Butif disjoined from his schoolhemnst simply remain in idleness, and take his chance as one of the great army of the unemployed. The Central Board is powerless to help him. Were the appointment and dismissal of teachers in the handsof the central authority the officers of the Board, having the whole country before them, could see where removals and exchanges could be made both in the interests of teachers themselves and of the cause of education, and a qualified and efficient teacher needs not necessarily be out of employment for a single week. At the present time great difficulty is en countered and much dissatisfaction results

in respect of the adjustment of salaries, and the question is debated whether teachers should be paid in accordance with their qualifications or the num. ber of pupils. But it may happen that the committee of a very small schooj have got possession of a first-class teacher, they are reluctant to part with him, and they become duns and beggars that their teacher's qualifications should be paid for. On the other hand a committee with a large supply of the raw material for a school has become possessed of a "good well-meaning man," but who, in educational matters, is a duffer, We cannot avoid having a largo school, and the committee naturally demand that he

should bo paid in proportion to numbers. And so one district has a prims teacher and a handful of pupils, the other has a " well-meaning man" who is a muff among children, but by accidental circumstances lie has an overflowing school-roll. And there is no possibility of adjustment. The present system vesting appointment and dismissal in the handa of local Boards precludes the possi bility of thoßoard shifting about the teachers, and must result in square pegs being stuck into round holc3, and round pegs into square ones. It is simply a system with the one advantage of being calculated to humour the people, but one that in its results on educa tion can be nothing but disastrous. It effec tually precludes any classification or pro" motion of teachers, in addition to the evil arising from the position of the teacher being made a humiliating and dependent one. It is the remnant of the hedge-school system, and naturally commends itself to those whose earliest instruction may have been received at such respectable institu tions. But it should not for an hour be tolerated in any system that professes to grapple with the difficulties of the position, and aspires to really educate the youth of the country.

In common with most people we are sorry to see a man occupying a respectable position as a trader in the city sent to gaol, but we cannot refrain from remarking that Mr Dorn well has not only deserved what he got yes terday, but his punishment has been exceed ingly lenient. Mr Dornwell is known in the city as a considerable bounce and a bit of bully, and it is timo that the pucker was taken oat of him. It is unnecessary to tell any one of the danger arising from such a kick as that given to his victim in the most cowardly and unprovoked way, and so far was Dornwell from regret ting it that on retiring the first day from Court he observed to a by-standcr, " That's the way to serve you bloody Englishmen." We trust that in chipping scoria he will re flect on the necessity of conforming to the usages of civilization. A man like him is a danger to the community, and we trust that even if his residence at Mount Eden does not ameliorate his dispositions} this brutal and cowardly outrage will be recorded against him in the Police Court, and make more severe any future punishment to which his ungovernable temper may subject him.

A MPiard match will be played this even ins: at the Victoria Hotel, which is causing some excitement, between Mr. Spot, of Boston, the champion player of the United States ; and Mr. Plain, of Sierra Leone.

The journeymen coachmakers of Auckland have convened a meeting of the trade tor this evening at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, to consider their position and express opinions on matters of interest pertaining to labour and wages.

There was a large attendance at the City- Hall last night to listen to the Carandini concert, which was fully equal, in point of merit, to the concerts of preceding evenings. The programme was ample and choice in character and arrangement. The operatic selections were from the much-admired "Lucia di Lammermoor." The chorus and solo, "Ah ! Happy Day, " &c, by Mr. Henry Gordon and the company, were marked with excellence and power. Madame Caran dini sang two pretty ballads, "Thou art not here," and .the ever welcome Scotch song, " Charlie, he's my Darling," which elicited that well-merited applause which invariably follows this lady's singing. The sweet sere nade by Miss Isabella, " When the silvery moonbeams sleep," was rendered with grace and feeling. Miss Fannie gave " The Wan derer," and Miss Lizzie sang "The Exile" with true pathos. The trio "The Violet," by Mr Sherwin and the sisters, was faithfully produced, the different voices being very effective. "The Blacksmith" was well sung by Mr Gordon, and Mr Cotterill was equally successful in his ijeculiarly comic line with "Miss Doodah and her partners."

Tho members of the Auckland Gymnastic Club will hold a meeting on Friday evening next at the Provincial Hotel, Princes-street, to which meeting all persons desirous of join ing are invited to attend.

At the Supreme Court this morning His Honor before the cases were called remarked to Mr Macfarlane that there would be only one more sitting before the criminal sessions. The list was, however, very light this time, and it Avas more than likely they would be able to get an extra day. His Honor observed he was glad to see that the bankruptcy business was decreasing, and he hoped it would soon be only requisite to hold sittings once a month.

We understand that Mr Dargaville has formally intimated his consent to stand in nomination for the representation of Franklyn. The electors of that district have now an opportunity of making a selection from a considerably varied list—Messrs Good fellow. May, Woodward, and now Mr Dargaville, having intimated their intention of wooing the sweet voices of that consti tuency.

Mr Sheehan, Provincial Secretary, has re turned to town after a visit to the Hokianga district. On Wednesday last he met the natives there by request of the chiefs, when speeches of welcome were made by Mohi Tawhai and others, and there was a general expression of regret at the absence of the Superintendent. Mr Sheehan explained that his Honor's absence was unavoidable. The natives then spoke at length of their local wants, enumerating the roads and bridges most required, and especially urging the estab lishment of steam communication with Auckland. There were several Europeans present at the meeting. Mr. Sheehan, in reply, stated that the works mentioned were of two classes, one section bcing'for the con sideration of the General Government. With reference to those works he would request the Superintendent to lay their proposals before Mr. McLean, who would, no doubt, see them attended to. The other local works would be considered by the Executive, "with other matters demanding their attention prior to the sitting of the Provincial Council. He would especially bring the question of steam communication under the notice of the Superintendent and Executive. The meeting was orderly and enthusiastic, and at its close three cheers were given for the Queen, and three for the Superintendent and Executive.

A lecture on " Personal Influences" will be delivered to-morrow evening at the Better Prospect Mutual Improvement Society, Wellington-street (late Dove hotel). The members of the Auckland Harmonic Society will meet thi,s evening at th c Welles!ey street rooms for their usual weekly practice. The following pxtract from the diary of an intelligent Auckland vagrant may prove of temporary interest: —"I completed my forty-eight hours in lieu of ten shillings and costs this morning at nine o'clock. I quitted the classic spot with slight feelings of regret, perhaps like a child leaving home with the hope of soon returning to home scenes and not unpleasant occupations. My hair had not grown much since the official crop, and I felt the keen breeze about my temples as I turned city-ward. 1 spent my last three pence on a of colonial at the nearest house. I met :i kindly-looking man at mid day, who gave me a, four-paged tract, the ' Conversion of Jenny Jiggs, the washer woman.' I then cut tip my last vestige of tobacco and thrust it into my crippled clay pipe and smoked it like a hungry man. I sat down beneath a hedge and meditated for a few moments on his Worship's last words, 'What do yon think will become of you V' A question beyond my intellectual know ledge, and one which will long remain un answered. I wandered on in a zigzag route, not caring to come within the range of a constable's eye. I presently found myself in that pleasant thoroughfare named Nelson street, after the hero of the Nile, and turned clown sloping Baker-street, with its eighteen or twenty houses and bakery establishment. I saw, to my right, two women (fortunately separated by a quick-set hedge) sitting in the sunset in Maori fashion chattering like birds about the respectability of Baker street with its snug homes, in comparison with Mills' lane, overshadowed by the Neiv Zealand Herald office. Here, said one, we livo in peace, but there the women fight like demons, or Major Murphy's men at Waterloo, and then chimed in the voice from the other side of the hedge, ' they get a lawyer to settle their differences, lawyers likes rows ; what would they do were it not for the quarrels of the people. I gathered further that there were no drunk ards in Baker-street, and a policeman in that street was an object of wonder ; and there was no thieves, for, said one of the women, ' I leave my things out all night without fear of losing them.' ' Ah, thinks I, leave them out to-nighf, that's all!' I passed admiring the apparent homes of contentment, pml pot a two-pound loaf out of the baker in tlioccntreof thestreot, a good natural but care ful man, and went down to the creek in quest of water-cresses, but could find none. I lounged upon the sward at the lower end of the street, read Jenny Jiggs, but did not believe in the pious story ; then watched a number of children at play as I munched my bread, with the Magistrate's question, 'What do do you think will become of you ' still chiming in the hall of memory ? At the end of Moreton-street I crept into an uninhabited barrack-looking place with all the windows broken. I shall not say how I found an entrance into that palace like building (which the pcoplo call airy castle), but I! got in, finished my bread, smoked my last vestige of tobacco, and felt an irresistible yearning to set the place on fire and burn out its immoral reminiscences, but I had not got a match. I sank to sleep, and dreamt I was a prince, when all of a sudden I felt what 1 conceived to be the hand of my friend Constable Mulville. I awoke, and found a vagrant cat, homeless like myself, purring on my chest. I jumped up, it was break of day, and in retracing my steps stripped the chatty, honest old lady's clothes line of the flannel petticoats, in order that she might have a clearer view of things in general from her retirement in retired Baker-street.

The>esidents of Ponsonby held their first meeting in the new hall last evening, Mr Stannus Jones in the chair. The Chairman narrated the history of the building, which may be summarised thus :—Mr Jones and six other residents of Ponsonby considered that a public hall was needed for the district, and they purchased one of the buildings in the Albert Barracks, which furnished the material. They formed themselves into a committee, and purchased the present site for £100, and the building was duly erected. The land and building had cost £921. A limited association had been formed, and shares of £1 each proposed. If these shares should be taken up the hall would probably be handed over to trustees appointed by the shareholders. It would, therefore, be for the meeting to consider these propositions, and if the gentlemen approved of them it was for them to carry them into effect. The number of shares already asked for was 230, chiefly by persons outside their district. The proceeds of the concert to-morrow evening would go towards paying the expenses of the building Mr Morton Jones asked a few questions, when Mr Bullock moved " That this meeting having heai'd the statement of the provisional directors approves of their action in the matter, and pledges itself to further the object of the Ponsonby Hall Company by using its best exertions to obtain additional shareholders." Mr Board man, a resident, seconded the resolution, and spoke greatly in its favor. He also advocated a free library for the attend ants at the hall. The motion was then put to the meeting and carried unanimously. At the close of the meeting a large number of shares were taken up. The hall is a very neat and commodious building, which cost altogether, including land £100, £921 0s Id. The amount subscribed before. last night's meeting was £237 10s, leaving a balance ,_to collect of of £653 10s Id.

The following notice has been affixed to the Supreme Court Building:—"The habit of scribbling obscene and offensive remarks on the walls of this building has become so prevalent that strict injunctions have been issued to take proceedings against any per son against Ayhom any such act can be roved,"

The Hokianga regatta aiid athletic sports on St. Patrick's day passed off very satisfac- \ torily. There were a good many Europeans, j and'between 700 and 800 natives present. The prises varied from £20 to £2, and there were twelve well-contested races, including two large canoe races. In the evening there was a capital dinner and ball, in which about eighty persons took part. On the follow ing day similar sports were held, and in the evening a ball was given by the natives, mostoftheleadingEuropeansettlersinthediS trict attending. On Friday thewholepartyset outjfor Whirinake, a settlement ten miles below the Government township, where races took place. Eight prizes were offered, varying from £5 to £30, and some very good sport ensued.

To the Editor: Sir,-With reference to the Cook-street petition I would request space in your paper to contradict two state ments made by the City Surveyor at the last meeting of the City Council. Ist. "That he examined the place complained of, but could not see any danger." There certainly has not been a coroner's inquest, but a valuable horse, the property of Messrs Gib bons, was killed a few weeks ago at the place, and to pass the pathway in wet weather or after dark is dangerous. 2nd. " That the petitioner had experienced some difficulty in obtaining signatures, and had travelled far in some cases to get them." Well if it is the business of the servants of the Council to cavil and sneer at the peti tions of the people, good bye freedom and right of petition—the only privilege the citi zen ha-s. There was no more difficulty in obtaining signatures than is usual with such petitions, and of the 5S names attached every one is genuine and that of a ratepayer or resident in the street.—l am, &c, Cook street.

On the 9th of November the people of La Chenette, in the French Department of La Gironde, witnessed the execution of Valentine Fouloir, for the murder of his sister Annie Marie Fouloir, killed in 1852. Fouloir lived with her at La Chenette for twenty-six years. Quite wealthy she had been envied by him, as he was of dissipated habits. One day being under the influence of liquor he beat her until she seemed dead, and then, after appropriating what money and valuables he found in the house, he ran away to South America. His victim, however, told before expiring, who her assassin was. The assassin went to Eio Janiero, thence to Valparaiso, where, under an assumed name, he opened a dry goods store. In ISGS he vas worth several hundred thousand doliaars He married a beautiful 'Peruvian lady, and was naturalized. In 1872, Fouloir, who then called himself lrnoix, felt a desire to visit France. He took his young wife and child to Paris, where he remained for several months. He then went to Bordeaux, where he was re cognised by an old acquaintance. When Fouloir pretended not to know him he in formed the police. Fouloir was taken in chains to La Chenette, where he was identi fied by a large number of those who had formerly known him. His means, however, enabled him to stave off his trial until the 4th of June last. On that day he was sentenced to be guillotined. Fou loir cried like a child, and that night made an unsuccessful attempt at self-des truction. At seven o'clock in the morning Fouloir was led out to the scaffold. Among the spectators was his young wife. Fouloir begged permission to embrace his wife a last time "No, no," said the headsman gruffly '' you can do nothing of the kind. You must die now. Step upon the plank." Fouloir shrieked, " My poor wife.! My poor wife !" The executioner cursed him aloud, and had considerable difficulty in tying him to the plank. He then turned it over, and lowered the oblique knife, which struck the neck of the doomed man with a dull thud. At the same time Fouloir'a wife uttered a terrible shriek, and fainted away. The tragedy was over.

Sergeant Baker, of the Water Police, has resigned his appointment. Whatever may be the reason of this step we are sorry to hear of it. Sergeant Baker has distinguished himself for the energetic discharge of his duty and his uniform courtesy. To the members of the Press he has always been obliging, and when consistent with his duty has cheerfully imparted information when applied to. We trust that the worthy Sergeant will make a change for the better.

We read in an English journal of a recen" date that a determined effort is likely to be made shortly to put down rabbit-coursing. We presume that the same party are act ing in this matter that were lately so hot upon the legal suppression of fox-hunting. Having failed at the higher game they now fly at a lower quarry. It is not probable that they will be successful, although cours ing Jacks many of the most potent argu ments in its favour which can be adduced in support of fox-hunting.

The Vivian Royal Comique Company will re-appear this evening at the Prince of Wales Theati-e in their sparkling entertain ment entitled " Cupboard Love," including the famous '■ Sally and Timothy Bags," sug gested to the author by a passage in John Poole's popular novel, " Phineas Quiddy," of R,osemary Lane. We notice that Mr Arthur Vivian, Miss Melville, and the Ethiopian comedian Mr Ned Mason will appear with new songs and fresh impersona tions.

The police received intelligence yesterday afternoon th&t the remains of a dead body had been seen at Kauri Point. Sergeant Baker, of the Water Police, immediately started off to the spot indicated, and there found a human skeleton with some of the bones wanting. The remains were brought to town and placed temporarily in the dead house. There is no possibility of identifying the body, and it is therefore improbable that an inquest will be held. Constable Starkey came up from Tauranga by the s. s. Pretty Jane yesterday in charge of a prisoner named Madden, sentenced to two months imprisonment for vagrancy. Sub-Lieutenant R. C. Greenwood, of the Auckland Scottish Rifle Volunteers, has been elected lieutenant. An old minister named Reynolds, living in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, is charged with brutally beating, with a cowhide, his daughter, aged eighteen, because she refused to accept a young man in the neighborhood for a husband. • It is stated that the whip pings were frequently repeated until at last she consented to the marriage. The even ing before the wedding was to take place the girl escaped from home. Through the intervention of neighbors she was brought before the County Court, and a gentleman of high standing in the town of Greenville was appointed her guardian. Reynolds has heretofore been highly esteemed, and is pastor of a flourishing church. There is much feeling against him, but no legal pro ceedings.

A public meeting will be held on Friday next at four o'clock in the afternoon in the City Council offices, Canada Buildings, for the purpose of taking steps to give a fitting welcome to the champions and Rifle repre sentatives of the province.

The Engineers and Cadets assembled yes terday evening for the usual monthly inspec tion. The muster was good, and both men and toys acquitted; th,em.selyeg well.

An inquest was held at the Whau Lunatic Asylum this morning, before Dr Goldsbro', Coroner, and a jury, on the body of Mr A. Yilcoq, late storekeeper of the Bay of Islands, and a verdict of died from natural causes was returned.

The Auckland Cricket Club has accepted the challenge made by the Rodney men. The game takes place to-morrow, at ten o'dock, at Ellerslie. The Auckland team will be chosen from Messrs. Yates, Mooney, King, ILuddock, Jones, McLean, Cotton, Willougbby, Willis, Harwood, Ryan, Evens, and Buckland.

At the Hope of Paraell Lodge meeting of GoodTemplarslast'.eveningintheParnellWes leyan Chapel, a seaman belonging to H.M.S. Blanche was initiated by special dispensation, another was balloted for and accepted, and four others joined by cards from the Life boat Lodge, Sydney. The Hope of Parnell Lodge is becoming; conspicuous among dis trict lodges both in numbers and usefulness.

Captain Burgess, Chief Harbour Master and Pilot, and Mr Allwright, Provincial Superintendent of Works, returned last night from a visit to Matakana, whether they went last Tuesday for the purpose of re porting upon the necessary steps to be taken for improving the navigation, landing places, &c., of the port. The report has been handed in to the authorities.

THE RIFLE CONTEST.

[.From our Special Correspondent."]

[By Electbic Telegraph.]

NAPIER.

This day.

All-comers' Match : 200 and 500 yards ; seven shots. First prize, Day, Thames (a splendid score, 54 out of a possible 56), £5, and half the entrance fees. Second prize, Guy, Napier, £4, and a quarter of the en trance fees—sl points. Third prize, Chase, A.C-, £3, and a quarter of the entrance fees —50 points. Fourth prize, Gavin, Thames, £2—49 pints. Fifth prize, Coleman, Wai kato, £2—49 points. Sixth prize, Bayley, Taranaki, £1—49 points

. 2 p.m. The firing is concluded. Mrs Ormond is to present the prizes to-morrow. A hitch has occurred relative to the leav ing of the representatives on Friday. The Company states that the Wellington is bound to leave on Friday evening unless £50 is paid. The people here have subscribed £25 to keep the steamer, so as to allow the re presentatives to attend the ball. They are waiting a reply.

OPENING OF OTAHUHU RAILWAY.

The train of five carriages started from the JBritomart station a few minutes before twelve noon to-day, for the railway opening at Otahuhu. The carriages were rilled with his Worship the Mayor, the leading mer chants and citizens, and a considerable number of ladies. As each of the carriages hold forty persons it was computed that there could not have been less than two hundred passengers; two other carriages were ia waiting at Onehunga in charge of Mr Davis to join the train at Penrose, as it was expected they would be required. The day being remarkably fine large numbers of spectators gathered by the Britomart station to witness the departure of the train. The band of the Royals, under Bandmaster Dillon, accompanied, and upon starting struck up a merry tune.

[By Telegraph].

OTAHUHU.

1.35 p.m

A train consisting of eleven carriages ar, rived after a pleasant run of thirty minutes, includinga stoppageof five minutes at Penrose connecting the on train. From Penrose Otahuhu was reached in seven minutes. There was great satisfaction, but the station is considered rather far from town. About 400 persons accepted invitations. A good band had been provided by Messrs. Brogden. Messrs. Davies, Smith, and other official s were very attentive to the ladies. A large number of persons adjourned to Rogers' Hotel for refreshments, others strolled through the district. A number formed picnic parties, seeking shelter under the trees. The grounds of Messrs. Robert son and Hall were visited. The settlers were very glad to see so large a number, and met the train at the station. Otahuhu is quite lively in consequence.

CITY OF LONDON GOLD MINING COMPANY.

The annual general meeting of this company was held this afternoon at the office of Mr H. N. Garland, Wyndham-street. Mr War wick Weston occupied the chair. Mr Garland read the report of the mine for the past year. This exhibited the pros pects of the mine in a very favourable light. The statement of receipts and expenditure for the past year shows a total for the former of £12,625 15s lid ; and for the latter, in cluding £3750 paid in dividends, the total of £11,713 4s 3d. This leaves a balance in the bank of £912 11s Sd.

Mr Weston, after paying a graceful compli ment to the mine manager, Mr Hicks, moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Messrs W. C. Wilson and T. L. White, the retiring directors, were re-elected, and Mr W. S. Laurie was re-chosen as auditor.

This was all the business, and the meeting closed with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman.

PONSONBY HALL CONCERT.

The grand opening concert will be held in the hall this evening by the Auckland Choral Society, including a number of our leading amateurs. The concert will open with Auber's universally admirerd overture, Mas aniello, followed by Rossin's celebrated chorus from "Moses in Egypt." Among the songs of the evening we notice that John Morgan's pretty Welsh ditty, which so much interested the Marquis of Bute at the Cardiff festival on that young nobleman's twenty first birthday, will be given by an amateur, entitled "My Sweetheart when a Boy." Mr Blaydes will sing "Speed on my Bark," a capital song, and which we feel sure will meet with due appreciation by the audience. Mrs Mitchell will sing several ballads, and the members of the Choral Society will sin« choruses. Madrigals and a variety of solos will be performed on the piano. The whole will be under the superintendence of Mr Joseph Brown, and judging from the pro gramme in another column we believg $he result. wUI be qn§ of suco^s,

WRECK OF THE BRIGANTINE HERCULES.

The brigantine Hercules, , . Sydney, with a fall cargo of » b^4l' went ashore at Kaipara HeadrJS The vessel, had gone doCfc^fil anchorage inside. the Heads t! tbs «Wl': favourable opportunity to cro^i* for, waited there several days, wWr^Slil determined to make an atfa i m t c¥ ' He weighed anchor and set ,\\i . J?*W with another vessel. The wind kS f%-r% and the brigantine had to bebroS^iW chorage in the channel to wait «!%' tide in order to carry her bad- V- ' harbour. When the tide set in Jl^ % was again weighed and sail set?L-S cV view of returning, but the canvas w^ l aback, and notwithstanding that tw ; were at once let go, the vessel driflSrS on the South Head in a few n£s now lies high up on the beach with 10 Is ? of water in her hold, and there is, „* I pect of getting her off. If the weatV^ tinues fine, however, the cargo will b and the rigging stripped. The <W?^ steamer Luna entered the harbor TB.fr morning on her way to the Northed W-1' River, and proffered assistance to thel^ ! of the Hercules, but it was thought 'npT effective assistance could be rln&Z ?* vessel in her present condition. MrT Henderson, of Auckland, assisted in tW* taken to save the cargo. * The pilot Iff harbour was in Auckland when the Jj occurred. The Hercules is insured fT^l in the Sydney Office of the N ew Jj"j Insurance Company, and her cargofor 12 in the Auckland office of the samecS? Messrs Stone Bros, are the Auckland »»!' for the vessel. She is charterecM>y J, Q W coal merchant of Newcastle, who is u owner. The Hercules is well knownj Auckland waters, having made serJ voyages between here and Newcastle A | coals. She was last here in July -1573 which occasion she loaded at Kaipara Jk I timber for Newcastle. Capt. Clayton will al once proceed to the scene. We have been favored with the followins extract from a letter received, in iuclZf from Mr. George Henderson, relative to tie foregoing. "Kaipara Heads, 25th March 1874. —We are still here in company withtl/ Margarita and Amateur. The latter vessel i*) another try to get outyesterday, butranbact Tha Hercules started on Monday mbrniiie and brought up outside. In getting under weigh to return she got ashore and is likely to become a total wreck. Captain Smith called a survey yesterday. The surveyors Captain Hornsby, of the Grlympse,andCapt' Ketels, of the Margarita, advise tie sale 0! the vessel at once as there is no prospect of getting her off." '__''■£.

THE PARISIENNE TROUPE AND CROSS MORALITY.

To the Editor of the JSoufhen,Orm, (Per favor of £he Evening Stab.) Honoured Sir, —you are all-powerinV I you are great! you art mighty | j Out is law, no one dare oppose it, not even tbose who are mightiest. Whu* t^n can I say, be?*ng worse than nothing-*stn% player, a vagrant by Act of., farßaßat Therefore I beg, entreat, nay iinplo^jw gracious mercy to be gentle withJK mighty weapon in future. If by chance I Ven ture a remark that may give offence k not waste your ink on one so unworthy, one drop of which would be sufficient te crnah. me into less than nothingness. Thatwretch Ireland must be taught respect, Watch him well. The time may come ""when yon may sit, in judgment—if so, annihilate him; he deserve it! Pulverise him ! who: will pity him? You have studied arithmetic deeply, and are great at figures; £50 are exactly 10 per cent of £1000. Who shall gaiissyitf "Not I for this fair island." La tape Parisienne, those admired artistejffto travelled at the expense of the New Zealand Government, and who were very propeilytte object of your wrath, are doing wi A the Thames. What a scandal to a civi lized community. But why, honored Sir, state untruths. You observe that "one notice, and then an ignoring of the limb gesticulations of the four Franoh dancen here, was speedily followed by a ceasataos of the spectacle." Forgive me.-Yes; I know you will. The assertion's wrong. You were excited whea you penned it Come, come, confess. How are you wrong. I'll show you, but with all humility. U Troupe Parisienne were engaged to Mom DeLias and myself for six nights. Tney played six nights ; they were a monetary success ; but then I fully believe, an* you, that the papers were not properly circulated, consequently the notices, dB not have the desired effect. Had they P French troupe) been artistes, in spite of tie Press the engagement would have been m tinued, but as they were evidently travel'® we refused to continue their services. Xonoo not know, honored sir, that more than * members, of your staff applied .HigMW witness these gesticulations,, and- wef e°i. appointed because the ladies were^otq^ so naked as anticipated. Once more benttj to your high estate,, and praying .rm* jectly for future favours, I am,. &&» > '' Collier. ___!_ -

NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY.

The following resolutions have been^r, at a meeting of the Otago University .Cog and the deputies from the CanterW C°"ThaHt is advisable that the Cogj the Otago University, and the Vow Governor^ of the Canterbury CoUege,JJ apply to the New Zealand University affiliation on the following conditions. | " 1. That the administration of tM"» £ : University and Canterbury ~W , shall not be interfered with by New Zealand University. ■ , 0 "2. That the endowments ofeavu remain their respective prog irty. "3. That the standard established^ grees shall not be lower tbaa adopted by the University of * j Zealand University to secure V^A vices of competent exammers, 3^; or recently engaged,m the au education." . . ~-nUminary'' 1 "5. That the examinations gjjr &»' I the B.A. degree,, and ■ Ig* degree, should be so 1 and subjects as to ag^^ 1 equal facilities for takP g Ssics, f* either in science or being taken that Btndjjtß ,j branch shall receiv^eomeW.^ of instruction in the ?%^ that Greek be not require* o on the scientific side. dit j o ns « "6. That the preceding con; withoutprejudice toanrothe^ f » contained in the 1 26th of September l^T^.O^ °° I Council of theUmversity° _ | the 6th March, 1874. d a ffij 1 On the conditions of the gP . Wj tiontothe New Zea^^tengy I given to his Honor I Otago he wrote to the effect^ . | the Executive were oppose^ ,^ ,{ i . proposed to be adopted, £ g -V Council and jProfes 301 ; | Government, wouldLwqwg d *■ The Prefessorsßubs^wy « mated.tMv a^provalt ■'»,,'• ■ |

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- Calls.

£ s d Tookey, 3rd issue .. .. 0 5* o' National Bank of N.Z. „ 0 10 ' 0 National Bank of N.Z. .. 0 10 0 Prince Imperial.. ,. .. 0 10 Una ..006 N.Z. Shipping Co. .. ..0 10 0" Golden Point 0 0 6 El Dorado .. .. ..010 Royal Standard.. .. ..003 Otego .. .. .. ..010 TVhangapouaG.M.C 0 16 ' Dividends. ThamesGaa Co. .'.' .. .... 0 16

Date. March 30 April 1 July 1 April 2 April 7 April 7 April 8 AprJl 8 Apr:! 8 April 8 April 8 March 31'



15O 9 000 FE E T TIMBEE FOE, SALE, AT MY YARDS, GOVEENMENT WHAEF, ONEHUNGA. JAMES W. WALLER. T> EGIBTEE TOUE VOTE. XV; The last week in which you may qualify yourself to VOTE. After Tuesday next no other opportunity for another year. "■dS FORMS AT STAR OFFICE.^®^,^ "OETIRING FROM • THE RETAIL. JCV J. COSGEAVE & CO. Are giving tip their Eetail Business in Qiieen-street. A SAI/E of the Goods will be held TO-MOEEOW, 1 the 14th of March, and will continue until tho entire Stock is disposed of. ! We are now landing THIRTY THOUSAND POUNDS WOETII of DEAPEKY and MEN'S CLOTHING, purchased by Mr CosciitAvrc from tho English and French Manufacturers, which will be >. SOld at TJNrREC'EDENTEDLY lOW PRICES. / No credit will be given during the Sale.



PUSHBEOOK & BRIDGMAN (LATE E. HOEBS), Aie now opening up, and have to arrive EX NORHAM CASTLE, HYLTON CA.STLE, INVEEALLA.N, and EOSLIN CASTLE, A Vert Large and CnoiOE Assortment of AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY GOODS ; ' IN EVEEY DEPAETMENT, To which they respectfully invite attention. These Goods cominp direct to their own order from the first Home Houses they are prepared to dispose of at LOWEST REMUNERATIVE EATES. Further particulars in future advertisement. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN W HOX.ESAI.E AND EKTAIL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &O JUNCTION DEAPEEY WAEEHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-sireet, Auckland. T>EED & BRETT'S ALMANAC, 1874. The Fublishers intimate that only a small number of copies are left, and should be secured at once. This invrluable annual should bo in ever? Settler's home.