SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUN-SET: This evening, 6.49 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 5.40 HIGH WATER: This evening, 8.53 ; to-morrow morning, 9.10

ARRIVALS.

Daphne, schooner, 50 tons, Captain Santy, from Lorn a Loina and Levuka Southern Cross, s.s., from Tauranga Hero, cutter, from Kaipara

DEPARTURES.

Hero, s.s.,.Logan, for Sydney and Melbourne Go-ahead, s.s , for Wanganui H.M. schooner Alacrity, for a cruise to the North

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

--.wu*,w.w_, A/JUii__ViU_VTJO, Chile, ship, for London, Saturday Hindoston, ship, loading Bella Mary, barque, for Newcastle, immediately Clio, ketch, for New Caledonia, early Wellington, s.s., for the South, Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Murray, s.s., from Wellington, with Suez Mail, Friday Macgregor, s.s., f<-om San Francisco Albion, brig, from Newcastle, early Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney Anazi, barque, from London. Sailed October SI Empreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October 15 Hylton Castle, barque, from London. Exclsior. schooner, from Dunedin Queen of the Age, ship, from London Sailed Nov. 1 Magellan Cloud, schooner, and Kate Brain, from Lyttelton, early

IMPORTS.

V- Per s.s. Hero for Melbourne : 60 bales flax, J. S. Macfarlane; 84 ditto ditto, Cruickshank and Co. ; 85 ditto ditto, Stone Bros. ; 22 bales fungus, Ah Kew; 2 cases cigars, L. D. Nathan and Co. For Sydney : 108 bales flax, J. R. Roberts ; 7 packages clothes lines, R. Laing; 54 bales flax, Lip stine ; 1 paper parcel, Ireland Bros. ; 14 bundles mouldings, 142 pieces skirting, Union Sash and Door Company ; 120 empty cases, R. Arthur.—Cruickshank and Co., Agents.

EXPORTS.

rer JtseHa Mary, barque, for Newcastle : 2 pieces of timber, 10 bales flax, Stone Bros. : 22 barrels pork, H. S. Meyers.

"The schooner Daphne, 50 tons, belonging to Messrs Henniugs, of Levuka, arrived from that, port and Loma Loma early this morning with a cargo of cocoanut oil and dobra. The Daphne left Loma Loma on the 23rd uitimo, and has had a long and tedious passage owing to con tinuous baffling winds. Captain Santy, who took the cutter yacht Lurline to Levuka, comes in command of the Daphne. The s.s. Hero, Captain Logan, took her departure for Sydney and Melbourne this afternoon at two o'clock. She takes a small cargo, as per exports, and the following passengers : —For Sydney—(Saloon), Rev. Mr and Mrs T. S. Forsayth, Rev. Mr and Mrs Tait, Mrs R, J. Taylor, Miss D. Rat tray, Messrs Dove, L. Terry, J. Cunning ham, Steane, J. Martin, Miss Lawry, Mr Potter, and Mrs Henry Potter, Mr and Mrs Lachlan McGowan. Steerage :J. Clavers, Mr and Mrs Coulter, Mrs W. George and three children, J. Stretton, F. A. Laurie, J. Avynp, H. Richards, R. Galloway, T Henley, R. |Mayo, W. Fox, J. Con ley, W. McCan, J. Reid, T. Wal lace, J: C. Boyd, M. Murphy, W. Jones, M. Corbett, A. Cowan, Mr and Mrs Doran, Miss Bamerth, and Mr Tolson. For Mel bourne : Saloon—Dr. Archer, Mr. J. Booth, Mrs Irvine, Miss Harrison. Steerage—J. Hustler.

The schooner Marmion is to start on her maiden voyage next Monday. She goes to Whangapoa, where she will load timber for New Caledonia.

The cutter Bonita has entered inwards from Mongonui via Whangaroa with 12,000 feet of sawn timber.

The Alarm, cutter, from Mangapai, arrived yesterday, with a cargo of railway sleepers,, gum, &c.

The barque Bella Mary cleared yesterday for Newcastle, with a small export cargo as above.

The s.s. Wellington, which arrived yester day, brought the following passengers :—Miss Harris, Miss Hamer, Miss Buddie, Miss Dean, Rev Mr Crump, Rev Mr Williams, Captain Oakes; Messrs Rees, Greeson, Stobo, Nicholl, Stansfield (2), Bartley (2), Kerr, Clarke; Miss Campbell; and eight in the steerage.—Combes and Daldy, agents. The s.s. Phcebe took the following passen gers to Wellington yesterday :—Messrs. E. J. Fleming, Benzoni, four from Sydney, and eight in the steerage. The s.s; Murray, soon after her arrival to morrow, will leave the Manukau for Taranaki and Nelson.

The s.s. Southern Cross arrived last even ing from Tauranga with cargo and passen gers.

The s.s. St. Kilda left for Wanganui yes terday with the following passengers :—Mr and Mrs Callum, Messrs. Anderson, Sher well, Fergusson and son, Mrs Campbell, Mr McDonald, Mr Shera, and two natives.

COMMERCIAL.

Huoter & Nolan's Report. Horses.—Dulness has characterized the market, and although the usual number were entered for sale by auction several were withdrawn, and bidding was slack, conse quently scarcely the average number were disposed of under the hammer, but several sales were effected privately. Cattle were in short supply, but there was an active demand for all descriptions, particularly dairy cows, and although no really good ones offered competition was brisk at from £6 10s to £8 15s. Stores were far short of require ments, and were not of the description most in request, being principally dry cows, dis playing little breeding. The young cattle sold at full rates. Fat beasts were in tole rable supply and good demand at from 24s to 26s per lOOlbs.

Sheep were very scarce and not of the description looked upon with favor, being principally ewes or merinos in inferior con dition, but prices ranged from 2s to 2s Gd per 8 lbs. Lambs were in proportionately better supply, selling at from 14s to 20s 3d. Pigs were scarce and well competed for at 3d per lb.

The schooner Mary Ellen, the nroperty of Messrs. Ausenne and Scluppe, of Custom- House-street, was offered for sale to-day by Mr G. W. Binney. There was a large num ber of persons present, but only three bid ders, the highest being L 375. As she was considered to be worth L 650 she was passed uhe lots of kauri timber were sold at prices varying from 4s to 10s per .100. The bidding was spirited. s Messrs. B. Tonks and Co. sold a line of lb kegs of Nelson fresh butter to-day, in ex cellent condition, at Is s£d.

PROVISION MARKET.

COLONIAL -PRODUCE. UuyiNa Prices, Corrected by Auckland Dealers. Butter, per lb. 0 0-l' o' Ducks n_,.r 9 n?' n Cheesefnew) 0 6-0 7 K'Sh" \ 0-5 9 Eggs, per doz. 1 3-0 0 Turkeys .. 3 0-4 ! ?s.'K"'i=r.isb,^> I'M Hams, 10d to ls.per lb. '

Retail Prices, Farm and Dairy Produce. ' . s. d. s. 6. s. ds. d. Milk, per qt. 0 Oto 5 1 Ducks each 5 0-60 Butter (fresh) 0 0-1 S ] Geese, each 5 o—6 0 Cheese (new) 0 B—l 0 I Turkeys, per 5 0-73 Eggs.per doz. 1 6—o 0 | Bacon, per lb. 0 3-D lo Lard, por lb. 0 6—o 0 Hams .. .. 0 0-1 0 Fowls, pair.. 4 6-0 01 Salt Butter.. 1 o—l 3 Butchers' Meat. Beef, per lb. 0 4—o 7 I Pork, per lb 0 6 Mutton .. 0 4—o 5 I Veal 0 6 BREADSTUFFS. FLOUR. WHOLESALE. Millers' Price, per ton—lst quality £17 Fine Flour—household £14 Adelaide Flour £ig Canterbury £12 to £14 Seconds, £12. Sharps, £710s Bakers' Price, per lb .. ~ ' .. ~ 3d. Bran, Is 6d per bushel. Bread, per 21b. loaf, 4d to 4d. Maize, crushed and whole, 7s BISCUIT. Cabin Biscuit, per 1001b Betail 22s MAIZE, OATS, POTATOES, ETC. IVnOLESALE. Maize, 7s 6d good ; very scarce Oats, 4s 6d to 5s per bushel. Potatoes, £3 10s to £3 10s, £5 Hay, £2 to £4 10s per ton. Straw, £2 10s to £3 per ton. Chaff, £6 10s per ton. RETAIL. Maize, 7s 6d per bushel; crushed, 7s 3d Oats, 5s 6d per bushel. Potatoes, 6s 6d per cwt. Hay, cwt., 4s to Cs. Straw, 4s to 5s per cwt. Chaff, 7s Od to 8s per cwt. KAURI GUM AND FLAX MARKET. The following are the prices in the Auckland market :— Gum—Well scraped, best quality '.. .. £30 to £32 Ordinary sorts .. .. £26 to £29 Flax.—Finest quality £15 to £18 Second ditto £10 to £14 Tow £7to£B. BUILDING MATERIALS.

Timuer.—Boards and scantling, 100 ft, 9s to lCs ; at mills, lis 6d; planed, tongued, and grooved, lis Od to 17s

New Zealand palings, 6-feet, 10s; 6-feet, 12s ; ti tree rails, £215s to £3 per 100 ; puriri posts, £5 per 100 ; shingles, Ss to 15s per 1000 ; HoDart Town palings sft., 17s; 6ft., 19s : Hobartown rails, 75s COAL AND FIREWOOD MARKET.

Coal.—Newcastle, on Wharf, nominal; delivered, 50s per ton.

Firewood.—Uncut, 14s per ton, delivered, cut 15s per ton, delivered.

CALL AND DIVIDEND LIST.

Calls.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, to-morrow, at 10.30a m and 5.30 p m. For Great Barrier, per Sovereign of the Seas, to-day, at 5 p m For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 12 30 p m For Norfolk Island and New Caledonia, to-morrow, at 9 a m For London direct, per Chile, to-morrow, at 11am For Taranaki, Nehon, and West Coast ports, per Murray, on Saturday next, at lv a m For Mahurangi, MaUkana, Mangawai, Waipu, &c, per Lady Bowen, on Saturday next, at 10 a m For Taranaki and Southern province?, per Welling ton, on Monday next, at noon A Post-office will be open on Ist proximo at Tau mariro, Kawakawa Flats. (Signed) S. B. Biss. Chief Postmastor.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1874.

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

We cannot but regard it as a great misfor tune to a community whtn a journal, either from sheer inability to perceive the true bearing of facts when placed before it, or from a wilful desire to pervert them, devotes its columns day after day to the publication of misrepresentations respecting important pub lic questions. In considering a subject in volving special knowledge it is not the office of legitimate journalism to become the active partizan and advocate of one engineering

scheme over another ; a newspaper's proper function is simply to review and criticise upon their merits facts brought under its notice. When a journal claims technical knowledge aboA^e that of professional men of ability its assumption must lead it to the commission of many absurdities. The dis tinction between legitimate criticism and partisanship is exemplified by the action of the Cross in relation both to the dock and water supply questions. We oppose the western dock site not because we assume to have such special engineering know ledge as to outweigh the opinion of Mr Moriarty or any other engineer, but because there are admittedly certain dock sites within our harbour which should be care fully examined and reported on before the Board rushes into the expenditure of a large sum of money. We advocate no particular site, but do most earnestly urge that all sites shall receive a proper amount of attention, and the one which, to a casual observer appears tho least suitable not be given unfair

prominence over the others. The Cross on

the contrary does not view the matter from this stand-point, but it undertakes to tell us where the dock ought to be ; how it should be made ; what it would co3t; and actually goes so far as to publish some absurd plans of the proposed work. The position assumed by our contemporary is not that of the censor and critic but of the engineer. The same thing occurs with the Nihotupu scheme of water supply. Our contemporary is not the intelligent reviewer of facts ascertained by professional men, but has become the advo cate of one special scheme, and consequently the organ of a party ; and in its eagerness to gain the end in view it docs not hesitate to pervert facts and figures, as we have pretty clearly demonstrated in previous articles. When this is the case the public may depend there is something underlying the unusual and unwarrantable warmth.

Although we have written favourably of Messrs Bell and Moriarty's reports on the water supply question we are by no means the advocates of the Western Springs specially as Auckland's source of supply. Unfortunately—like Councillor Macready and one of the leading directors of the Cross —possessing land in the vicinity of Nihotupu, which gives no prospect of yielding for years to come any crop but highway rates, our sym pathies lie rather with gravitation at any price. We feel convinced that Mr Moriarty could never have been shewn <...?• land or he would not have reported that there was no place suitable for a storage reservoir within the district. Or if we un happily could not hope to secure the reser voir site, at least a good road through this trackless wild (which it is admitted by all must be made if the Nihotupu scheme is adopted) could not fail to benefit our property and possibly make it marketable. On the other hand we possess no vested interest in the Western Springs, and we sincerely trust that if the water from there is required for city purposes every care will be taken by the Council to guard the public interests. Private benefit must, in all cases, give way to public good ; the law has provided the machinery for acquir ing land, and it remains with the Council, if necessary, to exercise the powers they possess. Sinking all personal predilections, however, we have urged the Council to delay no longer the settlement of this ques tion, but to give us a water supply from somewhere. The only way of doing that is by accepting Mr Moriarty's report in the spirit in which it was ordered; and therefore unless some grave blunder can be shown in the statements and estimates con tained in that report, to finally adopt it is the propercourse to pursue. More explicit in formation was required on two questions— one, the alleged damming up of the stream causing an increase in the apparent flow of water; and the other, the compensation that would probably be required. The Council appointed a committee to make an independent investigation of these ques tions and that committee, as announced yes terday, is pursuing its labours by fixing gauge boards in the Nihotupu and Western Springs streams. But to shew the absur dity, blindness, and misrepresentation of the Cross in everything it says and does respect ing the water supply it is only necessary to refer to its comments of to-day on the action of the Council in making these very desirable investigations. In an article headed "The Steed and the Stable Door" the Cross to-day says :—

If ever there was a closing of the door of the stable after the steed was stolenHhis is, and it offers a sad reflection to people who fancy that the City Council is a business body fitted to manage the affairs entrus ted to them. Mr Moriarty has come and gone ; lie has reported md recommended ; and now—incredible as it may seem—the authorities have resolved to re gauge the Western Springs and Nihotupu—to do that which ought to have been done in the most careful and accurate manner, far from every possible suspicion of trickery in any quarter before Mr Moriarty's report had seen the light.

We ask sensible people whether any thing could be more peurile than the above ? In what way is the door being locked '_' after the steed was stolen" ?. Mr Moriarty was perfectly satisfied with the result of his gauge of the flow, and his connection with the matter ceased; he might remain or go; he left the Council to adopt his con clusions or not as they pleased. As it was, they preferred verifying them by independent investigation before even adopting his report, and yet they are told that in so doing they aro locking the door after the steed is stolen. If the report had been first adopted, and the examination made subsequently, the

Cross's comparison might have had some small point, but as applied, it is not merely without point, but is such as none but a born fool or a person utterly blind with prejudice would make.

We were at first disposed to regard with some suspicion the clamming up of the stream during Mr Moriarty's investigations, but foim careful enquiries subsequently, particularly from Mr Moriarty's own expla nations, we are satisfied that he was in no way deceived, and moreover, that there was no intention to deceive him. It is true that the water was dammed up, as it has remained for months past, and it continued dammed up during the whole of the investigations. From statements that have appeared in our contemporary the public have been led to believe that the fiood was let loose aud the stream was swelled beyond its ordinary current during the gauging by the soakage from the surrounding lands, pre viously submerged. This is entirely con trary to fact. Mr Moriarty kept the water dammed up to a fixed level; he then measured the stream flowing over. If the dam had been tampered with by opening, the water would have fallen, and would consequently have registered less on the gauge. The only way of increasing the amount registered would have been by carrying water and pouring it into the stream above tbe gauge, an operation which, we imagine, the public will rest satisfied could not be very successfully carried out on such a scale as to increase the registered daily flow even five hundred gallons. The Cross has from day to day made portentious allusions to the gradual disappearance of the sheet of water that was " visible from the road " while Mr Moriarty was examining the stream. Of course that water is disappearing, and will continue to disappear so long as dry weather continues, because it is being steadily drawn upon as motive power for the mill. Surely there is no great mystery about this. The amount yielded by the springs will also, we have not the slightest doubt, have diminished during the present dry season. The people of_ Auckland have been too long accustomed to wells not to know whether springs do not decrease in volume, and if of small size sometimes run dry after a long drought. Nearly every spring and river rises and falls in proportion to the amount of rain that has fallen, and unless rain falls in the meantime tlie gauging at the Western Springs and Nihotupu carried on by the Council must show a smaller flow than that chronicled by Mr Moriarty. But this is an unusually dry year, and the driest season of the year, and if such a large body of water was flowing from the Springs at the time Mr Moriarty examined them as he reported, there need be no apprehension of the supply becoming deficient. The question is really one of cost, and on that issue it will ultimately be determined. We have gone at such length into this matter because it is desirable that misrepre sentation and mis-statement should not mis lead the public in considering the merits of the question. Most people would of course see through the shallow arguments of the Cross ; but there is a cla?s, and that perhaps the most noisily demonstrative, who do not think, and are apt therefore to be led astray. There is also another class eager to accept anything put forward by a journal, in order to support their own preconceived opinions and wishes.

One of the great advantages oflered by the Western Springs is the speed with which the supply can be made available. The neces sity for pure water cannot be magnified ; it is not represented^ merely by the un necessary loss of property by fire, but tells in the Registrar's statistics of mortality. The Cross to-day is eloquent on the alarming mortality in this city as compared with other cities of the colony, and urges the im portance of improved drainage and sanitary measures. How, it may well be asked, is a proper sanitary system to be carried out without water to Hush sewers, and for use in the offices necessary to secure cleanliness? At the present time there is an unusual amount of sickness in Auckland, twenty per cent of which could be traced to the want of pure water. In view of these serious facts the demand that the Council will sink its petty differences and squab blings, and give us water at once 'should, — and we are sure does, —find its echo in the breast of every intelligent citizen.

The deputation which waited upon Mr Vogel to-day with respect to the proposed Thames and Waikato railway was a very large and influential one, but it failed to extract from the Premier any promise of sup port for the work. He said that his own opinion was that the proposed line could hardly be regarded as a colonial work, and that the General Government could scarcely be expected to make these ' ' side roads." This argument appears to us rather shallow, because the proposed line is no more a " branch" one than the Picton and the Nelson lines. In weight of argument the deputation certainly had the best of it, but Mr Vogel appears to have made up his mind that the making of this line shall not be undertaken iat present. That it will be eventually made no one can doubt. The_ Thames and Waikato settlers may possibly now endeavour to obtain the funds for the work by means.of a provincial loan. We are sure to hear more of the question at the next sesion of the Provincial Council.

A man's worth is rarely known unt ljhe has passed away, or removed by circum stances to other scenes. This fact has been illustrated in connection with the Auckland Institute. A general feeling akin to sorrow was expressed at the loss of the services of Mr Thomas Kirk in consequence of his re moval to Wellington, and it was suggested for consideration that some suitable me morial be sent after him expressive of the old saying, "Though lost to sight to memory dear." Mr Kirk unquestionably has rendered important services to the Institute. His talents and scientific know ledge were of a high order, and he was, as affirmed by Dr Purchase, " a man of Euro pean reputation." Why, therefore, was not an effort made to retain Mr Kirk in connec tion with the Institute by making the secretaryship worthy his acceptation, and thus have spared the tears of the Auckland Institute.

An unnopposed case in bankruptcy was heard before the Registrar this morning. The bankrupt's name was Jno. Muir, a stock man, of Murumurua. The schedule shewed liabilities £4G 6s; assets, nil. After the report of the trustee had been read the bankrupt was granted his discharge.

The following is the rota of attendance at the Petty Sessions on Tuesday next, Febru ary 24th : Messrs. Thomas Bannatyne Gil lies,_ George Samuel Graham, William Aus tralia Graham, Thomas Henderson, W. J. Hurst, James Herbert Home, T. M. Haul tain, Edward Isaacs, Henry Mahon Jervis, Thomas Brutton Kenderdine ; Dr. J. R. Nicholson, chairman.

The following is from the Tuapeha Times : —" The great necessity of importing eligible young women has been forcibly illustrated by the landing of the immigrants at an out of-the-way place like Catlin's river. We learn that five of the single women have got married to men y?ho were ftv work at tbe saw-mills there,

The steady progress and development of Coromandel as a gold-producing district is of the utmost importance to Auckland. It will be seen from our telegrams that the Plutus Company has had its first crushing and obtained an excellent yield. The fol lowing extract from the Coromandel Mail referring to this company and to the .field generally will be read with interest: —" We are glad to say that there is a prospect of the Thames Gold Mining Company acquiring property in the Coromandel goldfield, and thus giving a powerful impetus to the ad vancement of this district. In the early history of the Thames goldfield this company speculated with a great deal of boldness—to the extent of rashness some thought—but it was the means of greatly assisting the goldfield, by investing it in an immense amount of capital, and bringing first-class mining and engineering talent to work the mines. The Caledonian find enabled the company to pay handsome dividends for some time, and the shares have always kept up well in price. Latterly the directors of the company have been ex ceedingly careful in making investments, and the fact that they are turning their at tention to Coromandel shows that, in the opinion of the best mining author ities, its prospects are regarded as being of an excellent character. Some time ago, Mr Comer, the Manager and Inspector of the Thames Gold Mining Com pany, visited Coromandel and inspected the Plutus mine,' in reference to a proposal that the Thames Gold Mining Company should erect a battery of twenty stampers on the ground, or rather on the Waikoromiko creek, near the ground. As many of our readers are no doubt aware, the Plutus Company hold nineteen men's ground on the Waikoromiko, and twelve acres besides on the Whangapoua side, the property of Mr C. A. Harris, for which that gentle man receives an interest in the Company and a rental of £1 an acre per annum. Of the value of this ground our readers have had opportunity of judging from the accounts given from time to time in our columns of mining news. Mr Comer, who is a man of skill and large experience, must have been favourably impressed with the prospects, for it would appear that he has advised the directors of the Thames Gold Mining Company to erect a battery on re ceiving an interest in the company. The battery which the Thames Gold Mining Company propose to erect is that which has been standing so long useless on the Lucky Hit claim."

The new waiting-room, booking-office, and other buildings being erected on the plat form of the Britomart railway-station are now close upon completion. A commodious room is provided for the station-master, and is already occupied by that energetic official. At the east end of the platform closets and urinals havebeen built, and the station will soon be furnished with every requisite con venience for travellers. The new carriage shed will be ready for use in a short time.

To the Editor : Sir,—lf anything were wanting to convince the public that an attempt to thwart a fair discussion, and if possible sow the seeds of distress and dissen sion in the community on the water ques tion, it would be the article which appears in this day's Cross. Nothing will please the champion of land proprietors at Waitakeri. Back stairs, stones, and paltry insinuations are freely indulged in, quite in the old penny satirist style, while they have notthe courage or the manliness to make good one of their accusations. The proposal to take advantage of this unusual dry weather, and maintain gauge-boards, which will enable those who desire to satisfy themselves, is a very com mendable one ; but it is probable it may disappoint some persons who are wedded to a costly scheme or none when we find Mr Wrigg's estimate of the flow at Nihotupu in almost winter weather March to June, at only 850.021 gallons per diem. Let us have a fair discussion and no favour. But these continued fault findings and charges against every and anybody who presumes to have an opinion can only strengthen the view that many entertain that there is a desire to pre vent the city having any supply of water.—■ I am, &c, X.

Mr Spurgeon, in a speech referring to the large number of students who go over to the United States, said this supply was due to America as an antidote to the stream of rascaldom which Britain is continually send ing over.

On Sunday, September 14, at every chapel within the diocese of Ferns, a pastoral letter was read to the congregations by their priests from the Right Rev. Dr. Furlong, the bishop, against "Fast Dances." His Lordship said "that these modern dances, with all their concomitant circumstances, are an immediate occasion of sin is a truth so patent as not to admit of controversy. Should individuals affirm that they feel no inconvenience from engaging in these dances, let them reflect that they are accountable, not only for themselves, but for others, so as not to afford any one an occa sion for sin. Besides the attitude and postures in those dances are so offensive to modesty as to stamp upon them at once a character of improprity. Then there is the responsibility giving bad example. Again, we know from experience that the habits or fashions prevailing in the higher classes of society?are sure todescend through its various gradations. Should this result follow in the present instance, as infallibly it will, no one with Christian feeling can Jcon template the consequences without horror." His Lordship, throughout his pastoral, gives many extracts from learned divines bearing out his opinions condemning such dances as waltzes, polkas, galops, etc.—N.Z. Tablet.

We hear from a private source of informa tion that the Titanic Steel Company's works at Taranaki are progressing in a satisfactory manner, and that the contractor feels certain of being enabled to complete his contract in the time allowed, on 2nd April, notwith standing the difficulties he has had to en counter and surmount. It should be remem bered Taranaki is not by any means a fast place, and people cogitate there when they will go to work after they have made up their minds to do so. The foun dation for the furnace, 32ft square, is Jaid and grouted in a substantial manner Two brick sheds, 130 ft in length, have been erected, and are both full of bricks ready to burn for which purpose the firewood has already been carted and stacked on the ground. The road-called "Nobs "-to the furnace has been formed-the excava tions for the buildings adjoining the furnace are almost complete—thesamples of the brick burned are of first quality.

To the Editor -.Sir.-I see in yonr Mon a lit li SUe ry a or mistake you have dubbed me Inspector of Muskets, instead of Instructor of Musketry. This mistake is accidentally sugge^ive of the necessity for such an office, as the rifles belonging to the colony have been and are becoming useless from the want of proper inspection. About a fourth or less of the volunteers use the rifle practically m firing ball cartridge, the rest allow the interior of their rifles to decay from neglect, provided the outside is fair to Sf Tl' I B. IDIPIy Passing the rod in and out of the barrel m what is called " examin ing arms is no inspection at all, and thus arms costing many thousand pounds are pipe,—l am, &0., <7, 0. Spam., i

Mr Thomas, of London, has opened an Academy of Music for young ladies in the Karangahape road, opposite the Pitt-street Wesleyan Chapel, and is prepared to receive a limited number of pupils. Mr Thomas's new method of teaching the pianoforte has been greatly commended.

Mr and Mrs McGowan left to-day by the s.s. Hero for Melbourne via Sydney, where they have an engagement. These favorite actors in connection with the Collier- McGowan Company have deserved well of the public, and have done their best in min istering to the tasts of the people.

Henry Hawkes, of Freeman's Bay, water man, has worked hard during the late storm to rescue the lives of those in danger amid the elements. Henry Hawkes was out with his little boat upon the surging waters through that terrible night, and it was he that picked up Arnold and Carter upon the rocks, and conveyed them to the Wave Queen, where by kindness and attention they were restored from almost hopeless exhaustion. Yesterday, whilst engaged in fishing in the P.angitoto channel Hawkes discovered the skull and back bone of a human being. He at once rescued it, and handed it over to the care of Sergeant Baker. It is conjectured that they are the remains of the unfortunate sailor who was washed from the rocks, but it is only conjecture, as the remains are past all identification. Information was conveyed to Dr Philson of the circumstance.

The drapers' assistants and others of the Early Closing Association held a general meeting last evening in Wellesley-street rooms. Mr Stanwix, president, occupied the chair. The audience was small. Letters of sympathy with the movement were read from Bishop Cowie and Rev C. M. Nelson, but no further promises of sermons from ministers were announced. It was stated that the deputation proposed at the previous meeting had waited upon all the leading drapers in the city, all of whom were disposed to close at six o'clock. In fact all were in favor of the step they had taken and had no cause to regret. Mr Jones considered that the movement was now established, and no doubt they should yet have the one or two little men who stood aloof at present in their respectable rank. It was finally re solved to hold another entertainment in aid of the funds for carrying on the struggle with vigour and consistency. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the pro ceedings.

We have received two letters alleged to have been picked up under the willows neai Government House, Wellington. The letters are not of sufficient interest for publication.

The members of the Auckland Regatta Club held their annual meeting last evening, at the Thames Hotel, Mr Yon der Heyde in the chair. The business of the meeting was principally to receive the balance sheet, which had been carefully prepared by the auditors, Messrs Ellis and Henderson. Expenditure, £3G7 17s od ; receipts, includ ing balance from previous year,' £305 12s ; balance, £62 5s sd. Tbe following gentle men were elected as officers and a com mittee for the ensuing term :—Mr Dacre, treasurer; Mr M. Niccol and Captain McKenzie, auditors ; and Messrs J. Hender son, jun., G. Yon der Heyde, T. Niccol, J. Dickson, H. F. Anderson, R. Grattan, IT. J. Ellis, H. Brett, W. N. Kissling, J. Cruick shank, D. Oxley, and B. Gilmer, committee. It was agreed on the suggestion of Mr Yon der Heyde that his Excellency Sir James Fergusson be invited to become a patron, and his Honor the Superintendent and his Wor ship the Mayor to become vice-patrons of the club, the chairman of the Harbour Board president, and Messrs Henderson and Aitkin vice-presidents. This closed the meeting.

To the Editor : Sir, —Allow me to correct an error which appears in your report of the Newmarket Literary Association's debate, the latter part of which reads as follows :— "On the suggestion being made that the worthy chiefs should see the young ladies home at a respectable hour a number of Good Templars put their heads behind the forms and hissed vehemently." Now in the secretary's speech he suggested that the chiefs should see the young ladies home at a re spectable hour, say any time before twelve o'clock, at which the meeting hissed. Now I admit it was very naughty of the people to hiss Mr. Secretary's attempt at being funny. But how he could charge the Good Templars with doing so lamat a loss to know. The next error is on the s«.nse of the meeting being taken on the question. Now the sense of the meeting was not taken, but only of the members of the institute, who numbered seven, three voting for and four against.— I am, &c, J. Jenkins.

To the Editor : Sir, —Can you inform me if the Harbour Board intend to rebuild the stone wall in front of Custom-house-street, or will the contractor be called upon to make it good ? In either case I would suggest that it should not be rebuilt, but taken out to a line with the watermen's steps, and thus obtain a suitable site for a railway station immediately alongside the wharf, and be the means of filling up an intolerable nuisance at low water. The material for filling up is easily obtained, and a good position secured for the railway station. Hoping you will use your influence in bruiting about so desirable an end, I am, etc., Citizen.

It will be noticed by posters and advertisements that a complimentary benefit willbegivento Mr and Mrs Collier to-morrow evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre. These performers are worthy an enthusiastic audience, and the programme provided for the evening is one which cannot fail in giving the utmost satisfaction. The enter tainment will be aided by the varied musical and histrionic abilities of a number of gentlemen amateurs and professionals who feel that some tribute of respect is due to Mr and Mrs Collier for their prolonged theatrical services in this city. The "Artist's Retreat," is a poetically conceived piece, in which no less than eight characters will appear. We would not forestall the pleasure of the audience by describing this retreat. It may be a sky-parlour with the smiles of Phcebus upon it, or it may be a serene abode on the banks of the Shannon ; or by the meeting of the waters. One fact' however, we may venture to disclose, it was written by Mr W. M. Ackhurst, an author of some repute, expressly for Mr and Mrs Collier. The piece may be termed a comedietta, and a number of eccentric characters are introduced, among whom will be recognised the " Coming Man," who will arrive at the artist's retreat at half-past eight i precisely. He has, moreover, a great I mission in coming to Auckland ; he will sub mit to the public the only feasible water scheme which will give a perpetual supply to the whole of the inhabitants. He will also introduce Napoleon's pet, in the form of the Old Guard. A graphic episode from life written especially for Miss Collier by Dr' Neild, of Melbourne, will also be given' illustrative of the death of a child through parental neglect. A farce by amateurs "Never Say Die," will be the last piece of the evening Mr Reid, our local singer, will sing a couple of songs, and the entertain ment will be patronised by the Hon. JuJiug VogeJ and somo q£ the Jading oitizeas,'

To the Editor: Sir,—Allo^ e tTT^ the late secretary of the Dunedin Toni* «n*-\ Association who, in your issue of the Irr.' 1 stant, writes to say he saw in C i evening's impression a paragraph I f- y subject, Thursday, the 12th, being the? t 3 its appearance. He states he is turn*'.? 0' ' " the character of the informations" *\* him take note that it is from '<__[ • l letter" from Otago, and by wayoffi*6 enlightenment to him this information tc* the secretary himself. lam glad to T admits the superiority of this provinJ** c Otago in this matter, and as to 2Va circumstances attending its rise and nil don't know, nor do I feel interested in v! * ing them. Bigotry an d prejadij^ always been constant attendants on tv system in all communities, from -f discovery till now, and Auckland in «? respect, I feel certain, is not behind __?■ places. He ought to keep to facts, k ' stated whether the association had »? duotor or not, consequently could not int fere in the matter of his having a certific&T I am extremely glad to see that the 2 dominie is still doing something for the cans, and purely for that. More power to Mm In conclusion, allow me to give him aheart' invitation to the first meeting of the Auok land T. S. F. Association, time and place fai be seen in Reed and Brett's Auckland Almanac, and meantime should he wish fo further information please hand, him the enclosed card that he may call on a Bbothh> Tonic Sol-faist. ' :

Last night there was a practice of the performers at the forthcoming concerttofo held at the City Hall in aid of the fundaoE St. Matthew's Sunday school, and from the amount of musical talent which Mr Brown has succeeded in obtaining we have no doubt that a great treat is in atore for lovers of music, and the result will be a large addition to the funds. The day is no j definitely fixed, but we are pretty certain that it will be on Thursday next.

The insrease in the number of lunatics re quiring accommodation and surveillance in New South Wales has become so alarming that the Government of that Colony have purchased Garryowen mansion and 106 acres of land, known as the Callan Park Estate as a site for a new lunatic asylum. Parlia ment has sanctioned the expenditure of a sum of money in the construction of the new asylum. The Government have purchased the above site on account of its peculiar eligibility, its nearness to Sydney, its healthiness, and its being easy of access. The land and the building situated on it was bought for L 12,500.

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.

GALLANT RESCUE.

A younG woman named Miss Ryan nanowly escaped, drowning yesterday afternoon while the p.s. Golden Crown was lying alongside the Tararu wharf. While walking on the wharf she tripped against a rail of the tram way and fell over into the water, The acci dent was witnessed by two yonng men named Richards and McCullbugh, of the Thames. Without hesitation both plunged after the sinking girl. With great promp titude a life buoy was alao thrown over from the Crown, while Richards, who reached the woman first, held her head above water, McCullough swam to the buoy and brought it to her assistance. Meantime, a boat was lowered from the steamer, and in little more than two minutes from the girl falling into the water she was safe and sound on board. The dispatch with which the rescue was effected on all sides was re markable. There was no confusion, and great credit is due to all the parties con cerned. The following testimonial was got up among the passengers who viewed the whole affair, and loudly applauded the' heroic conduct of the two rescuers: "P.S. Golden Crown, February 18,-Wv the undersigned passengers by the p.s. Golden Crown, desire to express oar admi ration of the gallant conduct of Messrs. Henry Richards,; late of the Thames Naval Brigade, and William McCullough, in *» cuing from drowning the young woman who fell off the Tararu jetty this afternoon, and we request these gentlemen to accept this address in testimony of our high esteem for their gallantry. We also desire to accord our appreciation of the prompt manner in which Captain Farquhar provided the ship) life-buoys, and launched his boat for their assistance."—[Here follow the signatures.] It is right with regard to this accident to call attention to the admirable method adopted on board the Golden .Grown" to" keeping the life buoys in a state of readiness —instead of being tied up on the bridge, as is usual, they are laid loose in pockets PM' vided for them in prominent positions. ..-IM time taken up in untying is in this manner saved, and, although this may be only > quarter of a minute, every second is of "**"• portance in such emergencies as the w* going. —

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thos. Beckham, Esq., KM,) VAGRANCY. '.., Harriet Podester, a smart loo]anS nette, apparently about twenty-two,, pc» guilty to a charge of having no visible I**™'1**™' means of obtaining a livelihood. • ; t Mr Broham stated that prisoner'bad » recently come to the colony, and .Jjijfyy then been leading an unsettled hfe; some charitable persons had offered toi • . her into the Women's Refuge for six mon**j Prisoner promised to go, and app thankful. ' y^ Mr Broham promised to send ft con^ with her, and she was dismissed. \_ii

LARCENY AS A BAILEE.jj"£&| Antonio Martin, a young man (ot^fE fo t was brought up charged with using*'*»> property of Emanuel Silya, entrusted Mr J. B. Russell appeared for the deb dant. •'lilt Mr Broham asked that the case migw remanded until to-morrow.

JOHN AND J[TLU.y . .., ■$ John Edward Dixon was chargea assaulting his lawfully wedded wire** Dixon on the 18th instant. . .^ Mr Beveridge appeared for comply Jjj and stated that defendant had «*JJrfi wife, and he was willing to W.m A.to' her support, as they could not live g . Mrs Dixon promised not.to husband any more if he would enter w agreement to allow her 10s. a weeK. _ .^. Defendant promised to co^ef„lT-» ment on Saturday next, and upon gy* agreement to that effect was discos A SAILOR'S LIFE. &6 p ' Karl Salina was charged under , chant Shipping Act with f of orders on board the slnp. AUal» D the 17th instant. , y sot &M Mr Beveridge appeared for F". • cte df stated that his client had been :*m r| l rough treatment on board; &° i 1 speak broken English. A wye Mll Prisoner said he did not want to t ship, but he had been struck, The Captain said prisoner was w , j| and would not do hip duty. His Worship told prisoner *»*-■ -ft § do his duty. _ ~ A.'^Ms i Prisoner said that nearly all *||g M I against him excepting the QQQKyV- ;i, | !?? a witness'in W» fevoft 1

EBB Wrmm STAR, THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 19 18*4



.-e s. d. Windsor Castle OOO Van 0 0 0 Union Beach 0 2 7 Nonpareil 0 10 National Bank of N.Z. ., 0 ID 0 National Bank of N.Z. .. 0 10 0 Dividends. Sons of Freedom .. ..100

Date. Feb 17 Feb 20 March 4 March 11 April 1 July 1 Feb IS



J\ A T S! HATS! SUMMER HATS AT REDUCED P. RI CE S. INjLOEDER TO EFFECT A CLEARANCE RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN have.decided to Sell the Balance of their Summer Stock Children's and Ladies' Straw Hats at COST P RIC E. A^Great Variety to select from. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN (LATE R. HOBBS), Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers, & 0 JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Qtjeen-sibeet, Auckland. T COSGRAVE & CO HAVE JUST RECEIVED PER SUEZ MAIL: 1 case Self-coloured Gros Grains 1 „ Black „ „ 1 „ Best Paris Kid Gloves 1 ~ Best Assorted Colors. r\ a v t r ~ on•. OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. T_-iFc?m n _Dlssetlrs Pror* OUl*ce 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 bea'-ng the manufacturer's name stamped thereon and pass the same off as "Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce. The proprietor has in consequence caused his 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 stopper, and wrapped round with his well-known abeL [Established 1864.] jQ STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" "EAGLE BRAND" a , „ CE( _¥N BRAND," Are to be procured at all respectable Grocers and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auck and. D. STEPH EN SON & CO. WYNDHAM STREET Auckland E >.' A. D SAMUEL COOMBES' ADVERTISEMENT sth Column, Front Page.