SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUK-S3T: This evening, 7.17 BTJN-RISE: To tnorrow morning, 4.5S HIGH 'WATER : This evening, 11.54 ; tc-morrow morning, 12,

ARRIVALS.

-iwowena, s s, from Hmse" Go-ahead, s s, from Wrtara j

DEPARTURES.

•Freetrader, barque, for Newcastle j

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Go-Ahead from Waitara : 40 head cattle, 250 sheep, 2 horses, W. Bayley; 2 bales wool, 8 kegs butter, order. The Abraham Barker, American whaling barque, was lying at Mongonui on the arrival of the Rowena. She had come in the previous morning, and intends staying only a week to water and provision. The Abraham Barker has been away about ten months, and during that time has obtained 1000 barrels of oil. The s.s. Go-Ahead, Capt. McGiHivray, arrived at Onehtmga last night at 8.30 p.m. She left there at 2 p.m. on the 7th, and arrived off Waitara at S a.m on the Bth, and in the river at noon ; took in a full load of stock and left at midnight, arriving at Onehunga as above. Experienced light variable winds with moderate weather throughout. Passengers—Mr and Mrs Cuitis, Mr and Miss Bayley. The s.s. Rowena arrived in harbour at four this morning from E.ussell, having left the Bay of Islands at half-past twelvo on Friday. Had a very smooth passage down. The Pto-wena brings the Sir Geo. Grey Cadets from the Kcwau, where they have been spending a fortnight at Sir Geo. Grey's. The boat brings very little cargo this trip, and the following passengers : Dr. Gould, Messrs. Yates, Hamer, Leonard, Shepherd, Bowyer, Christie, Haines, Hewitt, Flower day, Davis, Kingston, Ford, Woods, Butter worth, Strongfellow, Wi Katene and wife, three other natives, Misses Harden, Brisdon, Mrs Largan, and three in tho steerage. The brigantine Flirt will ..leave for Lj itel ton shortly. The s.s. Wellington will w?1! leave the Manukau for Southern ports on Monday afternoon. Ihe schooner Coronet entered oufrwnrds'for Tahiti yesterday. The unloading of the Hindostan is going on apace. The cargo is all well preserved. The Chile has already taken in a consider able portion of her homeward cargo, princi pally wool Captain Trayte's natty little schooner, the Edith, has finished her unloading. Her cargo has turned out in excellent condition as tisnal. The schooner Pacific arrived from Russell this morning with 85 tons coal. She left Russell on Thursday and has experienced a succession of calms on her way down. Cap tain Chrisp expresses himself well satisfied of his new vessel's sailing capabilities. The distance between Tiri Tiri and Cape Brett on tho out-run was done in eleven hours.

COMMERCIAL.

Calls. £ s. d. Date. Eureka Hill 0 10 Jan. 14 Pride of Tokatea .. ..000 Jan. 14 Golden Calf .. .... 0 1 0 Jan 14 Albion Coal Co 015 0 Feb. 1 National Bank of N.Z. .. o'o 1 April 1 National Bank of N.Z. .. 010 0 July 1

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKL AND.

V vit.3 will Close as Under :— For Thames, on Monday next, at 10.30 am, and 5.30 pm For Tatanp'ii fid Ws igpnv". pevGo iV-l, this day, at 5 i) m For Cororo»ndel, on Monday next, at 12 30 p m Per s.s. Wellington, on Monday next, as under :— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at lpm for the Australian Colonies and United K'igdom, via^ Suez, (letters .specially uddrersed), at 1.30 p m For Taranakiand Southern Provinces, at 1.80 p m For the United Kingdom, via Urindisi, and lute letters for Southern Provinces, Sydney, and Mul bourne, at 2 p m For money orders, registered letters, and nov > papers, at 12 30 p m For JEUi~~ell, Wanga oa, and Mongonni, per Eowena, on Monday next, at 3pm For Whitianga, T;hm, Tar-apga, Cpoti' :", md Napier, \.~a Tav anga, par Soui'ie a Cross, on Tuesday .next, at 3p m For the undermentioned places, per Governor Black all, on Thursday, 15th instant, as under : — For Sandwich Islands. United States of Americp. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South A oierica. and British and Foreign West Indies, at 10.30 a.m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco, at 10.30 a.m. Letters bearing late fee will be received untilllla.m For money orders, registered letteu, and news papers, at 9.30 a.m. N.B.— A rev'scd Hble of rates of postage can be obta'n-i at f-s office. Piice, Gi ec.?'i. (S'% if i) S. B. Biss. Chief Postmaster,

BIRTHS.

Bond— On January 6, at her residence, Wei'm^on street, Mrs Alexander Bond, of a daughter.*. ', Cajiey.—On the Bth instant, at Onehur-a, tho wife of Car tr 'n Carey of a daughter.

DEATHS.

Seaule—On the Sth instant, at Cook-street, Augusts Thomas, fourth son of Mr Thoma3 dearie ; aged 11 months. McMasteh.—On January 10, at Colling wood street, .'nfant dauhgter of Charles McMaster ; aged 3 weekr.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 1874.

+ For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For tho future in the distance, And the «rood that we can do

The educational history of California offers a very favourable example of what may be accomplished by energy and determination, in the face of many combined disadvantages. The sudden influx of a mining population, with its throng of adventurousl money-seekers, were not calculated to advance the mental culture of the community, and although they were for years shut out from the pro gressive civilisation of the Eastern States, they have with united and earnest efforts done much to overtake, the education?! advantages of the older and more settled states, until California j)romises to occupy a position second to none on that great Continent. In spite of unusual depression in general business, great educational enter prises have been ioaugurated. through the ability and perseverance of those able men who have had the management of this department. The 1550 public free schools in California return 91,332 acholara (about 70 per cent of the school population) under 820 male and 1092 female teachers. Penn sylvania; returns an attendance of 815,753 scholar (83 per cent) under 7,165 .male and 8,505 female teachers. The average salaries of teachers in California is—male 78 dollars per month ; female, 60 dollars. The salaries in Eastern States are much lower. A recent report advocates the payment of high salaries to teachers, and considers that the amount and character of the work done, not the sex of the worker, should determine the amount jof compensation in all cases. Education is supported by a State property tax equal.to two shillings per cent., a poll tax, and the interest received from school lands. The State is divided into counties, and these into school districts. The dis , tricts leyy the school tax as required upon property within the district ; but this has proved inadequate to meet the demands of poorly-settled disti-icts, and a general tax for the whole State lias been determined upon, to be apportioned according to the schools in the district^ and not upon the population. Under the old system the centres of wealth commanded the services of the best teachers, and the hardy pioneers in thinly settled frontier districts were, rewarded by iguoranco,

The law is now being altered to meet tliese necessities, upon the principle that " all the property of the State should be taxed to educate all the children of the State." The State Board has supreme control in all matters, and its constitution of thorough practical men affords a good example. It is composed of the Governor, tho Chief Super intendent of Education, eight county superin tendents, and two members elected by the former on the nomination of the Superinten dent of Public Instruction ; thus the Boord is raised above the strife of party feeling, and the report says "they have served the State well, and deserve the applause due to good and faithful servants." Upon the ques tion of "Sectarianism" the Chief Superin tendent replies, " There is no sectarianism in our public schools, and there can be none. A State School system is necessarily secular. The State acts only in a secular sphere. It cannot undertake to teach religion. That, with us, is left to the church and the family, and there it must and will remain." "There is a Bible party and an ante-Bible party, and fiery is their seal end fie:-1 their discussions. Our Crlifornia schco] law treats the question just fight; that is, lets it alone. It neither puts the Bible in nor out of the public schools, but leaves the matter to the common sense and prudence of each teacher and community in the State. Ido not wish to see the reading of the Bible forced upon any human being. The reading of the Bible, as a preliminary exercise by m unwilling or sceptical t3achei-, would be more a sacrilegious than a religious act." A teachers' institute is provided for by law j it holds an annual assembly at San Francisco occupying one week. Lectures and addresses are given, and discussions take place on the most import ant questions of public school teaching and State education. The resolutions passed upon the political aspect of the question have g/eat weight in the Court of Legislature. County institutes are associated, in which poilodical meeting are held, the County Superintendents being required to convene assemblies, and the School districts to grant the necccssary libeity to the teachers. The great impetus recently given to education 'n the countiy districts bomg greatly due to the deep interest taken by all the teachcu in the practical working of these institutes. The Californian teacher is supported by the Slate Board n en organ of public instruction, and it maintains a unity of interest in th;s department. A Normal school is conducted at San Jose, and it has been provided for by a specipl act of the State, and its building and management may serve as models to similar institutions. School district libraries are also provided for by law, ten per cent, of the annual appoi Jionment up to SOJols. being set apart for this purpose, the influence of which cannot be overestimated as they prove invaluable blessings to teachers and scholars. The University provides colleges for mechanics, agriculture, mines, civil unglnecr ing, and let* ors. The progress of education hrs been side by side with that of wealth and population. The just and liberal administration of public school affairs, and the harmony of those who have worked in the cause have won tho confidence and sup port of all classes in the State. These facts should carry with them some useful lessons to the minds of the people of Auckland, which we trust they will profit by.

His Honor the Superintendent turned the sod of the Waikato railway extension to-day at' Ngaruawaliia. Our special correspond ent has telegraphed an account of the pro ceedings which appear in another column. The affair appears to have been remarkable for its tamenesa. The loss of the ship Surat, referred to at some lengih in our Dunedin telegrams, adds another to the catalogue of misfortunes that seem to assail the conduct of our immigra tion scheme at every step. From admissions made by the captain at the official enquiry it would, appear that the mate and carpen ter were drunk, and the captain himself not in a fit state to manage a ship at such a time. These mishaps must do incalculable injury to the cause of immigration, and it is the duty of the Government to institute a very searching inquiry into the nature of the in spection made in England prior to the de parture of vessols for the colony. Judging from the. character of many of the immi« grants landed on our shores, and by matters revealed in connection with the loss of the Surat, it would appear that any inspection made must be of a very loose character. According to the statement regarding the Olifornian service, furnished to the Dunedin papers by Mr Vogel, the dates fixed for the next two months are—The Tartar to leave Sydney on the lotb January, connect;ng at Kandavau on the 22nd, with tho Governor Blackall from tlvh colony j the Crytlicno to leave Auckland in time to reach Kandavau on the 21st February, connecting there with the Mikado from Sydney. Whether this arrangement will be altered by the arrival of the Mika,do at Port Chalmers yesterday, we are not in a position to state, but in all probability the Mikado and not the Tartar will take the next outward mails from Sydney, connecting i\ Ith the Governor Blackall at Kandavu. In that case she must leave for Sydney at ones 7*l order to take up the service at the appointed time. We have received from the publishers, Upton and Co., a copy of the Rev. P. Mason's "Outlines of the Geography of Oceania," a litfcl© work just issued from the press. The publication has the important reoommendation of simplicity, and is excellently arranged in a way calcu lated by a series of progressive lessonß to give children a good general know ledge of the geography of the South Seas. The work rs similar in design aad arrangement to the author's geography of New Zealand, which is now used very extensively in our schools, and it will be found of jr,jeat value by teachers in imparting to the children under their care geographical know ledge of special interest to colonists. The Sir George ;Grey Cadets, who have been encamped for the last fortnight at the Kawau, returned to town early this morning per the Rowena. They have, we believe, thoroughly enjoyed themselves, especially with the kangaroo hunting, many of the boyi having brought skins to town as proofs cf their ski 1! in hunting these animals, The first portion of every day ws3 devoted to drill, and we need hardy cay that a fort night's instruction in drill has wonderfully improved the already well-known discipline of the corps. The Company met with the greatest kindness at the hands of Sir Gt jrge, who was delighted at their peiiO..ranees' especially their skirmieHng and bayonet exercises, and their parents wiJ! bo plesied to know that the conduct of their sons (with one or two exceptions) was most ex emplary.; Before leaving Sir George was kind enough to hand a letter to Captain Tay lor, of which the following Is a copy • "Kawau, January 9th, 1874.—My dear Captain Taylor,—l once more wish yourself, the officers, and cadets of the corps good bye. Again it has been a great pleasure to me to iind them in drill, in discipline, and in all other respects a credit to you, to them selves, and to Auckland. Having began so well m youth I hope their success may be great in after life, and that they may here aiter often think with'pleasure of the days we spent together at. the Kawau. I also wish yourself every success, and trust you may reap the reward you merit for the care you have bestowed upon your cadets. Very truly youra, G. Gee?,, ,r< ,■~ s

The delegation of the Governor's powers under " The Prisoners Removal Act," "The Waste Lands Act, ISSS," and "The Se condar Punishment Act, 1854, " were gazetted to-day. Mr Thoincis Russell's illness is ascribed to '■he imme-ise labour he had to go through in arranging all the detail of the San Francisco mail contract : indeed it may be said upon unquestionable au thorty that instead of lr-3 trip being one of pleasure he h?g been almost continuously occupied with reference to the contract. Shorty before the last mail left England he had a sudden attack of iMuess, and although better when the mail left he had neverthe less been ordered, on a -jount of his health, to proceed to the Continent. The prospectus of the New Zealand Sufar Refining Company, with a capital of £120/^OO in -tlO shares, has been published in our ad vert^ing columns. The provision-1 d;rec tory is" n, very 'nfluentirl one.. Defiled CHtV-itSs are given of the cofit of the neces sary works and the probable profit, and all information furnished that intending share holders nr-d desire to know. That thei j -'s ample room for a sugar refinery in the colony cannot be questioned, and Auckland capitalists, having failed to take any steps towards establishing one here, might do worse than invest in the company which, through the greater spirit and promptitude of Welling ton merchants, lias been set on foot. We like to see industries of this kind springing up, no matter what part of the colony ini tiates them, and although we cannot help wishing that Auckland enternrise tended more than it docs in the direction of manu facturing industries, we should not allow this feeling, nor yet any provincial jealousy, to prevent us from recognising the fact that a sugar refinery or any other similar enterprise established at Wellington, Dunedin, or Christchurch lrty confer quite as much bene fit upon the colony, and be an equally good investment for capital at present lying un productive, as a similar industry 'having its head quarters in Auckland. Mr G. W. Binnoy has been appointed Auckland agent for the Sugar Refinery, and will receive ap plications for shares, which may p.'so tie made through the various branches of the Bank of New Zealand. The Immigration Offiror of Dunedin re ports that the immigrants who have recently arrived in that part of the colony really found work at the following rates of remune ration :—Bakers, lC.i per day ; carpenters, 12s to 14s per day ; engine-drivers, 14s per day; farm servants, £55 per annum and found; female cooks, £40 per annum; female general servants, £.10 to £35 per annum ; gardeners, £w0 per annum and found; house maids, £25 to £o0 per annum ; labourers, Sa per day ; mpsons, 15s per day ; mcchr-^cs, 10s per day ; ploughmen, £60 ncr annum and found ; quarrymen, 10s per day; shep herds, £00 per annum and found ; tailors, £3 ]0s per week ; blacksmiths, 12<i per day ; boatbir'ders, 10s per day; bricklayers, I?.* to 14s per day ; butchers, 25s per week mid found; dressmakers, 25s i?3r week; engine fitters, 10s per day ; saddlers, 12t per day ; wheelwrights, 12s to 14s per day. Tins will positively be the Irsb evening of the exhibition of the hairless horse, and con sequently the last opportunity the public will have of seeing this wonderful animal. The hours to-night will be from seven till ten o'clock, and the charge sixpence. The membe:. of the Navol Brigade, under the command of Lioutennts Cbapmon and Bartlett, mustered in full fo-.'ce last night in the Di ;il-shed, and underwent their monthly ;"spect!on in a very creditable manner. The ITobson Company went through their weekly drill last evening at the Catholic Institute, vnder Captain Burns. The skir mishing and exercise of this ur't I com pany were pronounced satisfactory. Our punctur! friend, Punch, is at'll. >n good her'th, robust, and as jolly as ever, and ap pears th;s moiirng as fresh rs an English daisy, rid none the worse for the Christmas holidays. He makes an anology for his small sketches on behalf1 of the ai-tist ; but whether or not there was n cessity for such genipl and becoming humility we can scarcely say. We know however that the caiioon of the nresent number, "A Very Pie.".rant Rise," is capital, and comes up to' those of Mr Punch, of St. Bride's, who sti.H. occupies the house where a person named John Milton kept a school. But as this will be hazy to the view of some people we draw their attention particularly to " Very Hazy" (page 4), in reference to one of our Auckland schools, in illustration of the rapid progress our boys are making in general know 1< :lgo. Innumerable almost are the beauties of Punch's budget for the present week ; brimful of fun, pungent wit, and shrewed observations. Up and down Rri^ltoto is bracing both to the nerves and intellect, with its two local illustrations, and the account of Mr Vogel's r":nner-pavty is irresistible, and will do much towards curing prevailing diseases. Punch, moreover, presents Hs numerous friends with two smart poems, one on the,pr. :ent year, md another on the pleeeemcr.i at EVerslie. The number is a good one, and must not be mutilated. We notice that Messrs Whitson and Sons have^ removed their ple-botfcHng department *"> High-street, opposite the store of Mcisrs Brown, Barrett and Corner. \y. _ The Mechanics' Institute Exhibition con tinues to rcoeive a large share of public patronage, and yesterday a large number of persons went through the haHs and inspected the various articles of usefulness, works of art, &c, with much interest. In addition to the many products of industry and artwhioh grace the exhibition, the lectures afford an excellent means of imparting scientific and philosophic information, and those gentle men who come forward and aid the enteiprise in this pleasant manner are entitled to the p- ople's gratitude. The subject of this even ing's lecture by Wm. Humphreys, Esq., wil", be "The various exhibits H the Machinery Department." Mr Kerslake, cook at St Mungo's Cafe, exhibits excellent ample 3 of potted cray-fish, potted spied beef, &c, and his excellent curry, which has already secured the favour and preference of Auck land epicures. Those among us who suffer from the very distressing complaints of blindness or deaf ness should not neglect the opportunity now offered of cor suiting one of the leading oculists and aurisa in the colonies Mr. I. £. Rosenthal, who is at present in Auck land, bripgs with him teatimorHla of the highest .character, and haT n- Te these two very pairful branches of human affliction his special study, having lately by personal inspection made himself thoroughly familiar with the best modes of treatment adopted in the i leading London infirmaries. Mr Rosenthal hn taken rooms raxt the Club, Princost jet where he -nay be consulted. In p-iotlr • part of to-aay's issue appear a few out of the hundreds of testimonials to the efficacy of his mode of treatment, which he h-,s in his possession. These are worthy Jlie attention of all persons similarly afflictcJl. Tn£ Panorama of the Arctic regions and V; h ; ale Fishery, comprising views illustrative of Jife m the Polar Seas, will be exhibited in the High-street Congregational School-room m connection with the Auckland Sunday. boliool Union on Monday evening next,

A Provincial Government Q-uxeUn was pub lished to-day notifying the acceptance of the following tenders :— Printing for vincial Government, W. C. Wilson ; print ing for Provincial Council, 0. Williamson); stationery, Upton and Co.; binding, Wil liam Leys; carting, M. Hotchin; blacksmith supplies for gaol, T. and S. Morrin; conveyance of prisoners, W. Crow ther ; rations for gaol, _F. Hewin j for lock-up, T. Teasdale ; prison and police supplies, hospital, and provisions for Old Men's Refuge, F. Hewin ; for lunatic asylum, J. W. Prime ; bread for hospital, asylum, and refuge, T. Teasdale ; meat for hospital, Eeuben Elley ; meat for asylum, Or. Garrett; rations for sick and destitute, T. W. Doonin (Auckland and Onehunga); F. Hewin (Thames) ; coals, W. and G. Win stone ; firewood, Archard andfßrown ; and S. Smythe for Asylum. Although the weather was not especially favourable for an excursion on the water last evening, owing to the scudding rains which frequency obscured the stars, the members of St. Andrew's choir took their proposed trip on the North Shore Ferry steamer, the Takapuna, chartered for the occasion. The boat wr'ibrilliantly illuminated withlamps for the occasion ; a first-class band of wuid and stringed instrument and a number of songs and glees sounded upon the cveniug s'v. The prvty subsequently indulged in danciug; and altogether the trip, which closed at ten o'clock, was most pie?'uireuble. Every person appeared desirous of riding to enjoyment by being : ti excellent humour. Capt. Neil did bis best to serve and interest the party. We are glad to notice that " Mrs McGregor's Levee " met with a rery cordH. reception last night ii the theatre. The members of the Gourlay fiur-'ly, i-i their sever."l, parts, were greeted with enthusiastic applause, and the piece was a perfect success. The entertainment is of a fli st-clasa character, the music good, and the comicalities of *he Scotch Dwarf ema' 'i^ly funny. In consequence of no supply beirg avail able there wiH be no service in Devonport Presbyterian Church to-morrow. Services to-morrow (Sunday) at Newton Kirk, by Rev. Dr Wallis—morning, "The Desecration of the Lord's Day ;" ever;ng, Lectures on Apostles, No. 8, " Pr-^ip."— Loiae-street Hall, (by Samuel Edge, B. A.) —morning, "Why could we not cast him out?" evening, "The Greatest Bible Miracle." —Albeifc-street—morning, Rev. P. IT. Cornford ; evening, Rev. Wm. Tinsley.— Services at the usual hours at Edwardcs sti'at, Xew ton Hall, Sheridan-strr^t, Cook street Chilstins' Meeting House, and at Ur-itcd Free Me the-list new church, corner of Vincent-street, by Rev. G. IT. Turner. The projected amalgamation of the Auck land .Jockey Club pud the AucPand Turf Club w*>3 corsuir nated last night. It w.'U be recollected that the combination of the two '"ititutions was arranged by their several comipittees of marigeinent previous to the late race meetings of each. A general meet ing of the meinbei 'of each was nccesspry to complete the fusion and render it legal. These took place last evening at the Auok'snd Hotel. The only business done at the meeting of the Jockey Club (Mr. J. Watt in the chair) wo the passing of a formal resolution to the fo"ow ing cfi'ect: —"That in the opinion of this meeting it in desirable that the Auck land Jockey Club 1 ! wound up, oid that the same be accordingly wound up, and that the assets and liaWities be trptjsferrcd to a club, to be crlled the Auckland Racing Club." Immediately afterwards ,a meeting of the Turf Club was held' at the same place, Mr T. Morrin occupying the chair. A similar resolution to the fore going was carried unanimously, after which Mr Dalgleisti proposed, and Mr J. Russell se conded, "That in view of the speedy dis solution of the Auckland Turf Club, and taking into consideration the undoubted valuable services rendered to the Club by the hon. sec., Mr Jos. Bennett, some sub stantial recognition of those services be ten dered to Mr Bennett on his retiring from office." This was carried by acclamation. The Auckland press then received a vote of thanks for the prominence it had given at all t'nes to matters relating to the Club. The meeting then constituted itself a meet ing of the Auckland Racing Club, and Mr J. Watt was voted to the chair. About fifty intending members were present. The fol lowing resolutions were carried:—l. That a club out of the two old clubs be formed, to be called the Auckland Racing Club. 2. That the subscription for new members be— Entrance, £5; annual subscription, £5. 3. That the members'of both the old clubs be admitted members of the new club. 4. That gentlemen who have paid the entrance fee ot £20 to fhe Auckland Jockey : nlub will continue to pay their annual sub scriptions to the new club, and such pay ments to be credited to their accounts until they shall have paid up an amount which taken with the sum of £20 will equal the amount of the subscriptions of a life member. They also will be considered life members of the e!ub. 5. That the printed rules of the Auckland Turf Club ba the rules of the Raoirg Club. The question of dating the ages (July or August) to be left to the commit tee. 6. That the following gentlemen b3 members of committee : Messrs J. Watt, C. J. Taylor, J. S. Macfarlane, J. Banks, J. Bennett, T. Mori In, R. Wyny?-d, G. M. Dalgleish, W. Marks, H. Hardhgton, Major Walmsley, rid Major C.joree. A vote of thanks to the chaiiman closed the proceed ings. The Hornet, a satirical newspaper, pub lished in London, has lately been coming out strong as the champion, of journalism legiti mate, and the histrionic profession. It ap pears that a number of clerks in Government offices, are in the habit of doing dramatic criticisms and gossipy aiiicles for some of thepapers, and that they take advantage of their position, and knowledge of public and private matters, to malign people's charac ters, and act unfairly both towards authors and actors. One of these writers, aMr Clement bcott, who was a clerk in the War Office, sinned teriibly in these things. In a series of these articles, called Echoes from the Club he exposed the doings of certain officers, General Chute amongst the number, his in formation being gathered from the office in which he he was engaged. He had' rlso written contradictory critiques tor nsw pieces for different papers, and had altogether acted in such a way as to throw great discredit upon the professon of letters. After some waiu mgs the Hornet took the n-itter up and ex posed Scott, who prosecuted the editor Mr Fiske, for libel. Fiske :<3 an and fought it out so well, through b:t counsel Mr Lewis jun., that the magistrate, after saying that he thought those who brought actions for libel ought to come into Court with clean hands, advised the withdraw?! of I the action. The advice was accepted, and ' now I understand Scott, who has had to re- ' sign his appointment, is to be prosecuedfor ' malicious prosecution.—London Corresnon- '■ dent. r slt is said that next year there is to be a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, headed by the Marquis of Bute. Some of the papers suggest that a pilgrimage to the East end of London would be more instructive and better calcu lated to toach these latter day saints a lesson a s to thoir duty both to Gotland tbeiy aeieU-

The following is a description of the robes worn by the Mayor of Christcbureh on the occasion of his election :—The robe adapted by the Mayor is composed of purple velvet, with train of eighteen inches, trimmed with ermine, and lined with anaber-colered silk, and large open pleeves. The bend or collar is made of black velvet edged with hand some gold braid, and four gold s f#vrs on brent of same, and attached to the point is the city coat of arms, embroidered m £old and silver, with gold border. The first link of a chain is also appended to the coat of f-GH, the "'ntantion being to add the V^\s of the preceding Mayors. The cap is made of the sr-ue velvet, with gold button and ermine border. We notice that the farewell tea meeting to Rev. C. and Mrs Waters will take place in the Edwardes-street school-room prior to their leaving for Sydney. A large gathering of friends is expected, and a very interesting evening anticipated.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done :— Bank of New Zealand—Buyers, £16 17s 6d. National Bank—Buyers, £3 3s 6d. National Insurance—Buyers, 20s ; sellers, 21s. Thames Gas —Sellers, 37s Cd Black Angel, 21s Gd.. Bismarck—Sellers, 335. City of London—Buyers, 22s ; sellers, 23s Ruby—Buyers, 4s Gd ; sellers, 5s Gd. Caledonian—Buyers, £12 ; sellers, £12 10s Eureka Hill—Sellers, 7s. Oriana—Sellers, 2s. Golden Calf (new) —Buyers, 3s Gd.; sellers, 4s. Moanatairi—Buyers, 38s. Alburnia (new issue)— Sellers, Gs 6d. Thames G. M. Co., GOs ; buyers, £3 ss. Waitemata—Sellers, 4s ex. div.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM WAIKATO.

TURNING THE SOD OF THE UPPER WAIKATO RAILWAY. PAPtTICULARS OF THE PROCEEDINGS [By Telegraph.] (From our Speci?l. Correspondent.) NGARUAWAHIA. This day lie Superintendent and party arrived last night at 11.30. The event of to-day has not created much excitement. Very few settlers are in, and hardly any natives. There ?s a general expression of regret that so little notification was given of the event. All the expenses of the display are out of Dr Pollen's own pocket. The people do not understand the par simony of the Government any more than the suddenness of the start and the enrol ment of the armed navigators. Dr Pollen and Mr Mackay are here and hs>\t a dozen majors and colonels, that's all. A marquee is spread on the banks of the river on the other side from Ngaruawahia fifty yards up from the ferry. ' His Honor is to perform the ceremony at noon, and champagne and sandwiches with the comp'-'ments of the season will be served J up. - ~Tho proceedings in the tent so'far are very Hat. 1 hope the champagne will enliven them. The weather ia showery and muggy, and the people are sust?ij-"ng|enfoebled nature by suction. „. 12.30 p.m. IJie ceremony commenced at 12.30. The platform under the marquee was filled with ladies and others. A large number was present. Dr. Pollen delivered an address in explanation of the event, and of the method on which the works were to be carried out. The Superintendent then addressed the Europeans aad Maoris, and cheers for every one, from the Queen downwards, were given. The sod was then dug by his Honor in approved style, and the festivities com menced.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

THE WATER RACE TENDER. GRAHAMSTOWX. _ : |Thia day. Herons contract for the construction of head works for the water race has been accepted. Crown Prince—3olbs of specimens were obtained to-day. The Whau has commenced opening on the new level. There is & fine show of gold in the reef.

COROMANDEL.

: This day. A new find of gold has been made at Tiki Eich specimens were found in the old speci men claim. The Mail of to-day wires into the banks for a combination against the gold sellers restricting the sale of gold to the bank at which it was lodged, and allowing no second assay except through such bank, shewing a loss to gold sellers of from a penny to six pence per ounce.

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

(Prom our own Correspondent.) LYTTELTON. ■ a «X This day. Au-ived—Pleiades, ninety-seven days out from London. Passengers : Missea Relland and Stewart; Messrs Adams, Sake, Hood •Brown, Barclay, Hopes (2), Buckley, Austsn, Grosse, Saul and Todd. _ The Gothenburg and Ladybird, from the North, sail this afternoon. The Taranaki, with the San Francisco mail, sail at six. *iT hnnn P/° Yin rCiai ? overnment have voted ±-.11,000 for a Lyttelton water supply. [Per Anglo-AustraiPin Telegram Company.]

NELSON.

m. „ vo . This day. a Vf are P°stP°n^ KU the end of April. t i-he programme has been enlarged. Ihe principal event is a handicap of 150s6vs with a sweepstake of lOsovs.

CHRISTCHURCH.

m, TWs day. •the gram market is unsettled. Buyers offer 4s for new wheat ; 2s 3d to 2s 6d for oats, with very little offering ; cheese, 5s to 6s ; butter, 6Jd to 7d ; h?-ns ?ud bacon B£d, f.o.b. . . , ;,,..' A meeting of the Central Boating Club resolved that all champion races may be rowed with or without coxswains. The prizes will be liberal. Three Canterbury boats will probably enter for the big event

PORT CHALMERS.

Thes.s. Mikado, 3,030 tons, from Hong.!

They are all well. She left Hougkon" on December the 9th, snd h?.d a fair passr;<-e ? 'j the way. She sighted the North Cape on the Ofch instant. She has two engines of 100 horse power, and steamed 11 knots on aji average all the way dou n. She is beauti fully clean, and as a passenger vessel, is: a credit to her owners.

THE SURAT INQUIRY.

DRUNKENNESS OF SHIP:S OFFICERS. THE OTAGO CRICKET TEAM. ■ DUNE DIN. This day, ! At fhe inquiry into the wreck of the Surat yesterday the captain was the first v tness exairSr^. He gave particulars of the sh-'p and cargo. The ship's '-on wn worth £15,00. When she struck the weather wps hazy. There were five bumps. Bu>-" V the first hour she irMe no water. At five o'clock in the morr:ng the water was merer sing at the raf"! of one foot p-j hour. It \r " r'\ c: 'or of judgment that he did not fetch away to Port Chr'mcrs. which could have been reached •'~i twelve hours' sp'l. A sterner p "sed beL.vecn the vessel p"id +\e land at t.vo o'clock in the mouvng He hoisted the ensign with the Ur "on Jack down. He did not fire a gun, and was not asked to do so. He anchored in seven fathoms of water, hoisted out five boats, and landed lfO passengers. He then beached the vessel. The captj>;n left the vessel on the morning of the Ist January, leaving the mate and tv> o seamen on board. The chief mate, Abraham Forehaw wf drunk in bed when the vessel came to-anchor. II was not the first time he had seen him drunk. Wit* ness drank something after the vessel strtiefcj but declined to say how much. He b",d a pistol in his pocket and threatened to shoot anyone who attempted to hoist a signal with out his orders. He did not s3 the mate use a revolver, ?*id did not prevent the women waving shawls. The enquiry v."*'1 probably last a week. In cross-examination the captain of the' Surat admitted taking six glasses of whiskey between the time the ship struck and the time she was beached. He stated that the carpenter was drunk as well as the mace. The subscriptions for the Surat sufferers is going on successfully. A sufficient sum will be raised without going out of the province. The Governor will visit the Surat wreck in his yacht to-morrow. A diver and a large number of labourers are at work upon the wreck. The stores and sails are already saved. A steam collier, 1500 tons, has been pur chased in London for Mr Frank Fulton, of this city. The eleven to play against the Canter bury cricketers are—Allan, Clark, Crea^h, j Downes, Holme 3, Johnston, Lambert, ! Lynch, Paramour, Read and Tait ; Eracr i gency man, Austin.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckham Esq., R.M.) DRUNKEKXKSS. Thomas Williams* Joseph Robinson, William Lestrang, James Heaton, and Mary Napier, were severally charged with being drunk last night, and dealt with in the usu?l way. AN ERRATIC BEIXG John Leonard, a very old offender, was : charged under the Vagrancy Act with being a rogue, and vagabond, having been convicted of drunkenncsu three times within a short space oftjtne.; r , ■ s Prisoner said he was not a rogue, but he was often drunk. ; ( For being drunk prisoner wn fined 20s : and costs, and for being a rogue and vagabond I sentenced to nine months' imprisonment with j h""d labour.;., ~-.. _'~, '...." , :•; A FUGITIVE SAILOR. George William Skipped a seaman, w£"s charged with deserting the ship Hindostan now lying in; Auckland harbour, c P. i v> Prisoner pleaded guilty, r * u.-<~ :• I Captain Peek said the prisoner was a youth of very y-idifferent character. The Bench coim.init.ted the prisoner to two months' imprisonment, and hard labour iti Mount Eden gaol. DAMAGING A TRF3. James Henry Knight was., charged with cutting and damaging a certain potiufcukawa tree at Waiheke on the ISth December last value 60s, the property of Mr- Laughlin OBrien. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and said that he was not aware that the tree was the pi'oper*-? of Mr O'Brien. ■ ■■ ■ ■ - -- Mr Brookfield stated that prisoner had cut down three other trees on Mr O'Brien's land,.but th-vt gentleman did not wish to . press the charge against the prisoner, his ob ject being simply to prevent the rccuijence of such an act in future. Prisoner said he was in the employ of Mr Bernard Waymouth, of \Taikehe, but the tree was not for his employer; in fact he only cut down a limb. . . . Mr John Graham; farmer of Waiheke, statedthat on the day in question he saw th« prisoner's boat at the spot, but did not see the. theft .committed. He could not speak as to the value. • ■■ ; Enock Fluke, a wild-looking youth, whose hair had not evidently felt a comb for three months, deposed that prisoner sold the wood to Mr Bailey; of, the North Shore ; His Worship remarked that notwithstand ing the leniency of Mr O'Brien the offence must not be allowed to pass. Prisoner, therefore, must pay a fine of forty shilling. with costs, one selling damage, and the costs of three witnesses, or be subjected to fouvxen days' imprisonment with hard labour. LUNACY. U John Johnson and Thorns Puiviay were charged with, being of unsound' mind,, and upon the medical testimony of DivGoldsbro' and Dr. Hartmanu were committed to the Whau Lunatic Asylum. SMUG SUNG. Joseph Peter Fox and George and Kenneth McKenzie were charged with a breach of the Customs .Regulators in having smuggled a quantity of tobacco, viz., two boxes, contain ing 40 pounds, on board the schooner Helen, on the 9th inst. Mr Brookfield appeared for the prosecu tion. ..: ,1 :■ '"• - : :■■ I; A '-'•■ •KrM^ r J°y, aPPeared for thei prisoners, and Mr McKellar to watch the case The defendant Fox, captain of the vessel, pleaded guilty without intention to defraud, Mr Joy, on behalf of the captain of the Helen, referred to the case lei oneofa tuning nature. The tobacco was purchased in the JJijw .was damaged and of very bad quality, and had been lying in the vessel for two years; indeed it was quite unsaleable/and the captain had no intention of defrauding tne (Justoms. ■' ' '• ■■■ The two McKenzie's pleaded not guilty, as they merely worked on the vessel, and knewf. nothing of the matter. Mr Joy said he would ask that the plea of guuty, on the part of the captain, might be withdrawn. . .• , . ; ■ > Me Brookfield said he would withdraw the charge against McKenziesi regarding them as sailors under orders. The sailors were therefore discharged, and : the captain subjected to a mitigated penalty of £50 and oosta, or, impHsoament for sis »was m thefeusta, .:i, •.::.':

THE BVBKIN& BTAB, SATURDAY.. JANUARY 10 I%U



J^" O W OP E N B D, EX HYD A S P^E S, A MAGNIFICENT ASSORTMENT 01? CHILDREN'S, GIRLS' AND LADIES' TUSCAN, LEGHORN, &.STRAW HATS, MEN'S & BOYS, DITTO DITTO, VERY CHEAP. SILK SUNSHADES. MUSLIN COLLAPvETTES LACE TIES •Etc., Etc., Etc. GENTLEMEN'S SUMMER CLOTHING, BOYS' & YOUTHS' DITTO. A CHOICE LOT OF BOYS' KNICKERBOCKER SUITS IN VARIOUS MATERIALS & STYLES, ALPACOA COATS (BLACK & COLORED), iWHITE DRESS SHIRTS, Etc., Etc., Etc. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Wholesale and Retail Drapebs, Clothiers, &o. JUNCTION DRAPERY "WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Qtteen-street, Auckland. £&• N.B.— Parties in the country favouring R. &?B. with their orders may depend upon their receiving careful atten tion and despatch. Patterns, &c, forwarded post free. INSURANCE. THE NATIONAL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND : pEOTECTS Insurers against Loss JL from cither Tire or Sea disasters at Loavest Ratem of Pbekium. Advantageous arrangements can be made whereby "Wool-growers and others can have their Clips covered from Sheep's back through to London. Open Policies are issued by this Company covering Merchandise to any amount to New Zealand and Australian ports, saving both trouble and expense to insurers. By a simple plan also Importers can Insure in Auckland Merchandise coming to them from United Kingdom, and all settlements in event of loss can be made with the office here, thus avoiding the vexatious delay attending adjustments in England. Auckland Branch Offices: 25, Queen street. ANDREW G. MILLAR, Local Manager. piIEISTMAS PEJESENTS AND ■ NEW TEAE'S GIFTS, •FROM FIVE TO TWENTY-FIVE PER CENT DISCOUNT. R. BECK, JEWELLER AND WATCHMAKEU, Will supply JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS, &c, FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS AND NEW YEAR'S GIFTS, At a Reduction or 5 to 26 run. cent. Discount. \V,.— All Goods marked in plain figures, and r.intond. /' 198, QUEEN-STREET,



LADY BOWEF TESTIMONIAL. SUBSCRIBERS are informed that the Gift to Lady Bowen from the Ladies of Auckland will be exhibited at Mr Uktok's on Mon day first, l°th instant, between the hours of ten iuid our. Auckland, January 7,1874. [Established 1864.] DSTEPHENSON & CO.'S a CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" "EAGLE BRAKD" "CROWN BRAN D," Are to be procured at all respectable Grocers and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auck and. D. STEPHENSON & CO. WYND HA M S'IREET Auckland riHEISTMAS HOLIDAYS, J. CIOSGRAVE & CO. Are now holding their rcmal CHEAP SALE OF D.EABERY & CLOTHING At their Premises CANADA BUILDINGS. THE SALE IS NOW ON, And will continue duri'ig tho CKRIS TM A S II OLI DA V S.I J. COSGRAVE & CO. QIJEEK STREET. \^TAIKATO COALS (the best in use for riouselioM purposes). For Sale in s to suit buyers at the T'mbcr Yard Governmen Wharf, Onehunga. Orders can be left at the office. JAMES W. WALLER, Castomhoi's trcet, Au«'-.iind. WILL BE PUBLISHED ON MONDAY NEXT, "THE AUCKLAND CRICKETERS' TRIP TO THE SOUTH," A History ov the late Successful Tour. PRICE: ONE SHILLING. E. WAYTE, PTOLTBHBE.