SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

PTTN-SET : TMs evening, 7.6 SUJKT-EISS: 'So ?norrow naorninff, 5.21 HIGTf WATER: This evening, 7.49 ; feo-monrovj morning, 5.6

ARRIVALS.

Herald, schooner, from Levtika Murray, s.b , from Southern Ports, via Napier Pretty .Tane, twin screw steamer, from Duucdin, via East Coast Colonist, rcliooaer, from Napier Laetitia, schooner, from "Wangaroa Merlin, schooner, from Napier ■Fffie Meikle, schooner, from Poverty Bay Vincent, cutter, from Tanranga Clyde, schooner, from Wangarei

DEPARTURES.

Rhyno, brigantine, for Lyttelton, via the Thames barque, for Wangaroa and Melbourne Julius Vogel, Kchooner, for Poverty Bay Fiery Cross, schooner, for Paissoll m. Pacific, schooner, for Kaipara ™ Belle Brandon, for Kaipara

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Chile, ship, for London, ~early Luna, p.s., for Wellington Success, schooner, for Napier, to-morrow

VESSELS EXPECTED.

wave Queen, ship, from London. Sailed October 14 Alice (.V:moron, barque, from Sydney Anazi, barque, from London. Sailed October 31 .hmpreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October 15

IMPORTS.

. Per schooner Herald, from Fiji: 2 tons flour; 2 tons maize, 2 tons whale oil, and a quantity of bananas, ' ■

The- schooner Effie Mickle sailed for the East Coast on Sunday morning, but was compelled to put back owing to the heavy wind blowing outside. The schooner Herald arrived in harbour on Saturday night from Levuka, from which port she 3ailed on the 17th instant. Captain Pvogers reports very heavy weather on the outward voyage. During a gale on the 29th December had to throw overboard a portion of deck cargo. On 31st a hurricane was blowing. Threw over remainder of spars, etc. Arrived at Levuka January sth. On return voyage high seas and strong winds prevailed to the 22nd. Thence light airs and calms to port. Passed Cape Brett on the 29th. •

The s.s. Star of the South is announced to sail for Levuka on Friday, the 6+,h instant; The schooner Lfetitia, from Wangaroa, brings 34,000 feet of timber and 5 tons kauri gum. • , ' ■ ; «

The Fiery Cross, schooner, sailed in ballast for Russell early this morning. It is asserted that this vessel has been purchased by Mr J. W. Waller, from Captain Short. The s.s. Murray, from Southern ports, via ISapier, Poverty Bay and Tauranga, arrived m harbour yesterday morning. The Murray brings several passengers, but noTcargo, having landed a quantity of telegraph posts at Tauranga for the Government. Captain Palmer reports a fine weather passage along the coast. The Murray is a Nelson steamer, hitherto used in the West Coast trade. It is reported that her purchase by an" Auck land company is under consideration. The s.s. Governor" Blackall will sail for Sydney to-morrow at 2 p.m. The barque Naworth sailed for Wan gar oa and Melbourne on Saturday evening. The Merlin, schooner, in ballast, arrived yesterday from Napier after a passage of three days. ■ . ■ . ; , ;, The sudden change of weather last night, ■with the unexpected setting in of a smart southerly breeze, caused Mr. Street's yacht the Winona to break adrift, and she had a- narrow escape of coming to gnei . She dragged her anchor, and, with out any one on board, was being blown across the Waitemata in the direction of bhoal Bay, when some of the watermen went in pursuit, and not without some trouble, owing to the chain having fouled the fluke of anchor, righted the yacht, and' sailed her into smooth water to the east of the Break water. A few minutes later the Good Templar was discovered to have started on a similar aimless cruise. She was boarded and brought up in safety. These little mishaps are no doubt due to the carelessness about their^rnorGiings, which the recent spell of fine weather has engendered. This morning iihe flag of the cutter Fannie was flying at her mast head in challenge to the cutter Mercury to come out and race. The latter, however, declined to' respond. The day was a splendid one for trying the sailing capabilities of each vessel, and it is a pity that the owner of the Mercury should have allowed such an opportunity to go by. The barque Alice Cameron was announced m the Sydney papers of January 17 for Auckland with quick despatch should suffi cient inducement offer.

The ketch Clio has cleared out for Whangapoa with a small cargo of sundries shipped by J. S. Macfarlane. The cutter Vincent has entered inwards from Tauranga with 100 hides and 13 sacks wheat.

The A.S.N. Company's s,s. Victoria was announced in the Sydney Morning Herald, of the 17th instant, to leave Sydney for Auck land on the 28th of January, at 4.30 p m She will not, therefore, be fully due here until to-morrow evening. The schooner Colonist, from Napier, arrived yesterday afternoon with a cargo of 28 bales of wool, and,'sundries. The wool will be transhipped into the barque Lady Agnes' for New York.-; - . : . .

The twin screw s.s. Jane, lately purchased by the A.SiJf. Company, arrived yesterday from JNapxer,. via the Thames, where she landed 750 sheep. The Jane is a sister vessel to the. Go-A head, and will make a very useful addition to the A.S.P.Co's fleet, . She is intended for the Napier and East Coast trade. . ...

COMMERCIAL.

"At Messrs. Samuel Cochrane and Son's Sj. e: of Hauraki properties, in the estate of Wirope Hotereni Taipari, the followiug •prices we™ realized :—Lot 1, £1 • lot 2 with lot 15, £3 ; lot 3, £5 ; lot 4, £7 lot 5 £5 • lot 6, £5 ; lot 7, £13; lot 8, £9 ; lot 9' £7 ' lot 10, £11•; lot 1*1; £6 ; lot 12, £1 ■ lo t 13,' £6 5 lot 14, £3 ; lot 16, £1 ■ lot 17, £7.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done this day— ; .National Bank—6ss ; sellers, 665. S.B. Insurance—4ssL' National Insurance—2ls : buyers. 21s • sellers, 21s 6d. f - ;: ' , ' Sash and Door Company, (new issue) Buyers, L 7 10s. • . : , : ; Bismarck—sellers, 2j}s. Caledonian—Ll3, Ll2, Ll2 6s, Ll2 18s ■ buyers, Ll2 15a 6d';'sellers, Ll3 2s 6d. ; City of London-r2ss ; sellers, 25s 6d. Sons of Freedom—Sellers £11 15s Tookey (double)—£B ;'sellers £8 ss. Eureka—6s. Royal Oak—Buyers, ,10s.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails win Close as Under : For Thames, to-day, at 5.30 pm, ana to-morrow at 10.30 a m and 5.30 p m For • Taranaki, and Southern Provinces, per Wel lington, .to-morrow, at 8 a m For Coromandel, on Wednesday, at 12.30 p m For Tauranga, per Vincent, to-morrow, at 8 a m For the Australian Colonies, per Governor Blackall to-morrow, at 1 p m For Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, and Southern .Provinces, per Murray, to-morrow, at 2pm For uisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane, to-morrow .at 4 p m " ' For JLevuka (Fiji), per Star of the South, on Friday, 6th February, at 2 p m For the undermentioned places, per on Thursday, 12th February, as under :— For Fiji.Sandwich Islands.TTnited States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, atlo.3oa.m. . , :'■ . For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe . via San Francisco, at 10.30 a.m. '• ■■■ Letters bearinglate fee will be received until lla m For money orders, registered letters, ana news papers, at 9.30 a.m. (Signed) 8. B. Bisa. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

MACNicoL-On February 2, at St. James's Manse the wife of the Rev K. F. Macnicol, of a daughter.

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1874.

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

In May 1867. a commission consisting of Messrs R, B. Lusk, W. Swanson, and James Naughton was,appointed by his Honor the Superintendent (Mr Williamson) to inquire into and report upon the administration of the fund for the relief of the sick and desti tute. Much valuable testimony was adduced and various suggestions were made which were subsequently acted upon, and have been productive of some benefit Wo understand it. is probable that a similar commission will be appointed at an early date m view of the present very large amount of existing destitution despite the general prosperity of the country The last report of the Relieving Officer shows about 200 adults and 350 child ren to be in receipt of monthly relief, and tn« estimate for relief for the year ending

31st December 1574 is set down at £3,175, a ' large sum considering the diminished Pro vincial revenue from which it has 'to be drawn. If any system can be adopted which will tend to reduce this large expenditure, whilst adequate provision is at the same time made for all deserving cases, a very desirable "- i will have been obtained. T "~ -.esiilt consider the anomaloll- vv'e cannot which these fi>~ ■-<* state of tilings that the"- " . «,-*«B reveal without feeling mi*-' ..orking men of Auckland are very --on to blame for systematically neglecting the precautions against evil which are available during times of prosperity. Much ! oE the existing distress no doubt arises from ! sickness and death, but the destitution which j these evils cause is, as we pointed out in a i recent article, easily preventible or capable of amelioration by the means brought within the reach of all by benefit societies and the Go vernment scheme of insurance. This ques tion is of the utmost importance to working men. Every man should ask himself what his position would be in case of sickness or accident, and if he is unable to answer the question satisfactorily he ought to loso no time in making provision for "the evils which must sooner or later "befal him.

At a meeting of the creditors "of John Johnson, held this day at the offices of the Provincial Trusteed in Bankruptcy, it was shown that the bankrupt's liabilities were £901 13s lOcl, assets £368 10s. Mr Thomas Macffarlane was appointed trustee.

At the Police Court to-day Margaret Cox was fined ten shillings and costs, with the alternative of forty-eight hours imprisonment, for drunkenness. This was all the business.

A general meeting of the shareholders in the Hauraki Saw-mill Company was held at Messrs Bennett and Eogan's office to-day, Mr. Owen In the chair. The auditors'' report and balance-sheet were read and approved of. Mr G. B. Owen was re-elected a director. It was then resolved that the mill be leased for twelve months from the 3rd of April to Mr John Gibbons.

As will be seen by our telegrams there has been an unusual inilux of English vessels at various ports in the colony yesterday and to day. The Ocean Mail and Glcnora have arrived at Wellington and the Crusader and M. E. Gladstone at Lyttelton. In these dull times there is very little newspaper enterprise in the Auckland pro vince. Report asserts, however, that a certain ambitious religious sect is about to start a second paper in Coromaivlel. A small subscription hes been raised in Auckland for the purpose of publishing a paper in the interests of this sect, and Coromandel has been selected as the favoured spot. It is said further that Messrs Shanaghan, John King, and Yon Stunner arc (o be the osten sible proprietors. There is certainly not room for two papers in Coromaixlel, and a sectarian paper, above all others, is the least likely to succeed.— Thames Advertiser.

Among other misrepresentations which have been published concerning the Sunday tram question is the statement that an entire suspension of Sunday traffic is de manded by those who are moving in this matter. This is not the case, all that is required is the reduction of the number of trains to the minimum, running sufficient only for absolutely necessaay traffic, and. discontinuing the half fares and extra trains on Sunday, which hold out special inducements for the desecration of the day. An excellent article in the Presbyterian Church News this month by the Rev Dr Wallis, one of the most earnest agitators in this movement, states the position of the anti-train party clearly :—" I n the colonies," he says, " the narrow Sabbatarianism of the old, old times does not exist, except as a hallucination that haunts the minds of ignorant scribblers who have got " Sabbatar ianism on the brain." We colonial Christ ians lean towards the amplest toleration and freedom. We admit that works of necessity and mercy branching out in all reasonable directions may be done on the Sabbath. We delight to read about Christ and his disciples in the cornfield on the Sabbath, and we are fond of walking in their steps and of attempt ing "to rise from Nature up to Nature's God. s'" At the same we maintain that the Sabbath has a peculiar charater of its own, and that it is sacred in comparison with the other days of the week. Both the law of our country and the gospel of our Saviour dedicate this day especially to rest and worship ; and consequently unnecessary work on it, feast ing and revelling, dissipation and amusement are wrong—doubly wrong. Where railways have been introduced Sunday trains must be run ; but their number should be mini mized. The necessities of the day on which worldly business is understood to be suspen ded as much as possible must be less than those of other days. If four trains up and down suffice for all our traffic and travelling on the week-day, what we are to think of the running of six trains up and down on the Sabbath, when only indispensable travelling is contemplated ? .This is an ugly circumstance, and carries its own condemnation and fastens disgrace on all concerned." We commend the article in its entirety to the attention of our readers. As a result of Mr Mackune's visit to the colony of New Zealand, in the capacity of special delegate- from the Good Templar organization at home, we are told that sixty lodges have been established in New Zealand with a membership numbering up wards of 5000.

In hearing an action for seduction at Napier .lately Mr Justice Johnston asked the plaintiff whether his daughter was in the habit of going to danoing classes, adding "ioxl am sorry to say, and I say it pub licly, there is too much of that in the colonies." .

The running match between O'Hare and Stafford came off at Parawai on Saturday The result was in favor of O'Hare, who won two, and it is said might had he chosen, won all three events. The terms of the match were: Three races to be run, viz., 100, 200 and 300 yards, the winner of two to take the money £30 a-side. Singularly enough O'Hare won the shortest and longest races, Stafford winning the middle ©ne.

The February number of the Church Gazette is to hand, and furnishes us with an excellent summary of the church intelligence of the month. There are also ample extracts relating to English and continental churches notices of books, etc. The leading article is on "Intonation and Hymn Singing," the number also contains the conclusion of Canon Lightfoot's paper on ancient and modern missions. It is satisfactory to lincl the reli gious periodical in Auckland prospering, and much of their success may no doubt be traced to the low price which brings them within the reach of all.

«. 1 lu Qam, ltn a 2°od deal of satisfactino that those lazy fellows who enrolled them selves m the "Armed Navvy Continent" under the impression they would get good wages and little or nothing to do, have found themselves egregiously mistaken. We are informed, on good authority, that a process of weeding out has been goino- on since the men have been at work, and those who have been found incapable have been packed about their business without cere mony. On the other hand a large number have been drafted into the Armed Con stabulary which force is at present some forty or fifty short-handed. It is not the purpose of the Government to send any more men to the Waikato at present.

mJS ESJJ *-jreji of «04ta the Coromandel, have w *n? Tj"\meß and Just now ami-' '<* received in town, locality are : lOer ot natives from this rep'ea* ' lfl own selling peaches, and they n- .- the statements previously made, oome time ago several paities were out pros pecting in this locality, but want of sufficient funds prevented them prosecuting their re searches as they otherwise would have done. Mr Cadman, M.P.C., Mr Coupland of Coro mandel, and some others went to some ex pense and trouble in the matter, but the public did not by any means second then efforts. Pieports from natives are not always reliable, but in this case there seems much probability of their statements of gold at Manaia being correct, and it may be worth while for some of our speculators and capital ists, especially in the somewhat depressed state of mining matters, to enquir into the matter, and send out one or two really re liable and practical diggers to test the creeks before next winter.

The Eight Rev. Bishop of Auckland con ducted divine service at Trinity Church, North Shore, yesterday, and at the conclu sion of his seimon took occasion to appeal to the members of the congregation to at once make a defeimined effort and raise a suffi cient sum, upwards of £17, to pay the deficiency in last year's accounts. He reminded them that while (he church is free to even the poorest, yet it devolves upon those who are possessed of means to give as liberally as possible for the services of God. He said that the Offertory Fund is almost the only revenue that can be raised to defray all the necereary expenses of divine service, and that every person should feel it a duty to give as liberally as he is able to this fund. It might be, he said, that many of his hearers hud not sufficiently thought on this subject, or como prepared to give more than their usual offering, but they could send to the churchwardens any sums they could give for this very necessary purpose. He com plimented the congregation on the imjiiroved condition of the choir and the highly flour ishing state of the Sunday-school, and urged upon them Hie necessity to make the general fund of the Church afc satisfactory. The result of the Bishop's,'appeal was a slight increase in the offertory, which, it is hoped, will be augmented during the -week by special donations.

We have been requested to insert the following relative to the payment of City Council labourers :—To Mr H. Isaacs, per favor of the Evening Star : Sir, —In your place in the City Council you asked the ques tion if you were to believe the Council's report or the papers with regard to the men in employ of the Council being paid wet or dry, and I think you received anything but a satisfactory reply. The men in the employ of the Council arc not paid wet or dry, let who may say that they are. On Saturday, the 10th of this month (January), there was a quarter day stopped for rain. If you doubt the assertions of this and the last letter I have no doubt the men in the employ of the Council can enlighten you.—l am, &c. Cosmopolite.

The volunteers who are entitled to fire under the prize firing regulations of 1874 are informed by Major Cooper that they must assemble at the Mount Eden range at eight o'clock on Thursday morning next for choice of colonial representatives.

A challenge match came off on Saturday last at Mount Eden Range between the Cily Company and the Victoria Company, ten members on each side, in which the Victoria men were successful. The following was the result, Victoria Company—Vol. A. Payne, 08 ; Corporal Haslett, 03 ; Vol. Fowler, 02 • Vol. Bowden, 58 ; Vol. Duff, 51 ; Vol. A. Edmonds, 51 ; Sergt. J. Edmonds, 50 ; Vol McLeod, 44 ; Vol. C. Cooper, 43 ; Vol Lyons, 42. Total, 532. City Company— Vol. 8011, fil ; Vol. Alderton, 59; Vol. Put man, 57 ; Vol. McDonald, SG; Vol. J. W. Leigh, 55; Vol. E. Cooper, 54; Vol. J. Leigh, 48; Corporal Partington, 48; Vol. Forder, 42 ; Vol. Burke, 32. Total 512

Tenders are required by the Mount Wel lington District Board for cartage of scoria on their roads.

The tenth quarterly meeting of the Whangarei Co-operative Society was held in the , store on Wednesday, the 25th ult. According to the report"business appears to be greatly on the increase. In addition to the customary dividend of ten per cent per annum on capital, the directors declared a bonus of one shilling and eightpence per pound on members' purchases. Since the issue of the first report the business tran sacted jjaud thejcapital of the Society have each mcreased fourfold. Twenty additional shares have been taken up during last quarter.

We have much pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of £3 from C. L. H. Joy, Esq." the amount of a fund raised in aid of the widows of the men killed by the late boiler accident at the Thames. The particulars of this melancholy occurrence are fresh in the minds of our readers, and any other chari tably disposed person desirous of contribu ting towards the subscription now heing raised at the Thames and in Auckland may do so by leaving their contributions fat our office. The amounts so received will be duly acknowledged and forwarded to the proper quarter.

_ In our Saturday's issue we gave the first innings of the Auckland Club up to the fall of the seventh wicket. The whole eleven were not out till close upon half-past four, when 152 runs had been totalled. Russell played a ! good not out innings of twenty. The North Shore Club had a very rough time of it Their innings occupied about half-an-hour, the sum of the runs obtained being exactly twenty. Swanson was the highest scorer with five. The fielding of the Auckland Club was the best they have yet shewn Cotton's long-stopping was most effective! while Bennett and Yates saved a «reat many runs. The catch made by the latter at short slip, and which dismissed Fletcher, was a splendid one, and called down immense ap plause from the grand stand. At a few minutes past five the North Shore men followed on and this time were more fortunate. Thome' .having made a short stay for one, was bowled by Yates, and then Rees and Swanson came together and had a merry time of it. Buck land, Yates, and Bennettf pounded at them in yam. When time was called one wicket was down for CO runs. Swanson bavin* /i attached to his name and Rees 31. The Is orth Shore men have yet 72 to put on before they arrive at the Auckland first total, but it is now probable they will avert the ono in ning s defeat, which, at the beginning of their second attempt appeared so probable The game is to be played out next Saturday.

Messrs Collier and McGowan closed a suc cessful week o n Saturday evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre, and Mr Collier made his farewell speech to the citizsns which was received in an enthusiastic manner We understand that the Collier-McGowan Company, who have done their best to inter est the people, wfll proceed to Melbourne by the next steamer. J

We have been requested to contradict the statement that any men have left Mr S,T\ S Tll^ WhangaP^ Some of the bush hands have been discharged by the contractors for incompetency. The report regardmg bad provisions being served out to the men is untrue.

A serious accident occurred nt the Post office building, Shortland-street, to-day. A labourer named L. Gatland was proceeding along the scaffolding with a mortar and a bucket, when he slipped over and fell a distance of twenty feet, striking an iron girder. His jaw was seriously injured by the concussion, two teeth .knocked out and his wrist sprained. Drs. Wright and Coughtrey rendered prompt assistance, and the sufferer was removed to his home at Newton as speedily as possible.

The prizes were paid over on Saturday evening at the Thames Hotel to the success ful competitors in thelateregatta. The chair man of the committee, G. Yon der Heyde Esq., handed the various prizes to winners. A few protests as usual had been lodged with the umpire, which upon being weighed were found wanting, and accordingly dismissed. The prizes were then given by the chairman with appropiate and encouraging remarks, after which the friends took a moderate sup ply of champagne, and with three cheers for the successful competitors brought the meet ting to a close.

The s.s. "Wellington is detained until to morrow on account of the state of the Manukau Ear,

The proverb " poor as a church mouse " has been paralleled in Newton by "mean as a chapel thief." The friends of the Newton Sunday-school discovered yesterday that some person had broken open the offertory box, and pocketed the contents, amounting to something like £3. No person is suspected and the thief is likely therefore to escape bis merited punishment. Let the friends take, warning and not leave box in the path of temptation.

The Choral Society will have a full re hearsal this evening in the Choral Hall pre paratory to the grand concert of the season, which will be performed to-morrow evening.

The committee of the North Shore sports presented the prizes to the winners on Satur day night at the Thames Hotel. Mr G. N. Brassey occupied the chair, and Messrs, Alison, Duder, G. Dacre, Dunnet, and Fletcher were present. The following prizes were paid : —Standing Jump, Rycroft, £1 ; Hurdle Race, Eycroft, £5; Putting the Stone, Stirling, £1; Sack'race, Te Kooti, £1 ;Three- Legged Race, O'Hare and Regan, £2; Mile Handicap, Ist prize, Sewell, £3 j 2nd prize, Pivott, £1 ; boys' race, Caradus, £1. The most important prizes of the meeting, those for the maiden race, Taka puna 300 hundred yards handicap, and 200 yards handicap, were not presented owing to protests being entered against T. W. McLeod, the winner of all three. The protest against his receiving the prize for * the Maiden Race, upon which the other protests hinge, was lodged by Forbes, whoransecond in the race, on the ground that the winner was not a " maiden," having run and won races in Australia. The protest was enter tained, and Mr McLeod, on being informed of it, at once admitted that he was the well known Victorian runner of that name, but claimed his right to the prize on the ground that the fact of having won prizes in one colony did not hinder a man from running as a maiden in another. McLeod followed up this assertion by instancing his own case in Sydney, where he maintains he was allowed to enter in the Maiden Race at last year's meeting, the committee being well aware that he had won a maiden race in Melbourne. Failing any precedent of Auckland or even New 'Zealand practice by which to settle the dispute the matter has been referred to the Australasian, and will remain in abeyance till the reply arrives. Bets of course will go with the stakes unless stipulated first past the post. In connection with this subject we would make a few remarks. The position taken by McLeod may be a, fair one in point of actual and strict legality ; and on the other hand the action of the committee in referring the matter to such a competent authority as the Australasian is very commendable. But we cannot help thinking that the thing lies in a nutshell after all. What is the object of advertising a race as a "maiden race?" It is of course to encourage untried men to enter. _ It is not likely that these will re flpond if it is possible for any champion from another colony who may happen to be near at hand to run against them on equal terms. Of course such a thing is not likely to happen often, but it should not be allowed to occur at all. If such is the practice of Australia, McLeod will in this instance get the money, and will with his backers enjoy the sensation of havingCeffected a very clever coup ; but we sincerely trust that a New Zealand rule will soon be made effectually preventing any such cute dealing in future.

A special meeting of No. 3 Company, A.8.V., will be held this evening in the offices of Mr W. Thorne, 81 Queen-street, at half-past seven.

Saturday evening was the last of the Me chanics' Institute Exhibition, which was well attended throughout the day. In the evening the excellent band of the Royal Company of Volunteers, under Bandmaster Dillon, plaj ed a number of lively airs and at the conclusion a vote of thanks was passed to the musicians for the admirable manner m which they had entertained the audience The art union drawing for the articles pre sented to the Exhibition will take place to morrow evening. We congratulate the sec retary (Mr Chappel) and the members of the committee on the success of the Auckland Exhibition, which was wholly due to their unceasing exertions and constant attendance • and we trust that their future attempts will be crowned with yet greater success.

ANCHOVIES AND TOAST.

(From our London Correspondent.) London, November 14,

THE EXHIBITION AND CHOLERA AT VIENNA TnE Vienna exhibition closed at the beoi n . mng of the month. There was no ceremony on the occasion. A brace of Archdukes were present and a few soldiers • the Na tional Anthem was played, the people, (spectators) gave a cheer, and the whole affair was over. The exhibition was not the success which it deserved to have been, and which had been anticipated • but there were two circumstances which contributed to this end. The first and perhaps the chief draw back to the success of the exhibition was the presence of cholera in the' Austrian capital. People who had intended spending their summer vacation at Vienna in many instances drew back from the presence of jthat • horrid scourge, and although in reality the danger was not very great, and but very few foreigners died from it, it was popularly believed here that the epidemic was much worse than it really WJ , B and that the Government were trying to hush up the facts. Hidden dangers ail always the most feared. Added to this were the extortionate prices reported to b« charged for board and lodging. At the out set I believe people were imposed upO n awfully the Viennese landlords being anxious to make as much hay as nrx^iKit whilst .the sun shone; and although prcet were subsequently reduced the evil report had gone abroad and scared away many an intending visitor. The number of visitors to the exhibition was 7,254,687, and of these over 2,000,000 were "dead-heads"

SHOCKING MURDERS IN BRITAIN Up to a late period I had been under the

impression that the Western States of America enjoyed an unrivalled reputation for red-handed murder and unprovoked cruelty. Since I have been in England however I have discovered that for disgusting and brutal murders it is necessary to look up English newspaper files. For the past six months not a day has passed without some announce ment of fearful mirage and bloodshed. Some crimes have stood out in fearful relief to the rest it is true, conspicious by the extra atrocities with which they have been accompanied, and by their absorption of public attention have quire thrown into the shade such assassinations as ordinarily shock the mind. Such was the " Thame*s Mystery," in which case the body of a woman was discovered divided into several pieces and bearing marks of having been previously murdered. Then there was the Richmond Park outrage, where a female servant was fearfully assaulted and almost beaten to death in the Park ; then came the Yorkshire case, where a schoolteacher whilst walking underneath the gas lamps and close to several persons, was attacked from behind, her head pulled back, and her throat cut from ear to ear by an unknown person and now in Liverpool we have the most awful case of matricide—a man knocking his mother down and jumping on her "ntil she died,'"her offence being the having neglected to cook her son's supper. Certainly at the present time it cannot be said that the re sults of education are very satisfactory, and what can be the reason thereof who can tell. Perhaps it may be said jjthat we are in the transition state, but at present it would seem from the extraordinary number of forgeries and other high-class as well as low-class I crimes as if the educating of the lower clases only led them to a knowledge of how to commit further excess than formerly. JUDGMENT ON THE MUPJLLO. • In the Admiralty Court the other day Sir R. Thillimore gave judgment in the case of ■the Murillo. I suppose I need hardly re-. ,mind you that this wasthe vessel which, early last spring, ran down the emigrant ship ■ Korthfleet off Dungeness, and pteamed away amid the cries of the drowning people, leaving them to perish. The case was tried before a Spanish tribnual, but of course resulted in an acquittal, at which no one was surprised, knowing the venal condition of Spanish | courts of justice. The vessel, however, was destroyed as to her reputation for English trade, and the other day when she put into Dover she was seized by tbe British authori ties. Happily proof of identity was not wanting, a Mr Bell, who was a passenger on board at the time of the collision, having come forward and stated that he heard the cries of the drowning people. The : actions were brought by the owners and freighters of the North fleet, and damages laid at £24,000. A decree for the sale of the vessel to satisfy the claims was granted, and in giving judgment Sir R. Thilimore said that he felt it difficult to ex press the disgust with which every right minded person regarded the conduct of tbe master and officers of the Murillo. "The case," be said, "represents all the cruelty without any of the courage of the pirate." The most unsatisfactory part of the whole business is that the people who most deserve punishment, namely the master and crew, have escaped, whilst the whole loss has fallen upon the owners. GKA"ND MASONIC ELECTION. On the 3rd instant, at a meeting of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, at Edinburgh, the following office-bearers for the ensuing year were nominated :—M.W. Grand Master Mason, Sir Michael Robert Shaw Stewart; R. W. Past Grand Master, the Right Hon. | the Earl of Rosslyn ; R.W. Substitute Grand Master, Captain J. T. Oswald, of Drumkier 5; R.W. Senior Grand Warden, the Right Hon. the Earl of Kellie ; R.W. Junior Grand Warden, Major Hamilton Ramsay, of Garrion; R.W. Grand Treasurer, Samuel Hay, Union Bank ; R.W. Grand Secretary, John Laurie : V.W. Joint Grand Chaplains the Roy. V. G. Feithfull, M.A. and the Rev W. H. Gray, D.D. ; V.W. Senior Grand Deacon, F. 0. Barrow ; V. W. Junior Grand Deacon, W. Hay; V.W. Architect, D. Bryce ; W. Grand Jeweller, A. Hay ; W. Grand Bible-bearer, D. Robertson ; W. Grand Director of Ceremonies, J. Coghill; W. Grand Bard, J. Ballantine ; W. Grand Sword-bearer, Capt. G. F. R, Colt, of Gart sherrie ; W. Organist, R. Davidson; W. Chief Grand Marshal, M. Mackenzie • W Grand Marshal, A. T. Apthorpe. The M.W. G.M. nominate intends, if elected, to ap point the Right Hon. the Lord James C. Plantaganet Murray as R.W. Deputy Grand Master.

MR. THOMAS RUSSELL IN LONDON. I am sorry to hear that Mr T. Russell has been seriously ill and confined to his bed for some time. It is not unlikely that he finds the climate of England rather trying. After the magnificent climate which you enjoy in the Province of Auckland, the fogs and mists and searching winds of England are most trying to the constitution. November 28. | ' THE STATE 01? FRANCE. For the present the future of thatunhappy country France has been definitely settled. I say for the present because it i 8 quite im possible to for see what may happen from week to week in that land of the sons of impulse However, for the present it is quite settled that Marshall McMahon, Duke of Magenta, is to be president of the Re public of France for seven years. The scenes m the Assembly at Versailles during the two days debate upon the bill conferring presi dential powers on McMahon are described as having been of a most exciting nature It was on the night of th« 19th instant, or morning of the 20th, that the L/& tl. nußt«' carrie<* their bill by a majority ol ob in a house of some 700 representatives. A tew hours afterwards Ministers placed their portfolios in the hands of the Presi dent, but were asked to retain them pending the appointments of their successors It is expected that the new Ministry will remain nearly identical with the old one. The question now exercises the minds of the legitimists whether they might not iust as easily have carried their point if they had stuck to Chambord as closely as Chambord rtid to Ins white flag and his divine rights However, they have every chance at present, since with McMahon as head of the army and the Republic, and he favour able to the .Royalist cause and with a Legi timist Ministry, it will go hard if Prance does not yet have a Bourbon Kine foisted upon her. That some attempt to that end will be made we may rest assured. Then probably,. a revival of the Commune—let us hope in a purer form the next time.

HOME VIEW OF THE SUPERINTENDENCy. We colonists at home have been very much entertained by the last files received containing accounts of the struggles for the *U?^,? teildentshi P: feeling is in favour ot Williamson, who, it is generally hoped will have learned a lesson.

, THE BISHOP OF LICHFIKLD • had. a narrow escape of an awkward accident the other day. He was being conveyed in a cab m Birmingham when a bakers cart which was being driven rapidly round a corner, collided with the Bishop's vehicle There was an awful smash and the Bishop was a good deal shaken, but is said to have quite recovered. His general health has of late improved and he looks as well as the day

WRECK ON THE MANUKAU BAR.- SUPPOSED LOSS OF SEVERAL LIVES.

This morning, afc six o'clock, the si**,,! at the Manukau Heads made out?S^ labouring heavily in the stiff J2f westerly gale blowing, an d endeavon^' to make the entrance to the harW f very heavy sea was running at«T time, and the signal was made «v ' dangerous, stand off." The cutter, whet in distress or from what cause is not wf stood on for the bar, taking the soS? channel. All went safely till justfe was hoped she had passed all danger 2 broached o and capsized, sinking^! immediate y. Further particulars haveW anxiously looked for all the afternoon Z had not arrived at the time of going t press, the bar still being in a danoL > state. It is generally believed SJ! cutter is the Flora McDonald 18 to« which crossed the bar last night at six o'clTv on her way to Raglan, and has had to ivnf back. If this turns out correct there we! three passengers on board in addition toft! crew and Master J. L. Kenny, all o f whoi* is feared are lost. It is possible that the ill fated vessel may not be the Flora McDonald but the Dawn, which is expected in fhli Manukau. The Flora McDonald cleared a f the Customs on Friday with passengerf and cargo :—Passengers : Messrs J. Graham Galen, and a native. Cargo: 6 cases ll packages, sundries, J. W. Duffus • 6 msm paint oil, &c, W. H. Wallis ; 10 cases fi? O. E. Savage ; 12 cases spirits, G. Moore-1 case (harmonium), Schnackenberg • 20 niot sundries, J. Graham ; 11 cases rape oil 4o " K-. Gilmour ; 8 cases sundries, W Powell' 1 sack maize, Dr. .farsant; 1 pa^l, jj^ Club ; T. Wilson; 7 packages, Mita Koraka ; 3 tons dour, order-/ Barnes, agent. ' ■' The following telegram was received by" his Honor the Superintendent from Captain Wing,-Harbour Master, relative to the catastrophe:—"The signalman reports 8 cutter capsized and sunk while coming i n South Channel against signal at half-past six a.m. Immediately on the receipt of the tele, gram steps were taken to render any assist ance necessary to save life or cargo." ■ &

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEWS.

We have much pleasure in acknowledging receipt of the February number of the P«jm lyterian Church News, which is filled with matter of special interest at the present time. Among the contents is a summary of the proceedings of the late Synod "of the* Presbyterian- Church of Otago and South land, and the editor devotes a brief article to the subject of Union which occupied the attention of the Synod, and resulted in a > motion favourable to the amalgamation of": the Northern and Southern Church assem blies. A leading article, moderate intone, but extremely telling, replies in the amplest manner to the shallow strictures of the Southern Cross on a "Report ontheStateoF Religion," presented to the Synod. The* writer shews clearly that so far froil? deploring the" failure of. Christian work in Otago the deputation appointed to visit various districts in the province had—we quote the words of the report :— " Great pleasure in testifying that they have everywhere received tokens of the Lord's presence and blessing. We have already pointed out that the tenor of this report was wilfully or ignorantly falsified by our con temporary, and it is satisfactory to find our' remarks borne out by the clear testimony furnished by the writer in the Neivs. The sermon for this month, is furnished by the Rev. Thomas Stewart, on " The Religion of Reason and the Religion of Recreation." An excellent paper on "The Railway Desecration of the Lord's ~ Day is contributed by the Rev. Dr Wallis, and an^article on Church; Decorum, with, special application to ftSI ladies by 'lota.' " The Church News iSf ample in it's details, relating both to the home as well as the colonial church. Well selected 11 Extract Readings" and poetry make up aa~ excellent number. -;

TELEGRAPHIC.

REPORTED LOSS OF A CUTTER ON MANUKAU BAR.

ONEHUNGA,

T . This day. It is reported that a cutter took the Mann-" kau bar against the signals at half-past nix* this morning and foundered with all hands.;;. The cutter is supposed to be either the Dawn? or Flora Macdonald.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

THE CALEDONIAN CRUSHING.

IMPROVED PROSPECTS IN THE MINE.

OPERATIONS IN TOOKEY MINE/ ;

GRAHAMSTOWN.

This day. : IU Caledonian.—The week's crushing of 60 tons general stuff and 1801b3 specimens yielded 2240z. Gold is showing in No. 4 winze. In the new stope—lower than tho others—lOlbs of fine specimens were oby tamed to-day. There is a splendid shsw ia[ the intermediate levels. They are not break-/ ing down to-day.

In Tookey's mine a start to break downu quartz was made this afternoon. They ex pect rich gold. The Pumping Association are getting ap^ steam in two boilers, and start pumping about five o'clock 't

The directors of the Kuramii Company have appointed Mr Errington to report on the state of the boilers and the recent acci dent.

Five marksmen fired this morning at the Parawai range to qualify for colonial prizef matches. Three qualified. A strong and?, unsteady wind was blowing. Grrundy made 89 points; Hazard, 80; Armstrong, SO. The day was very unfavourable for shooting.

COROMANDEL.

* This day. d» ,heav y rain yesterday enabled Ben nett s battery to start with ten-head of stampers. It is still crushing Bismarck stone which ia looking well. - fUThe Three Brothers' claim in. Paul's Creefe have about thirty tons and a quantity «| specimens ready for the mill. This claim tf likely to prove one of the best on the field. The Royal Oak had an additional haul of specimens. About lOOlbs are in hand fro? No. 1 leader. Since this discovery addi tional hands have been put on to work we ground close to the Tokatea boundary^ About 150 tons are in paddock ready for W mill, which will be crushed atthe Wakaro»;; battery. , j The Tokatea has taken out another lot °J i good average specimens from the No. 4, or t | Bismarck level; more are expected to-morr° v: The Nil Desperandum battery starts »V the end of the week with eight heado»:^| Harbour View and Royal Oak stuff. .' •' ; |

1 ■■•■'•■ a ' (From our Own Correspondent) LYTTELTON. . .„ I Arrired : Jessie Nioool, from Attoklw*, -J

Smg™g^ MOgBAg. FEBRUARY 2 1874



IBQ 9 OOO^es^imbee FOX, SALE, AT MY YARDS GOVERNMENT WHARF, ONEHUNGA. .-' JAMES W. WALLER.



/CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, J. COSGRAVE & CO, Are now holding their usual CHEAP SAL 01? DRAPERY & CLOTHING _, At their Premises CANADA BUILDINGS. THE SALEIS JiOW ON, And will continue during the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. Queen street. INSURANCE. THE NATIONAL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND "pEOTECTS Insurers against Loss J- from either Fire or Sea disasters at Lowest | Kates or Premium. 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 issned by this Company covering Merchandise to any amount to JTew 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. Aucklan Branch Offices: 25, Queen street. ANDREW G. MILLAR, Local Manager JJATS! HATS! SUMMER HATS AT E EDUCED PRICES. ! IN ORDER TO EFFECT A CLEARANCE RUSHP.ROOK & 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, &o JUNCTION URAP*ERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-street, Auckland. [Established 1864.] Q STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" " EAGLE BRAND " "CROWN BRAN D," Are to be procured at all respectable Okocers and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auck and, D. STEPHENSON & CO WYNDHAM STREET Auckland 0 A ~U T \ q N L S O N'S TOMATO SAUCE. Connoisseurs pror.ounce this Ranee to be the BEST for general use in hnmeholds, s,nd, in con sequence of its high reputation, som" unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect. Empty Bottles bearing.the manufacturer's name stamped thereoD 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 he taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public arc cautioned to ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE, ana see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and stopper, and wrapped . round with his well-known abel. '