SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

HIGH WATSS : This evening, 2.26 fewaonow naoraing, 3.2

SUN-SET : Tli!s areaing, 6.2; SUN-RISE: So morrow morning 7 8 MOON'S AGE: Fall moon. 29th, 4.22 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

William Gifford, barque, from New York, via Dunedin and Wellington Effie Meikle, schooner, from Poverty Bay Ivanhoe, schooner,-from Samoa Boniia, schooner, from Thames

DEPARTURES.

Woodville, barque, for Newcastle

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Kandavu—Cyphrenes, as., (English Mall), 3rd August For Lyttelton— Elm Grove, barque, Helena, brigan tine, early For Hobart Town—Bella Mary, barque, early For Newcastle—lsabella, brig, e*rly : Hadda, barque, early For the Islands—Papua and Edith, schooners, early . For Chatham Islands—Magellan Cloud, brigantine, • tj. 25th instant For s rtn Francisco—Loch Awe, early For London—Hyltnn Castle, barque, early ; Countess of Kintore, ship, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Victoria, g. 3., from Rydrey. about Ist August Oity of Auckland, ship, from London; sailed 20th Mf.y U.M.s. Challenger, from Wellington, early Thames, barque, from Boston, via Adelaide, early loch Urr, ship, frr-m London ; sailpd 3rd June Corrido, from Lyttelton ; sailed 22nd Clematis, ketch, from Lyttelton, early !^U"°^

The barque William Gifford, from New York via Dunedin and Wellington, arrived this afternoon after a fine weather passage from Wellington. She brings a cargo of Yankee notions principally for Messsrs. Owen and Graham. An error occurred in the manifest of the Miltiades published yesterday :, 3 cases wine should have read 30 qr.-casks rum, Blaydes, Evens and Co. The schooner Ivanhoe arrived last night from Tonga and Famoa with a cargo of copra consigned to Messrs Cruickshank & Co. She left Samoa on the 16th June, and Tonga on 7th July. On the 10th July she sighted and spoke the whaling barque Bunter, last from the Bay of Islands. She had 200 barrels of sperm oil on board. On the 19th a large full rigged ship was passed in lat. 33.4 S., long. 174.45 E. She was apparently bound for Samoa. Had fine weather and S.W. winds to the land ; afterwards strong S.W. squalls with rain. Sighted a brig on the 21st bound "westward. The whalers Callao, Coral, and Abraham Barker were at at Tongatabu when the Ivanhoe left.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done— Bank of New Zealand—Sellers, £17 15s. National Bank—Sellers, 745. South British Insurance—Buyers, 51s ; sellers, 525. National Insurance—Buyers, 293. Thames G.M.C.—Sellers, G2s. Old Whau—4ss. City of York—Buyers, 10s 6d. Queen of May—Sellers, 12s 6d. Alburnia (con.) —Sellers, 335. Do. (paid up)— Buyers, 34s 6d. Caledonian, £10: buyers, £10 : sellers, £10 7s 6d. City of London—Buyers, 31s ; sellers, 335. If Cure—l4s 3d ; buyers, 14s ; sellers, 16s. Exchange—Sellers, 20s. Otago—9s 3d ; sellers, 10s. ff Crown Prince—Buyers, 28s ; sellers, 30s. f Moanatairi, 40s Gd. Golden Calf (new issue)—Ssellers, 4s. Golden Calf (double issue)— Sellers, 12s.

COMMERCIAL.

The consignment of 15 cases of fruit and fancy trees from the gardens of Messrs Fer guson and Snn, New South Wales, was sold at most satisfactory prices by Messrs Tonks and Co. to-day. There was a large crowd of buyers, and as the plants were of a superior kind much, spirit was shewn in the competi tion.

Mr Geo. Sibbin reports sale of New Zea land maize 5s 7^-d, and Sydney 5s 9d per bushel. Hobarton potatoes £7 10a per ton ; best Canterbury do, £6 103 per ton. Herrings 10s to 20s per barrel. Other goods fetched reasonable prices.

Mr A. Buckland reports: Hay at from £5 15s to £8 per ton. Draught horses in good demand. Light horses, and riding horses, and hacks brought goods prices.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails ■wii* Close as follows :— For Thames-, this day, at 5 30 p m , and to-morrow, at 10. SO a m. For TWahuranpi, Matakana, Mangawai, Waipu, &c,, per Lady Bowen, to merrow, at 10 a.m. Fcr Whitiangi, Opotiki, and Napier, via Tauranga, per Southern Cros3. to-mnrrnw, at 1 p m. For Russell, Wangaroa. and Mongonui, per Rowena, od Monday next at 4 p m. For Taranaki, per Go-ahead, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For the undermentioned places, per Ladybird, on Tupsday, 28th instant, as under : — For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 5 30 a m. For Taranaki, Southern provinces, Australian Colonies, »t 6 30 am. For the United Kingdom, via Suez and via Brindisi, at 6 30 am. For newspapers at 5 30 p m. For mo/icy orders, and registered letters, on Monday, 27th instant, at 6 p m. For Chatham Islands, per Magellan Cloud, on M day. 31st instant For tl.a undermentioned places, per Cyphrenes, QM August 3, asunder;— • For Fiji, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 12.30 p.m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 12 30 p.m. For money OTderg. registered letters, and news papers, at 11 a m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of Cd will be received by the mail agent on board up to time of sailing. S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

MARRIAGES.

Parks-SHAMA.K—On the 22nd July, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. Joseph Bates, Alexander Edward, eldest son of the late A. H. T. Parks, Esq., Southaea, Hants, England, to Hannah Maria, second daughter of Mr Thomas Seaman, Sea V'ew Farm, North Shore. Auckland. Odlum-- Pabtridqe— At the Registry Office, Edwin Odium to Jessie Partridge, daughter of Charles Partridge, Esq., of King's Cross, London.

DEATHS.

Cleave—On the 23rd July, at Onehunga, New Zea land, Peter Werry Cleave, the eldest son of Thomas Cleave Esq., Trevanion WadebrHge, Cornwall; agert 44 years Home pipers please copy. The funeral will leave the house at 4 p.m. on Sunday, 26th instant. Friends please accept thia invitation. Patterson—On July 28rd, Arthur John Patterson, the eldeßt son of Mr and Mrs W. J. Patterson ; aged 8 years and 7 months. The funeral will leave his late residence, Rennell street, Ponsonby Boad, to-morrow (Saturday), at 3 o'clock. Friends will please accept this invitation.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1874.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance,

And the good that we can do.

Mr W. L. Rees has this day retired in favour of Mr Yon der Heyde in the election for the representation of Waitemata. We are sincerely glad of this, and this we say not from any disparagement of Mr Rees, but entirely the contrary. We believe Mr Rees is required in Parliament, and as sincerely do we believe that when he stands —as he will stand—at the approaching general elec tion he will go in hands down. But we should be sorry at the present time to see Mr Rees elected, and much sorrier still to see him defeated. He has at present busi ness in hands for clients which must simply be thrown up to their and his great loss if he were elected, while his attention to this bnsi r ness during the time when the election is pending must prejudice his chances of elec tion. Besides the standing of Mr Rees and Mr Yon der Heyde might allow a chance of the return of Mr J. S. Macfarlane, from which may the gods in their com. passion save our unhappy country. The electors of Waitemata consist of two parts : those who dare not avow themselves oppo nents of Mr J. S. Macfarlane for fear of his vengeance and his supposed monetary influ ence, and those who are under no pecuniary obligations can, in consequence, think, and speak, and a,ct as they like, and would, as is but reasonable, look on Mr J. S. Macfarlane's return to Parliament as nothing less than a judgment from Heaven sent on us for our sins. The former cannot be divided, for they dare not divide ; the latter would ne cessarily be divided into those who_ cleave to Mr Rees and those who admire Mr Yon der Heyde. Although we believe there is not a shadow of a chance of such a mis fortune as that of Mr J. S. Macfarlane beiog able to use the influence of a seat in ParKitP ment for compassing his purposes, still such bad tactics as running Messrs. Rees and Yon dsr Heyde would only be a tempting of providence. Mr Rees and his party will now

use tlieir utmost influence in support of Mr Yon der Heyde, and we trust that next week we shall have the pleasure of announ cing Mr Yon der Heyde as member for Waitemata. Of him Auckland will not be ashamed. Honourable as a business man, intelligent, a good speaker and a gentleman, both in birth, training, and deportment, he will be something to look at in the House ; for we believe he will be about the finest looking man in the Assembly. We trust that there will be a general roll up to the polling booth, and that Auckland province will show that she is not yet wholly lost to a sense of decency.

The repairing of the Devonport wharf was finished so far as to make it serviceable again yesterday. This wharf seems to have been a very pretty bone of contention with our transpontine friends : in fact the residents of the North Shore have divided themselves into two great parties on this momentous subject. From what we now learn it appears that the matter is by no means to rest in its present condition. It is said that the North Shore Ferry Company will refuse to run their boats to the Devonport pier, and it is also reported that the upper-enders —as the residents round the North Head are called- in anticipation of such an event are going to invite the A.S.P. Company to put a new ferry service on specially for their behalf. About the repairing of the wharf too a strange rumour is going about which for the sublime delight of making a little mis chief we will make public. It is said that now the £210 voted by the Harbour Board and residents is spent it is found that only half the work is done, and it will require nearly as much more to make the job com plete. To the Editor : Sir,—l went to hear Mr John Lamb's lecture on "Woman's influence against the use of the bottle." lam an ad vocate of the cause he has at heart, and by example and influence in my circle do all in my power to prevent the vice of intem perance, and I feel bound to state I think Mr Lamb does some harm in his "intempe rate" denunciation of drunkenness. Let him act as strongly as he wishes, but would it not be more prudent to speak less strongly ? He thinks of marshalling the mothers and daughters of Auckland to go forth against our hotel-keepers after the fashion of the women of America. Would it not be better first to marshal hia brother Good Templars to go forth and induce the pretty barmaids of our city to give up their calling ? Will anybody deny they are an inducement for instead of an influence against the iase of strong drinks? Mr Carr, in seconding the vote of thanks to Mr Lamb, " hit the nail upon the head." If our women spent as much time in cooking and amusing their husbands and brothers as they do in dressing their heads and themselves, men would not be so apt to go forth of an evening to the grogshop. How many of our young women can neither cook a meal nor make a dress properly, an<s when they marry sobpr young men who previously have been comfortable in their own house or in lodgings find out after tho honeymoon quite a change, and having no real comfort at home go forth to the grogshop or elsewhere to seek it, but to be deceived. Let Mr Lamb talk as he will about " Women influence," I deny it not ; but let him first have them taught how to use it aright, and may we have good speed.— I am, &c., Aoathos. The long-expected organ for St. Mary's, Parnell, has atlength arrivedin the Miltiades. A poor widow who has been living at Auckland for some years past keeping her self respectably by mangling has called at our office to-day and informed us—with tears in her eyes—that the officials of the Good Samaritan Lodge, G. T., have trampled upon her, and behaved in a most un kind way. She joined the above^ named lodge some twelve months ago, and from that time was a most consistent member. It seems, however, that some evil-disposed person in formed Mr Miller that she drank (which she denies in the strongest terms). On the lodge night she presented herself, but wa-? , debarred from entering. Mr Miller accused her of *ihe offence mentioned, and told her he was informed of her misconduct. The widow asked to see face to face her accusers, but was refused. The widow, although not very well up in general information, simply repeated to them the Scriptural anecdote of the Good Samaritan as mentioned in the New Testament, but even this had no effect upon their hard natures. It now appears they must have found out they were wrongly informed, and are now using every means to got her back, but she would not join that lodge again on any account. If this is Good Templary we do not admire it.

The Right Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland, will deliver a lecture this even ing at the Young Men's Christian Associa tion rooms, at half-past seven, "On the M anu scripts of the New Testament." The subject is especially interesting to members of the churches, and must draw a good audience. The Bishop (by desire) will repeat his lecture at the Otahuhu Public Hall on Tuesday next.

The. immigrants, who seem to be an ex ceeedingly respectable class of people, were landed at three o'clock this afternoon.

The Bill relating to marriage with deceased wife's sister introduced into the Legislative Council by Mr. Waterhouse is only to render valid in this Colony marri ages performed under the laws of any other portion of the British dominions. The bill is in reality to legalise the action of some New Zealand colonists who have gone to Austra lia, with the view of taking advantage of the law which now exists there, allowing marriage with deceased wife's sisters. In moving the second reading of the bill Mr Waterhouse said, "It was only ia ac cordance with the Imperial sentiment that marriages valid in one part of her Majesty's dominions should be so in all others. A different opinion degraded the prevalent idea as fco the sanctity of the marriage rite. If a man married in one colony could by coming to this colony ignore his former marriage and marry again, and be uncompro mised, it was not unlikely if this system prevailed that great social scandals would frequently arise.—Colonel Brett thought the measure must remove any former unfavour able impression, dictated as it was by moral spirit, and not to be discountenanced. They all knew the horror of a man married in one colony coming to this and committing a crime of so great enormity as bigamy with out punishment.—The Council divided on the question that the bill be read a fortnight hence, ten voting for and ten against it.— The Chairman gave his casting vote with the motion, in order that the bill might be considered in a full Council.—Mr. Stewart has again succeeded in getting passed in the House of Representatives a bill legalising marriage with deceased wife's sister within the colony. In all likelihood, however, the Legislative Council will again reject it as on previous sessions. The Lorne-sfcreet Hall entertainment was largely patronised last evening on the repeti tion of the clever performances of the Loyals' Combination Troupe. The songs of Mr Turner, the dances of- Miss Shapter and Mr Maclean, and the gymnastic exercises of Messrs Loyal, Verletti, and Mdlle. Zuila were much applauded. The appearance of the " Spider " excited a burst of merriment. This is essentially a people's entertainmen i

Cireus^Troupe now per- i forming at Grahamstown will entertain the people of Auckland for another week in the Market Reserve, commencing on Monday evening next. Another alarm was created last night-by the ringing of the city fire-bells. The people ran to Edwardes-street, where the hre was supposed to be, and found, fortunately, that it was only a chimney on fire, which was immediately extinguished. A desperate woman was brought up at the Police Court this morning for creating a sreat disturbance last evening in Chancery lane, and thrashing her husband so severely that he could not appear in Court, bne is known as the "Lady of Lyons,I'her name being Lyons, but does not exhibit anything of the lion in her face. She was committed for fourteen days on a previous occasion tor cutting off the tip of Maria Lilley's nose, and on another occasion she suffered imprison ment for biting off a piece of David Quinn s Cell* Mr Yon der Heyde addresses the electors at the Whau to-morrow nigl. t. As the mail steamer Cyphrenes was leaving yesterday a steerage passenger came runnin" down the wharf in great haste. When°hc arrived ot the end the gangway had been taken in and the vessel was about twenty feet from the pier. A rope was over the stern, and just as Mr. Landers was going to cast it off the man seized hold of it, and making a run attempted to swing himself on board. It was evident, however, he did not belong to the Zuila troupe, for his performance on his improvised flying trapeze was a very watery one. Instead of alighting on deck— a result which if effected cleanly would have ensured him a round of applause from the srowd of spectators—our would-be Leotard anded (we are quite aware the expression is lbsurd, but we allow it to remain) in the water in very dangerous proximity to the ship's screw, which was revolving at the time. The whole thing was so quickly done, and-the evenement such a dead and ridiculous failure that everybody forgofctobe alarmed for the man's safety in the laughter caused by his fall. Captain McArthur, of the Bella Mary, was the first to raise the cry, " a man over board." It was soon taken up, and the vessel immediately stopped. A rope was thrown overboard, which the unfortunate man laid hold of at once, and he was hauled up hand over-hand over the stern, his dripping appear ance raising shouts of merriment as he ske daddled clown the companion to his berth. He was a wise man withal, for in his hurry he did not forget to order a glass of hot grog the steward.

A very succeessful concert was given yes terday by the young ladies attending St. Mary's select school in aid of a fund for effect ing various improvements to the building. A'pleasing programme was gone through in a very effective manner by the pupils, whose perfoimancea indicated the care bestowed upon their education by the Sisters of Mercy. The grounds surrounding the school are now in excellent order, and the beauty and healthfulness of the situation were favourably commented on by the numerous visitors who had been attracted to the school and grounds by the concert.

Some six or eight monthsagothere existed * band of lively minstrels'in Auckland, someo' could sing a capital song, known as the Temperance Drum and Fifeßand, whosemerry sounds were frequently heard at eventide on the wharf and in the thoroughfare of the city. Many persons imagined that, as a body, they had ceased to be, when in fact they were only biding their time. Th c members are all total ab stainers ; but | whether their fifes were too noisy, or the members too lively for the elder bretKrenJJwe cannot say ; but their existence to a great extent has b^en ignored, especially by Good Templars, and their career was supposed by many persons to be ended. Last evening, however, these blithe minstrels started afresh, and had a long mooulight march along Kyber Pass, through Parnell and Queen-street, playing a number of lively airs all the way. We understand that the minstrels intend to hold their annual enter tainment next month, which will be of an interesting character. Among other things No. 2 of the Drum and Fife Gazette will be read by the accredited editor.

The Auckland branch of the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society cele brated their first anniversary by a social gathering in the hall of the Catholic Insti tute, Wellington-street, last night, tut owing to the popularity in which this. Society is hold by the community generally the hall proved totally inadequate to accommodate the large number present. The Society very liberally issued several invitations to their numerous friends. Dancing commenced at eight o'clock (Mr. Fury officiating as M.C.), which was kept up with unflagging spirit till four o'clock in the morning, -the music being provided by Mr. McComish. The refresh ments were of the choicest description, and the table very tastefully displayed for the occasion. During the night several ladies and gentlemen indulged themselves in some jigs and reels in true Irish style, which elicited immense applause. Tbe peacable and orderly manner in which this Society conducts its entertainments reflects great credit on the Order.

At the meeting of Graf ton road ratepayers last night the balance-sheet showed receipts £430 12s. 3d.; expenditure, £413 ss. 6'd. A rate of one penny in the pound was carried, and Messrs. Hughes, White, Peacocke, Lochins, and Reid were elected trustees.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Dr Home, Justice of the Peace.) STAGGERING HOME. John Noles was charged with drunkenness —he was staggering home through Queen street when Constable Maroney assisted him to the station. Prisoner said, as far as his memory would serve him, he believed it was true. Fined 5s and costs. NEVER, NEVEU, YOUR WORSHIP ! Margaret Trick, with a baby in her arms, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and with breaking eight panes of glass, the property of John Connor, of Lilac Villa, Pamell. On being asked if she was guilty prisoner ' replied "Never, never, your Worship ; quite incapable, sir !" Constable Jackson said that last evening he was sent for, and found prisoner drunk and creating a great disturbance. He did his utmost to persuade her to go in doors, and several times led her into her own abode, but it was all to no purpose. Out she would come, and her tongue would go faster than ever. John O'Connor deposed to prisoner's un womanly language. She stormed at him, and broke eight panes of his kitchen window, value eight shillings. Prisoner was about to deliver an oration on the doubtful statements of constables, when her baby burst out crying, and the Bench imposed a fine of 10s and costs, and the amount of damage done to Mr Connor's window. THE LADY OF LYONS Margaret Lyons was charged with making a great row in Chancery Lane last evening. Sergeant Major Pardy stated that prisoner

had been several times convicted of disorder ly conduct, and vesteaday she was chasing her husband up and down Chancery Lane, until a regular right ensued. Prisoner pleaded as an excuse that she had been away for the benefit of her health into the quiet "country, and the change ren dered her joyous. The Bench said that such conduct could not be allowed, and Margaret must pay a fine of £1 or retire to Mount Eden for seven days.

Death of Mr. William Rattray.

It was with profound and general sorrow that the public learned tliis morning of the death of Mr Eattbay. It was known that his illness was of a serious character, but it was hoped that a temperate and well-spent life would enable him to bear up against suffering until science should afford relief. Providence has willed it otherwise, and one of our most sincerely esteemed and respected citizens has finished his course on earth. It is perhaps too common to indulge in eulogy when death has closed the eyes and lips of one whom wo have known, but there will not be found one in Auckland to question the fitness of words of praise respecting Mr RattbaS1. He has, we think, left no enemy. We can scarcely conceive of his having such. His gentle, quiet, un assuming disposition disarmed hostility in any one with whom he differed, while his uniform and persistent devotion to the cause of all that was humane and good was a feature of character insepar able from the mention of his name. Mr Ratt ray's ambitions were not such as usually fire the mind of those that aspire to lead their fellow men His voice was not on the hustings or on the political platform; but in the quiet paths of pure philanthropy there was no form so well known in Aucklandasthatof MrWiLLiAM Eattray. Not merely did he devote bis means and his substance munificently to ail and every call of mercy, but far more valuable than this, he offered to the cause of Christian love the time rescued fioin the engrossing cares of business, the methodical service of a well-balanced and well-trained business mind, and the moving influences of a heart that loved mercy for its own sake. We do not refer in detail to his labours. He had his hand in every good work. But if we would single one institution we would point to the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children. There should be weeping and mourning there to-day. In relation to that institution Mr Rattray has been in trath a father to the father less, and any one that has ever been witness to his enthusiasm in the cause of these little waifs and strays whom his hand more than that of any other man has rescued from destruction, or to the tenderness and genial playful kindliness of his intercourse with the little gathered outcasts of society can appreciate what a oss that most valuable institution has austaiqed. We are safe in saying that during his long residence in Auckland there has not been one stain on Mr Rattray's moral or commercial character; nor do we think we have ever heard any one speak in unkindly or unfriendly terms of him. In his church he was a liberal benefactor, an unwavering friend and supporter of all her operations, and what is perhaps more valuable to the cause of religion, a most consistent disciple. And if good works and consistent character are thetestof Christianworth, the words may well be addressed to him "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.'' In his domestic and ptivatc relations Mr Rattray was re garded as the pattern of kindliness and affection. A worthy citizen and a good man Mr Rattray will long be rxiissed in Auckland. But if private grief can be alleviated by general regret there should be balm in the knowledge that there is a general and sincere sorrow at the death of one of the very worthiest and best of our fellow-citizens.

PARLIAMENTARY.

[By Electric Telegraph.]

WELLINGTON. This day. The Government at the request of Mr Sheehan agreed to furnish a return showing the receipts and expenditure upon the Onehunga branch railway. In reply to Mr O'Neill, Mr Ileynolds said it was impossible to furnish a return of duties collected for the past year on the Australian -wines, as they treated all kinds of wines alike in the Customs. Mr Curtis moved the second reading of the Goldfields Act ISCG Amendment Bill. Mr Buckland said that if this Act was beneficial to Nelson and a good measure it ought to be made applicable to the whole colony, which could be done by the altera tion of a few words. It was read a second time and referred to the Goldfields Committee. The Nelson Waterworks Loan Bill was read a second time. Mr Cracroft Wilson moved the Becond reading of the Provincial Fencing Law Empowering Bill. Read accordingly. A very long discussion ensued upon the Regulation of Mines Bill while in committee, but was chiefly confined to goldfields' mem bers, who urged various objections to details in the Bill. The Bill was ultimately reported with slight amendment. A division ensued on an amendment in clause 40 proposed by Mr Reid to the affect that expenses in carrying out provisions of the Act be appropriated by the General Assembly instead of being defrayed by provinces in which it was in operation. The result was a tie of 20 each. The chairman gave a casting vote in favour of the.original clause.

The Conveyancing Ordinance Bill and Offeuees agaiust Persons Act was read a third time and passed.

In the Municipal Corporations Gas Works Bill Mr J« Cuthbertson obtained leave to introduce a new clause authorising the Bill to apply to Invercargill on proclamation by the Governor atthe request of the Superintendent of Otago.

The Premier introduced a new clause in the Telegraph Bill with the object of indemni fying any witness against penalties for any evidence he may give. regarding the person who has improperly divulged the contents of a telegram. Agreed to, and the Bill reported with amendments.

In the House of Representatives yesterday the Plans of Towns Regulation Bill was read a second time.

The Premier thought it calculated to retard settlement in a new country, and hoped it would not be proceeded further with.

Mr Stewart's bill legalising marriage with deceased wife's sister was read a third time on division of 24 against 17. The Electric Telegraph Bill in committe was amended se as to enable the sender of a message to obtain a copy upon making appli cation in writing. .

The House adjourned at 10 o'clock. In the Legislative Council a motion was carried that a committee of the Council be appointed to enquire into matters respecting the Ward-Chapman telegrams,

SUPREME COURT.

CIVIL SITTINGS

Malicious Prosecution.

Thursday.— Continued.

(Before His Honor Sir Gh A. Arney, Knight, Chief Justice, and a common jury.)

J. S. MACFARLANE V. HARRIS.

Mr MacCormick addressed the jury for the defence, and urged them to dismiss from their minds all thoughts of plaintiff's position in society and boasted influence with juries. Was he a respectable man ? If so he would state that there had been respectable swindlers and respectable murderers before now. He would ask them to consider the facts before them. He would say, moreover, unhesitatingly that J. S. Macfarlane was a dangerous man— one of the most dangerous men in the community. He would ask them to look at the sham perpetrated in connection with Craig's affairs, also to the fact that Thomas MaofFarlane had bern kept in ignorance of the real state of Craig's affairs. He -sincerely regretted for the sake of society that such diabolical things had occurred at Whangapoa Then there was the sending of "Craig's Troubles" and the letter to the magistrate at Coromandel at the time of Craig's being bound over to keep the peace with the view of in fluencing the magistrate and subverting the ends of justice. He was glad to say that Mnjor Keddell did jiot rein that pamphlet. Is it possible that plaintiff in this case can doubt the statement of the Craigs when he has confessed that he cannot maintain actions ponding against him without the evidence of these very men whose statements led to the informations being laid at the Police Court by the present defendant. He would fearlessly say that plaintiff was au unscrupulous and a dangerous man who would not hesitate to tamper with justice. He had sworn that he had nothing to do with sending the men down to Whangapoa and inciting them to murder Harris, but it was not likely that Macfarlane would convict himself. The learned counsel then went through the evidence, and shewed that the men were hired and rallied for the avowed purpose of taking possession of the logs, and with violence if they could not be got by other means. The evidence of John Macfar lane proved that he was possessed of a pißtol for the purpose of using force. Mr McCor mick then vindicated the conduct of young Harris on seeing two boats approaching him with Europeans and natives in threatening attitude. Had Harris not have confronted them under such questionable circumstance, and shewn something like opposition, he would have been wanting in true courage, and could there be any doubt in the mind of any reasonable man, with a knowledge of the facts, as to who was the instigator of all this. Mr MacCormick then referred to plaintiff's utter disregard of truth and law in relation to the provisional injunction against Craig, of which plaintiff professed to be ignorant of, but of which he must have been cognizant. These were all elements to prove he had reasonable grounds for laying vthe informations.

£'• Mr Hesketh then addressed the jury at length to show that Harris was the aggressor, and that the charges were made upon a false foundation. As to the damages the jury would take into consideration the amount of injury which a merchant in plaintiff's posi tion would bo likely to suffer through the circulation of such charges throughout the world.

His Honor said that he would sum \ up the evidence before the Court to-morrow (Friday) morning.

THIS DAY.

His Honor commenced summing up in the case Macfarlane v. Harris shortly after ten o'clock, the jury summoned for the case Harris, sen., v. Macfarlane No. 1 being dis missed until Monday next, and for Harris, sen., v. Macfarlane No. 2 until Tuesday.

His Honor said there were three different causes of action stated. Looking to the issues, also, thejury would find that each issue involved several questions. They might take three of these as disposed of, namely, the swearing of the information for inciting to murder, its dismissal, and the failure to prove it. The difficulty they had to deal with was that involved in the other two issues : —Whether Harris did pro secute the plaintiff falsely, maliciously, and without reasonable probable cause. In order to prove that the prosecution was in stituted maliciously it must be shown that theie was an improper motive. It was not sufficient to prove that the person laying the information was mistaken. If the defendant prosecuted under a dire mistake and under the advice of others, the prosecution was not a malicious one. The other question they had to determine was : did the defend ant prosecute Macfarlane without reasonable probable cause. And in connection with this issue he had reserved the point raised by Mr MacCorniick, whether it was not the duty of the judge to nonsuit the case if no conflict of evidence had been shown and it appeared that there was reasonable ground for the prosecution. He had thought it right to take the opinion of the jury, reserving the point for further consideration if their decision rendered that necessary. He might mention that the question of what constitu ted "reasonable probable cause was one of the most difficult of nisi prius questions. He cited a case in which the point at isaue, namely, whether there was reasonable proba ble cause for an information laid against a person for stealing a gun, had three times been decided by judges—once by a court of eight judges, whose almost unanimous deci sions were afterwards upset by 6be House of Lords. The jury would understand from this why he had reserved the point raised by Mr MacCorniick. In considering the ques tion of reasonable probable cause the state ments of Thomas and Andrew Craig had an important bearing. (His Honor here read the written statement of Thomas Craig in in which he alleged that Mr Macfarlane had repeatedJy incited him to murder Mr Harris.) His Honor proceeded to observe that the written statement of Andrew Craig confirmed that of his father a8 regarded the assertion that a proposition to murder Mr Harris had been made by Macfarlane. Doubt had been thrown on the veracity of Thomas Craig, but there was nothing in the depositions calling in question the truthfulness of Andrew Craig. It was not shown that he was given to drunkenness, or was otherwise than a re spectably-conducted young man. But the question the jury had to consider was not— Did or did not Macfarlane incite these people to murder Mr Harris, or did he do so in a 1 ,el he luesfcion was—What was said and done to lead Harris to lay the informa tions ? Mr Harris in reply to this said " The facts are written and before you, and whether ngnt or wrong, those are what led me to take ai tu? n>" The jury had not to consider whether, even with the statements of the Graigs, a cautious man would have held back and let things just take their course, but if Harris honestly believed those statements, and therefore prosecuted Macfarlane, even if he did so erroneously they must give their verdict for the defendant. The charges made by the Craigs were direct enough, and if true, were sufficient cause for the action taken, by Harria;. and what the jury had to

determine was: did Harris believe those statements to be true, and on that account institute the prosecution -which foimed the ground of action? His Honor then proceeded to read over the evidence at some length. TTc observed that the testi mony of Mr CuDningbamat any rate shewed that Mr Harris, after laying the informaticma did not slink out of the matter or refuse to proceed without assigning a reason, mere fact of withdrawing from proceeding with the other two cases did not indicate % want of reasonable cause. A man h#winf; failed in one action, and knowing tha#*'1?v v evidence in others was similar might reas v

ably assume that they wonld also be dia-.,, missed. It was not an uncommon course for counsel to try one action and let others abide the result. His Honor then read over the letters written by Mr Mac farlane with the view of publication, and observed that they shewed^ the very strong feeling of animosity entertained by Mr Mac farlane towards Mr Harris. He also com mented at some length, on the steps taken by Mr Harris before swearing the informa tions Jt appeared that he bad consulted Mr xMacCormick and Mr Brookfield, as well as Mr Rees, and had obtained a written opinion from Mr MacCormick, expressing the belief that there were sufficient grounds for laying such a charge, while Mr Brookfield said : " Certainly the case ought to be proceeded with, and Macfarlane must be committed." With regard to the veracity of Thomas Craig his honor observed, in commenting on Mr Harris's evidence, that •Craig's testimony had repeatedly been adduced by Macfarlane in actions against Harris, and even at the present time an order had been obtained from that Court compelling Mr Macfarlane to proceed with an action entered two years ago, and he pleaded as a reason for delaying it that he wonld have to rely largely on the evidence of Thomas Craig, whose testimony could not be obtained while an arbitration between them was proceeding; It would appear, therefore, that the plaintiff in 1872 regarded Thomas Craig as a credible witness, and was still of that opinion, seeing that he held his»evidence to be of such im portance as to form a reasonable excuse for postponing the hearing of a cause. The jury must consider this when determining the question whether Mr Harris was justified in giving credence to the statement made by Thomas Craig, and in acting upon it. After carefully reviewing the whole of the evidence his Honor remarked that the ques tion the jury had to consider was whether or not the defendant honestly and sincerely believed that he was justified, and that there was reasonable and probable cause for bring ing the informations against the plaintiff. If he really did believe that there was just and reasonable cause, and the jury were convinced of this, then this action must fail altogether. It was clear on the other side that there had been a misunderstanding between plaintiff and defendant, whicfi might have caused Mr Harris the more: readily to believe the Btatement of the Craigs. It was, moreover, the duty of plaintiff to show that there was not sufficient cause for laying the informational The question for the jury therefore to consider was : Did the defendant entertain a sincere belief in those accusations, and was it a proper prosecution for him to bring ? The question of damages would also be a matter for their consideration.

The jury retired to consider their verdict, and returned at half-past two, when the fore man (Mr Binney) said there was not the shadow of a chance of the jury agreeing as to the verdict.

His Honor replied that the Court had no power to relieve them, and they must retire again, and at the expiration of six hours the Court could accept the verdict of five-sixtha of the jury, namely ten. The jury were then locked up.

ANCHOVIES AND TOAST.

(Prom our own Correspondent.) Lokdon, Jane 2. . THE ROYAL FAMILY QUATIEELS. Probably your readers are not a whit bet* ter than their neighbours in their likes and dislikes, and certainly I am not a scrap more scrupulous than any other newspaper corres pondent, so the first thing to be done this month is to give you all the gossip about the Royal Family.» There has been quite a sort of free fight amongst that saintly crew. It-arose out of a question of precedence, and the emeute was first displayed at the draw ing- rooms which have lately been held. First of all the Princess Louise has always been a little sore about her Marquis. She can't for the life of her see why she should not have her husband by her side, as the reßt of the family. Then the daughter of the Emperor of all the Russias thinks she ought to rank above certain others whose fathers don't own nearly as many acres ; and so it has come to pass that first one would not attend the levees and then an other until people began to ask what was the matter, and the Times came to the rescue with a fearfully and wonderfully - made paragraph, the sum and substance of which amounted to what I told you a mail or two since—that the Duchess of Edinburgh was in a fair way to be brought to bed of a little Dukeling. At this all the other papers pretended to be very much abashed, and metaphorically put up their hands to hide their faces, reminding one thereby of Ovid's line — slightly altered— "they want that covering for another place." ' They were out of their minds with jealousy at the idea of being done out of such a bit of news, and they all said that the announce ment was snobbish, and that the Duke wished it to be clearly understood that he had no hand in it. However the mine was sprung, and every one knows now that the Queen is- shortly expecting her twenty third grandchild. When the Czar was in \ England the matter of precedence must have been talked over and settled in some way, for now it is announced that in future the Duchess Marie is to be known as "Her Imperial Royal Highness." What an unctious title ! Piling" it on, isn't it ? So everything is comfortable again—except the Duke of - Edinburgh when he rides on horseback. It is very seldom that he does so, but when he happens to have been perched outside of a quadruped he does look the most unhappy of mortals, and the spectator really becomes quite anxious for him. "fie looks every moment as if he were going to fall off. At the Woolwich review he rode with his father in-law, the Duke Alexis and ther^ ' ' *~ Wales, all three splendid horseme-n* nTTRTTC contrast was shocking. However, wi -i 7 i remember that sailors are not usually t>. 'T/M&bi equestrians j the only wonder is that hors^Jw manship was not included as part of hi*re§ education in view of the position which he 3K was destined to occupy in the Mature. ~ f" have not yet quite done with the Royal family. It is said that both the Prince of Wales and his brother the Duke of Edin burgh are newspaper proprietors, and Vanity ■Fair is named as the journal in which they are interested. A sop has been thrown out to the Irish people by the conferring on Prince Arthur of the title of Duke of Connaught. It is also said that he will shortly be made Lord Lieutenant of the siater island, and that the Queen will visit Dublin this year. Whispers are abroad as to the bethrotal of the Princess Beatrice, and almost every eligible sprig of Royalty on -the Contioent has been named, from time to time as the happy man.

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