SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER: This evening, 5.29 ; to-morrow morning, 5.50

SUN-SET: This evening, 6,37; SUN-RISE: To morrow momln er, 5.50 MOON'S AGE : Sixth day of first quarter

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

ARRIVALS. Rowena, s.s., from Bay ©f Islands

DEPARTURES.

Mary Melville, schooner, for Mongonui and Napier Excelsior, schooner, for Kaipara Golden Isle, schooner, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

.mnaoston, ship, loading Tartar, for Southern ports, about Ist proximo Mongol, s s, for Sydney sth instant Bonita, schooner, for Mangonui, at Once Effie Meikle, schooner, for Napier, via Tairua, at ■■once Egggj Julius Vogel, schooner, for Poverty Bay, at oncel

VESSELS EXPECTED.

-Mongol, s s, rrom »outnern ports, srd instant Victoria, Ss, from Sydney, early Tartar, s.s., from Kandavu, with Pacific Mail, early Star of the South, s s., from Fiji, early Albion, brig, from Newcastle, early Anazi, barque, from London. Sailed October 31 Empreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October 15 Hylton Castle, barque, from London. Queen of the Age, ship, from London Sailed Nov. 1 Magellan Cloud, schooner, and Kate Brain, .from Lyttelton, early lone, ship, from London. Sailed Dec 20 Carl, brig, from Dunedin, early Queen of the Sea, barque, from Adelaide Phoebe, s s. from the South Colonist, schooner, from Napkr

The s s. Taranaki is to leave the Manukau for Southern ports on Monday next. The s.s. Rowena arrived at five o'clock this morning from the Bay of Islands. She left Eussell at noon yesterday, and called at Wangaruru on the passage up. Fine weather with light S.E. winds along the coast. The Rowena brings the following passengers :— Mr Patterson, Mrs Harness, Mrs Briar, Mrs White, Mr Lines, Major Mair, Mr Goffe, Dr Purchas, Messrs Laurie (2), Mr Cochrane, and three in the steerage. The barque. Naworth and the schooner Prima Donna are both loading timber at Wangaroa. The latter will sail for Sydney in a few days.

The p.s. Devonport being now completely renovated after her rude contact with the wharf on the stormy night of the 7th inst., will resume her trips to the North Shore to morrow. Advantage has been taken of her compulsory retirement to overhaul her thoroughly. For our report of the s.s. Bowena to-day, and for several weeks back, we are indebted to the steward and chief officer. The purser, to whom it is usual to look for report of of _ passage and list of passengers, rarely deigns to supply us -with either. The ship Wave Queen has finished dis charging 'her cargo. She is to proceed to Lyttelton to load for England. The mail steamer Tartar is now due from San Francisco, via Kandavu. She brings the first inward Pacific mail brought by the new service.

The barque Tien Tsin hauled alongside the wharf yesterday to discharge her cargo. The schooner Bonita has clearedfior Mon gonui with one ton of flour and a few sun dries. The cutter Wanderer is appointed to sail for Tairua in ballast this evening. The Effie Meikle, schooner, has cleared for Napier with a cargo of 80 bags of Hour and 35;000 feet of timber.

The schooner Julius Vogel sails to-night or to-morrow morning for Poverty Bay with a general cargo, shipped by various firms. On Thursday there appeared in the Cross a paragraph headed in bold type "The Queen of the Age and Anazi," which con tained a very circumstantial account of how Captain Harless, of the brig Tower Hill, had sighted a ship and a barque which, "no doubt" in the one case, and " doubtless "in the other, where the vessels above-named respectively. We wondered at the time how it was that the good-humoured skipper of the collier brig should have shown such partiality to our contemporary as to impart the information to its reporter exclusively ; but we wonder no longer. We say advisedly that the paragraph from beginning to end is all bogus. Captain Harless informs us that he did not sight either a barque or a ship near the North Cape or Cape Brett, and that he certainly told the shipping reporter of the Cross no thing of the kind. Comment is superfluous. We leave the public to estimate the value of the. Cross's shipping intelligence compiled on such veracious principles.

COMMERCIAL.

At Mr R. Arthur's poultry sale in the market yesterday there was a good supply of fowls and ducks, which were sold at fair prices. Fowls, Is Sd to 2s 6d ; ducks, Is 3d to 2s 3d; geese, 23 9d to 3s 3d; turkeys, 2s 6d to 3s 6d. Two goats were sold at 10s each, and two retriever dogs at 2s 6d.

CALL AND DIVIDEND LIST.

Calls.

& s. d. Date. Unionßeach .. .. ..027 March 4 Nonpareil ..010 March 11 National Bank of N.Z. .. 010 0 April 1 Natienal Bank of N.Z. .. 010 0 July 1 Dividends. Sons of Freedom .. .. 10 0 Feb 18

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Wails tv.j.i, Cicre as Lkeie :— For Thames, on Monday next, at 10.30 a m and 5.30 Jpm For Tairua, per Wanderer, this day, at 5 p m For Taranaki Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Taranaki, on Monday next, at 7 a m For Russell, Wangaroa. and Mongonui, per Rowena, on Monday next, at 3pm For NApier and Southern provinces, per Tartar, six hours after her arrival For the undermentioned places, per Tartar, on Monday, 16th March, as under : — For Fiji.Sandwich Islands.United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, 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 until 11 a.m For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 0.30 a m (Signcl) S. B. Bias. Chic I Postmaster.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A Christian (Onehunga.)—We fear the person your letter refers to is beyond reform. When a wrong is deliberately and wilfully committed and attempts made afterwards to justify it, argument is lost upon the offender, and a more forcible treatment is required. For this reason wc think your letter on the Sunday question (which is, perhaps, rather too personal) has been laid on one side. Its publication would not serve any good purpose now. J. R.—The lines are scarcely worth the space they would occupy in our columns.

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1874.

For the cau3o that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And t.hfi rood that we can do

In the Daily Southern Cross of this morn ing we find the following item of iuforma i tion :— It was currently reported yesterday afternoon that at a meeting of the Provincial Executive, held yestor day, the question of the Provincial Government resuming the management of the police force came up for discussion. A long and stormy debate ensued, and it was at last agreed that the Province should resume the cliaige of the police force as in former years.

With reference to this we are in a position to say with certainty, and without any fear of contradiction, in the first place that the "debate" did not result in an agreement that the " province should resume the charge of the police ;" second, that the debate in the Executive yesterday was not a "long" one; third, that it j was not a '' stormy" one ; fourth, that a " debate " of any kind did not occur in a " meeting of the Provincial Ex ecutive held yesterday ;" fifth, that the police question was not discussed or brought before the meeting of the " Exeutive held yesterday ;" sixth, that there was no meet ing of the Executive held yesterday, nor for several weeks preceding; seventh, that the question of the transfer of the police has never been considered at any meeting of Executive since Mr. Williamson surrounded himself bj his present advisers; eighth,' that the Southern Cross must be very hard up for news; and ninth, that that journal should take the earliest opportunity of admitting and regretting that it has been gulled.

Insurance agents in Auckland must be somewhat indifferent respecting risks to pro perties insured. There are just now some eight or ten houses at Devonport—all in sured—in danger of being set ablaze from the fire at present burning the whole peat surface of the Education reserve. There is a solid mass of three or four feet in depth and several acres in extent of raging fire, blazing up at times to some height, but no less dangerous when spreading stealthily. And thus it has been for several nights and days. Twice fences have caught, and at any time the wind rising may carry devastation into the houses of the neighbourhood. Yet no steps have been taken by the agents of the several offices. We shall find their names and publish them on Monday. And so it goes. By stopping a drain and using a fire-engine connected with the sea adjoining the whole thing could be turned into a lagoon ; but it is nobody's business, and the agents don't care. We feel confident the Ferry Company would give free transit for an engine in the circumstances, but nobody cares. We think at least Mr Broham might send a constable to watch the fire. How ever, we suppose he doesn't care either.

We have received the following :—" To the Editor Evening Star.—Sir, —There is a rumour that your precious Ferry Company is at the bottom of the movement in the Harbour Board to not have the Devonport wharf—smashed by the Takapuna—repaired. Is this so? That company was started, I thought, for "the public good" and to benefit North Shore, and you, sir, were its chivalrous champion. Is this the way you do it ? Is that rumour correct ? —Yours, &c., Pro Bco Publico. (We don't believe it. The Harbour Board is capable of any thing; that we will admit. But there is not scoundrelism enough among the Directors of tbe company for that.—Ed. E.S.)

We learn that a very numerously and in fluentially signed petition from the inhabit ants of the Delta of tbe Waikato is on the the pointy of being presented to the Govern ment urging the desirableness of continuing the railway " through the centre of the Delta to some part on the frontier between Alexandra and f Cambridge." The petition already bears over 400 names. Amongst the number we observed that of Mr Scott, tho large land owner and settler, at Paterangi, Mr SbhorJT, manager of the Waikato Steam Company, Mr Innis, Chairman of the Waikato Road Boards, the manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Ngaruawahia, Mr Hammond, J. P., of Hamilton, and many others of equal in fluence.

A paragraph which appeared in our columns last evening is, we find, calcu= lated to convey a Wrong impression and to cast an unwarrantable reflection tin Owen Jones and Co-, sub-contractors on the Auck land and Waikato railway. The bridge, which has been condemned on the Otahuhu section of the line, did. not form part of a sub-contract, but was constructed by Messrs Brogden and Sons in accord ance with plans. Jones and Co. will have completed all their extensive sub contracts on the line within three months, and have carried them out in a very expe ditious, satisfactory, and substantial way. They have also finished the works under taken by Messrs. O'Neill and Thorp as, but abandoned oil account of insolvency and the compulsory sale of their plant. It can hardly be said, therefore, that Mbssrs. O'Neill and Thomas did ''carry out" their contracts to the satisfaction of the District Engineer or any one else, as it was left for the other sub-contractors on the line (Owen Jones and Co.) to carry on the works to completion, which they have done with a despatch deserving of all praise.

A very creditable and manly action yester day on the part of the boys attending Mr Smith's school, Remuera, prevented a serious fire. Tho dry grass in a paddock belonging to Mr Dilworth, near the Church, had been set fire to, either oarelessly or wilfully, and the flames were extending rapidly towards the church and a house and cow-shed lie longing to Mr Dilworth, but occupied by a dairyman. Some of the boys proceeding along tbe road saw the flames, and, apprehending the danger, sent back word to their companions at school, and all ran quickly to the spot. Forming a detachment along the line of lire the boys, to the number of over thirty, armed them selves with old petticoats, trousers, and anything they could lay their hands on, and commenced to beat out the lire. They were thus engaged when Mr. Smith came upon the scene. Mr. Lewis and two other men who had also observed the fire at once removed the cows, which were in imminent danger. Tho fire was only com pletely subdued when within a few yards from the cottage, the occupants of which had commenced to remove their goods. Only a large number Of willing hands could have mastered the fire which was fed with material that a spark would ignite. The promptitude and united action of the boys furnish} af proof of the value of military training and organization in schools. The Herald, to day, erroneously attributes the action to Mr Mcßae's school. It is only fair that credit should be given where credit is due

lii connection with a case of alleged breach of the Licensing Act heard at the Police Court to-day, wc have been requested to publish the following certificate, it having been stated that Mrs Barrow, who laid the information, was mad: — "Auckland, February 28, J. 874—1 h.aVe examined Hannah Baron, wife of William Baron, of West-street, Newton, and hereby certify that she is in good health and is perfectly sane ; she is much bruised in various parts of the body. — Mark E. B. Nicholson, M.R.C.S.E., &c." From the bruises on tlie woman's body it would appear that she did not complain unreasonably against Sunday traffic in drink.

An amusing story oomes to us from an eminent business firm in Queen-street. The firm in question had advertised for bushmen, the applications to be made personally at the office. Yesterday afternoon a rough-looking son of the soil appeared in answer to the ad vertisement. Staggering into the chief

clerk's office he inquired in a voice very husky with liquor if that was Messrs 's warehouse. Being answered in the affirma tive he proceeded in very shaky language to make his application for the billet. "Hadn't you better get sober before you come after a situation my man ?" responded the representative of the firm. '' I don't think your are likely to do yourself much good by applying for a situation in your pre sent condition1' "Well," replied the man, " I know I'm a little bit (hie) screwed (hie) now, but what's the wages (hie) s'posing I was sober ?" This puts us in mind of the Scotchman who asked his parson|after service on a Sunday morning what he would give him for his coo. " Dinna ye ken, mon, it's vera wrang to buy and sell on the Sobboth ?" " Weel, so it is, but supposing it was Mon day, noo, what 'ould ye gie for the coo ?" " Supposing it was Monday, I'd just give ten pund." " Weel then, parson, supposing it was Monday, I'll take the ten pund, and the coo '11 be over the morning."

The members of the Naval Brigade, under command of Captain Leßoy, mustered in good force last evening to proceed to the North Head for big gun drill, and went through their exercises in a creditable manner. They fired several rounds of ammunition. At the close of the firing the young gallants were marched to May's restaurant, where they were treated to a substantial refresh ment at the expense of Lieutenant Bartlstt, after which they merrily returned by moon light to their " old homes again."

We understand th3t on Friday more than 200 of the immigrants per Mongol had been liberated from qirarantine and been conveyed to the depot at Caversham, near Dunedin, and that the remainder, excepting six, were to be liberated to-day. Ninety seven of the immigrants have elected to remain in Otago ; the others will proceed to the ports for which they were shipped.

In first-class matches only during the Eng lish cricket season of 1873 W. G. Grace made 1662 runs, giving an average for 26 innings of 79 and 3 over. He played in 17 matches ; his highest score in an innings was 192 ; in a match, 208 ; his lowest score in a match was 7, and he was 5 times not out. G.F. Grace played in 13 matches, 18 in nings ; his total of runs was 521 ; his highest score 165, and his average 32 and 9 over. He was twice not out. E. M. Grace played in seven first-class matches, going in thirteen times. His runs amounted to 381, 76 being the highest indi vidual score. His average, 29 and 4 over, is by no means despicable. Richard Daff, who leads the van among professional cricketers in England both as regards style and effect, scored 416 runs in eight matches, or 12 innings. His average is 41 and 6 over. He was twice not out.

A correspondent, G.S., complains of laxity on the part of somebody in connection with the Auckland Post-office. A letter and news paper were sent to him by the last mail ; the newspaper was delivered on the 20th inst., but the letter did not reach him until yesterday, the 27th inst. G.S. cannot under stand the matter,

The audience was not quite so large last evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre, but the performances were equal to those of the preceding nights; Miss Harrington sang a ballad in a pleasing manner ; she has a sweet voice but lacks confidence.

We notice that Messrs. B. Tonks and Co. will offev for sale on Monday next, at their mart, Queen-street, the lease of Hospital Endowments, Symond-street, for a term of 21 years fi om the Ist (if Ap'riJ.

The following is the love letter found under the gum trees, near the Gas Works. The parasol picked up some fifty yards away has been owned, but the authorship of the letter is still a mystery ; and " Maud" has not been discovered. Ihe letter appears to have boen written by Some philosophic widowei'j a& the rijadter will see • perhaps a student, of VVoi'dswprth's . " Excursion; " or tlie ,<r Whole Duty of Man" :— J' tlrey-stre'et, Feb. 9-1, '74 MydearMaiid,— I was afraid I hat you had lost your parasol in the greenspotnear j the Gas Works, where we last parted, but your mamma informs me that it belonged to another lad;/ vt-lio fortunately haji it restored to her. Parasols, however, are but triileS ill comparison with affectionate hearts that beat in harmony with the divine music of love. I A parasol can be replaced at a trifling ex- j pense, but lost love, never ! As I told you, | my clear Maud, when last we sat together under those consecrated gum-trees, that I was in a position to be pitied, being a lonely widower "without encumbrances," as tiiy boot-maker says. I, must, inform; you that I have travelled considerably, i and experience has taught me, in the words of Goldsmith—

WherVer I roam, whatever lands I sec, My heart untravelled, fondly turns to thee. Of course it is highly necessary that a young lady in these degenerate days should be most discreet, and especially in a place like Auckland, when there are so many fast foung men, and a few unhappy marriages, think, therefore, that is better for a ydttrtg lady to single out a man of sober years to whom she can look up with serene confi dence, and on whoso judgment she can rely in preference to a colonial swell. Maud, you, hiy dear, are hot without amiable qualities, and your understanding in most matters is as clear as the noonday. You are, moreover, fond of music, and when T listen to the vibrations of your well-tuned instru ment under the verandah I feel a sweet suc cession of responses in. my heart that take possession of my whole being. I hope, Maud, that you will not mistake me for tho unhappy scribe who writes to one of our journals from under the verandah, and who deals in such elegant language as ' con founded rot,' 'splendid bosh', and 'the rino.' These words may assist an apologvforawcel.lv sketch, whore " errant humbug, "as "Cameo" says, frdces the place of common sense ; but such phraseology will never do in a letter to my dear Matid. When 1 reach my shingled, honey-suckled domicile in the stilly evening, and take my lonely meal on the verandah, you can scarcely imagine the desolation of feeling that comes over me. The house is so solitary with no one to make my gruel, no gentle hand to pat my back, especially when deep in Ziinmcrman'3 "Treatise On Solitude.'' At silch seasons, what with the noise of my neighbours' cats, and tho whistling of the winds among the gloomy trees, I grow superstitious, and I fancy I hear spirit-voices in tho dark, and whispar ings from other regions. I know, however, that those phantasies are but the results of loneliness and indigestion, and 1 must can didly avow that I have lately been indulging in cucumbers, which my medical man tells me are not proper things fora widower'sstotfiaeh. But I am warldering—you will perceive, my Maud, that it is not "good for man to be alone" even in a Grey-street cottage with flowers around it, and for all these physical and mental defects the cure is unquestionably matrimony ; but more of this when I call upon you, and talk the matter over with you and your dear mamma. I enclose my carte de visile, and shall expect yours in return.—Faithfully yours, till death, Geokor

Remarking upon what may be the result of Sullvan not being permitted to proceed to San Francisco, a West Coast paper says : — " Apropos of the action taken by the Dunedin people in telegraphing via Melbourne, Lon don, and New York to San Francisco, and announcing the intended advent of the dis tinguished visitor, some very unpleasant trouble to the Mikado's passengers may very possibly arise out of it. It is probable that only the first part oE the telegram will be received in Frisco, and the people there, will of course, be ready with some concerted measures long before the steamer shows up. In the face of the telegram, should its con tradiction not arrive with it, the Americans will very likely disbelieve the assertion of the captain that he has not brought the undesirable passenger, or at least be incredulously suspicious as to its truth. The result will be that all the passengers who by any stretch of imagination can be supposed to resemble Sullivan will be sub jected to a kind of espionage more particular than pleasant. Moreover, as the news will soon spread, and a real live pardoned double dyed murderer of such celebrity will be ex pected, a huge crowd may be anticipated to wait the Mikado's arrival and scan the pas sengers pretty sharply. Altogether the Go vernment protege is likely to be a trouble here and elsewhere, and where it will end is yet to be seen."

The following letter reflecting upon the imaginative genius of the shipping reporter of the Cross was refused admission into the columns of that journal:—To the Editor : Sir, —Attention has already been drawn to the unfair way in which yachting matters are reported by the Cross. I would now draw attention to a local in that paper re porting the meeting of the pilot cutter and yacht Winona at sea, when " a trial of sailing took place, and how that the pilot cutter beat the Winona on every tack." Now it was well known to the Cross's reporter that the Winona, previous to her departure, was dismantled and prepared for a long voyage down South, her topmast being sent down, her bowsprit reefed in, extra spars, large quantities of water, pro visions, &c, put on board. The boat was, therefore, in no fit state for "a trial of sailing." I have, I am very sorry to say, every reason to believe from reading the Cross that its reporter is strongly preju diced not only against the Winona but against every boat built in my yard, and I feel positive that if the pilot crew had told him what I believe to be the truth, that the Winona (notwithstanding the circumstances) beat the pilot boat out of sight, the report would never have been inserted in the Cross. Anyhow I think that aa he knew that the Winona was not, by a long chalk, in racing fettle, he might have mentioned the fact, and not stated what is untrue, that the pilot boat proved the " best." Save the mark ! However, I will say this, that although the report is unfair, it is characteristic of the Writer. '— I am, &c, J. Waymouth, jun.

The Rev. Father O'Dwyer begs to acknow ledge with thanks the receipt of the follow ing subscriptions towards the formation of a juvenile drum-and-fife band :—Right Rev. Dr. Croke, £5 ss. ; Very Rev. Father Fynes, £3 35.; Rev. Walter McDonald, £1; Rev. Father Golden, 10s.; Mr. Charles Canning, £1; Dr. Wood, £1 ; Mrs. Duffy, £1, Mius McLaughlin, 10s. j Mr. George Leahy, 10s.

An English Opera Company will leave Melbourne on February 31 on a tour through New Zealand, They will open first at the 'Princess Theatre, Duriedih, on March J. Tile company, a very strong one, will con sist of the Mowih, i-ieiiih.rs •—Sopranos, Misses Bessie Harrison, Florence Howe, Wheeler, Lester, Johns, and Alice May; contraltos, Misses E. A. Lambert and Leyin son ; tenors, Messrs. Henry Hallam, m. Oan niPa, C. Lester, and Howard Vernon; bP.ritone; Mf E.fempletoil< basses Messrs. T. H. liainford, B. Leviusori, &M B. l^an cisco ; also a full chorus and band, tuelatter bein"* nnder the conductorship of Mr. U. Xj. Allen, Musical Bachelor of Oxford During the season the Company will perform a variety of popular operas, among Which may be mentioned "The Daugh ter of tbe Regiment," " The Grand Duchess," " Maritana," " The Lily Of .Eiliarney,'"' " Genevieve De Bourbon, (this opera is srfid to have taken immensely in Australia), " Bluebeard," [' The Btftenlian Girl," " Cinderella," " FraDiavolo" Soriaui bula," " The Hose of Castile," and « Sata nella." I T*e March nunber of the Presbyterian Church Newsww isßatA. tofiafi We hold over our notice of its contents.

The unfortunate position of Auckland financially which Mr Vogel professes not to see, and which he would fain charm the people into believing does not exist, is recog nised even in Dunedin. The Guardian says : " Auckland contributed £64510 to the Con solidated tfuild, and,received from capitation money and special allowance tin rtctfoiint of the natives, £1,024 18s lid—which is the only revenue that province enjoys outside the ordinary incidence of provincial taxation. It is manifest that it cannot do much in tbe way of public works or education ; nor are the people well able to bear direct taxation in lieu of a land fund, after the exceedingly heavy tariff clurges presently in force in the colonY"

Tiie chief census enumerator fdr the pro vince desires all persons to fill in the forma recently left at their residences, on Monday morning, including the names only of those who slept on, the premises during Sunday night. There are tlie lisflal census anecdotes going about. One comes from Greymoufh, \vberc; according to the Star, the country sub-enu merators have great trouble with the Chinese. As soon as the Mongolians see anyone with blue papers in their hands they obstinately " no savee," and all the explanation that the unhappy official may offer might as well be addressed to the nearest stump for all the seeming effect it lias on its auditor. When the paper is after all left they seem to regard it as an unholy thing, and destroy documents of the kind as soon as 1 ossible. On the sub enumerators paying a second visit there is a general stampede ; empty tents and miamis only meet his view, and to get any returns is an impossibility. It is evident that the Celestials think the sub-enumerators tax gatherers of some kind, and it is probable that not one per cent of them hold miners' rights.

The members of the Onehunga Perpetual Land Building and Investment Society will hold their fust meeting on Monday evening next.

To the Editor : Sir, —In your report of "another fire having been prevented" on my premises on Thursday evening, 1 beg to state that some person has led you into error. No fire was prevented or discovered by tlie policeman on duty or any one else. Some wood for heating the oven next day was placed in the oven to dry as usual, and the Smouldering smoke from it appears to have annoyed and alarmed my neighbour, a cir cumstance I should wish at all times to avoid ; but as a fire is alight in the oven all day, and as the walls are three feet thick, no (?anger could arise or was anticipated bj*" any one who understands the construction of a biker's oven. The wood from which the smoke proceeded was in the oven, and not ill the bakehouse, as you report. Had my instructions been attended to no smoke would have arisen either from the wood or tlie Evening Star. —l am, &c., EDWARD Waters

There was a moderate attendance last evening at tho ninth annual meeting of the Auckland Sunday-school Union, in the large room of the Christian Association, Wellesley street. Tho chair was filled by the Presi dent (J. C. Firth, Esq.), and upon the plat form we observed the R.ev. Dr. Maunsell, Revs. R. F. Macnicol and A. Reid ; also Mr. Barton. The President then delivered his address, which was of a most interesting and encouraging nature, and received with much satisfaction by the friends present. We gather from the report that during the year just closed our schools have increased by 17, teachers by 146, and scholars by 1232. Our anriual income has increased by £267 lis 4d, being £749 Ss 9d for last year. Our total issue of books, magazines, tracts, leaflets, maps for 1873 have exceeded 200,000. The report further states that the number of Sunday-schools has greatly increased in con nection with the Auckland branch of the Union, and the Union literature has spread to a very large extent. We quote from the report in reference to the books and tracts of the Union "Into many out-of-the-way places our books are pushing their way. Rough, hard-handed bushmen, month by month, are learning to welcome our periodicals. Into many a rude hut our unobtrusive little books enter like the sunshine, and are diffusing life and beauty there. Beneath the shadows of the noble kauri, in the deep and silent shades of our primeval forest the hardy forester, weary with heavy toil, finds our little books full of human sympathy, ready to cheer him in the brave and sorrowful struggles of daily life, or waiting to lead him in reverent adoration to worship God in the silent grandeur of the forest temple in which he dwells. Even amongst the gum-diggers, who, in searching for kauri gum, have perhaps fewer comforts and more hard work than any other portion of the community, our bright little books, our "Kind Words," our "Sunshine," our '• Chatterbox," are often welcome messengers. These gum-diggers, as most of you know, are a movable population, and are therefore often beyond the sound of the church-going bell. In one of these desolate regions an unassum ing little Sunday-school was established by one or two of those quiet, patient, and ardent workers who faithfully endeavour to do good to their neighbours." At the close of the address Dr Maunsell complimented the Union on its successful progress, and he looked forward to the time when the youths of our present Sunday-school would stand forward, the men of the future, in defence of truth ; and those that laboured in the cause of Sunday schools were deserving of every encouragement. The Rev. R. F. Macnicol made an excellent speech, addressed chiefly to the teachers, with words of sympathy. Mr. F. Battley followed in a similar strain, and dwelt upon the progress made by the Auckland branch of the union since its inauguration. He was glad to notice that during the past year the increase in schools had been 17, teachers, 146, and scholars, 1232. Rev. Mr. Wrigg and' Rev. Wm. Tinsley also addressed the meeting.' The Auckland Harmonic Society assisted and gave several selections of sacred music in a very effective manner, under the direction of Mr. Cooper. Mr. Lambert presided at the harmonium. Votes of thanks to the choir, speakers, and Chairman, closed the proceedings.

The danger of throwing orange peel, banana skins, and similar refuse has been frequently pointed out. This morning an accident occurred to Mr W. T. Swami, M.P.C. for the Thames, from this cause. As he was walking along Queen-street his toot slipped on a piece of orange peel, and he tell somewhat heavily (Mr Swarm is no light weight) and hurt"his knee. Fortunately he escaped serious injury, but will walk lame for some days in consequence of this culpable carelessness of some thoughtless person. Throwing rubbish on the street is an oflencfe against the Municipal by-laws, and the practice being a dangerous one all cases that can be brought liow.e to the offenders should be dealt with with the Utmost rigor of the law.

Our Mangonui correspondent writes :-— "On Saturday the Hadley, {barque. Capt. Soule, three years out from New Bedford, 420 barrels wliale, 300 barrels sperm, loOOffis bone', cleared out for whaling grounds and home,- Captain Soule is one of the oldest whaling Captains that visits this port, and we wish him every* success in closing up his voyage. It is really quite cheering to see the improvements which are now in progress on our Beach road. The Government having gfarited £100, we are enabled with our own local rates to employ a large number of men in making the irnptolremefits in our road so Tong requisite, In a little time we shall be able* to drive a horse and cart found our beach to the wharf, and ship what supplies wo may have to dispose of without any difficulty whatever. On Thursday the bachelors have invited the greater portion of the inhabitants to a ball, and most_ of our lady friendsatri busy making preparations."

The cricket match betweeii (lie P'oftsohby and Southern Cross clubs was comtiiehe'ed this afternoon in the Barrack field at three o'clock. The Cross lads took the bat, and opened fire with much promise. The batting of Messrs Drake, Henderson, and Began was vigorous. We reserve our remarks with the result until Monday.

The following' statement from the Postal Guide shews that the San Francisco mail steamer is now overdue: —"The mails appointed to leave London on the 10th January, intended for transmission from San l<Yftncisco by the Macgregor, will be due as under : — Auckland on or about the 25th February, Napier on the 2£th February, Wellington on the Ist, Lyttelton On the 2nd, and Port Chalmers on the 3rd March. The March mails from New Zealand will be despatched as under :—From Port Chalmers on or about the 6th, Lyttelton on the 7th, Wellington on the Bth, Napier on the 9th, and Auckland on the 12th March; and will be due in London on or about the 27th April. The mails leaving London on the 7th Febru ary will be due at Auckland on or about the 25th March, Napier on the 2-sth, Wellington on the 29th, Lyttelton on the 30th, and Port Chalmers on the 31st March. ' The April mails will leave Port Chalmers on or about the 3rd; Lyttelton on the 4th, Wei lington on the sth, Napier on the Gth, and Auckland on the 9th April; and will be due in London on about the 25th May. The London mails of the 7th of March are due at Auckland on or about the 22nd April, Napier on the 25th, -Wellington on the 26th, Lyttelton on the 27* th, and Port Chalmers on the 2Sth April.

Messrs Blaydes and Evens, of Shortland street, have submitted to our inspection a large assortment of wines and spirits imported by them, and just lauded from the Wave Queen. The stock has arrived in first class conditon, and the wines and spirits are all of choice brands. The firm declare their intention of supplying genuine fine quality goods at a moderate price. If they carry out their intention they may depend on doing a considerable trade.

Rather a touching incident is related by the Geelong Advertiser' as having recently oc curred near Colac. Some time last week the wife of a wood-splitter, whose vocation calls him away faom home for days at a time, called her four young children to her, and got them to assist her in pulling the mattrass off the bed on to the floor. This done she embraced them all round, begged of them to be fond and dutiful children, and told them she was going to die. She then lay down on the mattrass and, as they thought; went to sleep. All day the children kept quite so as not to wake their motherr and almost went without food. The night passed and morning came, still their mother, slept, and the eldest child went to a store where the family was in the habit of dealing, got a loaf of bread and some butter, and quietly fed her younger brothers and sisters. Throughout the day the mother slept, and the children kept as quite as possible until the evening, when the father came home from his work. Then the eldest child told him what his mother had said, and how long she had been asleep. The unfortunate hus band then found that his wife was dead. An inquest was subsequently held, and a verdict was returned that the deceased died from natural causes, it is supposed from disease of the heart, and it is thought that the woman died directly she laid down.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done this day:— National Bank — 64s 6d ; buyers 64s ; sellers, 655. Bank of New Zealand—buyers, £17 2s 6d ; sellers, £17 ss. National Insurance—Buyers, 23s 6d. Bright Smile—Sellers, £3. Bismarck—Buyers, 20s ; sellers, 255. Caledonian—Buyers, £10 7s 6d ; sellers. £10 15s. City of London—2os ; buyers, 19s. Middle Star—Sellers, 30s. Red Queen —Sellers, Is. Union Beach—los ; sellers, 10s.

ENGINEER CADETS V. SIR GEORGE GREY CADETS.

THElrifle match between the above corps was fired off at the rifle range, Mount Eden, thismorning, and resulted in a victoryfor the Engineers by 8 points. The weather was all that could be desired, but owing to the dark shade across the targets the scores were not so good as was anticipated. Captain Taylor and Sergeant Saunders acted as scorers. The ranges were 100, 200, and 300 yards, five shots at each range. The following are the scores :—

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

I (Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., v v.* & 1 INCAPABLE. W 1 Samuel Taylor and Henry Austin * I charged with being drunk and incapaWe . 6" night in tbe public streets, and fined in! .' 1 with costs. U3ea * | LARCENY. Samuel Merrick was charged witk_to.v a watch, value £5, the property of _y% Patterson, of Auckland, on the 23rd W On the application of Sergeant-M.; I Pardy the case was remanded until Mond °* TAVERN TRIAW. **' John Higgins', of the Wellington Hotel xjt Adam Cairns,of the Robert Burns Hotels charged on the unsupported testimony ." i Hannah Barrow, with supplying her wj^ alcoholic liquors on Sunday last. Sergeant-Ma|or Pardy. instructed by % Broham, conducted the cases, and Mr flj f keth defended, and pleaded not guilty, Hannah Barrow, wife of William Barron? j of Newton, deposed that she was served D » 1 Mrs Higgins on Sunday last with «x-peu n / I worth of rum, which she immediately to j to Constable Clarke. Tfr Mr Hesketh : She spent the sixpence to report because her husband got drnnV; somewhere on Sundays and she waatedta find him out. She did taste the brandy Constable Clarke said it was rum ; but... herself was not much of a judge. Her j-^, band thought it was lineament which __« had to rub his back with when he got dm^ She W3S served at the back door. Sfo knocked at the front; but a voice satf " 'Tis no use knocking at that door." j^ j knew Mr Higgins >?ell, and when asked to j point him, pointed to Defective Jeffrey. Be | was the landlord who let her' in at the back '• door. (Laughter.) She did not poll Con stable Clarke by the arm. Constable Clarke deposed that Mrs BarroV came to him on Sunday and laid the info..: mation against Mr Jtliggins and Mr Cairns; and brought the two bofttles (produced) con taining the liquors. He W«nt with her to houses, saw the proprietors 1, who* denied the charges. His Worship, after remarking npoa the strange character of the informant, dismaied the dam. The charge against Mr Cairns was with drawn. NEGMCtED*. John Thomas and Francis Joseph Lyons Were charged with being neglected children within the meaning of the " Neglected and Criminal Children's Act,, of 1867." Sergeant-Major Pardy stated that .the boys were entirely neglected, and for some time Avere running wild. ~ His Worship said that he scarcely h_'ew, ; what could be done with the children, as the.. "Home," he understood, . was qpite;fulL; The case had better be left oyer until Monday, to ascertain if there was rffoafot them. THE PEOPLE OF EEMUEUA. ; > David Kenealy was charged with assault ing Charles Eaton, at Remuera, on .the 26th- - instant. • -' Mr Hesketh appeared for plaintiff, andMt'; Joy for defendant. A.'Aa'A;:' This case arose out of a quarrel, Borne., months ago about a piece of land, and the* impounding of a cow by prosecutor, belong ing to defendant, which was heard foanotJa. Court. Mr Joy said that he was unprepared to go on with the case. In the interest of his client ''y he would ask that the Court would consent ; to an adjournment. His Worship said it was clear there was a good deal of irritation among the Remuera neighbours, and if adjourned he hoped this would be the beginning and the end of the; affair, and that the parties would sugar their quarrels a little. The case was then adjourned until Ttwil day next. This was all the business.

THAMES GAS COMPANY.

A meeting of the shareholders of the Thamea Gas Company was held this day, at noon, in the Insurance Buildings, Mr. Earl in the chair. „V The directors'report was read, and shewed . the companj* to be in a very good condition, which enabled the directors to offer air in- , terim dividend of 10s 6d per share, which is y equal to 4 per cent for the past half-year. The balance-sheet shewed a balance in favor ofthe company of £269 16s 3d. Mr Earl stated that it was not considered necessary to print the report and balance for the past half-year; but he believed that j circumstances would arise in connec*-.; tion with the goldfielns, the develop ment of which would give stability and permanence to the Thames Gas Company- He believed that Grahamstown, indepen dently of the golefield, would yet be a . flourishing town, and although the company J had not actually the cash in hand to pay WJ i promised the company W-. shortly be in a position to do so. He.tnm moved the adoption of the report ano balance-sheet as read, which was seconttea • by Mr Stone, and carried. ~■.. * A vote of thanks to the Chairman closw , the meeting.

TELEGRAPHIC.

PRESENTATION TO MR DOUGLAS.

SUSPECTED INCENDIARISM- 'J NORTH SHORE VICTORIGUS IN ONE i INNINGS. COROMANDEL. _'*i I This day. '. ... b The presentation of a diamond ,'.' I made to Mr Douglas on leaving for hjMW as a mark of esteem from the people ■°tA?g.. I mandel. The presentation was made by ■:■. Woollams in a neat speech. . There w present Messrs. McLeod, C. Ring.McDonaw,. ., and other influential residents. v 1 Mr Thomas Henderson arrived in the y*- | Spray as agent for the Victoria Insurau Company to investigate the fire at tier» i fie Hotel. An inquiry will be held on return of Mr Keddell. .. «... A man named William Buttler, alias d i larat Bil,lgis in custody on suspicion (ff » ing caused the fire. ' ' r-^g \< The cricket match commenced early weather was splendid. . . . a nd North Shore went first to the had a capital innings of 119, Rees, WJ?. A r and Nolan making a splendid *Wfys 0 latter breaking his bat and W^J^LJ . the top score, 32. He was loudly.cheereu.^ The scores are :— ™ North Shore.—First Innikgs- I Thorne, c Beesor, splendid hit... ■••■■ g || Waterhouse, run out ... ••• '"' 25 |"* Rees, c Becker ... ••• ••• "21 ■* f*. R. Wynyard, b Becker ... •».*•. "' jl . Leggett, b Becker — '.','.s./ Nolan, not out ■•' " 0 ' A. Whitaker - "_] 0 '\; Burgess, b Gatland ... ••• '*_ 2\ - Atkinb Gatland ... '_••• "' t 1 Daore b Becker ... ■•• ■• "4 m Wynyard b Gatland ... - ' " %t 2 I Extras ... <<& "'., ' *.. ;,. B

ml smorttra stab, Saturday, pebettaey as 1574



JfiJNUi-S _-_-_.».

Sub-Lieut. White /olor-Sergeant Meara 3adet L. Eadey ... Sergeant A. Saunders .lieutenant Russell Corporal W. Mears

... 48 ... 46 ... 45 ... 44 ... 43 ... 34

Total

... 260

SIR GEORGE GREYS.

/adefc Hanna )adet Yates ... ... '..."' Jarlet Pratt ... Jadet Campbell ... ... ... ladet Trenwith .. ... ' ... ! !adet Goodwin

... 50 ... 50 ... 49 ... 38 ... 37 ... 28

Total ,../ ...

... 252



X COSGRAVE & CO HAVE JUST RECEIVED PER SUEZ MAIL : 1 case Self-coloured Gros Grains 1 „ Black „ „ I .:■-:», Best Paris;iKid"Gloveß t '-,', Best Assorted Colors. JJ AT S! HATS! SUMMER H A TjS AT REDUCED PRICES. IN.ORDER TO 11 EFFECT A CLEARANCE RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN have decided to Sell the Balance of their Summer Stool. Children's and Ladies' Straw Hats at ! I Ii COST PRICE. A Great Variety to select from. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN (LATE R. HOBBS), I W«OLESALB AND RETAIL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, *0 JUNCTION , DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, j (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) \ Auckland,



150000 PEET TIMBEE FOR SALE, AT MY YARDS, GOVERNMENT WHARF, ONEHUNGA. JAMES W. WALLER, r\ A U T t ON. OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the BEST for general use in households, and, in con sequence of its high reputation, som» uflprihcipled person, have been induced to Collect Eihpty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon, and pass the same off as "Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 1866," and proceedings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned toj^E g? 5g ASK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE, . aud see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and topper, aud wrapped round with his well-known abel. IS 6d per dozen given for Oham pagne. Sarsaparilla, and Schnapp Booties, in any quantity. - 3, Queen-street. WANTED KNOWN.—The under signed have always on hand a large supply o Newcastle and Bay of Islands Coal; also, best Cuf and Uncut Wood. Yards : Between Fort and Custom t house-street, next Isaacs' Bonded Store. W. & G-. WINSTONE.