SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

HIGH WATER: This evening, 10.45 ; to-morrow morning, 11.10 _ _, . _,_„. _ TSl _,, „,, SUN-SET : This evening, 5.4; SUN-KIBE. xc morrow morning, 6.49 MOON'S AGE: Last Quarter, 9th instant, G. 51 p.m

ARRIVALS.

Janet Gray, cutter, from Wangapoa Murray, s s.. Palmer, from Tauranga Clyde, schooner, from Wangarei Fannie, cutter, from Wangapoa St. Kilda, from Wanganui

DEPARTURES.

Coronet, brigantine. for Rarotonga ana lamn St. Kilda, s.s., for Wanganui, from the Manukau

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

San Francisco Mail--Cyphrenes, s.s., Tuesday Kaipara—Wild Duck, ketch from Manukau For Levuka-Star of the South, s.s., Friday London—Anazi, barque, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Rangatira, s.s., from Sydney, about Bth May Phoebe, s.s., from the South, early Cyphrenes, s s., from the South, Monday Southern Cross, s.s., from England _~,.,... __ Empreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October 15 Jubilee, ship, from London, Sailed January 21 RoupareU, ship, from London. Sailed February 19 Bella Mary, from Hobart Town, early Briton, barque, from Newcastle. Sailed April __ Paterson, p.s., from the South, 10th instan Huntley Castle, ship, from London. Sailed _eb 21 sabella, brig, from Newcastle. Sa'l64l^., ll] l-.,,,., Annie Lisle, barque, from Newcastle. Sailed 24th ult.

The cutter Janet Gray brings 2,2000 feet timber from Wangapoa. The s.s. Ladybird, -which left the Manukau yesterday for the South took a general cargo and the following passengers :—Saloon—The Right Rev. Dr Cowie, the Yen. Archdeacon Maunsell, the Rev. C. M. Nelson, Miss Maunsell, Mr and Mrs Archibald, Mr and Mrs Brown, Miss Brown, Messrs Howman Plaiter, Cowie, Pownall, Thompson, and 4 in the steerage. The s.s. St. Kilda arrived in the Manukau from Wanganui yesterday. She brings a cargo of sheep and cattle and the following passengers : Cabin—Mr and Mrs Macdonald, Mrs W. Brewer, Miss and Master Reislon, Messrs Poynter, Lang, Grant, and one prisoner in steerage. The s.s. Murray arrived from Tauranga late last night. She brings as passengers Messrs Reid, Walker, Menzies, Mrs Catherine Ward, Mr and Mrs Oldfield children and one in the steerage. The brig Syren, which has just discharged a cargo of jarrah timber in the Manukau, has been bought by Mr J. W. Waller for £1800.

A new] cutter, of about 15 tons register, arrived yesterday from Coromandel. She has been built by Mesrrs Henderson and Menzies for Mr McAlaster, and is a very smart little craft.

The new cutter Isabel, built by Messrs . Niccol and Son for Mr Wrigley at Tauranga, has been brought over from the North Shore, and laid alongside the Gore-street jetty to load for Tauranga. The brigantine Coronet got under weigh this morning, and departed on her journey to the Islands. Although the name of Mr T. B. Gillies appeared in the passengers' list given in at the Custom House that gentle man did not go away in the vessel. The cutter Dawn left the Manukau yester day with a general cargo for Raglan. The schooners Herald and Merlin having put out their cargoes, have hauled off into the stream.

The following vessels have cleared :—The schooner Merlin, in ballast, for Russell; the ketch Forest Queen, in ballast, for Mongonui, where she is to load timber ; the schooner Herald, for Whangapoa, in ballast.

The cutter Mercury brings 24, COO feet timber from Mercuiy Bay.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Lyttelton this day.

The s.s. Cyphrenes arrived from Welling ton at half-past six this morning. She sailed for Port Chalmers at a quarter to ten. Napier, this day. The s.s. Pretty Jane arrived from Auck land at 11.45 a.m.

Tauranga, yesterday. The Southern Cross left at 8 p.m. for Auckland.

COMMERCIAL.

CALL AND DIVIDEND LIST.

The foUowing are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below :— Calls. & s. d. Date Auckland Whaling Co 210 0 May 9 _tubv 0 10 May 13 Lincoln Castle 0 10 May 13 Queen of the May .. ..010 May 13 Una 0 0 6 May 13 Royal Oak 0 10 May 13 Pride of Tokatea 0 0 6 May 13 Windsor Castle 0 0 6 May 16 National Bank of N.Z 010 0 July 1

COLONIAL PRODUCE.

Buying Prices, Corrected by Atjckland Dealers. s. d. s. d. s d. s. d Butter, per lb. 0 0-1 61 Ducks, pair.. 2 o—4 0 Cheese (new) 0 s—o 7 Geese, each 2 6—4 0 Eggs, per doz. 0 o—2 0 | Turkeys .. 1 6—4 0 Lard, per lb. 0 7—o 0 1 Canterbury Bacon _ Hams Fowls, pair.. 2 o—4 CI (bare) ..0 8— 9 Good Salt Butter Is—l 4I Do (in cloth) 9-0 10 Canter. Cheese, 6—o 81 Auckland 0 6—o 7 Hams, lOd to 13d per lb. Retail Prices, Farm and Dairy Produce. s. d. s. d. s. d s. d. Milk, per qt. 0 o—o 6 I Ducks each 5 o—6 0 Butter (fresh) 1 6-1 9 j Geese, each 5 o—6 0 Cheese (new) 0 B—l 0 | Turkeys, per 5 o—7 3 Eggs.per doz. 2 3—o 0 Bacon, per lb. 0 B—>2 10 Lard, per lb. 0 6—o 0 Hams .. .. 0 9-1 0 Fowls, pair.. 4 6-5 01 Salt Butter.. 1 3—l 6 Butchers' Meat. Beef, per lb. 0 4—o 7 I Pork, per lb 0 Mutton .. 0 4—o 61 Veal 0 BREADSTUFFS. FLOUK. WHOLESALE. Millers' Price, per ton—lst quality £16 Fine Flour—household £14 Adelaide Flour £18 Canterbury £12 to £15 Seconds, £12. Sharps, £710a Bakers' Price, per lb 3d Bean, Is 9d per bushel. Bread, per 21b. loaf, 4d to 4d. Maize, crushed and whole, 7s BISCUIT. Cabin Biscuit, per 1001b Retai 22s MAIZE, OATS, POTATOES, ETC. WHOLESALE. Maize, 7s 6d good; very scarce Oats, 5s 6d per bushel. Potatoes, £5 to £5 10s Hay, £2 to £4 10s per ton. Straw, £2 10s to £3 per ton. Chaff, £6 10s per ton. Onions, scarce, 2_d to 3_d lb RETAIL. Maize, per bushel, crushed, 7s 6d Oats, 6s per bushel. Potatoes, 6s 6d per cwt. Hay, cwt., 4s to 6s. Straw, 4s to 5s per cwt. Chaff, 7s 6d to 8s per cwt. KAURI GUM AND FLAX MARKET The foUowing are the prices in the Auckland market :— Gum—Well scraped, best quality .. .. £26 to £28 Ordinary sorts £25 to £26 Flax.—Finest quality £13 to £16 Second ditto £10 to £14 Tow £7 to £8.; BUILDING MATERIALS. Timber.—Boards and scantling, 100 f t, 9s to 10s ; at mills, lis 6d; planed, tongued, and grooved, lis 6d to 17s New Zealand palings, 6-feet, 103 ; 6-feet, 12s ; ti tree rails, £216s to £3 per 100 ; puriri posts, £5 per 100 ; shingles, 8s to 18s per 1000; HoDart Town palings 6ft., 17s; 6ft., 19s ; Hobartown rails, 7fs. COAL AND FIREWOOD MARKET. Coal.—Newcastle, on Wharf, nominal; delivered, 15s per ton. Firewood.—Uncut, 14s 6d per ton, delivered cut 17s per ton, delivered.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :—

For Thames, to-moirow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5 30 p.m For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 12.30 p.m.

Kor Wangarei, per Clyde to-mo: raw, at 9 a.m. For Wanganir, per St. X Ida, to-mor.ow, at 10 a.m. For Fiji, per Star of South, to-moivow, at 3 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tairua, Tauranga, Opotiki, and Napier, via Tauranga, per Southern Cross, to morrow, at 3 p.m, For Taranaki and Wanganui, per Go ahead, on

Saturday next, at 10 a m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Pno;be, en Tuesday next, at 10 a.m For the undermentioned places, per Cyphrenes, on Tuesday next, 12th instant, as under : — For Fiji.Sandwich Islands.United States of America Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, atlo.3oa.ro. , , _ For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 10.30 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news-

papers, at 9. SO a m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of Cd v. ill be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing. iHgned) S. B. Bias, Chiof Postmaster.

BIRTHS.

Simmelhag—On May 7, at her residence, Hobsen street, M" S B. Simmelhag, of a son.

MARRIAGE.

Ktdd—W-Its-keti—On At.ril 27, at the Episco~alian Church, Hamilton. WeUcato, by the Rev V. G. Loyde, A'frcd Kidd, to Christina Whisker, youngest daughter of Alexander Whisker, of Newmarket.

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

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1874.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distanco,

And th« good that wo can do

The new Education Bill is now printed, and will come up for second reading to-morrow. The measure is one of considerable import ance, and we propose, therefore, in anticipa tion of the debate, to notice its salient points. The features that at once commend themselves as very great improvements upon the Act of 1872, which it repeals, are the simplicity of tho machinery, and the more equitable adjustment of the burdens im posed by the Act. Our contemporary, the » Cross, in reviewing the proposed Highways Act, very justly condemned tho excessive numbers of governing bodies for the administration of our public affairs. The new Education Bill provides for the abolition of one of these mul titudinous bodies by virtually constituting the Provincial Council the Board of Educa tion, with one of its members, being also a member of tho Provincial Executive, as Commissioner, who will be responsible to the Council. Tho present Board of Education is a wholly irresponsible body, and it is unjust as it is inexpedient that the raising of the necessary revenue for educa tional purposes should rest with one body while another has the entire control over its expenditure. The present system might at any moment result in a dead-lock, jeopardis ing tho whole educational system, inasmuch as the Board of Education may create, as they have done in the past, an expenditure far in excess of their legitimate income ; and the Provincial Council or its constitutional representatives, the Superintendent and Executive, may refuse to make the necessary advances. The principle (hat the body which raises and receives funds should be made directly responsible for the expenditure is one to which reasonable objection can scarcely bo offered. The machinery of administration under the new Act is further simplified by making tho school districts identical with the highway districts, and leaving the appointment of school committees in tho hands of the members of the Highway Boards and Corpora tions. This will obviate the repetition of the farce that was enacted at tho last elec tions of school committees, and will also re move the management of the schools from party influences. The samo object will be served by the appointment of teachers being vested in the Superintendent upon the recommendations of the Commis sioner of Education. The School Committees will, however, have tho power of suspending a teacher for immoral conduct or gross mis behaviour, but his dismissal rests with the Superintendent. Ho teacher will be appointed unless holding either a certificate or license. These provisions will raise tho standard of our teacher sby preventing the employ ment of any but competent men, while they offer every necessary guarantee for the preser vation of discipline in tho schools. Tho Act is secular in principle, and provides that two hours in thejforenoon, preferably from 10 to 12 and two in the afternoon, from two to four, shall be devoted entirely to secular instruc tion. School committ.es may, however, make arrangements for religious education to be imparted by voluntary effort at other than the hours specified for secular instruc tion, and it shall be no part of the teachers duty to provide this instruction, nor will any pupil be required to attend during those hours unless by the express requo st of parents or guardians. The Act contains compulsory clauses which may be brought into operation by a majority of the inhabitants of a district. The rating clauses will, we think, meet the objections that have been raised regard ing the injustice of making rich and poor pay equally. Under tho new Act the house hold rate is to be ten shillings where the rental is under £25 ; twenty shillings where it is between £25 and £60 ; and forty shil lings where above that amount. In lieu of the capitation tax a school fee of sixpence per week will bo levied, which will, however, be rendtted in all cases where inability t 0 pay miy reasonably be pleaded. One-third of the school fees will be payable to the teachers whose salaries, exclusive of these fees, shall not be less than £130 for a first class certificated teacher, nor less than £100 for a teacher holding a second-class certifi cate. The Act contains provisions for estab lishing schools for the higher branches of education, and other important clauses, but we have not space to notice these in our present issue. As a whole, the bill is without

doubt the most able and comprehensive ye introduced into our provincial legislature, and an examination of its clauses shows th. 1( much thought must have been bestowed upo n each. The bill has evidently been framed by the light of past experience here and in the other com ties where Boards of Education have been superseded by the appointment of a responsible Commissioner.

Wo have two letters on the late fire. M William Allen, of Shortland-street, writes stating that he, with a few others, helped to clear the shop of Mr Evitt, gunsmith, and were _ot "afraid of spoiling their white vests "as some were. " A Constant Reader" states that the fire might have easily I been extinguished with the supply of water at hand "if the persons present directly after the outbreak had lis tened to the counsel and demand of Butter worth and Harrison, two of Asher's Volun teer Eire Brigade, who were tbe parties who first mounted to the top of the house and succeeded in subduing; the flames, so much so in fact that the cry was 'it is out,' but instead of their complying with tho request of passing water they began bullying and interfering, and the consequence was the unfortunate result we now have. Could not something be done in the future at such another scene to assist instead of interfering with the volunteers '! For instance, instead of bullying tho volunteers, would it not be better to ask Captain Asher for orders, and by that means be doing good instead of being a hindrance." "Under the Gaslight" was the perform ance a^, the Prince of Wales Theatre last evening, and was fairly represented by the different artistes before a large audience. The piece itself contains no special merit ; it is simply a reflection or imitation of Augustus Sala's "Gaslight and Daylight," with the same imitation of the author's name, Augus tus Dala. Tho characters bear the same re lation to the originals in Sala's book. Miss •Stephenson took the leading part as Laura, Miss Tilly Anderson appeared as Pearl, Miss Buscho as Peach Blossom, Mrs Searlo as Judas, Mr Bootli as Bay Traffbrd, Mr Collier as Snorkey, Mr South as Byko, and Mr Sim monds as Bermudas. Tho house was very well Idled, and the piece, though of an in ferior order, was pleasantly received. Mr Newton Fairs, honorary secretary to Mr Browne's newly-organised singing class, announces that members will meet for their next practice in the large room of the Young Men's Christian Association instead of the Oddfellows' Hall, on Monday evening next. The varied entertainment, in favor of the widow of the late William Newman will be given this evening in the Dovonport Hall, North Shore. The inhabitants of Newton will have the opportunity of listening to a fir.st-el'iss concert this evening in the Newton Hall by the lead ing amateurs of the city. The programme promises duets, solos and ballad?, including " Walking in tho Zoo," and other equally interesting lucubrations. The services of Miss Loaf have been secured. Two of the hon. Mrs Norton's songs, one will be " Love Not," which was exceedingly popular at ono time in England, and in accordance with the feelings of the authoress at the period. The song, however, which breathed the truer sentiment and found an echo in ten thousand female hearts was " Love on," by the gifted spinster, Eliza Cook. It was the tender music rather than the words which won for " Love Not " its popularity. Several gentle men of known abilities, but who arc shy of their names in print, will take part in the

proceedings this evening. To tho Editor : Sir. —I shall feci much

obliged if

you or one of your numerous

readers will be kind enough to give me an answer to the following questions :—Firstly, is it correct that Messs. Seccombe can supply suflicent water for the requirements of the city. Secondly, Are they receiving, as it is reported, about L4O per week for tho above supply. Thirdly, Why there is nevor more than about two or three feet of water in the reservoir, a most limited supply in the stand pipes, and others for a considerable period none whatever.—Yours, &c, CITIZEN. The Hobson Company of Volunteers held their annual meeting in the Catholic Insti tute,Capta:n Bums in the chair. Mr Dig nan read the statement of accounts shewing the financial position of the company, which (is evidently in a healthy state. The income for the year has been £138 5s Od expenditure £4G 2s 5d leaving a balauce in favour of the Hobson's of £92 3s 4d. The statement was adopted. The following officers were then elected:—Mr Dignan, treasurer ; Mr Taylor, secretary ; Messrs, Lawless Connelly, and Christopher finance committee. Corporal Taylor was elected lance-sergeant, Mr Dugan, coporal, and M?"srs Gooseman and Little, lance-corporals. It wai also arranged to have the annual dinner on the 2Gth inst at tho Governor Browne Hotel. A vote of thanks to the chairman cloied an interesting meeting. Mr D. Rubie informs the public that he has not been entirely JiasJied up, but that he has sprang forth, like Phoenix from his (h)ashes, • and opened a new oyster shop next to Mr Dornwell's, consequently he is prepared to supply the public with beef-steak, or rump (if required), and oyster-sauoe suitable to every palate. The members of the Victoria Company, A.Li. V,, are requested to meet for special pat-ado at the Drill-shed, to-morrow (Friday) evening, at half-past seven, to prepare for their annual inspection. The members of tho Parnell Football Club are making a move in the right direction, and have resolved to hole! a meeting this evening at the Windsor Castlo hotel, for the purpose of electing officers for tho coming season, considering the rules and deciding as the color of their caps, and whether or not they should adorn their trowsers with red stripes. Mr H. E. Cotton it threading the , movement successfully. The introductory meeting to the lecture season of the Young Men's Christian Asso ciation will bo held to-morrow evening in the City Hall, and judging from a glance at the programme it will be of a most in teresting character. Addresses will be de livered by several gentlemen, and selections of music by an efficient choir under the direction of Mr. Cooper. The members of tho Auckland Haimonic Society will meet for practice this evening at tho Young Men's Christian Association rooms, Wollesley-street. In the face of divers opinions publicly and privately expressed in relation to the recent fire in Queen-street wo beli ye every precau tion was taken by Mr Asher and the mem bers of Mb brigade to limit as much as pos sible its ravages. The men were smart in turning out as soon as possible after the alarm was s;i\ en, and the first act of Mr Asher on I reaching the scene of the conflagration was to play upon the gable-end of the Pacific Hotel, knowing a window to be there. He thus prevented the flames from entering, otherwise the house would have been com pletely gutted. The next step was to direct Mr Anderson, Assistant Inspector, to stop the flames, by a similar process, from catch ing the corner of Wakefield-street, and had there been a sufficiency,of water, which could

not be procured, the fire might have been extinguished in ten minutes. Mr Asher arid his brigade deserve the thanks of the community for their gratuitous and un remitting labours whenever and where ever a fire occurs. Mr Asher has devoted a large portion of his life to this peculiar and risky business. He headed the first fire brigade in Auckland, formed more than seventeen years ago, and at the period of the disbanding ot the brigade, paid by the Auckland insurance companies, he established one of his own entirely for the public good. Mis men, by regular practice, aie always in prime working order, and ready at any horn for the scene of action. We may add that it the persons who assemble at fires would assist in a systematic way in passing water, instead of breaking and damaging property, their services would be of far greater advan tage than they frequently prove. _ lhe Brigade under Mr Asher's supervision in cludes seamen, carpenters, and bricklayers and thus their services are the more efficient. Constables, also, should obey the instructions of the Inspector of the brigade, as is their duty at such times according to tbe Act giving power to fire directors and others. The TO-construction of the portion of the wharf contracted for by Mr Taylor and under taken by him some two months back, is now well nigh completed. We trust it will not bo long before the remainder is put into good repair, as at present it is in a very dilapidated state.

Mr G. Frost, the pilot on the Macgregor when that vessel was wrecked at Kandavu, writes with reference to the detention of the mails for ten days, and asks if no steps have been taking regarding it. He says :—" I have been blamed as the sole cause of the stranding of the Macgregor, which is a ' be ;' not very choice language, but plain and Eng lish. 1 have done and intend to do all in my power to force an enquiry into the cause that led too that accident ; not a mere formal enquiry, with everything cut and dried beforehand, but an enquiry that will go a long way towards preventing such accidents for the future. In conclusion I have been pilot for over two years with one accident against me. Since my dismissal three steamers have entered Kandavu. 'the Mongol's stern warp, on leaving, fouled her propeller and took hours to clear it ; the Mikado's and Cyphrene's chains were foul, and took hours to 'dear. Both those acci dents weie easily prcventible, especially as the agent, for once, did not inteifere, and there was no manager on board to create confusion."

A sj ecial meeting of the Teachers' Associa tion is convened for Saturday next. The advertisement, which appears in another column, docs not state tho business to be transacted ; but in view of tl c fact that tho second reading of the new Education 811 is set down for to morrow (Friday), one may form a shrewd guess that the special meeting is purposed to consider the proposed enactment We wish the teachers all succc s in their consultation. Unquestionably it is perfectly right and littiug that they should find out wheth r they have anything special to say, and if so, that, they should say it. Hitherto any suggestions made by the Teachers' Associa tion have been marked by discretion and moderation, and any remarks that they may wish to make in a similar spirit will, we doubt not, be welcomed by the promoters of the proposed measure and by the members of til j Provincial Council.

As stated a few days ago a deputation from the Thames of gentlemen interested in the miues of tho neighbourhood of the liright Smile waited upon the Superinten dent and asked him to assist them in getting £25,000 from the General Government for the purposes of deep sinking and draining. Since then proposals have been made by the same gentlemen to tbe Loan and Mercantile Agency Company and favorably entertaiued. It is highly probable that arrangements will be made by which the requisite sum for deep sinking and draining in that locality will ba advanced by the Loan Company, security being given over tho mine aud plant and un called capital of the vaiious companies benefited, but not over the dividends. The money will bo advanced as required at 10 per cent interest, and satisfactoiy arrange ments will bo made for paying back the principal. Tho difficulties in the way of deep sinking may therefore be said to be fairly on tho way of being removed.

On Tuesday evening the entertainment given by the iSewmarket Literary Institute was well attended, and the exertions of the Glee Club gave great pleaiure. A few youths present arnoyed by their disorderly conduct those of the audience who sat near them. It is hoped that this wdl not again take placo. The next meeting will be to hear an address. Subject : " Epitome of Science."

It will be seen by our Southern telegram that the National Insurance Company have had a very prosperous half year, and have declared a dividend of ten per cent.

We are requested to call attention to the entertainment to be given in the Devonport ha 11 this evening for the benefit of the widow of the late Mr Newman. The programme pro mises a thorough success, and will be fonnd in our adverrtising columns.

F. H. LEWISSON wilt arrive from South by Phcebe on Saturday, w'tti an extensive Stock of JeweHeiy, Gold and Silver Watches, _c , &c. ,a_d begs to <ull tbe attention of tbe Pubic to tbe same, whicb w.'U be opened out on Monday next"—Opposite Union Bank.—[AnvT.]

CLAUS-REKEL AND CHORAL CON CERT.

The concert to-night at tho Choral Hall by the Claus-Rekel Company, aided by the full orchestra of the Choral Society, wiU be under the patronage of His Excellency the Governor, who has intimated his intention of being present. We have beforo noticed the admirable arrangements being made for giving with effect the vailous pieces on the programme, particularly the celebrated anvil chorus, and we can only add that wo look forward to the concert with pleasurable anticipations, which are we believe paiticipa ted in by.all lovers of music.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done this day— Bank of -New Zealand—Buyers, Ll7 ss, " National Bank—G7s 6d. National Insurance—32s.

Windsor Castle—Sellers, 4s 6d. Alburnia (new) — Buyers, 445. Imperial Crown —Buyers, 255. Caledonian,£ll 5s ; buyers,£lolsa; uellers, £11.

City of London, 21s 6d ; buyers, 21s, Crown Prince, (con.) —20s. Sons of Freedom—Sellers, £4 10s. Queen of Thames—Sellers, 5s 6d. Italian—Sellers, 2s 3d. Red Queen, 2s 4d; buyers, 2s; sellers,2s 6d Golden Calf (new issue)— Sellers, 10a . Otago—-Buyers, 13s 6d. Old Whau—£s 10s. ; buyers, £5 7s 6d. Union Beach—Sellers, 20s. Coliban—Sellers, lis. Cure—Buyers, 10s 6d ; sellers, lis. Thames G.M.C.—L3 10s; buyers, L3 6s Cd.

Ruby—9s ; buyers, 8s 3d ; sellers, 9s, Lincoln Castle—Buyers, 4s 6d. El Dorado—4s 3d j buyers, 4s.

NEW CRICKET GROUNDS.

Auckland is at last likely to have some j cricket grounds worthy of the name. The want of a suitable field for playing first class matches has been felt for a long time, more especially sines cricket has revived amongst us. The Domain Board showed the other day by their concession of part of the Domain a3 a cricket ground that they recognised tho want, and were anxious to remove it. The three gentlemen to whom the area to be devoted to the game was made over in trust are all of them noted for their energy and interest in the game, and we have no doubt that after a reasonable time we shall see a capital made ground in this direction. This action of the Domain Board was specil ally grateful to all lovers of the old and honoured pastime. There had been an idea prevalent that some of these gentlemen, with other leading men of our city, were antago nistic to cricket, which they considered dan gerous to participators and on-lookers ; or, if not dangerous, at least a waste of time. It is equally satisfactory whether the opinion has changed or whether the concession has been made in spite of it. Fancy a man objecting to fox hunting because there is a spice of danger in it. Why it is its great attraction. If we are becoming so very careful of our precious limbs that we cannot face the very mild perils of cricket, the inference is that the present representatives of that flag which has braved, &c., _c, must have very much degenerated. As to its being a waste of time and incompatible with attention to business the idea is now so exploded with all heads of firms who a^e capable of looking at the matter in any other tban a narrow minded way that it is unnecessary torefuteit. The Domain ground of itself would not be sufficient to supply the requirements of the numerous clubs which are now in exis tence, and are still springing up round the suburbs of Auckland. For some time past the Auckland Cricket Club has been in com munication with the Auckland Racing Club with a view to obtaining on equitable terms a lease of that portion of the lattar club's property at Ellerslie, upon which the Cricket Club has been playing its matches during the past season. It was felt that if this could be obtained the natural and positional advan tages of the situation would render it emi nently the proper place for the grand match ground of the province. The negotiations resulted yesterday in a meeting of the joint committees, and an agreement being come to wh;ch would appear to be fair to both sides. In the first place a ciicket ground is to be made at once. This with a running path round it is estimated to cost about £300 ; that is the Racing Club are pre pared to go to that expense over it on con d tion of tho Cricket Club paying £100 of the -mount. The Racing Club uudeitake to grant a lease of the ground for five years in consideration of a rental of £15 per annum, and 20 per cent of the nett receipts on all matches, athletic sports, &c, held on the ground. The field is to be kept in order by the cricket club. The necessary deeds are to be drawn up at once, and the work begun as soon as possible. There is some talk of the cricket club holding; a monster athletic festival in about six weeks time, the proceeds to go towards its share of the outlay on the ground. The idea is an excellent one, and there can be no reasonable doubt the venture would prove a great success. The few athletic mectin.qs held lately have been badly man aped, but have yet been well attended, and productive of good contests. With a proper working; committee there appears to us no reason to us why such a meeting should not be made to pay handsomely. Too much ' time, however, must not be lost as the rainy season is coming on. Let the prizes be worth winning, the aii'air well advertised, and the 1 management careful, and if these three things are attended to there need be little fear of the result.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thos. Beckham, Esq., R M.) DRUNKENNESS. Two persons were punished for drunken ness. LUNACY. William Paißhley, a young man, who has been living in the bush near Wangarei, was brought into Court, charged with being of unsound mind ; and upon the testimony of Drs. Hooper and Stockwell was committed to tho Whau Lunatic Asylum. EMBEZZLEMENT. Felix Seymour, the young man who had previously appeared on charges of embezzle ment, was again brought up. The sums already discovered to have been appropriated by the prisoner are as follows :—November ' 22, 1573, £42 3s, and £42 7s Bd, and Ss 3d ; December 9, £92 7s ; March 14, 1574, £49 Is 6d ; March 28, £96 19s 6d ; April 11, £100. Total, £423 6s lid, the property of his em ployers, Messrs Fraser and Tinne, of Auck land. Mr Brookfield appeared for the prosecution and Mr Joy for the defence. Mr George Fraser, of the firm of Fraser and Tinne, deposed that prisoner was book keeper and confidential clerk to tbe firm. It was his duty to receive and pay moneys on their account; he had been in the employ of the firm for two years, up to the ISth April. All moneys or cheques that he re ceived ho ought to have paid into the bank ; i this was his duty ; he was allowed to hold ' small balances in his hand as petty cash, but not beyond £5 or £6. On the 3rd of last November there was a sum of £22 5s due to the firm from the Union Beach Gold Mining Company ; at the same time there was the sum of £7 10s due from Cap tain Casey. These amounts were received by the prisoner, but were not paid into the i bank. On the 15th of the same month there was the sum of £150 due from Messrs Stone, which prisoner received but had not accounted for. Ho had been through tho books, and discovered these and many other deficiencies. Mr Seymour should have balanced the books regularly, but he had failed to do so. Mr. Joseph Friar Clarke proved paying the sum of £22 ss. at Messrs. Fraser and Tinne's office on behalf of the Union Beach Gold Mining Company, of which he was secretary, but he could not swear that prisoner received the money. Captain Jeremiali Casey deposed that he was a merchaut carrying on business in Auckland, and that on the Bth of November he paid a cheque for £7 10s. to prisoner in favour of Messrs. Fraser and Tinne (cheque produced). The cheque was dated October 8, in consequence of which mistake he was about to tear it up, when Seymour said the date was of no consequence. 1 Charles B. Stone, of the firm of Stono Brothers, proved paying prisoner a cheque for £150 on the 14th November for his employers. Receipt produced in prisoner's handwriting. . i Andrew Fergusson Mackay, clerk in the I Bank of New Zealand, but who in November last was cashier, deposed that in November 1573 it was his duty to pay money for cheques over the counter. He knew the prisoner's handwriting, and the signatures on the receipt are his, and to the best of his belief the prisoner received the money. The cheques of Captain Casey, Union Beach Gold Mining Company, and Stone Brothers were cashed over the counter, and were not paid in to Messrs Fraser and Tinne's account.

Mr Fraser was re-called, anT__D_T ! he had , cceived two letters from p 2>t I the 23rd April, in which he statedjß-f» could not return to the offices owhi. * K\ state of the I ooks, ack.owkdgkg te^ 1 had done wrong, and asking forfe* V I ? account of bis wife and family. eWe,lc.Z\ / I Mr George Fraser, accountant of 4„ , I land, deposed that he had examini! _: ■ books, and there were no entries _T • that the several amounts had been S§ on behalf of the firm with the e S? * Ll4O, part of Messrs Stone's chequ?7\of presumed. ' "* he Mr Brookfield remarked that a v eTv markable feature in this case was iIJ-' every instance the defalcators ai»J_, * Saturdays. Ppear OH Mr Fraser further deposed that theresnl* of his examination shewed much dW deficiencies than those before the Court After some further evidence the case _ remanded untd Wednesday next.

ANCHOVIES AND TOAST.

[From our London Correspondent.] THE NEW HOUSE OF COMMON.. The result of the late elections has beentn give us a Hous^ of Corrmors of 653 members (which includes a double return for Atblone where an equal number of votes werepo]l-_ on either side). Of th~e 351 may be reck.' oned as Conservatives, and 302—includino" the Home Rulers) as Liberals. But it |_i not be fair to regard the Home Rulers., belonging to the Libarrl party, shoe they form a party of their own entirely distinct from any other, and, as you may see by the numbers I have given their vote cariot be worth the smallest purchase by concession, on either side. The Home Rulers number over 40-aU hot-headed, Wild creatures without an idea in their heads beyond estab lishing a parliament on CoHege Green to dispense laws for IreHnd. They never were further from the realization of their bones than at the present moment. Conservatives and Liberal v, ill combine to crush any such attempt, which would never have been heard of had it not been for tie fast and loose Irish policy of the people's William, who made nothing by it, and only gained the undying hatr: d of both Orange and Ribbon men. It is many years since tbe Liberal party of England have had such Ja beating as they have had within the pr „ month, and probably the Conservatives have never stood in such a commanding position as that which they occupy at present. With the mistakes of their f?Uen adversaries before them they are at liberty to profit by tbeir errors. All the "dii.y work" wh'ch will be wanted for the next ten years Las been done by the Gladstone Ministry, and is ready to hand for use by the'v successors. The people of England have hai such a dose of " progress " and wa.m legislation that they w;!l rest content with Conservative measures for some time to come. By perfecting what is left in the rough by their predecessors the the Conservative will ga;n credit and make capital out of Libera 1, blunders. Mr Disraeli by the exercise of a veiy ordinary amount of discretion may remain Premier for the rest of his life. THE FAMINE IN INDIA. A great movement is being made to raise funds for the support of the famishing people in Bengal. The idea docs credit to the heai-s, but not the heads of the people of England. Surely the Imperial and Indira Governments are powerful and ilch enough to tackle a matter of this kind themselves. It is not money that is required, but grain i supplies and means of transport. If the Governments do not feel it their duty to rescue their people from starvation the sooner they are pulled to pieces the better, and this private subscription movement is likely to be a cloak, bel" nd which the officials will be able to shelter and excuse their nonpreparedness and inaction. One or two papers have manfed'y taken a stand in the matter, and two ort three large cities have declined to take pait in the movement. THE NEW COLONIAL SECRETABS". The colonies are 1 ;kely f-> benefit consider ably by the appointment of the Earl of Guv narvon to the Colorial Offi< c. _ s you know, he has m-de colonial subject! bis specifl study. It was he that founded the Dominion of Canada, and tlms solv d a problem whan had been regarded as nearly hopeless. He is mc-3t painstakirg, "and in his mastery detail admirable. Under bis regime the colonists need not fear being misunderstood. His Lordship sits in the Lords, of course; but his representative in the Corr _ons, the Under Secretary, who w" _ therefore on all occasions be the colonial mouthpiece, is a gentleman of the very highest ability, who held an imporrint office under the last Is raeli Administration. He is Mr James Lowther, member for York city, and heir to the Wilton Cattle estates. He is a young man, probably about thirty, but is known as one of the most painstaking and common sense men in the House. He is not a bril liant speaker, but he never open, huff ur'ess he has something to say, andheis a man who studies bis subjests deeply, * think, therefore, the colonies are to.be con giatulatcd on the change. What the Con servative creed is with regard to our colonial possessions I need hardly talll yon. *£ Disraeli said the other day that the first duty of Conservatives was the conservatism onno Empire, and there is no fear of any of Jgj vacillating policy which so nearly etteowj the disintegration of the Empire a &»?"". ago, and went near to lose for us some of oar finest colonies. SHOCKING MUKDER IN PAEIS. . T Before you have reached this point J expect that you will have come to thei con elusion that I am *rit_g you a ft«ggg and you will be sure that tb _ uisonowjJJ , I take you again to that gay oity to M g a dreadful story of the Commune. 11«J»J the lifting of a corner of the» «*»/g conceals such a collection ofhoujrs^t heart of man has, thank God, jJM conceived. Two beings ?^*°S£ Pelata have just been tried and condemns to death for having been conspicuous in murder of a mouchard named• Vojg close honid story runs thus :-Jn_t ajjgj^ of the late war there was a """JS?_* National Guards round the column « Bastile, and the red flag was honrfj* » summit. Vincenzi had been Mg^ spot to take the numbers of the W^Lfc and was recognised as a police Instantly he was seized and men, m and children set up a yell for his wow tried to hang him to a WWJ a but not being able to Tfficß rope they determined to *}™ n *££ $&&* did Vincenzi tear himself from tMJ/' and escape; once into a tobacco Bjjri^ once into a guard-room, but no from both places of refuge, W» .g to commanded in the guard-room "J forofl resist, even although he hM»n» brat „l The man was dragged out m $* populace, and they I spot where the St. __Martins «g^-_j_ under the streets. Here they_*»ea| 0 thro* not succeed in opening a trajp-cto or m him into the water, so they * . hee fc ot along the streets to. an enclose water, but here again they c? # admission. Becoming more. » being so baulked the f°\KJi.^ ( f dragged the wretched ™%JL&W%I where the St. M^-«s^*gs At this point witn^ S esdesgiJ wfnL B iood tion of the mouchard as simply

THE EVENING STAR THURSDAY. MAY 1, 1874



-O H. LEWISSON Pegs to inform his numerous friencs and tho public at large that having been success ful in disposing of all his old STOCK at the recent CLEARING-OUT SALE, He has determined to RE-OPEN with an ENTIRELY NEW SELECTION OF EVERT DESCRIPTION OP JEWELLERY, WATCHES, _c, And is resolved to offer to the Public Goods of the best Quality at the LOWEST POSSIBLE! PRICE. __T Extensve Alterations are about to be made in the Business Premises, which when completed will make them second to none in the Colonies. The Manufacturing Branch of the Business will be carried on as usual, and all Repairs or Orders for Cutting and Mounting Greenstone and Quartz will be executed with promptness, F. H. LEWISSON, OPPOSITE UNION BANK, Qtjeen-stb,eet, Auckland, "OETIRING FROM THE RETAIL J. COSGRAVE & CO. Are giving up their Retail Business in Queen-street. A SALE of the Goods will be held TO-MORROW, the 14th of March, and will continue until the entire Stock is disposed of. Wo are now landing THIRTY THOUSAND POUNDS WORTH of DRAPERY and MEN'S CLOTHING, purchased by Mr Cosorave from the EngMsh and French Manufacturers, which will be Old at UNPIirCEDENTEDLY LOW rRICES. No credit will be given during the Salo. TVAMAGED BLANKETS. SALVAGE FROM THE LATE FIEE. 10 0 PA I R B~L ANKE TS, SLIGHTLY DAMAGED, Must be clerred out tlrs week. A. LIN ABU RY & C 0., CITY HALL. ■pUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAtf Have great pleasure in announcing that they are NOW OPENING UP THEIR SHIPMENT Ex Norham Castle, riylton Castle, and Dorette, Consisting of— 5G CASES AND BALES OP NEW WINTER GOODS, And respectfully invite attention to the same. GENTLEMEN'S CLOTHING, BOYS' AND YOUTHS' CLOTHING, HATS AND CAPS, HOSIERY. Children's New Felt Hats, Ladies' Black Straw Hats, Flowers, Feathers, Ribbons &c. FANCY DRESS GOODS, FRENCH MERINOS, WINCEYS, WOOL PLAIDS, FLANNELS. LADIES' BLACK CLOTH JACKETS. CHILDREN'S AND LADIES' WATEPRROOF TWEED MANTLES. UMBRELLAS, Etc., Etc., Etc. FURNISHING GOODS, And a complete New Stock in every Department. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers, _o JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite tho Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-sii_eet, Auckland. [Established 1864.] J\ STEPHENSON & CO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAN D," " EAGLE BRAND," "CROWN BRAND," Are to be procured 'at all respectable Grocers and Sioeikbepees throughout the Province of Auckland. D. STEPHENSON & CO., wyndham str.eet, Auckland. ri A U T I ON OL;3 ON'S TOMATO SAUCE. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the BEST for general use in households, and, _in con sequence of its high reputation, somn unprincipled persons have been induced to CoUect Empty Bottles 1 bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon, and pass the same off as "Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." Tho proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 1866," and procrsdings will be taken against such persons as may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned to ARK FOR OLSON'S SAUCE, and see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and stopDer, and wrapped round with_.hi_ well-known label. Coffee.—Brown, Barrett, & Co.'s Standard Coffees, both delicious and strong. Brown, Barrett, & Co.'s Excelsior Coffee deserves preference to any coffee on account of purity and distinctness of flavour. Note the brands. Sold at almost every grocery establish ment in town and province.—f Advt. J