SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

~Am ARRIVALS.

Pretty Jane, s s., from Tauranga Ro wen a, s.s., from Russell Southern s.s., from Waugarol

EXPORTS.

Per Clio for New Caledonia and Norfolk Island. For Norfolk Island : I cask bottled beer, 2 cases wine, Brown, Campbell and Co. ; 2 boxes tea, 6 cases kerosine, J. C. Morrin ; 1 case whisky, F. Winter ; 43 mats sugar, 9 i-chests tea, 4 cases jam, 5 do. currants, 1 box tobacco, Cruickshank and Co. ; 5 cases kerosine, D. Smart and Co. ; 3 casks ale, 3 cases wine, 2 do. geneva, 2 do. brandy, L. D. Nathan and Co. ; 1 keg sugar, 1 bag do, 2 mats do, 2 kalf chests tea, 4 kegs sugar, Stone Bros. ; 2 cases lozenges, Brown, Barrett and Co. ; 10 cases drapery, A. Clark and Son ; 3 cases drapery, Owen and Graham ; 50 bags rice, J. C. Mor rin ; 1 keg treacle, 1 package fruit, 2 bags rice, R. Nazer ; 4 packages groceries, 1 spade, 1 case plants, S. W. Hill ; 20 cases biscuit, 36 tins do, 3 packages groceries, G packages casements, J. S. Macfarlane and Co. ■ 1 i-chest tea, 8 boxes candles, 2 kegs soda, 1 case starch, 4 pkgs groceries, R. Mayer; 1 case boots, etc., McArthur Shera and Co.; 2 cases, Shirley W. Hill; 4 pkgs hats and caps, E. Porter and Co. For Noumea : 41,000 feet timber, 1 case tobacco, J. S. Macfarlane ; 1 bundle shears, G pgs groceries, I case saddlery, 1 do drugs, 4 pkgs groceries, 1 case stationery, 1 do saddlery, T. C. Tilly; 1 prcl ironwork, 3 pkgs ironmongery, 8 do do, 18 do groceries, 25 cases biscuits, 1125 bricks, 3 cases drapery, 1 do drugs, 5 cases stationery, 1 do sundries, 2 do apparel, 1 do stationery, 1 chair, 1 pkg furniture, 1 case boot, . 1 chair, 1 case plants, 2 chairs, 1 door mat, T. C. Tilly ; 4 bags flour, 1 bag sugar, 5 tons biscuits, 3 pkgs do., 2 do. groceries, 1 box, 1 case wine, 1 cask beer, 1 do, bottled beer. J. S. Macfarlane and Co,, agents.

MANIFEST OF THE BARQUE HYLTON CASTLE.

The following is the manifest of the barque Hylton Castle, which left London for this port on 3rd December last: —9 cases, E. and H. Isaacs ; 125 cases, Henderson, Macfarlane and Co. ; 20 boxes,- order; 11 cases, 4 bales, Stewart and Anderson ; 10S cases fastners, Minister of Public Works ; 50 half-hhds, 51 cases, Brown, Campbell and Co. ; 1 truss, 1 case, J. Slatter, Esq. ; 2 pkgs, E. Wayte ; 5 casks, Wm. Sellars ; IS cases, 1 cask, Auckland Gas Company ; 10 cases, Brown, Campbell and Co. ; 1 case, 4000 fire bricks, 21 bundles, 36 castings, Thames Gas Co. ; 0 cases, IS-bales, 3 casks, E. andH. Isaacs ; 68 casks, 14 barrels, 15 cases, 17 bales, W. Phillips & Son ; 2000 rail joint**, 1 case tools, 5 crossings, 10 check rails, 116 cases. Minister of Public Works ; 3 bales, E. Porter & Co. ; 9 cases, Combes and Daldy ; 1 case, Captain Fenton ; 3 cases, order; 4 do., E. and H. Isaacs; 1 barrel, Jas. Davies ; 20 crates, order; 8 bales, 12 drums, R. Lusk; 10 bales, order ; 1 bale, R. Neal; 11 pkgs., W. Battray ; 15 cases, Rushbrook and Bridgeman ; 28 cases, order ; 15 cases acids, order ; 2 cases, 2 casks, Hamilton Brothers ; 5 cases, E. & H. Isaacs ; 2 cases, order ; 1,605 rails, Minister of-Public Works ; 10 qr. casks, Lewis Brothers ; 60 casks, 14 qr. -casks, order; 3 cases, W. Craig ; 2 cases, 67 cases, order; 4 casks, 2 bales, 520 sash weights, J. „J. Dickey ; 1 cask, 90 £-casks, Watt Bros. ; 1 cask, 22 coils, 12 bales, J. S. Macfarlane ; SI boxes, 9 cases, 1 do. spies, Union Sash and Door Company; 2 cases, order; 6 do, Lewis Bros. ; 10 do., Winks and Hall; 13 do., Union Sash.and Door Company ; 3bales, 4- cases, Smart and Co.; 228 kegs, 3 chains, 10 cases, 3 bales, 40 boxes, 56 kegs, 36 pgs, order; 7 cases, 3 casks, M. Montague; 3 cases, E. and H. Isaacs ; 22 casis, J. B. Francis ; 5 cases, W. Rattray; 299 bags salt, 25 cases, 10 bales, 40 trunks, Lewis Bros.; 16 cases, 14 casks, 6 brrls, 7 bags, order ; 40 cases, Brown and Campbell; 20 do E. and H. Isaacs ; 229 do Brown Camp bell and Co.; 6 ewes, order ; 3 pkgs, Dr Payne 1 case, 2 bales, Gane and Sturges ; 36 bales, 67 cases, J. Cosgrave and Co. ; 3 cases acids, 2 drums naphtha, 16 cases, 11 casks, 9 pkgs, 1 hhd, 2 bales, order ; 30 pkgs, 20 barrels, 12 drums, 21 cases, 107 boxes, W. Phillips and Son ; 100 lots wire, 42 pieces, 1 cask, 8 fire irons, 30 bundles fronts, 8 yacht stoves, 12 dumpy do, 5 stop do, 2 cabin do, 2 chamber do, 2 crab wenches, 8 bundles backs, 3 boilers, 5 tierces, 26 cases, 6 garden rollers, 6 do handles, 2 puncheons, 1,235 bars iron, 45 bundles tubes, 32 casks, 1 block, 29^ kegs, 1 hhd., 3 wheels, 1 cylinder, T. and S. Morrin ; 136 cases, 18 trunks, 19 pgs, 4 parcels, 13 bales, 1 bale samples, A. Clark and Sons ; 100 cases, 31 bales, 1 case samples, Mc Arthur, Shera and Co.; 4 cases, E, Wayte.; 168 cases, 1 cask, order; 5 casks, J. and J. Dickey; 1 case, Henderson, Macfarlane and Co.; 5 cases, Owen and Graham; 4 cases, order ; 1 bale, 2 cases, order; 1 case, 5 casks, Ireland Bros.; 4 wheels, 2 axles, Fraser and

Tinne.—New Zealand Shipping Co., Agents.

The whaling barque Hadley, Captain Soale, was to leave Mongonui fo_ a cruise last evening.

Owing to one of the boats being obliged to be put under repair at the last minute the four-oared race in the Auckland Bowing Club for the medals did not take place this afternoon according to announcement. A scratch race was rowed instead.

The schooner Marmion, Captain McLepd, has cleared for New Caledonia via Wangapoa with 80,000 feet timber.

The schooner Zior has cleared for Kaipara -with 213 pieces of doors and sashes shipped by. the Union Sash and Boor Co. A new topsail-schooner is about to be commenced by Messrs Darrach and Sons at Mahurangi for Captain J. Short, late of the Fiery Cross. The new schooner is to be of the following dimensions :—Length of keel, 80 feet; beam, 21 feet 6 inches; depth of hold, 10 feet; tonnage, about 110. The vessel is to be completed in about six months.

The brigantine at present being built for Mr G. W. Owen, by Messrs. Darrach and Sons, will be ready for launching by the end of April.

The s.s. Pretty Jane arrived from Tauranga last night with a cargo of sheep, grass-seed, &c, and the following passengers: —Messrs. May, Buchanan, King, Phillips, Houston, Vivian, Mason, Evans ; Miss Melville, Mrs. Howard, Miss Litchfield ; and 2 in the steerage.—A.S.P. Co., agents.

The s.s. Southern Cross arrived yesterday evening from Wangarei, after a fine weather passage, with cargo and several passengers.

From inquiries we have made we find that the Messrs. Kissling have no intention of sending their yacht Daphre to Dunedin, as announced by the " Cross " this morning. The schooner Herald, which left the Pay of Islands on Tuesday, was lyirg uindbound at Whangaruru on Thursday and Friday. The Prima Donna arrived at Whangaroa on Wednesday. She is loading bulk timber for Sydney. ..*:;

The Merlin, schooner, and the .cutter Gazelle, loaded for Auckland, were lying at Russell waiting for a fair wind when tilt Eowenaleft, ,?; .:,!;,'

The s.s. Rowena arrived at nine o'clock ' this morning from the Bay of Islands. She left Russell at noon yesterday, and had strong head winds down the coast to Point Rodney. Thence into jjort fine weather, with a light breeze from the east. She brings a cargo of 57 bags of gum, Henderson and Macfarlane ; 19 bags of gum, Walker and Co. ; and the following passengers : —Mr. Reed, Mrs Flowers, Mr Capper, Mr Wm. Boulter, Mrs Anderson, Master Lusk, Master Flowers, Messrs Solomon, Nelson, Fairburn, and Archard, Mrs Culliwell, Mrs Peed, Mr Earl, Mr Jamieson, Captain Bur leigh (R. M.)', and ten in the steerage. The schooner Atalanta has cleared at the Customs for Kaipara with a full cargo of stores, etc., shipped by various firms. The barque Beatrice has cleared out in ballast for Newcastle. The barque Bella Mary sailed this morning for Newcastle in ballast. The ketch Clio, Captain Jackson, sailed this afternoon for Norfolk Island and New Caledonia with a full cargo as per exports and the following passengers :—-Messrs S. Christian, F. Nobbs, E. Nazer, Bnffett, Loverock, B. Christian, J. Bailey, M Mahseet, P. McCoy, and Miss G. Rositer. From the New Bedford Vineyard Gazette of November 21, a paper not often to hand in Auckland, we cull the following :—" A letter from Captain Holt, of the barque Hunter, dated at sea August 12th (had taken 300 barrels sperm oil since leaving the Bay of Islands) reports the loss from the barque in a gale of wind on the 9th June in lat. 27 cleg. S. long. 177deg. W., of Mr Remington, the mate, and a boat's crew; thinks if they were not capsized the first night they may have gone to the Fiji Island." Also, "Captain Thomas Mellan, late of ship Europa, will take charge of ship Splendid, now fitting in New Bedford for New Zealand, and Wm Earl, of Abington, will act as first officer." I 2 , _

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails wii__, Close as Dst-d-ek. :— For Thames, on Monday, at 10.30 a m and 5.30 p m For Taranaki Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Wellington, on Monday next, at noon For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Rowena, on Monday next, at 3 pm For Tauranga, Gisborne, and Napier, per s.s. Pretty Jane, on Wednesday, 25th instant, at 0 a m (Signed) S. R. Ribs. Chief Postmaster.

DEPARTURES.

Fawn, cutter, for Russell

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Fair Play.—Your letter should have been sent to the journal which first published the letter in question. We have no means . of verifying its charges or of ascertaining its authorship. Mr Francis White.—The water supply discussion has already occupied so much of our space that we cannot find room for ": long letters, otherwise we would have gladly published your communication.

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1874.

J?or the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance,

Aud thft criod that we can do

The deputation which waited on the Hon. J. Yogel on Thursday for the purpose of urging the construction of a line of railway between the Thames and Waikato has our warmest sympathy. The work advocated is one cal culated to confer immense benefits upon the two most important districts in this province. Sufficient statistics were ad duced to show that this line holds out a reasonable prospect of being reproductive, and that, too, in perhaps larger measure than other lines in course of construction in various parts of the colony. Although this may perhaps be termed a branch line when Mr. Vogel's ideal of a main trunk through the North Island is kept in view, the country which would be opened up by the Thames Valley Railway is large and fertile. Some of the objections to the construction of the line raised by Mr. Vogel are no doubt

forcible, but we may be permitted to take exception to others. We cannot, for instance, agree with him in regarding

the Auckland and Waikato railway as being what may legitimately be termed a means of communication between Auckland and th c Thames. The distance from the goldfield to Hamilton (Central Waikato) is 5S miles ; and from Hamilton to Auckland 92 miles _ and from Aitckland to the Thames about 40 miles. Consequently if a person comes from Waikato to Auckland with the view of reaching the Thames he

is within eighteen miles as far from his journey's end when he reaches Auck land as he was when he started from Hamilton, although he has iv the meantime travelled a distance of 92 miles. This is hardly one of those cases to which may be applied Mr Vogel's statement " that even in Great Britain, wealthy as it is, they have never laid down as a rule of their railwa}' policy the necessity of making direct com munication between places where a some what indirect communication already ex isted." No doubt a main trunk line through the island will years hence become a very necessary and profitable work, but at present large sections of such a line would be unremunerative. Mr. Vogel's objection against doubling means of communication would also operate with greater force against a line to Wellington than against the Thames, for the'sea affords excellent means of tran sit between here and tho South already. Mr Vogel's argument really raises the ques tion whether it is better to construct railways that are likely to become im mediately profitable, or to follow out a fanci ful scheme regardless of the necessities of traffic. We think the deputation fairly es tablished the assumption that the work is a necessary one, and secondly that it would bo a profitable one, and these two

conditions form stronger arguments in favour of its construction than the rjuestion whether it would ever form part of a main line or not, or would continue a "branch" to the end of the chapter. We hope those moving in the matter will not lie

daunted by the rebuff they have met with, but will continue the agitation until the object in view is secured.

We fee! unable to express the indignation which we feel —as every right-thinking per son must—at the disgraceful attempt made by the Cross to fix upon a respectable class of people the guilt of one of the most diaboli cal acts ever brought to light in Auckland. It was announced in the local journalsafew days ago that large boulders had been repeatedly discovered on the Auckland and Onehunga line, having evidently been placed there with the object of throwing the train off the line. A day or two afterwards an anonymous letter appeared in the Cross, which there is reason to believe was written within the office, insinuating that some one connected with the movement against Sun day trains was the author of this monstrous crime. No journal with any sense of justice or decency would have published such a vile slander ; but when we find it repeated edi torially, and attempts actually made to prove its probability, an expression of strong disapproval is demanded. We have before shewn that, failing in argument, our contemporary had tried low buffoonery and ridicule. Finding this ineffectual, slander and charges •of the most revolting character are now employed. In certain writings, published with the head ing " Under the Verandah," and which are understood to be written by the editor of the Cross, the following paragraph appears to-day:—

"A horrible suspicion crosses my mind. On three separate occasions an attempt has been made to upset the railway trains run ning to Onehunga, and my suspicion amounts to this,- that some fanatic Sabbatarian has taken this means to prevent what he calls Sabbath desecration. For what do we find ? A stone weighing over sixty pounds (which no child could lift) had been placed on the rails between Auckland and Onehunga within the hours of six and half-past nine o'clock. Surely this is carrying extreme sanctity to a dangerous point. What a horrible " example" it would have proved had some hundreds of persons been killed or wounded whilst thus "breaking the Sabbath!" Good Heavens ! just think how " the occa sion would have been improved" in every Sunday-school aud from every pulpit, every speaker carefully forgetting the story of tho tower of Siloam. No doubt should my suspicions prove correct, the " evil doer" deserve a severe castigation if he could only be got at ; but will any of the Christian Young Men denounce as it deserves this murderous attempt to deter people from taking a trip on a Sunday to enjoy the fresh and balmy breath of heaven, and worship as they list. Some dozen years ago three attempts of this kind were made in the home country, and if my memory is correct an extreme fanatical clergyman was tried for taking this means of bringing down Heaven's judgment on the Sunday traveller. I find I am not by any means singular in the opinion that these big stones have been launched from fanatical slings ; and the fact of their occurrence on Sunday mornings gives point to the pretty general suspicion." Further comment on the above is unneces sary. It is without exception the most dis reputable accusation that we have ever seen in print. How long is this kind of journalism to go on ? It has now reached that stage when some expression of public opinion regarding it is demanded.

Divine service will be held to-morrow (Sunday) at the usual hours at Nevvton Kirk morning and evening. Lome-street Hall, Rev. Samuel Edger, B.A. : Morning, "The Risen Christ;" evening, " Christ, one with God." Albert-street Congregational, morning and evening, by Rev Warlow Davies, MA. Services at Edwardes-street, Rev. W. Tinsley ; Sheridan-street, Mr Booth ; United Free Methodists, corner of Vincent-street, Rev. G. H, Turner ; Cook-street and Newton Hall as usual. We are unable to announce the subjects of discourse at each place of Worship as we do not get the information in time. Readers therefore are referred to the advertisement columns. :

The first day of April next has been defi nitely fixed by the people of Wairoa for their musical concert for the liquidation of the debt on the Papakura manse. Mr. Mackune, the apostle of Templary, is busy southward, and continues to open new lodges ; four have recently been opened in Hawke's Bay. The Hon. William Fox has also been aiding the cause at Napier by lecturing on temperance.

On Sunday evening last Rev. C. M. Nelson announced that he purposed delivering a course of sermons at St. Paul's Church on the " Seven Words from the Cross," on the Sunday evenings in Lent. According to this announcement the first of them will be preached to-morrow evening.

The benefit entertainment given to M r and Mrs Collier last night was well attended and pleasantly received. The "Artist's Retreat," the " Dying Child," and the laughable farce "Never say Die," were well rendered. Mr Reid's two songs "The Sexton," and " Happy Moments," were given with power and feeling and awakened prolonged cheering.

To the Editor : Sir, —The newspapers while recently discussing the merits of the dry dock question have overlooked drawing attention to what I conceive to be a matter of equal importance to a very large section of the community, namely, the present dilapidated state of the wharf. It is well known that a walk on the wharf in the even ing after business hours is a great boon to those employed indoors all day, more especially at this season of the year. But if they have to seek this luxury at the expense of a broken leg, why I think most of those who take advantage of it as a healthy resort will have to try elsewhere for a mouthful of fresh air. I have been many years in Auckland, and I never saw the wharf in such a state of ruin a,s it is at the present time : almost eveiy bit of planking, from one ex tremity to the other, is split and warped. If the late gale was the cause of this there would be some excuse for the harbour au thorities neglecting to remedy the want ere now, but this is not so, for long before the gale the negligence was apparent. I hope, in calling attention to the subject, it will be taken up by the Press, and although some of the members may pretend to have the greatest contempt for newspaper influence, and what they say, yet I believe something can still be done by them to lead the mem bers of the Harbour Board to prevent per sons who go there for recreation from meeting with serious injury.—lam, etc., An Invalid.

During the present dry weather and con sequent scarcity of water many of the resi dents in and near Lower Queen-street, Custom-house-street, Fort-street, &c, have replenished their empty water receptacles from the artesian well at the rear of Mr Holdship's timber yard. This well was sunk by the Harbour Board at a considerable cost, and although a failure as regards the object for which it was intended, viz., to supply the shipping with water, a sufficient quantity of the pure element flows therefrom to be very useful to the inhabitants in the vicinity. Access to the well has however been stoppod, by whom we are not aware ; but under the present circumstance, and taking into consi deration the bad quality of the water obtained at the stand pipes and many of the wells, the " dog-in-the-manger " policy of prevent ing the people having the benefit of the artesian supply, by whomsoever it has been initiated, is not unreasonably complained of.

We notice that an enthusiastic person under the suggestive initials "J. E." has paid for an advertisement in a contemporary attacking that " low production," as he elegantly terms it, the Evening Star. It was very foolish for "J. E." to waste his money in the attempt to secure a very limited publicity for Ids opinions when he might have obtained gratis .through our columns the attention of the whole city. He says :—

" I see the evening paper has been making quite a fuss because Mr Edger has not answered Dr. Wallis's letter." It will be readily understood from this that the writer is an ass in more ways than one. The " fuss" that has been made is not because Mr Edger has not an swered Dr. Wallis' letter, but because he has attempted to answer that letter, while at the same time denying that he ever read it. ".1.E." discloses the secret of his own enthusiasm in Mr. Edger's cause in the latter part of his letter, where he manifests feelings of animosity against a well-known writer connected with this journal, who has for some time past been absent from

Auckland, and has therefore taken no part in the late controversy, as " .1.E." must be fully aware. Like some other sneaking slanderers, "J. E." becomes bold in the absence of the person whom he desires to traduce. He knows full well that were the gentleman he speaks of in town—and he is not in the habit of dis guising his identity or repudiating what he has written —he would be well able to defend himself, and at the same time deal with persons of the " J.E," stamp or the "S.E." stamp either.

To the Editor : Sir, —Mr Jenkins is under a misapprehension. A number of Good Templars did hiss; and if further proof is required than your own report of the meet ing I can forward the names of those who stooped to such insulting conduct. Tbere were a number of very respectable Good Templars present, who are members of the Newmarket Literary Institute. These, lam happy to state, did not not hiss like their brethren, which the latter had no business in the meeting " excepting as visitors." The sense of the meeting was taken, but a number of members did not give their votes. The result was as shewn in your report. A rule of the association states that on the sense of the meeting being taken " members only allowed to vote." Good Templars appeared to mistake tho meeting for a teetotal one ; whereas it was advertised a " debate," and inaugurated for the sole pur pose of hearing both sides of the question.— I am, &c, Secretary N.L.A.

Thegshipwrights' meeting last evening at the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, was largely attended. Mr Bamsey took the chair, and after the minutes of the previous meet ing had been read, officers and committee men were elected, viz. :—Mr Berry, secre tary ; Mr Martin, treasurer ; and the com mittee for representing the various yards, and drawing up a code of rules, —Messrs. Bamsey, Egerton, Ellis, Baird, Nicholson, Fincham, and Creighton. It was decided that the society hold its meetings fortnightly.

A capital entertainment is announced for this evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre by Mr and Mis Collier, and money-prizes will be given away. Every person on purchas ing a ticket this evening will be presented with a numbered ticket entitling 4 them to a chance. There will be no advance in the prices of admission.

'To the Editor: Sir,—l think the hot weather or the bad water must have an irritat ing effect upon the nerves of my neighbours in the locality of Union-street, where in the centre of three Good Templar Lodges, there is no union among the people. Hows are continual. The night before last a man and woman were hammering away by the creek,; and so loudly did they speak alternately of their lives and little sly deeds that they set allj.the dogs barking round about. Again last evening, near Wellington-street, a ro\y commenced between a lowly wood-splitter,' and a still humbler tenant, when the aid of an orator and a solicitor was called in to pacify the insurgents against the withdrawal of bedsteads by force, but with out effect. A crowd of some 150 persons gathered round, and during the storm some person or persons stole one side of the bed stead, as will be seen by advertisement in another column.—C.A,

A serious accident happened this morning to the wife of a working man living at Rich mond. She is we hear subject to fits, and whilst boiling some eggs for breakfast was seized and fell into the fire. She is badly burned about the hands and arms, but is not supposed to be seriously injured. Mr Kilfoyle, the acting-relieving officer, being in formed some hours afterwards of what had occurred immediately gave in an order for the woman's admission into the hospital, a formality which in cases of serious accident we should imagine was quite unnecessary.

A cruise of the yachts belonging to the Auckland Yacht Club took place this after noon. The yachts got under weigh at three o'clock. Those which took partwere the D.phne, (not gone to Dunedin], the Spray, the Fleetvving, Energy, and. Active.

An accomplished little company of per formers calling themselves the Royal Comique Company will introduce themselves to the Auckland public on Monday evening next at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Mr. Arthur Vivian bears the character of the favourite London comedian, and has had the honor of appearing before the Duke of Edinburgh. Miss Nellie Neville is represented as the charming serio-comic duettist, and Mr. Edward Mason, as a delineator of negro life, is unsurpassed. A treat may therefore be anticipated.

The members of the Naval Brigade mus tured in goodly numbers last evening in the Drill-shed, and went through their various exercises very fairly under command of Captain E. Le Roy, who is most attentive in his duties.

The secretary of the Mechanics' Institute informs young men desirous of improving their condition that the technical classes will re-open under efficient masters on Mon day evening next.

A local paragraph announcing the arrival of the Suez mail and its delivery in town yesterday has been erroneously understood as reflecting on the contractor for the delivery of mails. This was in no way intended. The mail was delivered at the Auckland Post-office within an hour of its arrival, and was distributed through town during the morning.

A Court of Arbitration was held yesterday at the Supreme Court before Col. Balneavis, Sheriff, to assess the amount of compensation to be paid by the Auckland Improvement Commissioners, under the Auckland Im provement Act, 1873, to Messrs. Winks and Hall, for their premises in Shortland-street, which are about to be pulled down, in order to carry out a new street leading into Fort street. A special jury was empannelled, but the case was not gone into, the Court ad journing until Friday next. It will be re membered that considerable correspondence has taken place between the Commissioners, who made an offer of a certain sum which Messrs Winks and Hall declined to take, and hence the proceedings. Other cases of a similar kind will very probably follow, one being a claim by Dr. Philson, who considers the piece of land offered him by the Com missioners an inadequate compensation for the loss of his frontages to Weliesley-street.

Receipts and expenditure on account of concert given by members of Trinity Church choir, Devonport, North Shore, on February 17, in aid of harmonium fund. Cr. : By tickets sold and cash taken at door, £13 65.; by donation from Mr. W. Atkin, printer— amount of his account, £1 75.; total, £14 13s. Dr. : By Printing (Atkin), £1 75.; by advertising (Star), 10s.; by hire of hall (Burn), £1 10s.; by ferry hire, 12s. Gd.; by carting piano, 10s,; by refreshments and sundries, 175.; balance in aid of harmonium fund, £9 Gs. Gd.; total, £14 13s.

A cricket match, North Shore v. Peram bulators, was commenced at the North Shore this afternoon, The local team was a fairly strong one, while the Perambulators included R. Yates and several other good players. Play began at two o'clock.

MAGIC MELODY OR FORTUNIO'S SONG.

The performance by the Choral Society of Offenbach's comic opera, bearing the above title, will, we are now in a position tooatate, be a brilliant success from a musical point of view at least. No doubt many of our readers have been taken by surprise by the announce ment of the piece for so early a date as Mon day evening next, but preparations have been going on assiduously for some time past, and judging from the rehearsal on Thursday, evening, at which we were kindly permitted to be present, there will be nothing lacking either on the part of the orchestra or the vocal performers in presenting this vivacious opera in really first-class style. For the guidance of those who are not acquainted with the piece we may briefly sketch the plot : —Dorick, the leading character, is an old scrivener, and a man of the Bounderby type, who has risen from the workhouse to a position of affluence! He employs several clerks, whom he lectures upon every opportunity on the importance of hard work, and the difference between the position of boys when he Avas young and the rising generation. He dwells with special satisfaction on the means by which he rose from his humble position to the Chief Magistracy of the city. His moral homilies form the subject of diversion among his clerks, who are sparks of the true modern type. Toby, the office boy, with a strong partiality for good liquor, especially delights in poking fun at the old'gentle man's " improving " conversation. This individual being a youth not above applying his ear to a keyhole discovers that the secret of his master's success was not hard work but the possession of a magic song which, gave him power over the hearts of the fair sex ; and which old Dorick had in his younger and less prosperous days used with such good results as to win his master's only daughter, and with her to gain her father's profitable business. His first wife dying, he tried the song with magical effect on a rich widow, and would have been equally successful only the widow, as Toby expressively remarks, in the meantime ''perversely took to dying, just like his wife, and pegged out prematurely." She left a daughter named Grace, under the guardianship of old Dorick, and this young lady becomes the heroine of the opera. Toby having revealed the foregoing to his companions in labour, there is a general desire to become possessed of the wonderful song in order to try it on their respective "flames," but old Dorick, it is ascertained by Toby, has lof-t it. The day before Grace attains her majority her guardian receives a letter announcing the failure of a speculation in which he had invested all his own money, and had fraudulently risked a large portion of his niece's fortune. He must render an account of his steward ship on the morrow, and he consequently sees nothing but ruin before him. His only hope is to marry the girl, but on broaching the subject he is rejected contemptuously, and he bemoans his wretched memory, which prevents him from recalling the words of the magic song that would compelher love. Toby, hanging as usual about corners, heard ofDorick's misfortunes, and witnessed the in terview between his master and Grace. He communicated all he had seen and heard to Arnold, the chief clerk in the office, who had long entertained a secret passion for Grace, but ' had on each attempt to make it. Iwowia to the object

of his affections blundered most woefully, j He again attempts to approach Grace to j enlighten her regarding her guardian's per- { fidy, but his bashfulness ae*ain overcomes him. In the course of the day Toby, while sorting out some old papers, during Dorick's absence, comes across the long-lost manu script of the magic song. He makes known his good fortune, and all the clerks are ea»er to become possessed [of the song, but Toby obdurately retains it awhile. The employes have a picnic in the evening, when Arnold does his best to further his suit. He presses Toby to give him a copy of the song in order to effect a conquest over the heart of his wayward love, and Toby at length complying goes to copy the song, when Dorick unexpectedly makes his appear ance and snatches it from him. Now the old scrivener considers his triumph certain, and he proceeds into the orchard, where he finds Arnold ; he accuses him of being there after his ward, and Arnold confesses, and charges his master with villany. Angry words ensue, and Dorick produces the magic song, when Arnold, dismayed at the sudd en change of affairs, backs into the round-house, and Dorick locks him in. The old scrivener then conceives the idea of bringing his ward into the orchard, and charming her within hearing of her young lover. He goes into the house for the purpose, and in the meantime Toby emerges, having copied the song from memory, and being unable to release Arnold, passes the copy through to him in the sum mer-house. Old Dorick and Grace come out together shortly afterwards ; Dorick essays to sing, but his voice is hoarse and he completely breaks down, and a very amusing scene ensues. Arnold, locked in the summer-house, deplores that there is not sufficient light to enable him to read the copy he has in his possession. At length, after various ineffectual attempts have been made by Dorick, the old man rushes off piqued with the taunts of his ward. The moon has risen, and Arnold is now able to see his copy, and sings the song which charms his lover. Fired by love he breaks out of the summer-house, and old Dorick returns just in time to see the lovers clasped in each others arms and his game completely sub verted. The other clerks are equally success ful, and the curtain falls on a happy singing band, old Dorick alone remaining disconsolate. The piece abounds with racy dialogue, broad humour, and interesting scenes. There are also introduced in it several excellent songs and many fascinating musical compositions. Our limited space only permits us to give two of the songs. We select first the Rondo— " Long Ago, Now-a-days," the words in which run :—

Our Governor had a lusty voice and strong, Long ago ; long ago ; lie carrol'd like a lark the whole day long, Long ago ; long ago. Because his voice has crack'd this many a moon, Now-a-days ; now-a-days ; He swears that all the world sing out of tune, Now-a-days; now-a-days. Our Gov'nor used to tipple like a lord, Long ago ; long ago : His stomach then could stand a groaning board, Long ago ; long ago. Because his old digestion's gone at last, Now-a-days ; now-a-days: He preaches that all other folks should fast, Now-a-days; now-a-days. Our Gov'nor was a dandy little beau, Long ago ; long ago ; A-down his neck his curly locks did flow, Long ago ; long ago. Because his head must blank and bare be call'd, Now-a-days ; now-a-days ; He vows it is the fashion to be bald, Now-a-days ,* now-a-days. Our Gov'nor used to dress with dainty taste, Long ago ; long ago ; He had not grown so bulky round the waist, Long ago : long ago ; Because he's fifty inches round about, Now-a-days ; now-a-days ; He argues that it's moral to be stout, Now-a-days ; now-a-days. The following are the words of Fortunio's magic sone*: — If you demand what maiden solely My love doth cliim, It is a secret all too holy Ever to name. Only as much as love empowers May I disclose, That she is sweeter than spring flowers, More fair than snows ; Deeper her eyes than deepest azure .. Of all the sea ; Earth has no gem, and heaven no treasure Dearer to me ; In the rich gold of her warm tresses Gloweth the sun ; In the far hope of her caresses, My heart lives on. But if her love lie dumb and sleeping, Scorning my cry, Life has no further good in keeping, Then let me die The song closes with a very pretty duet, i_ which Grace combines her voice with Arnold's, he singing the last lines from " If her love lie dumb and sleeping," and she making the following response :— Whence this trembling ? My pulses beat With a sudden thrill, strange and sweet ! Truly must love be food for weeping. Ere one cry, "Life has no further good in keeping, Let me but die." The above notice has not done full justice to this admirable composition, but our readers will have an opportunity of hearing it on Monday, and although we have given but a bare outline the above may aid the audience in following the performance intelligently. The dramatis persona comprises nine charac ters, and all the performers are well up in their parts.

TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the members of this useful Association was held this [afternoon in Mr Fraser's school-room, Symonds-street, at two o'clock, for the purpose chiefly of hearing a series of propositions by. a member of the Association.

A considerable number of teachers of both sexes were present. Dr Robert Kidd, president, occupied the chair, and introduced Mr Martin, of the Grafton Road School, who with a few re marks introduced a few resolutions with the view of eliciting the opinions of teachers, who would take copies of the same, and embody their views thereon for the consider ation of members at a future meeting, and which Mr Martin thought would tend to certain alterations in the Auckland Education Act, and which would raise the standard of education in this province by securing the confidence and co-operation of the teachers, and increase the interest felt by them in their work. The subjtcts proposed related to the appointment of teachers under local school committees instead of under the Board of Education, that complaints against teachers shall be forwarded to the Board of Education through the chairman or secretary of the local com mittee ; that salaries shall not depend upon the number of scholars ; that additional re wards be made to the most successful! teachers ; that assistance be afforded the In-:' stitute towards furnishing a teachers' library; and several other propositions in favour of the Teachers' Association, and cal culated to raise the standard of education in the province. , It was then proposed that a copy of the proposition be sent to each of the teachers in the province for consideration. After some remarks from, the Secretary and Chairman, the meeting adjourned.

ANCHOVIES AND TOAST.

(From our London Correspondent • London, December L THE GOOD TEMPLARS are getting into a state of enmity witt,V • fellow teetotallers who are not G .n.Teit plars. The Church of England'.£p many other bodies of teetotallers *ffi V s Good Templarism on the ground th . put men under a solemn obligation J..1* they frequently break : in other £$P they placemen in peril of commit!* l at jury. It is said that if a man merekK PI the promise to which he engages hiS the signing of an ordinary teetotal i y he does not commit such a moral off he does if he tastes intoxicatin. l? M after having bound himself by a1 re oaths never to do so. A small ? has lately been published from r pen of the Rev. James Nicholson . Rye, Sussex, entitled " The Gosnel !' oi Good Templarism," has explode? aP* and the war is now getting bitter _„>!?' work the author exposes the whole «_". of the Templars-their ceremonies and. B with a view of showing the anl*w_s character of the religion of GoodTemni. , the religion of Jesus Christ, fl.™ that Templarism is " a system of bodik ercises and uses, weapons of a carnal gfijf' kind in reforming men—mystery Z YJ regalia, imposing demonstrations' \M sign, passwords, and all the heathenism f secret societies." He says that theoblieati °' of a Good Templar is made by placfng th. right hand over the heart, and taking"! oath which is at variance with the tenor f the scriptures; that there is an altar every lodge covered with glasses of wa£ which are drunk by the candidate Ito _ initiated ; that the initiate is led round th room while the "lodge" sings; that he _ exhorted several times to be faithful • the entrusted with passwords, signs, andgrira 11 has to pay the fees, and is then declared» " brother •" the writer adding that "[U amount of rising, saluting, strutting, -an. perambulating that is done in an. evening b surprising." He adds that great care is taken to secure the payment of fees. Mr. N'c_ol. son's book is likely to create some little sensation in the Good Templar world, audit will be questioned whether he was right in revealing all he knows of the ritual. At the same time it is acknowledged by the Templars themselves that 18 per cent', of their number break through their obligations and there is therefore room for. doubt whether men should be placed in a position where they may so easily become perjured.

SUEZ MAIL.

[From the " Home .News." . y

TERRIBLE DISASTER AT SEA,

Accounts have reached London from Gibraltar and Corunna announcing the total loss of the steamer Becklow, of Newcastle, one man only, out of a crew of three-and twenty, having been saved. The Becklow was a screw-steamer of 790 tons burden and 150 ---horse power, the property of Messrs. John Fennich and Son, of London and Cardiff, She left London on Nov. 14 for the Mediterranean, proceeding first to Cardiff to take in coal. She sailed for Cardiff on November 12. Nothing more is known of her except the information supplied by the Corunna telegram, which states that on November 28 the Becklow sank off a small island named Oliveira near Port Lagi), in twelve fathoms of water. One.of the crew was subsequently picked up, but the captain and the remaining twenty-one of. the officers and crew perished.

SHOCKING DEATH OF A CLERGYMAN.

A coroner's inquest has been held at Bromton on the body of the Rev. Joseph White, who expired suddenly under very peculiar circumstances. Mrs Caroline White identified the deceased as her,husban(L, and stated that he wa*. rector of Middleton, in Suffolk. In May last a surgical operation was performed in his throat. With a view of improving and relieving his voice a silver tube was inserted in the windpipe. This had remained there since, and the deceased had frequently stated to her that.it afforded him considerable relief. One evening j while sitting reading he suddenly threwthe hook down and gasped for breath, as if he was choking. He rushed upstairs, and witness immediately rang for the servant and; sent for a doctor. Deceased died from suffocation before his arrival. A servant deposed that she saw her master rush upstairs in a very excited condition, and she followed m- He requested her to unbutton his collar, and then made use of the expression, "Thetnbe is gone," He appeared to be in great agony, and died shortly afterwards. . Dr. Am. Godrich gave evidence which showe-i. that. the tube inside deceased's throat hadslippw down the windpipe and had so canseuY suffocation. He applied a pair of-forceps and could feel where it was, but could not g« sufficient hold to remove it. The coronerg summing up observed that it was a very ex traordinary accident, and the jury returns a verdict of " Accidental death."

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq.; R.M.)', D RUN KENNESS. " V ofM Mary Howley, alias Rogers, wasi cWg with this offence, and being her ttoMr1-" sentenced to seven days' imprisonment- , ~ George Rosling, an infirm old man. M fined 20s, and Walter Pell, with a blacks denied being drunk. He had only °"c F of beer, and was exhausted and lay down the road. The case was remanded uny Monday at prisoner's request. Yj

A NEW ARRIVAL. . . ij, e Joseph Simpson, a new arrival .DJ. Chile, was brought up charged with WW drunk and disorderly, and also with stn^ James Conway, of West Queen-street. Prisoner said he was very drunk, an no recollection of the matter; it' wBB

owing to the beer. . James Conway proved the assault... »ff| The Court fined prisoner 20s, C*s|| for being drunk, and 40s or seven a»P ,- the assault.

A SAILOR'S TOOTH. .fat John Gardner was charged with assaw Silva Antone, a foreign seaman, 9MX£$ him and kuocking one of his front teew^. yesterday. ' • ', " .. t Prisoner pleaded not guilty. ■ 0 -vso<jk "' Silva Antone deposed that he was a. at the Bridge Hotel, Coromandel. anu^ assault took place on board Am > % , Rookh, on her passage to Auckland.^,^ Prisoner said that Antone twew water over him a day before oy^^ ei til prise ;he also swore at him, ana a ,. j^t knocked him down, and the heel olJ>» loosened his tooth. $ jjjost Sergdant-Major- Pardy* said * J^*g V _r>l savage assault, and was wifcnesse^fe^tf gentlemen who were now at Corom, . His Worship said 'that, if &s&,ss, to have the case remanded til] lV>_sM could have his wish, and,those fg<= n^^ would then be in attendance; ' * - s eto~' Prisoner preferred having.thecaa ... at once. *'-..-.. ■ „ aY afin 6 iV Prisoner was then ordered to pay. *gguK £5, out of which sum complaiiian|' fo ' # receive £2, or he must go to pn.V» ■ month with bard labour. ■-.-; I

me sATOBitbA^, teittrAM & im



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