SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUN-SET : Thfo evening, 7.0 SUN-RISK: To morrow morning, 5.30 HIGH WATER: This evening, 0.22 ; to-morrow morning, 0.43

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES. Lady Agnes, barque, for New York

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Cbile.ship, for London, early Clio, ketch, for Wangapoa Victoria.is s., for Sydney, to-morrow r

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney Anazi, barque, from London. Sailed October 31 Empreza, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed October 15 Hylton Castle, barque, from London. Exclsior. schooner, from Dunedin Queen of the Age, ship, from London Sailed Nov. 15 Queen of the South, barque, from Dunedin, early Zior, schooner, from "Wellington. Sailed Feb 2

The s.s. Victoria will leave to-morrow at 10 a.m. for Sydney and Melbourne. In consequence of the total wreck of the p.s. Challenger the p.s. Enterprise No. 2 will be laid on for Coromandel for a few days, leaving Auckland for Coromandel on the 10th inst. at 6 p.m. In the course of a few days the p.s. Lalla Rookh will be laid on for the abovenamed place to relieve the Enterprise No. 2. It is the intention of the Messrs Holmes Brothers at the completion of the new steamer, now being built at the North Shore, to place her on Coromandel without fail.

The schooner Fairy has cleared out for Whangaroa with the following cargo—Bo bags (50 lbs) flour, 16 do. potatoes, 1 do. onions, 7 kegs butter, 2 do. sugar, 2 boxes apples, 2. cheese, 1 box corn-flour, 3 sacks oats, 1 case vestas, Holdship.

The ship Chile and the barque Lauderdale have both been reinstated in their old berths at the wharf, looking little the worse for their late knocking about.

The Taranaki, which sailed for the South yesterday, took the following passengers : — MrsWoon, Messrs Burton, Fitzgerald, Fer guson, Wood, Rogan, Nicholl, Evans, Bartley (2), Andrews, Newbold, Williams, F. Waymouth, Fitzgerald, Donald Morrow, Cawkwell, Clark, Bridsen Hussey, Gilmour (2), Mr and Mrs Barber and three children, Miss Gilmour, Mr N. Cutts, Mr and Mrs Woon, Mrs Brooks and child, Mr Marshall, Dr. Coughtrey, and twenty in the steerage. | JThe.barques Beatrice and Bella Mary have hauled alongside the wharf for the purpose of discharging their cargoes. Little pr;ogess has been made as yet in raising the different sunken craft in the har bour. Extensive repairs are being executed in the cases.of the schooner Dauntless,: and the p.s. Takapuna of the North Shore. Both vessels, it is expected, will be seaworthy again, before the end of the week.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p m, and to-morrow at 10.30 a m and 5.30 p m For Coromandel, torday, at 5 p m For the undermentioned places, per Victoria, to morrow, as follows :— For India, China, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 8 a m For the Australian Colonies, at 9 a m. For United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially addressed), at 9 am. For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi, and late letters for Sydney and Melbourne, at 9.30 a m For newspapers, at 8 am For money orders, and registered letters, to-day, at 5 pm For Whangarei, &c, per Southern Cross, to-morrow, at 3 p in For the undermentioned places, per s.s. Mikado, on Monday, 16th instant, 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, ana news papers, at 9.30 a.m. For Norfolk Island and New Caledonia, per CUo, on Monday next, at 9 a m Postal Guides can now be obtained at this office, Price. 6d. NB. —Post-offices have been opened at Cape Settlement and Queen's Redoubt. (Signed) S. B. Bias. Chiaf Postmaster.

BIRTHS.

Gorry—On February 7, at her residence, Wakeneld street, Mrs James Goiry of a son.

DEATHS.

iJRENNAW—On February 9, at Panmure, Anno, the beloved wife of Mr Joseph Brennan, after a painful illness of three months, which she bore with Christian fortitude ; aged 65 years. Deeply regretted by a large circle of family relations and friends.

The funeral will leave her late residence at half past four p.m. to-morrow (Wednesday), the 11th instant. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Rickekby— On the 10th instant, at his father's residence, Claremont-street, Kyber Pass, Edward, infant and only son of Edward Rickerby ; aged one year and three months.

The funeral will leave at 3 p m to-morrow, the 11th. Friends will please accept this intimation.

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1874.

for the cause that lasks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And -th« cnod that we can do

The resolution arrived at by the City Coun cil yesterday on the subject of water supply was, all things, considered, a judicious one. There kre one or two matters arising out of Mr. Moriarty's repoit which a committee

can clear up. The question of compensation should especially occupy their attentio n and legal opinion should be taken to ascer, ti>in the powers of the Council under the "Waterworks Act. We believe, notwith standing the oracular " perhaps it will and perhaps otherwise" made use of by the Cross, and thedesponding tolleof the Herald, thatthe question of Water supply is now approaching a solution. The division of opinion in the Council on Mr Moiiarty's report is not so great as represented; indeed, considering the previous conflict, the members are wonder fully unanimous in their approval of Mr Moriarty's labours. The rejection of Coun cillor Dargaville's motion for a complete survey of the Nihotupu scheme shews a disposition on The part of the majority of the Council to settle as 'quickly as possi ble the difficulty which is rapidly making the Aldermanio conclave a laughing-stock in the eyes of rU intelligent citizens.- Mr Moriarty informed the Council that to form a correct estimate of the Nihotupn scheme would require a survey costing not less than £1000 or £1,500. This, we think was a sufficient answer to those who have com* plained of the absence from his report of any estimate of the cost of that scheme. If we accept Mr Moriarty's opinions as worth anything at all, any., expenditure on the survey of the Nihotupu scheme would be money absolutely thrown away, the scheme being condemned on substantial grounds apart from that of cost. We trust the committee will go earnestly to work, and have all matters in connection with the Western Springs scheme about which information may reasonably be desired settled within the fortnight in ord^r that the Council may at once come to a de cision. We are sorry to observe the exist ence of a somewhat factious opposition within the Council, which, if successful, .would defer the settlement of the question indefinitely. We cannot too strongly urge on. members the desirability of sinking all minor differences in order to remove the serious disadvantages under which the city is labouring owing to the want of .a water ; supply^' While the authorities are squabbling the people suffer.

We have-a heavy accumulation of letters; on hand which have been kept in the hope: of a favourable opportunity occurring for clearing them off. j This, however, seems as; far distant as ever. We must, therefore resort to. the process of' "boiling down."! There.,.are three or four letters on thej Sunday question. One of these signed; " Aw"" we decline to insert unless the writer appends his own name to it. It is not consonant with "fair play in journalism," to which our correspondent appeals to allow one writer under an anony mous signature, to make a bitter personal attack on another who corresponds under his.own name. "An Admirer of Maurice" thinks that "Those who pronounce modern Christianity a civilised heathenism will make/plenty of sport of our treatment of thfc I Sabbath question. We are contending for a ' Christian observance in anything but a Christian manner, and might profitably ask ourselves whether this attempt to suppress Sunday traffic will not produce more harm than the traffic itself. * * * * One is reminded of what the late Professor Maurice said during a similar discussion in England twenty years ago: "I see in this tumult plentiful cause for immediate sorrow, because I am sure it will lead a number to fancy that thay can make amends for habi tual indifference to the weightier matters of the law by their zeal in this, and will pro duce a bitter dislike of the Sabbath, and great scorn, o f all religious professions, etc, 1

We do not altogether agree with "An Ad mirer of Maurice ;" there is nothing like cal ling a spade a spade after all.—"Y.Q." writes defending Drs. Wallis and Maunsell from Mr. Edgev's attacks. We think those gentlemen have shown themselves wonder fully well able to.take care of themselves. Our correspondent remarks :—" It is a pity for Good Templarism that one of its chief advocates should be so ignorant of what he undertakes to reprove. Dr Wallis did not disparage-Good Templarism, as several Good Templars can affirm who heard him speak." Passing from Sabbath-breaking to another topic agitating the public mind we have a letter from a writer under the signature '"Pure Water," who says :—" Some years ago I was working at Mr Motion's when I saw the water coming down his mill race thick as ditch-water ; also, 1 know that the NeAvton gulleys, closets, and graveyards empty themselves at Low and Motion's mill pond. Now, sir, I am anxious to know whether this is the, water that is to be brought to Auckland for people to drink, or whether it is intended to turn it off in some other direction, keeping only the good spring water. If my memory serves mo I have seen when there was not water to turn the mill."— " Sonex " is troubled with the constant repe tition of the word " Good Templar " in our columns. He says that "like the measles and hooping cough, Good Templarism will have its day, and then cease to be heard of." We cannot help the word hurting our cor l-espondent's feelings, but if it troubles him so very much he should just skip the paragraph where he observes it occur; the remedy for his complaint rests entirely in his own hands.— " Edward Cahill" thinks it wrong that Maoris should be permitted to hawk without a license while Europeans are compelled to pay for one. "Edward* will no doubt learn in time that the dusky savage is a privileged member of the Community in more ways than the one he speaks of.—" Eye Witness" complains of the drink ing habits of the Dcdwood community. We have reason to believe it is more malice than drunkenness troubles " Eye Witness ;" he will, therefore, oblige by appending his name to any, communication on the subject he desires to see published.—"A Looker on " is indignant at the incivility of a certain railway official. His complaint should be addressed to Mr .Smith, traffic manager, who will no doubt see it put right.

The inquiry into the loss of the Flora Macdonald, held at Onehunga yesterday, is not altogether satisfactory. More evidence should have been adduced to shew the state of the vessel when she last left port. The testimony of. Ivir Simtns, shipwright, proved however that the l udder-post was a little gone, and the signalman's .evi dence was pretty conoluaivo that there was something wrong with the vessel when she . got on the baK Ho had seen her cross safeiy when tlie bar was in a worse state than at that time, and had never seeu her broach to before. Evi dence might have been called to • show, the state of the vessel as to leakage when at sea, and other mattei-s concerning her sea worthiness, but it is a thankless and perhaps useless task to go into these tilings now. We trust, however* that the government will not consign the report of this inquiry with others to a dusty pigeon-hole never to be,again un earthed, but will make it the basis of the much needed precautionary measures which we have repeatedly urged during the past few days.

We have received the following letter re lative to the water report:—Sir,—Attempts to mislead the public in this matter should be ventilated. The City Council, as stated in the " Cross," never unanimously adopted the Nihotupu River as a source. A large sum of money has been spent to give the fullest r information about this supply, probably not far short from the begin ning of some thousands of pounds, and not very lately a report by Mr Bell at a cost of £150. The copy of an analysis report was two years since (not one, as stated). The statements as to the purity of water by Dr Knight and others were no.t supported. by any documentary evidence any more than the statements of the quantity of water flowing in the Wai takerei creek were. The attempts to throw discredit on Mr Goodall's analysis will not alter facts, but will be best proved when Professor Smith's repoit is received from Sydney.—Yours, M."

Dr. William Rayner, whose death we announced yesterday, was born in one of the West India Islands, and was the son of the Rev. Moses Rayner, who recently died in jManchester, an old and respected Wesley an Missionary who laboui'ed for some time in the island of Jamaica. It was Dr. Rayner Avho performed a successful operation upon a son of Mr. Wallace, a settler in the Wairoa, during the late Maori war. The boy had received a blow from the savage natives with a blunt instrument, and, • When discovered a little distancefrom the dead body of Mr Job Hamlin, was found to have a.portion|of.his skull pressing upon the brain. Dr Rayner successfully removed the part in jured, and the lad is still living with his parents, and for which he received the special thanks of the General in command. It was mainly through the exertions of the deceased that the public. feeling in favor of the Alliance Movement was created in this province. In conjunction with other temper ance reformers in Drury and neigh-, borhood; some; : years ago public meetings were held, where information was' diffused which has resulted in public feeling being aroused upon the question. During the last four years the Drury branch of the Alliance has circulated some 8,0C3 copiesof the Alliance newspaper, which is the recognised organ of the movement at home.

We have been requested to contradict the statement in this morning's Herald relative to ths damage done to the Takapuna. She is the least injured of all the Ferry Company's steamers, and it is believed will be ready to resume the service on Thursday. Onesponson and the side of the smoking saloon, were carried- away, the stern ' post cracked, and a small hole worn in her.-;bo.tto,in. The 'machinery" was, however, in no way injured, nor were.the paddles. Messrs Sims and Brown have the contract for re pairing the. vessel, and have placed a large number of men on the work. Already the sponson has- been replaced and the other damages will no doubt be remedied by the time specified. The Devonport is the most seriously injured of the -company's boats, her shaft being slightly bent. The Herald also makes the curious assertion to-day that the prompt scuttling of the Lalla Rookh when the gale commenced saved her. That vessel has been lying high and dry on the beach at the North Shore for some weeks undergoing repairs.

The members of the Artillery are informed that their monthly inspection will take place this evening in the Princes-street Drill-shed.

The City band will 'play on Government House lawn at six to-morrow evening. Programme : —March, "Blind Mary" (A. S. Hill) j bijou from Adam's Opera (Rivere) ; Quadrilles, " Petre le Grand" (Julien) ; Selection, " Maritana" (Wallace); Valses, "Carssande" (Coote) ; Polka, " Princess Alexandra" (Coote) • Galop "Hosalien" (Kuhner). God Save the Queen. .. ........... ~,,..,....,, , ~■.

The lodpe of Good Templars, opened by Mr John Lamb, was called the Riverhead Lodge, not the Abernethy Lodge, as it was facetiously dubbed by a paragraphist, in al lusion, no doubt, to the excellence and fame of Mr Lamb's biscuits. The opening con cert wag very successful, and the lodge pro mises to have a pi-osperous career. We shall probably see nearly all country districts fol lowing the example of Riverhead by forming i branches of this rapidly-extending and ! popular order. ' !

George Evans was brought up on warrant before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M., at the Resident Magistrate's Courb this morning, at the instance of Mrs Savory, who deposed that Evans was a cook on board the Victoria, and owed her a.sum of £3 5s for board and lodging, juid that he intended to abscond without paying her demand. Evans deposed that he was not a cook, but that he had pai lily worked bis passage out, and had no intention of leaving the city without settling his account; The case was therefore re manded until Friday in order that he might make some arrangement as to the debt.

The Sir George Grey Cadets and Cadets of the Royal Engineers and Rifle Brigade imderwont their monthly inspection last evening in the Drill-shed under the able command of Major Cooper, the commanding officer of the Auckland district

The Royal Company A.R. V. had a capital muster at last night's parade, when Lieut. Payne put the men through the bayonet drill and various other infantry manoeuvres.

A great treat may be looked for to-morr ow evening at the Choral Hall, it being the farewell performance of Mr Hoskins and Miss Colville. The pieces. selected for the occasion are,; " A Morhihg Call," a selection from Sheridan's " School for Scandal," Bell's "Mary, Queen of Scots," and Butler's "Nothing to Wear."

The members of the Good Templars of the Good Samaritan Lodge held their usual meeting last evening for general business. A number of new converts were added to the list.

The Eden Terrace Lodge I.O.Gif. have elected the following officers for the current quarter :—L.I). Brother Wilkes, officiating as installing officer ; W.C.T. Brother Shaw, W.V.T. Sister Highway, W.S; Broth1 er R Pragg. j"n., W;T. Sister Robinstih, W.F.S. B.rothcr Wilhbs, W.C. Brother Brown, W.M. Sister Crocket, W.A.S. Brother Salmon, R.H.S. Sister Moars, L.Ii.S. Sister Ball, W.D.M. Sister Strong, W.T.G. Brother Pn.beit, W.D.G. Brother Walsh.

The excellent band of the Hobson Com pany proceeded this morning by the Lady Bowen to Mahurangi for the purpose of play ing at the- annual cattle-show to be held to morrow. There will be an entertainment in the Mahtiraiigi Hall in the evening, consisting of comic and sentimental songs and dances by members of the band, in aid of a local charity.

The following will elicit many a sympa thising throb ; Sir, —If you have time and a spare corner you wi3l oblige by writing me ttowii an ass. For that I've this morning been proved one is beyond the shadow of a doubt, and that by my milkman ! Now I must toll you that up to, say six months ago, I w as in the habit of taking cream for break fast, imported from some valley in bottles, and liibfod with a. " Tom" rampant Since then 7 have dealt with another.milkman, and a very gentlemanly milkman he is. Well, some time binbo ho raised my lactie.t to five pence per quart through the drought. Of course I could not complain about that. Last Saturday and Sunday, however, down came the rain, and this morning being settling day I congratulated myself that the odd token per diem might be reckoned amongst the things of the past, and for this year at least it would be level money (that is, 4d.) That I was an ass for suppos ing so, the following dialogue between my provider and myself will amply prove : Myself—Good morning, my friend ;hne rain. Gentlemanly Milkman—Good morning, (and hesitatingly) fine rain. Myself—Ye-es,. make the grass grow, and the milk eh—. G. M. —(interruptingly) dear no! quite a mistake—rain came too late in the season to benefit the grass or effect th—the price ; good morning ! —and before I recovered from the "staggerer" he had dealt me, and got out of my throat the word "Walker," lie was round the house, and out of sight ! Now here have I no less than three large farmers for brothers in law in the country, each of whom, for months prior to my leaving Eng land dinned into my ears ail about grass and grain, and I not to remember that grass only grows at certain seasons of the year ! ! Yes, write me down as an ass—by all means write me down as an ass.—l am, etc., T. B. Han- NAFORD.

A cricket match has been arranged for next ' Saturday at Kllerslie between two elevens of the A.C.C. The match will be an alphabetical one : that is to say the players whose names begin with any letters contained in the first half; of the alphabet will' play the representatives of the latter half. The two sides will be captained by Messrs. J. Bennett and Rees respectively. A good deal of interest attaches, to the match owing to the fact that some of the oldest players in the city and "suburbs have volunteered to come out of their shell for the occasion, and exhibit the light of other years to the rising generation. The names of the contending teams will appear before the day. The ground has been much improved by the recent rains, and a capital wicket will be secured. Meantime we understand good practice is to made by the veterans.

To the Editor : Sir,—Somebody was say-; ing a little while ago that if our clergymen would preach less prosey sermons, and ex pose some of the glaring sins of the times, they would do good and be more interesting. And now that they have \entured to attack the Sunday trains, (O what indignation) even Mr Edger taking sides against them. .And yet, Mr Editor, who among us does not feel the Sabbath to be a. blessed boon, and feel when we wake on that morn what a good thing it ■ is' to have one day in seven when we can rest and be quiet; even nature itself seems to partake of its sacredness, and why should one class want to take pleasm-e at the expense and toil of another class. I dare say that many of the, men employed at the railway have wives and families who regret very much that their husbands and fathers have'to work on that day. And suppose it could be proved thau there is no command to keep the Sabbath, than these very people who fill our Sunday trains and steamboats would have to work on that day. It is the pearl of days. May we never willfully cast it away. I would advise these Sunday pleasure-takers to study their neighbours a little ;more, and not make it so difficult for God fearing parents to bring up their children aright for we are all creatures affected by example more or less, especially the young. —Yours, &c, The Mother, of a Family, AND. A WELL-WISHER TO I ALL.

It was I mentioned in our account of the gale that Mrs. Kavanagh's house at the corner of West Queen and Albert-streets was blown down. This was an error ; the house referred to was formerly occupied by Mr. Donovan, and belonged to Mr. Halliday. Mrs. Kavanagh's house was the one partly destroyed by the falling of the north, wall of Masefield and Co,'s foundry, '.'

There is good reason to believe that the bodies of Messrs Hastie and Washington lie in the cabin of the yacht Columbia, sunk a short distance from the Breakwater. The two men are known to have contemplated sleeping onboard, and nothing more has been heard of them. Efforts to raise the yacht will, we liuderstand, be made at low water this evening.

The public are interested in knowing who will have to defray the cost of re-building the sea-wall along East Custom-house-street, partly destroyed by the late gale. The faulty construction of this wall was pointed out while it was still in the contractor's! hands, the greatest difficulty being experienced in keeping it up then when anything like a gale arose. We presume the Harbour .Board have released the contractors of the responsibility, accepting it as a substantial piece of work manship. If so, it would be jiist as well to pull the whole structure down at once and build it up on a more durable patterli. The gaiite of putting up and knocking down this wall; which seems to have been inaugurated, will certainly not pay, and it is positively dangerous to any vessels lying alongside discharging at the Custom-house-street timber-wharves. [Since the above was in type we have heard that Mr Isaacs referred to the subject in very strong kermis at the moeting of the Harbour Board tu-day.j

An instance of the absurdity of some of the Provincial enactments has been brought under our notice within the last few days. Few persons perhaps may be aware that the Licensing Amendment Act of 1873 makes the same restrictions as to the time of grant ing wholesale licenses for dealing in wines and Spirits as for retail licenses. Thus it happens that any persoii of per'sbha wishing to start as wine merchants have to wait to the month of July till they can begin busi ness. This is a great hardship on persons coming out to the colony with the intention of extending this trade. They may possibly arrive a few days after the licensing day, and then they are by this absurd law con strained to wait a twelvmoiith before they Can Commence operations. The tendency of such a iaw as this is to divert enterprise into other channels than that of Auckland. In the interest of the province the sooiier this is altered the better; The particular case to which we refer is that (if. Messrs Blayde y and Evans, who have recently taken offices as wine and spirit merchants inShortland-street. They are now informed by the Provincial Secretary that no license can be granted them till .July next. Meantime they have re ceived an extensive consignment of wines, spirits, &c., by the Wave Queen, which they will have to keep in bond for the next six months before attempting to dispose of it ; that is to say, if they would observe the strict leter of the law. But they have deckled; and justly we think; to eVade such a ridiculous law, calculated pn'ly to stunt the prosperity of the province. A very simple method presents itself, which, though objectionable to men who wish to act openly and above-board, is forced, in self-defence, upon the new firm. This is to employ an auctioneer to quit the goods at a nominal commission when any purchase is made. The auction will, of course, be only a sham, but it will enable Messrs. Blaydes and Evans to keep within the letter of the law, and at the same time to exercise a lawful calling which, unless under such a protection, the sapient Provincial Councillors have ren dered impossible.

A correspondent writing from Alexandra (Wnikato) says :—Sir, —Hoping that you will not de'e'ni it irrpLpvanfc of me troubling you on a trifling subject, and thai you will not refuse to enter this letter in your vis'eful paper, I wish to publish the way in which a little paltry jealousy is used to prevent the progress of this settlement. A commit tee was formed more than a year ago to erect a public hall here ; the members elected began lately to start a building, and having chosen and been promised the most valuable site, in the township for that pur pose, some storekeeper, I suppose, finding the proposed site was not. opposite to his premises, and indignant at this utter ignor ing of his interests, called a publid meeting to overthrow the endeavours of the committee. He failed in obtaining a "vote of want of confidence, but succeeded in depriving us of our site. . A public meeting was then called to choose a site, and a site was chosen, which does not appear to suit our oppbsers. Having no other excuse they declare tha,t no one has a right to call a public meeting. I think they are wrong, and shall treat then with the contempt in future that such mean spirited individuals deserve from a community desirous of progression. I have written this letter to show that the people generally are not to be blamed for the retarj dation of advancement in these settlements.

In-the Wellington City Council recently the Mayor estimated the revenue from water rates if every one had it laid on, at £4024 yearly. If nobody had it laid on the return would be £2012 annually ; if only half used the result would be £3018. The shipping charges would bring in about £600, making a total of £3618. The expenses would be' £ISSO for interest, working expenses about £1000, and wear and tear, . and repairs, &c, about £500, leaving £250 for sundry ex penses. The full rate was then decided on for the first year. The fate's leviable by the^ act are as follows :—(1) Where annual value' does not exceed £12 10s, rate to be 10a per' annum ; (2) between £12 10s and £100, rate not to exceed 7 per cent;. (3) between £100 and £200, rate not to exceed 6 per cent • (4) between £200 and £300, rate not to exceed 5 per cent; over £300,.rate not to exceed 4 percent. Half rates to be levied on build ings which, could have water laid on but do not, and 2J per cent on all buildings other than dwelling-houses. ,- V •.

Thomas Hughes, barrister-at-law and author of " Tom Brown's School Days," returned from the.United States in October last, and has since been lecturing on his American experiences. We append his remarks on railway travelling in America. ,Mr Hughes says : " In England you are expected to, take your ticket just before the train starts, and which you can only get on the same day you travel. When the train conies you must get into it at once and when you are told, and if you oppose the officers you are walked off to the Police Court. Then, again, each side of the line is zealously guarded • but it is all different in the United States. There every man is supposed to look after himself, and- the railways for the most part even run through the main streets without the least protection by the sides. Children play about upon the line until they hear the sound of' the bell which tells them the train is comma and after getting off to allow it to pass re sume their play. At the crossings the only attempt at protection is a notice " Look out for the engine when the bell rings " Then you may get your ticket, put it in your pocket, and use it when you feel inclined, arid that is a very great convenience. • I confess to being of a rather impatient turn of mind and 1 regard it as a great "ad vantage to'be able to get into a train: at my own risk and whenever Iplease. When you stop for dinner, too, and the bell tingles, anybody, may lP ay attention to it or let the train go as. they fed. inclined, or jump into.it after the train hasi started. In fact, 'individualism' is strikingly illus trated in the railways, where people have'to take care of themselves, get up and down find do just (is they please?' p < a^ ?Q^

A meeting of the Provincial Library | Committee was held yesterday afternoon at Mr Boylan's office, High-street.—Present: Mr Boylan (in the chair), and Messrs Boylan, . Prime, Swanson, and Leggett, clerk of Pro^ ; vincial Council and Librarian. The clerk was instructed to write for authority from , His Honor the Superintendent to draw on the ' customary annual grant of £250 to country i libraries." The following resolution was also put to the meeting and carried unanimously : Resolved "That a circular be addressed, to the secretaries of country libraries . requesting them to furnish for the in formation of the Provincial Council a return showing the titles and present con dition of the bookß granted to them up to the present time out of the votes of the Council in aid of country libraries, and specifying which of the said books have been most called j for ; also to furnish any suggestions as to an I interchange of books with other libraries in j the province. This information is required as soon as posible, and secretaries will do ! well to take immediate notice of the circular if they expect to benefit by the next grant in aid. A correspondent writes to' a contem porary :—" We have visited Levuka In its prime, when every vessel from the colonies brought down ' Some more unfortunates weary of debb, who, rashly importunate, had gone' to Fiji; and who, if they had a pound, had certainly ' hidden it in a napkin,' for no 6'ne ever saw it. Then were the gay times in Fiji; for these fresh arrivals who had ' folded their tents like! the Arabs, and as silently stolen away from the colonies, lived in a very freehanded and lavish style. Good, merry, jovial souls ! they cut out the pace and made the place go ahead as far as pUblic-houses and too confiding credit would allow, and they thtew such a tinsel glitter over the islands that the rsh^en of them' reached the colonies, and capitalists in Australia and New Zealand have been iri-s duced or rather seduced into opening stores on that nice little island. Government has opened up steam communication with that " right little tight little island. For Oh ! its a tight little island." (Square gin is the favourite drink.) Companies for the growth of cotton have been formed which have proved melancholy fiascoes, and a bank is started where 1.0. tf.'s for sixpence and yams tire the true currency of the country. But to £oneiude, Fiji in its.happiest days never countenanced often profligacy as Apia does ; it is essentially an English settlement. Samoan shamelessness was unknown, afld the nights were not robbed of sleep by Ger man barrel organs. A very silly wager is reported by a Brus sels journal. " One of the numerous methods of inflicting capital punishment in China is that which deprives the condemned of sleep, and which generally proves fatal after ten days. Five foolish young Belgians tried this experiment the other day with more or less unpleasant effects. They bet that ihey could remain awake for seven days on the condition of resorting to every conceivable ctteans for averting sleep. The manner in which they arranged their time was as follows :—The night was spent in dancing and drinking coffee ; during the day they rode on horseback, shot, or fenced, taking a cup of coffee every hour. One of the young men gained the wager, but lost twenty-five pounds of flesh ; two went to sleep afer having been up thirty hours ; one Was seized with inflammation of the lungs ; ftnd the fifth was conquered by sleep on horseback, fell off and broke an arm.

The census papers have been issued, and as blundering frequently occitrs in filling theni up the following instructions, furnished by an enumerator, should be attended to :— *' Sirj--The time has again arrived for taking the general census throughout the New Zea land Isles, and the General Government has issued the formal schedule papera for early distribution, with a special request that every householder be pleased to carefully do the filling-up according to the printed full instruction on same said schedule. The principal item is—not how many persons commonly reside in this house, but how many persons (giving names) slept or dwelt in this ho.use last night, on Sunday night-March Ist. This reasonable request is now particularly urged tipon the consideration of the people, as it is an exti'a tiprovidecl for demand for collectiiig enumerators to hdve to add to their very difficult duties the tedious dilatory work of filling many of the people's papers at the last hour."

The following remarks by the Pall Mall ■Gazette on oiir new mail service will prob ably be interesting to otir readers :—lt is to be hoped that the new . line of mail steamers to our Australasian colonies by way of America will be niore successful than its predecessors. The new line is to, run alternately from Auckland to Sydney* to San Francisco and back, calling at Honolulu in the Sandwich' Islands and at Ngaloa Bay, Kandavu, in Fiji. It is said that the vessels are to be of the best class, and thai; they will accomplish the distance from San Francisco to Sydney in 27 days. As this distance by the above route is more than 7,000 miles, the steamers will have to average some 280 miles a day, allow ing only forty-eight hours for detention at Honolulu and Fiji. At this rate, if it can be maintained, which appears to us somewhat doubtful, London letters would be delivered in Sydney by the San FrancißCO route in from forty-three to forty-five "days—a saving of perhaps two days as against the Suez route. The gain to New Zealand is of course far greater.

A cooper residing in Launceston, Tas mania, purchased a couple of kegs, which had been used in a public-house in Launces ton, one to contain rum, the other brandy. On knocking off the head or the Jbrandy cask, to clean it out, it was found to contain about lb of tobacco. Curiosity tempted him to take the head out of the rum keg, when, to his surprise, the remains of about two pounds of tobacco were found ! We have of Len heard of adulteration in the liquor trade, but were not aware that it was car ried on to this extent. As the cooper very truly remarked, there is no knowing how many poor fellows had bad heads after drinking of the contents of those kegs."

. The governing body of the Canterbury College recently authorised Lord Lyttelton to. select a Professor of Chemistry, who would be i expected to have a complete knowledge of chemistry, and to-be able to teach it as applied to agriculture, art and manufactures, and also mineralogy and : electricity and its application. Last week the following telegram from Lord Lyttel .ton. was received :—" London, 10th Decem jber. : * Have found gentleman, first-rate qualifications as' Professor" of Chemistry. j Married.;.; Requires £300 for passage, £500 ; for apparatus, £150 yearly for an assistant [and passage money. Strongly recom '' mended. Advise acceptance by telegram. ;-— Lyttelton." The Governors by return [telegram authorised his Lordship to conclude | the engagement oh the terms mentioned.

The following|is an approximately correct classification of the adherents of the various churches among English-speaking people : Protestant Episcopalians, 12,000,000 • Pres byterians, 11,500,000; Baptists, 10^500 000 • Cpngregationalists. 7,500,000; Methodists' o,000,000; Roman Catholics, 10,000,000. ' The Riverton Caledonian Society offer'two prizes (15s and 10s respectively) for a cock tight. A special prize will be given by "a'successful colonist" for the "finest baby under 18 months of age,"

Major Gordon, in addressiuTiTT^y gill Volunteers after his inspection 7*«tf said "He confessed the luvScSl^, teers would compare most" >varaM °^'' any other corps in Otago. He was delighted with the way in Xffff^H lery had turned out as to numW M the manner in which they had son^u their exercises in battalion—exerri he was sure no other artillery cSrf 8 colony could so well discharge, iusfu *• those other artillery corps were J a?**' erroneous impression that they had to be put through any other exe"^, ¥' those which belonged to the artilW* ™"» This Was a mistake which he was s\J\^ the Invercargill Volunteers had notiM* By the fire at Havanna on SenWi, the square of buiklings|knowna3pSrt7 wa-s reduced to ashes. The fire brolc simultaneously m the four corneranfJ! 1 square, and it is supposed to he tteW ! incendiaries. It is reported th a r7 of lives_ were lost. The scenes «ouS burning square were excitine 1 terrible- Parents threw their Mni ren from the balconies to save ?.* from the flames. The total loss is v . n ? estimated §3,000,00 to $8,00,000 rH instirance only amounts to $524,030 nearl 11 in Englisil Companies. In less 4anth ' hours from the time the fire broke otilrt entire square was a mass of ruins TTtJt of 25C0 people who occupied thebS are homeless, and nearly a ll have lost cv thing. etJ" * The usual monthly meeting of No IU i Orange Lodge will be held in the uL room, Wellesley-street, this evening■■'%^ past seven o'clock. \: B>',* m

TELEGRAPHIC.

From our Own Correspondent.)

LATEST THAMES MEWS.

■i ~ : GRAHAMSTOWN. The Caledonian men have been timliering up and securing the ground during the la| i few days. They have not broken down mjch I stone from the gold runs. Tcwiiy tw I took out a few rich specimens from'flu! j winze stopes. The reef is rather sm»!} jjf I there is a fair show of: gold to-day. ; The Central Italy met with a mcim^ of 15 lbs specimens, which were taKea: from I th<i stopes to-day. Good gold ii 'barrio S down. A winze has been sunk below tie I main level on the footwallxeef, . ,r:> The Golden Calf broke through to the winze at the 200 feet level, and start stopinj to-morrow; and permanent .brualwig cd 6 Saturday. , ..•.■■ ■ -j/£t& The Sons of Freedom crushing of jpicked I stuff took place to-day. They retort to- I morrow, and expect a heavy yield, w'-^t

LATEST FROM COROMANDEL.

MINING OPERATIONS.

, COROMANDEL. Thiß d»y. ■ Bennett's battery is working with ten head of stampers to-day. The have put through 70 tons Bismarck stuff, and there are still i| GOO tons to go through. When the Bisnarck paddocks are empty a large number of hands will be put on to get out quartz.:,-,?,">' The Excelsior cleaned up on Saturday, Ten tons stone gave 6ozs 7dwta. >r, ftX^pSS \ Quihton's is now crushing four tonsoh trial from the low level; the Harbour View fol lows. . ■' .'■'"";- '.-,•'!? I The City of Auckland gotlslbsofspleniS: specimens on Saturday from the wiiaif;l- -which is expected to average_l|ozb to tit |, ton. They have now 701ba in hand. m&. The JPlutus got lOlbs on Saturday, aci f left specimens in the face when knocking of,, The Three Brotliers have lobs specimeiu up to Eriday. More are expected oeSite- m The heavy rain has done much good. The New Pacific is sending 30 tons of | stone to the Beach battery to-day.. The bat- |-, tery starts crushing with five heads on Wed- ft nesday. '.; | The Union Beach will commence upon SO f tons with ten head on Wednesday. I shaft level leader is widening, and thereto fair show of golden stone in the winze.

THE SUPERINTENDENT AT TAU RANGA.

(From our own Correspondent)* f.

TAURANGA.

;-.■' 'This day. Yesterday the. -Superintendent and p»ft i met a large number of natives at Whareoß. It was a most succesaful runanga.i-I'l' important chiefs of all tribes of the I»J of Plenty addressed the Superintendew Adhere was great feasting and a splenrnd luncheon provided by the natives for P Honor and his Executive in the nfH house. : ;•. * '■■.'■;'.' '■"'% Songs of welcome, joy, and peace concta"' ed the haka. »i.. The Treasurer examined the nativel*- ren .attending the Government schoGlß? various studies, and found the school m highly satisfactory state. • •*'■ ' The principal settlers from>;T»?W accompanied his Honor and pariyv • .1® natives came from all directions. The epS were unanimous in heartily welcoming r Superintendent. • . : ■'"'"'Vfle Complimentary allusions were made to* Native Minister, Commissioner Clarke » Archdeacon Brown. ; ■'■'. n rt Altogether it was a: most: sabswW. runanga. V. Sailed—s p.m. yesterday, PrettyJw* j; Poverty Bay, with the Superintendent^ i party. • n n,,ni I Arrived, at midnight yesterday,> Sont^ I Cross. She saUs for Auckland to-mor^ I afternoon. ' iifej [ The Oangatete road has been cpOFH ■ satisfactory by Capt. Mitchell, the f j> tractor.* \, j» | There are no effects from the recent^ J i except the stripping of fruit treea. ;

LATEST SOUTHERN NEW.

[Per Anglo-Australian-Telegram O(jf«

' WELLINGTON. '^ The Inter-Provincial regatta <wjjj|, met,last night and appointed comnun* select crews to compete for the various ..^ at Canterbury, and to secure the co-op.J of Wanganui. The expenses vn&w wjs by subscription. A performance-u,:.^ be got up in aid. One crew has &» 9 training.| ■ '/ - v ,._ * '

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

I ■ (Before P. A. Philips^sq., *>'^ DRUNKENNESS. .(^ i James Walter Scott was fined os i. drunk, and Is and costs for btetsm... of glass, or seven days., g : THREATENING'IANG^AG-. Anne./.Full was charged ••*-ji^jjy threatening language towardMartoa son last night. , tfa9 ori« rf Prisoner pleaded guilty,••;«oj *~ v$W to enter into a bond of i'J >'

peaoe for three months. ~ ■ This w^s»ai the bu#ess, ■

qns ivmnaro stab, Tuesday. tfEßiuTAitt 10 wri



T COSGRAVE & CO. HAVE JUST RECEIVED PER SUEZ MAIL: 1 case Self-coloured Gros Grain? ' I',, Black „ ■-,'»' ! 1 „ Best Paris Kid Gloves 1 ~ Best Assorted Colors. R.i . ■ - ,-' ': • '■ • •"■■ [4 t", ,r, ..-..,-■ : :.* ;."■. a.-j": -f •>•'■'■'■•'.. Axi ';fi-t ''•■ '. ■'•'• [ESTABLISHED 1864.] r\ STEPHENS ON & OO.'S CELEBRATED COFFEES, "EXHIBITION BRAND" "EAGLE BRAND" "CROWN BRAND." Are to be procured at all respectable Grocers and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auck and. IX ST E PH.BBI ON & CO. WYNDHAM STREE"? AXTCK L A V D ff A T S! HA T Sh SUMMER HATS .:; AT RED TJ CE D PRIC ES. • ■li-'-ii 'ij;:- ■■..'■' •- ' •■"■.! : IN ORDER TO} EFFECT A CLEARANCE | ■ V; : .'•(.!' • ■■' : ■.■■'■■ • ' '■■ [' ■ ! RUSHBROQK & BRIDGMAN i have|ldecided to Sell the Balance of their Summer Stock . Children's and Ladies' Straw Hats at , I COST PRICE. ', ; .., .;; . A Great Variety to select from. ; I RTJSHBROOK:''& BREDGMAN :■ | (LATE|R. HOBBS), ], : , ; Wholesale and Retail Drapers^Clothiers, &6 JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, - . • : (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) ' '.'*'' ! ' iFPER QOTEN-SIItEET, AtTOKXAKD. '. '. j -' ■ • '•*'< :"'jlf ■'':;;'": '°'! ! •'" , °Lt :. •;':■ ''':'''! I 150 000 FE]B^ TIMBEEJ , FOR SALE, AT MY YARDS I T GOVERNMENT WHARF, ONEHUNGA. ..... t , JAMES W. WALLER, j S'AMU EL CIO OMB ES J j IDVIR Tjjl-S'E M E NT sth Column, Front Page;,