SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER : Ibis evening, 549 ; to morrow morning 6.13 SON SET : This evening, 7.6 ; SUN RISE : to morrow mornin<, 6.24 MOON'S _.w_s; In.w Moon, 6th, 7.34 pm.

ARRIVALS.

Southern Cross, s s, (A. S,P), Holmes, from Welling ton and Napier

DEPARTURES.

.reenesg, schooner, for 1 yiteltoa •Magic, .aiter, for „\or!oik Island Xaranaiu, s s, for the South (from the Manukau)

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

ror JMewca.:.!-— Jungfrau, barque, to-morrow For the .slants—Keuilworvo, schooner, early Jf.r New York-Ayr, barque, early ; .Edith Eo.e, bi' q ie early For Hoi oiuiu and San Francisco Macgregor, s.s., 19-n February For >viin-y- ,- ero) r.s, three days after arrival For Londor 4 _Gi en i oraj Ba ig, early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

•d.<s_o, s.s, rrom Sydney, ab.ut Monday __D_zi, barque, f rem London ; sailed October 28 Ada, b«.que, from London ; sai.ed Nov 24 India, ship, from t ondmi ; sailed Nov 24 Baron _nbedare ship, from London; tailed Dec 8 Papua, schooner, from Karotonga, early x Wellington, s.s, from the South, Monday, Bth Kapido, barque.f.om New Yorii, via Adelaide Ryno, brigantine, from Kotumah, early ■Helena, brigamine, from Lyttelton, early Memento, barque, from JVewcastlo, early Prince Alfred, barquentine, from Kussell, early Wonga Wonga, s.s, fr.m .ydney, early Fiery Cros., schooner, from Oamaru. early Bella Mary, barqne, from Hobart Town, early Lsetitia .cnooner, from Dunedin ; sailed Ist instant Helen, barque, fiom Adelaide , sailed brigantine, from Melbourne ; sailed Ist instant

EXPORTS.

Per Magic, cutter, ior Norfolk Island:—lo mats sugar, 20 bags rice, Owen and Graham ; 1,000 fencing posts, Captain Tilly.—M. Niccol, agent.

The s.s. Taranaki was to leave the Manukau for the South this afternoon, at 3 o'clock. The following is a list of her passengers:—Messrs J. Eobertson, G. Winks, N. P. Meyers, G. C. Seccombe, Peacock, Fitz gerald, H. B-ckland, Rev. J..McKee, Mrs Reed, Mrs Jane Lynch, Miss Anne Lynch, Miss Steward, Miss Delaney, and Miss St. John. The cutter Magic sailed for Norfolk Island at mid m day, conveying a cargo of fencing posts, rice, and Wsf... sugar. She is expected back, via Kussell, in about a W time. - - The barque Rapido, which left New York on the 15th September for Adelaide and Auckland, had not arrived at the former port when the Empreza left. She was then 120 days out. The schooner Peerless sailed for Lyttelton last night with a cargo of kerosine, &c, shipped by '• Arnold, Hines and Co. The brigantine Magellan Cloud is, we learn, to make several trips between Lyttelton and the Chatham Islands. She sailed a few days ago from Lyttelton, and is expected back soon with a cargo of wool. The barque Jungfrau has cleared for- Newcastle in ballast. She will sail as soon as the wind is favour able.

The cutter South Carolina has cleared for the Great Barrier in ballast. The schooner Tawera is ready to sail for Hokianga with a general cargo, shipped by various firms. The cutter Whan, from the East Coast, brings a cargo of fungus, wool, maize, and onions, for Messrs liewis Bros. The cutter Morning Light, which arrived yesterday evening, brings 20,000 feet timber, from Port Charles, for Messrs G. Holclship and Co. The schooner Effie Meikle, from Gisborne and East Coast, brings the following cargo:—2oo bags grain, Buckland; 100 do do, 60 do maize, 5 bales wool, 2 do fungus, Lewis Brothers; 19 bags bones, Soppett; 42 pigs, order.—Master, agent. The cutter Mercury, bound for Waikato, crossed the Manukau bar at daybreak this morning. Tbe s.s. Southern Cross, Captain Holmes, arrived this morning from Wellington and Napier. She brought 17 passengers, whose names have been already published, and SQO sheep. The new pilot schooner is making progress in Messrs Niccols' yard. Her framework is now so far advanced as to give an excellent idea of the kind of vessel she is intended to be. Her lines have been modeled on those of the beautiful schooner Liu-line, now owned in Levuka, and one of the prettiest speci mens launched from Auckland yards. The pilot vessel is slightly broader in the beam, and gives the impression of greater power. Fore-and-aft she tapers away exquisitely, and she has a good rise of floor. Altogether, she will be well adapted for speed and seaworthiness.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Dunedin, This Day

The schooner Lsetitia sailed for Auckland on Tues day, 2nd iust. Her cargo consists of beer, flour, malt and sundries. '

Gbetmouth, This Day. The s.s. Murray arrived from Westport yesterday with the San Francisco mail. '

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails wiia, Close as follows :—

For Thames, to-morrow, at 9 30am and 6.50 p.m. Cor Coromanriel to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m.

r or Eawau, per Julia, this day, at 5 pm. For .Napier, Gi»borne, and - outbern provinces, per "outhein Cross, <,v Saturday, th. 6ih instant, at lpm, For Mahurangi, Matakma, Mangawai, Waipn, &c.

per Laoy Bowen, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Australian Colonies. Ji>dia. china, Mediterranean ports, Continent of Europe, ami Uni'ed Ki.giiom, via Sutz and Brmdisi, per s.s Wellington, on the 11th instant.

(Signed) P, B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

DEATHS.

C.wiw— On Thursday morning, February 4, at ..ishops Court, Auckla.d, surJdenjy, Hubert Wslpoie <j|wit^infanl_^augater oJ tne Bishop cf A _ ck I an d Kilo /UK On the^Sl-^natant, at his father' res dence. Loma^e/lrS-ylrtw Cr_ig, youag. t loiat Williin^rnrt ui.her-ueTiilgour; aged, one year and nine^nonths.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1874.

For the cause that laclcs assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, p3r the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

In our issue of yesterday, a letter appeared from Mr Hannaford having reference to the sum of money still remaining in the hands of the Trustees of the old Tauranga Relief fund. The letter was inadvertently admit ted, and we regret that ifc appeared, especially as it seems to have given annoyance to Mr Shera, one of the trustees ; although, as for his threat of legal proceedings we accept ih as the usual idle bluster regarded by some as the proper thing on such occasions. The circumstances of this case are familiar to most in Auckland. Between seventeen and eighteen hundred pounds were subscribed under the influence of the keen sympathy elicited throughout New Zealand by this sad catastrophe. The greater portion of this was distributed among the sur/iving re latives of those lost, but a balance of about one hundred and ten pounds still remains in the hands of the trustees, being on deposit by them at the Auckland Savings' Bank. Again and again have the trustees, Mr Shera and Mr H. Isaacs, endeavoured to have a meeting of subscribers, so as to have their guidance as to the manner in which they should spend the money, and have failed in obtaining such direction, the money meantime remaining with interest accming at the Bank. Latterly it has been rumoured that the money would be handed over to the Orphan Home and other local charities, and we understand that one of the trustees has stated to several applicants, relatives of tbe lo3t crew of the Tauranga, that the balance would be diverted to such purposes. A good deal of strong feeling has in consequence been expressed by these relatives, some of whom areinveiy abject circumstances, and who complain that this is turning the money to purposes other than those for which the fund was originally raised. We suppose some of these may have applied to Mr Hannaford as a public amanuensis, and he more stto stated the case in too strong terms. At the same time we do think that four years and a half is altogether too long a time for any funds subscribed for a specific purpose to remain unappropriated, and we also think that so- long as there remains one poor person among the surviving relatives of the crew of the Tauranga, the trustees will not be warranted in devoting the money to any other purpose, however meritorious. This of course is our own opinion, but we think it will be accepted a.a fair one. We were to-day interviewed by an old person, the mother of one lost in the Tauranga. He was her only son;.and sole support of his widowed mother. She is sixty-seven years old, and very poor. We make allowance for the irratibility of age, but she says that on making application for some relief to one of the trustees a month ago, she was rudely repulsed. We do not hesitate to say that if there are no other as clamant cases, the hundred and ten pounds might fairly be given to this old lady. And if this is done we venture to say that the trustees will better observe the terms of their trust than in keeping the money for another four years in the Bank, or handing it over to charities for which it never was subscribed. This aged person received fifty-eight pounds some shillings four years ago. But she lost her all when she lost her son in the Tauranga. The action of the trustees has been in some re spects an extraordinary one. It appears they never published a balance-sheet showing the distribution of the money. We hope they won't fire up when we say that this is un usual. Nobody in Auckland would suspect the trustees of anything wrong, for boththem selves and their firms have confidence and respect from all. But really people like to see how such money is apportioned, and if economy is the point we shall find much pleasure in publishing gratuitously such balance-.keet if desired. As for Mr Shera's threat of legal proceedings, he will think better of it on cooler reflection. No one in Auckland would venture the insinuation that either he or his co-trustee did or in* tended anything dishonorable, and if any one did, they can both afford to treat it with disregard. But if there is a feeling that they are either dilatory in winding up their trust, or intending.to devote the money to other charitable purposes, they must not give way to pepperiness of disposition, but; explain the case if called on, calmly, tem perately, and as becomes their position as commercial men.

The case of Mr Leggett is an exceedingly painful one. and whatever may be our senti ments regarding the gravity of the offence, no one that knows all the circumstances and can imagine the "sore trouble" in which be succumbed to temptation, but will look at his position with the deepest compassion. In these circumstances, we cannot but regret the manner in which Mr Beckham, the committing magistrate, piled on suffering to-day on the prisoner at the bar. Mr Beck ham knows as well as any man there is not the smallest likelihood that a penalty of fourteen years servitude will be imposed if the accused is found guilty, and why he should have travelled so far out of his judicial duty, and given this dreadful stab to the crushed and heart-broken man, we cannot conceive. We say thin with the utmost res

pectfor Mr Beckham; but his extra-judicial^ utterances on not one or two, k but*oji many occasions, might often give place to silence, to his own great credit and the honour of the Bench. Such a penalty would be savage beyond all precedent, two or four years of servitude being the more usual penalty for aggravated offences of the class. But even were it otherwise, consider ation of the prisoner's previous position, and his awful fall might have pleaded wi^h the magistrate to nob anticipate the judge, and throw on the sufferer at the first moment a weight of sorrow that crushes to the very earth.

It affords us much pleasure to be able to state that the precautions against the impor tations of measles into our public schools, which we yesterday urged, and which we stated were enforced in the (Provincial) Aukland College and Grammar School, are also enforced in the Rev. W. Taylor's educa tional establishment, the Auckland College, Upper Queen-street.

It is satisfactorily to know that notwith standing the great prevalence of measles in Auckland, not a single death from that cause has been registered. The form of disease here is generally of a very mild type.

The grand Concert in_ aid of the funds of the Young Men's Christian Association, will be held this evening in the Choral Hall, under the patronage of John Williamson, Esq"; Superintendent, and His Worship the Mayor of Auckland. As we have already announced, Miss Christian, the best contralto singer in the colonies, and Mrs Smythe, who has become deservedly popular here, will take part. The concert will open with selections from "Judas Mac.aba.us,'' by the Choral Society, the airs and duels to be given by Miss Christian and Mrs Smythe. The secoud part of the concert consists of choice selections by Miss Christian, and Mis Smythe, who may not appear again beforean Auckland audience. We refer our readers to the programme in our advertising columns.

A singular capture was made at the North Head by Mr W. L. Bees on. TU.sday even ing. The sons of that gentleman had gone down to bathe, When they observed a large stingarce -wimming close in shore at the bathing place. The boys ran and told Mr Rees, who camo down with a harpoon, with the view of capturing the strange visitor. Be waded a short distance into the water towards the fish which retaliated by making a dash at him, but was suddenly int.rrupted in its career by a well aimed blow with the harpoon. On landing; the fish it gave birth to Geven little ones all invigprous life with the stings well developed.' Mr Bees has had the swords of these fish preserved in spirits as a memento of the curioii. occurrence.

. The trees planted about a year ago on the North Shore Hill, are already be ginning to form a feature in the landscape. Mr Goldie carried out this wttrk most efficiently, and must be Very satisfactory to the residents in the district to see the prin cipal reproach of the Is'orth Shore —its Jack of foliage- on the way to improvement. The trees are now to be distinctly seen from the harbour, and ia many cases are from two to four feet high. When fully grown they will present a very effective appearance.

During the month endiug January, 1375, there were 32 deaths registered within the city of Auckland. The number during the corresponding month of 1874 shew 25 deaths For 1875, under one year, 2,3 ; under 5 years, 2 ; over 20, 7 ; total," 32. For 1874, under one year, 18 ; under 5 years, 4 ; over 20 yeais, 3 ; total, 25.

We have received the following : Sir, -1 beg to call your attention to a considerable annoyance which I, in conjunction with many more shopkeepers in Queen-street, suffer owing to the late hour of the morning at which Queen-street is daily swept by the City Council's men. After having our shops properly cleaned out for the day, we are obliged to go over them again, owing to the dirt blowing in again from the above mentioned cause. Trusting the City Couu cil will remedy the evil.—l am, &c, Shop keeper.

Our correspondent "Dough" writes :—"ln answer to your enquiry whether fourpence was ample for bread, at the present price of flour, I should think it greatly depends on how a man conducts his business. Some might require fourpence, others* fourpence half-penny. But there is one thing I know that it will not pay under that figure (four pence), or else some one will be the loser, or they will use inferior flour."

In allusion to Mr O'Rorkes reference to a member of the Ministry who drew back after promising to oppose the provincial abolition scheme the Post says:—"Circumstances point to Mr Beynolds as the man, and Mr O'Borke's words find confirmation in the rumours current at the time. Just about that period, when the resolution was being hatched, Mr Beynolds was remarked to look very miserable. He was also an inti mate associate of Mr O'Borke's, and the same lobby 'rumour which announced Mr O'Borke's intfenjled retirement before it took place, also spoke of Mr Beynolds as contemplating a similar step. As a matter of fact the House and galleries were crowded at the hour of meeting for several days after Mr. O'Borke left, in expectation of hearing of Mr Beynolds' resignation. We well re member the astonishment generally felt when, in the course of the debate, he rose and supported the resolution, very weakly it is true, and with all the air of a man speak ing against his conviction. People opened their eyes to find Mr Beynolds throwing aside the principles professed for twenty years, and the secret history of the great resolution will not be complete until some one narrates the manner in which this extraordinary con version was effected. Mr Beynolds is a man not usually very open to conviction, but rather inclined to be obstinate, and it would be highly interesting to know by what argu ments Mr Vogel induced ".rim to abandon Provinuialism, sever himself from all his former friends, throw aside the principles professed for many years, and finally break the promise which Mr O'Borke alleges he gave."

We have seen this' morning, at the China shop of Mr Francis, of Queen-street, a recently-invented moustache tea-cup, im ported from Longton, in Staffordshire. The idea was suggested by the lady of an English officer, who could not bear to witness her husband continually dipping his Napoleonic moustache into the tea-cup. The cup is of very neat construction, and answers the purpose exceedingly well.

If complete readiness for war is the best means of ensuring the continuance of peace, the tranquility of Europe must have been effectually secured this year, in which large additions have been -made to the forces of every European Power. The proposed legislation in reference to the German, Landstu m will increase the military strength of Germany to an extent hardly yet realized. The Spener Gazette estimates the in creased force arising from a first call of the Landsturn at 300,000 men. The French army will, beginning from this year, be increased within twelve years to 1,800,000, a force supplemented by a Land sturm organisation not less extensive than that ef Germany. Russia will, in the same period, muster a standing army of 750,000 men, and a reserve of 1,740,000. Austria has made so much progress in the development of her military resources that she could take the field with from 500,000 to 600,000 men. Italy could follow with 400,000 men, and Turkey with 200,000, while we have 500,000 men to defend our own soil, and could con tribute from 70,000 to 80,000 men towards the prosecution of a European war,f~JPall Mall Gazette, ■#

a, T|6e Auckknd c<gfcssigjraenyrahe Otc_n* *?!baf_r Times '"makes the following fwjinarks, which will Meet with approval here .-t-!" Tbe attempt to cajole or worry Sir G. Arney into resignation is becoming a public scandal. No one even hears of, from, or through him, a single word on the subject. The informa tion we have may, therefore, be untrust worthy.'" ... -: yy

Signor Orlaudini, the splendid baritone of the Agatha States troupe, is reported to have gone mad in San Francisco. The death of his wife, Madame States, to whom he had been married after a divorce from her former husband, William States, who had drank himself into insanity, is stated to be the cause.

• la view of the expected return of the Bight Bey Dr. Croke, a correspondent writes :— "Sir, —Will you allow me a small space in your paper to enquire of my Catholic fellow citizens what steps, if any, are being taken to give Bishop Croke, their talented head in this province, a fitting reception on his re turn from his lengthened European tour. I hear that his arrival in this city may be looked for shortly, and I therefore think that the Catholics, if they have not already considered the matter, should., take it up at once, select a committee to report upon the mosb advisable form which the reception should take, &c and decide accordingly. They should certainly not^ allow the "thief of Time," procrastination, to steal the time which will elapse ere th' ir Bishop arrives here, without anything being done to show honor to a Bishop to whom so much respect has been shown lately in Europe. I merely offer the suggestion, and hope to see some one take the initiative in the matter ere another single week passes away. —I am, &c, Peery- BINGLE."

The funeral of Mr John A. Gilfillan was largely attended yesterday, not only by a number of the immediate friends of the re spected deceased, bub by His Honor the Superintendent, the members of the Execu tive and many of the professional and leading men of the city. The funeral service was impressively read by the Rev Mr Dudley, Incumbent of the parish of St Sepulchre. Tie Prince of Wales Theatre m) 9 well attended last evening, and the entertainment provided by the management was enthusi astically received. The Girards were as attractive as ever with their extraordinary feats, and won general applause. Professor Jacobs performed several tricks with won derful agility and cleverness, especially the handkerchief trick, a pleasant delusion which gratified the audience amazingly. Miss Maggie Knight's songs and dances were very successful.

The annual meeting of that excellent local institution, the Auckland Dispensary is being held in tha Mechanics' Institute as we go to pi-ess.

The painting of the Auckland telegraph posts has aggrieved the Wellingtonians, who ask why should not their posts be painted.

The ''Auckland Almanac and Provincial Handbook" has been very favourably reviewed by Southern journals. The New Zealand Times says :—" It is a handy volume, neatly printed, and got up apparently with great care. A stranger will find in this almanac almost everything relating to the province of Auckland which be can desire to learn."

To the Editor : Sir, —As a resident in Parnell, I consider it a great defect that there is no means of foot passengers crossing the entrance to the Mechanics' Bay intake. Here we have a level short cut to and from town, as well as a splendid summer evening promenade, and we cannot make use of it, because there is a gap of about 100 feet Cannot something be done to bridge this ?—I am, &c, Barnabas Point.

The Wellington Garrick Club baa decided to give a performance, the*p_oceeds of which are to be devoted to the Cospatrick relief fund.

A very interesting meeting was held on Tuesday evening at Mr. Lamb's mill, Biver head, in celebration of the first anniversary of the Good Templar Lodge, established by Mr. Lamb in January last. An excellent tea was provided, of which the neighbours heartily partook. Brother Benton occupied the chair at the general meeting. The report stated that more than fifty persons had been initiated into the brotherhood during the year. Messrs. Lamb and Welsh subsequently addressed the meeting, and Miss Lamb and Mr. Bussell contributed to the harmony of the evening by their ballads an d mueic.

As evidence of the bad condition of the finances at New Orleans, it is stated that over 4,000 pieces of property have been soJd, during the past year, for taxes. The rate of taxation has been enormous, and in many instances as high as the valuation of the pro perty.

The following story, headed " A King Solomon Wanted "is going the round of the papers : A mysterious basket addressed to the station-master at Clapham Junction, on being opened was found to contain v, living child. Ihe station-master declining the gift, a porter volunteered to accept it, and took the basket and child. On lifting the child £800 was found .in the basket. The story goes that the station-master then demanded the basket and its contents, which the porter very properly refused to give up. One can hardly doubt to which of the two the mother would entrust her child. ,

It is understood that Lord Derby will shortly receive a deputation of textile manu factors cf Yorkshire, whose object it is to press upon the attention of the Foreign Office the expediency of adopting some provision that no treaty of commerce be entered into by any of the colonies of de pendencies of Great Britain to foreign powers, without the insertion of a clause giving to the produce and manufactures of Great Britain any advantage as to tariff rabes that may be proposed by such treaty to be given to any foreiga country. The immediate cause for urging this matter upon the attention of Government is the proposed reciprocity treaty between Canada and the United States.

The Zurich Cremation Society now counts upwards of 600 members, and it has latterly given evidence of a resolve to bring its views to a practical bearing. It has already opened negotiations with Professor Siemens, of Dresden, for the construction of a furnace for consuming the bodies. A committee has also been appointed to look out for a suitable place forjestablishing a columbarium, where urns with the ashes of the deceased are placed in niches.

To the Editor : Sir,—l should be happy to give your correspondent " Boiler-maker " the information he requires upon application to me.—Yours, &c, Wm. Jas. D Alton, C.E. The inhabitants of the usually quiet neigh bourhood of Graham-street, near Freeman's Bay, have been sadly disturbed during the evenings of the present week in consequence of Several severe pugilistic encounters between two sturdy men. Ihe cause of these repeated battles is a lady of small stature but large views, who seems to take great in terest in- tbe struggles as she cheers them on, and invariably treats the best man. We learn that the com batants are both in love with this lady, and she expressed her determination to have the best man, as she loves them both, and as she naively expressed it, " there is not a pin's choice between the two. "' The men consider ing that the "best man" meant he who should prove the first in the fistic art, or noble science of self-defence, meet, like the knights of old, and contend for the lady. The last battle on Tuesday evening not concluding in a satisfactory manner, Paul considering that he had licked Barnabas. Barnabas since has entered a protest, and we learn from the lady that the struggle is likely to be resumed this evening; the lady declar ing with upturned eyes :— i " " That he alone shall claim her heart. Who bent in lift fan take her part,"

j We _ille much pleasure in giving in sertion to the following letter :—" Sir,— In last night's Star we are told that Congregationalism is 'giving up the ghost' Well, so far as my own church is concerned —others are well able to answer for them selves-ic is at any rate dying in full vigour. The roll of members is far larger than at any previous period. But possibly finance would be accepted as a fair test. Well, we have already raised £3,100, out of the £4,000 or more, which we are spending on our opera tions in Beresford-street. We hope, with the help of our fellow-citizens, to open our new church with little, ox^ no debt upon it. Has that been done frequently, in connection with any denomination in this city ? and I venture to prediqft^that when "our annual statement appears 'lit a couple of months,, it will be seen that a very large amount has been raised by one of "these 'withering churches, possibly a larger m®a than has been raised in the same period by any other church in the province of Auckland. It seems strange that yo^boi^d advocate gift. of land being made ottfrof'the public estate to numerous and wealthy bodies such as the Boman Catholics and Episcopalians, and that for us you should have nothing better than jj slap in the face. But I cannot believe that the unjust and ungenerous paragraph com plained of came under your editorial eye before it issued forth in print.—l am, &c, J. T. Warlow DaVies, Minister^qf the Congregational Church, Beresford-strlet." [It is hardly nece-Bary to say that the para graph suggested by the pulling down of the Bemuera Congregational Church was not meant by the writer, who is, we believe, a staunch Congregationalist, to reflect in any way upon the Church, presid^A over by the Bey. Mr. Davies, which evWyoiie in Auck land knows to be one of the most flourishing and active religious bodies in the city. Its intention was, doubtless, to stimu late the followers of the Old Puritan faith to increased exertion in all part 3of the province. The paragraph referred shortly to "the branches away from, the main stem." Mr. Davies will find, on his next jour ney through Bemuera, that the handsomest little Independent Church hitherto erected in the neighbourhood of Auckland, ha<* been bought and caited away. 16 has, however, effected some good in eliciting for informa tion of the public such a satisfactory account of the progress of the Baresford-street Church and it may be successful in stimulating members ol the denomination in other pares of the province to increased zeal.

We have received from Mr Bobert Brewin, seedsman and florist of Queen-street, a sample of plums bearing the name of the " Plum superlatives." This is a new variety introduced from America by Mr Brewin three years ago, and it is unquestionably a valuable acquisition for the lovers of fruit. The plum is of a large size and indelicacy of flavour and taste it is every thing the most fastidious fruit fancier could desire. It i. really delicious.

OHINEMURI.

O— "-"'■•■■ [From our Special Correspondent.]

February 1 TBIP UP THE RIVER.

Paeroa, the principal landing o j)lace_of.this district, is about 28 miles from Grahamstown by way of the river Thames, which winds like a silver thread between low banks fringed with flax, raupo, and belts ofkaha kitia bush. In parts it bears quite a re semblance to the Waikato river, but it is i much easier navigated by steamers, on i account of its greater depth. At the mouth of the river there is a sand bar upon which, when the wind is at all northerly, there is a pretty heavy swell rolling from the Firth, causing the small steamers that trade up the river to roll about in a very lively manner. Once inside the river, the rest of tbe journey is as smooth as a mill pond. A short distance up the river the traveller's attention is arrested by several gigantic wooden towers that rise to a great height above the surround ing swampy country. These towers are con structed for the purpose\of conveying the telegraph wires across the Piako and Thames rivers, but I fancy that it would have been much cheaper to have carried the wires under the river instead of over. One of the towers some time ago was burfrt, and it co.t a large sum of money, and nl.nths of labour, to re place it. If the .■jjkes h&^jbeen carried across the swamp luJpfl ground in a gutta percha tube, the same tla submarine cable, all danger from fire would; be removed. THE LANDING PLACE. After a pleasant passage of four hours the steamer whistles and draws up "alongside the bank at Cashell's, now leased by Mr. Oliver Creagh. This spot is, without excep-, tion, the prettiest on the river, and its green meadows and magnificent willows, where drooping branches woo the limpid stream, will leave a pleasant picture that will long linger in the memory of the t visitor. And then there is a fine orchard attached to the home stead which produces all kinds of fruits from the apple to the peach; and last but not by any means least, is the magnificent scenery of the surrounding district. It is a spot that, to be well appreciated, must be seen. PROFESSOR JONES'S TENT. Not far from the river bank is to be seen a large calico tent, erected by Mr P. Jones, a gentleman of colour, and whb the reader may perhaps remember as having for some little time presided over the nobs that resi ded, in the aristocratic regions of West Queen street. A large lantern stands on the grass outside the tent, upon which a notice is painted informing travellers:' $hat refresh ments and oysters can be obtained there. There is another store, well-stocked, higher up the hill, kept by Mr Mahony. Excur sionists and private picnic parties from Grahamstown and Shortlam} make this spot their rendezvous, and the steamer Laila Bookh generally stops here, passengers by her going to the diggers camp, these have to walk a further distance of two miles to Paeroa. From Cashell's by the river, it is .over four miles, owing to the great bend the river takes at this point. TOWNSHIP MANIA. Captain Holmes, I hear, intends to build a wharf at this landing for a steamer to lay alongside, and Mr Creagh is about to have a township surveyed. Mr Thorpe, who owns the adjoining property, also, I hear, talks about a township ; in fact, all the settlers ronnd about have township on the brain, which is, to say the least, somewhat prema ture—find the gold first, and form the town ship afterwards. The little steamers Pearl and Buona Ventura, .owned by Mr Burning ham, generally proceed as far up the river as Paeroa. The Pearl goes up every day, and diggers not wishing to carry their swags from Cashell's landing should take care to come by her. ~.,,..,,,.... :.■ i• i '■•-■)■.''' ■' '< 1 , THE NATIVE SETTLEMENT. After leaving Cashell's, the steamer stops at a native settlement on the west bank of the river called Piiketea Wairahi, where resides that well known Maori swell rejoicing in the fertive name of Bopata te Pokiha. The natives at this settlement are evidently thirsty souls, for here is a licensed public house kept by Cashell and Bennett. If I remember rightly there was an Act passed by the General Assembly some few yean ago; forbidding the sale of spirituous liquors to natives, but I suppose its all right, and for my part if old Pokiha's, middle-aged Pokiha's, or young Pokiha's, of either the male or female persuasion are happy when under the influence of the cup that cheers and very often inebriates, why let them by all means be happy, Acts of Par liament and Good Templars notwithstanding. There is also a general store at this place belonging to Mr Howell Williams, of Short land, who haa, a supply of such fanciful ■hftwli, that titty should prow » ior«

_■ . „ I.NM ' f, J. , , , r -, temptation tlriadies' even not so susceptible as Maoris. Kopata is the chteLwho has always wanted to open Ohmemuri; anain the adjoining settlement rusticates that cheerful individual, Te Hira, who has so-long opposed the opening. But even he has at last yielded, perhaps through the cheering influences of neighbouring nobb'ers. THE DIGCEBS' CAMP. But the little steamer is puffing along, the river gradually gets narrower, and turn ing a bend we steam up alongside the wharf at Paeroa. A small knot of diggers hang about the wharf and Austin's Hotel which invites us with open doors.to paitake ; but we are not of that ilk,-so. shouldering our _wag we climb over a stile and ptUjfe our tent in the midst of-; those already erected, and which constitute the diggers' camp. At wis landing, viz.. Paeroa, the river is full of ugly stumps that block the passage, soithat only the smallest class of steamers can come up with any degree of safety, ex cepting; when the river is backed up by the tide from the Thames. For th^above reason the Lalla Bookh no doubt generßtastops at the lower, or Cashell's landing. J^iffiiht not be a*tt|*-es. of "much difficulty to blow the stumps up, when there would be nothing to hinder such sized steamers as the i-alla Bookh, Lady Bowen, &c, from coming direct from Auckland, which,will no doubt, it the diggings go ahead, be-thecase; THE CAMP BUTCHEB AND 4SAKEB. Besides Austm's^hotel, the landing*b6a|ts a canvass butcher'-^hijp, and lodgings for the expected influx of visitors are being pro vided by fitting up a large out-house with beds, &c. A bakery is also in course of erection. There is already one master ol th. rolls, who, however, has lately been rather uncertain in his delivery of bread, caused— some unprincipled diggers .ay-^through his having, when in a state of exciteme_rKgonse nuent upon the expected gold discovSfUg, drunk a quart oMtfs yeast, which has kept him in a state of eff-.vesenfee ever since, and upset the even tenor of his flowery way. The price of a loaf (41b) is Is ; mutton, Bdper lb, and all other kind of provisions uj^ropor tion.

THE CONSTABLE AND GAOL. /% The majesty of-helaw is represented m the persons of two members, of the Armed Constabulary, whose chief difficulty in life seems to be in not knowing how to pass away the time. They reside ma large calico tenfc^ which fflsj> would have to do duty-asa prison. The prisoner, "if there should be one, wold be retained in custody by being chained to a stake and hand-cuffed. NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION OF DIGGE RS ON GROUND. %^ The number of diggers u«w in this dis trict is supposed to be atT-*st two hundred, and more ariving daily. .Some have lately arriv.d from the Palmer Biver, ana others from even -America. Yonder short German-Jookihg-fellbw, with knee-boots and tall American hal>»_s *|resh from tbe gold gulches and canons of California^ whilst be side him, stretched on the ground^ is a stalwart sunburnt Uigger from the ague stricken district of the Palmer river and Charters Towers, arrived by thelast steamer from Sydney, and glad to gerfS^a country where health and good water abound. He talks of hundreds, aye thousands, more to come, directly Ohinemuri is proclaimed open, and payable gold is actually known to exist. ________________________

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

,-, _ -■■* (Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R M.) lf(W AM) THESr. Peter Alexauder^ John Leonard, and Wil liam Bolds were severally charged with being drunk last night. Leonard.said^he was only partly druuk, he had only ha£Bv4ix glasses of beer, v, , :...-^... Constable Mulville proved that Leonard was quite drunk in Queen street, between 12 and 1 this morning ; he could, scarcely walk. Prisoner here burst into laughter, and said it was all boah, he was not half tight. Fined 20s and costs. . v*%- Boldssaid he could nob understand the charge ; he was not drank, not he ; he was a. sailor bold. -<? '* Hia Worship : Bold by name, and bold by nature. Constables O'Reilly and Mulville proved that prisoner was dead drunk on the pavement. Fined 20a and costs. .^ Alexander was remanded. THE QUEEIf3SO»iW_-_^ QUEEN-STREET. Elizabeth Nichol-on, ah-tout, well-propor tioned lady, the wife of Antonia Nicholson, was brought up on a charge of being in an alatming state of intoxication last evening in West Queen-street, and while, in that state making use of language m ot tobefound either in the dictionaries of Johnson, Walker, or Webster. . ~ -.. , Mrs Nicholson emphatically d^iied the charge. She was a woman of character, ,jind held a position in society, and would not b»-. guilty of such a charge. ' Ijb was a foul calumny. :--/'*S^ ■>-~-#» . Constable Mulville statecrtfeat. he was oh duty at midnight, and heard a great noise. He turned, in accordance with his duty, and discovered the form of Elizabeth of West Queen-street. She--swore terribly in a strange language. He could not repeat the words. -:■• s. ■'<;; Mr sNicholson declared it was allf als _ •; and she wished to call Sergt. -Major Pardy, who could speak favorably of her general char acter r her husband was a bad man; and had come home in a horrid state and scattered the pork; and greens all over her clean floor, and that! was what no dacent woman could stand. Sergeant-Major Pardy^was then; called to speak to the "Queen's" reputation, and stated that he had known her for some time as a pest to the neighbourhood. She was one of the worst women in Auckland. Prisoner said she should like to have that character in writing. Fined 40s and costs or one month's im prisonment. WICKED CHARLIE. -y. Charles Annes, a sailor, was charged with indecent exposure in Shortland-street Ta§t evening; ' Prisoner said he was f-tvjgk and could not help it. Sentenced to seven days imprisonment with hard labour. BIRDS OF PROMISE. James Hawkins, George Wright, and Jas. Harris were charged with wilfully and mali ciously breaking down a fence belonging to F. L. Prime, Esq., on the 3rd inst." The boys severally pleaded guilty to the charge, and expressed regret. »^ Fined 20s. each, or fourt.& days' im prisonment. i CHARGE OF tARCEUT. Francis Charles Leggett was brought ap on a charge of larceny of £80 on the 24th of December,! 1873, the property of G M O'Rorke, Esq. * ' Mr. Brojokfleld appeared for the prosecu tion, and stated the particularaokthe charge, tbe same as appeared in the Star of last "night.; "vl, **?; .7"'. 7> ■ . -?»t. George Maurice O'Rorlce^ Speaker of the Provincial Council, deposed that he was in that capacity in December 1873; There was an annual grant of money for the Provincial Library made, which was placed to the Library Fund, and after being placed there no one can operate upon it except himself, as Speaker. The agents in London were Ridgway and Sons, who supplied t_^jjooks. The libra rian! acted under bis directum. On*the 20th December, 1873, he drew the cheque for £80" now produced, which was placed in the hands ;of Mr Leggett, the cheque. .'.He never had any acknowledge ment from Ridgeway and Son.-> iSs When he returned from the last '■ session in" May or June he made enquiries ,of Mr : Leggett: respecting the draught; he replied that it had not been acknowledged. Ho had eon* '

tinually repeated his* enquiry, and always received the same answer. In conecm**-- \ of receiving information of Mr LuskWib \ 2nd February, he made enquiries' 9; -M Bank of New Zealand, and from ir}" -,i a I heard there, he had an interview p**^! 11 *^ I N the accused yesterday rxaoTumef n_ with \ ferenfee to - the draft. He,.,' /iir^_e-• Leggett ( if he; remembered,^ w&_?£ l Mr. | £ cheque for £80 to get a d&M iVT^*"I*' ti tle replied in the ■ffnJSW,- a £ 2«fi^-- , a draft for it on the BaJik of New Zealand 1 ' directed. He (Mr OJBorke) told him that he did not get a draft^ but took cash forth cheque over the counter. > He was silent f * a time, and then admitted that he had appro* priated the money. Mr Tonks was present " atthe time. He then laid .the information ' r against the prisoner. ",'* j ~„ ~.;. Benjaimia Tonks deposed that he was Pro. vincial Treasurer, and was present at th interview referred to by Mr O'Borke .but .i* >• did not wish to disclose the particulars of the in! erviel^Sfcween Mr 0' Rorke and tu_ Leggett. -^V*V- .I : .<.... . His Worship said that as this enquiry was of public importance; he mU_t state th fact, of the interview. Mr Tonks then proceeded to state the facts, whibh were the same is those stated >j Mr O'Borke in his rJrevious evidence ' When Mr Leggett hid: confessed to having cashed the cheque, Mr O'Borke asked him what he had done with the money, he replied that he had appropriated it to" his own ug e and at a time when he was in sore trouble '' , Andrew Pergusson jSEcKay deposed that he was teller in December, 1873, and noV a cjerk in the Bant of, New. Zealand. T 0 the! best of, his belief, the cheque produced: ~ was presented by the accused, and; cashSi'i' at the counter in notes—viz, five ,£lO four £5, and 'ten £1 notes. No draft in favour of Bidgway/and Son was obtained atthe time. **:r :" .-■■•• . ~ -.. ..--.r ■; : ~ This being the case for the prosecution the depositions were readN«^gr, and prisoner who had nothing to say, was . fully com raitted for trial at the next criminal sittings at the Supreme Court., Mr Brodkfield said that there was no desire on the part of the prosecution to keep the prisoner in; gaol, aud they were willing that I »jie should be admitted . to, moderate bail v f* the Court should name.. His Worship said it was a very: serious ' case, and he felt very keenly for prisoner whom he had known, and considered a man ' of estimable'character/: If he should-beT-aa : found guilty, he would be subjected: to a long »$." course of .penal servitude, probably fourteen years. The amount of bail would be hiraself in £400, and two sureties in £200 each. Thi. was all the business. ■

IMPORTANT

OFFICIAL TJ^EGEAMS/

■■:yy:-,-: —o— sir donald mclean and,the , Maori king. .

We are indebted to Lieut. Colonel St. John for the following telegrams, received by him today:— i" ,'... .ALEXANDRA. - _ ' ,/ Thursdayl^.^^ "Had satisfactory interview withTawhfto to-day. The first' day's proceeSlhgs wereof a formal nature. The tone is good, and the fact of meeting, from a native point of view, is significant of good. A further conference "wijl take place to-morrow. - %_, Donald M-Leax." 'This is the first time the Native Minister has seen Tawhiao since he was a lad in the house ofiKing Potatau. \ ' '

OHINEMURI NATIVES AND PROSPECTORS.

The following telegram will set at rest any alarm that may have been-»c.reated by the telegram in the Herald of this morning, an nouncing that what seemed to be a serious , row had occurred at Ohinemuri over the dis puted ownership of a piece of land. Imme diately on receipt of the news, Mr Mackay set out for the district, but, as will be seen % from the: i statement below, his services are •ifcly likely to be required for "the. very satis factory operation of fixing the boundaries of the new goldfield :—- 'X^, GRAHAMSTOWN. .. - - .- ■. Thursday. " There is no disturbance between natives ' and miners at Ohinemuri. Natives do not object to prospecting. Surveys Btopped until" Mackay arrives,, as natives wish the boundary moved further back in some . j?laces." . '""; ■ - ; l

COLONIAL FIRING.

[BY TUZUGBAPS.]-

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER)

VOLUNTEER. GAMP, THAMES.1

»< PARANA!.

Thie day.

The Marksmen Match terminated .-Grundy

32, first prize ; Dey 31, second prize ; Gasv coigne 30, third prize. There, was n_>. --. interest taken in the match, only about 30 tiring the last three shots. _ ». r The otlsec -lesading scores were :—McLe_n and Hoskrris, > 30 j Bluck, 29 ;' Armstrong - and Collatd, 28 ; Rountree, and -Teuton, 26; ' McLarenj 24. ~...-. y- The small bore match was commenced, and firing completed at the 700 and 800, : yardsix^ceg^wlth the following result:—' i! Hoskins (Whj|worth rifle) 76 W^alkef(Rigfeifle), ... 72 Christie (Ingram rifle) ... <■* •^iJhjßMonMMitford rifle) ... ... . ...67, Wilson (Ingram rifle) ... ... —66 j . . Llop.ni. All Comers' Match.—-Ist match.; ranges,, 200 and 500 yards. SevenfiT) shots' at' each range. Rifle, muzzle-loading* long or medium Enfield. Ammunition, «s issued by the Government, to be provided by the competitors. Ist prize, £6, and one-half entrance fees. 2nd prize, £5, and: one?fourth entrance fees. 3rd prize, £3, and one-fourth entrance fees.;, fids 4th prize, £2. _ -ft sth prize, £1. i 6th prize' £1. ,: . . . >• . - '• "' M The firing in the All Comers' commenced this morning. The weather is cloudy. There , were 88 competitors. The shooting gene rally was good. The first range is completed, and the following are the highest scores at 200yards:~ Kingswell ... - .;. ... ... 25 Nelson... ... ... ... ... 25 ;:« Armstrong ..at ■■■■■<..x > .... *25 Kelly (Auckland) 7.7 ..." ... 25 ~ Gallagher, A. C. ... X h. ... 24 Fox (Christchurch) ... ■r-<r___ i ____^rW^' Gilbert, A.C. .^PilW^ Christie (Dunediu) ... '\f7,\~ ... 2* /'l&wgeh (Auckland|S*^A ..: 23 Gorrie (Thames) f° -JM X \ - 23 ... Wilson (Otago) T__lL "V ... 23 . McKeUzie (OtagopWEi^^^=t»- 2S . -MefS^^ainkuy,,",..,, .." U- 22 l.| Richardson (Otago) ... ... —-''«•'- i McLaren (OtagO) ~. ; ~.;.-, ... a _^-. Soal (Auckland) •.:.' ... ... 2_t*C ,'y Partington (Auckland) 1.. '"'Hoskins (Thames) ... 21 ;jg Hay (An.l_.and) »,. ,v ... SO

HHBB___B_yj._-UUJLX-i J iimwii»™ —• ;... \igifcf- THE STAR, THURSDAY, FfißfttTAlEflr OHICI



Q I T V H A L L. HATS, CLOTHING, PRINTS, DRESSES. CARPETS, FLOOR CLOTHS, CHINA MATTING. MILLINERY, L UNDERCLOTHING, BABY LINEN. AT COSTPRICBr To effecta£le_-_!Seft>r extenslva*U-_ation of premises. yOr HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CITY HALL. T COSGRAVE& CO. Peg to inform the inhabitants of Auckland that they have entered their WHOLESALE PREMISES IN f HIGH-STREET, Lately occupied by Cruickshank and Co. They will therefore hold a Sale of the ENTIRE RETAIL STOCK of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING ___ ' 0 V • ** QUEI^jJEEET, ON SATURDAY, THE 30th JANUABY. In order to effect a speedy clearance, the whole of the Goods will be sold at . COST' PRICE. here will be no Good, entered during the Sale. rTHE FEBRUARY NUMBER or THE *%• r PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEWS IS NOW PUBLISHED. || ■ 4 ■ Priced-Threepence. I 77^ To be had of Messrs Upton and Co. m H O MP S ON' s GLOVE-FlTTTjg^jaftftSETS, 3s lid, LAROE VARIETY OF OThJB^LeeRS sj^J£^_Oß_&L?r^ OaOICH-_UN9I ECLOT SING AND BAB Y-WARB AT ' _ 9*WB(HrtHE CHDY HALL. ' '■%