SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Tbia evening, 10.26 ; to-

HIGH WATER morrow morning, JO 51 SUN SET: This evening, 5.18 ; SUN HISE : to morrow moraine, 6 44 MOON'S AGIS : Last Quarter, 29th, 6.56 s.m.

The brigantine Roderick Dhu leaves for Sydney to-morrow morning.

ARRIVALS

Micpregor, R M s.s., Grainger, from San Francisco

via Honolulu Hero, .«. s, 8-51 tjns, Captain T. Logan, from Sydney

and Melbourne Cha;iticl6«r, brig, 187 tons, D. C. Maclntyre, from iiobart Town

DEPARTURES.

Maczregnr, s s, Grainger, for Sydney Fairl c. schooner, for auncestnn T«r*naki s-, Lloe.l. fertile south Fieiy Cioss, for Kaipara,

IMPORTS.

Per Chanticleer, brig, from Hobarb Town : - 608 ewes ftuit Mclucyre ; 140 cases jam, 222 cases, '8 h*!f-cases fraib, G-. W. Binney ; ' 15 baies hops, 122 cases jam, 580 cases fruit, Meyers and Co. ; 17 bales hops, Henderson and Macfarlane ; 66G cases fruit, 45 do. jam, R. Arthur ; 18 cases sauce, Olsoa ; 125 cases jim,_2o case 3 tart fruit, 15 cases jam, 20 do. do, 50 do. do., 80 cases fruit, order.—Hen derson and Macfarlane, agent. rer l< ero ( om JVi elbourne : l case, S. Cooper ; 1 do, t:. C rcoran ; 2 biles, Government, fi uokland; 2 pgs, "VV'lkinson and Horton ; 10 do, O- Jones ; 5 do sun rie», J. Ah Kew ; 3 do W. J Marks ; 3 do, IVason Bros ; 1 case cigars, 1 carriage, 30 bsus guano, 19 caees wine, &c, 394 '£-che-ts tea, Cruickshank and Co ; 3 vg*, Ehrenfried Bros: 3do cigars, 29 do tobacco, 163 do tea W. Lon?dill & Co; 21 cases tobacco, 372 boxes tea, Brown, Barrett <% Co ; 13 do tonicco, 4 cases do, 280 bags rice, 70 \ chests tea, 25 boxes do. I. D Nathan & Co ;18 pgs tobacco, G. Waller ;33 boxes do, Lewis Bros; 90 do do. 45 A crusts Ua, 50 box. s lea, 6 casks treacle. SOO bags snpar, 434 vzs sugar Owen & Graham; 7 cases tobacco -c. Thomas Harri- ; 2 do do, Close Bros ; 2do do G. ■Williamson ; 1 do, Ford, Potter > Co ; 60 do geneva 22 J c.'flts wino, &c , Osborne Bros ; 40 pla'es iron 15 ke?s nails, 2 cises hardware, 1 bag handles Fraser& Tinne :48 ro is matting, 4 cases sundries. *. nark & eons; 50 J-chests tea, E. Kl ineham : 50 do tea, 71 boxes do, 10 cases sundries, JBvnett & Levy; 2 cises saddlery D Gardiner; 50 A-chests tea, 10 chests do, Booerton <¥> Co; 155 X (-Vipstq tea IGS boxes do John Buchanan ; 100 do do SU-chests do J. S. Macfarlane ; '20 do do, 38 chests," 20 boxes tea. G W. Owen ; 62 boxes, 3 1 chests do < lose Bms : 6 bales hops, 69 b»gs sugar, 82 do do X M»ginn ; 160 cases fruit, G. W. Binney ; 2 cases books. 1 pare), r Turrell; 1 case gratings, Nicholls * ttilbeit; 1 do, W. C. Wilson ;1 do J. A. Pond- 1 <*o K. Wttj-te; 2 do, J Stacez ;12 do ghov Is 12 bundles do, 160 do, 6 cases chaff-cutters. 10 do galvanvhed iron, 100 do castor oil. 5 pgs, 4 ovens 3 casks, T. * 8. Morrin ; 60 bags rice, 30 bars ca» d es 5 casks currant-, 5 kegs carbolic soda 11 casts sundries 33 £-chesls tea, F Bewln Bros : 3*5 bars iron ; 92 bandies d<*. 2 do >t -el, 2 do scythes, 29 ovens and c ntents, 1 cask, E Porter and Co; 7 i es, I. C Shvland : 7 truntts bo'ts. W. J. Offer ; 6 J/-ca**s Ryan, Bell & Co ; 1 cask tn. 5 cases sun diis, 6 coils rope, 16 sheets copper, 1 ingot metal, 2 kegs naih 4 pgs. J. Renshaw; 4 casks, 23 ca<-es, Hamilton Bros ; 3 do, 6 box=s, Kempthorne and Co ; 3 cases sundries, 7 bars, 10 bundle* steel. 2 bundles shaft? 49 cart boxes, Cousins and Atkin; 194 cases geneva Brown, Campbell and Co ; 2 pgs, 8 bundles wire, 10 boxes tin plates, G. McOaul; 36 bags seeds, etc. X iiaird 3 'ciskc, S drums varnish Holland and Butler ; 3 casks, 4 kegs nails, 10 bundles iron, A Smart ■ 1 cask, E Waters ; 3 boxes. J. "W Hoare; 1 do seeds, C, T. AVrcn ; 1 parcel, K. Bow ; 1 do, Schvartz ; 1 do, E Bennett; I do, Me Arthur, Shera an<i Co ; 127 bags guano, 10 cases galvanised iron 2 bales hops 63 kegs nails, 70 ingots copper, 4 sheets do 40 boiler tubes 375 bar?, 1 pKte iron, 20 plates Sheet dr., 63 bundles do do, 6do willows 3, gs sugar btskets, 3do bottles. 3 do sundries 24 esses do, 24 bags pepper, 56 do coffee, 31 casks treacle, 1030 bags lice 723 pgs sutrar. < rder. From .-ydne7 : 1 case. Consul I nited SUtes; 1 do, A. Clark and Sons; 1 do Sareood, Son and Co : Ido bnoks, Jannes lflynn ; 1 do effecls. Mrs Ruck ; 1 do aamples, T. Macky ; 2 do periodicals, Turrell ; 2 do do, E. Wayte : 3 do do, "Upton and Co ; 2 do. D E. Macdonald ; 7 do plants, B Tonka- 7 p<s H M JerWs; 1 cask hardware, J. and D Oxley ; 2 bales cwivas *-• B Donald ; 2 cases saddles Ireland Bros ; 3 do drapery, Me Arthur, She. a and Ca ;15 do frnit, L. W Eaton ;69 coils rope, J X Koberts ;12 J-casks and 3 hhds brandy, 496 cases Own »ni Graham ; 10 kegs butter. 71 bags m«z» Jakios and Willcox ; 97 do do, T. Belcher ; 389 bags b >ne du*t 229 do maize, 6 hhds and 30 i-casksrum, 2 do trea^K 1334 gunnies sugar; 6 horses, A. L. Tooth ; 56 »xle blocks, Cochrane and Son.—Cruiokshank and Co. agents.

EXPORTS.

Vet Macgregor, for Sydney : 1349 pgs. from San Francisco ; 3091 pgs. from Hono lulu. For Melbourne : 218 pg3. from San Francisco. From Auckland, for Sydney: 30 bags sugar, H. M. Jervis ; 1 case, Dr. Campbell; 1 case samples, J. Ferguson ; 20 cases ferns, E. Burton. For Brisbane : 1 parcel stationery, South British Insurance Company. For Melbourne : 1 case hides, A. DornwelL—H. M. Jervis, agentAS.N. Co. Per Roderick Dhu for Sydney :—35 casks axle grease, Henderson and Macfarlane; 12 ditto oil, J. S. Macfarlane; 120 cases gum, 14 casks tallow, 13 boxes beeche de mer, 18 tons copra, 13 bales cotton, 47 boxes pearl ahell, Owen and Graham.—Owen and Graham, agtnts.

ARRIVAL OF THE S.S. HERO.

The Hero (s.s.), Captain Logan, arrived this morniDg at 11 o'clock, from Melbourne and Sydney. Prom Melbourne her dates are to the 16th inst. The Hero left Sydney and cleared the Heads at 6 30 p m , on the 20bh inst. : rounded the North Cape 2 p.m. on the 25th. On the passage across the Hero experienced moderate northerly winds, •with, cloudy and equally weather, almost continuous. Heavy rain and heavy easterly swell, until Friday, noon, 23rd. Then had strong easterly winds, the weather continu ing cloudy and squally, with heavy rain showers at intervals, and heavy head sea, especaily so from the North Cape, until approaching the Little Barrier. Thick rainy weather has been experienced since mid night, until arrival off Rangitoto. The whole length of the" outer T of the wharf being occupied, the Hero anchored in the /stream till the departure of the Macgregor, when she hauled into her berth. The Hero brings a very heavy Melbourne cargo, and comes into harbour deeper than we recol lect s-eing her for some time. Passengers : Prom Melbourne—Mr and Mrs J. M. Clark, Mr and Mrs Stevenson and infant, Mrs Bartletfc and infant, Mrs Whithard, Miss Bradford, Mr R. Owen. From Sydney -Mr and Mrs Bayley, Mrs Powley, Miss Jex, Messrs Durham, Whit'?, J. A. Eonald, Mitchell, Louis Grsen, E. D. Levy, H, Ker, and 39 in the second cabin.

The brig Chanticleer passed the barque Bella Mary off the Three Kings. The Bella Mary left Hobart Town for this port on the 11th inst-., that is two days before the Chanticleer. ■ ' ♦ Passengers :—Cabin : Mr Daldy, Miss Vince. Steerage: Mr J. Hogan.—Hender son and Macfarlane, agent. The s.s. Taranaki left for the South this jnorning, conveying the Southern portion of the., English mail, an average general cargo and the following passengers :—Miss Cole man, Mrs Heaphy, Miss Buchanan, Hon. Mr Reynolds, Mr Nancarrow, Messrs Hen- Sdersori, Blunden, Coates, McDonald, and several others, both saloon and steerage, booked at Onehunga. The brig Prarie leffc Lauhceston (not .Hobart Town) on the 20bh ultimo for this port, i i She brings a cargo of 150 tons bark for Messrs. Ireland Bros. When she arrives she is to proceed to the Tamaki at once, where her cargo will be discharged. The barqnentine Tien Tsin left Launceston •about the Gth inst., with 265 tons bark for Mr G. W. Binney. She will also discharge in the Tamaki. The ship Condoren arrived at San Franciscn from this port on the 2Jth March, 72 days out, or 186 days from Sydney. Captain Sop with, who took the schooner Isabella • Pratt to Dunedin, is a passenger back to Auckland :bv the s.s. Wellington, due in the Manukau on (Wednesday. The H.M.s.a. Macgreeor, Captain Grainger, arrived yesterday afternoon from San Francisco via Honolulu with the Engli.-h and American mails. She left San Francisco on the 60th ult (one day behind time) : arrived »t £L nolulu on the Bth April; sailed at ruid nlrht Experienced moderate trades: parsed fioro ditch Island on the 17th and Savoii on the 18th ; light 8. B trade* tip to that date ; thenc- light breezes witu easterly (.well till arrival Fine weather throughout. On the 2nrt iust Mrs Mills, a saloon passenger, a native of New Y"rk, died of cancer On tha sth the s s Mikado In lat 25° 52' N, long 146° 2P W. We record "bur acknowledgments to Mr R B. Pringle for prompt delivery of our flies and other favour*. The Macgregor brought 800 packages of cargo for this pprt, and 106 tons cargo for Australia. Passengers -:ftor Auckland: Mis» Grffin," Messrs J. A. Woods, Coaten, Nancarrow, Macbeth (Mail Agent). Steerage: Wj i Stanley, Mr Lett*, Mr Shark, and about 45 of all Cluses for Sydney.

TheK.M. g.a. Macgregor left for Sydney at no to day. She took the following passengers from Auckland—for Bydney :Mr John Mattinson, Mr and Mrs W. Earl, Mrs John Logan Campbell and 3 childre M rick Ireland. for Mel bourne: Mr anr'M • rdiner, Mr Ed.ward

Gubbons, Mrs Joun Lord, and 5 in the steerage The brig Chanticleer, Captain Mclntyre arrived this morning from Hobart Town, bhe left Hobart Town on the 12th inst, and left the river on the fol lowing day with light variable winds, which lasted until the 15th iust. Southerly and easterly winds prevailed until the Three Kings were sighted. The Chanticleer is consigned to Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane. Passengers: -Cabin : Mr JL/aldy, Miss Vince. Steerage :Mr J. Hogan. a barque supposed to be the Albion was sighted on Monday last by the brig Chanticleer. It was under stood that she desired to be reported, although owing to the breeze prevailing no dtfinite communication ■Has made.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows . —

For Thamei. this day. at 630p m, and to-morrow,

at 9.30 a m For Wangarei, &c, per Clyde, this day, at 5 p m For Opotiki, per Kcho, this day, at 5 p m • For Kawau ;.nd Matakana, per Lady Bowen. to-

morrow, at 10 a m For Levaka (Fiji), per Star of the South, on Thuri

day, -29th i ,st, at 3 p m For United Kingdom. &c, via Suez. Mails will be made up at this office (for letters specially addressed), about the 29th inst. (Signed) J. B. Conet, Acting Chief Postmaster.

BIRTHS

JONES—On the 25th of April, at her residence, Symonds-street, the wife of Gustavus A. Jones, of a son. TJTTING—At Grace-street, Ponsonby, on the 25th inst., the wife of W. E. TJtting, of a daughter. BARBER-On April 24, at Mangere, the wife of Wil liam F. Barber, Esq., of a son.

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

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1875

For the cause that lacks assistance, for the wrong that needs resistance, p»r the fature In the distance.. Ami. tb* zood that we can "do.

One of those dreary articles with which Mr. Hugh Hart Lusk occasionally occupies the columns of our contemporary the Cross appears this morning ; and as we accept in it a personal and intentional attack, we purpose making reply. The writer's favorite and characteristic phrase, " If this is so, possibly it may be so, indeed we think ii is," is absent Our critiques have brushed the fresh bloom off this, and it has withered and died from among the other flowers of literature for which that writer's style is distinguished. "When the means available for carrying on. provincial administration are known it will be more easy to estimate the chances of its being carried on at all;" is however, a paragraph so conclusive, so self-evidencing, so full ef energy and fire that no one in Auckland but Mr. Hugh Hart Lusk could indite it; and the whole composition has such an absence of backbone, is so tortuous and slinking from straight attack, is lighted up by such a sickly smile of self-complacency that the parental relation is evident to the meanest capacity. The matter which has roused up Mr. Lusk to this supernatural energy was an article appearing in a recent issue of the Star urging that it would be judicious for the Provincial Government and Council, in view of the critical questions pending in the Assembly to pursue a "masterly policy of inaction," to hold a short session in May, and to defer all major matters for a session subse quent to this most important meeting of the Assembly. And this is how he wriggles up to the attack :—

It has been suggested that the true policy of the Government is to propose little and do nothing. It is urged that we should wait until we see what the Assembly does, and afterwards hold our session and perform our Provincial work. The comment sup plied by this to the great improvement so

strongly urged by the Executive twelve months ago, when the time of sitting was changed, is worthy of notice. It was one of the very excellent changes introduced by the Government (of which Mr Sheehan was the head, and Mr Reed the Treasurer) that the Council should meet just before ses sion of the Assembly—instead of just af ter it,—in order that Auckland members of Assembly might be made weir acquainted, through the action, of the Council, with the condition and requirements of the province. Now, a masterly inaction is all that is, by some, deemed advisable until after the Assembly has met. A man would say, " One of the members of the Executive that proposed the change is the editor of the EvisTNG Star, and in its columns on last "Wednesday, he urged a course directly contrary to that which he advocated in last session." This would be the manly way of putting it instead of com ing shoulderways and wriggling about to hide, while coming up to bite. " Now a masterly inaction is all that is, ly some, deemed advisable until after the Assembly has met." We feel a consciousness of the stupidity of replying to such a writer, as every one knows'how the proceedings of last session of Assembly have altered the whole complexion of political affairs. "When the Provincial Government last year proposed the alteration of the financial year and the holding of the sittings of Council before, instead of after, the sessions of Assembly, every one that thought on it outside as well as inside the Council regarded the proposal as a wisß one ; and it was a change that for several years had been advocated by the whole press of the province. Beyond ques tion it is the proper time for holding the meetings of the Provincial Council; a fact which is confirmed by the action of every other Provincial Council in the colony ; for we believe that without an exception they all anticipate the meetings' of Assembly. But since that resolution was proposed "by the Government of which Mr Sheehan was the head, and Mr Reed the Treasurer," Par liament has passed a preliminary resolution for the abolition of the province, and it is con fidently and it is boastingly affirmed that the coming session will give it the coup degrace. In these new circumstances we urged, and we believe wisely, that the Govern ment should not initiate important measures or undertake large responsibilities, until the results of the next session of Assembly are known. Should it come to pass that the Assembly, instead of sanctioning an advance of £40,000, and a special allowance of £25,000, and the granting of a similar sum for works at the Thames, resolves, in the spirit promised, to cut oil" all supplies, even the capitation allowance, what a stupid position the Council and the Government would occupy, in having gravely deliberated and decided respecting funds annihilated. This position, which would be one of ridicule inside and outside tho province, can be avoided by the simple process of deferring for a few months all important measures and all appropriations which can be so deferred. And even Mr H. H. Lusk, in his usual self-replying method of settling his own arguments and objections says " Sir George Grey, indeed, may prove influential and suc cessful in extracting money from a reluctant Government and Assembly, but it would be unwise to count financial chickens of this sort before there is even a sign of the egg shell being chipped, or even before the egg itself has made its appearance." Or to quote that ever-to-be-remembered and beautifully forcible paragraph already alluded to "When the means available for carrying on Pro vincial administration are known it will be more easy to estimate the chance of its being profitably carried on at all." Before the session of the Assembly is the proper time tor the meeting of a Provincial Council, but we re-assert that in the present peculiar cir cumstances, our coming session should hay c deferred all that can be deferred, until after the first session of the Assembly. To the after portion of Mr Lusk's contribution, we need not particularly refer. It deals with what <night come before the Provincial Council; and the bold vigour of its proposals, and the slashing style of it may be judged from its opening words. "Is there really nothing for the Council to do when it meets next month ? "We rather imagine there is." We like that remark. "We rather imagine there is." It makes one think of a person beginning to shout, and his belly suddenly falls in. "We rather imagine there is ;" and then he proceeds to tell that " there are other matters which must receive attention if the interests of the people are not to be sacri6cedin several important respects." Of course the3e include Education, for the position of Vice-Chairman of the Board, with salary attached, for which for a good while Mr Lusk was wriggling about among the members of the Board, has not been recognised in the present measure, nor by the present Board ; and the legal business of che Board which promised him such a harvest, has not been so prolific as he "rather imagined" it would be, owing to a resolution of " the Government of which Mr Sheehan was the head, and Mr Reed the Treasurer" in terms of which all the legal business of the Board requiring the signature of the Superin tendent is placed among the duties of the Provincial Solicitor. It may seem very sad that Mr Lusk's pet scheme, the Education of the province has not been permitted to turn out so financially successful (to himself) as he "rather imagined;" but this is just, and he should not complain; for what he him self in his article now styles " the faulty system of taxation" was represented to the public on his assurance as the panacea for all educational ills, and as introducing the financial millennium. With respect to the present position of the Executive of the province, Mr Lusk refers to the pending vacancy in. the" Treasursrship thus, "the Treasurer, whoever he miy be — and this appears to be involved in some little mystery as yet." Aye, there's the rob. F»r incredi ble as it may appear after all that has passed, this gentleman would really have the au dacity to accept office—aye, even if it in cluded the conducting of the sales of public lands. But we have not come to this yet, and the formal introduction of him by two leading and reepected citizens, to the new Superintendent that he might teach that gentleman finance, has been love's labour lost. If Mr. Lusk would take our advice, and we know ifc is the advice of persons more interested in him than we are, he would not provoke criticism at "present. Those whom he would arouse would for reasons, other than '

himself, permit him rest. We know that the prospect of " winding up" the province has been the ignis fatuus that leads him on towards ruin. * For this lie will sacrifice all. For this, Mr Dargaville was induced to help him in by a back door into the Provincial Council by securing the votes at Te Kopuru ; and for this, Mr Dargaville was thrown over when the star of Sir George Grey was in the ascendant. The prospect of "winding up" the province induces him even still to aspire, when aspiration brings criticism, and criticism brings political death. That gentleman now dislikes provincialism since the province would have none of him, and desires to sacrifice Provincialism to Centralism because the sponge is squeezed dry. Nevertheless, if we wished to prolong the life of Pro vincialism to an indefinite period, we would commit the province, to his hand as official liquidator. In the case of many gold mining companies, their legitimate existence may have been bub a few months or a year, but their "winding up" has been a work of mauy yeai-3. The writer of the article in the Cross knows that this is so, and that often times wnile the profits of the working of the mine have been few, the profits in the " winding up" have been many. And thus it would be with the province. Its finances may be low ; itself may be in extremis. But commit it to him who still aspires to be the '' Provincial Undertaker/ instruct him to proceed -with the " winding up," and we venture to say that the operation will con tinue, and provincialism will be known and felt for a period, compared to which the closing days of the "Auckland Consoli dated.'"the " Cosmopolitan," and the " Mid night" Companies are as nought.

Trra arrival of the s.s. Macgregor punctually to time, following upon the City of Melbourne (which delivered her mails before time), has given general satisfaction, and shews what the San Francisco mail service is likely to become when the permanent line is established. It will bo seen from telegrams elsewhere that the Mikado, with the last otitward mail, arrived at San Francisco four days before the duo date according to time-table.

H.M.S. Rosario for Portsmouth, H. M.S Blanche for Norfolk Isiatid, and H.M.S. Pearl for Melbourne, all left Sydney on the 10th inst.

The successful tender for the building to he erected near the Waterworks Reservoir is Messrs Penk and Hills, in compliance with plans prepared by Mr W. F. Hammond, of Shortland-street. The western side of Auckland seems to be making rapid progress for these gentlemen alone have been engaged in the erection of several properties, and have more in contemplation. VVe noticed a veiy pretty Italian villa as one of these works, it is situated near the church, and two more of the same style designed by Mr Hammond, aro being completed at Home Bay.

The Most Rev Dr Crane, Lord Bishop of Sandhurst, Victoria, who arrived in the Macgregor from San Francisco, and who was accompanied by the Rev Fathers R,evill and Maher, preached a most logical and eloquent sermon at; St. Patrick's Cathedral yesterday evening, which was listened to by a pretty large congregation, considering the weather ami the short notice. The Right Rev Prelate is a Bishop of which any diocese might well be proud. Of imposing appear ance, rare talejits, great energy, and Apos tolic zeal, he is destined to leave in his new sphere of missionary labour as deep " footprints on the sands of time," as he has done in his old paiish in Dublin. An address, accompanied by a casket containing £400, was presented to his lordship by his late yjarishioners on his elevation to the mitre, and his departure for his dioce3e of Sandhurst.

" Thei'e has been an attempt," writes a correspondent, to mystify and mislead the inhabitants of Ponsonby in regard to the illegal lighting rate. The Cross is, as usual, wrong—in this instance through following the advertisement in connection with the matter, which states that to be which is not. The facts are that the Highways Act, 1871, at the instance of the then Dcdwood highway trustees, Mr. Stannus Jones, chairman, empowered Highway District1* to levy a special rate for lighting not exceedingcone-fonrth of the rate struck for road purposes. The Act of 1874 entirely omits the clause giving this power ; but claase (51 says :—" It shall be lawful for the ratepayers in any district by resolution of a majority at any annual or special meeting to empower the District Board from time to time to contract with any company or person for the lighting of any public roads in the district and to provide lamps, lampposts, and such other works as the Board may think necessary for lighting such roads." Instead, therefore, of the trustees being compelled, as the advertisement erroneously states, to break their contract with the Gas Company because they are prevented from doing an illegal act, they can keep their contract if the ratepayers will empower them to do so at a special meeting which the trustees can call at any time they please. That is the legal way of proceedure, and it remains to be seen whether the trustees will proceed in a legal manner now that they have been prevented from acting illegally and are informed what the law upon the subject is. The charge of lighting was evidently intended by the legislature to be provided out of the ordinary rates instead of as heretofore by a special rate, and hence the entire omission of any power to levy a special lighting rate.

Rev. Charles Clark will make his last appearance this evening (previous to his departure for Melbourne) in the Choral Hall. The entertainment will be different from Mr Clark's usual lectures, as it will embrace! sketches from Dickens, passages from Tennyson's "Enoch Arden," and several sweet songs by that eminent vocalist, Miss Christian, This lady will sing several beau tiful songs, as their several titles indicate ; namely, '' The three Fishers," "At Rest," a story of New Year's Eve, and " Once Again." The latter song will be new to the audience, and the two preceding ones may have been heard by a few, but for pathos and poetic; beauty have rarely been surpassed by any kindred lyric. Mr. Clark will tell the audience in his own telling way how Mr Pickwick went a shooting ; how "Enoch Arden returned from sea, and discovered that the wife of his youth was the wife of another, and Enoch's saintlike philosophy on the sad occasion " Mr Clark will also, relate the story of " Boots at the Holly-trea Inn," which gave so much pleasure on a previous .evening. "Bob Cratchit's Christ mas Dinner," poverty and gratitude with tiny Tim, who concludes with " God bless hs all," will be racifced by the lecturer ; altogether making a, riok »nd highly flavoured treat for all preseat.

A reward of fifty p»unds is offered by Mr. W. I. Taylor, of Pan*iure, for the discovery of the person or persons who set fire to hia hay ricks on the 17th insfc.

The Rev. Charles Clark's sermon in aid of the funds of the Ladies' Benevolent Society was attended by a crowded audience which filled the Choral Hall in every part. There was not an inch of standing room unoccupied. The rev. gentleman preached from the book of the prophet Isaiah, c. 33. ver. 16-17. The sermon was impressive and eloquent through out. At the! close Mr Clark made an appeal for the Ladiea' Benevolent Sooiety, which has been the means of doing so much good in many really deserving cases. The collection amounted to £40 2s 7d.

We remind our readers that E. Clair's Magnet Troupe will perform this evening in the Lome-street Hall, for the benefit of widow Holtham and her family. The troupe will be assisted by gentlemen amateurs and the Temperance Band, and after the per formance a quadrille party will assemble for the special advantage of young persons who are fond of dancing.

We learn that a telegram has been re ceived in town by Mr. W. F. Buckland, from Mr. Mears, of Durredin, stating that arrange ments have been made for the New South Wales cricketers to send over a team to play Dunedin and Christchurch early next season. Mr. Mears wishes to ascertain whether Auckland would care to be included in the visit, and what terms the province could offer. Mr Buckland has placed the telegram in the hands of Mr. Vincent E. Pace, secre tary of the International Match Committee formed last year, and that gentleman has called a meeting for Wednesday next, at one o'clock, at the office of Messrs. Vickers and Davies, in Shorlland-street. Several attempts have been made to get an Australian team to visit Auckland. The present movement looks more like business than any previous one, and we fully expect to hear in a few week's time, that an engagement has been made.

"A Navvy" writes a letter about the accident in Albert-street. The chief points in it are : that the earth which covered Met calfe was not two masses, but the end of a fall, and was removed iv about live dray loads in five minutes. He says that " There was only one man on the work who was acquainted with him and knew his residence. In fact they had been mates, so that we sent him with Metcalf to the Hospital. He had only been working with us since last Mon day, and was a tot&l stranger to most of us, so as I said before we didn't know hia place or abode." He further remark?, " although there were only nine of up working with the unfortunate man we made up his four days pay to £3 Gs, and sent it to his wife on Saturday night; we also paid Dr Hooper 7s £d for his attendance, and 5s for the express to take him to the Hospital, so that I really cannot see why our conduct should be described in public as shameful." "A Mate " writes to the same effect as the above.

The following is the return of the sick treated at Provincial Hospital for the week ending Saturday, April 24, 1875 : Re mained last return, 79 ; admitted since, 24 ; discharged, 17; died, 2 ; remaining, 84; males, 72 ; females, 12. Arrangement of cases : Zymotic, 29 ; constitutional, 8 ; local 29 ; developmental, 6 ; violent, 12. Two deaths occurred during the week, viz. : Ist, F.L., male, aged 50 years, on 20th inst. of phthisis pulmonalis; 2nd, T.M., male, aged 48 years, on 23rd inst. of paralysis. Thanks are returned to Dr Kenderdine, for the following new bowke, viz. : Sunday at Home, Leisure Hour for 1874, British Work man, Cottages and ArtigaD, Band of Hope Review, Tract Magazine. N.B. —Old Jinen very much needed.

In reply to a letter from the Town Clerk, asking when it would be convenient for Mr Carruthers to receive a deputation of mem bers of the City Council, relative to the Beach Road, Mr Carruthets states that he leaves Auckland to-day for the Waikato, and shall be home until the end of the pre sent week. He suggests that the Council should address the Hon. the Minister for Public Works on the subject, as he has not received from him any instructions regarding the Beach Road, and should not be in a position to give the necessary information.

A " Provincial Government Gazette" con taining a report by Mr Tole, Waste Lands Commissioner, oa the state of surveys in the col/ny, in reply to enquiries by the General Government, was published to-day.

By a telegram received from Hongking by the S.M. Herald, we learn that the barque Novelty has been chartered for Chifob and back via Newchwang.

The Prince of Wale 3 Theatre was well patronised on Saturday evening by a weJl conducted audience. The drama represented Shakespeare's tragedy of ivlacbeth, which was placed before the visitors in a very credi table manner. The character of Macbeth in the person of Mr. Dairell was excellently drawn, while Lady Macbeth, iv the hands of Mrs. Darrell wts presented with the utmost finish. This lady's recitals of some of the more remarkable passages of Macbeth were given with force and fullness and showed a large amount of culture aud appieuiation on the part of the actress. Hecate was sung with great effect by Mr. Aveling, while Mr. Deering and the other gentlemen maintained their position with credit. Mi<s Patty Holt, and Miss Maggie Knight contributed not a little to make Macbeth a success on Saturday evening. The music by the orchestra, com posed by Locke, was correctly rendered, and formed a pleasing accompaniment to the whole performance. Considering the limited means at hand for the production of any thing Shakesperian, the management are to be complimented on their dramatic represent ations this season which are far superior to much that has gone before. The piece of this evening will be "Blow for Blow," a light drama in four acts, written by a living name sake of the poet Byron.

ARRIVAL OP THE MACGREGOR

Hotes by a 2Tew Sealan&er in

San Francisco

[Written for the " Star."]

SAN FRANCISCO.

March 20. THE CLIMATE OF SAN FRAIS CISCO. The climate of San Francisco does not re ceive my approbation. At this moment (night) it is blowing colder than ever it does in Auckland—indeed frost is seen on the sidewalks nearly every morning or so. The past winter has been exceedingly mild, scarcely a dozen wet days have occurred. The winter time is held to be far the ■ pleasantest during the year, as it is almost free from fogs. In summer San Francisco is the dustiest city under the sun. The morning (early) breaks out beautiful, bright, and calm ; about 11 a.m. the wind from seaward freshens, and the remainder of the day it blows a gale of fog and sand through the streets, smothering everything and every body. The afternoons are positively blind ing with sand, while the sun scorches everything up. The night usually termi nates the event in cioggingup one's lungs with thick fog, and the atmosphere, cold as ice, tinges the exposed parts with a purply blue, the nose for variety's sake assuming a "live coal" appearance. AUCKLANDERS AT 'FRISCO. It may interest you to know something of tha location of Aucklanderß here. W. G. Harrison, late of Wyndham-street, merchant, ig a commission agent and contributor to various 'Frisco publications, special corres pondent for Auckland Herald, &c, &c.— Hugh Cr*ig i« la active service opening up for the N«w Zealand Insurance Company.— Leys is in the newspaper brigade.—George Slater, on an evening print, as solicitor.— Osborne, formerly with Owen & Graham at Tahiti, sells hardware and nails. —Dittmar, late foreman with 1). Waters, confectioner, follows his line of business here quietly. — Green Harp—O'Rielly and Howe are boot and shoe dealers.—Levy, late of the Oppo sum Rug Store, ia a collector of "ads."— Lloyd, late of the Wade, is a land agent and also in tha Divorc« Court, at present having the marital knot severed that binds him to a lady resident at Auckland.—Pinch ing, from Karangahape road, kills or cures all who seek his medical aid —Spray, once a publican of Grahamstown, keeps a lodging bouse.

TEE BEECHER TRIAL.

Henry Ward Beecher is having his turn. The evidence is all in on Tilton's side. As the defence is opened tip Tilton appears to be losing' cast. 'Tis difficult to predict which will be the blackest at the finish, but one thing is already ensured in. regard to Plymouth church. If that church has ever been strong in anything it is in kissing, besides the legitimate and illegitimate kiss ing, there appears to have been a lot of mis cellaneous kissing going on all the time. Beecher kisses Tilton. Mrs. Moulton kisses Beecher, and 'tis affirmed that Tilton's prac tice has ever been to kiss all the lady friends of the family, and Mrs T. the gents. When this was disclosed in court a juryman (Jaffrey) fainted. The wonder is that all his fellows have not fainted long ago. The case has been fifty-eight days before the Court.

DISTRESS IN NEBRASKA. The destitution in lowa, Nebraska, and Kansas, caused by the grasshopper plague, has not yet been entirely relieved, the cry for more food is still heard, and it is not an uncommon circumstance to find women and children lying dead in their homes, from sheer starvation, not having had the courage to ask charity. Those -who have visited these district state "that there is not a blade of anything green to be found in the country, everything eatable has been gobbled up by this terrible visitation." STEALING NO CRIME. There is comfort for the way-worn and friendless in the fact that if a man i 3 hard up in San Francisco, he can steal the necessaries of life, or their equivalent, with impunity. If he is arresied, he pleads guilty, and ex plains his situation of need, whereupon the judge sympathises and discharges him fmm custody, supplementing the order with a trifle in coin. Two or three cases of this character are on record during the last few days. In each of them wearing apparel was purloined and realised upon by the thief.

SALT LAKE MATTERS.—BRIGHAM

YOUNG ARRESTED

Brigham Young was arrested on March 11 at his residence, and taken before Judge McKean, for disobeying the order to pay alimony and fees to Eliza Young, his 19th wife He was fined 25 dollars, and impri soned for 24 hours. The prophet didn't take it kindly. The Salt LaKe Tribune thinks the new Governor Axteil is " connubiating" too much with the Mormons, and loses no oppor tunity of attacking him in its own peculiar style. Here is the way it heads an account of the Governor's visit to Provo : "Hail to the Jack Bishop Axtell! Welcomed to the Arms and Harems of the Bloody Priesthood ! He Makes a Sickening Exhibition of His Pusillanimous Self ; Introduced by the Wife Beaters and Blood Atoners !"

SHOOTING BY A WOMAN IN A SAN"

FRANCISCO SHOP. This morning, March 9th, a jealous wife Mrs Bennett, stepped into a respectable dwelling on Kearny-street, in this city, and without further introduction, commenced firing from a " Colts " at a damsel engaged industriously pounding some linen with a flatiron. Three shot 3 were fired, two of which took effect, though only slightly. Mrs Bennett being convinced that the woman Bhe attacked was a paramour of her husband was determined to have satisfaction. She was arrested before more bullets passed, and is now awaiting trial in a 6,000 dollars bail.

GENERAL NOTES Hammond the revivalist contnues to draw crowds of the "benighted." He is supported by clergymen of all creeds but by the leading Presbyterian parsons in particular. He holds forth on the principal business streets, nor hesitates not to unfold his gospel to the heathen on the Stock Exchange.

" There is roguery in all trades." The Honorable Board of Education are not excep tions t j the rottenness of all public institu tions here. An applicant tips a member a fitfy dollar bill and secures a teachership without further examination. Competency is not a question. The big Bonanza swindle m mining has run its course. The stock market is defunct One innocent is reported to have hauled in SOO,OOO dollars from the " knowing ones."

Usury does not receive the sanction or countenance of the San Francisco Courts, but two per cent, per month is not according to these enlightened interpreters within the meining of the word. Mademoiselle de Grauville, the iron-jawed lady, got her jaws or paws on a $600 diamond crosp, which a Mr Greenwald, a stage manager, avers was left with her on approval. Mr Greenwald, therefore, had her arrested, but it was no go. The police judge approved her conduct and grinned, at the theatrical. There are 800,000 Baptists in the United States.

Callao, the chief commercial port of Peru, had a very narrow escape from being burned on the 13th of February ultimo. A fire broke out in the store of O'Conner and Co., and extended to the premises of Bryce, Grace and Co. Notwithstanding the exertions of the Fire Brigade and the sailors from English men-of-war in port, 200,000 dollars worth of property was destroyed. This is the second escape Callao has had within tHe past two years. Weston, the pedestrian, failed gin his attempt to walk 500 miles in six days, at Barnum's Bippodrome, New York. At the expiration of the time he had completed 431 miles ; thus coming short by 69 miles. He claims after having outwalked his opponent, Judd, he did not exert himself. It is rumoured that Plymouth Church subscribed 125,000 dollars to defray expenses for Beecher.

The reciprocity treaty with the Sandwich Islands, for which King Calico (Kalakau) came to effect, has been ratified. The opposition was composed chiefly of sugar planters from the South and the various refiners throughout the country. The lead ing San Francisco merchants strongly supported the treaty. Calico feels cheerful. On March 9th, the general office of the Grand Trunk Railway, at Point St. Charles, Montreal, was utterly destroyed by fire. Loss estimated at 1.500,000 dollars ; thus 300,000 dollars in currency, and value of buildings, 1,200,000 dollars to the docu ments and books of the company are mostly gone. The New York Prison Association procured employment last year for 900 discharged convicts, who were anxious to reform.

Philip Lee, the husband of the celebrated actress, Adelaide Neilson, presented his. wife with a diamond cross the other day. A facetious young man present remarked that he was " Adorning his Star." The reckless punster now goes round with a patch on his eye, and knows it is not always safe to make obscure jokes at tke expense of a men who has been in California and heard of Chief Cockrill's police.

The Crack Steamship Company of the Pacific, (the Pacific Mail,) having lost its subsidy of 500,000 dollars, by an almost incredible system of corruption and bribery with senators and congressmen has now found a secret combination ■with the great over land railroaid men. The result of which is an increase in the fares from San Francisco to New York.

Messages have been received at Valparaiso from Europe in one day. Ship Glory of the Seas sailed for Sydney March 15.

17th March : Masses, processions, and free fights were indulged in throughout the states in honor of the patron saint of ould Ireland.

Agenta of British lines of steamers between United States and English ports have made enquiry whether under the laws of the U.S. their vessels may transport passengers from place to place in the U.S. The Government has declined to authorise such proceedings. Vasquez, the famous bandit, suffered the extreme penalty of the law on Friday, the 19th March. He died bragging and lying. On March 15, Archbishop McCloskey, of New York, /was elevated to a Cardinalship byithe Pope.

English and Foreign Neva.

THE COSPATBICK ENQUIRY The Court of Inquiry into the burnini? »ft the Cospatrick was unanimously of oDini that the fire originated in tbeforehold whi k was accessible from the fore-peak by . moving two boards in the bulk head Th Court could come to no other conciusio than that gsome of the crew or cmig rant must have taken advantage of this access t the fore-hold for the purpose of plundering the cargo, and that using naked lights o» matches they must have set fire to straw or some other inflammable material, which ex tended to the'pitch, varnish, etc., near. The. Court was satisfied that the Cospatrick had the number of boats required by law, bat regretted that when the first alarm' was given no steps were taken to have theboatg in readiness. The Court recommended on all passenger vessels a strong bulkhead between the forepeak and main, hold to pre. vent access to the cargo. It also considered the practice of stowing boats keels upper. most as objectionable. MASS MEETING IN FAVOUR OF FENIAN PRISONERS. A large mass meeting of 30,C00 people wag held in Hyde Park. London, on Sunday, to obtain an amnesty for Fenian prisoners still confined by the British Government. The prisoners now in durance are, with few ex ceprione, soldiers who were tried and con demned by military courts, and the English Government specially exempted them from amnesty. That any good purpose can be'

served by keeping them in prison is doubt

ful, but the Government wants to draw the line between political offences when com-:

mitted by soldiers and by citizens. RUSSIAN RAILROADS

The Czar of Russia has just sarctioned» new ministerial plan for extending railroads

in his dominions, which provides for the

immediate construction of over 5,000 miles of

additional roids. For a European country, particularly so frozen a one aa Russia, this is stupendous, and exhibits the progressive character of the Czar.

GIGANTIC TICHBORNE DEMONSTRA-

TION.

One of the largest meetings held ia London for several years rook place yester day in Hyde Park under the auspices of the Tichborne Release Committee. Some place

the number of persons as high as 100,000. Bands of mus'c were engaged and flags and banners displayed, bearing mottoes express ing sympathy with and demanding justice," for the claimant. Addresses were made by Dr Kenealy, Onslow, and Whalley. The

enthusiastic people unhitched the horses

from the carriages of these gentlemen, and

drew them to Hyde Park. A resolution was adopted denouncing the partiality of the judges on trial, the unscrupulous license of the prosecution, the absolute miscarriage of justice, and declaring that they would know no rest till the enormous judicial crime was rectified. The meeting adjourned tumul-

tuously. The speakers were escorted froni the Park by great crowds.

SIGNS OP COMING WAR.

The German Government have put a stop to the transportation of horses from East Prussia to France, and the Emperor's Council has possed a secret ordinance forbidding t*>e transportation of a single horse from North Germany to any place whatever.

This action is extremely significant. It would appear that either North Germany is making extensive arrangements for speedily strength ening the entire cavalry of the Empire, or that the French Government is for some purpose endeavouring to make extensive purchases of horses in Germany.: The best authorities are of opinion/that the firs,t is the true solution, and this is not a hopeEul "sign for the future peace of Europe.

MOODY AND BANKETS REVIVAL.—

TREMENDOUS EXCITEMENT.

The revival conducted by Messrs Moody and Sankey is astoundingly successful. At the first three services in the Agricultural Hall 14,000, 16,000, and 19,000 persons attended. Dean Stanley and a large number of Anglican clergy appeared on the plat form. Admission was ordered to be by ticket in order to prevent undue crowding, but some persons sold these tickets at high prices, so they were discontinued. The revivalists moved to Exeter Hall, where on the first night over 20,000 people were present, and thousands were turned away. The streets in the vicinity of the hall were choked with people unable to obtain admission. At the Agiicultural Hall on each occasion the pressure was tremendous, people being badly crushed, and there was some fighting. The Times this morning favourably reviews the mission of Moody and Sankey. Moody and Sankey announce that they will open regular missions in East End. Revival preachers who opened a movement in Liverpool yes ferday were stoned in the iriae quarter. Messrs Moody and Sankey have held a conference with ministers of all denomina tions to consider the question concerning the revival movement which they have opened with such great success. It was arranged that Mr Moody shall, by telegraph, invite to England some of the most popular preachers in America and Australia.

GENERAL ENGLISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.

According to Protestant statistics, 30,000 Spaniards have been converted since 1868. The Protestant chapels throughout the country remain open. Cook, the English champion billiard player, has accepted the challenge recently issued by Dion for an international billiard match for $2,000.

The police of Paris made a descent on English betting offices, and seized the books and cash found on the premises.

Scordett and Co., general merchants, No. 59 Mark Lane, suspended. Liabilities, two million dollars. The suspension is caused by the failure of John C. Smitham and Co. Other suspensions are reported imminent. There was considerable disorder in Tip perary because of the refusal of some resi dents to illuminate their dwellings in honor of the second election of John Mitchell to Parliament. Several.houses which were not illuminated were attacked by the mob and sacked. Over 10,000 persons attended his funeral.

John C. Inthurn and Co., merchants, of No. 1 East India avenue, London, have failed with liabilities of 1,000,000 dollars. .

INDIA.

SURVEYING PARTY MASSACRED BY INDIANS. London, March 16. News is received that the natives of Assam have massacred a surveying party com manded by a British Lieutenant and con sisting of sixty-three Sepoys and Cooließ. ; London, March 20th.—A Calcutta dispatch to the Times says the Indian Government Expedition, sent out to survey Western Ckina, a member of which was recently murdered, has arrived at Rangoon. An attack was made by the Chinese frontier offiaials, and in the fight forty Chinese were killed, and many wounded. Communication with China on the frontier is stopped by bands of armed men.

WAIWERA (Hot Springs.)

(PER STAR CARRIER PIGfIONJ On Saturday, visited Sullivan's yard on the opposite Bide of the river. Found the outside planking of schooner building there for Messrs Morton and others, all done.

An Engineer is now employed by the Government and Road Board jointly to report upon the best way to make a coach road between this place and the Great North Road. This will bo a great boon if carried oat.

BSB^r "bj imj9



<UST RECEIVED, el 100 SEWING MACHINES, Including— Genuine Singer, Genuine Wheeler and Wilson Genuine Britannia, Genuine Howe Thomas's Wanzer, Home Shuttle for sale, ont weekly, or Cash payments, at [W. C. DENNES, Queen-street.? gg T OOK OPPOSITE THE ALBERT HOTEL THE P ANT HEO N. A REALLY GOOD OUTFIT . AT A REASONABLE PRICE. ■J^OED pOTTEE fe Q 0., 190, Queen-street, Next Edson's, C homist. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE j We are now Opening up OUR NEW- STOCK AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, To Hasd Ex Ada, Baron Abeuabb, &c, To our order direct from the Manufacturers. FRENCH MERTNOES in all colours ALL WOOL P LAI US WIJSOEYB SKIRTINTGB SHIKTIXGS FLANNELS BLA.NICET3 SHEETINGS And every description of FURNISHING GOODS. A Choice Lot of CHILDREN'S, MA.lt>'*, AND LADIES WATER PROOF CLOAK 3 AND MANTLES LADIES' BLACK CLOTH JACKETS. HOSItfRy, ETC. FANCY DRESS MATERIALS in great variety. NEW CLOTHI.x'G, ETC. To be followed by further shipments ex Emily McLarreii and Duuedin, RUSHBPtOOK & BRIDGMAN, (Late R. Hobbs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposita the Army and Navy Hotel, UPPBH QUEENXSTREET, AUCKLAND.



A Skull Trephined with a Pickaxe cannot be mended, but the head-splitting headaches provoked by a disordered stomach can be perman ently cured by soothing the great sympathetic nerve -which connects the gastric organ with the brain, Materia Medica affords no corrective of disturb ances and weakness in the abdominal region, no eradicant of any of the causes productive of brain and nerve excitement more reliable than Udoli>iio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps*