SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

» : BIGH WATES : Ibis evtning, 11.26 ; tt mor ow tnoi liiug 1 .61 SUN SEI : Tid- evening, 7.17 ; SUNRISE: to m^rr-'W niornin-. 5 '. MuON st Auit: Fmt Quarttr.-16th, 9.21 am

ARRIVALS

isi-i-nac xewtrn, b-rq.m.uue, irom Lytt-.ltQn J.n a, f-., t om aui^iiKt Gdai, schootnr. from KU< ell

DEPARTURES.

arvancn, scni-mer, for • isoorne * ly> c, teh nnef, tnt Wh,. par-i .1 una « ovrt ],iv ft I d a., F, irchiJd for Thitiri and Btj o: IsUnds Tarsmshi, s«, f r the South (f 10m the Manukau)

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Lon< oi - City of Auckland, ship, to-morrow in Tunip, da li.-ht For L<!vuk*-i au;iil- s (H-»w»i<»u) scVoner early_ For South -ea Isl nds. v.a Wangaro*— Vision,, brig

THE NEW STEAMER IONA.

To-morrow, at noon, the fine large screw steamer built by Messrs. Niccol and Son, at the North Shore, is to be launched. The vessel is to receive the name of the lona. She is the largest steamer, bar the Golden Crown, ever built here, and as is already well-known, is to take the place of the Rowena in the Northern trade, which has lately developed so much aB to be altogether beyond the capabilities of tbat smart little ■vessel. The lona has been built for the owners of the Rowena, and a few gentlemen at the Bay of Islands. Beyond receiving a rough sketch of the kind of craft to be constructed, the builders were left to themselves to fashion the shape and bearings, and it must be gratifying to them to know that the owners are well satisfied with tho manner in which they have fulfilled their commission. The lona, looked at as she lies upon the stocks, is an exceed ingly taking vessel. She has a graceful sheer, and her lines fore and aft are shapely and tapering. Her sides tumble home slightly. Her stem is perpendi cular, and she has no head gear. Her stern is just light enough for elegance and speed, without being extreme. In the delivery she has a very clean run, and there 1b a complete absence of any protuberance likely to interfere with the action of the screw. For a few feet right amidships her bottom is flat; both foreard r.nd abaft she has a good rise of floor, though not enough to interfere with the capaciousness of her hold. We cannot help tliinking that her general appearance is slightly marred by a large square hosue on deck aft, but this may be a matter of taste. In every other respect, and the exception is small, she is a beautiful as well as faithfully built ship, and a credit in. every way to the port. Her dimensions, corrected from latest measurements, are as follow j—Length of keel, 137 feet; length on deck, 145 feet; breadth of beam, '20 feet; depth of hold, 9 feet. Her register will be about. 140 tons, and she is expected to carry about 200 tons of cavgo. The rig is that of a three-masted schooner. The passenger accommodation of the lona has been specially con sidered. Her saloon is on deck amidships. The interior of this resembles the saloon of the Rowena, Ihough of course it is on a much larger scale. The fitaterooms, of which there are six, are all on the titarboard side, as well as the pantry. Berths can be provided for 30 cabin passengers. The saloon is 24 feet long by 16 feet wide. The decorations and fittings are not yet complete, and we can there fore say nothing more than that we understand they are to be very elegant. Adjoining the saloon aft is the ladies' cabin, 12 feet by 14 feet, with twelve berths, not counting the settees. Both saloon and ladies' cabin are well ventilated and lighted by skylights and side ports. The quarters for the steer age passengers are a special feature of the boat. Iv position, contrary to general rule, they correspond with their name, for they are right aft, being reached by five or six steps from the deck. Descending these we enter a commodious cabin, 24 feet long by 15 feet wide, containing 20 berths. A convenient table is down the centre. At the fore end a door leads into the females cabin, which has 10 berths. Both these cabins are well ventilated from above. It should have been mentioned before we left the grand saloon that oh its roof is a fine passenger deck. 45 feet long ariel the breadth of the vessel, which will make a splendid promenade. The length of the hold is 85 feet. The engine-room is exit off from the hold amidships. It is 25 feet long by 20 broad. The engines, which are ready to be placed in position, are the work of Messrs Eraser and Tinne. They have been constructed on the compound principle, with all the latest improve ments. The high-pressure cylinder is 20 inches in diameter, and the low-pressure cylinder 38 inches. The nominal horse-power is 60, but the actual work ing power will be about 300. Should the launch prove successful—which there is little reason to doubt, as the vessel is laid on an easy gradient, and shoidd slide into the water without any persuasion as soon as the shores are knocked away—a steamer is to tow the lona over to Mechanics' Bay basin at once, and place her alongside Messrs Fraser and Tinne's wharf, where she will receive her engines and final touches. The composition of the hull has not yet been alluded to, for one reason among others, that nearly all hulls in Auckland are built of the same materials. The tim bers are pohutukawa, and the planking heart of kauri ; the fastenings are copper bolts and treenails. Extra strength is attained by diagonal iron straps in side the timbers. The knees are of iron. The cooking galley is on deck. There is a good forecastle for the crew. .The screw has a diameter of 7 feet 6 inches. Captain Maegrcgor will take command, and we under stand that the crew of the Rowena are to be trans ferred to the Tona. The launch must be regarded as a very important event, as it is a distinct mark of progress in our commerce. As such, we trust it will be in every sense successful. A steamer will leave ihe Queen-street wharf for the North Shore at 11.45 am.

The ship City of Auckland finished clearing at the Customs this morning. Her passengers went on board this afternoon, and she is to sail at daybreak to-morrow morning. The departure of the passen gers in one of the North Shore boats created quite a Btate of bustle on the wharf. .

The schooner Gem brings 52 tons coal from Bus sell.

The brigantine Sir Isaac Newton arrived in harbour from Dunedin, at sunset last evening, after a good passage of seven days, during which variable winds were experienced. She brings a cargo of Southern produce, and is consigned to Messrs Stone Brothers. The s.s. Star of the South is being overhauled at the Gore-street Jetty. The schooner Advance takes the following passen gers to Gisbojme :—Messrs De Thlery and Son, OTUTeara, KeUy, Mr and Mrs Thompson, and four •natives.

The Government steamer- Luna arrived early this morniDg from Tauranga and Wellington. She left again at 2 o'clock this afternoon for Tiri Tiri and the Bay of Islands, taking the following passengers:— Sir Donald McLean, Colonel St. John. Commissioner Kemp, Judge. Bogan, Captain Brissenden, Paora. Tuhaere, Colonel McDonald, Mr G. H. Davies, and Mr Yon Tempsky. The Luna is expected to return in about a week's time.

The Sir Isaac Newton was in company with the schooner Agnes, which left Lyttelton on the same day, till off Mercury Island. The Agnes may be looked for at any moment. The schooners Dagmar and' Strathnaver from Oamaru, with cargoes of flour, consigned to Mr Robert Lamb, are expected at Ngaruawahia. After discharging they are to load back with timber. The ship Glenlora has been shifted from her outside berth into that lately occupied by the City of Auck land, i

The French man-of-war Le Vire, of 465 tons regis ter, commander Captain Jacpuemart, whose arrival we announced last night, anchored off the wharf at | about half-past four o'clock yesterday afternoon. She is expected to stay here a week, and then to leave for 'Tahiti. The Le Vire is a barque-rigged steamer, -#ith screw propellor. She carries seven guns. • Mr W. Brewer has chartered the Hawaiian schooner Dauntless to load for the Eijis. The barque Edith Boseis.now 119 days out from New York, and should put in an appearance within the next few days. ■ It will be seen by our telegrams that the s.s. Mikado left San Francisco with the English mail on the 6th of January. The Mikado left here on the 27th November.

The Amaranth, Grundy, entered inwards at One hunga to-day from Kaipara, with timber. The cutter Hero, Watson, has entered inwards at 5 Onehunga from Kaipara, with timber and gum. The cutter Dawn has cleared outwards at Onehunga for Raglan, with a small general cargo. '-.; The s.s. TaranaM left Onehunga this afternoon for .-the South,-with the following passengers:—Mrs J. Bell, Mrs Aldridge, Messrs John Brennan, James .*' Roberts, John Sale, Thomas A. Wilson, Broadbent, Sannorman, Marshall, Misa M. Wilson,' and the following theatricals:—Mr and Mrs Collier, Miss May Howard, Mr and Mrs Searle, Mr Booth, Mr Stark, and Mr Saville; Constable Allen and deserter from H.M.S. Blanche. *

The schooner Advance, after, making a start this morning, was obliged to put back owing to having sprung a leak. She is,now alongside the jetty, and her cargo is being taken out.

COMMERCIAL.

STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

, Btrsnnsss done to-day :— Bank of New Zealand—Bayers, £18 ss. National Bank—7os. Colonial Bank—Sellers, 15s. Fiji Bank-rSellers, 60s. | South British Insurance—Buyers, 48s. Insurance—Sellers, 275. Union Sash and Door Co.—Bayers, £9 15s. North Shore Ferry—Buyers, iss. City-of London—2Bs 6d ; sellers, 28s 6d.- Golden Calf (hew isaue) — Sellers, 4s. Golden Calf (double)— Buyers, 9a 6d. Queen of May 7a. Union Beach—Sellers, 9s. Royal Oak—Sellers, 4s 6d. Cure—Buyers, ss.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

§"• Mb. Aiebed Buckland'b Weekly Repoht.—At P Kemuera, on Thursday, dairy Cattle were in lens num bers than usual; piices rather low. Store cattle in ; full numbers; a dull sale, but late prictss realised. t. Fat cattle in less than usual numbers; 128 head sold; prices lower 2s 6d the 100 lbs. Store sheep numerous, I and in fair enquiry. Fat sheep abundant, and at lower values. Lambs unusually plentiful, and a large I .'■ number purchased by the graziers, but prices lower 2a 6d each. Fat pigs plentiful, with a steady sale at late values. Prices given were: For dairy.cows, £6 | 108 to £9 sa; yearling heifers, 45b ; steers, 65a; two t year-old heifers, 70b ; steers, 90s; fat cattle, 22s 6d to | 27b 6d the 100 lbs.; two-toothed half-bred sheep, it' nixed sexes, J_n 6d to lis; cross-bred ewes, all ages, 1 - *«6d; fatßUe©s,Bd the lb; good average fat_lwnb»,

10s to 14s eaoh; Btore lambs, frton;** each* small sized fat pigs, 3%d the lb, live weight. At the Hay market, on Friday last, best oaten hay brought from 4s 6d to 6s 9d; meadow hay, 3s 6d the cwt; chaff, 7s the 100 lbs; bran, Is 6d; oats, 4s 8d to 4s 9d; maize, 5s th 6 bushel. Horse stock in usual numbers, but of inferior quality, and but little business was done. Medium draught, jGI4 to £25; riding horses, £5 to £8 each. Sale of wool, skins, and hides was fully attended by the trade; prices given for wool and skins were a shade higher than at last sale: Lamb skins, Is 3d to 2s 6d each; sheep skins, Is 9d to 4s Gd each; locks, l^d to Sd; wool in grease, 8d to lid; lamb's wool, in grease, lid; washed locks, 6}td to lid ; washed fleece, ll^d to 15d the lb; hides, 4d to 4%d the lb.

' A draught mare from the "Waikatq, sold by Mr A. Buckland, this morning, fetched .£35. It was pur chased by Mr I>. "Wbite, of Papakura.

LATE TELEGRAMS.

ALARMING THUNDERSTORM.

BUILDING STRUCK BY LIGHT NING. HOKITIKA.

(Per Press Telegram Agency). This day."' An alarming thunderstorm passed over the town last night at ten o'clock. _ The storm culminated in a qxrek succession of fearful flashes of lightning and loud thunder. One flash of lightning resembling a huge rocket, or the popular idea of Mhunderbolt, was seer) to strike the bell tower on the Fire Brigade HaU and in a few seconds the buildings were' in flames. There were few people in Ihe street, and perfect deluge rain at the time. No alarm of the fire bell could be given, as the hell was suddenly enerulphed in flames. Thp Bath engines w*re srot out, hut tbe vood work of one was on fire-. .1 he lightning first struck the summit of the tower, _ and the steel bell, running alonst the iron wire reach ing from the tow^r to the engine-room. Tbe Pavings Bank's small buildings were saved with a strugale. The surrounding buildings are uninjured. No person was injured. Fox, the watchman, left the tower before the storm was at it=t worst. There was no insurance, and they are the only losers.

WELLINGTON.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day. Mr Fitzherbert on Provincialism. Te Ore Ore bridge. Wairarr.pa, was opened yesterday by the "Superintendent, over 400 bein" present. The lunch afterwards was held°in the Town Hall, Masterton, Mr Lucas in the chair. After the health of the Quefn and Governor, the Chairman proposed the health of the Superintendent. In the course of his reply the Superintendent said that the erection of the bridge w.as not to be re garded as a work of a looal but of a colo nial character. He felt he would not he doing his duty as Superintendent if be did not bring to their notice the connec tion between such a work and the p-esent position of public affairs. He name-i men, notably Mr O'Potke and Sir George Grey, to prove the statement; made on several occasions that only the Superintendents. Provincial Secretaries, &c, were Saveree to the abolition of provinces was incorrect;. The proposal to abolish the provinces was brought forward in the barest possible manner, and not elaborated in any way. _ It was impossi ble to reply to the proposition unless some measure or detail of bow it wss to be done was brought forward, and yet becatife his parity did rot lerly to nothing but to mere abstract proposals it was said it is clear they brd nothing to say in defence. It fas a people's question and in volved rights for which b'ood bad been freely shed in other countries. The ques tion bad been brought forward in a hurry, without; mature consideration, and the pre sent, tinae was not the t;me to bring it for ward. The colony did not want money now. but would want it s^on, and it was highly injudicious to disturb the mind of the public creditor with constitutional changes. Some thing has been proposed in the shape of local se^f-Government. He would warn them not to go after an ignis fatuus, but cling to the privilege of electing their own Executive officers, and the right of exp?nrting their local revenues, which was the essence of Provincialism.

A Gazette of yefterday contains a pro clamation renewing bonuses for the manu facture of pottery ware, linseed oil, iron, steel, and paper in the colony.

DUNEDIN.

(Per Press Telegram Agency. This day. Brown and Sons reports oats have a down ward tendency, and are quoted at 5s to 5s 3d for feed, and to 5s 6d for prime milling ; feeding barley, 4s 3d to 4s 6d ; wheat, in demand, 5s 3d to 5s 6d ; medium, 43 3d to 5s ; stocks of flour are low, prices firm at £13 to £13 10s ; pollard, £6 ; bran, £5 10s, scarce. Gas [Works. At the next meeting of the City Council- Councillor Reeves will move that the corpor ation enter into negotiations with the pro prietory for the purchase of the Gas Works, and failing satisfactory arrangements that new works be immediately erected by the corporation. I ■iiiwi 1

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Closb as follows:— "ot Thame*, this cay, at 5 80p.m., and to-morrow, at 9 3" »m. , . For Mahuriugi. MataHua, Ma gawai. Waipu, Ac , per Lacy Bo*en, to m irow at luam For Uewrxstle, N t-.W., jer l„abai a, to-morrew, at !1 » m : nil per Der<nvnt. at 3 p.uu. For Wbittangt„ Tair- s Opotisi ft d ropier via Ta'-ranp*. p-r ouihern < ro;s. to morro»\ at I p.m for Tanr nga per Vmctnf, to-o-orrow at 4 p.m. Fur Vu*»eil, \V«ng»ro>> m-d Mongonui, per Rowena on Mo,;diy nt xt. «t t p m. Koi- I evii.ta, .er • tar . r the South, on Friday, 22nd inst Lt, ht 3 i m tor the nice untraed psae« p*r City of Me'bourne, on tri.Ni, 22n<i in-tbni &sfol: ows: For t-an.'ttieb Islund*. Un t»ti States ot " meiica, o»ns.d», British V- lumbte, Central and 8 uih -lyrics, t.nti Biiii.h aud Foieigi. Vi est in ues.'&t 11 am Kor tha Lnittd Kingdom and Continent oi Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 10 a.m Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d will b« received by the Miil Agent on board up to time of sailing S. B. Biss, Chief Postm ster

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1875

For tlic cause thnt lacks assistance, For tin; wrong .- ut neuils vi-.-ilsfcuice, lor '.lie future in tin: (iisrand'. And the. uood lli.it we can do.

Nobody will be surprised to learn that the General Government have, refused an offer from the Mefsrs Brogden, to lease and wort the Eailway line to Mercer. The dog-in the manger system which has hitherto char acterised the opening or rather the non-opening of our railways as constructed, has prepared the public mind for such an event. The Messrs Brogden offer to give £450 per month for the rent of the line for three years. They also piopofe to keep the line in order, of course to defray all expenses of management, and meet the public requirements. The rent proposed is not a large one, paying little over two per cent on the cost of construc tion. But does any one think that the Government will make it pay as much, or that the Government will meet the public requirements to the same extent as would the contractors ? The Onehunga line supplies the answer. The Messis Erogden made it pay a profit. It was tafe to travel od, and its conduct met all tbe requirements of the public. Under Frank B. Passmore the line has been a loss, it is felt to be unsafe to travel on ; and as to how tbe public convenience and general welfare will he consulted, we have only to refer to the story of the Ellerslie statiori, and the attempt to snuff out the Elleislie Gardens and the other vagaries that have emanated from Frank B. Psssmore's brain ; and so it will be with the Mercer line. Instead of two per cent, for interest it will be worked at a loss. Everyone will feel con vinced of this, and the only return will be the making of billets for some more valuable importatiocs such as Mr Passmore.

We yesterday made reference to the difference in results of tho public weigh bridges at Newmarket and the wharf, and also of the machines in private establishments. And we are glad that we did so, for it has placed us in the position for solving the mystery. We find on enquiry that Mr Beilly, the Inspector of Weights and Measures, has been in the habit of regularly testing the two public weighing machines every week, and that they are both perfectly correct, free from grit aud well managed, &nd they have been so at all times ; that they perfectly agree with one another, and both weigh exactly accord ing to the standard weights kept by the Piovincial Government. He is also in the habit of rc-gnlaily rxamining the private weighing machines in the city, and there is not one of them but weighs perfectly cor rectly, giving exactly the same resulrsas the two public weigh bridges, and as the standard weights. The solution of the mystery is, therefore to be sought for elsewhere, and there cannot be a doubt that the con flicting results are from simple negligence, or possibly something worse. It appears in the first place that persons bringing produce to be weighed are often.in the habit of not attending carefully to the propping up of the shafts, so as to throw the entire weight on the weigh-bridge. But it appears also that the practice is not unknown of persons hav ing carts of different weights, and having obtained tho tare of a lighter cart, they bring their produce in one of greater weight. And though we do not venture to Buspect that any private establishment in Auckland would deal unjustly, it is well to note that there is a screw attached to most machines, and by giving this a turn or two, not merely pounds, but even hundredweights will be required to turn the scale. Of course we do not suppose that this would be done wilfully, but it might be done accidentally, and as purchasers in the hurry of business might overlook such a thing, it might be well for the sellers of produce to draw attention to the possibility of such an accident. And it is very simple to discover; for just before the weighing of the article, it is easy to try if the scales fairly balance and work correctly. Indeed, we would suggest that persons owning pri vate weighing machines should afford this test for their own information and for the satisfaction of sellers; for sometimes modesty might prevent sensitive per sons from alluding to Buch things j and then human nature is often so wicked, and so inclined to suspect, that]the fair fame of an upright firm may be called in question without the firm being aware of it, and bad men may circulate reports that so and so does not weigh faiily. It will be seen that we allude to the whole thing very deli cately. Naturally of a sensitive disposition ourselves, we feel a sympathy with persons of a delicate mental temperament, and it is therefore that we urge that all grounds for suspicion should be taken away without sensitive people being compelled to reveal suspicions, however unjust, that may be paining them within. We have indicated what appears the only solution of the mystery 4}f the sdales. And we trust that we shall be informed of the first case of the recurrence of the mystery, so that we may find whether it can be traced to the malarrangement of tho cart props, the difference in the tare of carts,

or the accidental interference with the screw attached to private weighing machines.

We have no objection to anything special whichi we have received and published being extracted and re-publiahed in other journals, out ill such case 3 the source should be ac knowledged, aud if not we resent the act as one of pilfering. In the Cross this morning we obseive re-published a letter which appeared in our columns yesterday from Mr H. S. Millet, with reference to his part iv the removal of ihe body of tbeyouuglady drowned at Mercer. Our contemporasy dimply intro dacts it by saying th^Xi Mr Miilet " has written another letter for pubjication, in which he say*," etc.; implying thereby that it was written to the Cross, and without any ackuow.edgcment whatever of its being lifted from the columns of the Evening Stab That letter was a private letter, sent by Mr Aiitlet to one of tlie proprietors of this jour nal, and was not intended for publication, and least of all in the Cross against which journal we understand legal proceedings are pending for malicious libel contained in its recent sensational articles respecting this matter. We thought that in jusiice to Mr Millet we were right in placing his case before the public ; and pro oiibly had the Cross not acttd dishonestly in the matter in representing the letter as sent to itself, we should have permitted it to enjoy unquestioned, whatever advantages in mollifying the libel might have been derived from such publication. And why, we ask, is it that the Cross indulges ia these paltry meannesses ? It is this spirit, more tnan anything else, that has caused its circu lation to fall so far av\ ay below that of the Herald as it is at present. The matter seems a very paltry one, and not woith making such a fuss about, but it is illus trative ot a^piiit that we shall very promptly bring to order if we see any more of it.

To-morrow evening's supplement of enter taining reading will contain an unusual number of interesting stories, humourous poetry, funny readings, etc. Among the stories is "The Logo! the Mary Anne," a sensational romance tbat possesses the merit of being true. "An Extraordinary Story," and " Two Actors for One Part," are lemarkable chapters of entrancing inter est. "How bujmer got a Speech" and "The Social Hank of Old Maids," are non without useful lesEons. " Mata Kite" contiibutes a graphic account of the horrors of being lost in the bush, based on personal experience. A few notes in verse on our town clock and lines on " Grandpa's Soliloquy" and " Patti on the Brain," with another waif from the Hannafordean diary foim the contiibution3 to tli9 Poetry column.

Our aid has been invokod in the following scandalous case:—"To the Editor: Sir,— There is a school in Symonds-street, belong ing to the Karangahape District, and it has hetn witnout waterclosets during the past six mouths. I was looking at it this morning and I find it is still without any means for the children (boys and girls) to observe the rules of common decency. Can you say a word for the helpless ? The school opens on Monday next. lam Sc, A parent."— Any thing more glaringly scandalous than the cmdition of this school we know not. Some time ago we heard of it from numbers of indignant residents, but we really thought the disgraceful sate of things had been altered. Were it not for the gorse bushes around the place there would be no screen from public observation, and the poor little girls. aud boys have had sufficient to suppress every sentiment of decency and shame for ever. The state of affairs amoDgst those gorso bushe3 in the neighbourhood of a crowded school may be imA^ined, and yet the committee have had long ago a graiit of £15 from the Board of Education for the erection of closets, which, we believe, has never been applied for. The conduct of the committee has been pure pig-headedness. That such a state of things should be found on the outskirts of this city and in the centre of a populous neighbour hood, is hardly ciedible. It is of less moment that the ground is not fented in; that the winclows are in a perpetual state of smash, and that the great resort of the hoodlums of the district is under the school building at night; but altogether the conduct of this committee is the most extraordinary that it has been our lot to know in the way of school management. Wo shall enquire as to the names of the present members of this committee, and we shall probably furnish them in a future is3ue for the admiration of their fellow-citizens.

Newmarket is becoming a pleasant place to live in. A little after eight o'clock last night, the Newmarket shops being closed, the members of the Literary Institute of that place wended their way to the Reading room for a couple of hours reading or chess playing. On nearins; the door of the same, a most horrible stench broke on the senses, causing a general rush from the spot. On returning, and effecting an entrance into the place, the same odour prevailed inside to such an extent that not a subscriber could stop in the rooms. The gas was therefore turned off, and the doors locked. It was then decided to make a tour of the pre mises, and discover if possible the cause of the nuisance which this time evidently did not proceed from tbe slaughter-house. The party of indignant members seeing and discovering a wheelbarrow hard by, which bore unmistakeable traces of guilt, resolved on keeping it in safe custody until the morn ing, and then get detectives to take up the scent, and discover the offender. At this juncture, the late user of the barrow came up, and explained tbe horror. A cask of pufcrified matter of some description or other had been carted from town during the day, and he had tried to wheel the sweet burden by a short cut past the reading-room door, " down to the slaughterhouse," in doing so some of the contents were strewn about, filling the air with the foulest miasma, and the reading-room with such an abominable taint, it was thought prudent, on the grounds of health, to- close it for the night. We should like to know what necessity exists for carting such loathsome matter to the public abattoir. It appears that the practice is general of carting the entrails, &c., away to the busiest premises in town for the'purpose of clearing them of the fat. This process being over, the offal is said to lie, strewn over with stable manure to hide it from sight, or else it is carted back again to Newmarket, by this time being in a very unseemly state. The inhabitants of Newmarket should hold an indignation meeting to protest against the further continuance of these dangerous nui sances, and take the necessary steps to eject them from the place.

The Criminal Sittings closed last evening with the case of the little girl, Cecilia Allen, accused of setting fire to a stable belonging to her late master, Mr Howard, of Takapuna. After a long aud patient investigation of the charge the jury returned a verdict of "Not Guilty," and the girl was discharged. The general opinion of the public is that the majority of fires occurring in Auck land are the result of wilful acts of incen diarism, and it is exceedingly difficult to bring these charges home to the offenders, and, in the absence of direct evidence, it is almost impossible to bring offenders to jus tice, and juries are necessarily compelled to pass a verdict of not guilty, and the public are obliged to remain in a state of constant insecurity with the knowledge that the evil genius of fire still walks undetected along the streets.

The members of the Royal Albert Loyal Orange Lodge will hold their quarterly meeting this evening in the Lodge-room, Wellesley-street, for transacting the general business of the order.

The steamer Takapuna will make a special trip to-morrow morning at a quarter to 12 o'clock, for the convenience of those desiring to see the launch al Captain Macgregor's new steamer at Mr Niocol's yards.

We learn that the friends of the Auckland Sunday-school Union are about to receive a new panorama from the London Central Society in the Old Bailey, and that the subject is one of classical beauty, viz, Up the Rhine to Italy," scenes which are ever interesting in connection with legendary lore, poesy, aud song. We may notice further that, the Union has lost for a time, one of its indefatigable workers in the person of Mr Glanville, who has started to day for Old England by the 'City of Auckland. The members of the Union met in the Young Men's Christian Association rooms las-t night and presented Mr Glanville with an address in which his services to the c?m<=e were warmly eulogised. The presentation was made on behalf of the Society by J. C Firtb, Esq.. President. The address had been beautifully illuminated by Mr E. B Dickson and was surmounted with the photographs of the President and other office-bearers i« connection with the Union. It was stated at the meeting that Mr Glanville would be come delegate to the Parent Society on behalf of this branch of the Union. After the presentation ceremony wss over, Mr Glan ville proceed to the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children, which be took an active part in establishing, and bid the inmates farewell in an instructive address.

We notice that the Eev. S .Edger, 8.A., will deliver a discourse on Sunday morning next in the Lome-street Hall, on the sudden death of the late Dr. J. R. Nicholson, chiefly in his relation to Templary.

The election of school committees for Nos 1 and 2 districts of City West, took place last evening. No. 1 meeting was held in Union-street school; Mr Thomas Shove in the chair. It was reported that the average attendance for the past year was 70 boys and 69 girls, making a total of 139. The follow ing- gentlemen were then elected to serve on tho committee : Messrs Thomas Shove, Malcolm Ross, George M. Main, W. F. Gayne, and George H. Powley. The chair man chosen was W. F. Gayne; and the chairman elected, G. M. Main, for the coming year. No. 2 meeting was held in Hepburn-s!reet school. Thomas Machatt'.e in the chair. The schoolmaster rerd a favourable report to the few persons pt esent, and Messrs Gorri*, Wright, McMillan, MeNabb, and Westmoreland were chosen as the committee for the year.

We understand that Captain Symonds, of Onehunga, has been appointed Resident Magistrate at Kaipara, in place" of Judge Rogan, who is to fulfil the office of Judge of the Native Lands Court on the East Coast.

Among the passengers by the Taranaki for the South to.day, were Miss May Howard and Mr W. G. Collier, who give a season in Christchurch.

An interesting Masonic presentation took place at the Queen's Ferry Hotel, last night, when the members of the United Service Lodge presented Brother W. W. Batts, P.M., with a handsome signet ring, as a memento of their esteem on the eve of his departure for England. Mr Batts hss received a com mission from the Provincial Grand Lodge to visit the «rand Lodge, 1.C., in Dublin.

Ihe monthly inspection of No. 2 City Company took place last evening. There was a full muster, and the men went through their drill creelitably. After parade there was a meeting for the election of non-com missioued officers, when Messrs. G. Parting ton and B. Mason were elected sergeants. The next firing for Mr Robinson's medal is to take place on Saturday next, at 2 p.m.

A very pleasing gathering took place last evening in connection with the distribution of prizes to the children attending St. Sepulchre's and Epiphany Sunday-schools. The Rev. B. T. Dudley presided, and intro ducing the business, gave an aeldress upon tho progress of the schools. Mr. Batger read the annual report, and Mr. Biggs, the treasurer's statement and the financial statemeut of the St. Sepulchre's Melanesian Mission Fund. The pupils of tbe schools had during the past year, supported one scholar in connection with the mission, and would during the ensuing twelve months maintain two. The Rev B. T. Dudley then distributed the prizes, addressing a few suitable words to the recipients. The Rev. Dr. Purchase then gave an address on the subject of sing ing, in which he maintained that it was within the power of all to acquire a know ledge of singing, sufficient to serve them for joining in the church-service. The Rev. Mr. Willis afterwards addressed the children brieliy, and the Rev.- Mr. Dudley read £. number of interesting letters on the progress of the Melanesian Mission. Several musical selections were afterwards rendered, Mr. Brown presiding at the harmonium. Two ladies rendered a duet very effectively, and Mr Barker sang, "If with all your heart," with his usual success. Altogether a very pleasant evening was spent by those present.

The householders of the North Shore edu cational district meet to-night in the school room, at half-past seven for the election of a committee for the ensuing year.

A meeting of the creditors of Messrs. Gibbons and Co., brewers, Onehunga, was held yesterday at the offices of Messrs. Owen and Graham. The liabilities (unse cured) were stated to be £650, and the assets £130. Messrs. Heather and Stevenson were appointed supervisors of the estate on behalf of the creditois.

The annual meeting of the Panmure school committee was held on the 13th instant, Mr Mitchelin the chair. The report shewed steady progress. At the close of the year, 71 scholars were on the roll. Report as read was adopted by the meeting. Mr Simms was appointed secretary to the meeting, and Messrs Porter and Malone, scrutineers. A warm discussion then arose as to whether every male person twenty-one years of age, who had duly paid his rate, was entitled to take part in the proceedings of the meeting, and if such peraon was eligible to be elected on the new • school committee ; and further, if householders who had been exempted from paying the education rate last year were entitled to be piesent, and take part in the proceedings of the meeting, and if eligible for election on the new school com mittee. It was resolved that the meeting be adjourned to the 20th inst., at the Public Hall, Panmure, at 7.p.m., in order to allow time for definite information on these ques tions to be obtained from the Education

Board,

" Dot" was played last evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre with much success, as was also the lively farce of " Paddy Miles's Boy," of which Mr. Poole was the life and soul. Dot, the interesting character of the "Cricket on the Hearth," was re presented by Miss Amy Stone with con summate skill, while John Perrybingle, the honest, noble-hearted country carrier, was well sustained by Mr. Aveling. Mr. Deering displayed the churlish, heartless characteristics of Tackleton to the life, while Miss Patty Holt was exquisite as the blundering nurse, and gentle, forgiving Bertha, the blind girl, was life-like by Miss Maggie Knight. In truth, all the figures were presented with much truth, and was a success. The great feature of the works of Dickens is their beautiful moral, which in directly enforces " peace on earth and good will to mankind," and in this respect his writings are a perpetual rebuke to the sen sational nonsense which the people are not unfrequently asked to accept. We notice that the great spectacular drama of the "Sea of Ice" will be presented this evening. A word should be Baid in favour of the orchestra, the members of which played several selec tions last evening in a very pleasing manner.

A new racing gig is being built by Charles Bailey for the North Shore Rowing Club. It is being constructed out of pinewood cut from one of the old masts of the ship Condoren. The boat is to be 38ft. long, with a beam of 4ft.;fand is to be leady for launch ing next Tuesday. She has a crew ready to try her with a view to pulling in her in the forthcoming Regatta.

We mnst hold' over^Fairplay's" letter respecting the case of Cecilia Allen till to morrow. Yesterday afternoon, in accordance with resolution of the Public Buddings Commis sioner!, his Honor the Superintendent accompanied by Mr Berapatb, «d Mr Mlrieht, visited tbe gaol in order to bud to what extent gaol labour can be made,avail able for the preparation of ma'e lals for tbe building of the new hospital We understand that the result of the enquiry is very satis factory, but that the quantity of stone re quired to be actually cut would oveitasktbe resources of the gaol labour withm the limited time necessary. For ordinary sized stones and uilble the supply will be abundant. The tenders will be called for in a day or two, and will be ieturnab!e in about six weeks. Strange as it may appear, we are informed on credible authority that the bullocks of Wangarei have got the measles. It is singular with what extraordinary rapidity this disease has travelled from the fcouth. Sharks seem to be very numerous in the colonial harbours at present. From cur Wellington telegiams to-day it will be seen that they are very common in Port Nicholson. From Gisborne we learn that the ferryman on the Turanganui river succeeded in landing a shark measuring five ftet one inch by a fishing hook, which was out at the time from the end of the wharf. And the Tauranga journal cautions bathers against tho same danger. A cricket match will be played at the North Shore on Saturday next between an eleven of the North Miore Cricket Club and an eleven of the Carleton Cricket Club. These clubs have not contested this season as yet The Carleton hitherto has not been beaten, and if they shew up with their usual strength, we predict a close match. Jhe fol! owing are the players :—North -Shore : Messrs. Swanson, Waterhouse, Rees. Nolan, Thome, Whitaker, Biassey, Wells, Metcher, X Braithwaite, Dacre. Carleton : Mtssis. W. Lawry, J. Lawry, Ewen, Wear?, Stone, Bodle, T. 1 awry, Leggett, Tonks, Dickens, and Sharpe. The players will leave the Queen-street Wharf, and play will be com menced at 2 p.m. sharp.

ARRIVAL OF THE "ALBION" WITH THE SUEZ MAIL.

COLLIERY EXPLOSION.

REUTERS SPECIAL.

BLCFF.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day. The Albion, with the Suez mail, left Mel bourne at 9 p.m. on the 10th, and arrived at the Bluff at daylight on the 15th, making a pplendid run of four days seven hours. She brings 44 saloon and 35 steerage passengers, and 250 tons cargo for all ports. She sails for Dunedin at 3 p.m.

LONDON.

January 6. Another colliery explosion near Rotfierham caused a loss of seven lives.

PARIS.

January 6. The grand Opera House, Paris, opened yesterday.

The Lord Mayor of LondoD, with the Sheriff, in the English state carriage, and wearing their robes of office, were received with greatest honors by President McMahon, at the Palace Elysees. January 7. In his message to the Assembly McMahon asked the members to vote a first and second Chamber Bill. The Assembly, after a dis cussion, rejected the proposal, by a majority of 420 against 250. The Ministiy wiil re sign.

AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

[PER ALBION AT THE BLUFF.]

MELBOURNE.

January 9. Sir William Stawell, Governor Cairns of Queensland, and Governor Weld of 'I as mania, are here, all passengers by the mail steamer. Governor Robinson was landed at Western Australia.

The yield of gold is falling off considerably from previous years.

The revenue returns shew a decrease on tbe quarter of £15,575, but an increase on the year of £151,839; the total revenue being £4,053.864.

Two keepers of betting shops have been fined £50 each.

A large number of men are wanted for railway works, at seven shillings per day of eight hours.

SYDNEY.

January 9. Arrived, December 7th : Strathnaver, from New Zealand. December Bth : Star of India, from Wellington. Henry Hutchenson has been appointed the Governor's private secretary vice Derobeck, resigned.

The Corporation has dismissed one-half of its employes, owing to want of funds. The Mikado left California on Wednesday, the 6th January.

The motion to expunge the Governor's minute re Gardiner's release issuie to be .carried against the Government.

ADELAIDE.

January 9. The quarter's revenue amounted to £23,800, making £1,003,000 for the year.

NEWCASTLE.

January 9. Arrived, 7th : Ben Nevis, from Auckland

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before His Worship the Mayor.) ALL ABROAD

Henry Monsell and Daniel Vesty, who were pulled up in Chancery-streetlast night in a riotous condition pleaded guilty, and were fined 5s and costs each. a mistake. Edwin Carvin was brought up. charged on a summons with depositing offensive matter on land abutting on a public thoroughfare, to wit, Fort-street, on the 7th inst., contrary lo the letter and spirit of the Municipal Police Act. Sergeant-Major Pardy asked that the case might be withdrawn, as there had been some mistake. Struck out. another. ■ .;,,'; ~£,,.,;, Wm. McEvoy was similarly charged, and alike application being made by the police, the charge was withdrawn. REMANDED. James McShane was accused with breaking the law in a similar manner on the Bth inst. The case, at the request of .the defendant! was remanded till Monday, j-c- "^ - '-' THE NOBLE ANIMAL AND ITS VAGARIES John Mulally was charged with. a_ breach

of the ftl unicipal Police Ajf^jS^KT^'( ' two hoises to be at large iv-p^fmi\- ifVH'' Bosd on the sth January.^ ' o f|S ' **** .Defendant pleaded guiliw ■*%!*__ * 5s and costs. V city bylawSj Alexander Campbell m as/ called u Con answer for the wayward coindrct of hit h in •wandering in fchcriland street"on thef'u inst. s—^'' "ln, This case w^i'elayed some time,-,i n " sequence ef the law requiring that ltsb^ij^ he heard before two justices, and ajte^f§ me not b^ing ferthcoming. After an ' Mr P. Grahbin cane in and took hirie^ 81,^ p? Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fin j 5z and costs. . - ; 'Ibis v\as all the business.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST THAMES EEWS.

Ohinemuri to be Opened

GRAHAMSTOWN,

(From our own Correspondent.) I; Thisdav ' ' 1 The Advertiser mates the following--! nouneement, which caused geneial satbfJJ' i tion :—" We are glad to be able, tn the W 1 authority, to settle the reports which W 1 been current duiing the last few dajs. It I not the intention of Sir Donald McLean with reference to Ohiremuri, as was stated' 11 not to open Ohinemuri till after his proposed meeting v. itb the King paity, \Ve r_l2 now ttate positively that Sir Donald McLean will be absent at tbe Bay of Islands for onh) I a few days, and that on his return will again '■'" i visit the Thames, when the long looked for 8 opening of Ohinemuri will take place. We should tay therefore that the opening cannot be fuither than a fortnight distant. This--1 * I announcement will be welcome, for an uneasy feeling was beginning to prevail, and those ' who intend to try Ohinemuri will beable to ! make arrangements for something lifc e « definite period. From the time that Sir Dona'd McLtan came down to the Tbameg in connection with the Ohinemuri affair he ' ha 3 acted ttiaigbtforwardly, fairly, and candidly with the people of this district. The Cospatrick Sufercrs. Last night tbe Advertiser communicated with the Press Association, respecting a telegram sent by them re the Cospatrick. The Association, a few days since sent a list of the names of those who did not sail and of those who sailed and were rot on the last. Among thefoimer were a family named White, relatives of Mrs Kriton of tbe Thames. The Government was communicated with, and knew nothing of White not having sailed, and in reply to the Advertiser Mr X nocker replied. " L fesr Tuesday's telegram was incorrect." • - The annual meeting of Sr. Georges Church was held last night, when the church officers, were re-eltcted.

The Queen of May got the Bird-in Hand ' | reef in the ercss-cut to-day 110 feet'from the* 1 shaft, but have 1 ot yen broken down quariz. The Old Whau last night had 21 lbs. of specimens from the main reef. The Pumping A ssrciation ar6 getting on well with the connecting of pumps. The City of London's new machinery ia working satisfactorily. Ihe men are on the bottom excavation. Appeal Cases. jj In the Resident AJ agistrate's Court to-day appeals by the Caledmian and other com- -I panics against the Borough assessment were | struck out, there being no appearance on ;_ f either side. It had been on the last eight times and adjourned, pending settlement, i . Good Templary. I The Good Templais chartered the Pearl to-day, and a Lrge number accompanied the , Hon. S. D. Hastings to Ohinemuri. | The manager of the Golden Calf forwarded the following telegram to-day : — " Golden Calf. Gold has been seen again in the new lode, intersected in the maiu drive. Coun try and indications most favourable." ,

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

DUNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent.) Body Eaten by Fishes. The body of Js mes Psdger, who wag drowned at Hf mpden on New Year's Pay, was found on the beech near Port Moeiaki jetty on the lOtb. The lemains were badly - mutilated by fish, the left, arm being bitten off fiomlhe shoulder, and the left leg and thigh had almost all the flesh taken off. The clothes were torn from the Lody. News from Martin's Bay. The Martin's Bay mailman states that on the 9th the weather was splendid from about eight o'clock in the morriing until five in the evening, and the transit cf Venus was very . plainly visible. The " Times" re the Co<patrick. The Times, commenting on the loss i>f the Cospatrick, urj.es that wooden vessels should be absolutely excluded from the list of emigrant carrying shif-s, and vessels should not be allowed to carry more passengers than they can provide boat or other life preserving accommodation in case of wreck. Successful Wool Sale. Satisfactory results attended Mr Driver's second wool sale of the season. The attend ance of American and local buyers was gnod, and competition spirited throughout, prices compaiing favourably with the previous sale. During the week at auction, and by private treaty, 2,000 bales had been placed. Branch Railways- A company is being formed ac WestTaeire tofconstruct a branch line from Mosgiel to Outram. Another branch is proposed to be constructed from the Mati line, about two miles north of Clutha river, Mowai to Kai tangata township, to be ultimately extended to Coal Point. The line will probably be completed as far as Kaitangata township as soon as the Clutha railway is open for traffic. " The first sod wiil be turned by Major Richardson, the second week in February. Five promoters have taken 'the work in band, A. J. Smythe beiDg the managing director. The line is to be five and a-half miles in length. The promoters send an order to Britain by nex; mail for rails and locomotives. It is prop'-sed to work the line when finished with Government rolling stock. Serious Express Accident. -An express accident occurred at Look-out Point, on Monday, which it is faared will : result fatally. One person was iujured, a Dutchman, name unknown. He was deli rious yesterday, and faint hopes are enter tained for his recovery. Mabel and her Jockey. The North .Otago Jockey Club fully en dorse the action of the Dunedia Club in the disqualification of Mabel and her jockey, Mitchelson. A* meeting is fixed for tbe 9th of March. Tbe programme includes a hurdle race of 50 '■;' soys. ; Maiden Plate, 40 soys. ; Members' Plate, 50 soys , and a handicap of 100 sovb., ,i with a sweepstakes of 3 soys. Fire iin? Dunedj^^^^^s A lire occurred as Stracban^ioi^ sss|*|j .^ morning. The stables and bottiing-sl^ j were entirely destroyed. It is fully insured?-^t_J in the .Standard, but the amount of damage 7 is not known. Thomas Spence, carter, who fell from a waggon afrGreytown while in a fit, and was run over,fdied this morning. ~ _ Duneedin Representatives. W%s The Otago representatives, under charge of Captain Goidie, leave in the "Wellington to-day.

THE EVENING STAR THURSDAY MONDAY AHGL;ASJF



TTfIION BANK OF AUSTRALIA. [Established 1837.] PAID-UP CAPITAL £1,250,000 RESERVE FUND £400,000 THE HIGHEST CtJRKENT BATE OP INTEBEST ALLOWED ON FIXED DEPOSIT. JOSEPH E. POUNDS, Manager. QO SPATHIC K. N O T I C E. INSURERS In the SOUTH BRITISH of GOODS per OOSPATEICK, whose CLAIMS are PAYABLE in Auckland, 'and who hive not yet been PAID, can RECEIVE AMOUNT DUE THEM on applica tion at the office of the CompaJj^-^^ A. BOARDMAN, Manager. Auckland, January H, &, H: " <



Tp i FT-ST H EET (second house from J Symonds-street).—The Misses Supples Pupils will reassemblo on MONDAY, January 18, 1875. A Drawing Class every week. gg&