SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH "WATER : Tbta evening, 6.17 ; to morrow morning. 6 86 - BUS SET : This evening, 8.28 ; SUN RISE: to. moJVo w moraine, 5.55 aiOOHTS AGE : New Moon. Bth, Bam

ARRIVAL.

DJjn, n M.S., 1.750, tons, 8 guns, Captain Chapman, from l riii Ada, b?r<ia? ; from London He ena, b,;igautine, from Lyttelton and Poverty Pay Greta, brigantine, Kerns, frcstn Oamaru and Kakanui

DEPARTURES.

Warwick, ship, for Napier. Isabella, brig, for Newcastle. Queen, schooner, for HoManga Fanny Kelly, ketch, for Tairua

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For the Soath—Phcabe, to-morrow _ For Newcastle—Union, barque, early For -an i'raucisco -Mikado, s.s., (nest English

Mail), Msrch 19 For tbe Islands - Martha, barque, early For Nader—lnverene, ship, early For tsydnay and Melbourne-Cyphrenes, s.s. on

ai rival For London—Glenlora, ship, about the 7th March For Timaru—"Wave, brig, early Peerless, for Kai-psra, Wedneiday next Daphne, for Levuka, Wednesday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

_ram me ooum—LiaayDira, atn inss Cyphrenes. ss, (English Mail), from San Frj.nchcc

about 6th March ; sailed 7th ult. Hero, s.s. from Sydney, about 16th Won^a, from Sydney, early Ca'lor On, ship, from London ; sailed Ferr-glen. ship, from London : sailed Baron Abeydare. ship, fiom London; failed Dec 8 Shooting Star, Dar^ue, from London ; sailed Dec 23 Rapido, barque.from New York, via Adelaide Syren. Vrig, from Lyttelton Ryno, brigaritine'. from Botumah, early Flirt, bfigantine, from Lyttdton, early Papua, sciooner, from K&rbtonga, early Belle Brandon, schooner, from the Islands, early

IMPORTS.

PerOreta, from Oamaru and Kakanui: 900 hags oats', Jakins and Wilcox. —.Master agent.

The Atlantic has cleared in ballast for Mercury Baj ; and the Dauntless has cleared outwards for Levuka via Mercury Bay. The schooner Fanny and Acadia are load ing timber at Mercury Bay for Napier. The Acadia is expected to leave to-night. The s. s'.'iScotchman came into Mechanics' Bay this morning to tow the new steamer lona from her berth opposite Fraser and Tinne's, where she has had her engines placed in her. The tide being bad, she did not float. Another attempt will be made this evening at eight o'clock.

The schooner _f-essie Henderaon arrived in the Waikato on Wednesday last from Lyttel ton, which port she left on the previous Saturday. She had discharged all her cargo the day before yesterday, that is within a week from starting. :___, b. Dido, Capti in Chapman, arrived in port yesterday morning frcm Lev.rka via the New He bridsandNew Caledonia. Sic has been engaged returning labourers to their homes ahiohg tho islands. It -wa.B found on enquiry that most of these had been kidnapped by small vessels bearing the English flag. The Dido having coaled at Noumea left there on the 28th ult, and had a fair weather passage. The fore and aft schooner just completed by Messrs Hehderson and Spraggon, will be launched at seven o'clock this evening. She is a fine useful little vessel of about 56 tons register. She measures G3 feet on the keel, 19 feet beam and 7 feet 4 inches depth of hold. Her builders' measurement is about 105 tons. She has been constructed to the order of Mr Ansenne, and is intended for the Napier trade. Her masts and rigging »re already set up, and her sails, which were supplied by Mr Leßoy, are on board, so that she will be sent off fully equipped. Due regard has been had in her construction to sailing and carrying. Her lines are shapely and her framework of great strength. She is copper-fastened throughout. We have no doubt the launch will be a successful one. The new vessel is toreoeive the name of the Orpheus. The schooner Isabella Pratt (not a pretty name) was punched from Messrs. Niccol & Son's yard at five O'clock on Saturday afternoon according to the an nouncement in our columns. The launch was a com filete success The ceremony of christening was per ormed by Miss McEwen. She was brought across _a harbour and placed alongside the Gore-street jetty to St out for sea. Her description has already t_ppeared.

The brig Isabella, bound for Newcastle, put to sea yesterday. The ship Warwick, bound to -Napier, 'cleared tho harbour on Saturday. Tho whalinjfbarque Hunter, Captain Holt, has had a most successful run since lewing New Bedford. She-is now 47 months, or nsarlyjfour years out, but in thai time she has taken over 300 tuns of oil. prin cipally sperm, valued at the noble sum of £30,000. The brigantine Helena arrived yesterday from Iprttelton via Poverty Bay, with a cargo of bread -WHBTs. Left Tauranga on the 4th instant. Mr O. "W. Owen is the agent of the vessel. The brigantine Oreta arrived this morning from Oamaru and Kakanui, with a cargo of oats for Messrs Jakins and Wilcox. Captain Kerns reports loading part of his cargo at Oamaru and part at Kakanui, a small port five or six miles south from Oamaru. Ht left Kakanui on tho 23rd ultimo. He started with erlsterly winds, which carried him ten miles north of Xyttelton. He theil experienced southerly breezes till the East Cape. Thence a dead beat into nor:. The Oreta is an old-fashioned looking craft of 69~tor;f register, owßed in Dunedin. She is said to c?u_> sylsndidly before the wind, but at tacking she's tl_ very dickens. She and the Helena were signalled ir irido Tiritiri at daylight yesterday morning. Th- Helena arrived atone o'clock on Sunday, the Ore.a a' 13even this morning. Captain Chapman, of H.M. s. Dido, reports that o? Saturday, the 6th instant, at 5.45 p.m., off Cape Bret; he spoke the barqu* Ada, Captrin Asals, from Lot) don, 100 days out. She desired to be reported as ' al' well," and having had a " pleasant passage." Up k the present time the Ada has not made the harbour but she will probably-turn up at daybreak to-morrow morning.

The Phoebe will leava Onehunga to-morrow monjiiv at 10 o'clock.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wakgantti, this day. The St Kilda left at 10.30 am this!day for the Manukau,

COMMERCIAL.

The sub-marine residence at Remuera, at present in the occupation of the proprietor (Major George), including eight aores of land^ planted with fruit and ornamental trees, ware offered to-day by Messrs B. Tonks and Co. sft. their m«ot and withdrawn at £850.

Mr E. Arthur »old on Saturday, at his mart, Queen etreet, a large "number of cases of apples and pears, •i Bella Mary, from Hobart Town, when the follow ing prices were realised :—Apples fl to IZ% ; pears, f1.% to l\% ; damsona, /2so /2><f; Wilson's new jams, 7/3. The aula of tha kangaroo leather was adjourned mi ill Wednesday naxt.

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS.

The following »re the cuireut calls and dividends payable in th» companies named below:— CALLS. £ s. d. Date. Blrd-ia-Hand 0 4 0 — March 8 • Central Italy 0 10—,, 10 TTniom Beaoh... 0 2 0— 10 Triia of Tokatea 0 0 6—,, 10 Watchman 0 0 6— „ 10 Harbour View. 0 10—,, 10 Vn*. 0 0 6—,, 10 V.%. I_«an Company 10 0 — „ 11 *»uth BritJih G. M. Co 0 10— „' 16 kamea G. M. Oe. <*. 10 o—,, 18 "M.%. Jjomn Company 0 10 0 — June 11

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Ciose as follows: — Foi Ih'.u.ei. this -uy, a>. S 30 ;. m. and to morrow, at

.:.<J A Id. oh Wednesday nest, at 11.30 am For Colonies, jer C phieiea, sis hours atie, aui ■<; Prr ? s Phcß'-e t ---wo;c, ai un-.ler : — For India, Chin*, Amttiiermn.^u Ports, and Continent, of -.urtipe at 7 ■•* in For Tavanas:, St.u-.huri. Provinces, Cli tham Is 1-nch, via Ly.t/tm. aid aust ihai Cuhnies, at Bam .-for rhi.'cd Kingdom, via Briu^H. t-ud late letter.* for Sjuthdrn l-'ro/'iice1; sad liL-loourne, at 8 15 am fo.- ne-vspnper;-, a'. C.SO am For money orders, aud re£.'»toren letters, this day, at 5 p m. For Whitiangi, per Dauntless, to-narrow, at 9 am For Kawtiu and Matakana, per L.\Ay Bowen, to-

morrow, at 10 am For Mongonui, per Swallow, to-uurrow, at 11 a.m

Mails for Australian Cjlonies and U tiitcd Kingdom, via Melbourne, will close at Hokicika, to-morrow, at 9 am

(Signed)

S. B. Bis.-.. Chief Postmaster

BIRTHS.

Bell—On March G, at her it-s-idence, Cook-street, Mrs W. F. Bell of a daughter. Ckaig—On sth March, at SeaJeld View Road, the

wife of J. Craig of a daughter. Craig—On the 7th instant. :.c Mount-street, the wife

of Sir William Craig of a son. Restkd —At her residence, Deck-street, Freeman's Bay, this morning, Mrs George Bested, of a son.

MARRIAGES.

Humphreys—Coombe—On Thursday, March 4, at St. Sepulchre's Church, by tl:.- Rev. B. T. Dudley, William, second son of AYilhain Humphreys, Esq., Great Crosby, near Liverpool, to Fanny Elinor, second daughter of the late Joseph Coombe, Esq., of this city.

Walteb3 —Evekabd. —At St. Matthew's Church, by the Rev. S. Hassard, on Sunday moruiug last, Wm. AValters to Kachael !__viiard.

DEATHS

Eggenton—At bis parent's rsidence, Coburg-street, William, only son of Air William Eggenton, aged 7 months.

The funeral will take place to-morrow, at 3 p.m Friends.are invited to attend.

Smith.—At his lather's residence, comer of Albert and Wellesley-sti-eots, William, second son of Mr Geoige Smith aged 1 year and 3 months.

The funeral will take place to-morrow, at 3 p.m, Friends are invited to attend.

Gbibbl-c—At his parent's residence, Lome-street, Frederick William, juuujjest son of tbe late Wm. Gribble, aged 1 year and rf months.

The Hint ral will take jlacc at 3 p.m. to-morrow Friends are invited to attend.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1875.

For the cause that lacks assistance, >'or the wrong v at needs resistance, **X the future in the distance- Aa* tins rood that we car. do.

It affords us txAecne e&t.sfaution to refer our lealers to the addros3 fr.rm Mr Dargaville, published in ano;h?r column, in which that gendeman announces his retirement from the contestf jr the Superintendence. His action in this 'matter is as honorable to Mr Dar gaville as it is complimentary to Sir George Grey. Mr. Dargaville wm fi.-at in the field, and in the absence of any expression of views oa the part of Sir Georgo on the great questions wi'h which men's minds are vexed, it was natural for Mr. Dargaville to express him3ilf determined to resist j the triumph of ths strong P-ovincialist i viesrs with which Sir G-orge Grey was generally credited. In fankly and promptly accepting tho enunciation of views made by hi 3 opponent, and admitting that tho difference beiwoen his own views and those of Sir George is so small as to not be worth fighting for, Mr. Darg-iviile very honorably retires I rom a contest which, undsr these circumstances, would have to be fought out on grounds oth?r than those of policy and principles, In doing uo no doubt Mr Dargaville will have given some offence to supporters whose zeal often outstrips the movements of their chief ; but we cannot understand one word of ceasura that could be applied by the most impetuous follower which has not its answer in Mr Dargaville's candid admission that Sir George's publicly expressed views and bis own are almost identical. Those that know Mr Dargaville —and most in the province have had an opportunity of learning his spirit from a former contest—will not charge him with want of pluck; and we do not hesitate to say that if any man could have bothered and thwarted Sir George Grey's Committee, that man would have been Mr Dargaville. But in retiring in favour of Sir George Grey, the late candidate concedes the justness of the desire of so many, not in the province alone, but throughout New Zealand, to have the services in the pre sent crisis of a man who, in the theory and practice of Government, has not and never had his like in New Zealand. We may as sume now with confidence that Sir George Grey will have what is known as a "w3fk over," although we do not think that this will in anywise prompt him to forego the intention of addressing the electors in person if it is still desired. As for Mr Dargaville, we again express our desire and hope that he will be afforded an opportunity of taking a part in the higher spheia of the politics of the colony. We must confess that a debt of gratitude is due to him for thus generously stepping aside, and saving

the province from the cost, and worry, and lasting bitterness of a contest. He did this although he was first in the field, and so com mitted, and while the prompting of human nature and the "belligerence of an Irishman might well have incited him to "let it rip. ' We again say that public gratitude is due to him; and both (for this, and for the active service he is well able to render to our inter ests, we hope to see Mr. Dargaville haviDg a part the proceedings of the Assembly.

We would direct the attention of our readers to our Napier telegram. The system of throwing dirt at a distance and from safety is peculiarily available to the "Own Correspondent" and by correspondents of a certain class is freely used. The writer in question who is living on the public bread to which we in common with others contribute, has long been known to purchase the favours of his superiors by such vile services. Indeed he owes his promotion to this system of tickling the taste of tho Government, in defiance of the rules of the civil service. He is not the only one that we trust the public will see sweptjput when the pending change comes, and when the flood of public indigna tion is directed through that fAitgean stable h —the Native and Defence office.

Wk have again received most indignant com plaints of the intolerable nuisance created by the soap and candle factory at Parnell, on Saturday, as, we are informed, the smell was such that it might be almost chewed. Surely there must be some way of protect ing the public from this abomination. It appears it was in defiance of the opinions and protests of residents that this form of local industry was introduced into that district, and the following document has been placed in our hands, bearing the signatures of Colonel Sillery, Dr. Stratford, Dr. Wright, and forty-five other influential residents, which was drawn up and presented in the effort to prevent the original location of such a nuisance in the centre of a dense popula tion.—" We, the undersigned inhabitants of Parnell, understanding that you are about to erect a soap and candle manufactory iv their neighbourhood, feeling certain that it will be accuse of disease and death among the people resident in this part, we hereby no tify you that if any nuisance is created by the same, we pledge ourselves jointly to in stitute proceedings against you at the Court of Queen's Bench, and sve have the best authority for informing you that you will be liable to very heavy damages." Of the his tory of this document, the original of which with the autographs of the protesteis is now before us, we are not at the present moment informed ; but it sufficiently indicates that it was in defiince of public feeling that the nuisance was first introduced, and it shows extreme pusillanimity somewhere that no steps have been taken to relieve the resident* from this great evil. The Central Board of Health havo already resolved that no ren dering down of fat should again take place on the establishment, but no notice whatever has been taken of the resolution. 7or so far as we know have any steps been taken to put the resolution in force. In.lexl since the recent operation of " whitewashing" and since entanglement? were wiped off with six shillings in the pound, ther>^ appears a new life aud vigour infused into the operations, and the arjma raised is proportionate to the renewal of strength. While other similar nuisances have been treated with no sparing band, the authorities positively seem as if afraid to interfere. What can be tho cause of this ? If the Central Board of Health durst not carry out; its own orders, surely the local Board need not be embarrassed in in effort to save the residents in the vicinity from sickness and death.

Our pigeongram from Ohinemuri today announces that reports are current of several finds of alluvial and reef gold, but nothing definite is known. The protection to claims expired today, and some practical work must be begun. Until this is done the rumours regarding finds will continue vague. It i 3 prcmatuie to pronounce either one way or the other just now concerning the rich ness of the district. Anything which the prospec'o s may know they have reason for concealing uut.il they have some guarantee of title ; but apart from that, such a wiHe district as that thrown open will require months to prospect fairly. We are sorry to notice from the Coromandel Mail that Mr C. Ring was thrown from his horse by the animal shying while crossing a creek. much shaken and hurt on the hip, Mr Ring was fortunately not in jured so severely as to confine him to the house.

The Hobson Company fired for a number of prizes at the Mount Eden range on Satur day, under the supervision of Capt. Dignan. The firing was at 400 yds. and 500 yds. Volunteer Carson won the 400 yds. range prize, and Volunteer Michael Connolly the 500yd.s. range prize. Tho other prizes were carried off as follows :—First prize, Volunteer Michael Connolly ; second prize, Bandsman D. McCarthy ; third prize, Bandsman T. M. Taylor ; fourth prize, Volunteer W. Carson ; fifth prize, Lieut. Clif ton.

The Orangemen of the Auckland districts seem to have forgotten the fact that this, the Bth day of March, is the 173 rd anniversary of the death of William of Orange, who died on the Bth of March, 1702, in consequence of injuries received by a fall from his horse. This monarch, whose influence had made him popular in Europe, married the Princess Mary, daughter of the Duke of York, but as the union was the result of political exigencies rather than inspired by purer feelings, the marriage was not ' uniformly happy. The most elaborate account of William, apart from easily-detected bias is to be found in the later Volumes of Lord Macauley's splen did history of Fngland. The historian, in speaking of William, says :—"'The massacre of Macdona'ds, of Glencoe, and his conduct to the promoters of the Darien scheme are two blots on William's reputation which the most thorough-going apologists have been unable to «fface." However, Macaulay adds he was undoubtedly a practical genius of the highest order, and the servkes which he rendered both to Eng land can har Uy be overated.

We understand that the Chairman of the Harbour Board will propose at the next meeting, to-morrow, a motion for the ap pointment of Mr James Cruickshank as agent for the Board in London. The appoint ment is a most desirable one, as Mr Cruick shank's thorough knowledge of the circum stances of the city will be of great service in conducting the business of the Board in London.

Even ignorant men are generally pretty shrewed when their own interests are at stake. Exceptions occur, however, at times, and an instance is now in our mind which is rather amusing. A sailor recently applied at the office' of the American Consul about shipping on board one of the New Bedford whalers at Russell. The man enquired what the "lay" was?" "One one-hundred and seventieth," replied the Consul. " Can't ship for that," rejoined the sailor, " but I'll go if you'll make it a hundred and eightieth." The Consul made it and he went.

At the morning service in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church yesterday, the following gentlemen were set apart by the Reverend Mr Bruce to the office of deacon :—Messrs J. Reid, A. G. Millar, D. Dingwall, and J. Hart, in addition to those re-elected to office.

Captain Charles Bailey, the great Hobart Town imp "owner, died recently leaving the whole of his property, said to be valued at £200,000, to his brother Captain James Bailey. There are at present 26 vessels in the employ, the Bella Mary now lying in our harbour is one of them, Captain Copping well known in this port has command of another, the Lupra.

On Saturday evening as Mr Alexander Campbell, of Wellington-street, was in the act of catching one of hi 3 horses for the pur pose of turning him into a paddock, the animal kicked out and struck Mr Campbell heavily on his side. Fortunately no ribs were broken, although the owner is consider ably bruised and still suffering from the kick. The Mutupl Improvement Association in connection with the St. James Presbyterian Church continues its weekly operations. The members will meet to-night as usual, when two essays will be read and discussed, one on " Accumulation," and the other on ' • Industry."

The members of the Good Intent Lodge of Good Templars held an open meeting on Saturday evening in the large room of the Young JMJen's Christian Association. Several speeches and recitations were given, and selections of music. This Lodge is progress ing under the able management of the new secretary, Mr George Squirrell, who intimates that in future the Good Intent meetings will be held in the same place.

The Auckland Rifle Association, as appears by our advertising columns, request members and intending members to pay their subscrip tions by the "18th instant, it being intended to have a prize meeting early in April, and unless members pay up, the secretaries will not be in a position to draw the programme. We would urge upon every person to sub scribe. Those who believe in volunteering oiifiht to eive, for the Association encourages and helps to keep the ranks of companies full; and those who don't believe in volun teering ought to subscribe, because it encourages rifle shooting among civilians ; and if volunteers are to be dispensed with, then it is necessary that civilians should know how to handle a rifle. Every man who can shoot ought to shoot and induce others to do likewise. Get your" money ready, the treasurer and secretary will be after it this week.

The election for the representation of Wairoa and Mangapai, in the Provincial Council, resulted in the return of Mr H. H. Lusk by a majority of three votes. The numbers were : Lusk, 35; Millar, .32. At the nomination Mr Millar protested against tbe bachelor tax as unfair. He said he had himself proposed to a young woman who re jected him, and he was a bachelor perforce. He thought spinsters ought to bo taxed, as they were the cause of most men continuing bachelors. Who knows but what a com bination of the fair sex consequent on this ungallaut sentiment lost him the election ?

We notice that Messrs. Kean and Jenkin son, the successful tenderers for the renova tion of the exterior of the Supreme Court House, have already a number of men em ployed in the erection of scaffolding pre paratory to commencing the work. It is intended to scrape away the decayed free stone and replace it with cement, together with other improvements. Tbe work has not been undertaken btfore it was necsssary, as time and the penknives of disconsolate jury men appear to have exercised a very pre judicial effect. Many of tho carved figure' present a most ludicrous appearance, one apparently having been frost-bitten on the cud of its no3e, while othe-s again appear to be in the last sta^e^ of a galloping consump tion. However in a few weeks all their little ailings and deficiencies will be satisfactorily attended to.

Return of sick treated at the Provincial Hospital for. the week ending Saturday March Oth, 1875. Remained last return, 72 ; admitted since, 13 ; dischargee], 11 ; died, 2 ; remaining 72 (males GO, females 12). Ar rangement of cases :—Zymotic, 24 ; consti tutional, G ; local, 28 ; developmental, 4 ; violent, 10.—Two deaths occurred durioc the week, viz., Ist, P. McC, male, aged 38 yen-?, on February 28th, ultimo, of urinary abscess; 2nd, J. S., aged 43 years, on the 2nd of March, instant, from burns. Thanks aic returned to Mis. W. Coombes, also to two anonymous contributors for parcels of old linen.

An earthquake of unusual severity has been felt, primarily, of course, at the quaky empire city, and extending North to Napier and South to Nelson. It wou'd not be sur prising if one of these disturbances ultimately determined some important constitutional questions after all by dropping the head centres of conspiracy prematurely below.

To the Editor : Sir,—ln reply to Mr. J. H. Home's remarks in Friday's Star, permit me to state that the Horticultural Show is fixed for the last three months to come off in the middle of March. Dr. Home knows well there would be no fruit to exhibit if the show was at an earlier period, and the ma jority of blooms would be exhausted if the show is delayed.—l am, &c, Gardeneb.

The premises at the Queen-street corner of Shorland-street, lately in the occupation of Mr Philips, were re-opened on Saturday evening at six o'clock, in the clothes trade, by Mr Moses. The shop windows were brilliantly and effectively lighted, and attracted large numbers of spectators and purchasers. Ihe verandah, which is of a stable character, had the effect of giving extra brightness to the scene in the same manner that a reflector economises the light of a lamp. The members of the various lodges of the Loyal Orange Institution will meet for business of importance to-morrow (Tuesday) evening in the Lodge-room, Wellesley street.

The quarterly communication of the Pro vincial Grand Lodge of New Zealand (Irish constitution) will be held this evening in the Lodge-room of the Masonic Hotel, Princes street.

"THE OCTOROON."

This familiar drama was sufficient to attract a good house on Saturday evening at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The play in itself possesses much merit, embracing those taking peculiarities and touches, which are always acceptable to the majority of listeners. Although Boucicault is not an original play wright, he possesses all the capabilities of successful adaptation, as many of his versions have shown. "The Octoroon" has been before London and Australian audiences for , some years, still familiarity does not detract from a good play, but rather heightens the interest in its details. The representation of Salem Scudder, by Mr Hoskins, was perfect in its way; while Miss Col ville's impersonation of Zoe was charac teristic of the general acting of this accomplished artiste. The unforced and natural portrait of the Octoroon girl was received with the utmost satisfaction. Of the other representatives of this five-act drama we need not speak at length, but would briefly say that their characters were presented with fidelity and in accordance with the spirit of the piece. Mr Oily Deering was capital as Mr Sunnisides, Mr. Sam Poole as Uncle Pete, Mr Aveling as George, and Mr Sweeney as Poindexter. Miss Patty Holt appeared as Weenie Paul, a position which she thor oughly understood. Miss Clara Stephenson was equally graceful as Dora, and Miss Maggie Knight winning as Grace, and Mrs Jones as lively as ever in the matronly charactei of Mrs Pep ton. We notice that the favorite drama the " Lancashire Lass " wfll be produced this evening, in which Mr Hoskins will appear as Johnson,. Miss JFlorence Colville as Ruth, and Mr Darrell as the veritable Ned Clayton.

OHINEMURI.

(From our Special Correspondent.)

CANVAS-TOWN DEPOPULATED,

March 6, 1875. As I prognosticated, the end has arrived and Canvasstown is no more. The merry laugh and jovial song round the camp fire has had its day, or rather, evening, and with the violin so troubled with rheumatics, have departed for Mackaytown, and there remains but the doctor and I. Large fires have lately been burning in the vicinity of Mackaytown, and when there is any wind blowing, the dust, for which the Government township is famous, being mixed up with the fern-ashes, makes everything far and near as black as soot, the dust being very fine forces its way into the innermost parts of the ear 3, nose, and mouth to such a degree that must be felt to be thoroughly appreciated, tho whole community presenting an appearance hrghly suggestive of those street Ethiopians whose prospects in life depend upon their ability in strumming a banjo, rattling the bones, and wearing enormous paper collars. MACKAYTOWN

Nevertheless exhibits a very lively appear ance, being crowded with diggers and speculators from Auckland, togged out in clothes long since stowed away as unfit to grace the highly respectable streets of Queen, but now brought to life again on the fern clad hill of Mackaytown, present an ap pearance when mingled with the rongh costume of tbe diggers, quite aristocratic. Another class of beings also patronise the Government township, viz , the Maoris, and how they do seem to enjoy themselves to be sure, each one has a friendly smile for the diggers ; and one old fellow in particular, named Rikipaka, says you look out. By by you s^e plenty gold Waitikauri, which, cheering information he repeats the whole day long, until at last I suspect that he is possessed of land iv that quarter, and jealous of its fame. THE PROSPECTORS' CLAIM.

I had hoped by this time to have forwarded you a glowing description of the Prospectors' Claim, held by Coleman and party. Unfor tunately I am not able to do so, for at pre sent there is no reef to be seen showing gold in the stone, which, in my opinion, a pros pector's reef ought to do. The only workings to be seen at present are two or three holes a few feet, deep sunk in the side of a hill and a winze, ait the bottom of which there is a leader, which some diggers, in my presence, drove upon, but could not find any signs of the precious metal in the stone. At the bottom of one of the holes, a little higher up the hill than the winze, a quantity of mullock and large boulders have been thrown down. It is supposed that the golden reef lies perdu beneath, but that is of course only speculation, for some even are bold enough to say that the reef from which the specimens were taken is away altogether from the present spot pegged out. On Mon day the claim will have to be worked, but in the meantime it is a very unsatisfactory state of things, for I have never before heard of such a thing as a prospector's license being granted without the reef being shewn and specimens knocked out in the presence of the Governmentofficialanddiggersassembled. But I am comforted when I think of old Rikipaka (Richard Parker) and his saying tbat * You look out—by-by you see. Plenty gold Waitekauri.' Unfortunately a large number of the diggers are not so easily com forted, and are beginning to growl rather ominously.

THE TAWERA ON FIRE.

Tins morning about 4 o'clock tbe Parnell fire-bell rang out the alarm and a large pro portion of the inhabitants of that usually quiet neighbourhood, turned out to discover the where-abouts of the conflagration. There was no sign of fire in the sky, but a strong Bmoll of burning pervaded the air, and lef o no doubt that there was good cause for the alarm somewhere. "Its Archard's boat down in the bay," sung out a man running by, in answer to an enquirer. "Archard's boat" turned out to be the large top sail schooner Tawera, 79 tons register, which was lying in Mechanic's JEhy intake. The vessel arrived from Hokianga some few days ago and has discharged a quantity of machinery for the Union Sash and Door Company. She was kept alongside the quay for a few repairs to be executed, and blocks were placed under her keel. Cap tain Church, the master, and Mrs Church were the only persons on board la=t night. They retired to rest shortly after midnight, the captain having previously taken a walk round to see that all was right. There was no appearance of anything wrong at this time. A man on duty at the Britomart railway station, states that from half past two o'clock he saw little tongues of fire shoot up. from the schooner's bows He thought at the moment that it was a fire in the brick yard close by, and gave no alarm. At four o'clock Mrs Church was awoke by the cabin being full of smoke. She roused, her hus band, and both ran upon deck to see what was the matter. The schooner was lying over on her starboard side, the water not being deep enough to float her. Volumes of smoke were pouring but of the forecastle hatchway, and now and then a flame would burst out. The men from one or two cutters lying close by responded to Capt. Church's cries for assistance, and soon others arrived on the scene. A messenger was sent up to ring the fire-bell, and a lad was also dispatched into town to the Fire Brigade station. The latter returned in about twenty minutes to say that the Brigade men could not come, as the fire was outside the city boundary, unless they were guaranteed the ex penses of the horses. By this time several gentlemen, living in the vicinity, had arrived on the scene. Among those who were most active were Messrs. Caleb Wood, Kales, J. Coates, Eyre, Le Roy, Sergeant-major Pardy, and Police Con stables. Jackson, Martin, and others. A proposal was made to see whether the Sash and Door Company's hose would reach the schooner, but this was de clared useless by those who knew the length of it. Constable Martin and a gen tleman then took a dingy, and rowed hastily to the man-o'-war Dido lying at her anchor age off the Bay, to ascertain if any assistance could be obtained in that quarter. Meanwhile Messrs. Wood, Hales, Le Roy, and Captain Church were busy pouring buckets of water down the hatch. They were unable, however, to subdue the fire, owing to it having taken hold of the under part of the deck where they could not get at it, for the smoke was so dense and the heat so great that no one could get below. The pitch in the ssams both of the deck and sides began to boil and bubble up. Seeing that their efforts were not likely to prove successful unless they were further reinforced the bell was again set a ringing. Before this, however, an explosion took place below, which considerably alarmed those who were on board. This resulted from the ignition of two tins of kerosene, which with some oil and paint, and other ship's stores were kept in the forecastle. These went off with a loud bang, sending up a large sheet of flame. Not knowing exactly what it was, and whether any more explosions were likely to take place, some of the helpers made a retrograde movement, but soon returned when the position of affairs was explained. Shortly before 5 o'clock the Captain scuttled the schooner, but as there was at this time only about 3 feet of water under her this did not do muoh good towards putting tbe fire out, though it prevented it going further down towards the keel, in which direction the spilt oil and kerosene would no doubt hare carried it. The result of the application on board the Dido was what have been expected from a well-disciplined English man-of-war. Kb 'sooner! was the case explained than a signal was given, and in less than

ten minutes a entttt board, all furnished with the necessary implements for putting out fire was rowing off to the shore. It was splendid to see the men turn out, and without any noise or fuss take up their proper stations. As ti»"«l™» shows, however, their services were not re nuired. Before they arrived the city nre-engine and brigade under .Inspector Huehes had turned up, having been 3 their expenses, and had already got to work upon the seat of the tore. It was fortunate they arrived when they did, for those on the spot say the schooner would have been a sheet of flame rom end to end within a few minutes longer Xher half-an-hour and all the danger was over The Brigade men worked well, ana the fire, though already well grounded soon gave way to their sustained attacks^ The schooner as she now lies in the Bay is very seriously damaged and at a rough estimate it will take from £300 to £400 to rep.ir her Her decks and inner planking from her bows to about 3 feet aft of the main-rigging is all charred, and in many places burnt through. borne of her timbers are so scorched that they will have to be replaced. Seven of her beams are burnt so as to be useless. The bulkhead between the forecastle and the hold is des troyed. The combings of the fore-hatch are burnt to a cinder. It is feared also that the outer planking is severely injured. What damage the vessel has sustained in this important respect will no doubt be better known later on in the day. The two upper planks on the port side are known to be very much charred just in the bend. Mr Archard is away at the present tune The schooner is said to be insured for £700 but whether this includes such a risk as that to which sheihas been exposed was this morning not known. Captain Church is of opinion that the fire must have been caused by some one letting a match fall through the hatch on to some oakum which was in the fore- C__lSul_S The Tawera, we learn, was insured for £800 in the New Zealand Office. The policy is only on general risks, so that it is question able how far the ravages of the fire will have to be made good by the underwriters.

HOT SPRINGS.

(PER STAB CARRIER PIGEON.)

Waiwera, Sunday morning. There is no news at all this morning. The weather is cloudy and cooler. All are over come with yesterday's excitement, but other-

wise well. Sullivan's cutter Morning Star came down in 4?; hours. A~large steamer, which _we suppose to be the mail, is just passing Tiri Tiri.

MR DARGAVILLE'S WITHDRAWAL.

It will be seen from an address published in our advertising columns that J. M. Dargaville, Esq., has withdrawn from his candidature for the Superintendency, in con sequence of his personal sympathy with the views expressed by Sir Georae Grey. Reference to the subject is made in Our lead ing columns to-day.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before G. M. Mitford, Esq., (Chairman,) and Dr Home, Justices of the Peace.) Inspector Thomson conducted the police cases. DRUNKARDS. John Davis forfeited his bail and G M. Scott and Henry Baratow were fined 5s and costs for this offence. Vagrants J. Smith and J. Kelly, two old hands, were sent to gaol for three months to improve their vagabond habits. Elizabeth Lynch who has so frequently troubled the Magistrates wa3 sent to retire ment at Mount Eden for twelve months, NAVAL DESERTERS. William Mvers and James Innes deserters from H.M. Blanche, and W. H. Cane, a deserter from H.M. Alacrity were ordered aboard H.M. Dido now in port. DISSERTING SEAMEN. R. J. L°e an 1 C Annis charged with de serting from the ship Invererne were re manded for seven days. Fdward Wilson charged with deserting from the ship Waitangi now at Lvttelton was remanded to-morrow in order that the police might communicate with the captain of that vessel. ASSAULTING THE CAPTAIN Edward Arnold was charged with assault ing the captain of the brig Sarah on Sunday. He pleaded guilty. The captain stated that on Sunday morn ing the accused came into the cabin and created a disturbance. Witness ordered him out, but he refused to go. He went into the cook's cibin and kicked him in his bunk. Witness again ordered him ont when accused- struck him on tbe chest. Witness then sent for the police, and Arnold came back and struck him on the mouth. He was a little the worse of drink. ** The Bench sentenced the accused to four week's imprisonment with hard labor. DISOBEDIENT SEAMEN..- Edward Arnold, John G. Bland, and Isaac Logan were charged with disobedience to lawful commands on board the brig Sarah. Bland and Logan pleaded guilty. The Captain proved that he had ordered Arnold foward, and he refused to go. The accused were each sentenced to four teen days' imprisonment. STRIKING THE COOK. The same seamen were then charged with assaulting the cook and steward on the Sarah. They denied the accusation. The cook said he was walking on the wharf with another young man when each of the three men made a rush at him, and struck him, knocking him down. Arnold kicked him afterwards in the Police station, making the wound shewn. Seven days' hard labour each. BURNING RUBBISH. Mr Henry Neil was charged with burning rubbish in the city without giving notice to the Town Clerk and his neighbours. Mr Neil pleaded ignorance of the by-law. He had been in the habit of burning his garden rubbish for the last thirty years. There was a great undergrowth under his trees, and he did not know what to do with it unless permitted to burn it off. There was no danger to any but his own property. Fined ls. and costs. This was all the business.

DISTRICT COURT.—This Day.

(Before His Honor Judge Beckham.)

David Lindsay v.> Edward W. Gjtch

Claim, £46 6s Bd. Mr Joy for plaintiff. Mr Thorne for defendant

The particulars of this case appeared in a former issue of the Evening Star. The plaintiff was a store-keeper and the defend ant a tobacco manufacturer of Papakura, and the action arose out of a confusion of accounts, neither plaintiff nor defendant be ing accurate book-keepers. His Honor said that he had carefully ex amined the evidence, and he was of opinion that the £24 ls 4d had not been paid. Judgment for plaintiff for the amount already paid into Court with the addition of £24 ls 4d, costs £8 6s Gd. Defended Causes. George taylor v. w. ltjndon. Mr Joy for plaintiff. Mr Hesketh for defendant. In this case, which was heard in the course of last year, some eight months ago, and in which plaintiff was non-suited, an application made for costs amounted to £28. Counsel at length consented to accept £.15

155., for which judgment ]Hfi£^|9 GEORGE TAYLOR V. WILLIAM «r^B|H| Mr kSblS'plaintiff, and M^keth defendant. ■sW.sS-lip1 This was an action for comm iSSOT iff tween the same parties, and ? 7 '-oifs eat counsel was adjourned until next Court mm T. G. BLAKEY V. BROGDEN AND SOKS. -J Claim, £97 123. Mr Brookfield for plaintiff, and Mr Ma c . Cormickfor defenda.nl s. As it was impossible for the Oourfc to enter into this case today, it was arranged toli» iourn it till next Court day. -, JOHN BERRY V. ALEX. BROGDEN AND JSojgJ'?7 Claim £99 Us. Mr Rees appeared for plaintiff and jj f McCormick for defendants. A special jury was empannelled for fl^ hearing of this case, Mr Ciarkson foreman. I Messrs Wm. Amos Clarke and Nathan' 1 Close, were subjected to a fine of £3 each for' non-attendance. Mr Rees opened the case, and stated that defendants were contractors of Westminiater 1 and plaintiff was a sub-contractor ttndet them on the Auckland and Waikato Bail." -way, and the claim was for a quantity of I stone lime and other material of which defendents had deprived the plaintiff. jjj| | Rees was then about to refer to a contact between the parties, but Mr MacCormiclr objected to the introduction of the contract, as there was another action pending*in tt . lation to the contract. ,''-':"? Mr Rees said that plamtitt was abruptly j ordered off the line, and told that he wag* not to be allowed to continue hia contract 1 The learned counsel here occupied more; ■ than a hour in arguing certain points in the case, when hia Honor said be could not allow the time of the Court to be wasted in thia. manner The cause of action was plain, Did or did not the defendants deprived the plain.'l tiff of certain goods ? „ ' ' Mr James Davis was then called, and: deposed that he was general superintendent 7 of the railway works under Messrs Brogdeni and Sons. He held no power of attorney,*; but certaiD powers were invested in him. He bad not authorise Mr Williams or any other person to take and use either sand, stone or -J lime belonging to the defendant. If such had -J been done, it was done without his know M ledge. The Court adjourned.

HONESTY IN PUBLIC LIFE.

(To the Editor of the Evening Staba-i Shi, —As one whe believes in honesty from principle rather than from motives of policy, I wish to ask you, as a public instructor, and the conductor of what the Premier of England would call '' the most effective ana of the Press" what is apparently a simple question, but to which, in these modern days of pure and upright dealing some people would give varying replies, namely r Is there any difference, morally or criminally, in tbe conduct of a man who re ceives a cheque for a certain purpose, cashes it, and puts the money in bis pocket, and that of a man who places money similarly, received, and not his own, to his private'■ \ account at a bank, aud using it quietly for— £ say two or three years ? By explaining in what the distinction, if any consists, you will; & much oblige.—A Sempiteknal Sage.

OHINEMURI.

[Per Star Carrier Pigeon.] Alluvial and Eeef Gold Be-; ported.

PAEJROA. [From Our Special Correspondent.] This day, 1.50: P.m. Measles have appeared here and spread to the natives. There is every probability now " that it will go through the island. Protection for claims expired last night77j Many have been manned this mornicg. I heard that prospectors do not iutend to 1 V open out on the reef till their title-is secured,; 1 here are several rumours of gold finds, - alluvial and reef, but nothing certain can be.. known for a few days. • 7- Father Chastogne held service at Mackay I Town yesterday morn.

TELEGRAPHIC.

The Ohinemuri Specimen.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

(From our own Correspondent.) 7« This day. r The specimen found by Mr Black, while M surveying at Ohinemuri, was examined by-" nearly all the principal men and authorities, _; who pronounced it a fine piece of gold- ,7 bearing stone ; but this morning Mr Severn,;, applied acid tests, when some of the mineral 7 dissappeared. JHe dec'ined to pronounce r_ any positive opinion until a proper assay is , taken, which is now being done. Bets of two fl to one have been made that the stone is gold- •■:■ bearing, but Mr Severn's acid test has J thrown doubts on the matter. If the mineral' is mundic, it is totally different to the mundic found in the Thames stone, being of a higher colour. Most experienced men saw- - the stone, and unmistakably pronounoed it 7 good until the test was applied. At Mackay- 7; town the men who first examined the stone '7 had no doubt about it, and started for the hills to look for the reefs. .»

(From another Correspondent) This day.

The pieces of stone believed to contain gold brought down from Ohinemuri by Mr Donnelly of the Golden Crown, was handed to Mr Severn this morning, when he affirmed that it wa3 not gold bearing. On the other hand Mr Horton, Assayer of the National Bank, affirms that"it is. The gold-stone in question is from the prospectors claim. The public are geiting fogged between gold and mundic. Blake's atone was shewn to fifty people at least, including the masters of reduction works, JMJr Walker of the Long Drive, Mr Donnelly of the Golden Crown, Messrs Hall andSandes, chemists, and others who are daily handling golden stone. A few tests will soon decide the matter.

ARRIVAL OF TWO WHALERS.

REPORTS FROM THE WHALING

GROUNDS,

"RUSSELL.—(Bay op Islands.) (Prom our own correspondent.) This day. The Lagoda, Captain Lewis, from a whali| ing cruise, arrived yesterday with five hun-1 dred barrels sperm oil, and two hundred bar rels whale oil. The- California, Captain Chase, with six hundred and ninety barrels of sperm oil since leaving the Bay, also arrived and reports the Eliza Adams, Captain Hamblyn, with two 7 hundred barrels sperm oil; the Tamerlane, Captain Moulton, off Solanders, with eighty barrels sperm ; tha Matlida Sears, Captain Childs, on December 20, with twenty-five barrels oil; the Atlantic, Captain Brown, with three hundred and fifty barrels sperm since leaving the Bay ; the Derwent Hunter, Captain Holden, four months out, and no thing seen. :'_■'<: 7__7-7:7'" 7-A-.-... ■'. .77 _7d'77.7: - '\_~ .-a

the lenmTm star, monoay, march g. iw 7 T —'- .——



fr% 9.' » T H ALL. HATS, OL«THma, PRINTS, DBESSE3. •IBNTI, 11.09* CLOTHS. CHINA MATTING. MXLLINJUtY, tTNDIBCLOTHING, BABT LINEN. AT COST PEICB, itfuii ClaaraiMfot extwilv* alteration of yrualtsi. HOLLOWAT ft GARLICK, (BITTHALL. ■mf _~ ' TO TBE ' INHABITANTS OF ATJCKLA.ND AND ELSEWHERE. Having purchased Mb Montague's Entire Stock „d YnLrestin the SEWING MACHINE TKAPB I am now prepared (with a Stock of over 250 Ifachiafj: mA 200 to arrive from the best makers), ito Supply every potrible demand. Every accommo ;fSattan as to terma given to purchasers. "" W. C. DENNBS, , Maari Ba*ldto»«, Queen-«tre«t, Auckland.



Tflrr E HATE It 8081 V J E D Per S.S. Hero, THREE CASES or BLACK A'vD COLOURED SILKS, rurch.se-.l a J; b in London by our 7.1r Uiv.h in. B^~ rte Esl\itr,VOT will bo deposed of at s*lli:;g-o7f fauces i j. cos gll aye & co. gEWI N r G MACHI N ES. DEMOLITION" OP THE FITTING SrHOP, VULCAN LANE. Hivirg received notice to quit on account of re but'ding, 1 -will CLE..It GOT pajt o. my Large it ;ck of TIRST-CL/iSS bEY ]a:g m/ chines i».T Y\'holksale Fbic*. 7HH LASO-EST K-T--CX IN MV.V Z_:A_.'.VO. PRIOE3 £JSG'E FROM 40s TO £78 • GEO W. HRe LOP. Proprietor.