SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

iTaracaki s?, Lloyd, fr.m the Htiith, (in Manukau) Wild > nek, ketch, Abrams, from Greymouth via Waitara

DEPARTURES.

Southern Cross, s s. Holmes, for Napier Kste Younp, cutter, BisdeD, for Barotonga Speedwell, kftch, for Russell Helena, for Wangaroa

IMPORTS.

Per TftTaoaki from the South: 1 case, B.N.Z ;3 (I PRs, Kprnpthcrne, Prosper *Co; 1 bale. Clark; 7 cai-es. H flop; 4 do, Phillips; 1 do, Bridgeman ; 2 parcels Ha; man ; 5 cases. Stephenson ; 18 do, Hall; i 9f*o, Storekeeper : 5 do. Major Tisdall. 13psrs, Tele graph ; 15 do, smith ; 2 cases. Civil Commissioner ; 1 1 pgs Wright;!o9 fcegs powder, fi casks fusß, Brogden; 10 cat- s, IS kejrs, Close Bros ; 50 sacks, Ehrenfield ; 1 case, Lewi* Bros; 12 do, 4 kegs. Nathan; 5 do, 51 cases, f-'oloman ; 1 sa<"k, Walters ; 1 case, Winks and Ball ; 12 do 1 kegs, Veale ; 6 do, ftoskins ; 209 sheep, Buokland ; 2 pgs, order.— F. W. Wheelor, agent N.Z.S.S. Company,

EXPORTS.

Per Helena, for Lytteiton via Wangaroa : 384 pieces timber, H. B Morton ; 90,000 ft timber, G. Holdship and Co. — G. W. Owen, agent.

OUR COASTAL HARBOURS.

In a supplement to the New South Wales Govern ment Gazette published by the Sydney Mail we find a variety of hydrographical information relating to I the Pacifl; Islands It is conveyed by extracts from leiter* to the Commodore commanding the Austra lian station from the Contains of the various men-o' war on the station. There are no less than 29 para praphs referriEg to New Zealand harbours. Of these about three-fourths touch upon the harbours on the Coast line of the Province of Auckland. We quote a few extracts which may be useful to mariners as supplementing the sailing directions given in the New Zealand Pilot :— Extract from Remark Book of Navigating Lieutenant Alourilyan, or H.M.s. Basilisk— " Poverty Bay.—The river marked to the right of - Young Nick's Read does not exist. The mouth of it has been filled un with sand aud driftwood during the heavy weather and S.E. winds." Extract from report of Lieutenant Saunders, com manding H.M.s. Alacrity, May 10, 1874. '"Whanparei Harbour.—l think that Passage Island make? a better leading mark than either of those laid dnwn in the Nmo Zealand Pilot for altering the course from N.W. by N. to W. by N., rounding the Mores Bank It is clear of the land when neces sary to alter course, and ia therefore more easily dis tinguised at night than High Islet, which is under the land. I conlo not easily distinguish Sandy Point." ''Pass^ce Island —W. by NJ N. and almost clear of Lost Point, forms a very good guide at night for h»ulintriin to W . proceeding to the inner anchorage." "Tutukaka Harbour. —The entrance is very nar row ; facss th« eastward. , There is generally a heavy swell setting in, which, combined with baffling winds makes it very difficult, and even dangerous to clear the harbour, except with a fair wind. The swell sets on to the rocks forming the south Bide of the en trance, and the tide is very treacherous round these rocks." " Parenga-renga Harbour.—The bar renders the entrance to this harbour often dangerous. I found it difficult to make out the inner n. entrance point, which is given as a leading mark for ei-ossingthe bar, as it is low and sandy, and the high ground from it stands back in aline with the rest of tlie high ground of the coast, while the beach behind the Point is all sandy; so it is only when aloft that the Point is made out. •' The Point is a little inside of Otehe Point (which cannot be mistaken) on a west bearing. The Point between Inner North Entrance Point and Coal Point is bold, clearly denned, and is liable to be mistaken for the former." The other extracts do not afford any additional information to that given in the official sailing direc tions.

AUCKLAND BUILT VESSELS IN DUNEDIN.

The following is the verdict of th« Qjtago Daily Times shipping reporter (a practical man by the bye) on the schooners Isabella Pratt and the Peerless, which nrrived at Port Chalmers lateJy.—" A. substan tial smart-looting schooner, named the Isabella P'-tt, arrived at the Port on Saturday afternooD, the 10tn inst. She is on her maiden trip, was recently launched at Auckland from the building yard of Messrs jMccol and 30., J*orth Shore, and is a credit able addition to the large fleet of handsome handy vessels which have sprung into existence under the deft hands of AuclOand shipwrights Without being a full clipper, the Isibella Pr*tt has very pretty lines, and shoulii be a profitable vefssl, combining as she does good carrying capacity wilh the model of a fair goer " 'Jhe Peerless, a schooner tbat without hyperbole may be designated a yacht of exquisite proportions, arrives at the Port yesterday (the 16th inst), and her rig and general appearance revealed her as the handiwork of Auckland shipwrights. The Peer less was built by Messrs Niccoi and Sons, of the North Shore, and was launched in the beginning of December last. She is certainly the sweetest schooner of Colonial build that we have ever seen. Her lines are as fine as can be compatible with a certain carrying capacity, and she has good bearings to pick herself up with in a sea-way. The Jessie Nicoll, a pretty craft, is eclipsed by the Peerless, which in her turn will, we daresay, have to take a back seat ere long, as the Auckland draughtsmen •continue to improve. The s.s. Taranaki, Captain Lloyd, arrived at Onehuoga st 9 45 a.m. this mornin? wfth the Suez Mail. Left Duriedin at noon on 16th ; arrived at Lyttelton at 320 p.m. on 17th ; left at 11pm., arrived at Wellington at S p m. on 18th ; left at 2 p.m on 19th ; anived at Pictonat 7pm; left at 10 p m, arrived at 6.30 a m On 20th, arrived at Taranaki at 1 15 p m. ; left at 5.45 p.m., arriving as abobe. From Dniiedin to Lyttetton experienced strong N.TS. gale ; fiae weather during the rest of the passage. We are indebted as usuat to Mr C. J Edmiston, the purser, for his kindness in forwarding the report of passage, &c, and our files immediately on arrival. Passengers: Mrs Gray, Mrs Griffiths. Mrs McCann, Mrs McKenzie, Mrs Toll, Miss Christian, Miss Nixon, Mis 3 Perry, Hon Reynolds, Col. Gorton, Captain Waterman. Messrs Wrigg, Paget, Smith and family, Belvane, Fraser, Smythe, Eev C. Clark, Messrs Tole, Northcroft, Hankin, Gorman, Bruce, Owen, antt 20 in the steerage. The A.S P. Company's steamer Southeon Cross left for Napier at 7 o'clock this morning with several pas sengers and a Urge general cargo. This vessel has been detained in haroour for som* days owirjg to an extensive overhaul which she has been subjected to Soßue alterations have also been effected in her ma chinery, which are expected to result in a higher rate of speed being attained. The ketch Wild Duck ran into the Manukau yesterday She was bound from Greymouth to Waitara, bat could not enter the latter port owing to the ataii of the bar. HThe ketch Wild Duck arrived in the Manukau yesterday, with a cargo of 52 tons coal. The Wild Duck left Greymouth last Friday week for Waitara, and had a good run of three days with a light S.W. ■wind. Captain Abramskept off and on for nine days, but was unable to enter owing to insufficient water on the bar. He then decided to run for the Manukau. The cargo of coals has been sold to Oaptain Casey, and the vv ild Duck will leave to-morrow for the Kaipara, in charge of Captain Mason. Captain j> brams has been appointed master of the schooner Fiery Cross, which will sail for Kaipara in a few days. Ih > Fiery Cross, schooner, now in the Manukau, has finished loading for the Kaipara, and will sail to morro v. The brigantine Helena cleared to-day for Lyttelton via Wangaroa with a cargo of timber, the greater portion of which is to be shipped at the latter port. She his already moved away into the stream, and Wid sail at the first opportunity. My »dvices received to day from Lyttelton the Ma-y Melville is lying ready to sail for the Thames, but is detained by contrary winds. The following changes in the commananrsnip of vessels in the Coast are produced by Captain Grundy accepting Mr 1 argavilles new schooner; Captain Watson lata of the Atlanta, takes the Amaranth ; Captain a br*ms. late of the Wild Duck, takes the Fiery Oross ; Captain Mason, late mate of the Amar anth takes the Wild Duck. Ihe Wild Duck will proceed to K&ipara at once Mr Waller having dis pr sed of her cargo at that port. Tne schooner i'airlie has been laid on the berth for We see by the Lyitelton Times that Captain Welsh of the brig Thomas and Henry has resigned in order to take C'.mimnd of the ship Kosalia. The schooner Jessie Henderson left Lyttelton for the Waikato about the 17th inst with 800 sacks wDe*t 400 sacks oats, and 66 sacks fl 'Ur. The ichooner Onward. 69 tons, Captain Bissett, left Lyttelton on the 15th iast for Grahamstown. with th fallowing cargo:—Bo sacks flour, 300 bags flour, 10* facks sacks wheat, 11 tons flour, 110 sacus sharps, 100 do braD, 10 kegs butter, 8 cases cheeee, 14+ sacks potatoes, 280 do oats. A sail in sis?ht, has signalled all the afternooi

Commercial.

A large number of parsons were in attendance at the seasonable boot and shoe sale of Messrs Tonks and Co at their Mart to-day, but the prices realised ■were rather below the average, snd not equal to ex pectations.

STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done to-day :— Bank oE New Zealand. £18 ss. I National Bank —Sellers, 745. Fiji Bank- Sellers, 57s 6d. South. British Insurance—Sellers, 49a. National Insurance—tellers, 28s 6d. New Zealand Insurance (paid up), sellers, New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Com pany, 80s. m Caledonian (double)— Sellers, 64a. Golden Calf (new)— Sellers, 4s. Una—Bayers, 3s. Union Beach—Buyers, 11s. k BUmarck—Bayers, 10s 3d H Tokatea- Sellers,' 10a. ■ Koyal Oak—Sellers, 7s 6d. ■ Cure—Buyers, 7s 6d ; sellers, 8s 6d. ■ Pride of Tokatea—Sellers, 3s.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows .— For Thamev to-morrow, at 9.30 a m md 5 30 p m For Cororeandel, per Manaia, on Friday, at 11 a in For Taranaki, and Southern provinces, per T*rs nakt, immedintelr after the arrival of the Mac gregor, irom Sin Francisco For Australian Colonies , per Macgregor, six hours after arrival from San Francisco. For United Kingdom. &c, via Suez Mills will be made up at this office (for letters specially addressed), about the 29th inst. (Signed) J. E. Conky, Acting Chief Postmaster.

With Tarquln's ravishing strides, stealthy but swift, disease advances in the feeble organism. Had the constitution been fortified by seasonable invigoration the attack might have been warded off. ]now, perhaps, medicinal succor may be unavailing. Feeble invalid, be warned in time. Thousands perish who might have been preserved by tonic treatment. Vitalize your enfeebled system and live. Know that there is health, strength and cheerfulness in every bottle of Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps.

BIRTH.

COLE—On the 19th instant, at Rokeby-street, Mrs T. Cole, of a daugnter.

The Evening Star. WITH WHICH ARE INCROPORATED The Evening News and the Morning News.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1875.

& For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong lint luwds resistance, i "flr the future in the distance, Axii the Kood that we can do.

Really something'should be done to not have people insulted and irritated on their very landing and entrance, at what may be called the western gate of this city. For nothing less than insult it is, and cause sufficient for deep irritation, that a passenger landing from the steamer on the Onehunga wharf should have toll demanded for the travelling bag in his hand, or the book under his arm. Yet such was the scene presented on the arrival of the Taranaki this morning, and it led, and not unnaturally, to a personal and pretty violent fracas. There is no man but feels that his travelling-bag is portion himself, and there ia no place, we think, where Bach an impost as a toll on so very personal luggage would be so enforced. We believe it is not intended that such an absurdity should take place at Onehunga, but the matter should be made very clear to the lessee of the wharf, so that such nn seemly extortion should not be the first taste of Auckland life presented to the stranger within our gates.

Attention ha 3 been again awakened to the danger of wax vestas, by the discovery a few days ago in an office in Fort-street of a box of these dangerous things which had been operated upon by rats. Some two years ago we kept up an incessant fire against these things through our columns, and with the effect, we were told of clearing out two large and long neglected stocks of " Patent Safety Matches "held by importing houses in this city. That Patent Safety Matches have however not gone into general use among us is patent to every one, and unless Insurance Com panies interfere as they now at least promise to do, we do not expect much change in this particular. Some years ago the importation of matches igniting by friction on any rough substance indiscriminately, was actually prohibited by legislation in a sister colony, and for aught we know to the contrary the enactment is still in force. There are vested interests involved as well as other obstacles to the placing of a ban on the common lueifers, and time only, and a few more fires, "([causes unknown" will work the cure. They are so

much more handy, and there are so much larger stocks of them in bands that we ven ter c to say they will make a hard fight be fore they are expelled from domestic use But how anyone having any regard for his chi Idren's lives, or the safety of his furniture or stock, ever allows a box of the common matches into his house, is, to us, a mystery. We observe that misrepre sentation has also been used to pre judice against the patent safety match, and this is how one of our contemporaries delivers himself on the subject. " What is known as the safety match has been pronounced by ex perts to be much more dangerous than the ordinary wax vestas. When struck upon the prepared paper they splutter and throw out sparks of intense heat which are liable to fly on to any inflammable material near at hand ; and when confined to paper boxes, after using half a dozen or a dozen of the matches the paper becomes burned through, when the whole contents of the box ignite, and the holder, to escape injury, throws them from him." We appeal to everyone that has had any experience of the patent safety match whether this is not ut terly and grossly untrue. We can speak of an experience of, at least, twelve years of these matches, and we assert that they do not, " throw out sparks of intense heat," or any thing that would set inflammable matter on fire ; and we assert that the prepared paper does not get burned through by the lighting of half a dozen, nor a dozen, nor a hundred of these matches, unless by gros3 carelessness the person using them retains the match in contact with bhe box after ignition. Then, indeed, theboxwill ignite, and so would a wax vesta paper-box ; and in one case as in the other, a stupid fool of a man would fling the box from him, it might be even into a barrel of gunpowder. But the prepared paper, when so ignited, burns very slowly, and though difficult to extinguish, this can be done simply by rubbing the box against the table or floor. Our contemporary further says " that the Inspector of the London Fire Brigade his declared against them as highly dangerous. " We are not in a position to say whether he has or not, but we can only say that if he has, then "the Inspector of the London Fire Brigade" is a fool There is no danger whatever in the safety match that would not arise from the similarly careless use of the common match; and there are several exemptions from the dancers of the latter that should make the safety match and that alone used in every home. Children will not set them selves on fire with them. Strangling matches about the floor will not set ladies' dresses in a blaze ; mice and rats do not care for gnaw ing the wooden sterns of them, and they may gnaw at the tops of them till they are black in the face without striking a light ; they rapidly die when flung away blazing ; and it is even asserted that they, or at least some of the varieties of them, will not poison children if chillren take a fancy for eating them—which they don't—as they eat the wax vestas. If thes9 are not reasons in their favour we give it up. Tt is cruel that the vested interests of those who arc interested in stocks of wax vestas should be allowed to prejudice against what would be the saving of many a life and many a thousand pounds worth of goods. The safety matches are just as cheap, and though not so convenient for the pockets of smokers are in all respects as convenient for domestic us 9. We do trust that the Insurance Companies will take action in this matter. By making, by common consent, a small— even a very small—addition to premiums required from houses in which the dangerous common lucifers are used, the whole thing would gradually right itself, and we should soon have few fire inquests with the finding " Cause unknown."

The Rev Charles Clark arrived from Nel son this morning, by the Taranaki, having completed the most successful tour ever performed by any single-handed entertainer that has paid New Zealand a visit. Mr Clark will give two farewell entertainments in Auckland, the first of which will take place in the Choral Hall to-morrow night, when the talented lecturer will make what the ad vertisemenb terms his "grandest effort," viz., " The Tower of London." Certain it is that our Southern contemporaries have borne the most flattering testimony to the masterly manner in which Mr Clark deals with the history of "Her Majesty's Tower," (a synopsis of which appears in our| adverti sing columns) and the peroration upon our modern liberties is described as thrilling in its effect. Mr Clark is announced1 to posi tively leave for Sydney by the jyiacgregor, with his energetic manager, Mr li. S. S my the.

We understand tha* Dr Kidd has reserved the appointment of ClerK and Librarian to the Provincial Council, and he has to-day en tered on his duties at the Provincial Council Bnildings.

Mr Deleuse, agent for Mr and Mrs Case (Grace Egerfcon), arrived in Auckland to-day by the steamer Tarahaki to make the pre liminary arrangements for their inimitable entertainments in Auckland. The company has had a very successful tour through the Southern provinces.

A slogging bout at fisticuffs took place on the wood-wharf about noon to-day, between the black cook and one of the hands of a schooner lying alongside. The affair lasted about ten minutes. Several rounds were fought with about equal results on either side. The nigger had one of his eyes whitened and his nether lip cut, while the right " peeper"of the "paleface" hung out the enemy's colours, and his forehead and cheeks were ornamented in a manner nature never intended. The affair was witnessed with apparent relish by over 100 persona, till a member of the " force" interposed and put a stop to the battle. The combatants put on their coats and resumed their work on board the vessel with an ardour which was not observable before the little "divar shun."

In' a paragraph last night it was erroneously stated that the monthly inspection and general meeting of the No. 3 Company would take place yesterday eveaing. It should have read to-night (Thursday.) The inspec tion will be held in the drill-shed at 7 30. At the meeting afterwards Major Gordon will present various prizes won by members of the Company.

We have much pleasure in announcing that the Engineer City Band has subscribed £2 2a towards the Widow Holtham. We have also received 10s from "T.D. " on her behalf.

The first of Rev. R. S. Hassard's Beries ot lectures on the history of the church in England will be given this evening, in the union room, opposite St. Matthews Church, As this is a Bubject of interest to Church of England people, and as the admission is free large numbers will no doubt be in attendance.

Some time ago a very aged, but very res pectable man set up a coffee-stall on the wharf by permission of the Harbour Board. He plied his simple calling with some suc cess, as much at least as gave him the prospect of an honest livelihood. But his primitive structure afforded him no protec tion against the inclemency of the weather, nnd he caught a cold—so severe that he has been laid up since in the Hospital. He is now convalescent, and, declining the shelter and idleness of the Old Men's Kefuge, he is resolved to earn an honest independence in the same humble path of industry : dispens ing hot coffee to the casual wayfarer. A few kind-hearted people who know his case, and the sturdy independence of his mind, be thought them of making him a stall suited to the business with wheels for locomotion, and shelter to the aged inmate from the pitiless blast that sweeps over the Waite mata. He found that, for a reduced price of five pounds, the requisite wheels will be provided by Cousins and A tkin, and the sum of two pounds ten have already been donated. Some thre pounds more, therefore, will set the poor old fellow on wheels and enable him to gain a decent and an honest living. If anybody will help in this by giving anything from a shilling to a pound we shall be very happy to hand it over ; and if anyone has any knives or cups or anything of that sort to spare that will assist his little stock-in-trade, we shall have equal pleasure in being tho medium of communication. The case is really a deserving one, and we trust the kind-hearted will render assistance.

The following green spray, from Parnassas, was found yesterday by the messenger of the Supreme Courtjand kindly handed by him to our reporter :—

I'm ve*ry, weary of tliis dry land case ; My bone* ake, sittin' in tins sultry pluse ; I'm gittin' 'ungry, wri^glin' on my sate, Without a drap to drinK or crust to ate. 1 do not drink P.B , for if I duz— I might be in the lock-up in a muz These talkin' lawyers my poor brains confoun* And all about a barren bit o' groun'; They argu' o'er a somewhat mazy plan, While I sit hers, a yawning juryman.

We believe the following to be the true version of an incident at a local Good Tem plar soiree which took place the other day. It shows how the old Adamßticks. Scene

First Good Teajplar appears pouring out a giass of ginger-beer for himself. Jovial Good Templar No 2 rushing up to him, "Here, stop old feller. Try some raspberry vinegar. Its got more body in it.''

The funeral of a very old settler (Mr. Alexander Marshall), took place to-day from the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. J. Mac donald, Graftou Koad. The late Mr. Mar shall arrived at the Bay of Islands in IS3B, and has been a resident in Auckland from the day of its foundation. His faith in the future of the city was rewarded by his pro perty becoming so valuable as to give him a, handsome competency. His remains were followed to their Jast resting place by a largo number of pioneer settlers and friends of the deceased.

A divorce case, in which the characters concerned were formerly residents in this province came before the Court at Welling ton, and is reported in our telegram columns. In the same place will also be found rumours " on authority " of Mr Vogel's future inten tions, and particulars respecting the alarming prevalence of fever at Napier, which should place the authorities in this city on their guard. The decided match between the United Colts and Carleton Cricket Clubs will come off on Saturday, the 24ch, wickets to be pitched at 1 30, and play to commence at two o'clock sharp. The following are the names : —Carletou : Messrs. Yates, Johnson, Kent, Buttle, J. Lawry, Choyce, Stone, Kwen, Mcars, Connoll, and Tanks. United Colts : Messrs. Davits, Lynch, Bcale, Cas telli, G. Brookes, A. Brookes, Copland, Masefield, Willis, Sam. IJham, B. Gudcl.

Miss Christian returned to Auckland this morning by the Taranaki. Our Duntdin, Wellington, Chriatchurch, and Nelson con temporaries teem with enthusiastic noticey of the charming voualist, who, however, we are sure, will not forget that her first success in New Zealand was obtaiued in Auckland, and that she made her first appearance under the auspices of the Choral JSociety. The Wellington Post states that Miss Christian has accepted an engagement to return to Chriatchurch to sing in the " Elijah,'' and a private letter informs us that the excellent musician Mr Bonnington, contemplates en gaging Miss Christian for a scries of concerts iv Christchurch, Wellington, and Nelson,

"J. M." writes, urging the importance of putting carbolic acid down the sewer gratings during the present dry weather as a safety guard against some fearful cpedemic. Our correspondent concludes wiili the following eloquent peroration : " Without the remedy which I point out, a judgment must arise against the Mayor and councillors who re present the interests of the rate-payers. 1 quote your motto, " For the cause, etc." To-morrow, being St George's Day the banks will close, but probably no other section of the community will indulge iv holidaying, if we except the cricketers, who have determined to have a great field day as the close of the season. Wickets will be pitched in the Domain ground at ten o'clock, and the married men will put the single youDg bloods to the test in respect of vigour and activity. It is notable that less attention is paid to the observance of the anniversary of the patron saint ot England than to those of Ireland or Scotland. This may perhaps to some extent be attribut able to the very doubtfixl.claims of St. George to saintly honours, but it is, we think, much more closely connected with the Eng lish cosmopolitan spirit and lack of clannish ness. Historians have endeavoured to shew that a grave mistake was com mitted in canonising George, who they contend, is no other than the great Arian antagonist to the Christian Church, George, of Cappadocia. This assumption, however, is considered untenable, and in all probability George was one of the thousands of martyrs who fell during the first centu ries of the Christian era, if not actually at the period fixed by the .Roman Catholic Church, namely, the great persecution under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. St. George is honoured in the calendar of Saints as the patron of • chivalry arid of the military profession. He was chosen patron saint of England and the Republic of Genoa and at the Council of Ox ford, in 1222, the 23rd of April was pro claimed a national festival in his honor. Edward the Third made him patron of the Order of the Garter in 1330, and the badge of that Order represents the saint on horse back spearing the dragon of nursery celebrity. The wonderful feats of the saint are, however, now universally admitted to be mythical. Kichard the Third ordered all his army and allies to wear the badge of St. George, the cross, before and behind on his armour ; and Henry the Fifth, of France, adopted the same device. The St. George's Ensign—a red cross on a white ground with Union Jack in the corner —is still retained as the distinguishing flag of the British navy.

The gentlemen who have promised to take part in the performance to be given in the Lome-street Hall on Monday evening next, for the benefit of the widow Hblthani and family, are requested to meet for re hearsal to-morrow evening.

The rota of attendance at the Court of Petty Sessions on Tuesday next includes the following Justices of the Peace, who are specially requested, with other Justices, to attend the annnal meeting to be held at noon on the same day:—Messrs. D. L. Murdoch, L. D. Nathan, L. A. Nathan, H. M. Nation, A. O'Neill, G. P. Pierce, R. F. Porter, A: K. Taylor, W. SI Tisdall, J. L. Tole, J. Wil liamson, J. A. Wilson, K. G. Wood, W. Young, and Captain Daldy, chairman.

The Hon. Mr Reynolds, Commissioner of Customs, was a passenger from the South by the steamer Taranaki this morning.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

[Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., E.M.]

REASON OUTRAGED. George Sutton, William Moore, and John Gamble, were charged with being drunk last ni.s?ht; Gamble and Sutton were fined 20s each, and Moore 10s and costs. SCOTT'S CAPERS. James Wriggle Scott was charged with wilful exposure in Victoria street last night. Prisoner, an old man infirm and gray headed, pleaded guilty. His Worship commented severely upon the case, and expressed his surprise that a man of prisoner's years should be guilty of such an offence. Prisoner said he was a cabinetmaker, but occasionally broke out. Three months' imprisonment with hard labour. " I WAS DRUNK. " James McLean was charged with assault ing Henry Price by tripping him up in Short land-street and breaking his leg. Prisoner: I was drank, your Worship, and don't know anything about it. His Worship : That is no excuse. If the man dies drunkenness won't save your neck. jvlr Broham said the man had been re moved to the hospital, whsre he was still suffering ; he would ask for a remand. Itemanded for a week. " POOR MARIA." Maiia Price was charged with using' un womanly language last night with intent to commit a breach of the peace. Prisoner expressed doubts as to her guilt. She was very doubtful about the charge against her. Mr. Broham said there were a number of offences on record against the prisoner. Piisoner said it was an error. She was not the same Maria. The Court ordered prisoner to pay a fine of 405., or be subjected to fourteen days hard labour. CHARGE OF TNCENDIARISM. George Daniel Burke, was brought up on a charge of willfully and feloniously setting fire to a house last night in Wakefield-street, the property of John Halliday, wifh intent to defraud the Norwich Union Insurance Society. Mr Broham asked for a remand in this case. The case was accordingly remanded until Thursday next. Prisoner asked to be admitted to bail, as he had a wife and family depending upon him. This question was left open. JJJKULTIXG CONDUCT. Pu chard Bach again appeared in answer to a summons, charging him with using insult ing language towards Thomas Aldridge, on the Gth inst. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr Tole appeared for complainant, and Mr Kissling for defendant. Mr Tole, who appeared gratuitously for complainant, stated the nature of the charge, which consisted in using bad words to com plainant, and writing indecentlettersto mem bers of his family. Thomas Aldridge deposed that he and defendant had been on friendly terms. On the Gth inst., he was on his way to office, when defendant met him in Hobson-atreet and called him a blackguard, and that things were eoing wrong in his home ; this, how ever, he should have passed over ; but Mr Bach wrote a series of letters to him calcu lated to disturb his peace of mind. He said he would hunt him out of Auckland. His wife was neni-ly heart-broken in consequence of defendant's conduct. To Mr Kissling : He was on very friendly terms with defendant a few days previous to the dissolution of their friendship. Defen dant had been very good to his family daring illness, in sending wine and brandy. He must say that he was afraid of him in con sequence of his violent conduct. Richard Bach, engineer, deposed that he overtook complainant in Hobsnn-street on the morning of the Gth iustant, when he snubbed him, and said he did not wish to know him. He did not call him a black guard, but simply referred him to his letters on the conduct of his family. He acknow ledge! sending the letters which were signed by him. Hin Worship commented very severely upon the conduct of defendant, who was a man in years ; and as he had confessed to writing the offensive letters, it would be his duty to order him to find sureties for his good con duct for the next six months ; himself in £200, and two others in £100 each. burkes case. George Daniel Burke was again brought into Oourb in respect of the question of bail. Piisoner said he was a working man, a bellows-maker, and earned from 10s to 15s per day. Mr Broham said the case was a very bus picious one, circumstances were very strong against prisoner. He should be very glad to assist in giving him his liberty if consistent with the interests of justice. Prisoner pleaded hard for his liberty on bail, as his family would suffer in conse quence. His Worship said he should be glad to conform to prisoner's wish, if he could pos sibly do so ; but he could not grant him his request after what had been stated. Ec would, however, arrange to hear the case on Wednesday next. This concluded the business.

Two Alarms of Fire.

OUTBREAK IN SHORTLAND-STREET.

About ten o'clock last night the ringing of the fire-bells alarmed the citizens. Those who looked for the tell-tale*glare in the sky to enlighten them as to the direction in which the outbreak lay, were unable to gather any information by that means ; and as, after sounding out for five or six minutes, the bells stopped, it was rightly conjectured that effective measures had been employed to nip the conflagration in the bud. It turned out tkat the flames giving rise to the startling clamour had been seen by Mrs HamptoD, wife of Mr Hampton, tailor, of Shortland-street, issuing from a small zinc building in rear of Mr Hamp ton's premises. This has been used for some time by Mr Cranwell, upholsterer, as a work shop and contained a good deal of inflamnable material such as wood, chips, shavings, tools &c. Mrs Hampton gave the alarm to her husband, who suceeded most fortunately in attracting Detectives Jeffrey and Grace, Sergeant O'Connor, and Mr Darby to the spot.. As yet the flames had not assumed any serious proportions, and Mr Hampton's well (which by good chance was not in the state of the greater number of our wells in Auckland at present) being contiguous tothe building suffic ient water was obtained to put out the fire. ThaFire Brigade arrived at the scene in excel lent time, bub their services were not re quired. Several buildings containing valu able merchandise were close to the ignited workshop, so that the fire, had it been allowed to / grow, would most likely have been a disastrous one. An examination of the premises revealed no clue to the origin of the outbreak. That it must have been smouldering for a considerable time was evident from the way in which some hard wood tools were burnt through. Mr Cran well asserts that the place was locked up at half-past five o'clock, and was then quite safe. It is noticeable that the seat of the fire was at a distance from the fireplace. The only presumable theory, other than that of incendiarism, is that a workman must have dropped a match among the wood before leaving. We believe an inquiry will be made as this is now the third incipient fire which has taken place lately within a few yards of the same spot.

FIRE IN WAKEFIELD-STREET.

SUSPICIOUS ORIGIN.

Little more than an tour after the excite ment consequent upon the Shortland-street outbreak had subsided, another alarm was given by the bells. This time the fire was discovered to be in Wakefield- street, in the back premises *of Mr George D. ' Burke, bellows-maker. Again did assistance arrive in time to check effectually the progress of the element, and very little damage was done A man named Kamus, who was carrying some water along the street, first saw the flames in this instance and succeeded in communicating the alarm to three or four imembers of the Firs Brigade who were returning home after their visit to the other outbreak. These at once entered the build ing and without difficulty quenched the flames. Mr Hughes, the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, arrived shortly afterwards. Mr Inspector Broham and Mr Hughes im mediately instituted a strict investigation of the nooks and corners of the place in which the flames were discovered and the result, we regret to say, leaves little doubt that a most bare-faced attempt at incendiarism has been perpetrated—by whom is another ques tion. A large quantity of flax saturated with kerosene was found lying about the premises. Burke has no call for the use of flax in his business and denies all knowledge of how it came there. The circumstance was, how ever, deemed so suspicious that he was arrested and detained in custody, pending a more complete enquiry. Mr Burke has been for some time a prominent member of the Fire Brigade. He resigned only last week, being dissatisfied with the decision on the refreshment question. His stock was insured for £75. The shop is part of a large block of wooden buildings, which must inevitably have gone had the flames spread. We under tand that the door opening from the back of Burkes workshop was without a fastening, and the place could easily be entered from behind,

Our Pigeon's Goldfields Budget.

Ottr carrier pigeons from the goldfielda brought the following budget of news to day : — T3is Tairua G-oldfisld.

THE PROSPECTORS' AREA JUMPED.

[By the Advertiser Repoiter.] The same sanguine feeling to ■which I pre viously referred, and which I found so rife on my first visit here, still prevails, and is evidenced by the increased population of the place, and the number of stores erected, and the anxiety to secure slices of ground in likely localities ; but that which I most wished to see was not apparent there was no mining work going on. Pros pectors are out, otrtainly, in various direc tions, and all report favourably of results from creek washings and the appearance of the country generaliy, but work is at a stand still, and numerous piospecfcing parties have, I believe, confined their operations to wash ing dishes of stuff from the prospectors' workings. In fact there is a lethargic spirit generated by the operation of the Gold Mining Districts' Act and it provisions, in allowing such large areas to individual com panies, which has effectually checked all legitimate operations for the prospecting and development of the field. The feel ing is so prevalent that the opinion has gained ground, and is now fast rooted in the minds of the miners, that tkese large license areas will be granted, and on the strength of this idea the prospectors' claim was to-day pegged out into claims by numerous parties who wish to take their Micawber chances of how things turn up, and t^e very workings from which the recent gold returns were obtained were to-day in cluded in a eMm marked out by tho3e people. I have not been able to gather the names of the parties by whom all the pegging out was done, but the south-west portion of the area was pegged out by Cootes, Gieave, and party, P. Donnelly and party, and others. I may add that tbe cutting of the side lines of the prospectors' reserve was only finished to-day No opposition was made, although some of the claims were on the boundary. NATURE OP THE EEEF. I may commence by saying that 1 have not yet seen the reef or lode from which the recent trial crushings were taken, and consequently am unable, from personal ob servation, to describe its appearance or characteristics. On the occasion of n>y pre vious visit the hole was filled up, and I was only able to guess the position of the lode. I subsequently ascertained that I was right in my gues3. To-day the hole was com pletely tilled. The prospectors found that allowing every person who chose to do so to come and wash prospects and take away the result, was, in point of fact, a very serious loss of gold, shut up the shaft, or rather filled it up, and the men who are now in their employ are only clearing a space on which to erect whares and quarters for the winter. Mr Beeche, the mine manager is expected up to-morrow, and immediately on his arrival a drive will be started to intersect the lodes at a low level, I have been shown the stuff of which it is composed, and it is a most singular formation to carry such rich gold as it undoubtedly does. It appears to be a conglomerate of sandstone and quartz, the former being the main ingredient, and the latter of a soft, friable—in fact, decomposed substance, disseminated through the forma tion in separate particles, not in defined streaks. Of the fact of its richness, however, there can be no question. It has already been proved by the trial crushing, and some parties who took stuff to-day from the tip outlaid c the shaft washed out good prospects, THE NEW DISCOVERIES. In regard to tte new discoveries to the north and east of the Prospectors' Claim, I do not think that they are all equal to those in the neighbourhood of the Prospectors' Claim. It is true that good prospects can be washed from the creek deposits, but I think it should be borne in mind that this creek rushes past and through the Pros pectors' Claim. It is therefore quite pos sible that the creek washings may have come from, this area, and so far as I have been able to learn there has been no reef opened which appears to supply these creek washings. Bat the Tairua goldfield is still a mystery, and when future operations develop its resources, there may be some marked changes in popular opinion regarding the nature of gold deposits in rock. TRIAL PROSPECT. Mr Cootes and Mr Cleave returned to camp to-day, and proceeded on to the Thames with a trial parcel of stuff (a small lot in ' a handkerchief) from a locality which they in form me is seven miles from the prospectors' claim. They believe it to contain gold, and will have it tested to-morrow. George Wood-ward and party have taken up an area of ten men's ground to the eastward of the prospectors', which they have named the Eldorado. They are just starting to sink for the deep of the main reef, and can obtain good payable prospects in a body of stuff opened, and from which they are about to have a quantity tested. STATE OF THE ROADS. "The track is many degrees worse than it was last time I travelled it. There has been some heavy rain recently in the ranges, and the track ia now reduced to a bog, into which the pedestrian sinks nearly to his knees be tween the roots and stumps. Mr McLaren, District Engineer, has been up for the last few days, directing operations, and he has started survey parties to explore another track to Shortland by way of Kauwaeranga. He is is not by any means sanguine of being able to discover a practicable track in that direction. I |also met Mr. McCarthy en

route for the exploration of a route by way ofHape, Waiotahi, Karaka, or Tararu, I gup pose. He has been, I believe, employed \>y / the people of the Thames. A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THEDISTRICT. To-day I had a splendid view of the Tairua Valley from the look-out tree. By climbing into its branches, I could take in a panoramic view of the whole valley, from its mouth npwn to the mountains, and the view included Whangamata harbour to the southward, and apportion of Mercury Bay to thejj north- J ward. Of course, judging distances from V such an altitude as that I then occupied, 2,000 feet above the level of the Puriri flat/ is hazardous, but I do not estimate the dis-, tance, in a direct line from the centre of the claim to the mouth of the river at more than'f v twelve miles. The river flows mostly in a* northerly direction, but with many windings, through a comparatively flat open country, almost free from bush, up to within about' four or six miles of the claim. There is a very steep descent of about 500 feet from the centre line to the place selected for a machine site on the branch creek, but up to the site I do not think there could be any difficulty in finding a" road, with an easy grade from Mr Jackson's landing. Without a road at all, Mr Jackson is now de livering flour and other stores on the gold-J; fied, at a rate very much cheaper than can 1' , be done from Grahamstown:. lam informed |- that the distance from the landing to the machine site would not be more than fonr n miles. The altitude of the dividing range, / rengc, where crossed by the Puriri track is SBO feet above the Puriri flat.

OHINEMURI.

WAITBKA.TJRI, "Wednesday. ;; :," CLAIMS AT WAITEKURI. ' ' '* Everybody here is in good spirits, and the claims on the main line of reef are all work ing and fully manned. Mr C. F. Mit- \, ( chell takes down some stone to be tested. The track is now cut from the ' back of Takerei's house to the claims at Waitekauri, a distance of some or eight ;, miles. The work was done by Mr R. B. ■ ' McCartie, a surveyor, and a party of natives, and is all right so far as it goes, but the r track requires to be widened and graded at several points. Nothing that I hear is being ■ done respecting the coal, and I apprehend there will be considerable difficulty before it' is worked. RUSH TO TAIRUA. The exodus to Tairua still continues, and it is draining the place rapidly of its bon« : and sinew. Last night several persons came in from Waitekauri, and they expressed •■!] themselves reluctant in leaving the district,... but as their friends had shows at the new El Dorado, and had written for them, they intend to try their fortune there, simply on;;.': * the ground that that there was every pro- ~ bability of a more immediate return than > could be obtained at Waitekuri. ' ■ r Several small tests have been made front;., Leahy's line of reef during the week— ~ one from the Bright Smile ground, where ,:; the shareholders brought in about a tonple of V* pounds of stone from the cap of the reef, and ■-': the result therefrom was very satisfactory. The prospectors at Karangahake have got about three tons of stone down according to r a well-known tributer of the Thames, and who baa a piece of ground adjoining the Prospectors' It ought to yield over 2J ozs. per ton, but if an average of 1£ ounces can be got it will be a splendid claim, inasmuch as the lodes are large and the reef easy to work. MINERS RIGHTS' INQUIRY. f | '. The inquiry into the surreptitious issue of . miners' right 3 proceeds, and singular dis closures have been made. All stolen s riyhts came from, the book in A Horn's possession, which was given to Mac- ■ kay. Sufficient has come out to warrant ft '. searching enquiry, which generally is to be hoped Sir George Grey will cause to be made, uffl

City West Election.

DECLARATION OP THE POLL. The official declaration of the result of the polling for the election of a member of the General Assembly for City West, took place ;. at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms to-day. Mr S. Y. Collins, for the Returning Officer, read the number of votes . polled as follows :— P. Dignan ... 565 J. M. Dargaville 386 Majority for Dignan ... 179 He declared Mr Dignan elected. Mr. Dignan, very briefly, returned thanks for the expression of confidence conveyed to J him by his election. He said it was very gratifying to him that at this particular . juncture he was chosen to take part in public affairs. He thought that this result was owing to the intelligence of the electors in apprehending the real question at issue. He had much pleasure in bearing testimony to the kindness he had received from all the electors, those who had opposed him as well _ as those who had given him their support. He hoped that by his exertions on the behalf ' of the district he would win over his present opponents to become his supporters. That would be his earnest endeavour. (Hear hear). He need not in the absence of his opponent, Mr Dargaville, say more than thank the '?. electors of City West, and assure them that he would do his best for the district. (Mr Dargaville had announced through the Press previously that absence from the oity would prevent him from being present at the I declaration ) A vote of thanks to the acting Returning Officer concluded the business.

Declaration of Poll.

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL, CITY EAST. o- In accordance with, advertisement the de claration of the poll for City East was declared by the Deputy Returning, Officer this afternoon at two o'clock. The numbers were :— ' Mrßees 270 MrHoldship '... 230 Majority for Mr Rees 40 The announced was received wiih cheers. Mr. Rees on coming to the front, after alluding to the fact of its being customary for successful candidates to address the electors, ' expressed his thanks to those who elected : him. He hoped they would excuse his alluding to the causes and circumstances of his election. The fact of Mr Holdship_ having 330 signatures to his requisition, and having only 230 votes recorded in his favour, was an example of the rottenness of: ' requisitions, which he believed to be wrong altogether, and opposed altogether to the true spirit of the ballot. If the great ,' men of the place, such as Dr, Campbell, went round and asked people to sign, ■ they would not like to refuse. It placed them in a false position. ,I? t .~. the face of being opposed by a large «cc;' . tion of the principal men of the place : in ~•-»■ face of the fact that Mr Holdship was a maniv who had no enemies : knowing that one half r of the press would be virulent against him, v knowing that there was a large patty com-. bined to keep him out, he became a can didate for City East. He had to thank the Daily Southern Gross for at least' ;; a portion of his success. (Hear, hear). He '" had never seen such an article in any papar. , The man who wrote that might as well have i stood in Queen-street, and picked up mud and thrown at him. He was sorry to see Buch an article in any paper, more especially: in one which used to be one of the foremost in the • colony. There was no argument in the article, it was simply low scurrilous abuse. That paper was in deed owned by an Auckland proprietary, for

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THE Undersigned are Cash Pur chasers of BIDES, SHEHPRKINS, WOOL, TALLOW, &c, *c, at highest maiket rates, in any qi^autity. Consignors direct will have prompt and immediate cash remittances returned at satisfactory rates. IRELAND BROS., Tanners and Leatbek Manufacturers, AUCKLAND. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. We are now Opening up O TJ P. NEW STOCK AUTUMN AND WINTER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, To Hand Ex Ada, Baron Abedaot, &c, To our order direct from the Manufacturers. FRENCH MEBTNOES in all colours ALL WOOL PLAIDS WINCEYS SKIRTINGS SHIRTINGS FLANNELS BLANKETS SHEETINGS And every description of FURNISHING GOODS. A Choice Lot of CHILDREN'S, MAID'S, AND LADTE=?' WATER PROOF CLOAKS AND MANTLES LADIE3' BLX.CK CLOTH JACKETS. HOSIKRT, ETC. FANCY DRESS MA.TERCALS in great variety. NEW CLOTHING, ETC. To be followed by further shipments ex Emily McLarren and Dunedin, RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (Late K. Bobbs). JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Queen-street, Auckland. "PURCHASE OF "CIREEHOLD. FINDING we liad not sufficient room for our fast increasing trade, we have PURCHASED TPIE FREEHOLD of the CITY HALL PREMISES, Extending from Queen-street to Lorne-stroet, which will enable us very shortly to meet the wishes of our numerous friends and public by opening v SHOW ROOM on the Ground Floor for Millinery, Under clothing, and Fancy Goods. Due notice will be given on the completion of the extensive alterations now proceeding HOLLO ¥AyT GARLICK, DRAPERS & CLOTHIERS, 230, Queen-street, Auckland. V N.B.—The Hall and Large Cellar to let for n long or short period. I^r o t i c c. THE BANKS Will be CLOSED on FRIDAY, 23rd INSTANT, (Saint George's Day).



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