SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGfl WATER : This evoking* \& ', to morrow morning. 2.43 arms taw • to- SUN SEX : This evening, 6.81; BVN KI3B. to moi-row morning, 5 5 < MOON'S AOJI : New Moon. Sth. Bam

ARRIVALS.

Sarah, biig. Moore, from i dfrl»iie . Gb-ahe»d, a.s., McGillivray, fr.,ui Napier, Gisborce, Anaura

DEPARTURES.

Rowena, s s., for Bay of Islands Southern Cross, s s . for 'J'auransa Xnna, p.a. j for the Thames

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

IPor "Wellington, via the East Coast-Luna, Govern-

ment p.s, at once . . For the Soath—Wellington, s.s, to morrow ; Phoobs,

Btn inst ForiSuwcastle—lsabella, brig, early; Union, barque,

early For san Francisco-Mikado, s.s., (next English

WaiO, March 19 For the Islands-Martha, barque, early For Nauier-Warwick, ship, early ; In.verene, ship.

ea?ly For Sydney and Melbourne- Cjphrenes, s.s, on

arrival For London—Glenlora, ship, about the 7th March For Noumea—Kef ilworth, sshooner, e»rly For Tfmaru Wave, br;g, early For Hobart Town—Helen, barque, shortly

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Cyphrenes, s.s, (Knglish Mail), from San Francisco about 6th March ; Bulled 7th instant Hero s s, from Sydney, early Phoebe, s.s , from the South, Friday "Wong* from Sydney, early Dido. H M.S.,from Fiii Ca ler '.;n, abip, from London ; sd;ed ITernglen, ship, from IJondon : f,ai!ed India, ship, from r ondon : sailed Nov 24 B*ron Aberdare ship, ftom Tendon ; tailed Deo 8 shooting Star, Dar jue, from Lindon ; sailed Dec 23 Ada, b rqae, from London ; sailed Nov 24 Rapido. barque, from New York, via Adelaide Bslla Mary, barque, from Hobart Town ; sailed 6th

instant ~ Harriet Atmitage, from Dunedin, early Syrtn brte, from l-yttelton Jtyno, brigantine from Kntumah. early Flirt, b-igantine, from Lyttdton, early ©riti, schooner, from Oamaru, early Papua, schooner, from Karotonga, early Belle Brandon, sch oner, from the Islands, early LevuKa. schooner, from Levuk*, early D*phne, schooner, from Levuke, early Peerless, schaoner, from Lv telton

IMPORTS.

Per Sarah, from Adelaide: 2.661 sacks wheat, Thornton. Smith and Firth—Master, agent.

THE BARON ABERDARE.

Capt. McGillivray, of the s s. Go-Ahead, reports that on Sunday afternoon, soon after leaving Anaura, a small port a few miles this Bide of Gisborne. he sighted a large English ship, apparently about 1,500 tons register. She was standing to the North, about ten miles from the land. The Go-Ahead was ia company with her for sixhonrs, till rounding the East Cape. The same &hip was sighted again last evening between Couvier Island anf 1 the Great Mercury. The wrad^was light f rom the east at the time, and the ship -jas under full sail heading for Cape A large number of passengers wexe visible on board. Had it nofc been blowing heavily on Sunday Captain MoGiuivary states he would have gone alongside. This will probably turn out to be the Baron Aberdare now S3 days out fromlion'on. She must have come somh ..bout Her numbers had not been made up to the time of our going to press. Captain Burgess went over to the .North Shore this morning on receiving Captain McGillivary's report, to be in readiness to go off to htr.

THE PRETTY JANE.

By the arrival of the Go-ahead we learn that the "operations for raising the Pretty Jane are steadily progressing, and the day before the Go-ahead left the •workers were enabled .to lift her 30 feet higher up on the beach. The wind betng from the eastward re tards the work, but M:" Lodder entertains no doubt of complete success in a few tides. It was intended to construct a box over the hole made by the anchor.

The B.s Go-ahead arrived in port from Napier, Gisborne, and Anaua this morning at three o'clock. The captain reports strong but favourable weather since leaving Anaura on the 28 th ult. The Go-ahead brings one passenger, Mr Brown, and 2 packages cargo She his been engaged shipping 1,200 sheep from Napier to Anaura. This was effected in two trips On the earlier of these trips she called in at Poverty Bay, and now brings -us two days later news of the Pretty Jane, whose place the Go-ahead is to fill till her "repairs are effected. Captain AJeGillivary reported sighting a largo EDgh'sh ship outside The brigantine Nightingale was hauled away into the stream this morning. She is to load timber at one of the coast ports for Australia.

The barque Helen has also hauled away into the stream, and is to take her departure for Hobart Town at once

The barque Martha has just commenced loading for Samoa.

We learn that the detention of the St Kilda is sim ply owing to her being bar-bound. By a printer's error, last evening the telegram received was made to read—" The St. Kilda ha 3 struck," instead of " stuck "

The brig Sarah, 233 tons, Captain Moore, arrived from Adelaide yesterday evening, with a cargo of ■wheat for Messrs Thornton, Smith and Firth. She left port on the 6th February, and has thus been 23 days en her passage, the length of time bei "g mainly due to a succession of easterly winds, experienced for a fortnight after starting. The Anazi is discharging her cargo very rapidly She "Will have finished by the end of the week.

The ship Warwick has now almost finished loading ■with iron. She will sail in a few days.

Mr Charles Bailey, at the North Shore, is busy over a fore and aft schooner for Mr A. Donald sailmake'.-. She is to measure between 60 and 70 tons register and will have the following dimensions : —67 feet length of keel, 19 feet beam, 7 feet 6 inches depth of bold. She is being built to carry a large cargo on a small draught of water Her time for completion is about three months hence. The framework is now ready for planking. The rigging and running gear came out from England in the Glenlora..

The schooner Jessie Henderson left Lyttelton on ITriday last for Wait ato Heads. She has on board 760 tags wheat, and 650 bags oats, for B. Lamb, Ngarua wahiaMill.

Captain Moore, of the brig Sarah, reports passing a barque off Cape Brett, on Friday morning last. She was apparently bound in and would most likely toe the Bella Mary, now orer 20 days out from Hobart Town,

The schooner Echo lias cleared for Bussell in ballast.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

■Wellington, This Day. The N.Z.S.S. Company's Phoebe cannot arrive In Osehunga until Friday next, the sth instant.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr George W. Biuney sold to-day, at the Corn Ex change, 410 bags of white crystal sugar, all more or less damaged, at £39 15a to .£4O 15s, duty paid; also, 812 mats of Melbourne BUgar, in bond, at £34 The groceries, oils, pickles, and other artioles fetched arerage prices ■

OAtLS AND IVIYIDKNDS.

] The following *re the cm rent calls and dividends payable in tha oompaxiies named below:— CALLS. £ b. d. Date. QaeenofMay 0 20 — March 3 Blrd-in-Hand 0 4 0 — „ 8 Cfintral Italy 0 10—,, 10 TTnion 8each....;... 0 2 0— „ -10 Prideof Tokatea 0 0 6— „ 10 Watchman. . 0 0 6— „ 10 Harbour View. 0 1 0 — „ 10 tTaa..... 0 0 6— „ 10 V.Z. Loan Company 10 o—,, 11 South British G. M. Co. .... 0 10—,, 15 Thames G. M. Co. 10 o—,, 18 N.Z. liOan Company 0 10 0 — June 11

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :—

For Thames. to-rnonv>w, at 9.30 p m, and 5.30 p.re, i'or Coromar.d^l, to-morrow, nt 10 3'J a 'v

For New Calectonia, per Kenilwortb, this day, ai

4.30 pm For Hr.bart Town, per Helen, this d*y, at 5 p m

For Taurang;v, per Vincent, thU day, at 5 p vi

H'or VTaufiaroa, rer Euby, to-rcorrow. ai9an

For Kuß-:ell. per Speedwell, to-morrow, at 9 a m

For Austriliaa Coloaies, per C^phreiiea, six hour

after arrival For Tars-naki, aud Southern provinces, i^er Wn'lington. to-mor-ow, nt 1 p.m. Fijr monejs orders, registered letters, and news papers. &t noon . J.ate letters will be receiver] till 115pm Kor GisV.orf.ie and : NRpier per Go-ihesd, to-morrow,

at 3 r> in Kor W*iwora and W-irkwofth, per L'idy Bowon, on

Thur-.d-ij- nfixt, nt 10 a tv N.B. — Ma'ls for I; din, Chin*. Me.literr*ne.^>i ports, Cont nent cf Bur p>3. and Unite I Kinginm via f a»5 ar\U Brindisi, clcs<3 at thi3 oiiics o;i 'tVu :nas day. 9th Mu-ch

'!h« ste.nroer AJhambr* ia expected to leave the Bluff a'. Slam to m rrow, Sfd instant. Telegrams for the Australian Colonie< o< Eurnpn, via Java ciljie Will be received a' r. the 'JVlogravh Otlice, AiiciUnd, for transmission to t&e Bluli' up till 10 am to morrow

(Signed) S. B. BK3. Chief Postmaster

MARRIAGE.

Hamilton —Haysom. — On tlic Ist March, at St. Matthew's Church, by the Rev. Mr Hassaid, David Hamilton to Catherine Haysoni, both of Auckland.

DEATH.

Pbingle.—On Ist March, Richard Bird Pringle, late of Liverpool. The funeral will leave the residence of Mi"W. Griffith, Seafield View Road, to-morrow (Wednes day), at 3 p.m Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 1875.

For the cause that lacks assistance, i"or the wrong: tiiat needs resistance, £«r the future in the distance- Juki the good that we eon do.

While any candidate is at liberty to frame his address to the constituents ia any shape he likes, we cannot but regret the toae assumed by Mr Dargaville in the public ex position of his views as published in another column. We regret thia mainly because his opponent is not one who will use this clas3 of weapon, and we think that good tasce might have suggested, to Mr Dargaville that a higher tone would have been more seemly in carrying on a struggle, if there is to be a straggle, with. such, a man as Sir George Grey. In that address Mr Dargaville makes as sertions and insinuations which we trust he will withdraw, for the simple reason that a little enquiry will show him that they are without foundation. In one respect indeed it may be well that these statements re specting Sir George Grey have been broadly made. The statement that Sir George Grey once said that he would see " grass growiog iv the streets of Auckland," has been very current, and from its currency has been credited by many. By those who knew the origin of the calumny, it has always been steadily denied, and it is known that the charge is utterly without foundation, and that Sir George Grey never did give utter ance to this alleged ebullition of temper. We trust that Mr Dargaville will enquire into this canard, which was once let fly by the bitter enemies of Sir George Grey in pure malevolence, and that if he finds the state ment to be without foundation, he will with draw it. Again, Mr Dargaville asserts that Sir George Grey desired the removal of the seat of Government from Auckland. That chauge ia effectually disposed of by Mr Robert Graham, in his letter published in another column. Than Mr. Graham no man better knows the position at the time, and the true feelings of Sir George Grey on the subject; for Mr Graham beiDg the Superintendent, and on friendly terms with all the parties, was the chief medium of communication during the embroglio, and he asserts that the personal feelings of Sir George were exceedingly opposed to the removal oi the seat of Government from Auckland. Mr Dargaville further says that Sir George states that " his object in enter ing the arena of politics is to bolster up, and if possible perpetuate Provincialism." We might ask, when or where has Sir George stated this ? Certainly not iv any published

statement of his ; certainly not in any inter view of which, a reliable account has been furnished to the public. He states" his motives when he says, " I think that every man should do all in his power to serve the country in which he lives, and should strive to promote the happiness of its people." And we believe that most people will pccept it that Sir George having no axe to grind, this must be his real object in en tering into the arena of politics. Mr Darga ville further censures Sir George Grey for "looking on quietly for the last seven years, while Auckland has been suffer ing from neglect, the province treated with injustice, and almost starved out of political existence." But this seema a strange reason why—when he no longer " looks on quietly, and can no longer bear that Auckland should " suffer from neglect," or that the province should be "treated with injustice, and almost starvedout of political existence," —he should be repelled from the political arena, end driven back to Kawau. If li 3 feels that the crisis is coaie, and that now is the hour to strike for Auckland, it appears to us that Mr Dargaville and erery other patriot i should bid him welcome. Why the same charge might be laid against Mr Dargaville himself, for it is but comparatively recently that he has seen that crisis in the history of affaira which has demanded his intervention, and knowing all the time that he was capable of shedding illumination on the dark troubled sea of politics, he has most un patriotically persisted ia keeping his light under a bushel. We are of those who greatly desire to see Mr Dar«aville in public lifo, but we do not ceosure him because that heretofore he did not realise " the hour and the man." With reference to the idea that Sir George Grey's mind would be above the small details of supsrintcudental work we say nothing, only that we think it would be a good thing to have a Chief Magistrate, the tendency of whoso mind would be to elevate the administration of nffairs and give a higher tone even to local politics Far be it from us to depreciate Mr. Dai-gaville's active efforts in the Provincial Council, to which in his address he refers. He says he opjioaed the household and manhood tax, and so would many others if they had seen any other way out of the difficulty ; for though Mr. Dargaville's gum-tax was, to hi 3 eye, the panacea for all political ills, it did not so commend itself to others. But to one state ment we must take exception. Mr. Dar gaville says, " I defeated the Government of Mr. Sheehan on tha question of the transfer of the control of the police from the General to the Provincial authority." If there is any merit in that particular busi ness, Mr Dargaviile should not claim an undue (share. H: knows that ho did not defeat the Government on that question, for that while of four members of Government in theC )>incil two supported the fcrao >fer, the other two stood with Mr Dargaviile ; and of one of these we can state with confidence 'hat, through the columns of this journal, he as laboured longer aid more earnestly than ever did Mr Dargavilie in any capacity, against tho return of the polica ~to provincial cout.ol. However the^e are minor matters, anl we have not the least desire to detract i ither from Mr Dargaville's services in the pjsfcor his capabilities for the future. But in flefeiencc to the gentleman whom—we will say it—he has the honor of opposing, wo do trust that he will not resorb to methods which would be becoming enough against a meaner antagonist. We the people of Auckland have many a timo and oft shown our ability for be <pafccerin^ one another in tim.-.'S o l political contest, and doubtless we could all do it again Ifc would ba so nice, for a change* to have a contest —if there is to be a contest in which the more gentlemanly and honor able qualities which exist among us should oome into play ; and that instead of the two candidates coming out of tie polling booth all spluttered and spattered over with dirt— one as grime as the othor~wo should beo the aspirants to the chief magistracy rival ling one another in the courtesies and ameni ties of gentlemen. To this end we trust that the contest will not open with charges and insinuations which cannot be substan tiated, and which, without promoting the ends intended, only excite and embitter strife —tha end whereof no rnao. can tell.

Is our telegraphic columns will be seen the sentiments of the Otago Guardian on our pending Superintendency election. It wil) be borne in the mind that the Guardian is a strong supporter of the General Government, having been, as ia generally known, started under the protection of Mr Vogel, and for the defence of his policy. Ib is therefore the foregoing of strong predilections when that journal advocates the return of Sir George Grey, and it can only be attributed co the feeling which "is uppermost in the minds of thousands, tbat waiving considera tion of msre- temporary questions, the acquisition of so much ability, experience, influence, and character in the conduct of public affairs would baa boon to the whole colony. The Guardian, as will be seen,

urges that Mr Dare;aville should exercise aelf-denial as the firat opponent in the field and gracefully forego claims to election. It rightly regards the occasion as being altogether an unusual one, and feels that «'ifMr Dargaville by any chance obtained the victory, his triumph would be forever marred by the reflection that he will have deprived the province of the service of the man who could best have guided it through the troubles whereby it is now beset, and greater to come." These are generous Ben timents coming from a journal that might perhaps be expected to be opposed to the return of a man who is sure to take an inde pendent and a prominent position in the Assembly; but w believe they are the honorable and the honest sentiments that will be entertained by all opposed to any peculiar views of Sir George Grey's when time brings reflection, in lieu of the little prelimi nary flurry that is produced by the idea of a possibly contested elec ion.

Some curious revelations as ■to i^w^oarw* "policy" appear in our Welling-o^ oo'tt'i. pondence. The case of A ,derson versus Jones, a printer, part heard last week in Auckland, was yesterday decided in favour of plaintiff for the fuJl amount, and nearly as much for costs. But-it is not merely the coming to look for wool and going away shorn, that ia noteworthy. It is amazing

-, • — ' ■ ■■— ~**, ~ that we have survived these elaboiatia pre parations and the "pariah of; trumpets" before which the wallslof our Jericho should have fallen down. The blowing of rams horns, however, appears to be an exhaustive process, and the blending of horror and surprise and grief in the letter of the 16th of January is very touching in its pathos. Reader read it, and drop a tear on the grave of buried hope 3. Over sentiments so gentle, motives so noble, and efforts so brave, the tenderness of our soul is moved. We lean upon our desk and wipe away a tear.

A Rockhampton paper tells the follow ing story :—" On a recent Sunday morning as a lady was engaged in the fascinating duties of her toilette, she met with a little adventure which, we regret to say, prevented her from attending Divine Service and from aajdying her dinner. She was dropping over her head a garment which is usually called by the men a petticoat, when, to her horror, a snake dropped from it and fell across her naked feet. The celerity with which the lady spring from the floor, into the bed, and wound round herßelf every available sheet, and blanket, was astonishing;. The snake, frightened by the screams of the lady, did its best to escape, but a boot heel upon its head brought it up short, and in half a minute afterwards it was grilling amid the hot ashes.

The carpenters and joiners at their meet ing last evening resolved upon forming a trade benefit society. The secretary was instructed to write to the secretary of the Amalgamated Society of England on the subject, and to prepare a statement for presentation at the next ordinary meeting.

We regret to learn that Colonel Macdonnell —who ha 3 been for the past few years nego tiating land purchases in the north —leaves to-day for Wellington, with the intention of transfering his services elsewhere. Colonel Macdonnell has been very successful in his transactions with the natives, and has been the medium of removing all difficulties in the acquisition of an immense quantity of valuable native laads in the northern part of this province by the Government. This land, owing to causes of various kinds, has not been formally transferred, but it is gen erally known that the whole work has been done by Colonel Macdonnell, and the work of transfer ieft for his successors. We are nob aware to what particular duties he may be appointed elsewhere, but we know that Colonel Macdonneil bears with him the kind est and best wishes oE -all those with whom he has come in contact during his residence in this province.

The only business before the Police Court this morniag was the imposition of a fine upon a woman of respectable appearance for being found in a state of inebriation by the. wayside of life. The presiding justices were his Worship the Mayor and Dr. Home.

Mr Batter, secretary of the Auckland Per manent Building and Investment Society, announces that the offices of the Society are removed from Wyndham-streot to 97 Queen street, 3 doors above Wyndham-street.

We have been requested by a gardener to remind the committee of the Horticultural Society that they promised to hold their autumn show about the middle of March, but have fo;gotten to specify (he day. Gar deners should have been informed of the day at JeaVt three months before, so that they could disbud, &c, to have the plants or (lowers ready for that day of exhibition. We hope the society will take the hint, and lose no more time, or their show must inevitably prove a failure.

A gentleman met with a serious loss on Saturday evening last, somewhere between Hobson and Cook-streefc, very near, it is supposed, to the Criterion Hotel. The loss is elaborately described as a meerschaum pipe, darkly colored, with amber mouth piece. It is a melancholy Joss, and we can no*; but express deepest sympathy with the afflicted one.

The Engineer and City Bands will play in front of the Supremo Court to-morrow even ing at 7 Programme :—Grand inarch, "La Paix," Tollot; Overture, "De La Sirene," Vuber ; Quadrille, " Royal Danish," Eivere ; Selection, "Recollections of the Opera"; Waltz, "Cassandra," Coote; Mazurka, "Polydori," Tollot; Gallop, "The Wee Dos,'' J. S. Jones ; " God Save the Queen."

We are glad to learn that Me3srs Pritchard, Brown, and John Mitohelson, who were in ju'ed by the explosion of a quicksilver bottle ab the Phoeaix foundry are nob no seriously hurt as was at first feared, Upon being being taken to the hopisai their wounds were attended to by DrFhilson,and thfcyreturned to their homes. One of Mitehelsrm's eyes were injured, and both eyes and face of Brown, but. not to such aa extent but that both will shortly be able to resume their ordinary avocations.

The grand concert in aid of the building fund will take place on Thursday evening, in the Choral Hall, when that eminent vocalist, Miss Christian, will make her final public appearance in Auckland. We notice that Bom-i of the most beautiful songs of modem times will then be snng, and we call special attention to them on this ac count ; such songs aa "The Blind (lirl t> her LTarp," byMra, Mitchell, " Tha Murmnr of the Shell." from the pen of the fion. Mis. Norton, will be surtg by Miss Leaf ; and Charles Kingsley's "Three Fishers" will be rendered in her cvn melodious manner by Misa Christian.

The secoiid concert in connection with St. Matthew's church choir and guild will take placa on Thursday evening, in the Young Mou's Christian Association rooms. A very interesting part of the entertainment will bo the brilii tnt lirue light exhibition, illustrative of the remarkable cathedrals of England and other lands. Thesa scenes will be described by a competent lecturer, and accompanied by approptiate music.

7. be members of the Sir Henry Havelock Lod^ti of Good Templars will hold their anniversary soiree at Edwardes-street this evening. Tea will be provided, and a musical and literary entertainment will foliow, ia which several of the best speakers in connection with the Order will appear.

OHINEMURI.

(PER STAR CARRIER PIGEON.)

[From Our Special Correspondent.]

GREAT FIRE ON THE FLAT.

SPECULATORS ABOUT.

Prospectors Claims Granted.

Bungling Surveys of Mackaytown.

PAEEOA. s*~*^~~ mi y^~ ,lnis mormn?. A great fire is raging O q the Puriri fkts. Communication^^i^ Shortland is cut off. A horajpgta-Q-'rode through the flames at the r »afe-of his life. Numbers of speculators are here after coal, ?nm, and timber la.pJ». ,-' (W- a tnousand miners j&ke on the field awaitiug the opening. &t Immense excitement prevailed yesterday on receipt of the Advertiser containing advertisement, issued by Mr Maokay, rela tive to miners' rights, but this "was soon afterwards followed by the arrival of the Government Agent himself.

It became a matter cf speculation what he was to do.

AftOT landing at Ropata's settlement, where he made only a short delay, he started away for Mackaytown. It soon leaked out that he was about to survey off thefprospectors' reserve, and he was closely watched by a large crowd of anxious diggers who appeared to be keenly interested in the matter. It became a matter of cer_ tainty what his object was when instead of stopping at the Gorge township he crossed over to Lip3eys. A large ciowd followed him up. , , Mr Thorpe and the native 9 who were to point out the place which was to be pegged off, were there, as well as the representatives of the other three parties who claim to be the discoverers. ; Mr Mackay made up to the burnt spur, facing the gorge town, behind which it was known that the yjrospectors1 reef existed. Here the location was, at Mr Mackay s request, pointed out by Mr Thorpe. There were thirty men present altogether, everything being quiet and orderly. Coleinan, one of the claimants, made a formal protest against the claim being pegged out. Mr Maokay received the protest but told Coleraan and others that he had no power to act in it. The party then returned to the township, but the prospectors will go on the ground this morning to survey the claim off in order, and have it reserved from- the goldtield. The general feeling is that it wa3 merely a ruse to give the claim to Thorp and the natives. The surveyors made a mess of Mackay town and another staff of surveyors has been

put on. There are rumours of a gathering storm m consequence of the dodgery about the pros pectors' claim.

NOTES OF A TRIP TO OHINEMURI.

(By a Star Reporter.,)

FINDS BY PROSPECTORS

The reticence of diggers is gwmg way somewhat, and various reports are afloat on the finds of prospecting parties through the Gorge Ranges. One old miner, well pleaded with the general aspect of the field, and the particular show resulting from his _ own labour, has written for a number of his old companions. Many parties of miners who are shepherding ground in the ranges find their exchequer getting low, and feel the stern necessity of raising the wind as soon as possible. One digger in charge of a _ tent mentioned on Saturday the fact of himself and three mates coming" from Hokitika to secure a piece of ground they had discovered to be gold-bearing ffour yoars ago, but that thciy were barely able to keep themselves m tucker another month without in some way increasing their funds, having waited at the Thames for the opening of the field, and fooled away most of their money before going up.

WHERE THE BEST COUNTY LI E g

A prospector who came up on Satu r ,|ay from a tour to the boundary line this gide the Aroha mountain states that a great part of the best giound he met with was in the vicinity of the gorge, but was of such a pre cipitous character that in some places their was no footing, and he had to rise hand over hand up roots of trees. The indications of gold were most satisfactory, and the result of panning off from many of the reef-washes was exceedingly good. His opinion was that mining during the winter would be found a very difficult matter, and in some of the best looking spots an impossibility. The soil on the back ranges was of a very rich nature, diggers would be able to keep their tables easily supplied with vegetables, and as an old Australian digger, constitutionally weakened by toil in unhealthy districts, he balieved the Ohinemuri district was des tined to prove a haven of rest to Australia, Palmer River, and other fagged minors who could pursue their usual avocation and at the same time re^asitate iheir failing energies, amid this natural pa-adiae of a country, with its abundaut supply of fresh water, rich soil, a mild congenial climate, climate, which has not it* equal in the colon ies. Situated at so short a distance from Auckland, that in spite of its winding river, a good steamer could make the passage in eight hours. The old miner's earnest expression of opinion will bs borne out by any tourist who ha.3 the good fortuue to travel through the fair district of Ohinemuri. THBFLOWIVG RIVER, One gentleman, a Wai Is at > landowner, who is a great admirer of that portion of the province, state they have a beanliful river in the Waikato, but that the Thames river beats it, with banks firm and sandy; the miles of flat land adoroe-1 with every variety of inde^enous shrubs and plants, with rich back ground of forest trees and auriferous ranges —a most perfect panorama of nature. Every mile further up the river, as the traveller proceeds, add some new feature to the exquisite beauty of the scene. Few in Auckland are aware of the tremenduous volume of clear fresh water continuously running through the plains of Ohinemuri down to the sea, in some parts with such velocity that a man cannot swim against its current, while the depth is as great as thirty feet in some places. As the mind contemplates this placid scene, a feeling of deep regret is experienced to think of the limpid stream, so trasparent and pure, being polluted with filth of ever description. The air, at present so calm and clear, soon to be filled with smoke and taints, and re sound with the noise of batteries, and the hum of city life: Forest 3, shrubs, and all native vegetation to be swept away for ever from the place. Such, however, is the march of civilization.

LICENSING COURT.—This Day.

The quarterly meeting of the Auckland Licensing Court was held to-day at noon in the High-street offices before Messrs Joseph May (cha.ir), Thotnas Oheeseman, and G. M. Mitford, Esq., Mr Lodge, clerk, Mr Inspector Thomson on the part of the police. The following applications for transfers of licenses were made and granted, viz. : — Louisa Wadhain, Coachmakers Arms, Wellesley-street, to James Dempsey ; Charles Burton, Victoria Hotel, to Edward S. Hill ; Edward S. Hill, Scotia Hotel, Hobson-street to James Innes ; John Higgins, Wellington Hotel, to Thomas Haywood ; Charles Hick ling, Army and Navy Hotel, to Charlos Burton ; Hugh Hood, Cottage of Content, to Wm. H. Baas; and Henry Keene, Captain Cook Hotel, Kyber Pass, to George Miller, late of the Robert Burns Hotel, Union-street.

LATER ENGLISH TELEGRAMS.

[PBR S.S. OTAGO AT THB BLUfF.]

THREATENED GERMAN EXPEDITION AGAINST SPAIN.

JOHN MITCHELEHWgQtjALIFIED.

Special Telegrams.]

LONDON,

February 20.

Honeymoon won the Waterloo Cup, beat ing Corby Castle, Hawthorne, and Lucebta. N Frank Gardiner, the Coursing Judge, left for Melbourne in the mail steamer.

Meat is depressed. Tallow has recently fallen two shillings.

Nine hundred bales of New Zealand wool ,i*t 8 «£ a reduction of 2Oa Ju- Aft. February 17. John Mitchell has arrived at Queenstown to-day from America.

There is a lock-out of 25,000 coal-miners at Dewsbury.

The Australian mails to December via Brindisi were delivered on the 19th of Feb ruary.

Dr. Kpneally entered Parliament nnintro duced, when the Speaker intimated that two sponsors were required, to which Dr. Ken eally objected. In the Commons a motion moved by Mr. Disraeli declaring John Mitchell disqualified from taking his seat, was adopted, and a new writ ordered to be issued for Tipperary. The Bank rate of discount is 3J-. In consequence of the tardiness of Spain to afford satisfaction ill the Gustana affair, Germany is preparing a naval expedition against Carlism.

AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

ACQUITTAL OF JOSEPH HUSLER. 1

VALUABLE WOOLLENT MILL BURN ED.

LUELINE AND CALUMNY SOLD.

(PES OTAGO AT THE BLUFF.)

MELBOURNE. February 24.

Political affairs are stagnant. - Parliament stands further prorogued to 6th of April, and will meet for business about the middle of May. The population of the colony at the end of last year was 807,756. The Barwon Woolen Mill, Gcelong, was burned down yesterday. It contained £6000 of wool The Company is insured in various offices for £25,000. Incendiarism is suspected. Joseph Husler, tried for the murder of bis wife at Richmond, was acquitted on the plea of insanity. The American Sloop Swatara is at present in Hobaon's Bay. The members of the Ast onomical Kxpedition proceed home by the mail The Swatara returns to ISew York direct in a week. Mr Ellery, Government astronomer, and the Government astronomer of Sydney, pro ceed to England on leave. The racing mare LurHne was sold at /OU guineas, and Calumny at 475 guineas. The confederation amongst the banks is about breaking up. The Fank of New South Wales has given notice of withdrawal. A woman named Coleman was burned to cinders duriug a fire at Linton Brooks. ; A bookseller was sentenced by Judge Fellows to three months for coutempt of Court in prejudicing a caae in which he acted as juror next day. He made an arh davit that he was.under the influence of liquor, and was disch^rtred. The Rev. J. Stopper his accepted the pas torate of West Melbourne Church. The Rev. Philip Ba-lbaboolie, successor to the Rev. C. Ciarke, will arrive in May next. The inter-colonuil cricket team prooeel to Sydney to play next week. Ella woa the Launceston Cup easily in 3 minutes 44 seconds. At the sale of short horn cattle the famous Derrimut herd bull Karl of Geneva wa3 sold 1,050 guineas. Thirty-six animals brought an average of upwards of £405 per head. Joseph Frael convicted of sweating sovereigns was sentenced to four years. Mr Jenkins formerly an army surgeon in 14th and 84th regiments, died suddenly yes terday. Commekciai,. — Breadstuff's improving ; wheat, 4s 9d ; flour, £12 12s 6d to £12 15s; oats unsettled; prices nominal. The Million Badger, from California, brought 1,200 sacks.- Tobacco is in request at an advance, especially navvies and aromatic. Sugars continue in good demand; new Victorian hops, Is lid to 2a. S \ DNEY. February 24. All ministers were returned unopposed.— The action of Boucicault v. Bennett for play ing a piece without authority or consent re sulted in a verdict for the plaintiff-damages £50. The blasting-powder factory at Kertron, near Brisbane, explodr-d. The proprietor was killed, and the premise 3 shattered to fragments.

ADELAIDE.

February 24

Twenty-Wo old members of the Assembly have been returned ; eleven of them Opposi tionists. The lasb month's statistics show only 29 increase in population, owing to great mortality.

HOBARTOWN.

February 24. Bunion's coach factory ba3 been burned down. It was insured. Governor Weld is visiting Launcestou.

DISASTROUS FIRE AT NEWTON.

SERIOUS INJURY TO TWO BOARDERS.

THE OUTBREAK.

Another of those startling and dreadful conflagrations, from which Auckland has for some months been exempt, broke out a few minutes before one o'clock this morning at Star of Newton Hotel, in the occupation of Mr James Gratten. At that still hour there were but few persons about, and consequently the fire had got full hold of the hotel before any effectual assistance "was near. At ten minutes past one, the hotel was in full bl.ize from end to end, and burnt with great fierca ! ness and rapidity owing to the dry ness of the wood after the long* summer season. The premises being on an eminence, the re flection of the flame 3as they rose in sad splendour over the shadows of night, lit up ' hundreds of homes, aud arousing many weary sleepers. THE SUPPOSED CAUSE. It appears that Mr Gratten, the landlord, had been busily engaged in bis store-room until past midnight, bottling wines, and possibly a spark or a portion of the ligbted sealing wax might have dropped among the straw on the store floor, and have been fanned by the night breeze into the flame which caused the destruction of the Star Hotel. Mr Gratten had completed the bottling for the night, and went as he supposed to his natural rest. He had scarcely laid down when he heard a noise in the de partment he had left but a few minutes be fore. The noise was like the crackling of bottles, and, on going down stairs to ascer tain the cause, h« was met by a volume of smoke, which indicated a fire. As he went nearer to the store the smoke became denser and thicker, and the bottles cracked with fearful rapidity. Finding it impossible to enter the store, and save the bursting wine, Mr Gratten turned back, and gave an alarm., to the inmates, who were slurji^gfing'un consciously in their s^efa^rooms.

"* Mr Gratten ran to the several rooms, and along the different passages of the hotel and shouted "fire,' 1 he proceeded first to the room where the servant maid and two of his children were sleeping ; these he speedily rescued, and the shouts " fire, fi>e " aroused all the lodgers in the house. He then rushed to the rescue of his wife and baby, brought them downstairs in his arms, and took them to a place of safety. The lodgerg sprang out of their beds in the briefest space of time, but even then one gentleman, Mr Stewart, found the floor- so hot that it scorched his feet. -He lesped across the room ia his night-dress, and in the twinkling of an eye, darte-d back anu? Beeiu-ecfa pair of trousers, his overcoat and watch. With these fe *' things he escaped down stairs and reached the stieet without a burn beyond those slight ones on the soles of his feet. THE LODGERS. -Although Mr Stewart escaped with his lite, he lost the property which he had in

the hotel, and whioh lie estimates «t ftw I Mr Sirkett was also residing atthohoSi " I his sleeping room being in the"uppe^jSSji'V I so that he had considerable difficnl^' I getting out. In following Mr Stewart ti& I as the staircase, he f'lyjtfl **'^Hjgjfcf^: § " proceed, in consequence of the ( Kg," { " w^ burst of an immense volume of 1. *"fg c ' 1 darted back to his room, and seeic^S,^ > 1 chance of escape, he jumped out of' tfo I window, and it is believed met with very I severe injuries. He was picked U p by f Constable Andrew Clark and some other persons in an insensible Btate, and carried to v I one of the cottages opposite to the hotel. g e | was at lent-th restored to partial conscious. I ness but soon relapsed mto his previoug I condition A cab was procured, a , l(i 1 the nnfortunate man was conveyed.to-the I Provincial Hospital, eccomprtnied by t Wo I gentlemen. Another lodger named Smith I who was not to be seen was, it Wa g [ conjectured lost in the flames. Th« re I was a doubt, however, as to whether I Smith wa3 really in the house, as no one had. observed him on the previous evening I It has since been ascertained that he wag 1 in the house, and was very severely burned in various parts of the body. He went to —'I tbe Hospital without the knowledge of any I person, and had his wounds dressed. • I POLICE ACTIVITY. I Fortunately the night was calm and still I had it been otherwise ; had there been a 1 strong wind, the destmction of property 1 would have been larger _We may state that I on this as on other occasions, the police were I moat indefatigable in their exertions to 1 keep order and suppress the fj re< 1 Constable Clarke, whose station isnear.the I spot, lost no time, and was foremost ia I directing the efforts of the people, who hy I one o'clock tad mastered largely. Inspector § Thompson and Sergeant-Major Pardy arrived as speedily as possible, with a posse of■ . police, and were soon actively engaged in their unpleasant but necessary duties, and with the assistance of Mr Superintendent Hughes, and the active members of . THE FIRE BRIGADE, ~ prevented as much as possible the spread of the flames' The r-cene by this time became picturesque and fearful. Water ivas obtained from neighbouring wells and tanks, many o f which were extremely low, owing to the several weeks of dry weather, and judiciously used by ths B ig;de. Men were seen climb ing in divers d'rectinns, and gmtnrecau t;on was taken by men who were mounted ". on ilia roof, of cottjgea and houses in the ioynediate locality watching the sparks as they fell from the burniog mass '.-' ' upon o'her roofs. One house must have - fallen had it not been for th^se watchers on the house tops. Two buildings belonging to Mr. Hemns were destroyed, and-within -•. tbe space of one hour the hotel and cottages were reduced to heaps of ashes. ;. INSURANCE. We learn that the Star Hotel was upon leasehold property, held by Messrs Bedell and WatsoD, upon which nine years^inußt elapse before the exniration of the lease. Messrs Beddell and Co. were insurel for £200 in tbe London, Liverpool and Globe Insurance Gomnany, and for a like sum of £200 in the Victoria Insurance Company. Mr Graven had imu-ed the stock.in the ' Norwich Union, for £300 ; but he states that . hfl fdiall bft a. consi Terable loser by the fire, as his stock was worth at least£7oo Messrs Humus' hiusfs were valued at £250, but "/ whether included in his Queen-street policy or not, is not yet known. LATER. ■-■.'.■.:•. From intelligence received from the Hos pital with regard to the two men, Shkett and Smith, Mr Ncton, thfi medical att°n dinfc, informs, us that Walter Sirkett-met - with only a slight concussion from jumping ont of the window, and will be all right in a day or two. John Smitb, however, is very r-xtensive'y burned, and now lies in a very . " . dangerous state, and it is impossible to say whether he will survive the great, nervous ebocjk which bis system is labouring under or not. Tho Provincial Surgeon has devoted much care to bis cose ; be is still in a critical condition. A number of persons of both sexes have visited the ruins of the hotel this / ."' ■■■ afternoon.

The Latest.

DEATH OF MR JOHN SMITH.

The unfortunate man, John Smith, expired fit 2.15 p.m. this afternoon Just previous to his death, he gave Constable Clark the particular? nf the tire, as far a3 he knev, in a clear and intelligent manner. Immediately after the cons-able left, he insited upon sitting np on the commode, instead of using ihe bed-pan, and he died, supported by Mr Norton, house-surgeon, and the head nurse: in fact, died in their arms. Since the above was written, we learn that Mr. Geo'ge Hemus is insured in the South British loWanee company, on one house, in th« snm of £100.

About twenty] minutes' before his death Cons fable Clarke took from him the foUow ing statement :—He went to heii between nine and ten, and read for about an hour. He afterwa-ds heard Mr Gratten call out to the servant girl that there was fire in the house. He then put on hia trousers and shirt, and went to thestaircaseinthe north end of the hotel and found thedoor fast He then returned to his room and took bis clothes in his arms and went down the stairs in the south end of the hotel and opened the door into the dining-room where Mr Grattan kept bis spirits. Whunhe entered the dining-room, the spirits were all in a blaze. He rushed to get through the room but fell on his way. .He got r.p and madf far the nearest window and broke the sash and got out. He then went across to the hospital. He was bleeeding from his hands and feet all the way." The deceased was a draper by trade.

SIR GEORGE GREY AND THE PAST.— MR. DARGAVILLE'S MIS-STATE MENTS.

(To the Editor of the Evening Stak.) Sir, —I think it is a duty I owe to Sir George Grey and the public to state that at the time the Fox-AVhitaker Govcrament quarrelled with Hir George Grey, I, being then Superintendent, was with him almost daily, and can assure the electors of Auck land that no man was more anxious that the ' seat of Government should remain in Auck land than Sir George Grey ;a:a&--himself. The Auckland Minisjkr.y7~trs""lt was termed, resign^d^a ! n4.'-'tfie^ Governor asked Mr, -WetSnEo form a Ministry. Mr. Weld in sisted upon two conditions—first, that the seat of GoverHtnent should be removed from Auckland ; and second, that the Government should be carried out on what was termed the self-reliant policy. The Auckland Min istry having deserted Sir George Grey, he had eithbr to accept Mr. Weld's terms, or remain without a Ministry. It is, therefore, wrong to blame Sir George Grey for the removal of the spat of Government, and I believe had the Fox-Whitaker Government .remained in office the sea", of Government would never have been removed ; but advan tage was taken by the Southern members to make conditions which *-ir George Grey could not refuse, having been lfft by Auckland members without a Huussv^^ H> I also know that whiWhe .wwas going on, J -ir JJcv* vVaikato, Sir Geol'ee Grey quarrelled^ m with General Cameron for taking three||. » months to do the work that could have —---'v* 1 done in thres weeks. The Wareroa PahjU^t was taken by Sir George Grey in a couple 1 of .days, where the British regiments had been kept at bay for months previous. lam glad that Sir George Grey has con- , sented to stand for the Superintendencyyas j know no man equal to Sir George in trying



rpo HIS WOKSHIP THE ' '**" '. MATOE: Bra,—lf« r*sp«ctfully re^utst you will, at your ear Oast eonreni#n«, eoaven* a MEETING- of the Ctttoiu to consider what steps shall be taken to Mtognue the services to this Province, of the late Jehn Williamson, Esq. We are, Sir, Wi 0. WILSON X "W. 6BiH*M« "W. J HURST JA« M\CK vy, Jtrw. SHIKL&Y W. BILL .. 4nd 26 others. JN coinplia^T~^7^ ye Eequi "^ sltioD, I hereby ~ „ t . /„ Oitirens, to be held ia thevene * . M"tlD« °f the : FBID^Y EViiNINa, Mirth^jj^ ™ ■ ** *• "PBIME, ol*r Council Offices, ' May°r- JLsdcland, March 1,1875.



i~\ I I?: V * H A L L . HATS ' CLOTHING, - PEIPTS, DREBSE3. CA.KPETS, FLOOR CLOTHS, CHINA MATTING. MILLINERY, -I. UNDERCLOTHING, BABY LINEN. AT COST PHICE, o effect a Clearance for extensive alteration ol premises. HOLLOWAY & GAELICK, __™ „ OITY HALL. WE HAVE RECEIVED Per S.S. Hero, THREE CASES OF BLACK AND COLOUEED SILKS, Purchased a Job in London by our Mr Graham* V 8" The ENTIRE LOT will be disposed of at SELLING-OFF P.RICES ! J. COSGRAVE & CO. OEWING MACHINES. DEMOLITION OF THE FITTING SHOP, VULCAN LANE. Having received notice to quit on account of re-building, I -wiIICLE^R OUT part of my Largo Stock of FIRST-CLASS SEWING MACHINES At Wholesale Price. The Laroust St.-ck in New Zealand. PRICES RANGE FROM 40s TO £78 GEO. W. HESLOP, Proprietor.