SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATEU : This tuning, 10.41 '■■-'■; to morrow morning. 11.4 -. --V SUNSET: This evening, 7.17 ;> SUN KHUffi: to morrow morning, 5.1 \W MOON'S AGE : First Quarter, 15th, 9.21 am

ARRIVALS.

Vision, brig, from Dnnedin Dauntless, schooner, Harrison, from Noumea via Russell Clyde, schooner, from Wangarei Fawn, cutter, from Uus^ll Merlin, schooner, from. Waitara (in the Manukau)

DEPARTURES.

Pretty Jan%, a . Sj f Or Gisbotne and Napier Fairy, schooner, for Napier Queen., schooner, for Hokianga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

•Jfor Gisborne—Advance, schooner, to-nigiit For the South—Taranaki, ss, Friday For Newcastle—Derwent, and Isabella, brisfs, early For Sydney— Wonga Wonga, ss, about 18th For San Francisco—City of Melbourne, R.M.S.S.,

(English Mail), 21stiustsnt For lievuka— Belle Brandon, schooner early For London—City of Auckland, ship, Isth Jan For a Cruise—Southern Cross, Missionary barqnentine early v

VESSELS EXPECTED

vrrn, Jbrench man-or-war. irom uuneain, cany Peerless, schooner, from Lyttelton ; sailed 10th City of Melbourne, ss, from Syduey, 21st instant Wonga Wonga, s s, from Sydney, early Clematis, ketch, from Napier Papna, schooner, from Karotonga, early Dilharee.Tjarque. from London ; sailed October 2 Warwick, ship, from London; sailed October 11 Inverene/ship, from London ; sailed October 30 Anazi, barque, fram London ; sailed October 23 Bapido, barque, from New York,via Adelaide, loading Edith .Rose, barque, from New York; sailed Sept. 18 Chanticleer, brig, from Hobart Town, early Kdith, schooner, from South Sea Islands, early Enropa, barque, from Sydney. earJy Kenilworth, schooner, from Samoa, earl? Sir Isaac Newton, schooner, from Lyttolton Magellan Clcud, from Lyttelton, early Ryno, brigantino) from Kotumah, early Selena, brigan'ine, from Lyttelton, early Jang ran, barque, from Wellington, early Southern Cross, s.s., from Southern ports

IMPORTS.

Per Dauntless, from New Caledonia: —38 cases sundries, 43 cases wines, A. Harris; 25 cases brandy, Jackson. From Bussell: 86 tons coal, R. Ford.

The ship City of Auckland has completed her load ing for London. She will clear at the Customs to morrow, and will sail on Friday, on which day a steamer will convey the passengers on board. The Fawn, cutter, brings 43 tons coal and 15 hides from Russell.

The schooner Belle Brandon cleared this afternoon with a general cargo for Beirson Island, Soiith Seas. She is to sail this evening. The captain of the brig Vision reports passing the barque Fleur de Maurice, bound from Dunedin to Kaipara, off Cook's Straits. The schooner Advance leaves this evening for Gis borne.

The barque Jung Frau, 585 tons register,, chartered by the New Zealand Shipping Company, is expected ■at an early date from Wellington. She is to load here for London, her time of sailing being fixed for March. The s.s. Taranaki is to sail South on Friday. As we anticipated last evening, the vessels signalled during the afternoon turned out to be the British schooner Dauntless and the brig Vision. The brig Vision, Captain Loverock, arrived in har bour, from Dunedin, at^seven o'clock last evening. She has had a tedious passage, delayed by li^M " _J! contrary winds. The Vision bi"vngH.fl C. vi go of bread stuffs and other Soujli£}'j> jfc o uuee. The launf 1' 7_" wutain McGregor's new steamer from ]£r Jliccol's yard, is fixed for Saturday next, at "one o'clock. The fine new yacht, being built by Mr T. Niccol, at the North Shore, is to be launched on Monday next, according to present arrangements. The s.s. Pretty Jane sailed for Gisborne and Napier yesterday evening. Passengers:—Mr J. A. Wilson and family (8), the Hibernicon Troupe* (9), and 22 immigrants for Gisborne in the steerage. '•."-'; The following vessels are lying in harbour at the Manukau :—Taranaki, s.s., Go-Ahead, s.s.; schooner Charybdis, schooner Merlin, cutter Dawn; loading for Eaglan, cutter Mercury.

COMMERCIAL.

To-morrow at noon, a most extensive sale of china, earthenware, and glassware, will be conducted by Mr R.-Arthur; at his mart, Queen-Street. The trade should specially look out for this to supply their stock, for the market is getting low, as large shipments ■were expected by the Cospatrick. The goods look very handsome, and must bring excellent prices. .

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows:— For Thames, this day, at 530 p.m., and to-morrow, at 9.30 a m. For Cnromandel. on ErkUy next at 10 30 a.m. For "Waugarei, &a , per Clyde, this day, at 5 p.m. For Waiwera and Warkworth, per Lady Bowen, to morrow, at 10 am For Gisborne, per Advance, to-mo»rnw, at 11 a m. For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, per Tara aki, on Friday next, at 1 p m. Late letters will b^ received till 116 p.m. For the undermentioned places per City of Melbourne, on FriJay, 22nd instant, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada. British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign "West Indies, at 11 a m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. • For money orders, registered lattera, and news papers, at 10 a. m Late letters bearing an extr.i fee of 6d will bi received by the Miil Agent on board up to time of sailing For J.evuka, per Star cf the South, on Friday, i!2nd insUnt, at 3 p m N B —Udders of Private Boxes are informed that their boxes are ready for allotaoat on paynier.il of the fee. S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster

DEATH.

Pascotc- On the 11th hist, at Hobsoa street, Carolice, wife of Mr Frank tasnoe ; aged 82 years. The funeral will leave Mr Pascoe's residence. Lower Hobson-strect at S p m., to-morrow. Friends will please accept this intimation.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

a W."-—The verses will appear in Saturday's supplement.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1875

For the cause that lacits assistance, For the wrong t1 at nee.ls rtsistiinup, For the future in the distiiio-. And thu gocd that -,vu can ilo.

To the culpable misrepresentations of the officials of Dr. Featherston's department in London, 6ne death by the burning of the Cospatrickis dueT A young lady, neice of a brewer in Dunedin, wag induced to take passage in the unfortunate ship, from being told in that office that Auckland was the best way to Dunedin. She was in formed, so she wrote to her friends in Otago, that for thirty shillings, she'would get from Auckland to Dunedin by rail, this assertion being seemingly a

favourite one in Dr. Feathersfcon's office. What amount of legal criminality attaches to such, a falsehood with so disastrous result ■we know not. But if the legal maxim is good, that ■ a man when doing an illegal action ispegally responsible for the conse quences resulting, even though those conse quences in their full extent were not contemplated, then somebody in Dr Fe&therston's office is guilty of man slaughter. And even though earthly courts and > legal responsibilities may not reach home to the homicide, there are few who would like to have the thoughts that must weigh on that man's conscience if he learns the result of his statement. An other illustration not so sad in its results has just been afforded of this^confirmed tendency to lying which Dr Featnerston's clerks have developed. Two men have arrived by one of the latest vessels en route for Dunedin. They were told in the same office that they could walk from. Auckland to Dunedin. They landed here without a six pence and they find that it is a " werry hard road to trabbel." The paltry object of all this lying seems to be to just facilitate the filling up the remaining berths of ships about to sail; and this system of which it is a part, must continue as long as the fear of Featherston's: reappearance on the floor of the Assembly.

From pressure on our columns we are obliged to hold over a leading article and a number of local paragraphs. A correspondent writes from Busby Park : " Sir, —Where there are but a few hands to perform a great amount of business one cannot but expect to suffer some inconve nience occasionally. At the same time 1 would ask you if it is not rather bad for a letter marked Auckland, December 10, 1874, to be received this 7th day of January, 1875 ? This • question has been repeatedly asked during the month—Any letters for Penzance ? The answer has been invariably no 1 politely indeed, that is some consolation to the despairing.. Better luck, I hope, the next time.—l am, &c, Penzance." It was interesting to listen to a cluster of expressmen, last evening in Victoria-street, discussing the merits of a sermon delivered on Sunday evening last on tobacco, as they stood leaning against their express-carts. "A wonderful discourse that," said one, " but if the honorable preacher's statements are correct,, John, smoking is strictly pro hibited in the Kingdom of Heaven. Why dash it John, he (meaning the preacher) said our wives would rise in judgment against us at the last day. Go where I may, I must have the weed." "Well, Barry, I don't believe half what these professed talkers talk about; there is a deal of clap-trap' among men now-a-days. Oh, by-the-bye, Harry, have you heard the last from the High-street sanctum?" "No, my boy, I have not. What is it?" "Why are public teachers like our express carts? Po you give it up ?" "Because they can't go on without kicking up a dust and making a great noise.'.' A burst of laughter followed this conundrum, and the party smacked their whips and separated.

'•Led Astray," was again presented to a large and admiring audience last evening at the theatre of the Prince of Wales. The drama with its exciting incidents and life like delineations was Well sustained ftnd equally well received. Mifts Amy Stone played the part of the Countess with her wonted skill and power. The other char acters, "Major O'Hara," by Mr Poole; " Mathilda" by Miss Holt, and the " Count" by Mr Avelicg, as well as the under repre sentations were creditably sustained. The well-known "Dot/ adapted from Dickens's Christmas V-ook, the " Cricket on the Hearth" will be the fascinating performance of this evening.

The members of the Templar's Benefit Society wiil hold a mteang to-morrow evening in the Newton Hail for the purpose chiefly of electing a medical officer in the place of the late Dr. Nicholson.

The monthly inspection of the Auckland Volunteer Engineers will be held this eve ning, at half-past; seven, in the Drill Shed. The band will accompany the corps from the Market square.

The Rev. Dr. Wallis announced on Sunday last his intention to deliver a course of lec tures on the B;>ok of Revelations* He said this would probably be the last time he would have an opportunity for delivering such a course. Many years ago, in Scotland, he had given a series of lectures on the subject and thsy had been attended by large numbers of hearers from all parts. Sub sequently in America, he had re-delivered the lectures^ and had again given a similar course when he first arrived in New Zealand. He had read an immense variety of books bearing on the subject, and wa3, therefore, thoroughly familiar with it. He was satis fied that the prophetic record of the Apocalypse foreshadowed the history of the Church from, the Saviour's time down to the end of the world. Many of the events re corded had come to pass, and others were yet to be fulfilled ; all ■of these could, he believed.be identified by a cartful study of the book. The first of the series Would be delivered on Sunday evening next.

Tlie opening of the New Zealand W'esleyan Conference takes place en Thursday evening, commencing at half-past six o'clock. The public are specially invited. This (Wed nesday) evening at seven o'clock, the usual trial sermon of one of the candidates will be preached before the assembled ministers, in the Pitt-street church ; and on Thursday morning at six o'clock, another candidate will preach in the same church.

The members of No. 2 Company will parade with arms snd accoutrements for monthly inspection to morrow night. Afterwards a meeting will be held for the election of non commissioned officers. The monthly com petition for Lieut. Robinson's medal will tq,ke place on the 16th,

SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT LAMB'S MILL, RIVERHEAD.

A sad accident occurred at the mills, River head, this morning about eight o'clock to a youug Norwegian lad, aged 16 years. It appears tile boy was puuir.g ibe dough in between the rollers of the break, wht»n the muscles of the right forearm and arm were completely stripped of their covering. The muscles were also contused, and upon arrival at the Provincial Hospital it Was found that there was nothing 10 be done but to amputate the arm, which operation was immediately performed .by J)r. Philsou, and the lad upon latest enquiries was doing w ell. 1 his is the Eecohd serious accident requiring amputation Within the last week, at the hands of the Provincial Surgeon. The lad was brought down in the steamer 'Eclipse,'in charge of Mr Lamb, jun.

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

The quarterly meeting of the Auckland Presbytery was held this morning at St. Andrew's Church. Present -The Eight Rev. James Hill (moderator), Keys. D. Bruce, J. Macky, R. F. MclSiccol, Norrie, Msaoli, Stewart, McCrae, McKenzie, Browne (clerk). Elders —Messrs. Sorner ville, Fiaser, J. Y. SteveDSOD, Barclay, A. Thompton, and McGee. NEW MKMBER. The Rev. J. Macky introduced the Rev. S. J. Keil to the Moderator. He had much pleasure in assisting to welcome Mr Neil who had just arrived by the ship Glenlora from London, with first-class recommendations. It was moved by the Hey. R. F. MdSiccol, and seconded by Mr Somerville, " That the Key. S. J. Neil be admitted a member of the Presbyteiy." This was carried unanimously, and Mr Neil was formally constituted a member. GENERAL ASSEMBLY. The Moderator gave a short summary of the recent proceedings in the General Assembly of the Presbytery. CHUECH AT BEMTJERA. Messrs, T. Macfi'arlane and J. V* Steven son were introduced as a deputation from Remuera. They came to announce that a church was being built at Remuera, and re auesting the aid of the Presbytery in sup plying the spirittial wants of the district. The Rev. D. Bruce thought the establish ment of a church in Newmarket was desi rable. He moved " That the application be acceded to." Mr. MacNiccol seconded the motion, which, after a long discussion, was carried unanimously. NEW MEMBER. The Rev. Matthew Brown, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, was introduced by the Rev. D. Bruce. This gentleman also arrived by the Glenlora, from Hightoe, Dumfries shire, and brings excellent testimonials from high church dignitaries in Scotland. The rev. gentlman was welcomed by the Moderator and took his seat. SCHEME OF CHURCH SERVICES. A scheme of exchange for the performance of church services at the various churches of the province for the next three Sundays was presented and adopted. HOME MISSION'S. It was announced by the members present that subscriptions were going on in their several districts for the Home Mission, but only one or two had been completed. Left sitting.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M.) THE RANDOLPH STREET ROW.

The particulars of this outburst of pas sionate and dramatic feeling on the part of Catherine Huffernan towards Catherine McCaslen,' on the 22nd December of last year, appeared the last issue of the Star. Anne considered that Catherine's words were unwarrantable and unwomanly, and in order to the preservation of peace and good neigh bourhood. She deemed it necessary to bring her tormentor before the_ sitting Magistrate, which was accordingly done.

The ladies did not appear. His Worship, in passing judgment, aaid that he had carefully read the case the Queen v. Thalmann, cited by Mr. Russell, which seemed to bear npon the present case, but upon weighing the evidence adduced before the Court it appeared that there was much nnseemly conduct, and a good deal of feeling displayed on both sides, and the evidence being insufficient, the Court: had no other alternative but to dismiss the case. At this juncture Mrs McCaslen stepped into Court, and expressed her dissatisfaction at the decision of the Court, and resolved to take out a summons against her opponent, as she could not possibly endure the life she now led ; " 'twas horrible, most horrible; and as tor geese, they would be all plucked." CITY RATE DEFAULTERS. Fifteen persona were summoned for failing

to pay their respective rates, but thirteen out of that number settled the claims.

Mr Philips Town Clerk, informed the Court that Mr feltus bad paid a portion of the rate. He would a&k that the case be withdrawn.

Peter McArthur, of Chancery Lane, was summoned for non-payment of his rate, £5 10s.

Mr McArthur said he offered the money, and the collector would not take it.

Mr Philips said defendant, who was very troublesome, objected to pay the cost of the summons which had been issued against him.

Mr McArthur denied this statement, and addressed the Court at considerable length on the iniquity of the proceedings. He was an injured man* Mr Harrop contradicted Mr McArthur. He had offered 2s 6d, and the summons was 5s Mr McArthur asserted tbat 2s Gd was the lawful amount, and he Wotild not pay any more. Mr McAfthrlr now grew eloquent upon the prosecution to which he was cruelly subjected. Judgment was given for plaintiffs, costs 11s 6d.

NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE CO.

The half-yearly meeting of the New Zealand Insurance Company was held to-day in the Board room of the Institution.

The Hon. James Williamson, the Chair man of Directors, presided^ and there was a good attendance of shareholders. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said the first thing he had to do was to lay before them the report and balance-sheet for the past half-year. These were a,s follows : —

The directors are again able to lay before the shar <? holders the accounts of the company, shewing a satisfactory result of its transactions for the half-year ended 30th November, 187*. The accounts now pre sented prove that tlie company continues to make steady progress, and commands a fair, and, as is believed, a deserved share of public confidence, while the increasing activity of its various branches and agencies promise still greater results in the future, and will fully justify the efforts of the friends of the company to advance its interests amongst their own connexions,

The btifeineßJ of hie company, after paying all claims-, atid making provision for losses and averages, has resulted in a balance to the credit of profit, amounting tc £38,935 18s sd. Out of this balance your directors now declare a dividend of "0 per cent, per annum, winch Will amount to £10,000. The dividend wil' lie payable at the Head Office, on and after the 14th instant, and at the branches and agencies on receipt of advice. In accordance with the resolutions passed at the extraordinary general meeting, held on the 9th September last, the nominal capital of the company was increased from £250,000 to £1,000,000, by the creation of 100,000 new shares of £i 0 each. Of these shares 50,000 were offered to the public at £4 10s each, payable at stated intervals during the next eighteen mouths, I'he proposal, however, did not meet with the immediate ,jje«>jy' T> a" r^^'jiZ- ' V '■" the shareholders ..fondly availed themselves of the opportunely oi" taking up the balance of the unallotted ...n es. It is satisfactory, however, to report that the shares of the company are now much more Widely distributed, and that it now consists of nearly 300 members.

Xlie Hon. .fames Williamson, and G. B. Owen, Esq., aro the retiring directors, and, being eligible for re election, offer themselves accordingly.

For the Beard of Directors, James Williamson, Chairman.

STATEMENT of Accounts for the Half-Year, ending November 30,1874.

PROFIT AND LOSS. Dr. ■■•:■■ jG s. d. To Dividend paid laet half-year .' 5,000 0 0 ~ Fire and Marine Losses 41,177 4 2 „ Commissions, Salaries, and other expenses 12,112 8 5 ~ Appropriation for Unpaid Losses . '.. 11,588 0 0 „ Balance 38,935 18 5 £108,813 11 0 Or. £ ". d. By Balance from last half-year 25,170 17 2 „ Appropriation for Unpaid Losses last half-year 19,511 0 0 „ Fire and Marine Premiums 55,548 14 5 „ Interest, Kent, Transfer Fees, &c... 7,573 19 5 £108,813 11 0 BALANCE-SHEET. Dr. £■ s. d. To Capital 100,000 0 0 „ Reserve Fund 35,000 0 0 „ Re-insurance Fund 40,000 0 0 Appropriation for Unpaid Losses.. 11,588 0 0 „ Branches Credit 134 10 10 „ Suspense Account 7,231 19 2 „ Dividends Unpaid 122 0 0 „ Balance 38,935 18 5 £233,012 14 5 CiV £ s- d- By Investments ...* 213,448 5 2 ~ Fire and Marine Premiums due... 1,215 11 0 „ Interest and Rents 1,305 18 10 „ Bills Receivable 100 0 0 Furniture, Fire Engines, &c 720 10 4 „ Branches Owing 11,289 18,10 „ Cash in Bank and in hand 4,932 4 3 £233,012 14 5 The Auditors have examined the books and accounts of the company for the half-year ended BOth Novem ber, 1874, and have to report that the balance-sheet now presented to the shareholders is a full and fair balance-sheet, and exhibits a true and correct state ment of the affairs of the company.

AucMand, January 12, 1875. Commenting on the above, the Chairman said the Company had started on a much smaller and had been enlarged to its present proportions in consequence of the directions, thinking it a step in the right direction for colonists to ensure in their own offices. They had found no inclination on the pait of any other office to join them, so their shareholders had taken up the shares offered to the public, and he did not think they would repent their act. It had been feared that the starting of so many new offices would interfere with the enmpany's business, but this was not so ; in fact, it was now obvious that it would not do for one institution to take every risk. Their insurances had increased during the last half-year from £44,000 to £55,000, which was an increase of £11,000, or much the same as the previous half-year'a increase. Their prospects in the future were of the brightest kind. Their pros perity was assured so far as any pros perity could be. They must be prepared for large losses. They would be sure to come in the ordinary course of a large business. He trusted that their prosperity would go on increasing. In conclusion, he begged to move the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. Mr Gr. W. Owen seconded the proposal, and the report and balance sheet were adopted unanimously. Mr. S. Kissling moved, and Mr. J. B. Russell seconded, "That the Hon. James Williamson and Mr. G. B. Owen, the re tiring directors, be re-elected." The election of these two gentlemen was carried unanimously. This was all the business. ' Mr. J. B. Russell, after a few words, in which he referred to the prosperity of the institutions as mentionod by the chairman, suggested that the servants of the Institutions should receive corresponding in crease of pay. He begged to propose a vote of thanks to the managers and the officers of the company. The Hon. James Williamson said he' thought the officers were fairly remunerated, but he would see that Mr Russell's sugges tion was placed before the directors.' Mr Russell's motion being second ed, it was carried. Mr C. J. Ston* alluded to the large loss by the Cospatrick. As the .chair man had said, they must expect large losses. Starting as they were to-day on a new basis, it was pleasant to be able to state that there were three months' premiums which did not show in to day's balance-sheet, which amounted to £11,000. These would wipe off the whole of their liability on the ship. He would also allude to the fact that in pursuance of a wise policy of prudence they had hitherto always been content with dividend of 10 per cent. There would be no loDger occasion for such extra caution. Mr Pierce, the manager, having returned thanks to Mr Russell's vote of thanks to the officers, the meeting termi- ; nated.

The Cospatrick.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

(From our own correspondent.) v This day,

The family of Mr White, relatives of Mrs Brifcen, are supposed not to have sailed in the Cospatrick, although they wrote that they were on the point of going.

DUNEDIN.

(From our own correspondent.) This day,

Captain Elmslie had his wife on board the Cospatrick, but she left her two children at home. •

The Times states that a well-known pub lican in town had a niece in the Cospatrick who shipped for Dunedin in consequence or. being informed that she would ba forwarded from Auckland by train, and the fare would only costSOSi.

MR J. S. MACFARLANE AND THE "STAR."

Poor Jai S ! Once -nay twice—again has he made a dash at the Star, and again he has been flung on his back. As will be seen from the report of yesterday's Harbour Board meeting; in another column, his motion for the expulsion of Mr. H. Brett from the Harbour Board came up, and met with the fate which spitefulness is sure to receive when it is clearly brought home to the minds of a body of people. Aa we have said again and again, we do sincei'ely regret the necessity for being called on to refer to our persecutor, and would gladly drop him from our memory, for nothing is more sickening than this kind of wrangling without any prospect of ending. But, however reluctantly we do so, every time Jai S. comes up to the attack we shall feel compelled to lay him metaphorically on his back. Surely by this time he might; see his impotency, and surely he might well take the advice of bis friend Mr CoSgrave given yesterday —•Macfarlane, don't make a fool of yourseif." This is now a duel between Jai S. and the Evening -vtar and we trust the whole public will view it in this light. We are C[uita prep .red to jnve it to him as hot as he provokes it, and as long as he likes ; or we are quite as prepared to drop him if he ceases his futile and ridi culous attacks. But we do most sincerely regret that through the misfortune of this man having a seat in tho Harbour Board by nomination, the members of that body should be so persistently snucyed to take up his quarrels, and wreak bis paltry personal vengeance. It was the same in the Northern Club. He worried kp& barred them tn rij ou li.s personal quarrels, until to their great relief he ceased to be a member, and now in the " Strangers' Eoom " of the Club he can but utter to the listening walls "Isn't it domnable!" As our readers will have observed, Jai S. yetterday made a two fold assault on us. The first was briefly reported in our yesterday's issue. It was on the occasion of the report of the Finance Com mittee being brought up. To that commit tee had been referred Jai S's motion that the advertising of the Harbour Board should be confined to the morning papers. The report recommended that the advertising should continue as it is. Whereupon, in order, we presume, to inflame themindsof the members of the Harbour Board, Mr Macfarlane sub mitted printed copies of extracts from the Star, in which we had severely criticised the action of the Harbour Board in relation to the well-known dispute as to the pi oposed site of the Graving Dock, and Mr Moriarty's visit from Sydney. An is well known the members of the Board had themselves con tested this question among them wiih intense earnestness, and even bitterness. But like most citizens they had forgotten the warmth of the occasion and become friends. *ot so Mr Macfarlane. Although, so far as we recollect, he was not himself included in our denunciation at the time, he treasured up our remarks for future use, and had them carefully reprinted. He yesterday submitted them to tho Board, and argued that a journal which had so "slandered " the Board should not receive the Board's advertisements. This argument, of course, is based on the principle that the members of a public body should be influenced by their personal feelings of favour or enmity, in spending the public*money. 1 hat in fact the members are entitled to use the public money aa they would their own funds in gratifying their private wishes. We are happy tb say that we have rarely, if ever, seen this principle carried out in onr public institutions. At the time when we were severely criticising the City Council, wilh ciiticism that has largely contributed to making it the respectable institution which it is to-day, we were receiving its advertisements ; and at the very time when we so severely took the Harbour Board to task on a~ subject on which the whole people were divided, that body made no difference whatever in the giving of adver tisements. The members rightly considered that publicity to notifications, not the award ing of rewards or pudishment, ia the object of spending public money in advertisements; and that the paper which could give a larger circulation to these notifications"1 than any other in New Zealand should receive them, no matter whether the conductor of its lead ing columns approved or disapproved of the public action of the Board. Any other course would in no wise differ from embez zlement; for the man that uses public money entrusted to him to gratify private feelings is doing quite the same aa the man who puts his haad into his employer's till, and devotes the money to personal uses. It ia evident that Mr J. S. Macfarlane does not believe this, and holds that a member of a public institution is justified in using his position to gratify personal feelings. And this is probably the principal reason that the public will not elect him to any position in which he would have the opportunity of using his position for psrsonal objects. People believe, and his own admissions con firm the belief, that if Mr Macfarlane were made a member of. parliament he would be the vtry high priest of log-rolling, in as far as his skill and mental infirmitieg would allow; and we are safe in saying that he will never occupy any position of a public kind in this province, which is dependent on a vote of the people. Mr Macfarlane's second attempt yester day was even of a more personal kind. When he could not have the advertisements removed from the Star he endeavoured to effect the expulsion from the Board of Mr. Brett, one of the proprietors ef this journal. Into the merits of the ostensible question we do not enter. Legal opinion effectually settled that matter, and everyone knew that the motion was, as in the former case, purely a gratification of Jai S.s personal spitefulness against the Star, The figure cut by this victim of impotent anger was exceedingly grotesque. The attempt was so obviously spiteful and so unwarranted that not a mem ber was found to second his motion, even pro forma. It is annoying to hare to refer so frequently to this man. Nothing appears to reconcile him to the fact that his power is utterly defunct. Of his former self nothing appears to hare survived but his vindictiveness, and that appears to have grown ia intensity with the decay of his mental and physical powers, and under the ruin of his former influence. It is greatly to be regretted, on the grounds of public decency, that Mr. Macfarlane has a seat on the Harbour Board. He was nomi nated to that position, we presume, as repre senting J. S. Macfarlane and Co. . But as Mr. -Hamilton Ward represents that firm now, and he is a gentleman ia every way fitted for the position, we really think the substance should take the place of the shadow. Mr. Macfarlane could then have his entire time for carrying out his personal feelings in a private way without offending public decency. He could go around as he does at present canvassing against us, and getting sales for those who engage to gratify

once, is now paralysed in Auckland.

IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS.

A MEETING of the Improvement Commis sioners was hejd this afternoon, /resent: tK Mayor • Messrs Fenton, Macready, £ i !L T M Clark. The deputation I";^cf to^otulTW Pollen revive to appou^ nece csarv funds to carry on the that £ Pollen S he wotlld go into the matter, and see ? me promised that £10,000 w«mld be ad vanced by the Government, but th,s seemed to have been withdrawn subsequently, and the negotiations had come to nothing. Eelative to .the damage to Mr • 0. . S. Graham's property, the secretary stated that the damage had all been put right. Several other matters were desposed of.

THE CHAMPION RACE AT LYTTELTON REGATTA.

Mr Malcolm Nicool has kindly allowed us to make use of the following "extract from a letter which he has received, from his brother, who was on board the Peerless during the recent champion race at Lyttelton _ You know, -of course, that we were beaten m the regatta. The Albatross won by a nuke. There was a fine N. 15. wind blowing at the time, and at the start we shot ahead. The Saucy Lass and ourselves rounded the buoy together the first time round, and were coming down again tack and tack (the Alba tross lying last). The 'Lass 5 was to wind ward "of us oif ~ the Breakwater, and the Alert came otffc to leeward of us on the port *^lr ..andlooked like coming into us. We called to him to keep away, but he ran right into us. The. Saucy Lass would not go round, so we were between two fires, and as the Alert struck us our jib boom- went through the former's maia sail, and was carried away : in fact there was a regular wreck. The Captain thinking our foremast was sprung as well, ran back intending to give it up, but he altered his mind and went after the Albatross, who by • this time had it all her own way, we being last. ■ We managed to overhaul them all except the Albatross, and came in a few moments astern of her. If it had been round awain we should have passed her, crippled as we were. The. Alert has agreed to pay all our damages." We take the following chal lenge from the Lyttelton Times of the sbh instant: -" Challenge.—The Master of the schooner Peerles3 challenges the Master of the schooner Albatross to sail from Lyttelton to Auckland, for the sum of one hundred pounds, the Albatross to name the day of starling." The challenge does net appear to have been accepted. Of course the above account comes fiom one interested in the Peerless and cannot be accepted as an im partial account.

SUPREME COURT.— Yesterday Con tinued.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS,

(Before His Honor Sir G. A. Arney, Knight Chief Justice.)

CHARGE OF ARSON.

KKMSLEY'S CASE.

George Jeffrey, detective officer, repeated the evidence which lie gave at the Police Court, and was cross-examined on his state ment by Mr Hesketh. Joseph Hart, china-warehouseman, de posed that he was one of the appointed valuers of the salvage, after the rire. He valued it at £40. He gave Kemsley £50 for it, after arrangements had been made with the insurances companies. To Mr Hesketh : Had the sets been com plete, they would have been worth £120. This being the case for the prosecution, Mr Hesketh addressed the Court for the defence ; and called witnesses in favour of his client.

Henry Hasell deposed that he resided at the Whau, and was an expressman. Pre vious] v to the outbreak of the fire he took Mrs. Kemsley and the children to the Whau. .He afterwards took a basket from outside the Market. He left it at a house belonging to Mr. Green way, where Mis. Eemsley was staying. John Maiani, brickmaker of the Whau, knew Kemsley, who came to his h&use about half-past nine on the evening of the 21st of October. His wife and children had heen staying from the previous Friday. His wife (Mrs. Malam) invited them for the benefit of their health. Had lie a basket of crockery in the cart he must have seen it, as he helped the horse out of the cart and turned it into the paddock.

Henry Parlington deposed that he acted as agent in respect of the les.se of the premises in Wakefield-street. Kemsley paid £70 for the goodwill of the premises. He made great alterations, amounting to a similar sum. He had often been in Kemsley's shop since, and within a few days of the fire, but did not notice any diminution of the stock. Joseph Harrison, and Eliza, his wife, testified to the unsafe condition of the cottage chimney on the premises which they occupied in September last. Mr Meyer was also examined in respect of his business transactions with Kemslej. Mr Hesketh then made an able defence for the prisoner.

THIS DAY,

His Honor took bis seat at nine o'clock,

Mr Brookfield addressed the juay for the prosecution at length with great ability, and drew attention to the points in the evidence of the witnesses which appeared more par ticularly to connect the prisoner with the catastrophe of October last, and concluded an able address by urging the jury to do their duty according to the evidence before them, and return a conscientious verdict,

His Honor then commenced (shortly after ten o'clock) to sum up, going over the whole of the evidence with minnteness and care, making such remarks as the various details seemed to suggest, by way of explanation. The jury has retued, and had not returned when we went to press.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

grahamstoWn. I (From our own Correspondent.) f This $ r r >JL: - Prospecting at 01iinemu7>' / »/a Men are still leaving daily for£ m.m ' % notwithstanding the proclamj' fe y «£?■& ' Government. The Adver(h^B &ys ° I prospectors are out in ail directions, and, 2 I the natives do not seem to care, itisiaL. I sible to prevent the country being tun orer] I The Hon. S. D. Hastings and tKe<W<i I Templars. ** | A meeting of three lodges of GoodTeai I plars was held last night, presided overbv I; the Hon. S. D. Bastings. Thirty candidate!, I were initiated, and several others proposed, 1 A lecture will be given by the Hon. Jfr ■*?■' Hastings to-night, and on Friday an excur« I sion up the Thames river will take place. A large crowd is at the meeting for arrang. ' ■ ing for the reception, of the Volunteer He* I presentatives, tbiß afternoon. 1 The new steamer Pearl made her first trip I up the Thames this morning. ■ Native Volunteer Corps. §, At the meeting of Native Volmiteers, 9 Pepene elected first lieutenant, and B 5 Itaika Whakarongotai second; Taipatf aa I captain. W OMnenmri Alluvial Gold. I A sample of Ohinenmri alluvial gold "w BB B exhibited to-day, and contains several pieces ■' of round nuggety gold mixed with black 1 sand. It is reported the gold was taken out It under fern roots on flat land at Waifcetoma,. I the prospect is favourable but not payaple. !! Blining News. | The Golden Calf crushed 15 tons for 20 I ozs. 7 dwte. .■,,,'in'l I The Pretty Clara trial yielded 2 ozs. 15 1 The Ciiy of 1 ondon slart the hoisting p engine petmanently this evening, and com- I mence cuttiug a chamber immediately. ", . 1 The Queen of Beauty at the bottom level r| have driven 210 feet along the reet," which ig^ I a magnificent lode. They expect to break* *"*■ to the wioze this evening. The reef in the I face is six feet wide, and thus does not in- I elude the whole lode. I At the City of York directors' meeting • I last night, Messrs. W. Wilkinson, "W. 0.; 1 Wil3ou, C. J. Stone, J. Kenrick, and War- : | drop were elected directors. |

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

POKT CHALMERS.

(From enr own Correspondent.) I This day. I The Alleged "Wilful Murder. ] The hearing of the charge of wilful murder j brought against Thomas Bissett, and arising out of the sudden dtath of James Aldridge on the sth instant, was cod eluded yesterday, and the prisoner committed for trial. , The case against Bissett is not very serious, tie death of Aldridge happening a week after a drunken fpree, during which Bissett struck Aldridce r>n the temple with a tumbler. Bail was allowed in £50, and two twenty-fives.

DUNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. Ec Lyttelton Murder. Mercer, arrested for the Lyfctelton murder, was convicted here and sentenced to twelve months for indecent assault. Lurline in Melbourne. At Melbourne the New Zealand mare Lur line ran second in the Mi^summer'Handicap, and Calumny tbird at Williamstown. | Professor Sale- Cricketing Eleven. Professor Sale declines the nomination ot the lectureship of History in the Melbourne University. ... Mr Fulton has been elected working cap tain of the Otago cricket eleven. Mr McCalloch, Kesident Magistrate of, Invercargill, has obtained twelve month 3 leave of absence. The slate Deposits-—Sudden Death. The discovery of valuable deposits of slate are reported. John Campbell was found dead in bed on the Greenfield station. ' Southland Railway.—Southland's Pro test against Immigration- The committee send a vigorous protest to Mr Vbgel against the treatment of that dis- ' trict in the matter of immigration. The Libel Case—Schoolmasters' Certificates- ( ./ , The ease of Turnbull v. Mackay and Gillies, is likely to be satisfactorily settled. The Education Board declines to agree to the suggestion of the Victoria Education Board, and will not accept teachers certified from other colonies without previous en quiries. The Chamber of Commerce. The Provincial Government has placed at the disposal of the Chamber of Commerce a room in Government Buildings for an ex change. Harbour Works--£IOO,OOO Loan. \l The B arbour Board has decided that the whole time of their engineer must be devoted to works in progress. The Government wanted him, and seem anxious for him to , superintend the completion of the light railway initiated by him. It is also decided ; to place £100,000 worth of debentures in the London market. Hawkins and Co.'s, of Lyltelton, tender, £12.651, was the lowest tender for" the wharf extension.

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.). This day. Opening of a Bridge.—Provincial Gala. The provincial magnates are off to Waira rapa to-morrow morning to open Te Ore Ore bridge, and sing or speak provincial poems, for the Superintendent is expected to give a, grand oration. A lot of townspeople and members of the Press go also. City Matters. .;- The Post keeps stirring tip Municipal matters to keep them from stagnating. Oppressiveness of the Weather. _ The weather is oppressively close and muggy, and make 3 butchers anathematise. Every day cartloads of carcases are sent; to the boiling-down pot. A Medical Squabble. t Drs. Grace and Divei-, two leading medicos, are having at each other for the third time in the law courts, and all over a sorry trifle. A special jury decides the case this time. The Governor and Lady .Normanby at tended the theatre last night.

LYTTELTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) . - . . This day. ■ Arrived: Mary King, from Auckland. Sailed : Peerless ; and cleared, East Lothian, both for Auckland. Elizabeth Graham, for London, with 3,302 balea wool, IS do skins, and sundries, of the value of £56,000. The police have been indefatigable, and have collected conclusive evidence against the accused man, Mercer, for the murder of ths little girl. He will be again brought up on Tuesday. The other man has been dis charged.

NAPIER.

(From our own Gorrespondent.) V^ . ~...-. . THsdayX * Municipal Election. Afc A crowded meeting wa9 held last night t% hear the addresses of candidates for seats XJ&

ftias w&mKQ siW Wednesday, jiNtrMtY is, im



pHEAP SUMMER HATS. LADIES' & CHILDREN'S STRAW HATS. i BOY'S STRAW HATS. In Order to Effect a Clearance, RTOHBROOK & BRIDGMAN Will offer the Balance of their STRAW H A T ;S AT REDUCED PRICES, REGARDLESS OF COST! RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (LATE B. H0BB8,) - Wkoubalx and Bxtail Drapers, Clothtkbs JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Amy and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen - street, Auckland. EDWIN HOLLO WAY AND J. TONSON GARLTCK Beg to inform the inhabitants of Auckland they have purchased the Stock and ... : . Premises known as THE CITY HALL DRAPERY, CLOTHING, AND CARPET ESTABLISHMENT, UPPER QTJEEH-STREET, From Messrs Cosqbavb & Co., AT A LARGE DISCOUNT OFF ENGLISH COST. A SALE OF THE GOODS Will be held f?<z When that New, Extensive, and recently-imported took, purchased from the Manufacturers of England t FOB CABH, will be offered to the public at & IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. |'" T>rapors and Storekeepers are invited to attend this F - re«k <3ale, as it the intention of the proprietors to t CLEAR OOT THE PRESENT STOCK, k ■ In order to make, extensive alterations in th ¥ ■ ■, Building. I A splendid opportunity for Country Settlers to B*~- .purchase at LOW BATES. I ' HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, I , . CITY HALL. I TJfIION BANK OE AUSTRALIA. 1 [Established 1837.] I PAID-UP CAPITAL... ... £1,250,000 § RESERVE FUND ... ... £400,000 ffl THE HIGHEST CURRENT RATE OF INTEREST m' ALLOWED ON FIXED DEPOSIT. I • JOSEPH E. POUNDS, §MK^ Manager.'



T| ST BPHEN SO N * CO. 'S CEIiEBitATEI) COFFEES, EXHIBITION BRAND, EAGLE BRAND, CROWN BRAND, Am to be procured at all respectable Grocera and Storekeepers throughout the Province of Auckland. D. STEPHENSON & CO., WYNDHAM STREET, AUCKLAND. SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY TOR PURCHASING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, NEW YE A°E' S GIFTS, AT It. BECK'S. E ARE NOW SHOWING ■ OUR MAIL GOODS Received per s. s. Hero, Consisting of COSTUMES,- PARIS BONNETS, TEIMMED HATS, MANTLES, FEATHERS, FLOWERS, GLOVES, &c, &c, &c. ; Also, 72 CASES Per Zeai. a n Comprising— PRINTS, DRESSES, and MANCHESTER GOODS J. COSGRAVE & CO.



COFFEE !— Brown, Barrett, and Oo.VStandard Coffees both delicious and strong. Brown, Barrett, and Co 's Excelsior Coffee deserves preference to and Coffee on account of purity and distinctness of flavour. Note the brand. Sold at almost every grocery c* tablißhment in town and province.—Advt.



25 Gold Hunting Geneva Watches, wavranted for £7 10s catch, to be obtained only at F H. Lewisson's, Jewelltr, Qaeen-ttreet. - (Advt) The only. Establishment that sell Dixon and Son's ' Klectrop'ate, and Buasell and Son's Gold and Silver Lever Watches, is.F. H. Lewisson, JewalUr, opposite the Union Pack, next door tojShortt's Hair Cutting Empotium.—(Advt.) The only Jeweller that c*n sell you a good Silver Hunting Geneva Watch, warranted. for_ £3 103, is. V: H. LevFisson, Watch Maker, Queen-street, .Auckland, opposite the Union Bauk.—(Advt.) We observe that Garrett Brothers, of Wakefield- Btreet, are sacrificing the remainder of their stock of - boots and shoes, before removing to their new and commodious building.—[Advt.] To the Ladies of Actcklaio).—l have received from London, per E..M.S. Cyphrenes, a beautiful stock of Long length and Kinglet Hair, and shall be happy to execute orders on the shortest notice.— Fbakois J. Shobtt, City Hair Cutting Booms, next Lfcwißuon'd, Jeweller, opposite the Union Bank.