SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER—This afternoon, 4.40; to-morW n_orn*ng, 5.19 SUN BET-Thi_ evening, 7.7 SUN RlSE—To morrow morning, 4.89 MOON'S AGE—Full moon, 13th, 7.24 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Belle Brandon, schooner, Ohlson, from the Islands

DEPARTURES.

iiaay _uon, schooner, for Timaru

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

jror London-City of Auckland, ship: and Columbus barque—early barNeWCaStle ~Star 0f Germanyi sMPS Glimpse For the South-Wellington, ss, about Saturday bawea, ss, early F^ n J*° Jrancisco-Cyphrenes, as, 19th instant^

IMPORTS.

f er; -Bene Brandon, from the Islands-10 tun cocoa ?♦ vlO tons COPr3>10 tons mother of pearl shell, i ton beche de mer, and other island produce,—Lewis ■Bros, agents.

EXPORTS.

IW iw*t BtoD'tor Taranaki-2 hhds holloware. J™.;.; -J. Jane-3c»ses ironmongery, 1 case scythe atones, 3 stoves T. and S. Morrin.

ARRIVAL OF THE BELLE BRANDON.

The clipper schooner Belle Brandon, Captain Vinson, arrived f.om Rotumah and the Islands this moroinfr at 7 o'clock. We are indebted to the captain forthe followingfull report of hismovements alter leaving Penrhyn Island in September, up to wmcn date -we have already had tidings of the vessel .-—Left Penrhyn Island on September ■i-i. ror Auckland via tine Island. Tuesday, _Bth, at noon, made Mauahiki ; left again the same afternoon. Un the 2nd October made Hall Island, Phcenix Group. Stayed there three days, landed three domestic fowls, and planted some bandanas. Started again on Oct. 6th, and made Arrarai on the 10th at daylight. No trade to be done, so started again and sighted Tamana the same evening ; stiyed one day trading. On the _it_, in the evening, started for Francis Island, where we arnyed next morning; no trade there. Stood away the same evening for Tapatnoea, where we arrived next morning, no trading; stood away for jfunmti, where we arrived same evening, October 13. Mtayed there tradiDg on the 14th till 2 pm. Cleared the reef by dark, and stood away for Apamama. irougn the night, got set to leeward by the current instead of Apamama at daylight, we made a small island the natives call Aranuti; bad to work up aga.nst wind and current, taking us 24 hours to beat 14 miles. Entered the Lagoon on thelGth; stayed here trading till the 26th, when we weighed anchor and s^ood for Maiana, where wa arrived the same evening. Bt»yed there till the 29th at daylight, when we stood away for Tarawa ; no trading there, so kept on ,for Apia, .vhere we arrived the same evening. Found there had been another white man killed in cold blood ; his name was Keyes. Stayed at Apia trading till the 30th. and left for Makino on the 31st at daylight Made the island the same night, and took the passage on the Ist November at daylight. Here we found the Adventurer, barque, from Sydney. Staved at Mnkino till November .^trading, when we weighed anchor for Little Makioo, which we made the same night, but too late to communicate with the shore till next mnrniDg Found there was nothing there, so we started on our homeward voyage. Wad verylieht winds and calms till the 12th, when we sighted Byron's Island;found th_re was nothing the.-c; did not stay That night got he*w squalls from the westward, which lasted till wa cleared tho EUise Group. November 21. On the 16th we tried to call at Nuitou, but the weather was so thick we did not see it 16th. at daylight, sighted Vaiatame. but there "was too much *ea to communicate with the shore,' so "we did not call, but stood on for Funafuti, where we arrived the sama. evening and anchored till tha 18th Nov. trading. Started agajn at diylight for Rotumah; had very light head winds and calms till we arrived there on November 23rd. Found there was nothing to be done, although the natives promised all sorts. "We got some yams and fruit and started for New Zealand on > ovember 24'h Fxperienced very light winds and very shy till latitude 23 ° 8., when we got a steady breeie. On December 3rd sighted Hunter Island, supposed to be volcatic, but we saw no smoko or any indication of it. On the 9th, at 11 o'clock, sighted the Three Kings Hove to off Tiritiri at mid night, as it was so thick we cou'd not see the light, although we mu?t have been within two miles of it. At daybght on the 10th, bore away for Rangitoto Channel, and came to an anchor at 7 a.m. We had remarkably An* weather since we left Rotumah until we arrived off the coa%t since then very dirty. Pas sengers—Mrs Ohlson, Master Ohlson.

V The schooner Agnes D inald sails for Gishorneand the East Coast at once. She has a cargo of miscella neous goods arid, as p ssengnrs the following; Mr Austen and son, Mrs McCabe and t.vo childien, Mr Milner and son. The continuous w«t weather keeps all business on the wharf at a standstill. The s s Star of the South was off the North Head this morning, having come up from the Tamaki after taking in her cattle She proceeded on her voyage to Xevuka during the morning. 1 The cutter Coralis has cleared out to-day for Opo iki with a general cargo.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

W___ingtow, this day.

Sailed—ladybird, for ihe North, yesterday after noon. Passengers: Miss Nation, Mrs Shipp, Mrs Schwartz. Mr and Mrs Porter, Miss Brooks, Messrs Brett, Simpson, Allan, Kirkwood, Hill, Houseman sen, Mr and Mrs Gavin and son..

AUCKLAND CATTLE SALES.

Mr Ai/frkd Bttck-and's Weekly Export.— At Kemnera. on Thursday, dairy cattle were in usnal numbers, with a fair demand Store cattle plentiful. They were dull of sale, but with little alteration in value. Fat cattle in average numbers ; ship-borne and second quality at previous values ; best quality better worth. Store sheep in demand at advanced values. Fat sheep in fall numbers, with a free sale at fully late values. Lambs numerous, and Is each higher than last week. Prices given for fat cattle, 27s 6d to 32s 6d the 100 lbs; sheep, in their wool, 4d the lb ; shorn sheep, 3d; lambs, 8s to 12s Cd each.

Messrs. Hunter and Nolan's Weekly Report. — Horses: There has been a very good supply and cor responding demand. On Friday there was an nans-ally large quantity entered, the shipment of draught stock ex Hero being the centre attraction. The bidding was spirited throughout. Two of the imported mares were withdraws, but afterwards sold privately, and nearly all the local horses were sasisfao'orily placed. We sold draughts from £43 to £60; light-harness horses, from £15 5s to £20; riding horses from £7 to £18. Cattle : The market has continued active, and a great many have changed hands, both by private sale and by auction. On Tues day, at Newmarket, there 'was a good muster. Fat beasts advanced in value 2s 6d per 1001 bs.. and for other descriptions last week's prices were sustained. vWe quote: Dairy cows, from £6 15s to £12 ; yearlings from £2 2g to £3; two-year-old steers, from £4 10s to £5 7a 61; three-year-olds, from £6 8s to £6 12s; beef from 27s 6d tr> 32s 6i per 10-lbs. Sheep : The market has been fairly supplied The demand was scarcely so brisk, atd prices receded a little. Fat weathers sold at from 163 9d to 20s each. Lambs were in ade quate supply, and prices are in favour of the purchaser, and sold from 8s to 17s each. Pigs in demand, but very few yarded.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done this day :

Bank of New Zealand, £16 12s 6d (new); Hellers, £16 15s. National Bank—Buyers, 72s 6d. Colonial Bank (358' paid up)— Sellers 31s 6d.>

South British Insurance.—Buyers, 51s. National Insurance.—Buyers, 22s 6d. Caledonian (double) —Sellers, 655. Cure—los, 9s 6d ; buyers, 9s ; sellers, 10s. Union Beach—Sellers, 755. Tokatea—Buyers, 12s. ; sellers, 133. Royal Oak—Buyers, 6s 6d. Tairua —Sellers, 16s. Red Queen —Buyers, Is lOd.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND.

MAIM WIU. -LOSE AS POIi-OWS: — For Thames to-morrow at 10.30 a m For Coromandel to-morrow at 10.30 am For Mahurangi. Mat»kana, Mangawai, Waipu, etc per Minnie Casey, Saturday at 10 am For Wangarei, llussell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday at 4 p in For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, ncr Wellington on Saturday at 10.45 am For money orders, registered letters and news papers at 10 a m Late letters for Southern provinces and Mel bourne will be roceived till 11am Per Hawea, on Wednesday, 15th inst, as follow : — For India, China, Mediteranean ports, and Conti nent of Europe, at 7.20 am For Taranaki, Southern provinces, and Australian Colonies, at 8.20 a m For United Kingdom via Suez and Southamp ton (for letters specially addie.sed), at 8 20 am For United Kingdom via Brindisi, and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, will be received till S 35 a in For newspapers at 7 a m For Mcney Orders and registered letters, the previous evening at 5 p m Per Cyphrenes. on Saturday, 18th inst, as under:— For Fiji, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies at 8 p m

For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 8 p m

For money orders and registered letters, at 5 p m For newspapers, at 8 pm

Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received on board by the Mail Agent np to time of sailing.

S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills.—Have cured more wonderful cases of Rheumatism. Gout, Neuralgia. Aches, Pains, Sv^llings, Caked Breasts, Scalds, and Salt-Rheum., upon tho kumaD frame, than all the pretended remedies have since the world began. These Great American Medicines are com posed of vegetable oils, healing gums, roots and herbs ; and act like a charm upon pain and inflam mation Price: Half-a-crown. Sole Agents: Kemp home Prosser and Co.

Be On the Alert if you have symptoms announcing the approach of kidney or bladder dis orders. Pains across the kidneys, turbid urine, diffi culty in passing water, burning in the uretha, pro claim that something is wrong, and that something, if disregarder 1, may develop into a most serious evil. Delay not a moment if there is the slightest urinary difficulty to apply the remedy especially recommended by the faculty for such disorders, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps.

DEATH.

EVANS—On the 9th inst., at her father's residence,

I Ponsonby, of inflammation of the lungs, Amy Lsetitia, youngest daughter of Daniel F. Evans. I The funeral will take place at 5 p.m. to-day j (Friday).

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED "The Evening News," "The Morning News," and "The Echo."

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1875.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

When the circumstances are truly narrated, anything more ungenerous and unfair than the following out-come of personal spite, which appears in the correspondence columns of our contemporary the Cross to-day, can be hardly conceived :— "is it a dodge?

To the Editor : Sir, —I noticed in your issue of the Bth instant an extract from the Waikato Times relative to the contemplated visit of Sir George Grey to the Maori King, from which it would appear that Sir George Grey, contrary to the generally accepted etiquette in matters of this sort, is self-invit ed. The statements made in town by several influential native chiefs confirms this, but they add "it is extremely doubtful if Tawhiao will see the gallant knight, even though he should pay the visit." This is significant when taken with the fact that it is generally understood that Sir Donald McLean, the Native Minister; is a tower of strength in the present Government of the colony. Is it not possible, aye and even probable, that Sir George is anxious to show that he is sufficiently competent to undertake the work Sir Donald now has in hand ? To say the least it looks like it. Perhaps you, sir, could throw some additional light on this supposed piece of political hanky-panky work.—l am, &c, A Twenty-eight Yeaks' Settler.

We have already alluded to this matter several times, and shall deal with it now, we trust, once for all, effectively. The jealousy of the Government and its minions regarding Sir George Grey's advent to public life is nowhere more marked than in respect of native relations. His coming was, to the ministry and to the reign of political debauchery, the handwriting on the wall, "mene mene tekel upharsin." But the system of pensioning rebels having built up a fictitious idea of the influence of Sir Donald McLean among the tribes, seeme most of all in danger of being riven and shattered by the appearance' of one who has, during the whole lifetime of the present.generation of Maories, been re garded as a sincere and genuine friend in vested with high powers by his Queen. Hence all those spiteful canards respecting Sir G. Grey's intended meddling with the natives. We "first announced, as from our Alexandra telegraphic correspondent, the fact that Sir

George Grey had been invited by Tawhiao to come up to the King country and meet him. Although the.gentleman who sent us the intelligence has been referred to frequently by our contemporary as thoroughly reliable, on this occasion it was not convenient to accept his statements, and accordingly a vague and shadowy Maori form is conjured up in the Native Office to tell what he knows, ori rather says he does not know, on the matter. The cock and bull story, in the form of a dialogue, duly appeared in our contem porary, the purport of it, even if authentic, amounting to the fact that this mythical Maori had never heard of such invitation from the King, and therefore did not believe it. We knew at the time that our informant at Alexandra was trustworthy, and we chal lenged our contemporary on the subject. The Cross by silence admitted, what appeared on the face of it, that the cock and bull story was received from the Native Office. Instead of replying, our contemporary has thrown open his columns to all those whose dirty traffickings in lands and other jobs have been ruthlessly exposed by Sir George Grey, and has permitted them to vest their spite in such untruthful and malicious reiterations of the falsehood as that which appears to-day with the signature of "A Twenty-Eight Years Settler." In order to set this matter to rest with all honest colonists, we have made enquiry in the proper quarter, and we are in a position to give authoritatively the following statement as the correct account of what has actually taken place. Two influen tial messengers, the one from Tawhiao and the other from Manuhiri, proceeded together from the King Country to Kawau, and interviewed Sir George Grey. They told him whence, and by whose authority they i, came, and, in the names of the King and his chief adviser, invited Sir George to come up to the King Country, and visit the King with the object of acting as mediator between the races. Sir George Grey felt that, as formerly Governor, there would be a delicacy in so interfering, but at the same time felt that as Superintendent of the Province, including of course the King country and its inhabitants, he would be fully justified in going. He accordingly re plied that if they brought him a letter from Tawhiao to the same effect as the message brought by word of mouth he would go up. They replied, " That letter will not be written," and they explained that they would not have it recorded that they had been the first to make advances towards a reconciliation. Sir George declined to go on any other condition. He then recom mended that they should place themselves in communication with Sir Donald McLear, adding "he is a good man, and wishes well ito the natives." They then left Kawau and returned to their country. Some time sub sequently certain other influential chiefs waited on Sir George, and said they oame to accompany him to the King country. He replied that he had not intended going to the King country, as he had not received the invita tion by the letter from the King. They said that they understood he was going, and they had come to escort him. They then left. This is the true account of what occurred, and it reads very differently indeed from the lying and evidently malicious inuendos tbat havo emanated from the native office, and the various grades of scoundrels who have been living in depen dence on it, or whose means of plunder would be cut Bhort by the actual removal of the hobgoblin of the " native difficulty." That Sir George Grey or any private citizen has a perfect right, so far as the law of the land is concerned,to go up to Te Kuitiand interview the King is not questioned. And now that Ministers and their friends have got gorged and glutted with native lands, acquired during the time when people have suffered themselves to be bamboozled by this affected scare of Maori troubles, we think they might fairly shut their din and cheerfully acquiesce in anyone smoothing over this fancied diffi culty. We heartily regret that delicacy of feeling prevented Sir George Grey from acccepting the cordial invitation. There is not a doubt that his presence would restore the most cordial friendship and, bringing the two people into the old, confidential and open-hearted relations of producers and consumers, bring back to Auckland a por tion of that old prosperity and sunshine that were enjoyed before the war.

It is with much jJain we learn that Mr Wil liam Rowe, candidate for the Thames, has been precluded from meeting with his con stituents by a very untoward circumstance. When the devil was cast out of the poor little boy eighteen hundred years ago, it threw him on the ground and rent him sore. And it is with regret we learn that in the casting out of that evil spirit Phane, on last Saturday night, the Government candidate for the Thames met with a similar fate. "And 10, a spirit taketh him," we are told in the story of the poor little boy's sufferings, "and he suddenly crieth out, and it teareth him, and he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him." And thus it was with William. It was after the meeting of Sir George Grey with the people at the Thames, when, no doubt, the noble sentiments of the speaker inspired William with patriotic impulse and he determined to be free. But the spirit—by no means a dumb one on this occasion— hardly departed from him j very hardly, for fastening its claws upon his noble counte nance, it tore his cheeks and bruised him sore, so that Billy cried out suddenly and he foamed again, and the marks of the claws remain unto this day, a lasting monument of Billy's noble struggle with the evil one. But we cannot understand that delicacy of feeling which preventeth William from appearing before the electors. These noble scars are evidence of heroic struggle in behalf of per sonal liberty,' and may be displayed as proudly as the Victoria Cross or the Star of India. Wherefore, then, doth William re tire from the public eye, or hide his light under a bushel. Let him come forth, and show the wounds he has suffered in the cause of right. Let him plead by the sacrifice he has made on the altar of his country, and, pointing to the scratches on his noble brow, let him make his sufferings an incentive to all young men to follow his example in striving after the good, and let him show to

all what a man should be prepared to suffer for his country.

When we wrote our article yesterday with reference to the Press Agency's sensitiveness to the charge of a Government leaning, and especially to the charge that the telegrams were "filtered out by the Government," we had not observed that the Cross of the same morning had a leaderette on the subject, and there is a charming naivete in the line of defence adopted that is killing. Our con temporary does'nt defend the Government. Oh dear no. That is above suspicion. But it does the entirely uncalled for operation of defending the Press Telegram Agency. But it reads to us that the charge is against the Government; not the Agency. It does not say the Agency "filtered," but the' Gover nment did. And when we know that the telegraph office assumes the right to reject what it deems " objectionable" and send only what it pleases, and when we know that cor ruption has been found in every tissue of the Government service into which the lancet of enquiry has hitherto entered, it is as natural as possible to suppose that the telegraph de partment is no exception. We believe it as bad as the native department. Will our con temporary give us his opinion on this. Never mind the Agency.

And yet we cannot see that our proposal is not quite as good as his. Our contemporary the Cross advocates, "tram -plates on which ordinary carts and wagons could run." We would not allow carts and wagons to run on the wharf at all. Por even were the plates as smooth as ice the drays would cause an oscillation of the structure. Decidedly the system would be preferable to the present method of allowing great heavily laden drays to trundle over the unlevel surface of the qiil _, which is so obviously stupid as to be indefensible. But with trucks capacious and suitable on tram-rails, goods could be removed to stores located any where, as rapidly as unloaded, and no neces sity would exist for storage sheds on tho tees. The tram-plates presuppose the admission of drays to the wharf indiscriminately, and the difficulty of these meeting and passing with out taking'to the planking, unless the whole surface was covered with tram-plates, seems to present a difficulty. However, neither our contemporary nor we know any thing about it. We have never seen any place else, nor any wharves nor harbour improvements, and it is only here that we can behold the highest forms of transcendentalism in marine engin eering, as exemplified in reclamations, seawalls, and silt-basins.

The extract from Captain Neigliok _ letter which appears elsewhere is very valuable as giving an outsider's opinion on the quality of tho work done to his vessel the Condoren by Auckland shipwrights, carpenters, and riggers, and the material supplied for masts, rigging (standing and mnning,) sails, and gear of all descriptions. As this report in cludes comment on work which forms a con siderable portion of the local industry of the port, it is highly interesting, for it is most important that we should know what opinion others have of us. The report is on the whole favorable, but there are one or two useful criticisms thrown out in Captain NeigHck's characteristic style which our riggers especially would do well to lay to heart.

A correspondent writes in co__e_iiiation of the earth closet system as being filthy and unwholesome, and advocates properly con structed cess-pits. We agree with all our correspondent says regarding the manner in which the sytem is worked in Auckland, and are satisfied that the nuisance arising from cess-pits would be infinitely less, especially now that there is a prospect of wells being superceded by a good water supply. \

Sir, —I wish to call your attention to a subject that has given me much anxiety lately. The stall-keepers in the market have a box, into which they throw all the rotten fruit and refuse of every description. Will you appeal to them in the name of hnmanaty to keep that box in a place where little children cannot reach it ? By calling attention to this you will oblige all the mothers in this neighbourhood, including yours, &c, —Elizabeth Heart.

A Saturday evening moonlight trip on the waters of the Waitemata, is announced by the Takapuna (weather permitting) to-morrow evening. The boat will start from the wharf at 8 o'clock. The Drum and Fife Band will be in attendance, and refreshments will be served on board at reasonable prices.

The entertainment in connection with the Pitt-street Wesleyan Young Men's Associa tion is, in consequence of the inclemency of the weather, postponed till Friday evening next, at half-past seven o'clock.

The Farmer newspaper, in an article on the cattle disease, says the number of cases for the quarter ending the 16th of October is as follows: In Somersetshire, 83,000 ; Cheshire, 50,000; Dorsetshire, 48,000; Gloucestershire, 44,000; Oxfordshire, 35,000 ; Warwickshire, 35,000; Norfolk, 34,000; Cumberland,' 23,000. Thoroughout Eng land and Wales there werE for the same time over 500,000 cases. The money damage is estimated at £250,000.

The numerous readers of the Evening Star may anticipate a pleasurable hour to morrow evening over the literary supple ment, which will contain a large pennyworth of original and selected matter, enough to tempt even the most fastidious of readers. Among the stories, we find an ancient French legend, the " Life of the House," from the pen of a popular author. " A Dream and a Sleep," the longest tale in the issue, is of thrilling interest, and will be read with avidity; it is one of those stories which, like the " Woman in White," it is almost impossible to leave until the termination of the story. " Rewarding a Traitor " is told in John Lynch's best style. Three or four other sketches, such as " Business," " Treating the Girls," " Against his Will," and several poetical compositions, strings of pearls, odds and ends, and facetiae, make up an excellent supplement which will be heartily welcomed by thousands of grateful readers. The beau tiful poem, " Grief for the dead," will find a sadly-sweet response in many a lonely heart. There will also appear a well-executed por trait of Mdlle de Murska, and biography of that talented cantataice.

Mr Charles Burton, hotel-keeper, of this city has intimated through his solicitor, that he is unable to meet the full demands of his creditors.

The muster roll of the Auckland journey men bakers will be called to-morrow evening at the British Hotel, under command of Mr Davis, who requests that all members, if pos sible, will be in attendance at seven o'clock as business of importance to the Society will be introduced.

The first card almanac of the season which we have received comes from M. Levy and Co., importers, Queen-street. It is illustrated with a very good lithographic view of 4ihe premises- occupied by Messrs. Levy.

The Board of Education carried a resolu tion yesterday in favour of referring the late University examination blunder in connec tion with Auckland College candidates to the Senate of the University.

In connection with the loss of the Strath more, there appears in the Manchester Guar dian an extract from a letter written by Mr Thomas Henderson (son of Mr Henderson of Messrs Brogden), which indicates the probable cause of the loss of that vessel. The letter is dated on board the Strathmore, May 21, 1875, lat. 4 deg. 20min. north. The letter says : The vessel seems a capital one, and the cap tain and officers are very agreeable, but the crew are a nasty ill-conditioned lot. When we had been about ten days out, they broached the cargo, taking two or three cases of gin out of the hold, and were consequently all drunk the next day; and, besides that, the day following they were in a state of insub ordination and refused to turn to work. But it got settled in the course of time, and nothing further has been said about the matter, though I should hardly expect it will be allowed to drop altogether. The last few days we have been having boiling hot wea ther, and yesterday evening we had a thun derstorm, which was so terrific that Maggie (Miss Henderson) was terrified and is ill to-day. We are now only going from two to three knots an hour, and so steadily that one cannot perceive the motion of the vessel at all."

New Steamer for Union Com pany Ashore.

(BY TELEQRAPHJ.

BLUFF.

This day. A steamer is on shore close to Dog Island. She was signalled as the Tairoa, from Glas gow, for Otago, which belongs to tbe Union Steam Company. No particulars are yet to hand. The steamer Express has gone out to as certain *the position of the vessel. She is about 400 tons. The Tairoa is a screw steamer, of about 400 tons, built on the Clyde, for the Albion Shipping Company (Messrs Patrick Hender son and Co.) She was launched in August last, and sailed from Glasgow for Port Chal mers on the 18ch September. The Union Steamship Co. had undertaken to purchase her, provided that on trial she was found suitable for their trade.

THE LATEST.

The Tairoa is now being beached in the harbour. The middle compart ment is fuli of water. The Captain died two days before reaching Mauritius.

The vessel was brought out in charge of the mate. Not knowing the coast, he touched on a reef off Dog Island. The ex tent of the damage is not yet ascertained.

POLICE COURT.—This Day. Before P. L. Prime, Esq., Mayor.) OLD SOAKRRS.

Eliza L'Strange and John Shiers a pair of " boosers," very well known to the police, were brought up and fined for their offences. Here the business had to be suspended for half an hour, owing to their being no second magistrate in attendance. At 10 minutes past 11 Mr Batham took his seat on tbe bench. SUMMONS. John Paterson, who was represented by his step-daughter, pleaded guilty to allow a cow to roam at large in Symonds-street, and was fined 5s and costs. POOR LITTLE AGNES. Agnes L'Estrange, a little child of 4 years old, but whose features were so sharp and decided that she looked at least 6 years old was brought up under the Neglected and Criminal Children's Act. Sab-Inspector Pardy said the child was the daughter of a woman of the town now in gaol. She was the grandchild of the old woman who had been convicted of drunkenness, in whose care she had been for some time. It would be better for the child to go to St Mary's Orphanage thau xemain under ouoh criminal guardianship. The Court decided that the child should be sent to St Mary's Orphanage for seven years. This was all the business.

AMUSEMENT- AND MEETINGS.

Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather last evening Monsieur O Kiel's learned dogs and Mr Towle's panoramas attracted a fair audiBLCB and elicited frequent tokens of pleasure. The perform ances will be repeated this evening in the Onehunga Clnral Hall, and to-morrow afternoon a grand matinee will be given in the City Hali, commencing at two o'clock, to which children and schools will be admitted at half price. On Monday evening, December 20, Mr E. D. Davies, the Premier Ventriloquist, will make his first appearance in the City Hall, assisted by his talented daughter and company, of which full particulars will appear in another place. The members of the Pitt-st'eet Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society will hold their seventh literary and musical entertainment this evening, the fiev. Alexander Reid in the chair. Professor Davis's grand boxing entertainment will he held this evening at the Suffolk Hotel, at the close of which an art of self-defence class will be formed.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.- This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.)

Judgment for Plaintiffs.

John Mooney v. Stephen Home : Claim, £2 6s. 4d., goods; 2s. 6d. per week. Thos. Thompson v. Jas. Gamble : Claim, £1 19s. 6d., goods ; Mr. Thome for plaintiff; to be paid by two instalments. William Hodgson v. Jas. Conley : Claim, £1 19s. ; Mr. Kiss ling for plaintiff. Michael Brearley v. John Phelan : Claim, 17s. Bd. ; ss. a week. Michael Brearley v. James Gamble : Claim, £1 10s. S. Stephenson and Co. v. James Wilson : Claim, £4 ISs. 9d. WM. GALBRAITH V. JOHN CONN. Claim, £5 16s 6d. Mr Thome for plaintiff. A judgment had been obtained against defendant in this case, who was unable to appear in consequence of being confined in Mount Eden on a charge of goat-stealing. The case was allowed to stand over until next Court day. DANIEL M'PHERSON V. THOMAS FLAHERTY. Claim, £4 7s 4d. Mr Thorne for plaintiff. In this case a judgment summons had pre viously been obtained against defendant, who had failed iv his engagement to pay. It was stated that defendant was now in good employment and in a position to pay. Judgment for plaintiff, 15s a week. JAS. J MILLS V. PETER MCTAVISH. Claim, £20 3s 6d. Mr Thorne for plaintiff, and Mr Joy for defendant. This was a claim for goods, and on last Court day it was arranged to settled the claim by arbitration. Mr Ewington was appointed abitrator. Mr Ewington said that sufficient time had not been given, and he had been unable to make up the award. Adjourned until next Court day. ADJOURNED CASES. Wm. Taylor v. John Moller, claim £2 Is 4d, wages ; Hugh McCormick v. Thomas Hull, claim £7 3s; Auckland Gas Company v. Mayor of Auckland and others (appeal.) TRUSTEE IN THE ESTATE OF GEORGE GILES V. A. EATON. Claim, £8 6s. lOd. Mr. Brock for plaintiff. This was a claim for a supply of beef and mutton. Defendant pleaded poverty and inability to pay. He would endeavour to pay half a crown a week. His Worship said such an offer was absurd after having ten months' credit. Defendant said he was a storeman, and only earned £2 a week. PALMER AND TAYLOR V. P. B. DILLON. This waa a claim for £16 3s[Bd, plumber's

work done at defendant's residence, Grafton road.

Mr Hesketh appeared for plaintiff and Mr Dufaur for defendant.

The defence was that the work was not done in accordance with specifications and was in various respects badly executed. The plaintiffs alleged that the work was well and faitatully dene. After eviaeuc |had 1 een taken, His Wor ship reserved judgment till next Court day.

Murder in the South Seas.

Captain Ohlson, of the schooner Belle Brandon, which arrived this morning from a four months' trip round the Islands of the South Pacific, informs us that when he arrived at Apia or Apiang, one of the Gilbert Group, situate right on the Equator in 173° E. longitude, he heard that an Englishman named Keyes, a trader on the island, and formerly a publican at Levuka, had been murdered in cold blood a few weeks before his arrival. The facts as he heard them are very simple. Keyes had in his possession a bottle of scented hair oil, which provoked the envy of several of the natives. These badgered the man bo about this oil that he was compelled to part with half of it, hoping by this means to quiet them. But his com pliance had|not the desired effect. A few days afterwards a big native came into Keye's hut and demanded some oil for his hair. Keyes re fused to give it to him, whereupon the native deliberately pulled a large horse-pistol out of his clothing and shot Keyes through the head with it, killing him instantaneously. Captain Ohlson, on enquiring, was told that the perpetrator of the murder was still at. large, and had suffered no punish ment. This was the more singular, as Keyes had a protection letter from the king of the island. From what Captain Ohlson tells us, it would appear that the English authorities have shown themselves very lax in bringing to book islanders guilty of outrages upon British subjects. On several islands it was a common expression if anyone was hurt or killed, " Oh, he is only an Englishman," and some would add, "A good job he wasn't a Frenchman." This state of things is not at all flattering to onr national reputation, and an effort should be made to alter it.

THE SHIP CONDOREN.

It will be interesting to many here to learn that Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane have received a letter from Captain Neiglick, whose vessel (the Swedish ship Condoren) arrived here in September of last year dis masted, and had to undergo very extensive repairs, regarding which he writes as fol lows (the letter is dated at sea, August, 1875) —"Since leaving Auckland I have sailed 23,000 miles, and during this time, have ex perienced various weathers : hot and cold, gales and calms, with heavy rolling. As everything has had a fair trial, I am now in position to give a correct statement to work done and materials put on board : 1. The spars and woodwork have, as I expected, shown themselves excellent, and give the greatest credit to Mr David Gouk. 2. The ironwork has also been good, except a few things. This must not be attributed to Mr Ingles' workmanship, but to the quality of the iron not having been as good as it ought to have been, 3. Mr T. Williams I can give all praise for the sails. They are both, to canvas and rope, of the best quality, and, to fit and make, ieaves nothing over to wish. 4. About the fit of the standing rigging, sur veyors and myself made many objections at the time, and it has turned out worse than I ever expected. A few riggermen, who would work and not smoke all day, would be a great boon to Auckland. 5. The run ning gear is not up to my expectations. The rope was supplied by various firms, and is to the greatest part New Zealand instead of Manilla. No blame attaches to Mr Grouk, as I believe he bought it for good Manilla."

The Presbyterian General Assembly.

THE REV. D. BRUCE APPOINTED

TRAVELLING SECRETARY.

(BY TELEGEAPE)

COKISTCHUECH.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. The Assembly closed last night. The business was hurried through on account of the steamer for the North leaving. Several reports were received and adopted. On education, it was resolved to oppose denominationalism in every form. The offer by the Home Churches of £600 for one year for a travelling agent in New Zealand was accepted, and the Rev D. Bruce was appointed. Mr Bruce asked time to consult with his congregation. A public meeting on church extension takes place to-night.

Presbyterian Abstinence Society. A Total Abstinence Society in connection with the Presbyterian Church of New Zea land, with Mr. John Lamb, of the Waite mata Mills, Auckland, as President; the Rev. W. Sherriff, Blenheim, secretary, and a committee formed by the residents in dif ferent parts of the colony is proposed.

Floods in Waikato.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

HAMILTON.

(From our own Correspondent.)

This day.

Great floods occurred in the Waikato th is morning. The river has been rising rapidly since 4 a.m. The W.S.N. Company's stores at Cambridge and Hamilton are partly under water. The Constabulary are assisting to remove goods and save property along the banks of the river.

OUR FERRY BOATS.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sib, —Can you, through the medium of your valuable journal, which is always open to " assist" the cause which lacks assistance and to " resent" the " wrongs" which need resistance, inform me how it is that our enterprising local company " The Auck land, and North Shore Ferry Company, Limited," do not study a little more than they do the convenience of the travelling public by their boats ? It is a noticeable fact that the steamer Takapuna (the only boat the company possesses at all adapted for the convenience of passengers in wet weather and which, with few exceptions, runs during the fine weather) is sure to be laid up immediately there comes a down pour of rain, and invariably remains laid up until the weather changes, and, forsooth, people are to be crowded into the oabin of the Devonport, and while sitting there to be subjected to the water pouring into the cabin through the deck on them,aud their feet during the time they are undergoing a quiet moistening from above, in a perfect pool below. Public indignation has of late been very great over here in consequence, and no wonder. I do not hesitate to say tbat if a properly conducted opposition boat were started after a shower of rain, when indig nation is rife, it would meet with very warm support from the travelling community of this district. Surely the directors, and, I may say, the always obliging manager of the Company, can never be aware of these changes. Please expound.—Yours truly, George N. Brassey. Devonport, N.S., December 10, 1875. [We have heard similar complaints but are not in a position to account for these changes. Probably the manager can give a satisfactory explanation. -Ed. E.S.]

TELEGRAPH

COROMANDEL.

(From our own Correßp \ day. The Tokatea. The Tokatea mino man Weekly report states that the mine 9. to be working satisfactorily in all where the men are engaged. Four °* "eh picked stones have been obtai s week,, making five hundred pounds ii The Royal Oak driving ii :.«» as usual in the No 1 leader, and nn _ fair progress. This week seven "mds of good specimens have been obt The Union Beach manager 8 having broken throTigh from the w » the low level. They expect to open mine in a few days when timbering uj mpleted. In the low level the extensioi ross-outs east and west is being pro * with a fair show of gold in leader, i has also been seen in the winze in br. through. The weather cannot be wcj*ll it is— horrible is a mild term for it. J Tokatea.—ln the Siege 1 141ba of specimens were obtained last 1 from the stopes, and a few pounds to-fi the rise.

LATEST SOUTHERN TGRAMS.

NAPIER

Active canvassing on behalf candidates for two seats hal Mr Maney coming forward has ever chance Mr Bussell had. j son of the Hon. Col. Russell, of Native Schools. Sir D. Mcl that Mr Colenso should retire, will be the most close and cxci ever taken place here.

Sir Donald's Organ fear!

The Hatvlce's Bay Herald \ urges Sir Donald McLean's fr port him, as it is not impossibl his Napier seat. The Serali the present juncture his def serious to the province." Thei feeling against him. The popi Messrs. Maney and Stuart.

(From our own Corresrmt.) this day. Election Contest

the seven mmenced. bled what- URusEell is llnspector ka anxious .fie contest ii that has

efeat. i morning Ls to sup i will lose lys: "At would be s a strong men are

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspoi nt.) lis, day. Election matters are warmi: up. The Post parne out last night wit a crushing article against Hutchison, late .prietor of the Tribune, and who aspires t<;he Mayor alty. The new paper, the Telegrap is vigorous in style, but is shockingly scudlous and a deliberate pilferer of telegrai and news locals; like all thieves of thai ;ind, copy ing errors and all. It is said thi Hutchison is the Editor. 1 ~ .

The Argus begins to look he:

DUNEDIN.

(From our own CorrespoAent)

phis day. Government Candidates farmed. Mr T. L. Shepherd retires frin political life. Sir Dillon Bell has announced his retire ment from the contest for Wakouaiti for reasons which will be intimate sfartly. Mr Macandrew Declines to Stand for Dunedin- An anti-Central League this morning waited on Mr Macandrew, and asked him to consent to be nominated for Dunedin, but he declined. They are now casting about for candidates. Incidentally, Mr Macandrew said that, bat for the present crisis, he would not have come forward again. <&______

NELSON.

[Per Press Telegram Agency.] Thursday. Mr Luckie Retires. Mr D. M. Luckie has published an address stating that his business engagements will prevent his coming forward again for the the city of Nelson.

CHRISTCHURCH.

(Per Press Telegram Agency) This day.

Shipping Company's Manager.

Mr. Horace Selwyn Smith has arrived from Melbourne, under engagement with the New Zealand Shipping Company. The Hon. E. Richardson addressed his constituents in Christchurch and reviewed the proceedings of the session. He said the railways in Victoria, cost £26,000 per mile, were yielding 3. per cent, on the total cost of construction; surely, therefore, it was very little to expect in this country, where the average cost was only about £6.000 per mile, that they will pay as well. Personally, he was satisfied with the rates the people here were able to pay, that the railways will yield a considerable revenue. He stroDgly denied the statements made by Mr Rol leston on Tuesday, that the members of the Government were not in accord, and that there was an appearance of a disagreement on the Immigration question. This was due to the altered circumstances of the colony as compared with the time when Sir Julius Vogel was present. In reply to questions, he said the revenue of the colony was quite able to bear the contemplated expense on education. He was not in favour of a loan for school buildings, and the Government had sufficent borrowing power to enable them to carry on the works for two years, and the question of more borrowing must be decided after then. If any necessity arose for further taxation he would be in favour of a property tax and not an income tax. He thought the present taxation operated as equally as any could. If any change occurred in the incidence of taxa tion it would be in the direction of re lieving the necessaries of life. He defended the sale of the Piako Swamp, and said that the road now made through it enabled the country to be settled, and this greatly reduced the cost of the A.C in that part of the colony. He also stated that the land had been sold in the same district by private persons at a much lower figure than that re ceived by the Government, in fact, at as low as Is 6d per acre. The Government had not the slightest intention of taking any of the Canterbury land fund to be spent in other provinces. ' At the close of the speech a vote of conn dence was unanimously passed.

WELLINGTON.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) Thursday.

Great Floods at Wellington. It is very unlikely that the Hutt Coarse will be fit for racing next week, as it v all under water several feet. All the publicans booths are more or less injured, some or them blown to pieces and their1 contents completely destroyed. In one place, the Hhtt River has changed its course, and towards the Upper Hutt the approaches to the railway bridge are washed away. i.aen is a heavy flood at Greytown; the northern end of the township is all under water, and a good deal of damage has been done to uw roads and bridges. Immigrant's Promissory Notes- The Government have, to-day, called upon Messrs Brogden and Sons for the paymeiw of the whole of their promissory notes gw«j under the Immigration eontraot, «»a have notified to the contractors 'that in case of default of payment they will aesw» money from outstanding contracts ■wMgjJ. to cover the amount of the notefe; "T action will probably result in import-_t_u_» proceedings.

-Me avurnio star, peipay. pece_____;_k__ io im



JO" 0 T I C E. jVTOTIOE. JUST TO HAND— A Large Parcel of Double-width Waterproof Tweed, Melton Oloth, Blue Diagonal, &c, specially adapted for Boys' Clothing, Ladies' wear, &c, Bought at Auction at con siderably less than English Invoice Price, and to be sold very cheap. Also, Lawn Handkerchiefs from 3S 9d per dozen—l2o dozen; Linen Cambrio Handkerchiefs, from 6s 6d per doz. Upwards of 5n " en Men's Cotton "" cy Jean, ' -**- x Shirt, •'■!'• . USERS. id a num at much )GMAN, - BO USE, el,



jgPEING J)BESS Q.OODS. AN IMMENSE VARIETY OF NEW DEESS GOODS, Comprising— Black and Coloured Silks Japanese Silks Plain and Fancy Homespun Serges Balernos, Washing Satteens and Piques Spring Tussores, Lawns and Brilliants Prints, Swiss Muslins and Cambrics •_ Costumes in great variety Grenadines in Plain, Fancy, and Stripes, very cheap, &c., &c, &c. A LARGE STOCK OF FANCY GOODS. Comprising all the Novelties of the Season. 100 DOZEN PAIRS OF KID GLOVES, SLIGHTLY SOILED, ONLY IS. 3d. An Inspection Invited. A. LINABUEY & CO., 224 and 226, Queen-street, J COSGRA YE & CO. will hold their Annual Sale previous to the Christmas Holidays, com mencing THIS DA V, ( Wednesday), the Bth December, and will continue until the end of the year. The entire stock will be offered at Cost Price.